Fun For Kids

Wildlife Exploring

“When I was a boy in Scotland I was fond of everything that was wild, and all my life I’ve been growing fonder and fonder of wild places and wild creatures”. John Muir

Explore the area that inspired John Muir as a boy either on your own or with the East Lothian countryside ranger service which runs wildlife experiences and activities for all ages throughout the year.  Discover the natural world around Dunbar with expert guidance through short informative walks to day long wildlife tours. Programme information is also widely available on noticeboards throughout the town. Note that dogs are not permitted at some of these events.

East Links Family Park

East Links Family Park is a 20 acre farm-themed adventure park providing a fun day out for all the family.  The train safari takes visitors through the paddocks of friendly farm animals and in the small animals barn visitors can get up close to rabbits, guinea pigs and chicks. There is endless fun for all ages including a hay barn, giant Fortress, ball blast arena and crazy golf course.  An on site cafe completes the visit and everyone goes home with a huge smile on their faces.

Rockpooling

When the tide goes out on East Beach there is a wonderful natural experience in the little pools left behind amongst the rocks.  The rocks can be sharp and slippery so take care but there is an abundance of life in each of them. Spot little fish and prawns, crabs and different seaweeds.  With a net and bucket you can explore your finds a little closer but always remember to place them back carefully. Buckets, nets and guides are available in some High Street shops and information also available online and remember to check the tide times.

Treasure Trail

Children will enjoy exploring Dunbar following this murder mystery treasure trail which is an interesting and imaginative way to explore the town. It is an easy to follow self guided route with clues to solve along the way. The trail is also suitable for groups so that you can work as a team and are great for seeing Dunbar from a different perspective.

Seal spotting in the Harbour

The harbours are a brilliant place to visit with children.  The ruins of Dunbar Castle lie at the entrance of the newer Victoria Harbour but don’t miss the old Cromwell Harbour, the two are connected by a lifting bridge. Children will delight in spotting the visiting seals, looking out for dolphins, inspecting the fleet of fishing boats and catching a glimpse of the Lifeboat when she visits.  The recently redeveloped Battery theatre space offers great views across the Forth and it and the McArthur’s Store often hosts events. There is a coffee van and seafood on sale at the harbour and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings enjoy freshly cooked pizza from the Big Blue van.

Soft Play

Softspott is a new exciting new softplay for kids aged 3 -10. Let your little ones run around in our main play area or have a race down our 4 lane wave slide.  It is also good to know that the toddlers will not get pestered by the the bigger kids with our separate toddler area. And activities available on time of visit. Our sensory room (bookings only) is a private room away from the noise for someone who needs a little time on their own. Bookable spaces for celebrations party’s, groups and activities. Check out our café where our staff are dedicated to serving quality coffee and simple wholesome food and home baking.

Motorbike Racing

Also one for adults! From behind the crash barriers it is a huge thrill to watch motorbike racing at the track at East Fortune, about 9 miles from Dunbar.  The noise of the engines and the incredible skill of the riders makes this a great outing for petrol heads and those curious to see this sport up close. Melville Motor Club runs a number of events at East Fortune through the summer and there is also Berwick Speedway on Saturday nights from March to October.

Playparks

Dunbar boasts a good number of playparks throughout the town. Just off the High Street within the beautiful walled garden setting of Lauderdale Park is an excellent park with a lovely cafe in the old bowling green clubhouse.  Other parks with facilities are at Bleachingfield and Hallhill not far from the town centre. The little play park by East Beach also affords rockpooling and paddling opportunities. Just outside the town there is also an adventure play area at the John Muir Park.

Muddy Buddies

Muddy Buddies is an outdoor playgroup in Lochend woods, Kellie Road for pre-school children and their parents/carers. The group meets every week and sessions include a mud kitchen, crafting, storytelling, songs, tree climbing, nature exploration, bush-craft skills, open fire cooking, and free play. Muddy Buddies has a child-led, risky play ethos and everybody is encouraged to feel at home in the woodland. The group is as much for the adults as the children, with a chance to enjoy a cuppa with the group and relax!   Drop-in sessions run on Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 – 14:00

Kiteflying

Dunbar is a great place to fly a kite as it benefits from good sea breezes which create the perfect conditions for kite flying. Belhaven Beach and Winterfield Park are great open areas ideal for kites and if you are lucky in the summer you might just catch a sight of a professional display.  If you don’t have a kite then you can buy one from shops on the High Street.

Get Creative

There are always activities organised for kids in Dunbar throughout the year.  These have included t – shirt printing with local artists (at the Inprint Workshop), puppetry, Lego workshops, music programmes and cookery classes. These take place at centres across Dunbar and neighbouring West Barns.  East beach is also perfect for sandcastle building and beach art using what’s around you and your imagination. Find out what’s on at the link below.