Edinburgh with Kids: 34 Fun Family Things to Do in 2026 (Free and Paid)

Travelling to Edinburgh with kids is easier than the cobbles and steep closes suggest. Central Edinburgh is compact, so most family attractions are a walk or a short bus ride apart, and many of the best ones cost nothing. There is a castle on a volcano, a hill you can climb before lunch, a free national museum with a gallery just for under-5s, and a sandy beach at Portobello. It is a fun city whether your kids are small or nearly grown.

This guide is written by locals who explore the city with our own kids. We have grouped ideas by area and type, flagged the ages each place suits, and added 2026 prices from official sites so families can plan a budget. For the full picture, see our free attractions in Edinburgh and wet-weather ideas.

Updated 28 October 2026. Prices and opening times checked on each attraction’s official website; they change with the seasons, so confirm when booking.

Family Attractions in Edinburgh at a Glance

Prices are standard 2026 rates for one child; family tickets, where offered, are mentioned in each section.

What’s New for Families in 2026

• The Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile closed on 21 September 2026 for work and is due to reopen around January 2027.
• St Giles’ Cathedral now charges £12 for visitors aged 16+ from outside Scotland; accompanied under-16s go in at no cost.
• The King’s Theatre reopened in August 2026 after a £41m refurbishment, and its panto returns from 28 November.
• At Edinburgh Zoo the penguin parade is postponed because of avian flu, and the lemur walkthrough is closed. The pandas left in 2023.
• The Filmhouse cinema on Lothian Road reopened in June 2025.

Family Activities on the Royal Mile and in the Old Town, Edinburgh

The Royal Mile runs downhill from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is cobbled and busy, so a sturdy buggy or a carrier helps with small children. In August the street fills with Fringe performers, and watching them costs nothing.

Edinburgh Castle

Sitting on an extinct volcano, the castle is the one place most kids ask to see. Inside you can see the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels), the medieval siege gun Mons Meg, the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel and the Prisons of War exhibition in the vaults. The One O’Clock Gun is fired every day except Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day, so time your visit to be on the ramparts at 1pm.

Tickets bought online cost £23.50 for adults and £11.50 for children aged 7–15 (£26 and £13 at the gate). Under-7s go free, and under-16s must be with an adult. There is no family ticket, so book online to save. An audio guide costs £4, and Young Scot card holders pay £1. See our Harry Potter guide to Edinburgh if your kids are fans; Victoria Street is just below the castle.

Where & when: Castlehill, EH1 2NG · opens 9.30am; last entry 4pm Oct–Mar, 5pm Apr–Sep

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Several floors of optical tricks, magic mirrors and a spinning vortex tunnel, topped by the rooftop camera that Maria Short brought to Castlehill in 1853. It is great fun at any age and works well when it rains.

Prices change by date and time slot and are cheapest online, so check when booking. Under-5s go free but still need a ticket. From 1 November it opens at 9am or 9.30am.

Where & when: 549 Castlehill, EH1 2ND · open daily

The Real Mary King’s Close

A guided tour of preserved 17th-century streets beneath the city, led by a costumed character guide who tells the real stories of the people who lived there. Tours last about an hour and leave every 10 minutes or so.

The standard ticket is £28.50 for adults and £21 for children aged 5–15; the Essential tour is £25 and £18. Under-5s are not admitted, and children must be with an adult. Book ahead in the school holidays.

Where & when: 2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, EH1 1PG

Scottish Storytelling Centre & John Knox House

The world’s first purpose-built centre for live storytelling runs storytelling, theatre, music and workshops all year, with plenty for little ones. Next door, John Knox House dates from 1470 and has an exhibition on the Scottish Reformation. The Haggis Box café is a handy stop on the Royal Mile.

John Knox House is closed from 9 to 27 November 2026 for renovation, but the centre and café stay open.

Where & when: 43–45 High Street, EH1 1SR · daily 10am–6pm

Greyfriars Bobby & Greyfriars Kirk

At the top of Candlemaker Row stands the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier whose story of loyalty has been retold in books and films. Kids love a photo with him, but please do not rub his nose; the bronze is wearing away. The kirk behind is free to visit, with donations welcome. Bobby’s collar and bowl are on display at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Where & when: Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QQ

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Live actors, theatrical sets and rides bring the darkest side of Edinburgh’s history to life underground (the Drop Ride is currently closed). It is loud and jumpy, so it is best for older kids: the Dungeon recommends it for ages 8+, does not admit children aged 5 and under, and under-16s must be with an adult aged 18 or over.

