Holiday Camps in Scotland & Ireland: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin & More for 2026

Scotland and Ireland don't get as much attention as London or Paris in the camp world, but they have some genuinely excellent programs — often at much better prices. If you're spending time in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Dublin, here's what I've found.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Wild Outdoors Summer Camp

This is my top Edinburgh pick. Nature-based day camp across multiple Edinburgh locations for ages 5–11, running 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Activities include archery, bushcraft, slip-and-slides, zorbing, and campfires. New weekly themes keep things fresh. They also offer optional overnight camps in the Borders with wild cooking, stargazing, and camping.

Ages: 5–11 | Type: Day camp (overnight optional) | Season: Summer

Edinburgh Steiner School

A creative day camp for ages 3–18, running July through August with morning or full-day sessions. Four program tracks: Early Years (ages 3–6) with stories, crafts, and outdoor play; Manual Cinema Workshop (ages 7–10); Circus & Crafts (ages 6+); and Drama Summer Club (ages 6+) with acting, devised work, and physical theatre. Tax-Free Childcare accepted.

Ages: 3–18 | Type: Day camp | Season: July–August

Glasgow, Scotland

Pinkston Watersports Adventure Camp

A watersports day camp in Glasgow for ages 7+, with paddleboarding, kayaking, archery, and team games. Flexible scheduling: half-days (3 hours), full days (7 hours), or full-week bookings. Drop-off at 9 AM, pickup at 3–3:30 PM. Glasgow's best adventure camp option.

Ages: 7+ | Type: Day camp | Season: Summer

Summer in the City

Multi-activity day camp at top Glasgow schools for ages 4–12. Activities include football, tennis, gymnastics, dance, art, and drama. Half-day sessions (9 AM–12:30 PM), full days (9 AM–3:30 PM), and extended hours up to 5 PM. One of the most affordable camps on this list.

Ages: 4–12 | Type: Day camp | Season: Summer

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin Zoo Summer Camps

Day camp at Dublin Zoo for ages 7–12, running July through August, Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. Activities include hands-on animal-themed projects, crafts, and guided zoo tours (no direct animal contact). Annual pass holders get a discount.

Ages: 7–12 | Type: Day camp | Season: July–August

Sport Ireland Campus Kids Camps

Multi-sport day camp at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin for ages 3–14. Multiple weeks available July through August, running 9 AM to 3 PM. Activities include swimming, athletics, gymnastics, and team games. One of the most affordable camp options in Ireland.

Ages: 3–14 | Type: Day camp | Season: July–August

Why Scotland & Ireland Work

• Affordability. Camp prices are significantly lower than London, Paris, or Switzerland.
• No language barrier. English-speaking, obviously — no adjustment needed for your kids.
• Family-friendly cities. Edinburgh and Dublin are compact, walkable, and packed with things to do.
• Easy access. Direct flights from the US, and short hops from London if you're already in Europe.

What My Newsletter Subscribers Get

In my weekly newsletter, I share specific pricing for every camp, direct booking links, exclusive subscriber discount codes (including one I've arranged with Wild Outdoors), and tips for combining camp weeks with family travel in Scotland and Ireland. The newsletter has the full details.