Are you planning a visit to the Scottish capital with your kids? Are you wondering if there are many things to do with kids, toddlers and babies in Edinburgh? Well you’ve come to the right place! There is so much to see, do and explore – from museums, to castles, parks, beaches, quirky, fun activities, we’ve got you covered!
We lived in the Scottish capital for almost 12 years and became very well acquainted with many fun family activities. Both our children were born here so we went through the baby, toddler and young children stage here. We now return on a regular basis with our tween and teenager so we’ve got a good idea on how to spend a great family holiday in Edinburgh.
TIP: CLICK HERE TO READ OUR SPECIFIC GUIDE ON TOP THINGS TO DO WITH TEENAGERS IN EDINBURGH
For your convenience, we’ve included a table of contents below that will allow you to skip to a specific section of interest – click on the icon to open and close the table. Read on as we share with you some of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
In This Post You Will Find:
Visiting the Old Town
Edinburgh is split between the Old Town and the New Town – everything south of Princes Street is considered as the Old Town and everything north is the New Town (more or less). There is a high concentration of places to visit in the Old town so we’ll start there!
Edinburgh Castle
If you’ve come to Edinburgh with kids, there’s a pretty good chance you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh’s famous Castle! This fortress, which stands proud and imposing above the city, is located at the top end of the Royal Mile and is an incredibly popular tourist attraction. We had a Historic Environment Scotland membership and this gave us the perfect opportunity to visit the castle on a number of occasions. Some of the highlights for children include the 1 o’clock gun, the Great Hall (plenty of weapons), the crown jewels (the oldest in Great Britain!), the recreation of a prison of war and the national war museum.
TIPS:
- Consider timing your visit to coincide with the 1 o’clock gun – a canon is fired every day at 1pm (APART from on a Sunday).
- Given its popularity (it had broken the 1 million visitors mark by the month of August last year!), we strongly recommend you book your tickets to the castle in advance.
- You may also want to purchase an explorer pass if you’re planning on visiting other Historic Environment Scotland sites. This pass provides free entry to over 70 visitor attractions and you can choose a pass that’s valid for either 5 or 14 consecutive days.
- Pick up the children’s quiz to enhance your little one’s visit or download it ahead of your visit. It was a real hit with our 9 year old daughter and brought her visit to life.
>> Check out our full guide to visiting Edinburgh Castle here <<
Camera Obscura

Miss 9 loved all the optical illusions! Such a great place with lots of interactive displays.
Located just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh castle (about 100 meters down the road from the Castle), you’ll find one of Edinburgh’s oldest attractions, Camera Obscura, which was established in 1835. Kids and grown-ups alike will love this world of optical illusions full of interactive exhibits. It is set over 5 floors and includes a mirror maze, a vortex tunnel and of course the original 165 year old camera obscura. This truly is a must-see attraction in Edinburgh – it’s a great option for a rainy day and it’s a really fun family activity!
TIP:
- You get a fantastic panoramic view of the city from the rooftop terrace
- Book your tickets online and visit early or late in the day if you’re visiting during peak season (especially August)
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile – which incidentally starts from the castle and Camera Obscura – is a fun street to simply wander along and take in the atmosphere. As its name suggests, it measures one mile in distance and is also often referred to as the High Street by locals. It starts at Edinburgh Castle and finishes at the Palace of Holyrood. Along the way, you’ll take in a number of sites such as St Giles Cathedral, the David Hume statue, The Real Mary Kings Close, Edinburgh City Chambers, John Knox’s House, the Museum of Childhood and of course plenty of pubs and restaurants should you need to recharge your batteries!
It is an absolute must during Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival (August) as it’s hive of activity – street performers entertain the crowds the length and breadth of the street.
The Real Mary King’s Close

