30+ Top Things To Do with Kids in Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

We all followed the family guide tour and loved it! There are short video clips, games and quizzes as you move from one room to the next. We discovered that the Great Hall was the same size as two tennis courts and could fit either 75 elephants or 10 double decker buses into it. Children receive a small badge once they have completed the tour – our two were completely engaged with the guide.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

Do you know the story of Greyfriars Bobby? It’s a truly heartwarming tale of a faithful and loyal dog who refused to leave his master’s graveside. Bobby, the Skye terrier, lay on his master’s grave for 14 years, only leaving for food. He died in 1872 at the age of 16 and was buried just 75 yards away from his master’s grave. You can visit his grave with his very own head stone at Greyfriars Kirkyard and there’s a sweet statue of him at the corner of Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge.

Check out your library for the book or pick it up here.

Museums

There is no shortage of museums in the capital and best of all, most of them are FREE! Here are some of our favourite child-friendly museums in Edinburgh:

National Museum of Scotland

This is a fantastic museum for children – so much to keep the little minds active and entertained. This gem of a place covers everything from Scottish history, to nature, space, transport, art, design, science, technology, fashion, the animal kingdom and more. There’s something for everyone, however, be warned you may struggle to drag your kids away from this place… there’s so much to see and do! Entry is free, however, donations are welcomed. 

The Museum of Childhood

This small, quirky museum located on the Royal Mile is not only fun for the kids but for parents too who’ll enjoy their wee trip down memory lane. There are many toys and books dating back as far as the late 1800s. The ground floor was recently updated and the brand new Gallery One includes many new retro exhibits such as the Fisher Price chatter phone. It’s an ideal stop if you’re meandering along the Royal Mile and have a short amount of time to fill. And of course, it’s an ideal rainy day activity and it’s free.

The Museum on the Mound

This museum actually took us by surprise! We visited for the first time in February 2019 and loved it! It’s the former headquarters of the Bank of Scotland and is located- as its name suggests – on the mound. You need to head towards the Old Town (if you’re located near Princes Street). It’s a small museum and it won’t take you long to get round.

There’s a great booklet trail for kids including a challenge for them to crack a safe – the adults enjoyed this just as much as the kids. You’ll also learn about the history of the British currency, you’ll get to see Scotland’s oldest bank note and you’ll be able to build a model bank. The guides are really lovely and offer plenty of fun, interesting anecdotes. And of course, admission is free!

Our Dynamic Earth

I’ve lost count of the number of times we visited Dynamic Earth as we used to have a yearly membership. This is a fantastic place for children (and adults) of all ages. You’ll embark on a journey through time and space where you’ll learn all about our planet earth – how it evolved from the Big Bang to present day. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and fun ‘rides’ including time travel on the Deep Time Machine, a ride on the Endeavour spaceship and much, much more.

Edinburgh Zoo

Okay, this isn’t technically a museum but this definitely a must if you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids! Jump on bus 12, 26 or 31 from the city centre and head out of town to Edinburgh Zoo. It’s heavily involved in conservation work and you will only find protected species in the zoo. Your kids will love the Giant Panda exhibit and the world famous Penguin Parade. 

Quirky & Unique Things to do with Kids in Edinburgh

If you’re looking for some quirky, unique and fun things to do with kids in Edinburgh, then here are some suggestions that go beyond the castle and museums.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is the actual boat that the Queen used to sail in around the world – a floating home to the royal family for 44 years. It has now been safely moored at the Ocean Terminal, about a 10-15 minute drive from the city centre, for quite a number of years. We visited it when it first opened and we loved it – it gave a fascinating insight into the royal family and a bygone era.

Your kids will love checking out the 11 foot LEGO replica of Britannia. You’ll also be given a complimentary audio-guide which will greatly enhance your visit. To get there, either drive and park in the free Ocean Terminal car park or catch public transport (buses 11, 22, 34, 35 and 36) or use one of the hop-on hop-off tourist buses.

Climb the Scott’s Monument

You can’t fail to notice the tall spire that dominates the Edinburgh skyline along Princes Street. It’s called the Scott’s Monument and is one of the largest monuments dedicated to an author – in this case, Sir Walter Scott. It’s fun to climb the many stairs to the top where you’ll get a great view of Edinburgh city centre. It’s steep and narrow the further you get to the top. It’s worth noting that it does come with quite a hefty price tag at £8 per adult and £5 for kids, however, it is a true iconic building and one of a kind.

Tip: you may wish to give it a miss if you’re scared of heights or claustrophobic!

Edinburgh Dungeon

This isn’t for the faint-hearted and we feel it’s only really suitable for children from the age of 8 upwards. The Edinburgh Dungeon is an underground tourist attraction in Edinburgh’s city centre, on East Market Street. There are professional actors who do a great job of freaking you out! They bring the darkest of Scottish history to life through fantastic shows, special effects and rides. We recently took our 11 year old (who LOVED it!) and he definitely felt his younger sister – aged 9 – would have been very spooked by the experience so be aware of your child’s sensitivities before booking on this tour.