Tickets start from £19 per adult when booked in advance online.

Where & when: Market Street, near Waverley

Free Museums in Edinburgh for Kids

Edinburgh’s best museums for children charge no admission, which makes them a great fallback when the weather turns; families can drop in for just an hour.

National Museum of Scotland

The top family attraction in Edinburgh, and it is free. Under-5s have their own Imagine gallery on Level 1, and next door the Explore gallery has interactive exhibits on science, nature and design. Elsewhere you will find natural history, world cultures and Dolly the sheep, on display in the Science and Technology galleries since 2003. Do not miss the Millennium Clock in the Grand Gallery.

Only some special exhibitions charge. Find more ideas in our guide to museums in Edinburgh.

Where & when: Chambers Street, EH1 1JF · daily 10am–5pm

Museum on the Mound

A small museum about money inside the Bank of Scotland headquarters. Kids can see a million pounds and Scotland’s oldest banknote, and try to crack a safe. It is free, and cracking the safe is a hit with older kids.

Where & when: The Mound, EH1 1YZ · Tue–Sat 1pm–5pm (last entry 4.45pm)

Museum of Edinburgh

The city’s own history museum, with a maze-like 16th-century interior on the Canongate. Kids can see Greyfriars Bobby’s collar and bowl, and the family exhibition ‘Imagine if…’ runs until 10 January 2027. Entry is free.

Where & when: Canongate, EH8 8DD · Wed–Sun 10am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

Surgeons’ Hall Museums

One for curious teenagers. Anatomy specimens, surgical tools and the story of medicine in Edinburgh are fascinating but graphic, so the museum recommends it for ages 10+. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5.50 for children aged 5–15, and £25 for a family.

Where & when: Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW

Holyrood, Hills and Viewpoints

Edinburgh was built on extinct volcanoes, so even small legs can reach a summit with a view.

Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park

The 251-metre summit in Holyrood Park takes about 45 minutes from the Parliament end. With younger kids, start near Dunsapie Loch for the shortest climb, or stay low and follow the path past St Anthony’s Chapel. The park is free and open all the time. Wear good shoes and take care near the crags.

Where & when: Holyrood Park, EH8 8HG

Calton Hill & the Nelson Monument

A short climb from Waterloo Place gives a view over the city and the Firth of Forth, perfect for little legs. Climb the Nelson Monument to watch the time ball drop as the One O’Clock Gun fires from the castle. Entry is £7.50, concessions £6.50 and a family ticket £23.

Where & when: Calton Hill, EH7 5AA · Nelson Monument daily 10am–3.30pm

Dynamic Earth

A science centre and planetarium under Salisbury Crags, Dynamic Earth tells the story of our planet with interactive displays and full-dome shows. Online tickets are £23 for adults and £15 for children aged 4–15 (walk-up £24.50 and £16.50). Under-4s go free, and every ticket works as a 12-month pass.

Where & when: Holyrood Road (part of the road has roadworks; follow the diversion signs)

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The King’s official residence in Scotland, at the foot of the Royal Mile. Families can explore the palace, the ruined abbey and the Palace Garden with the multimedia guide. Tickets bought in advance are £22 for adults and £11 for children aged 5–17 (£26 and £13 on the day). Under-5s go free, and tickets convert into a 1-Year Pass.

Christmas at the Palace runs from 19 November 2026 to 4 January 2027.

Where & when: Canongate, EH8 8DX

Scottish Parliament

Across the road from the palace, the Parliament is open to visitors all year, and on certain days there are free guided tours. It is a quick, free stop to tie in with Dynamic Earth or Arthur’s Seat.

Where & when: Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP

Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces in Edinburgh

When kids need to burn off energy, the city’s green spaces are free, fun and close at hand. More in our guides to parks in Edinburgh and gardens in Edinburgh.

Princes Street Gardens

Right below the castle, the gardens have lawns for picnics, the Ross Fountain and the best views of the castle rock. Read our full Princes Street Gardens guide.

