Edinburgh has a whole host of family-friendly attractions and things to do. Parks for play time, beaches to bathe at, castles to explore and a few more modern surprises making it a great city to visit regardless of your age. From interesting history to gory horror, outdoor adventures to family-friendly restaurants, this guide details the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
Updated: September 2026
| Activity | Type | Area | Cost | Best Ages | Postcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | Historic site | Old Town | Adult £23.50, Child £14 | All ages | EH1 2NG |
| National Museum of Scotland | Museum | Old Town | Free | All ages | EH1 1JF |
| Camera Obscura & World of Illusions | Attraction | Old Town | Adult £24.95, Child £17.95 | 5+ | EH1 2ND |
| Real Mary King’s Close | Underground tour | Old Town | Adult from £25, Child from £18 | 5+ | EH1 1PJ |
| Dynamic Earth | Science centre | Holyrood | Adult £23, Child £15 | 4+ | EH8 8AS |
| Edinburgh Zoo | Zoo | Corstorphine | Adult £30, Child £20.60 | All ages | EH12 6TS |
| Royal Mile free acts | Street entertainment | Old Town | Free | All ages | EH1 |
| Greyfriars Bobby | Statue/photo | Old Town | Free | All ages | EH1 2RH |
| Harry Potter Trail | Walking trail | Old Town | Free | All ages | EH1 |
| Arthur’s Seat | Hike | Holyrood | Free | 6+ | EH8 8AS |
| Calton Hill | Hike | New Town | Free | All ages | EH7 5AA |
| Princes Street Gardens | Park | New Town | Free | All ages | EH2 2HG |
| Scott Monument | Climb | New Town | Adult £9, Child £7 | 6+ | EH2 2DU |
| Craigmillar Castle | Ruins | Southside | Adult £8.50, Child £5 | All ages | EH16 4SY |
| Edinburgh Dungeons | Attraction | Old Town | Adult from £19.50 | 8+ | EH1 1PE |
| Portobello Beach | Beach | Portobello | Free | All ages | EH15 1 |
| Cramond Beach | Beach | Cramond | Free | All ages | EH4 6 |
| South Queensferry | Day trip | West Edinburgh | Free (walks) | All ages | EH30 |
| Coro Chocolate Cafe | Dessert cafe | New Town | ~£10-15pp | All ages | EH2 2EY |
| Turtledove Play Cafe | Play cafe | Stockbridge | Child from £5 | 0-4 | EH4 5BQ |
Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids.
1. Edinburgh Castle With Kids
Edinburgh Castle is not only essential for understanding the history of Edinburgh, but it is absolutely brilliant for families.
Eking through all the nooks and crannies is like one giant history lesson but much more fun than school.
Highlights include the Scottish Crown Jewels and the mystical Stone of Destiny.
Adding a splash of colour are actors in period garb.
Bang on one o’clock, the famous gun salute sorts out the locals from visitors.
Beware!
Edinburgh Castle is not cheap!
2026 prices: Adult (16–64) £23.50 online / £26 at the gate. Child (7–15) £14 online. Family (2 adults + 2 children) £67.50 online. Under-7s free. Book online to save £2.50 per adult and guarantee entry – tickets often sell out in summer.
Regardless, we try to take our two wee girls there every year and always find something new or a different spin on things.
→ Pro tip: Buy a Historic Scotland pass; you’ll recoup the investment by visiting a few sights around the city/country.
Bring a picnic to save money, though we thoroughly recommend investing in one of their scones!
2. Enjoy the Free Acts on The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is around about 1.81km, starting at Edinburgh Castle and running all the way down to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood Park.
All year round, there are free acts, including magicians, musicians, artists and bagpipers, who you can tip if you enjoy.
The Royal Mile show really ramps up in August when the Edinburgh Festival Fringe kicks off the world’s biggest arts festival!
3. Check Out the Heart of Midlothian
Historically, locals used to spit in this spot outside of St Giles Cathedral.
Why?
Well, it depends on who you believe.
Some say it was in protest against local taxation, while others will tell you it was to show dislike for the building that used to stand there, the Old Tolbooth Prison, or the people in it.
Price: Free
4. Rub Hume’s Toe
There are quite a few unusual things to do in Edinburgh!
Rub the statue of the philosopher David Hume’s toe for luck, as many of Edinburgh’s students do.
It hangs over the edge, so it’s hard not to give it a wee clean!
It’s maybe worth sanitising your hands after you’ve touched it!
Price: Free
5. The National Museum – Explore the Mother of all Museums
The National Museum is the best of all of Edinburgh’s museums, which you can read about in this guide to museums.
The grand old Victorian original (complete with an awe-inspiring central atrium) has been joined at the hip with a sleek modern sandstone extension.
They combine to sweep you and your kids on quite a journey.
You can explore the story of Scotland from prehistoric times to the present day.
