Things to do with kids in the scottish borders

As a mum of three, and step-mum to three more, I’ve visited so many places in our local area. We do of course go further afield but when it’s an epic job just to get out of the door, mostly I prefer to take short trips in the car and I love to support local businesses too. I’m delighted that Jacksons at Jedburgh is able to offer another activity for families in the Borders this summer and I really look forward to seeing lots of families enjoy the farm and its animals as much as we do.

With the school holidays now underway, I thought that this month would be a good time to share my top 5 recommendations for other places to visit in the Sottish Borders this summer...

Border Berries
To most living in the area, Border Berries needs no introduction at all. If you’ve never been before make sure you pay them a visit this summer. A great pick-your-own fruit farm with lovely staff and a little café to replenish yourselves after some intensive picking (it’s always more intense than you expect - must pick moooore!). Found near St Boswells, Border Berries is also a great way to show the kids where some of their food comes from and how great local produce is. They also have the best signage so if you’re anywhere nearby you cannot miss them.

The Perfect Fit Peebles 
If you’re in a rural area like we are then it’s likely you’ve struggled to get to any really great shops for your kids since spring 2020 - it’s a full day out to get to any shops from here!
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A trip to Peebles is, in itself, a great day out with a bustling high street of unique independent shops and wonderful places to eat out with the family. I’d definitely recommend heading straight through the doors of The Perfect Fit at the beginning of the holidays to kit the kids out for the summer. Kerrie stocks superb quality, jazzy, fashionable kids clothing and footwear. If you have wonderfully patient children (do they exist??) then you could even head next door to her sister shop, The Perfect Style, and treat yourself to a new outfit - complete with some fancy neckwear from another woman-owned small business - The Colourful Edit!

Harestanes
Another well known go-to for those living in the Scottish Borders, and not far from us, is Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre. With walking trails that form part of St Cuthbert’s Way (one of Scotland’s most popular long distance paths) it boasts a large (and brand new!) play park, a café and a courtyard of unique shops - including Out There Artisan! A personal favourite among our team and an absolute lifesaving, independent café fuelling parents who could be feeling they may not survive another ‘he did, she did, it's their fault’. Here you can grab yourself a luxurious hot (or cold) drink and a sweet treat which you can shovel in as they are scurrying off to the park in front of you. ‘I’ll meet you at the park in a minute, nom nom’  and wallah - ‘yes of course honey, I can push you on the swing’... again.

The Historic town of Jedburgh 
Jedburgh boasts a wealth of things to do with the kids. There are welcoming cafés, play parks, a riverside walk, a swimming pool and 3 camping and caravan sites close by too!

If you’re heading to Jedburgh for a day trip during the first weekend of the summer holidays, then we would definitely recommend attending the first of Jedburgh's Seasonal Markets of 2021! It's taking place this Sunday (27th of June) and there are lots of wonderful local businesses attending - including local artists and crafters, who are a new addition with Ramp'Arts! Starting at 11am and finishing at 2pm, there is plenty of opportunity to browse the stalls whilst safely social distancing and admiring our lovely town. To find out more, and stay up to date on when Jedburgh Markets will be run in the future, you can find them on Facebook @jedmarket.

Kayak and SUP Hire Scottish Borders
Admittedly, this is my wild card because I’ve never actually been but I've heard great things from those who have. Like me Audrey kickstarted her little business venture in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, it took off big time and it looks like her feet have never touched the ground since. I have seen so many families getting out and having a great time with her hire business. Audrey even drops off and collects the boards and everything you need, meaning you just need to turn up! Why not try something new this summer? Take a look at their Facebook reviews and I won’t need to do any convincing. I’m hoping I’ll have time to give it a go too.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer, we hope to see you over the course of the holidays!
Jas