Where & when: Princes Street, EH2 2HG

Scott Monument

The Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott has viewing platforms high above Princes Street. Tickets are £9 for adults, £7 for concessions and £26 for a family. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes. It can close in high winds.

Where & when: East Princes Street Gardens · daily 10am–5pm

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Botanics are free to enter, with open lawns, a Chinese hillside and a rock garden. The Palm Houses have reopened as a ticketed attraction; the other glasshouses are shut during restoration. The garden opens at 10am and closes at 4pm in November and January, 3.30pm in December and 5pm from February to October. Inverleith Park across the road has a pond and plenty of space to run.

Where & when: Arboretum Place / Inverleith Row, EH3 5LR

Water of Leith Walkway & Dean Village

The 13-mile Water of Leith Walkway runs through the city. With little legs, walk the stretch from Dean Village to Stockbridge and finish with a snack there. Near the coast, Starbank Park has views over the Firth of Forth.

Where & when: Dean Village, EH4

Edinburgh Zoo

A fun day out in west Edinburgh, on Corstorphine Road, that families and animal lovers can easily fill.

Edinburgh Zoo

Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the zoo has koalas, giraffes at the top of the hill, chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail and a big penguin colony. There are three playgrounds: by the Budongo Trail, by the penguins and next to the dinosaur exhibition. The Penguins café sells lunch boxes for kids, and Rockhopper serves ice cream.

Tickets are £30 for adults, £22.50 for children aged 3–15 and £27 for concessions; booking online saves around 10%. Under-3s go free but need a ticket. The site is on a steep hill, so bring a sling or sturdy buggy, and parking is very limited, so take the bus if you can. The penguin parade is postponed because of avian flu, and the lemur walkthrough is closed.

Where & when: Corstorphine Road, west Edinburgh · 10am–4pm Nov–Feb, 5pm Mar & Oct, 6pm Apr–Sep; last entry 1 hour before closing; closed 25 Dec

Beaches and the Coast Near Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a seaside city, and a beach day is one of the cheapest family days out. See our Edinburgh beaches guide for more.

Portobello Beach

A long, sandy beach with a promenade, cafés and a long seafront, reached by bus from central Edinburgh. It is busy on sunny weekends, so arrive early.

Where & when: Portobello Promenade, EH15

Cramond Beach & Cramond Island

At low tide you can walk across the causeway to Cramond Island. Only cross at the published safe crossing times: text CRAMOND to 81400 or check the signs at the causeway, because the tide comes in fast. The beach and the village are lovely for a walk even if you do not cross.

Where & when: Cramond, EH4

South Queensferry & Maid of the Forth

A pretty town under the three Forth bridges. From Hawes Pier, the Maid of the Forth runs a 90-minute cruise under all three bridges towards Inchcolm Island. Tickets are £18 for adults and £10.50 for children aged 5–15; under-5s go free. More in our guide to things to do in South Queensferry.

Where & when: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry

Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht is moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith. Kids can stand on the Bridge, explore the Crew’s Quarters and peer into the gleaming Engine Room. Tickets are £23 online (£25 at the door), £11.50 for children aged 7–15, and under-7s go free. In November and December, last entry is 3pm.

Where & when: Second floor of Ocean Terminal, Leith · tram and buses stop outside

Family Days Out Around Edinburgh

A short bus or car ride from central Edinburgh gets you to castles, farms and an artificial ski slope, with outdoor activities in every season.

Craigmillar Castle

Kids can climb one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses, find the great hall and a prison, and enjoy the views across Edinburgh. It is quieter than Edinburgh Castle. Online tickets are £7.50 for adults, £4.50 for children aged 7–15 and £6 for concessions (£8.50, £5 and £6.80 at the gate). Young Scot card holders pay £1.

Where & when: Craigmillar, south-east Edinburgh · 9.30am–5pm Apr–Sep, 10am–4pm Oct–Mar; closed 25–28 Dec and 1–4 Jan

Lauriston Castle

A 16th-century tower house above the Firth of Forth, with gardens that are free to enter all year. The castle itself is visited on booked guided tours, and the events programme includes family activities. It is a good stop with Cramond nearby.