Or just check out whale skeletons and model ships.
This is no staid museum with loads of things to press and play with.
→ Secret local tip – A wee secret is a playroom for younger kids hidden behind the otherworldly Millennium Clock.
Entrance is free. A fantastic option for a rainy day!
6. Other Museums For Kids in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a huge variety of museums. The following have options for kids, too:
- Children’s Museum
- Museum of Edinburgh (Huntly House Museum)
- Museum on the Mound (Money Museum)
- Surgeons’ Hall (Medical Museum)
Read next: Top 10 museums in Edinburgh.
7. Get a Selfie with Greyfriars Bobby
Bobby was a very loyal Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave at Greyfriars Kirk until his death in 1872.
The fluff was given a statue on George IV Bridge to celebrate this Edinburgh mascot.
Edinburgh’s wee dug’s nose is a little discoloured from tourists rubbing it.
Get a selfie with his snout instead!
Greyfriars Bobby is also Everything Edinburgh’s logo.
Price: Free
8. Harry Potter Trail
Did you know She Who Cannot Be Named’s popular books were written in this fine city?
Many of the locations dreamed up have been inspired by Edinburgh landmarks and attractions.
Your Harry Potter Bucket
- Take a selfie at Diagon Alley (Victoria Street)
- Check out the real Hogwarts at George Heriots
- Work out the character names on the gravestones of Greyfriars Kirk
- Look at the toilets of the Elephant Cafe
Price: Free with the exception of cafe items
Read next | Harry Potter locations fans can’t miss in Edinburgh
9. Tell Them a Story at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
If your children like nothing better than a good story, give yourself a break and let someone else do the honours at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Tucked on the deeply historic Royal Mile, you can stroll in and check out the storytelling exhibits, read the tall tales, and try on a few costumes.
I recommend looking at their website in advance as they have all sorts of events.
Many of these are free.
All of them are fun and engaging.
We love their borrowed Scots motto – “The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart”.
Price: Free, additional cost for some shows and exhibitions
10. Journey to the Centre of the Earth at Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth is a must for kids wondering how things work and how the world around them is formed.
This sail-like, striking modern building echoes the Sydney Opera House – its architecture is fascinating.
Once inside, myriad exhibits sweep you through volcanoes and glaciers, from the formation of the earth to the present day.
Scotland’s largest interactive visitor attraction is the place to head if you struggle to answer your kids’ tricky questions on the Big Bang.
A welcoming café is on hand, too.
2026 prices: Adult Annual Pass from £23 online (includes 12 months unlimited visits). Child (4–15) £15 online. Under-4s free. Planetarium-only tickets from £8. Address: Holyrood Road, EH8 8AS.
11. Urban Hikes With Kids in Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill is a tale of two hills – and one is a volcano!
Can you guess which?
If you’re new to Edinburgh or just want to remember what a fantastic city it is, stroll up Calton Hill at the eastern end of Princess Street.
Kids love the National Monument’s 12 pillars for climbing, too.
Or hike up rugged Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park.
From both these lofty vantage points, the city of Robert the Bruce and Sir Walter Scott, Greyfriars Bobby and Harry Potter, spreads out in front of you between hill and river.
Both Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill are ideal spots to point out all the places you will visit and let your wee ones help plan all the fun things you’ll discover together.
There is a coffee stand, modest museum and flash restaurant on Calton Hill, too.
Edinburgh is actually the city built on Seven Hills, so if your clan are walkers there are plenty of options.
Edinburgh’s Seven Hills
- Arthur’s Seat (and Salisbury Crags)
- Castle Rock
- Calton Hill
- Corstorphine Hill
- Braid Hill
- Blackford Hill
- Craiglockhart Hill
Price: Free
12. Princes Street Gardens
The spiritual green heart of Edinburgh.
Savouring sandwiches on the benches here is part of any Edinburgh childhood.
Follow the local example and take a pew.
I recommend West Princes Street Gardens as the castle looms right up in front of you, and there is a free children’s playground.
Next to it is a café selling ice cream too.
Beware the local squirrels, as they can be a wee bit too keen to share your sandwiches!
Look out for live music events at the nearby Ross Bandstand, including free lunchtime concerts in summer.
Price: Free
13. Climb Scott Monument
While in the Gardens, you might want to take advantage of the Scott Monument steps!
Located at the east of the park, you can climb the 287 steps for a view of the city.
14. Take it to the River
Most first-time Edinburgh visitors leave without realising the city has a river running through its heart!
Well, it does – the Water of Leith.
And handily, you can wander along its banks.
A family favourite of ours is a visit to the (free) National Gallery of Modern Art followed by a wander along the river’s surprisingly bucolic banks downstream towards Stockbridge.
As you ease along, you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of greenery and will come across tweeting birds as your stress drifts away and the kids run around.
