To make the most of the Easter holidays, it’s time to start planning some fun days out with the family.
Across the country, there are some fantastic events taking place, including one or two more unusual ones.
Here are some of the top picks from VisitScotland:
APRIL 5-21
Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick
To celebrate Homecoming Scotland and all things John Muir, Professor Egghead will unveil their hero as John Muir himself.
With the same sense of adventure and curiosity as the renowned conservationist, the professor will follow the incredible journeys of Percy the puffin, Tommy the tern and Teresa the turtle to discover what it takes to survive in the wild.
Enjoy this brand-new science show and cheer on the professor and his team as they face many challenges in a mission to complete their very own John Muir award. Craft activities and a new fact-finding trail in the Discovery Centre will also prepare budding wildlife explorers to experience nature the John Muir way.
The show, from 2-5pm from April 5-21, is included with admission and free for members.
APRIL 18-21
Easter Egg Special Steam Trains with Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness
Children wearing a traditional Easter bonnet onboard the train will be in with a chance to win a prize and there will also be an Easter egg hunt in the museum. While there, visitors can soak up the atmosphere of this heritage railway and explore Scotland’s largest railway museum, situated on the Firth of Forth close to Edinburgh. Under fives go free. Tickets priced from £8-£25.
APRIL 19-21
Edinburgh Castle: A Magical Easter
Mix magic, history and Easter at this special event. Family fun activities include the Mediaeval Construction Science Show, magic from Kramus the Magical Wizard and the chance for little explorers to test their knowledge of Edinburgh Castle in the Easter Quiz. A Magical Easter is part of the Homecoming Scotland 2014 year-long programme of events and is included in the normal admission price.
APRIL 20-21
Easter At Stirling Castle
The event includes a series of entertaining shows and fun-filled activities. Meet Pickles the Bear and Hamish the Highlander and hear stories of Scotland’s past. Learn how to play the fool at the royal court and see if you have what it takes to be a winner in a mediaeval sports day. All events included in normal admission price.
APRIL 20
Wild Spring Festival, Easter Eggstravaganza at the RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries
Join this Easter egg hunt around the nature reserve, find the clues and complete the challenges to find your way to the giant nest where the eggs are hidden.
The hunt is part of the Wild Spring Festival which is taking place throughout Dumfries and Galloway and features more than 100 wildlife events, many free and hosted by local wildlife experts.
Events take place outdoors at Dumfries and Galloway’s many woodlands, nature reserves, coastlines, lochs and gardens.
Many events are free and un-ticketed: for ticketed events, book online at http://wildseasons.co.uk/ wild-spring