Once upon a time, I spent a big chunk of my life visiting Edinburgh, thanks to my then boyfriend who grew up there – and whereas I wasn’t contemplating things to do in Edinburgh with kids on the time (!), it rapidly turned certainly one of my favorite cities.
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So a lot so, that I’m decided to introduce my daughter to all its highlights, particularly given how a lot there’s for kids in Edinburgh – and after whetting her urge for food on an excellent metropolis break in Glasgow as a toddler.
I’ve acquired fond reminiscences of visiting Edinburgh Zoo and the fort, but in addition wandering the streets of the Royal Mile and absorbing among the Scottish capital’s historical past – so right here’s what’s on my family-friendly Edinburgh record.
Edinburgh Castle
Towering on its rock above the town, the fort is likely one of the first things you see – and there was a royal fortress right here because the eleventh century.
If you in some way don’t see it, you’ll hear it because the One O’Clock gun fires virtually daily of the yr: as a time sign somewhat than a present of navy power although, ships in the close by Firth of Forth as soon as used it to set their clocks.
For a flavour of the fort’s martial historical past, you need the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place on the Esplanade in August, with the completely different Scottish regiments parading to the accompaniment of pipes and drums.
But everytime you go to, you possibly can see the Honours of Scotland – because the Scottish Crown Jewels are recognized – alongside the Stone of Destiny. Outside the Crown room, there’s the large Mons Meg cannon, the enormous Great Hall and the Royal fort to probe for starters.
You can take a tour of stroll at your individual tempo, with highlights picked out on the fort’s web site and itineraries relying how lengthy you’ve acquired to discover. If you’re in search of a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, this selection additionally allows you to skip the road.
There’s a reduction for those who purchase your tickets in advance with this Royal Edinburgh go, which additionally allows you to skip the road
Edinburgh Zoo
Famous for its every day penguin parade, that’s solely the beginning of what there’s to see on the 82-acre zoo. Set simply exterior the centre of Edinburgh in Corstorphine, the zoo is someplace I used to go to each time I used to be in the town.
Open and ethereal, it’s a really inexperienced zoo with tigers, koalas and penguins as effectively, which come out to parade from Europe’s largest out of doors penguin pool daily at 2.15pm, plus new capybaras for 2025.
In complete there are over 1,000 uncommon and endangered animals – keeper talks run throughout the day, and preserve an eye fixed out for the animals being fed, though official feeding instances will not be at present going down. However, the enormous pandas have now left, for those who had your coronary heart set on seeing them.
There are common family-friendly actions on the zoo, together with a brief dinosaur exhibit. It’s free for kids beneath three and tickets should be prebooked until you’re a member – numbers are restricted so plan forward for varsity holidays.
Keep an eye fixed out for discounted tickets on websites like Get Your Guide, whereas you may also stand up to 32% off with Kids Pass – a 30-day trial of Kids Pass prices simply £1
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
There’s nowhere fairly just like the World of Illusions and the vary of illusions you’ll discover over the 5 flooring right here – not to point out the incredible views of Edinburgh from the rooftop.
The 166-year-old Camera Obscura remains to be the spotlight – I keep in mind being wowed after I visited.
There’s a 15-minute present with a information telling tales of Edinburgh historical past, whereas displaying off the entire metropolis from the rooftop tower utilizing the Victorian contraption, the place pictures of what’s exterior are displayed in the room.
There are greater than 100 interactive displays to boggle your mind, from the mirror Maze and Vortex tunnel to confuse your senses in Bewilderworld to holograms and a color shadow wall, surprising mirrors and extra sensory surprises.
The Potter Trail
Potterheads received’t be the one ones who love The Potter Trail tour, but it surely’s heaven in case your kids are followers – in any case, Edinburgh is the town the place JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter novels, famously beginning in a café and ending in the Balmoral Hotel.
The tour takes you to among the areas which impressed characters and scenes, together with the café the place all of it started, the place which impressed Diagon Alley (or certainly one of them, not less than) and the possibility to be sorted exterior the college which impressed Hogwarts.
You may even see the place Lord Voldemort is buried, practise just a few spells and discover out which horrible poet gave his identify to a Hogwarts trainer.