You pop up like a submarine in Stockbridge, where a sprinkling of places to eat awaits.
Price: Free (river walk)
→ Read also: Free things to do in Edinburgh.
15. Craigmillar Castle
If you prefer a rough, rugged, ready history, spend the morning at Craigmaillar Castle.
A world away from its slick city centre sibling, this hideaway a few miles south is a proper ruin.
Here, kids can ramble around, checking out all the nooks and crannies and playing out all their prince and princess fantasies.
Lovely at any time of year, it really comes into its own in autumn when you can kick around in the swathes of leaves.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of space on your phone or camera, as there are also great views from the ramparts.
You can pick up a fact-finding quiz to learn as you go and have a wee souvenir.
16. Edinburgh Dungeons
Edinburgh is packed with underground activities such as spooky tours of Mary King’s Close or historical tours of The Vaults, which may be suitable for older children.
However, a fun way to learn about Edinburgh’s gory history is to tour the Dungeons.
17. See A Show
There are several theatres and independent cinemas around the city.
Check out the Dominion, Edinburgh Filmhouse or the Cameo for their PG screenings.
Look out for musicals and plays at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Kings Theatre Edinburgh and Usher Hall.
Visiting in winter?
A trip to the theatre to see pantomime is a must.
A real Scottish Christmas tradition.
Oh no, it isn’t! Oh yes, it is!
18. Baby Loves Disco
If your babe loves to move, find your nearest kid-friendly dance floor in Edinburgh here.
19. The Chocolate Cafe
OK, this activity is not just for children; big kids like Coro The Chocolate Cafe (13 Frederick Street), too.
Centrally located just off Princes Street, Coro is a late-night cafe specialising in exceptionally good desserts.
Build a crepe, pile up a waffle or enjoy a milkshake at this lesser-known child-friendly cafe in Edinburgh.
Address:
You may also like our guides on what to eat in Edinburgh and which restaurants to visit.
Love chocolate?
What about learning where it comes from and how to make it at The Chocolatarium?
Read our review.
20. Turtledove Play Cafe
Enjoy a coffee while the little ones are great creative at Turtledove Play Cafe (31 Corbiehill Rd).
The cafe has a variety of toys and puts on a schedule of events, such as mindfulness classes for kids.
21. Beaches in Edinburgh
Did you know that both beaches in the city are easily accessible from Leith?
At the bottom of Leith Walk, drive right for Portobello Beach and left for Cramond Beach.
Cramond has a unique tidal walk to Cramond Island; find out more in our beach guide.
22. South Queensferry
This deeply special royal burgh is just within the City of Edinburgh.
This waterfront suburb of South Queensferry is surrounded by a green belt on three sides and sports the River Forth on its northern fringes.
The walks around the Hopetoun, Dalmeny and Dundas estates are great.
Here lie the famous trio of bridges across the Forth, too.
I recommend boat trips to see them at their most impressive on Maid of the Forth.
Look out for seals and enjoy a scone!
The wee cobbled High Street is essential for a stroll and an ice cream – my girls insist the Wee Parlour has the best!
Get to this town by Lothian Country bus 43 or train to Dalmeny, although the walk from the train station to the high street might be a little much for very young ones.
You may also like this guide on things to do in South Queensferry.
23. Pick Fruit
Picking fruit is a very fond childhood memory of Everything Edinburgh.
You can take the family to pack your punnets close to the city at Craigie’s Farm.
They have a lovely farm shop too.
24. Take a Train Ride
As the saying goes, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey, and a train ride is always a hit with younger kids.
Big windows, bridges and a toot-toot horn, what’s not to be amazed at?
Go one train stop further than South Queensferry (Dalmeny) to the Kingdom of Fife to travel over the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If transport is your kid’s thing, don’t forget the Edinburgh tram.
25. Things to Do in Edinburgh For Teenagers
Teens can be a little trickier to please!
In addition to the above check out the following for your older clan members:
- Alien Rock – Indoor climbing – 8 Pier Place, Newhaven
- Murrayfield Ice Rink – Indoor ice skating – Riversdale Crescent, Edinburgh
- Gravity – Indoor trampoline park – 6 Fountain Park
- Midlothian Snow Centre – Dry slopes, tubing, and alpine ride- Biggar Road
- Shopping – St James Quarter or Fort Kinnaird
- Walk tours! Ghouls, Harry Potter and history
More Family Activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the top family attractions in the city, set on 80 acres of parkland on Corstorphine Hill. Home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals including giant pandas, penguins, tigers and koalas, it keeps children of all ages entertained for a full day.
The daily penguin parade is a particular highlight – watch the Humboldt penguins waddle along the hillside with keepers. The Routes to Russia enclosure recreates habitats from Scotland to the Far East in one immersive walkthrough. There is also a soft play area for younger children and regular animal talks throughout the day.
