1 Easter Fun Day
National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride, Sunday
There are no shortage of outdoor Easter events over the weekend, with some of the biggest taking place at Camperdown Park in Dundee, Chatelherault Park in Hamilton and Traquair House near Peebles. The National Museum of Rural Life's 2015 events programme also springs into action with a celebration of new animal arrivals at the farm. Families can meet the new lambs, plant sunflowers to take home and meet the Easter Bunny on an Easter egg trail. Running from 10am to 5pm, admission is £3.50-£7, with children under 5 free. www.nms.ac.uk
2 Edinburgh International Science Festival
Across Edinburgh, from Saturday
The capital's annual celebration of science and technology has become so huge that this year's brochure clocks in at 64 pages - setting out an extensive and incredibly varied fortnight of discussions, workshops, special events, and exhibitions. With plenty of scope for the serious stuff - speakers include Sir Peter Higgs - there's also room for fun, with programme strands including GastroFest, inspired by the science of food and drink. Families will also find loads to do at Summerhall, City Arts Centre, National Museum of Scotland, and the Botanics. www.sciencefestival.co.uk
3 Tartan Day Scotland Festival
Various venues in Angus, from Friday
Ten days of events across Angus, commemorating the 695th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, the document first asserting Scotland's independence. Tartan Day itself (Easter Monday) centres on a free day of history, storytelling and music at Arbroath Abbey, including a costumed re-enactment of the Declaration's signing on April 6, 1320. Elsewhere, there are family fun days at Monifieth Beach and West Links in Arbroath (both Saturday), and special Scottish menus at local restaurants. www.tartandayscotland.com
4 Yorkhill Easter Egg Run
Yorkhill Hospital, Sunday
An Easter weekend fixture in Glasgow for more than three decades, this revved-up charity event involves thousands of motorbike, trikes and scooters riding out in convoy around the city in aid of Yorkhill Children's Charity. This year's extended eight mile parade route starts off from the SECC at 11am, taking in parts of the city centre and west end, before finishing up in the staff car park of Yorkhill Hospital for food, entertainment, stalls and fun. www.yorkhill.org
5 Wild Spring Festival
Across Dumfries and Galloway, from Saturday
A great chance to get out and explore the countryside and coastlines of Dumfries and Galloway with Scotland's largest and longest running annual wildlife festival - provided the rain and hail stays off for long enough. Starting off with a weekend of Easter-themed activities at venues including Logan Botanic Garden and Castle Kennedy, there around 100 guided walks, days out and animal-spotting events to discover over the next month, including nocturnal wildlife tours, wilderness bike rides, and a series of wild food and foraging events tying in with Scotland's Year of Food and Drink. www.dg.wildseasons.co.uk
6 Springfest: The Scottish Food & Drink Festival
Lomond Shores, Balloch, Saturday and Sunday
Another big event celebrating Scotland's Year of Food and Drink, the inaugural Springfest brings an impressive list of local butchers, bakers and - probably - candlestick-makers to the banks of Loch Lomond, with everything from fresh meat, wholesome produce, tasty treats, and thirst-quenching beverages on sale. There are also handmade crafts, live music and pop-up version of Glasgow's famous Willow Tea Rooms, while free activities range from food science, cookery and bushcraft sessions to kids' workshops and cow milking lessons. Open from 10am both days, entry is free. www.lochlomondspringfest.co.uk
7 Spring Fling
Summerlee, Coatbridge, Sunday and Monday
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge marks the arrival of spring with this family focused event featuring a range of activities including an outdoor roller disco, a birds of prey display, giant games and face painting. Visitors can also handle animals, and get creative with a variety of Easter crafts. Originally an ironworks, Summerlee is now home to a working tramway, a recreated mine, and a huge outdoor play and picnic area. Open from 10am to 5pm, entry is free. www.culturenl.co.uk/summerlee
8 Dinosaurs Return!
Edinburgh Zoo, from Friday
You wait ages for one dinosaur exhibition and two arrive at once, gnashing their teeth at each other from opposite ends of the M8. Edinburgh Zoo's contribution takes the form of an animatronic spectacular featuring 14 life-sized, moving, growling dino replicas. Taking up residence for the next seven months in a realistic hilltop 'habitat' setting, the exhibit aims to draw parallels between the eventual fate of the dinosaurs and conservation work undertaken by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in the present day. Entry is free with admission (£13.50-£18, under 3s free). www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
9 Hatching The Past: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies
Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, from Friday
With all the deadly timing of a Cretaceous asteroid, Kelvingrove's new prehistoric blockbuster also opens this week - but less flashy special effects aside, the exhibition still promises to be an absorbing companion piece. Featuring real fossilised eggs and casts of complete adult skeletons, Hatching The Past focuses on dino family life, revealing how they cared for their young, and why the study of their egg is so important for scientists. With ticket price of £3-£5 also in the plus column, it's open until August. www.glasgowlife.org.uk
10 Easter Eggsploration
Across Scotland, until Monday
A good excuse to rediscover some of Scotland most inspiring heritage sites, this Cadbury-endorsed treasure hunt takes place at National Trust properties across Scotland. Simply turn up, grab a map, follow the clues and find the treasure - in this case a tasty chocolate treat. The 50-odd participating gardens, buildings, and castles include Pollok House in Glasgow, Haddo House in Aberdeenshire, and Glencoe Visitor Centre in the Highlands. In most cases, a modest fee will apply, plus standard admission. www.eastereggtrail.com
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