Best of all, it doesn’t value a penny (even for Muggles) for those who’re in search of free things to do in Edinburgh with kids – though they do go the sorting hat round on the finish for donations, so it’s price bringing just a few galleons in case you had been spellbound.
For extra concepts of days out in the UK for Harry Potter followers, take a look at my prime picks
National Museum of Scotland
This nice museum has some incredible methods to get arms on, so it’s price a go to at any time of yr – though it’s a very good choice for those who’re in search of things to do in Edinburgh in the rain with kids.
The completely different galleries have completely different themes – creativity in Imagine for instance, plus science and know-how, in addition to Adventure.
You might climb right into a human hamster wheel, or dig for dinosaur bones in the Adventure Planet gallery in case your kids fancy themselves as mini archaeologists.
Animal lovers can attempt to outrace a cheetah or discover out in the event that they’re heavier than a polar bear (most likely not!) in addition to looking for bugs, dressing up in historic garments or designing their very own vogue masterpieces.
Or observe one of many themed trails, impressed by Space, coffins, wildlife or good outdated I Spy, in addition to marvelling at a T Rex skeleton solid.
There’s no cost for entry to this household pleasant attraction, so it’s one other nice choice totally free things to do with kids in Edinburgh.
Dynamic Earth
Discover the story of Planet Earth, from the Big Bang via the chilliness of Ice Ages to the devastating energy of volcanic eruptions, watch the Northern Lights dance and listen to the sounds and sights of the rainforest at Dynamic Earth.
Or plunge to the depths of the ocean to uncover life beneath the ocean (from the consolation of a yellow submarine), in addition to looking for whales and watching a 30 foot wall of waves.
If solely geography had been fairly as thrilling after I was at college – the 360 diploma ShowDome cinema brings the entire dramatic story to life whilst you’ll additionally discover Mission Earth augmented actuality expertise.
There are additionally further themed occasions going down throughout college holidays – a journey to house, for instance, if Earth isn’t fairly sufficient. Easily one of the enjoyable things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Still the monarch’s official residence in Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse may not have the lengthy historical past of Edinburgh fort however a few of Scotland’s finest recognized royal figures have truly lived inside the partitions.
Mary Queen of Scots is essentially the most well-known, as she lived in the oldest a part of the palace throughout the sixteenth century – the place her secretary was murdered in entrance of the pregnant Queen’s eyes.
Supposedly you possibly can nonetheless see the bloodstains…
There are additionally hyperlinks to Bonnie Prince Charlie, who lived right here for a wonderful six weeks, the possibility to view the throne room, and wander previous the treasures of the Great Gallery, together with a portrait of Macbeth and sword marks in the partitions.
As effectively as non permanent displays, it’s fascinating to see how royal life continues inside the partitions: the late Queen held dinners and different occasions right here.
Kids can observe the household trails and costume up, whereas there’s additionally an interactive multimedia information – which beats the usual audioguide commentary as they’re inspired to reply questions resembling the place the Queen sat at official dinners, in addition to visualising double-decker buses contained in the Great Gallery.
Buy your tickets in advance right here
The Real Mary King’s Close
These days, Edinburgh’s picturesque Old Town is likely one of the largest attracts for guests – however again in the day, the image was so much darker (and smellier).
So for kids who love historical past, or just the extra ugly components of it, head to The Real Mary King’s Close, a medieval road that’s preserved beneath the Royal Mile.
Almost your complete slender road stays, with houses that had been initially as excessive as 10 storeys, hugging the steep hill down to the present-day Princes Street Gardens, then the Nor Loch, a defensive moat which frequently stank to excessive heaven.
Over the centuries, extra buildings had been constructed over the outdated houses: finally rediscovered and reopened as a museum the place you possibly can take a tour.
According to the tales, you would possibly discover ghosts – and it’s not shocking when one home’s inhabitants virtually all died of plague, whereas one other features a cell the place the doomed Mary Queen of Scots as soon as spent an evening. Even seeing one small house which might have been crammed with a big household is haunting.
The Real Mary King Close is best for older kids than simply scared or upset little ones, but it surely’s an introduction to Edinburgh’s previous actuality that’s laborious to beat.