Address: 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS. 2026 prices: Adult £30 online, Child (3–15) £20.60, Under 3 free. Parking £5. Open daily 10am–6pm (Apr–Sep), 10am–4pm (Nov–Feb). Closed Christmas Day.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Sitting right on the Royal Mile at Castlehill, Camera Obscura is a six-floor attraction that delights children and adults alike. The original Victorian Camera Obscura projects a live, moving image of the city onto a table in a darkened room – a magical moment for kids. The other five floors are packed with optical illusions, holograms, a mirror maze and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over Edinburgh.
Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, EH1 2ND. 2026 prices: Adult £24.95, Child (5–15) £17.95, Under 5s free. Open 365 days a year. Early-bird slots before 9am get £4 off.
Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, Real Mary King’s Close is a preserved 17th-century underground street where families can follow a character guide through the rooms and stories of the people who once lived there. Children learn about plague doctors, ghostly pipers and everyday life in old Edinburgh through an immersive, age-appropriate experience.
Tours last 60–75 minutes and run every 20–30 minutes. The gift shop on the Royal Mile is free to enter. Note: children under 5 are not permitted on the tour for safety reasons; the content is best suited to ages 8 and above.
Address: 2–18 High Street (entrance on High Street), EH1 1PJ. 2026 prices: Adult from £25 (Essential) / £28.50 (Standard), Child (5–15) from £18 / £21. No under-5s. Open daily 9am–9pm (Sep–Oct).
26. Child-Friendly Restaurants in Edinburgh
Here’s a list of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh recommended by friends, family and followers:
- Vittoria – 113 Brunswick Street or 19 George IV Bridge
- Fazenda – 102 George Street (great for groups too)
- Loudons – 2 Sibbald Walk
- The City Cafe – 19 Blair Street (older kids)
- Filling Station – Royal Mile
- Mary’s Milk Bar (Ice cream) – 19 Grassmarket
- Chapter One (vegan) – 107 Dalry Road
- Scran and Scallie – 1 Comely Bank Road
- Guild of Foresters Portobello – 36-40 Portobello High Street
You may also like: Edinburgh restaurant guide.
27. Children’s Gardens and Parks in Edinburgh
- Princes Street Gardens
- St Andrews Square
- Holyrood Park (Arthurs Seat)
- The Meadows
- Deaconess Garden
- Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
- Starbank Gardens
- Leith Links
- Inverleith Park
- Lauriston Castle
Read next: Our guide to gardens and a post about parks in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to bring children to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh works well for every age group. Toddlers enjoy the playgrounds in Princes Street Gardens and the soft play at Turtledove. Children aged 5–12 love Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura and the Harry Potter trail. Teenagers tend to enjoy the Dungeons, Arthur’s Seat hikes and the underground tours. The National Museum of Scotland has a dedicated children’s playroom behind the Millennium Clock that suits all ages.
What free activities are there for kids in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is unusually generous with free family attractions. The National Museum of Scotland, Princes Street Gardens, Greyfriars Bobby, the Harry Potter trail along Victoria Street, Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, Cramond Beach and Portobello Beach all cost nothing. The Royal Mile buskers are free to watch year-round and especially lively during the Fringe in August.
What should we do in Edinburgh with kids on a rainy day?
The National Museum of Scotland is the top rainy-day pick – it is entirely indoors, free, and has interactive galleries plus a hidden playroom. Dynamic Earth is another all-weather option with its planetarium and science exhibits. Camera Obscura, the Edinburgh Dungeons and the Scottish Storytelling Centre all work well when the weather turns. Indoor soft play at Turtledove Play Cafe suits the under-5s.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh with a family?
Three to four days is the sweet spot for a family visit. That gives you one day for the Old Town (Castle, Royal Mile, museums), one day for Holyrood (Dynamic Earth, Arthur’s Seat or Holyrood Park), one day for the west side (Edinburgh Zoo or Stockbridge) and a day for a beach trip to Portobello or South Queensferry. If you have five days, add a day trip by train over the Forth Bridge to North Queensferry or the Kelpies at Falkirk.
Is Edinburgh Zoo worth it with young children?
Yes. Edinburgh Zoo is one of the best UK zoos for families. The site is hilly, so bring a buggy for toddlers or be prepared to carry them. The penguin parade, Routes to Russia walkthrough and the soft play area keep younger children engaged, while older kids enjoy the tiger enclosure and animal talks. Allow a full day. Parking costs £5, so consider the bus (Lothian Bus 12 from the city centre) to save on top of the admission price.
Any questions or comments?
Let us know below.
This guide was written by Everything Edinburgh and Robin McKelive.
Robin McKelvie is an Edinburgh-based travel writer, broadcaster and blogger. He writes for newspapers, magazines and websites across the world and also writes travel guidebooks. He also talks travel regularly for the BBC.
Edingburgh is Great
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