15 Things To Do With Kids in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most family-friendly cities in the UK. With a stunning castle, world-class museums, beautiful green spaces and a compact city centre that is easy to navigate on foot, it is a brilliant destination for families with children of all ages. Here are 15 of the best things to do with kids in Edinburgh.

Why Edinburgh Is Great for Families

• Free museums - many of Edinburgh's best museums are completely free
• Walkable city centre - the Old Town and New Town are compact and connected
• Outdoor spaces - Arthur's Seat, Holyrood Park and the Botanic Gardens are all within easy reach
• Rainy day options - plenty of indoor attractions for when the Scottish weather turns
• History around every corner - children cannot help but be fascinated by the city's stories

Old Town and Royal Mile

1. Edinburgh Castle

Perched on Castle Rock above the city, Edinburgh Castle is Edinburgh's most iconic attraction and genuinely impressive for children. The Great Hall, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg (a giant medieval cannon) and the One O'Clock Gun firing daily all capture imaginations. The views across the city from the ramparts are spectacular on a clear day.

Best for: Ages 5+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, gift shop, accessible via ramp (steep), nearest tram stop is Princes Street Tip: Book online for cheaper tickets and shorter queues. The audio guide is excellent for older children.

2. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Located at the top of the Royal Mile just below the Castle, Camera Obscura is five floors of optical illusions, puzzles, mirror mazes and interactive exhibits. The rooftop camera obscura experience itself - a Victorian projection of the live city below - is genuinely magical. Children love the vortex tunnel, the shrinking room and the magic gallery.

Best for: Ages 4-14 Facilities: Toilets, gift shop, no on-site parking (use city centre car parks) Tip: Allow at least 90 minutes - most families spend two hours working through all five floors.

3. The Real Mary King's Close

Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this underground tour takes families through Edinburgh's 17th-century streets, preserved beneath the buildings above. Costumed guides tell stories of the people who lived and worked in these dark closes. It is atmospheric and slightly spooky - brilliant for older children who enjoy history.

Best for: Ages 7+ (minimum age 5, some content may be too intense for younger children) Facilities: Toilets, gift shop, nearest parking at Castle Terrace Tip: Book a specific time slot online - tours run regularly but sell out during the Festival and school holidays.

New Town and City Centre

4. National Museum of Scotland

One of the best free museums in the UK, the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is a must-visit for families. The galleries span natural history, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history. The interactive science galleries on the upper floors are superb, with hands-on experiments, a Formula One simulator and a design challenge zone.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, gift shop, free entry, nearest bus stops on Chambers Street Tip: Head straight to Level 5 for the interactive science galleries if your children prefer hands-on activities. The rooftop terrace has great views too.

5. Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery on The Mound is free to enter and runs excellent family trails and activity sheets. The permanent collection includes works by Monet, Rembrandt and Raeburn. During school holidays, the gallery runs free family workshops with drawing, printing and storytelling activities.

Best for: Ages 4+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, free entry, nearest tram stop is Princes Street Tip: Pick up a family trail sheet at the front desk - it turns the visit into a treasure hunt that keeps children engaged.

6. Edinburgh Zoo

Home to the UK's only giant pandas (until their return to China) and over 1,000 animals, Edinburgh Zoo sits on a hillside in Corstorphine, about three miles west of the city centre. The penguin parade is a daily highlight, and the koala enclosure, chimpanzee house and new wildcat breeding programme are all popular with families. The zoo is hilly, so be prepared for a workout with a pushchair.

Best for: Ages 1+ Facilities: Toilets, multiple cafes, baby-changing, gift shop, paid car park, bus routes from city centre Tip: Wear comfortable shoes - the zoo is built on a hillside and involves a lot of walking uphill. Start at the top and work your way down.

Holyrood and Arthur's Seat

7. Dynamic Earth

Located at the foot of the Royal Mile in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, Dynamic Earth is an interactive science centre that takes visitors on a journey through the history of the planet. Children can experience an earthquake simulator, fly over glaciers in a 4D cinema, touch an iceberg and explore a tropical rainforest. The Planetarium dome show is a highlight.

Best for: Ages 4-14 Facilities: Toilets, cafe, baby-changing, gift shop, paid parking nearby Tip: The 4D cinema and Planetarium shows run at set times - check the schedule when you arrive to plan your visit.

8. Arthur's Seat

This ancient volcano in Holyrood Park rises 251 metres above the city and is one of Edinburgh's most rewarding family walks. The main summit path from Holyrood Palace takes about 45 minutes to climb and is manageable for children aged six and above. The views from the top - across the city, the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills - are extraordinary.