Trying out the Plague Doctor’s mask…
Join a 1 hour guided tour at the real Mary King’s Close on the Royal Mile. You’ll learn about Edinburgh’s past through tales and stories shared by a costumed character tour guide. Make sure you book your ticket ahead online.
Check their website here.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
From one castle to another! At the bottom of the Royal Mile and exactly one mile from the Castle, you’ll find the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s royal residence in Edinburgh. It’s loaded with fascinating history including close associations with Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Having recently been, I can confirm that this is a great place to visit with kids! We were lucky to visit just a few weeks after they brought out new multimedia guides for visitors. The guides are included in the admission price and offer either an adult or family tour.
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.
Getting there:
On foot >>> You can easily walk there if you’re in the city centre – simply walk to the bottom of the Royal Mile and you’ll find the Palace, slightly to your right.
Bus + car >>> Many of the tour buses stop nearby as well as buses 6 and 35 (check the online timetable here). If you’re travelling by car, you can park in a public car park adjacent to the Palace (it’s located on Queen’s Drive) and it’s free at week-ends!
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.
TIP:
- Look out for Dolly the sheep, the first ever cloned animal!
- Don’t miss the Millenium clock that comes to life every hour on the hour
- Ask for a children’s quiz at reception
- If you’re on a budget, picnics are allowed in designated areas
- Check out the panoramic views from the 7th Floor
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.
TIP:
- You’ll get 10% off if you book your tickets online.
- There’s an underground car park which is underneath Dynamic Earth and can be accessed from Holyrood Gait, however, if you can, we recommend walking.
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.
TIP:
- It’s mostly set on a hill and so can be quite tiring for little legs.
- Buy your tickets ahead online to save queuing up on the day and to obtain a discounted rate.
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 Queen’s former floating home
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

Outside Edinburgh Dungeon (you’re not allowed to take pictures inside)
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

This is no ordinary church… step inside the front door and you’ll discover a modern 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

Great opportunity to get outdoors with your kids!
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.
Junior Park Runs in Edinburgh
- Inverleith Junior Park Run: every Sunday at 9:30 am in Inverleith park
- The Meadows Junior Park Run: every Sunday at 9:30am in The Meadows Park.
Parkour at the Parliament

Such a great setting! Under the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and next to the Scottish 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)

image source: pixabay
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.
Playgrounds & Parks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens – perfect space to relax, unwind or run around and let off steam!
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

One of the best playgrounds in Edinburgh!
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

The fantastic playground at the west end of Princes Street Gardens.
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

Plenty of opportunity for kids to burn off some steam! Ooh arrr, me heartie!
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.
TIP:
- There’s a pretty good chance it’ll be ‘blowing a hoolie’ at the top so dress accordingly!
- Good footwear recommended too.
- Check the maps onsite to pick the route up as there are a number of different paths.
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

St Bernards Well close to Stockbridge along the peaceful 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

View towards Cramond Island.
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
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

Image source: pixabay
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.
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.
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.
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:
- Edinburgh Playhouse
- The Festival Theatre
- The King’s Theatre – a must in December for their legendary pantomime!
- The Royal Lyceum
- Traverse Theatre
Cinemas

image source: pixabay
How about a trip to the cinema? Check out the wonderfully quirky Dominion cinema! This is a fabulous quirky art deco 1930s style cinema located in the Morningside area of town (South side) and is something of an institution in Edinburgh.
Enjoy your film viewing whilst relaxing in a lovely comfortable sofa. Choose the first class experience where you’ll be sat in reclining leather sofas and served drinks in glasses and your nachos or popcorn in proper bowls. Be warned though, other cinema experiences will never be the same again, lol.
And if you’re now thinking that a trip to the cinema might a good idea, here’s a list of the other main cinemas within the city centre.
Edinburgh Cinemas:
- Vue Cinema at the Omni Centre or at the Ocean Terminal.
- Cineworld Cinema in Fountain Park.
- The Odeon on Lothian Road.
- Cameo Picturehouse
- The Filmhouse – this is an arthouse cinema that offers world cinema screenings as well as many indepedent films. There is a great vibe in the bar area if you fancy grabbing a quick bite before watching your movie of choice.
TIP: And don’t forget that many cinemas offer cheap weekend morning showings (VUE cinema or Cineworld) from £2 and baby screenings (this is a baby and carer screening which is limited to babies under 12 months accompanied by no more than two adults).
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Edinburgh

image source: pixabay
There is plenty of choice when it comes to eateries in Edinburgh! Here’s a small sample of some of our favourites – we’ll keep adding to the list and please feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments.
Almost all of the museums have great family friendly cafés for lunch, a snack or a cuppa:
- The Balcony Café at the National Museum of Scotland
- The National Portrait Gallery Café
- The Modern Art Gallery in the West End: Café Modern One and Paolozzi’s kitchen in Modern Two
- The Terrace Café in the Botanics
There are many great Italian restaurants in Edinburgh and here are some of the most popular with locals:
- La Favorita – located about half way down Leith Walk
- Vittoria on the Walk – located towards the top of Leith Walk, close to the Playhouse Theatre and the Omni Centre
- Vittoria on the Bridge – located on the Bridges, close to the Royal Mile
For something a little more quirky:
- Mary’s Milk Bar, in the Grassmarket
- Scran & Scallie, located on Comely Bank Road in Stockbridge
- Hard Rock Café on George Street. Not typically Scottish but a fun experience nonetheless!
For delicious coffee and homemade cakes, head to one of Mimi’s Bakehouse cafés:

