11 Best Family Things to Do in Edinburgh
What to Do for Fun in Edinburgh with Your Kids?
Some of the best family things to do in Edinburgh highlight the city’s reputation as one of Europe’s largest playgrounds. During the summer, festivals take place throughout the city, while gardens and natural spaces offer hours of fun year-round. The cobbled alleyways of Grassmarket and the Royal Mile are easily explored on foot, so you can enjoy quality time when travelling with little ones.
From tripping the light fantastic to the age-old art of storytelling, experience the best of Scotland’s capital with this guide on Edinburgh‘s great attractions for kids.
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Since taking in giant pandas, Edinburgh Zoo has become one of the most famous in the world. Of course, those huge cuddly bears are far from the only attraction – there are over 1,000 different animals here, and the penguin parade is particularly popular. Read more
Location: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK
Open: April–September: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. October & March: daily from 10 am to 5 pm, November–February: daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)131 334 9171
Edinburgh Zoo
Good for: Families
Seeing is definitely not believing inside the Victorian Camera Obscura and World of Illusion. Bendy mirrors and giant kaleidoscopes will delight young eyes at the Magic Gallery, while blue tendrils of light spark across the Giant Plasmasphere in the Electric Room. Read more
Location: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, UK
Open: Vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)131 226 3709
Optical illusions at Camera Obscura
3. Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh
Friendly wildlife and bucolic gardens
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, founded in 1670, really comes into bloom in summer. The Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden is split into 4 distinct areas of the world, with plants from Asia, Europe, North America, and the southern hemisphere. Look out for special summer events, such as guided walks with expert horticulturists and botanical art courses.
Hungry ducks will swim up for bread at the large duck pond, a kids’ highlight of these bucolic gardens. Enter the vast Victorian glasshouse, where little ones can try to spot the lemons among the trees, or red pompoms flowers in the Rainforest House. Read more
Location: Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, UK
Open: March–September: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. October and February: daily from 10 am to 4 pm. November–January: daily from 10 am to 3 pm
Phone: +44 (0)131 248 2909
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh
4. Museum of Childhood
Take a trip down memory lane in a world of toys
Good for: Families, History, Budget
Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood is the world’s first museum dedicated to childhood, and the toys they feature have kept kids entertained for years. It’s on the Royal Mile, and it’s not only the kids who’ll love this one – you’ll be spellbound yourself on your nostalgic trip.
The museum is split over 5 floors, and there’s no shortage of toys. You’ll find dolls that look like your grandma would have had, model train sets, right up to modern Game Boys and Hot Wheels. Entry is free, and the whole family will find something to enjoy here. Read more
Location: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG, UK
Phone: +44 (0)13 1529 4142
Museum of Childhood
Good for: Families
Dynamic Earth is a science centre that offers 35 workshops and learning programs for kids to learn about the world. Step back billions of years at this huge interactive museum, where a time machine takes you back to before dinosaurs walked the earth. You can even witness the Big Bang from the bridge of a spaceship through the Hubble telescope. Read more
Location: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)131 550 7800
Take the time machine at Dynamic Earth
6. Animal magic at Gorgie City Farm
Good for: Families, Photo
Meet the horses, goats and sheep at Gorgie City Farm, about 3 km southeast of Edinburgh Old Town. Children can get their hands dirty and work at being a farmer, or just cuddle a cute guinea pig.
Location: 51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2LA, UK
Open: Summer: daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Winter: daily from 9.30 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)131 337 4202
Animal magic at Gorgie City Farm
7. Wildlife on the Water of Leith Walkway
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Follow the river snaking its way through Edinburgh’s Stockbridge and Dean Village neighbourhoods as it spills into the Firth of Forth. Look out for great spotted woodpecker and herons – sharp-eyed walkers might even see an otter or badger. The Water of Leith Walkway is over 12 miles long – a good departing point is the Water of Leigh Conservation Trust and Visitor Centre, which can easily be reached by bus.
Location: 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh EH14 1TQ, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)131 455 7367
Wildlife on the Water of Leith Walkway
Good for: Families, History
Let your family experience Edinburgh’s history coming alive at the Scotland’s Stories exhibition. In this contemporary building along the Royal Mile, look out for fun family-friendly events in the Storytelling Court and dramatic performances throughout the year. Read more
Location: 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, UK
Open: September–June: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays). July–August: daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 9579
Telling tales at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Unusual
Book an Edinburgh hotel in the Old Town and venture underground to tour the Real Mary King’s Close. Older kids will love the spooky walks, where costumed guides take you back to the 17th-century underground townhouses and the stories of the people who lived there. Read more
Location: 2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)131 225 0672
Creepy walks in Edinbugh Old Town
10. Edinburgh Dungeon
Laughs and scares for the whole family
Good for: Couples, Families, Group
Edinburgh Dungeon takes you on a journey underground for a tour of some of Edinburgh’s creepiest and darkest dungeons. Found down East Market Street, it’s certainly a treat (or trick) to keep the whole family happy.
The dungeon will take you on a tour of Edinburgh’s history, and is hosted by a group of professional actors. There are witch hunts and trials (staged, of course), rides to try out, and all sorts of theatrical shows. There’s loads of audience interaction too, so be prepared to get involved. Read more
Location: 31 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)13 1240 1041
Edinburgh Dungeon
11. Follow the Edinburgh Old Town Treasure Trail
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
Pick up a Treasure Trail pack and take the family off on an adventure through the oldest parts of the city – there are clues for the children to follow and exciting secrets to uncover, as the sights of Edinburgh reveal themselves. You can download and print the self-guided treasure hunt-themed walking trail around Edinburgh Old Town in advance.
Location: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1BP, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1872 263 692
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