Book your ticket in advance right here – personal excursions and flexi tickets are additionally accessible, whereas you may also discover discounted tickets on the Tiqets web site – click on right here
Edinburgh’s Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
If your youngsters love all things ugly, gory and ghoulish, there’s one other thrilling choice to your record of things to do in Edinburgh with kids, with a ghost tour that takes you underground to the Edinburgh Vaults.
Suitable for ages 5+ solely, a cloaked information shares tales of the town’s darkish previous as you journey alongside the Royal Mile earlier than venturing into the Blair Street Underground Vaults (also referred to as the South Bridge Vaults).
These outdated storage areas had been was houses, rapidly changing into slums and a haven for crime. Expect tales of witches and bodysnatchers alongside the best way, and loads of actual life spine-chilling tales.
Find reserve now pay later choices (in addition to free cancellation) for those who guide the Underground Vaults tour on Get Your Guide
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Like the opposite Dungeons across the UK, resembling London and York, this one is just for older kids – you possibly can’t go to with beneath fives and the Edinburgh Dungeon is advisable for over eights solely.
Having had actors soar out at me from darkened passageways with unexpectedly sensible make-up, I’d say that’s a superb bar – my very own daughter wouldn’t have loved this in the slightest aged seven.
But as soon as they’re previous the purpose of shrieking at surprising scares and are prepared to absorb extra bloodsoaked and ugly historical past, from torture to witchcraft, it’s good for bringing Edinburgh’s darker previous to life.
After all, the town’s most well-known queen was beheaded by her cousin, plague stalked the slender streets and two notorious inhabitants went about killing folks for the dissection charge they’d accumulate – only for starters!
Throw in a few rides, together with one for these over 1.4m solely, and also you’re assured to depart with your coronary heart racing.
Click right here to purchase tickets and test the newest particular occasions
Find Greyfriars Bobby
You can’t go to Edinburgh with out wandering alongside the Royal Mile – from Holyroodhouse at one finish to Edinburgh Castle on the different, previous a thousand shortbread and memento outlets.
But as you stroll, discuss a small detour in the direction of the Greyfriars Kirkyard to hear the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the canine so well-known for his loyalty that there’s a statue to commemorate him.
As the story goes, he would stroll the streets of the town with his proprietor, evening watchman John – or Auld Jock – till John died and was buried in the churchyard.
Bobby refused to depart the graveside besides as soon as a day, when the One O’Clock gun fired from the fort when he’d eat, till his personal loss of life 14 years later when he was buried close to his grasp.
True? Who can say… but it surely makes a candy story to entertain (and somewhat extra child-friendly than tales of Burke and Hare… until you’re visiting with teenagers, that’s!).
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Take a break between exploring with a relaxation and a story on the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The arts centre has a string of occasions year-round, however there’s additionally an interactive Storywall in the Storytelling Court.
You can discover out extra about Greyfriars Bobby, but in addition another well-known Scottish characters, from Nessie to Wee Willie Winkie, in addition to listening to snatches of Robert Louis Stevenson’s well-known tales.
If you’re impressed to decide up a guide and take it house, there’s a store in the medieval John Knox House – be careful for the dragon’s nest tucked away.
Less than 10 minutes away, take a look at the residing monument at Makars’ Court, the place well-known phrases of nice Scottish writers are inscribed in the flagstones.
Take the hop on hop off bus
If it’s a wet day in Edinburgh otherwise you’re wanting to see the sights with out carrying out small legs, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is all the time on my record of things to do with kids.
You get the standard commentary and it’s all the time a great way to get your bearings, however this specific metropolis sightseeing tour appears particularly effectively designed for getting you between among the metropolis’s largest points of interest too, together with the fort, Holyrood Palace and Dynamic Earth.
You also can discover tickets for 3 completely different Edinburgh bus excursions, together with the City Sightseeing route.
Brave the ghost bus tour
If you’re in search of a bus tour of Edinburgh with a distinction, older kids will love the Comedy Horror Show ghost tour of Edinburgh, a 75-minute journey on a classic double-decker telling darker tales of the town.
