26 Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids (Free Options)

Lauriston Gardens and kid playing

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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. 

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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.

Castle From The Vennel Edinburgh_

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! 

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!

Young girl at Edinburgh Castle Guns

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!

Piper Royal Mile Edinburgh_

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

Heart of Midlothian Royal Mile Edinburgh

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

Humes Toe Edinburgh Royal Mile Edinburgh

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!

National Museum Scotland Edinburgh

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.

Childhood Museum 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

Greyfriars Bobby Statue Edinburgh

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

Harry Potter Figure at Victoria Street 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

Tolbooth House Museum Edinburgh

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.

Holyrood Park Arthurs Seat Edinburgh Nature Hike

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. 

St Anthonys Chapel Holyrood Park Edinburgh Views

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

Arthurs Seat Edinburgh Walk Park

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

Princes Street Gardens Cafe Scott Monument

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.

Scott Monument Edinburgh New Town Piper Princes Street Gardens_

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.

Leith Shore

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.

young girl running blue skies over Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh

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.

The Edinburgh Dungeons Tour_

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!

Seat 47 circle views Beauty and the Beast poster Edinburgh Playhouse theatre

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.

Portobello Beach Cafes People _

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.

Two young girls pointing at Forth Rail Bridge South Queensferry

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!

Scone South Queensferry

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.

Colourful buildings on South Queensferry high street

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.

Strawberries on Pancakes Food_

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?

ScotRail train

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.

Red Forth Rail Bridge over blue ocean Firth of Forth

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
Transgression Park Boardwalk Ocean Terminal Christmas Lights

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 likeEdinburgh restaurant guide.

Mary Milk Bar Food Grassmarket Edinburgh

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.

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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.

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