17 Awesome Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids

Heading to Scotland’s most beautiful city, Edinburgh, with kids?

Edinburgh was our first stop on our 2-month Northern Europe trip with our two kids; 12 and 4 years old.

Having visited Edinburgh with two different age ranges (pre-teen and a soon-to-be-kindergartener) I found that there are many great things to do in Edinburgh as a family.

There were a few things in Edinburgh that were a blast for our older one, but that my youngest was still too little for.

I’m going to give you a breakdown of:

• The family-friendly secrets to Edinburgh
• The best things to do with kids
• The age group they’re best for

Overall, I recommend setting aside 2-3 days in Edinburgh on your Scotland itinerary with kids.

So, let’s get to it – Edinburgh with kids!

BEST Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids

1. Walk the Royal Mile

Best for: All ages

A trip to Edinburgh is completely incomplete without walking along the beautiful streets of the Royal Mile.

A big part of enjoying Edinburgh is just walking around and exploring the old city. There are many Scottish souvenir shops.

Although old town Edinburgh quite busy with many tourists, year-round, it is such a beautiful city that is worth it to just walk around, taking it in.

The Royal Mile consists of 5 streets in total:

• High Street (the one directly in front of Edinburgh castle)
• Castle Hill
• Lawnmarket
• Canongate
• Abbey Strand

In addition, there are several ‘closes’ that you can check out in the Royal Mile. Some of the closes have hidden gems.

We loved hanging out in Dunbar Close Gardens. There were still people in there, but it was much quieter than the hustle and bustle of High Street.

In addition, don’t miss Victoria street – the most photographed street in Scotland. It’s not technically apart of the Royal Mile, but its close by.

This is where you’ll find the Museum Context Harry Potter store!

2. Stop inside St Giles’ Cathedral

Best for: Any age

St. Giles Cathedral is right on High Street (apart of the Royal Mile) and is over 900 years old.

I know that a cathedral isn’t usually the first thing you think of doing with kids, but we were really happy to stop in here, and take a break.

There are many chairs to sit down on, and it was nice to just take it slow for a little bit.

My older daughter loved looking at all the detail in the cathedral (I think she’s starting to appreciate old buildings) and we also bought something from the gift shop. The ladies working in there were so kind to our kids.

Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to their continued efforts to preserve the building.

3. Do a Harry Potter Tour

Best for: Older kids

A Harry Potter Tour was at the top of our list for things to do in Edinburgh, as my 12-year-old has read the books, seen the movies, and is a big fan.

The Potter Tour and Potter Trail are free of charge, but they hope for donations of around 20 pounds. Both of these two tours only permit children over the age of 7 (but there are others that permit all ages.)

My 12-year-old and I really loved the tour with the PotterTrail. She was the youngest person there, this tour in particular seemed to be more popular with adults.

Upon doing some research, I found that there are Harry Potter Tours that permit all ages and might be better suited to younger kids as well:

• An all-ages Harry Potter Tour here (2 hours long, and $20 USD per person)

We decided to go with the Potter Trail, but you can’t go wrong with any of the options as long as everyone is over the age of 7.

Pro Tip: If you have kids that are Harry Potter fans, you should head to the Harry Potter store – it’s called Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise, and it’s right in the heart of Edinburgh. Its a very cute little store, but there was a line up to get in (and this was in early May.) So just prepare for that at peak times.

4. Play in parks and playgrounds

Best for: All ages

One of the nice things about Edinburgh is all the lovely green space they have – so many parks, gardens and playgrounds.

• Princess Street Gardens -Has a gorgeous view of the Edinburgh Castle, has a fountain, gardens, lots of benches to sit down on
• The Meadows – Just south of the university, slightly further from downtown than Princess Street gardens. has a playground, lots of cherry blossoms in the spring. My husband brought our 4 year old here
• Dr. Neil’s Garden – beautiful botanical garden, just south of Arthur’s Seat
• Inverleith Park – a playground located inside Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, has some really unique play structures

5. Learn about science at Dynamic Earth

Best for: school age, but younger may get something out of it too

Dynamic Earth is a science museum and planetarium in downtown Edinburgh where kids can learn about animals, history, and geology through first-hand interaction and visuals.

Things to know about Dynamic Earth

• There’s a planetarium with shows that are first-come, first-served, and the recommended age for the shows is 5+
• They have a café on site, with a simple but very decent menu that you can see here.

Dynamic Earth was high on my list of things to do while we were in Edinburgh, but in the end, I opted to do things that are hyper unique to Edinburgh only, such as the palaces and the buildings. If you have more time in Edinburgh or live nearby, then it’s worth checking out with kids!