Best for: Ages 6+ for the summit, all ages for lower paths around the base Facilities: Toilets at Holyrood Palace visitor centre, free parking at various points around the park Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring layers - it is always windier at the top than at the bottom. The path from Dunsapie Loch is the easiest route to the summit.

9. Palace of Holyroodhouse

The King's official residence in Scotland sits at the foot of the Royal Mile and offers a fascinating tour for older children. The State Apartments, the ruined medieval abbey and the connection to Mary, Queen of Scots make it a rich historical visit. The multimedia guide is well produced and includes a family-friendly version.

Best for: Ages 7+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, gift shop, paid parking at the palace Tip: The combined ticket with Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia offers good value if you plan to visit all three.

Leith and the Coast

10. Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith

Moored in Leith's Ocean Terminal, the Royal Yacht Britannia was the Royal Family's floating palace for over 40 years. The self-guided audio tour takes families through the State Apartments, the crew's quarters, the engine room and the Royal Deck Tea Room. Children are given their own audio handset with age-appropriate commentary.

Best for: Ages 5+ Facilities: Toilets, Royal Deck Tea Room cafe, gift shop, free parking at Ocean Terminal Tip: Allow 90 minutes to two hours. The engine room and crew's quarters are often more interesting to children than the State Apartments.

11. Portobello Beach

Edinburgh's seaside suburb, Portobello, is just three miles east of the city centre and offers a long sandy beach, a promenade with ice cream shops and a selection of cafes and restaurants. In summer, the beach is perfect for sandcastles, paddling and kite flying. There is also a Turkish bath and a small amusement arcade.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets on the promenade, multiple cafes and ice cream shops, free street parking (limited in summer) Tip: Visit at low tide for the widest stretch of sand. The water is cold even in summer - wetsuits are recommended for swimming.

Beyond the City Centre

12. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Just north of the New Town, the Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful green space with 70 acres of landscaped gardens, glasshouses and woodland walks. Entry to the gardens is free (there is a charge for the glasshouses). Children love the Chinese Hillside garden, the rock garden and the giant lily pads in the glasshouse pond.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, two cafes, baby-changing, free entry to grounds, paid glasshouse entry, limited free parking Tip: The Botanics are perfect for a picnic on a sunny day. The John Hope Gateway visitor centre has a good cafe if you prefer to eat indoors.

13. Cramond Island Walk

At low tide, a concrete causeway emerges connecting the mainland at Cramond to the tiny Cramond Island in the Firth of Forth. The walk takes about 20 minutes each way and children love the adventure of walking out to an island. The village of Cramond itself has a lovely waterfront, an old harbour and a cafe.

Best for: Ages 4+ Facilities: Toilets and cafe at Cramond village, free parking at Cramond Tip: Check tide times before you go - the causeway floods quickly on the incoming tide and people do get stranded. Allow at least three hours before the next high tide.

14. Edinburgh Dungeon

Located on Market Street beneath the railway bridge, the Edinburgh Dungeon is a live-action walkthrough attraction with actors, special effects and rides. The shows cover Edinburgh's grisliest historical stories, from Burke and Hare to the plague. It is entertaining and mildly frightening - best suited to older children who enjoy a scare.

Best for: Ages 8+ (minimum age recommended by the venue) Facilities: Toilets, gift shop, nearest parking at Castle Terrace Tip: Book online for cheaper tickets. The boat ride at the end is a fun surprise.

15. Jupiter Artland, Bonnington

About 20 minutes west of Edinburgh by car, Jupiter Artland is a contemporary sculpture park set within 100 acres of woodland and meadows. Children can explore a giant weaving wood labyrinth by Jim Lambie, crawl through Antony Gormley's landscape installations and run through the wildflower meadows. It is art in nature at its best.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Toilets, cafe, gift shop, free parking, open seasonally (May-September typically) Tip: Wear wellies or sturdy shoes - the paths can be muddy. Allow at least two hours to see the major sculptures.

Tips for Visiting Edinburgh with Kids

• Buy a family transport pass - Edinburgh's buses and trams offer family day tickets that save money if you are making multiple journeys.
• Layer up - Edinburgh's weather is changeable. A waterproof jacket is essential any time of year.
• Book attractions online - nearly every major attraction offers cheaper tickets when booked in advance online.
• Avoid Festival season for calm visits - August is the Edinburgh Festival, which is brilliant but extremely busy and expensive. For a calmer family trip, visit in May, June or September.
• Use the free museums - the National Museum, Scottish National Gallery and Royal Botanic Garden grounds are all free and easily fill a morning or afternoon.
• Pack a picnic - eating out in Edinburgh adds up quickly. Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park are great picnic spots.

Find More Family Activities in Edinburgh

Looking for more ideas? Browse our full directory of things to do with kids in Scotland to find your next family adventure.