From executions and homicide to hauntings, the eerie bus conductor tells takes of the notorious Burke and Hare as you journey the streets of Europe’s most haunted metropolis in the black double-decker.
There’s a big serving to of comedy, in addition to the possibility to see a few of Edinburgh’s key sights in the Old Town and New Town, between terrifying tales of dreadful deeds throughout the centuries.
The bus itself has its personal chilling historical past too. Once belonging to the Necropolis Bus Company, it’s the one survivor of a fireplace which destroyed your complete fleet in 1967…
Check out my assessment of its sister tour, the Ghost Bus Tour of London to get a spine-chilling flavour of the expertise
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
When the solar is shining in Edinburgh, there are many locations to get outside with kids, together with the 70 acres of the town’s Botanical gardens.
Set on a hill above the town, there’s 350 years of historical past in the gardens but it surely’s additionally a stunning inexperienced spot to amble with kids – and for those who simply desire a stroll, it’s free to enter as effectively.
The royal botanic gardens are additionally house to 10 glasshouses, together with a temperate and tropical palmhouse, which home over 3,000 unique crops between them – there an extra charge for tickets for adults, though youngsters aged 15 and beneath go free.
Princes Street Gardens
If you don’t need to enterprise too far out of the town, kids also can play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott Monument – which you’ll pay to climb climb, though with its 287 usually slender and twisty steps, you may want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura as a substitute.
In December, the gardens flip right into a Winter Wonderland together with Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye – good for those who’re spending Christmas in Edinburgh with kids.
The Chocolatarium Tour
Fancy some haggis-inspired chocolate? It’s only one spotlight of this enjoyable tasting and chocolate-making expertise at Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium Tour.
The interactive tour allows you to be taught all of the steps of the method reworking the cacao from its pod to eventual chocolate bar, plus a historical past of chocolate proper via to the most recent innovations.
Along the best way you possibly can style numerous flavours, together with camel milk chocolate, in addition to making your individual, personalised with your favorite flavours.
The entire expertise lasts for 90 minutes, appropriate for kids aged six and above. Beats your common metropolis information tour!
Looking for one more sweet-toothed expertise in Edinburgh? This Royal Mile donut tour of Edinburgh features a string of candy treats – take a look at what we considered the London donut tour
Arthur’s Seat
Venture out of Edinburgh metropolis centre to climb this historic extinct volcano, a incredible Edinburgh viewpoint – Arthur’s Seat itself, 251m above sea degree, is a part of Holyrood Park.
Home to an historic hill fort, in addition to the fifteenth century St Anthony’s Chapel, you possibly can climb up in beneath an hour from Holyrood Palace, though decide good climate.
Legend tells that beneath the rock is a dragon which terrorised the realm, consuming a lot that it fell right into a deep sleep and by no means woke.
Sometimes reality is stranger than fable although, as miniature picket coffins had been found right here, containing picket figures, all carrying completely different garments…
Something to ponder as you drink in Salisbury Crags and the views again down.
Calton Hill
Start on the finish of Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for among the finest views over the town – from right here you possibly can see out to the fort and over to Arthur’s Seat.
Home to the National Monument, meant to be a duplicate of the Parthenon in Athens however by no means completed, it’s additionally the place you’ll discover the large Nelson monument.
At 1pm, the time ball right here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the fort’s One O’Clock gun was added as unhealthy climate meant the ball couldn’t all the time be seen.
Cruise the Firth of Forth
Spot seals and scoff scones, in addition to looking for the three bridges throughout the Forth, on a ship journey aboard the Maid of the Forth or Forth Boat Tours
The 90-minute three bridges sightseeing tour is likely one of the hottest, however there are additionally excursions stopping at Inchcolm Island (working from April via the summer time months) amongst different choices.
Departing from South Queensferry, it’s round a half hour drive (or practice journey and brief stroll) to Hawes Pier. Save a while to discover the gorgeous city (technically a part of the town of Edinburgh). Grab an ice cream and wander alongside the waterfront, go to the free Queensferry Museum or go to the stately Hopetoun House.
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, included in an earlier model of this submit, has since closed
*First printed 2020, final up to date 2025*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH WITH KIDS
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