6. Explore the Edinburgh Dungeon

Best for: Ages 8+ (under 5s not permitted)

The Edinburgh Dungeon is sort of a more historical version of a haunted house. The whole thing takes place underground; are live actors, it has a creepy setting, and a high-thrill drop ride.

They recommended that only children over 8 take part, and they flat our don’t allow kids under 5.

The scary stuff is popular with pre-teens now, so your older children may be interested. Book tickets to the dungeon here

7. Check out the Museum of Childhood

Best for: All ages

If you like old-fashioned, vintage things – then the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh is you.

It’s a small museum dedicated to historical toys. It may even bring back some memories.

You could show your kids what kinds of things kids used to play with ‘back in the day,’ and there are even some old-fashioned toys that you can play with.

A local mom we met at the park in Edinbuegh recommended it to us. And I’m so glad she did, we really enjoyed it.

You can reall take your time in the Museum of Childhood, and it was a nice way to escape the crowds outsiode. There were many parents just sitting down and playing with their kids. Plus, entrance is free!

8. Climb Arthur’s Seat

Best for: Any age

Arthur’s Seat is right beside Dynamic Earth, and is the tall cliff that overlooks the city of Edinburgh.

We opted out of visiting Arthur’s Seat with our kids. We only had 3 nights in Edinburgh at that time, which only amounts to 2 full days – and Edinburgh was the first stop on our 2-month Northern Europe adventure with our kids, so we were jetlagged and tired.

However, I’ve seen many visitors hike Arthur’s Seat with their kids. If you want to hike to the top with kids, then keep in mind:

• Take a look at the route maps to the top of Arthur’s Seat, and choose the one best for your family. Green is the shortest, but also very steep.
• There are no bathrooms along the trails, so be sure to use them at the bottom before the trek.
• It can be chilly at the top, even in summer – dress warmly!
• Wear good shoes
• Bring snacks. The easier routes take 1-2 hours to get to the top

9. Explore Edinburgh Castle

Best for: All ages

Edinburgh Castle its on top of an extinct volcano, and is over 900 years old.

It wasn’t initially on my radar as one of the first things to do with my kids in Edinburgh, but once I looked into it, I decided we couldn’t miss it.

Edinburgh Castle is huge, and one of the best things about it is the incredible views of the city from the terraces.

This is pretty much the main attraction, and we walked around getting all kinds of views and family photos.

Depending on how long you’re in Scotland for, and how many castles you plan to see – consider getting the Explorer Pass. This is what we did. The Edinburgh Castle is one of the most expensive castles to visit (in addition to Stirling Castle, about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh) and the Explorer Pass is worth it even if you only plan to see the two of them. See details here.

10. See the Underground City

Best for: Ages 5-16+ (depending on the tour)

There isn’t really a city underground, but there are over 120 passageways and vaults.

Exploring the underground city is different from the Edinburgh Dungeon, because the goal isn’t necessarily to be creeped out – but more informed and amazed.

Still though, tours for the underground areas are recommended for school-age and teens and up. This tour on Viator below allows 5+.

Book your family-friendly tour of Edinburgh’s Underground here (1 hour long, for ages 5+, $35 per person)

11. Do a Chocolate Tour

Best for: Ages 6+

The Chocolatarium is a chocolate factory in downtown Edinburgh. They have a store, and a special tour!

There’s no age requirement for visiting the store of course, but they very strict about an age requirement of 6 years old for their tour.

My 12-year-old and husband did their chocolate tour, and they had a bast. They got a cup of hot chocolate, and got to sample chocolate from all around the world. The finale at the end was being able to make their own chocolate bars!

Book the Chocolate Tour here on Viator or on their website direct here (ages 6+, 90 minutes long, per person)

12. Ride the Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Best for: Ages 5+

There’s a hop on hop off bus that takes you around Edinburgh, allowing you to get on and off where you want. Perfect if your time in Edinburgh is short.

We couldn’t do the hop on hop off bus unfortunately, because my youngest is still only 4. Kids ride free though, so it’s an affordable way to get around.

Book your Hop on Hop off Bus Tickets here (ages 5+, runs from 9 am to 4 pm, $20 per adult)

13. Get your energy out at Wonder World Soft Play (Edinburgh location)

Best for: All ages

Wonder World Soft Play is a chain of indoor playgrounds, and Edinburgh is the largest location in the country.

It’s a great thing to do with toddlers in Edinburgh, up to school age.

