Timetwisters Play Centre

Time travel without leaving Edinburgh - that's what Timetwisters Play Centre offers, and it's exactly the sort of place that keeps kids occupied for a solid afternoon without breaking the bank. Located near Newbridge, just outside the city proper, this is an indoor play space designed around a time-travel theme, all lasers and futuristic theming that appeals to the 5-12 crowd far more than it does to parents standing around with coffee.

The attraction works best for families wanting to tire out the kids on a rainy Scottish day - and let's face it, there are plenty of those. You're looking at a couple of hours maximum before the novelty wears off, though younger children might squeeze three. The play equipment and interactive elements are decent without being extraordinary; it's functional fun rather than transcendent. Staff seem to know what they're doing, and the place is generally clean.

If you're staying at Linwater Caravan Park nearby, it's a convenient option for a wet-weather day or when cabin fever sets in. Worth a visit if you've got children in tow and need a break from outdoor walking, though it's not the sort of place you'd plan a trip around. Call ahead or check their website for current opening hours and admission prices - these things shift seasonally, and you'll want to know costs before you arrive with disappointed kids in the car.