Click HERE to book your tickets to the EDINBURGH DUNGEON

Guided Walking Tours

Why not bring history to life and take your kids on a walking tour? Our kids are often reluctant to go on walking tours but with a bit of cajoling, they end up absolutely love it. The guides have a wonderful ability to bring the subject to life and engage the children. The guided tours in Edinburgh that are most likely to capture your kids’ attention are probably the Ghost Tour or the Harry Potter tour for the HP aficionados!

Click HERE to book Edinburgh’s Underground Tour

Click HERE to book the Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour

Click HERE to book the Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

Click HERE to book the Harry Potter Tour

Alien Rock Climbing Centre

And now for something completely different… Why not take your kids along to a rock climbing taster session at Alien Rock? The session is open to all ages from 5 years up and includes all the gear. The climbing centre is located in a converted church in the Newhaven neighbourhood which is very close to the Royal Yacht Britannia (two birds with one stone?)

Junior Park Run

Now for something you won’t find in the guidebooks. Why not join in with the locals and sign your kids up to a junior park run! What is a junior park run I hear you say? Well it’s a 2km run for juniors only, aged between 4 and 14 years of age. It’s completely FREE and takes place in both Inverleith Park and the Meadows. You will simply need to register online and take the printed copy of your barcode along on the day. They also offer adult 5km park runs which take place on a Saturday morning.

Parkour at the Parliament

Have you heard of Parkour? You may have seen a youtube video of a young lad jumping across roofs, sliding along bannisters in the streets of Paris. This sport originated in France and has spread to many other parts of the world. It’s a great way for kids to get fit whilst being outdoors and having lots of fun. Well, one of our lovely friend’s recently told us about Parkour at the Parliament.

There are many classes available, however, the one we recommend is a drop in family session that takes place on a Saturday morning at 10am. You need to sign your kids up online beforehand and take them to the session which lasts an hour – parents can also join in a complimentary adult session at the same time. To say that our two enjoyed it would be an understatement! It’s also a really handy location if you’re staying close to the city centre or if you want to visit the Parliament, Holyroodhouse Palace, Dynamic Earth or Arthur’s Seat.

LOVE Gorgie Farm (formerly known as Gorgie City Farm)

A small farm within the city, how cool is that? LOVE Gorgie Farm, located about 2 miles from central Edinburgh, is a gem of a place. Formerly known as Gorgie City Farm, it opened its doors in 1982 and has been run as a working farm ever since then, selling eggs, vegetables, lamb and pork to help cover some of its running costs. There are pigs, cows, chickens, sheep and goats on the farm.

Entrance is free although donations are very welcome and contribute towards the upkeep of this special place. There’s a café onsite if you’re feeling peckish. It is best reached by public transport (Lothian Bus numbers 1, 2, 3, 25 and 33 stop at the gate).

Check their website here: LOVE Gorgie Farm

Gravity Trampoline Centre

Enough of tourist sites I hear you say? Time for some fun exercise? Well this is just the place for you – trampoline to your heart’s content. Check the online schedule to be sure that there are no classes when you plan to visit.

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Playgrounds & Parks in Edinburgh

If your kids are getting fed up with being dragged round yet another museum or another old building and simply need to let off some steam, then why not head to the nearest playground. Edinburgh has plenty of green space and there are several playgrounds and parks dotted throughout the city. Here is our pick of the best across Edinburgh.

The Meadows

The Meadows playground is definitely one of the best! This is one of the largest playgrounds in Edinburgh and it even includes a flying fox (adults can have a go too… go on, you know you want to!). It’s set in the east end of the famous Meadows park and cater to all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, and includes a swings, slides, climbing rocks, sand play.

TIP: Parking can be tricky so walk there if you can.

Princes Street Gardens Playpark

If you’re in the city centre and your kids are fed up with traipsing around, then why not let them burn off some energy in Princes Street Gardens playpark. It’s located at the west end of the Princes Street Gardens under the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh castle. There’s a large fountain nearby if the weather happens to be good and they fancy cooling down! The gardens are lovely and give an impression of being in the countryside despite being right in the middle of the city.

Inverleith Park Playground

On the north side of the city about 20-25 minutes from Princes Street, you’ll find Inverleith Park. Here you’ll find a fantastic children’s playground, 3 football, 4 rugby and 6 seven-a-side pitches, a cricket square and a petanque area. Don’t miss the pond where you’ll often find old boys (and young) testing their model boats.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Inverleith Park is right next to the Royal Botanical Gardens and is an absolute must visit.  It’s a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Again, there is plenty of space for kids to run around, chase each other, do cartwheels, etc. There is a large Glasshouse which houses all kinds of tropical plants.

