Edinburgh has always been known for its historical and cultural appeal, so you may think that travelling there with kids may be somewhat challenging on the entertainment front. However, there are actually plenty of things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
With loads of quirky spots and family fun activities, your little ones will love Edinburgh when you take the gang on a trip to this city. Here’s our recommended list of things to do in Edinburgh with families.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Your kids will have the time of their lives at the World of Illusions. This attraction has over 100 exhibits for your whole family to enjoy and have a laugh. The exhibits include a mirror maze, vortex tunnel, and the famous Camera Obscura itself, which projects a live image of the city.
Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Edinburgh from the rooftop terrace, equipped with telescopes for a closer look at the city’s landmarks. With a mix of visual tricks and interactive installations, this attraction is perfect for families, offering a fun and educational experience combining entertainment and learning.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia is an excellent activity to do with kids in Edinburgh. The yacht features interactive exhibits that allow children to explore and learn about maritime history. Kids can stand behind the bar in the Officer’s Mess, try on sailor hats, and even pretend to navigate the ship from the bridge.
The upper deck offers fantastic views of the sea and a great space for kids to run around and explore. The crew used to make dens with inflatable life boats and even create sandpits and paddling pools for children to enjoy
Edinburgh Castle
If your kids are into kings, castles, and knights, then a trip to Edinburgh Castle is a must. Costumed characters and live reenactments add an extra layer of excitement and entertainment for kids, with performers impersonating historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, and King James VI. The castle features interactive exhibits that bring history to life in a way that’s fun and engaging for the little ones.
Children will have loads of fun pretending to be royalty in the royal apartments, exploring the dungeons, and learning about the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is a great spot for an outing for those animal-loving kids. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals worldwide, including penguins, chimps, and red pandas. Kids can get up close and personal with these animals safely through glass screens.
There are also many other activities for the kids to enjoy like animal encounters, keeper talks, and even the opportunity to be a zookeeper for the day. You can also catch animal feeding displays, penguin parades and reptile handling for a great day out!
The Edinburgh Treasure Trail
The Edinburgh Treasure Trail is a self-guided adventure that combines mind-twisting clues and fascinating stories to explore the east end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. This treasure hunt is designed for young detectives and adults who never grew up, allowing them to uncover unexpected landmarks and learn about the city’s rich history.
The trail takes participants through Edinburgh’s ancient streets, twisting and turning through the east end of the Royal Mile and is filled with sneaky clues and fascinating stories about the city’s famous figures and landmarks.
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is a prominent hill in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the remains of an extinct volcano and stands at a height of 251 metres (823 feet). The hill offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and its surroundings, making it a popular hiking destination. If you want to make sure the kids get out and about, then this short hike is the perfect activity.
Dynamic Earth
When looking for things to do in Edinburgh with kids, a trip to a world-class science centre and planetarium is a must. Dynamic Earth is situated at the foot of Salisbury Crags, where the 18th-century geologist James Hutton developed his seminal theories on rock formation. The centre was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 and is a registered charity under Scottish law, owned by The Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust.
Kids can enjoy interactive exhibitions like a real iceberg, an earthquake simulator, and a Deep Time Machine that allows visitors to travel through the creation of the Earth using multimedia and 4D techniques.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is a diverse and free museum that showcases a wide range of collections related to Scottish history and culture, as well as international exhibits covering art, science, design, and world cultures. The museum is located in two connected buildings on Chambers Street, with the modern Museum of Scotland building opened in 1998 and the former Royal Museum building, which dates back to 1866 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2011. It’s ideal for families who want to show their kids a bit more about Scottish history and will fascinate young minds.
Portobello Beach
After exploring all the exciting attractions Edinburgh has to offer, a day at the beach may just be in order. Portobello Beach has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for families. The wide sandy beach provides ample space for kids to run, play, and build sandcastles. The promenade is lined with cafes, ice cream parlours, and amusement arcades, ensuring something keeps everyone entertained.
Gorgie City Farm
Gorgie City Farm is a community-run urban farm in Gorgie, south-west Edinburgh. The farm was established in the late 1970s and officially opened in 1982 as a working farm featuring a variety of farm animals such as lambs, pigs, chickens, and quails. It also included a wildlife garden, a play park, a mini farm shop, and a pet lodge housing tortoises and chinchillas. Kids will love spending time with these very sweet animals, many of which they’re allowed to pet.
Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood is the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of childhood. It features a vast collection of toys, games, clothes, books, and dolls, spanning from the 18th century to the present day. The museum showcases the evolution of childhood through various exhibits, including a dollhouse with 21 rooms, a miniature butcher’s shop, and a range of toys and games that have been popular over the centuries.
The museum includes a dressing-up area and a tee-pee in the imaginary play area, allowing families to play together and engage in interactive activities.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
For a truly Scottish experience, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is one on the list of things to do in Edinburgh, especially if you’re travelling with kids. The centre opened in 2006 and features a packed program of live storytelling, theatre, music, exhibitions, family events, and workshops throughout the year.
It is designed to incorporate contemporary design and entertainment with mediaeval architecture, creating a unique and engaging visitor experience.
Summary
If you’re planning a family trip to the Scottish capital and looking for accommodation big enough to house everyone, then Edinburgh Luxury Stays is your go-to.
With a wide range of luxurious accommodations and amenities perfect for families travelling together, we prioritise giving you the best possible experience. Book with Edinburgh Luxury Stays for your next family trip.