Families are continuing to feel the pinch as the cost of living crisis continues, amplified by soaring oil prices caused by the ongoing war in Iran.
The summer holidays can be an expensive and stressful time for parents trying to keep their kids entertained without breaking the bank.
Luckily with little planning it’s possible to see some of the country’s most beautiful spots – and enjoy a range of activities – with no need for expensive admission fees or tickets.
Edinburgh has a host of options for those looking for a free day out – including some of Scotland’s top tourist attractions.
Here are 12 of our favourites.
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1. Meet a dinosaur
Even if you've been numerous times in the past, there's always something new to discover in the National Museum of Scotland, on the city's Chambers Street. Youngsters particularly love the huge natural history section, with everything from dinosaur skeletons to whales. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Smell the roses (and hundreds of other plants)
Set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and just one mile north of the city centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens offer superb panoramic views of the city skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle. The Botanics, as the garden is affectionately known locally, is breathtaking at any time of year. Garden highlights include the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, Woodland Garden, Pond, the Arboretum or tree collection, the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection and the Scottish Native Plants Collection in the Heath Garden. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Visit the spookiest place in Edinburgh
Greyfriars Kirkyard, just next to the famous statue of Greyfriars Bobby, is one of the most interesting historical spots in Edinburgh - and is free to wander around. Find the graves of famous former Edinburgh residents including Bobby himself, alongside the likes of poet William McGonagall. And, while J.K. Rowling has denied she was inspired by the graveyard, keen-eyed Harry Potter fans will spot a host of familiar names on the gravestones, including Potter, Moodie, Charles Black and Tom Riddle. There's also the small matter of it being known as one of the the most haunted graveyards in the world... | Canva/Getty Images
4. Climb a volcano
Visible from across the city, it's amazing how many Edinburgh residents have never climbed the dormant volcano of Arthur's Seat. It's the most popular tourist attraction in the city with visitors and there are a number of routes up to the summit depending on how adventurous you are feeling. Along the way you can enjoy the sights of the 15th century St. Anthony’s Chapel, Salisbury Crags, and Duddingston Loch - along with the incredible views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. | Canva/Getty Images