Indulge in a delicious cupcake from Mimi’s!
- 250 Canongate, Edinburgh
- 63 Shore, Edinburgh
- 277 St John’s Road, Edinburgh
Getting Around Edinburgh
One of the many great things about Edinburgh is its size – it’s very compact, easy to get around and you can walk to most places within the city centre. However, little legs might get tired and require a break so why not turn getting around the city into an exciting adventure?
Ride on a Double-decker bus
If you’re coming from outside of the UK, there’s a good chance you might not have double-decker buses so why not add this to your kids’ bucket list and let them ride atop through the city centre! Here’s a link to Lothian bus journey planner or download their app to check bus routes and timetables. Be aware that (frustratingly!) you need to have the right change for your bus fare when you jump on a Lothian bus.
Ride on the tram
The tram is a fun alternative to the double-decker bus and if you’ve arrived in Edinburgh by plane, you could easily catch the tram from outside the airport and head all the way into town. The adventure starts from the word go! The tram doesn’t cover as much ground as the extensive network of buses, however, it’s a fun ride nonetheless. The tram line runs from Edinburgh airport to York Place – check their website for timetables and fares.
Ride in a Black Cab
A cab is another word for ‘taxi’ and you’ll find many of the iconic ‘black taxis’ in Edinburgh. Why not treat your kids to a ride in one of these unique taxis? You can flag them down, head to a taxi rank, call them or download their app.
Ride on the CitySightseeing Edinburgh tourist bus
You may be short on time and are wanting to fit in as much as possible on your whirlwind tour of Edinburgh. If like us, dragging kids from A to B can be a time-consuming affair, then consider catching the Hop-on Hop-off tour bus.
We have the *perfect* option for you – the red CitySightseeing Edinburgh Bus Tour because, get this… the children’s commentary is a Horrible Histories’ narration by Terry Deary himself! ‘Horrible Histories’ is a fantastic British children’s TV show that presents history in a very fun way – as they say in the show, it’s ‘history with all the gory bits left in’!
It’s sure to capture your children’s attention and make a real success of the sightseeing experience. Our kids absolutely love Horrible Histories and if you haven’t heard of it, I suggest you check out the clip below immediately:
Day trips from Edinburgh with kids

Admiring the view from one of the beaches at North Berwick (East Lothian).
There are so many things to do see and do in the capital, however, now and again, it’s nice to escape the city and explore a little further afield. As you’ll see, there are many places to take children outside of Edinburgh for some action-packed adventures. We’ve written a post specifically about fun things to do near Edinburgh with kids (CLICK HERE), however, here’s a quick snapshot:
Dalkeith Country Park – 20 mins from Edinburgh
Jupiter Artland – 25 minutes from Edinburgh
Pick Your Own Fruit at Craigie’s Farm – 25 mins from Edinburgh
Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston – 35 mins from Edinburgh
North Berwick, East Lothian – 40 mins from Edinburgh
East Lothian Beaches – 40 mins from Edinburgh
East Links Family Park – 35 mins from Edinburgh
National Museum of Flight, East Lothian – 40 mins from Edinburgh
Falkirk Wheel – 45 mins from Edinburgh
The Kelpies & the Helix Park – 40 mins from Edinburgh
Cramond Beach & Island – 20 mins from Edinburgh
Boat trip to Inchcolm Island & Abbey – 25 mins from Edinburgh
Visit Stirling Castle – 50 minutes from Edinburgh (check out our tips for visiting Stirling Castle)
Blair Drummond Safari Park – 50 minutes from Edinburgh
Glasgow – 45 to 60 minutes from Edinburgh (click here for some of our top recommendations of things to do with kids in Glasgow)
>> Check out our detailed post HERE on day trips from Edinburgh with kids – click here! <<
Final Word
We’ve hopefully shown you that there is a tremendous amount of fun things to do with kids in Edinburgh and that it’s a truly fantastic place to visit with children. We love hearing from our readers so please feel free to share any of your experiences with us in the comments below and tell us what we need to add to our guide ↓↓↓↓↓
For you, for Pinterest
Wow such a diverse list which will definitely keep the kids entertained and tired out!
Lots of variety and very helpful with timings and specific recommendations!
I love the fact there’s a free animal farm!
Thanks so much for sharing!