Where & when: Near Cramond, north-west Edinburgh

Craigie’s Farm

A working farm west of the city with an indoor and outdoor Playbarn, an animal shed, a café and a farm shop. Pick-your-own runs in summer, and there is a pumpkin festival in October. Little Farmers Playbarn tickets can be booked online.

Where & when: West of Edinburgh, near South Queensferry

Midlothian Snowsports Centre

Just south of the city at Hillend, the dry ski slope offers 45-minute tubing sessions from Friday to Sunday and on some school holiday dates. Riders must be at least 4 and 1m tall. Since August 2026, prices are £13 for adults and £10.50 for juniors aged 4–17. Book online.

Where & when: Hillend, on the southern edge of the city

Indoor Activities for Kids When It Rains in Edinburgh

Scottish weather can change fast. These are our go-to indoor activities for a wet afternoon, alongside the free museums above.

The Chocolatarium

A 90-minute tour about chocolate, with plenty of tasting and the chance to make your own bar. It runs daily but sells out, so book ahead. Read our Chocolatarium review.

Where & when: 3–5 Cranston Street, EH8 8BE

Chocolate Cafés

Coro Chocolate Café is a chocolate café in the New Town, handy for a warming treat after Princes Street Gardens. It is open every day from 10am to 10pm.

Where & when: Coro: 13 Frederick Street, EH2 2EY

Theatre, Panto and Cinema

The King’s Theatre reopened on 1 August 2026, and its panto, The Adventures of Pinocchio, runs from 28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The Festival Theatre stages Cinders! from 11 to 24 December. The Filmhouse on Lothian Road shows family films. In August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe includes plenty of shows for kids.

Where & when: King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street; Festival Theatre, 13–29 Nicolson Street; Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road

Things to Do in Edinburgh with Teenagers

Teenagers often prefer active, hands-on activities. These are good bets once they have had enough museums.

Alien Rock

Edinburgh’s indoor climbing centre in Newhaven has been open since 1994, with up to 200 routes. It has taster sessions, courses, birthday parties and a regular kids’ club for young climbers who catch the bug.

Where & when: Newhaven, Edinburgh

Murrayfield Ice Arena

Skating is a fun winter activity, and public sessions run every day. Entry is £12 for ages 5 and over, under-5s go free, and skate hire costs £4. There is a free car park.

Where & when: Murrayfield, west Edinburgh

Gravity Active Edinburgh

A fun trampoline park at Fountain Park, with 60-, 90- and 120-minute open jump sessions and special sessions for toddlers.

Where & when: Unit 6, Fountain Park, 130 Dundee Street, EH11 1AF

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Edinburgh

Most Edinburgh restaurants welcome kids. These are places we know have kids’ menus. See our guides to Edinburgh restaurants and what to eat in Edinburgh.

Kid-Friendly Places to Eat

Vittoria on the Walk on Leith Walk is an Italian restaurant with a kids’ menu, and on Sundays children’s meals are £1 with an adult à la carte main.

Loudons at Fountainbridge has a kids’ menu.

Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge has a Scallie’s menu for under-12s.

Mary’s Milk Bar at 19 Grassmarket makes gelato with a view of the castle. It is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 7.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 7pm.

Where & when: Leith Walk, Fountainbridge, Stockbridge and Grassmarket

Tips for Visiting Edinburgh with Young Kids

• Book timed tickets online. Edinburgh Castle, Dynamic Earth and the zoo are cheaper online, and the Real Mary King’s Close and the Chocolatarium sell out at busy times.
• Mix paid and free. A morning at the castle and an afternoon in the National Museum keeps the cost down.
• Walk short hops, then use buses and trams. Lothian buses and Edinburgh Trams cover most attractions; check the operators’ sites for current fares for children.
• Bring a carrier for the youngest. The Old Town is hilly and cobbled, with lots of steps.
• Pack layers and waterproofs, even in summer, because the weather can change fast.
• Have a wet-weather plan: the National Museum, Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura, the Chocolatarium and soft play are all indoors.
• For a quieter break, visit outside August, when the festivals bring the biggest crowds. Our Edinburgh in autumn guide has seasonal ideas.

Any questions or comments?
Let us know below.

This guide was written by Everything Edinburgh and Robin McKelvie.

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.