You’ll also find a Japanese garden, a large visitor centre, the John Hope Gateway Centre and a lovely child-friendly café – The Terrace Cafe – with one of the best views of the Edinburgh skyline. Buses 8, 12 and 23 will drop you outside the beautifully ornate leaf gate at the East Entrance on Inverleith Row.

TIP: Don’t miss the view of the city from the Terrace Café. It’s an incredibly child-friendly café with a play corner and a lovely choice of food/snacks for kids.

If you happen to be visiting in December, do not miss the magical winter light trail evenings at the Botanics.

Related: CHECK THIS POST FOR FOR THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH AT CHRISTMAS

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat

A run around Holyrood Park might be enough for younger kids but if you have older children or your little ones are good walkers, then consider taking them for a hike up Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano. It is situated east of the city centre and can easily be reached from the bottom of the Royal Mile. You’ll find Holyrood Palace when you reach the end of Royal Mile and from there you can’t fail to see the large hill to the right. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy some fantastic views of the city and the sea (Firth of Forth) in the distance. It’s about a 40 minute walk up to the summit or if you decide to walk round, it’ll take a good hour.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is another fantastic place for kids to let off steam and as a bonus you’ll get some of the ultimate best views of the city! When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views to the Firth of Forth, Arthurs Seat, the port of Leith, the Pentland hills and of course right down Princes street towards the castle.

Calton Hill is also home to several unusual monuments including the national monument which looks like it was built by the Romans. It was in fact built in 1826 in memory of soldiers and sailors that died in the Napoleonic wars. It was meant to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but was sadly was never finished as funding dried up before it was completed.

TIP: This is a great place to get some fun family snaps!

Getting there:  Finding your way there can be a little tricky. You can access it from a staircase and winding tarmac path at Waterloo Place/Regent Road or from Royal Terrace on the north side.

Beaches & Rivers in and around Edinburgh

Water of Leith

This walkway, just a short distance from the city centre, is  great option for families visiting Edinburgh. The Water of Leith runs from Balerno to Leith covering 12 miles. There are many points of entry along the walkway. We love to join near Dean Village and to walk to the Gallery of Modern Art.

And if you fancy a change from the city and have a car, head to one of Edinburgh’s nearby beaches.

Cramond

Cramond is a lovely coastal village about 20 minutes  Choose between a river or sea front walk at Cramond and if you time it well, you can even cross over to Cramond island at low tide. There’s a lovely café by the waterfront where you can stop for cuppa.

Portobello

Portobello beach is located just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre and can be reached by car or by bus (no 26, 124 or 113). This seaside suburb, popular with the locals, has a lovely two mile stretch of beach where you can swim or sunbathe – weather permitting of course! There is also a great promenade where you can walk, cycle, run, roller-blade or stop off for a coffee and cake.

South Queensferry

If your kids are into trains, head to South Queensferry where you will get an amazing view of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. You can also take a boat trip across to Inchcolm Island and check out the Abbey. South Queensferry is a very cute coastal village and takes around 30 minutes to reach from Edinburgh city centre.

Soft Plays in Edinburgh

Love them or loathe them, soft play centres or indoor parks can be a good option for rainy days! It’s also a chance for mum and dad to (kinda) relax, have a coffee in (relative) peace and enjoy the chorus of screaming kids, lol.

Here are a few suggestions:

Ocean Play Centre

This is a great option if you’re planning a visit to Royal Yacht Britannia. If you’re little ones are needing a little encouragement for visiting yet another tourist attraction, you could perhaps reward them with a session at the Ocean Play centre. It’s located in the Ocean Terminal and even overlooks the Britannia Bay.

Website

Clambers

Clambers is a lovely softplay suitable for babies to kids up to age 10 at the Royal Commonwealth Swimming Pool. You can combine softplay with swimming at this great venue. As the name suggests, the pool was built for the Commonwealth Games and is one of very few 50 m pools in Scotland.

Website

Wonder World Edinburgh

This is one of the largest softplay’s in Edinburgh and it’s situated in the heart of Leith. You’ll find something for every age from ball pits in the baby zone, to volcano slides, small go-karts, trampolines, climbing areas.

Website

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What’s on in Edinburgh for Kids

Families Edinburgh Website & MADE Magazine Website

Are you looking to find out what’s on in Edinburgh for kids? Well we have a real local insider’s tip to share with you. Check out the Families Edinburgh website as well as the MADE (Mums & Dads Edinburgh) website which are both dedicated to all the activities, events and shows that are on in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Theatres

Edinburgh is also well known for its thriving theatre scene. You’ll find many of the West End plays kicking off in the capital before heading south to London. Here are links to all of the theatres in Edinburgh –  check out what’s on during your forthcoming visit:

Cinemas