It’s attached to a Tesco Supermarket, so it’s a good opportunity to do some shopping if you have a kitchen in Edinburgh, and let the kids blow off some steam.

We were actually staying near Wonder World Soft Play, however it was closed on the day we were free to visit it (Thursdays.)

14. Get outside at the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh

Best for: All ages

A botanical garden is always a great way to spend time with kids outside in a city.

The Edinburgh Botanical Gardens is quite large, and there is a park inside called Inverleith Park that has a playground.

There’s an blog post here that shows what the structures at the playground look like.

Pro Tip: If you’re right downtown in the heart of the touristy area, then the Botanical Garden will actually be quite far – about a 30 minute walk. If you’re near the Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle, then Princes Street Gardens is actually much closer

15. Visit the Museum of Scotland

Best for: All ages

The Museum of Scotland is an easy place to visit with kids. It’s a short walk from the city centre, and it’s FREE to visit.

Visually stimulating and interactive for kids. They have a lot of dinosaur bones. I came here with my 4 year old while my oldest was doing the chocolate tour with my husband.

Pro Tip: Head to the terrace of the Museum of Scotland to get a view of Edinburgh!

16. Get fooled at the Camera Obscura

Best for: All ages (but 5+ may enjoy it the most)

Camera Obscura is a fun thing to do four tourists and locals alike in Edinburgh. It’s highly recommended by locals – I’ve seen in mentioned online, and a mom I met at a park in Edinburgh also mentioned it to me.

Camera Obscura located in the old Outlook Tower right in the Royal Mile, so it’s very centrally located, and a tourist attraction in itself.

It’s a small museum and its centred around illusions, but one of the coolest things about it is the views from the lookout tower of the city.

Camera Obscura in Edinburgh is something that can fill up pretty quick, so get your tickets in advance here.

17. Visit Holyrood House

Best for: school age

Holyrood House may not be the first place you considered for Edinburgh (with or without kids) but it’s a beautiful historic building worth seeing.

Holyrood House special events and programs for families, and a large complex that is interesting and relaxed to explore with kids, such as:

• The palace gardens, which have garden and trails
• Two different thrones in the palace, one belonging to Queen Mary and the other to George V. Have your kids try to find them!
• The free family multimedia tour, which they’ve designed specifically for families with kids

Plus, kings actually lived here – it was the official residence of King James VI and Mary, Queen of Scots.

18. (Bonus!) See animals at the Edinburgh Zoo

Best for: All ages

The Edinburgh Zoo is located west of the downtown core of Edinburgh. If you drove, it would take about 20 minutes, and public transit would take 40.

It’s located atop a hill, and you can see a panoramic view of the city from parts.

A few things to know before bringing kids to Edinburgh Zoo:

• It has some steep sections, and many people describe going there as being ‘exercise.’
• Wear good shoes
• There are both indoor and outdoor areas

We aren’t huge zoo people, and we had limited time in Edinburgh so we didn’t fit the zoo in this time.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh with Kids

We looked at quite a few options for where to stay as our family of 4 in Edinburgh. Here are my recommendations based on all the knowledge I acquired

• Budget: Wilde Aparthotels ($200-$400 per night) Most things ‘budget’ in Edinburgh is going to either be a hostel, or somewhere outside the city centre. But this place is right beside Edinburgh castle, and there are views of it from some of the rooms.
• Mid Range: Radisson Blu Hotel on the Royal Mile ($500-$600 per night) Located right on the Royal Mile, offers breakfast and has a swimming pool!
• Luxury: Cheval The Edinburgh Grand ($700-$3,000 per night) Beautiful high-end hotel right in the city centre

We stayed at a 2-bedroom house east of the Edinburgh city centre, which you can find here on Booking.com. It has a kitchen and living room, and is a 20 minute train ride to the city centre.

FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions that people have

Is Edinburgh suitable for kids?

Edinburgh is definitely suitable for kids. The downtown core is safe and walkable, and there are plenty of things to do with kids of all ages. Some activities are better suited to school age children, so it’s important to check the activity in advance as there are several that won’t allow kids under a certain age.

How many days in Edinburgh with kids?

You should ideally make sure you have at least 2 or 3 full days in Edinburgh. It’s not enough to see everything, but its enough to see all the great things there are to do as a family

Final Thoughts on Family Trip to Edinburgh

I hope that this article has given you lots of ideas for things to do with kids in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh has got to be in the top 5 of most beautiful coastal cities in the UK, and highly worth visiting as a family. The amount of time you spend in Edinburgh may depend on your Scotland itinerary, but I recommend at least 2 full days.