Once upon a time, I spent a large chunk of my life visiting Edinburgh, thanks to my then boyfriend who grew up there – and while I wasn’t considering things to do in Edinburgh with kids back then (!), it quickly became one of my favourite cities.
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So much so, that I’m determined to introduce my daughter to all its highlights, especially given how much there is for kids in Edinburgh – and after whetting her appetite on a great city break in Glasgow as a toddler.
I’ve got fond memories of visiting Edinburgh Zoo and the castle, but also wandering the streets of the Royal Mile and soaking up some of the Scottish capital’s history – so here’s what’s on my family-friendly Edinburgh list.
Edinburgh Castle
Towering on its rock above the city, the castle is one of the first things you see – and there has been a royal fortress here since the 11th century.
If you somehow don’t see it, you’ll hear it as the One O’Clock gun fires almost every day of the year: as a time signal rather than a show of military force though, ships in the nearby Firth of Forth once used it to set their clocks.
For a flavour of the castle’s martial history, you want the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place on the Esplanade in August, with the different Scottish regiments parading to the accompaniment of pipes and drums.
But whenever you visit, you can see the Honours of Scotland – as the Scottish Crown Jewels are known – alongside the Stone of Destiny. Outside the Crown room, there’s the huge Mons Meg cannon, the giant Great Hall and the Royal castle to explore for starters.
You can take a tour of stroll at your own pace, with highlights picked out on the castle’s website and itineraries depending how long you’ve got to explore. If you’re looking for a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, this option also lets you skip the line.
Buying your tickets in advance with this Royal Edinburgh pass also lets you skip the line
Edinburgh Zoo
Famous for its giant pandas, that’s only the start of what there is to see at the 82-acre zoo. Set just outside the centre of Edinburgh in Corstorphine, the zoo is somewhere I used to visit every time I was in the city.
Open and airy, it’s a very green zoo with tigers, koalas and penguins as well, which come out to parade from Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool every day at 2.15pm, plus there was a new giraffe enclosure added in summer 2021.
In total there are over 1,000 rare and endangered animals – keeper talks run during the day, and keep an eye out for the animals being fed, although official feeding times are not currently taking place.
If it’s the pandas which are the highlights for you, there’s no need to book extra tickets or timed entry, just turn up whenever you want to see if they’re out having a scratch against a tree trunk or lounging by the pool – you might need to queue a little though.
There are regular family-friendly activities at the zoo, including a temporary dinosaur exhibit. It’s free for kids under three and tickets must be prebooked unless you’re a member – numbers are limited so plan ahead for school holidays.
Keep an eye out for discounted tickets on sites like Get Your Guide, while you can also get up to 20% off with Kids Pass – a 30-day trial of Kids Pass costs just £1
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
There’s nowhere quite like the World of Illusions and the range of illusions you’ll find over the five floors here – not to mention the fantastic views of Edinburgh from the rooftop.
The 166-year-old Camera Obscura is still the highlight – I remember being wowed when I visited.
There’s a 15-minute show with a guide telling tales of Edinburgh history, while showing off the whole city from the rooftop tower using the Victorian contraption, where images of what’s outside are displayed in the room.
There are more than 100 interactive exhibits to boggle your brain, from the mirror Maze and Vortex tunnel to confuse your senses in Bewilderworld to holograms and a colour shadow wall, unexpected mirrors and more sensory surprises.
The Potter Trail
Potterheads won’t be the only ones who love The Potter Trail tour, but it’s heaven if your kids are fans – after all, Edinburgh is the city where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter novels, famously starting in a café and finishing in the Balmoral Hotel.
The tour takes you to some of the locations which inspired characters and scenes, including the café where it all began, the place which inspired Diagon Alley (or one of them, at least) and the chance to be sorted outside the school which inspired Hogwarts.
You can even see where Lord Voldemort is buried, practise a few spells and find out which terrible poet gave his name to a Hogwarts teacher.
Best of all, it doesn’t cost a penny (even for Muggles) if you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh with kids – although they do pass the sorting hat around at the end for donations, so it’s worth bringing a few galleons in case you were spellbound.
For more ideas of days out in the UK for Harry Potter fans, check out my top picks
Potion making and a Wizard Afternoon tea at the Cauldron
If the tour has whetted your appetite for all things magical, you can try your hand at creating your own potions or refuel with a Wizard Afternoon tea at The Cauldron in Edinburgh.
At the Wizard bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town, there are potions suitable for kids aged 5+ as well as adults, with a welcome drink poured by magic wand, plus the chance to brew two of your own (as well as the use of any essential magical equipment while you’re there) during a 1h 45-minute potion making experience.
Or tuck into the Wizard afternoon tea, with ‘sand-witches’ alongside the scone and desserts, plus tea brewed by magic wand – also lasts for 1h 45 minutes.
National Museum of Scotland
This great museum has some fantastic ways to get hands on, so it’s worth a visit at any time of year – although it’s a particularly good option if you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh in the rain with kids.
The different galleries have different themes – creativity in Imagine for example, plus science and technology, as well as Adventure.
You could climb into a human hamster wheel, or dig for dinosaur bones in the Adventure Planet gallery if your kids fancy themselves as mini archaeologists.
Animal lovers can try to outrace a cheetah or find out if they’re heavier than a polar bear (probably not!) as well as searching for bugs, dressing up in historic clothes or designing their own fashion masterpieces.
Or follow one of the themed trails, inspired by Space, coffins, wildlife or good old I Spy, as well as marvelling at a T Rex skeleton cast.
There’s no charge for entry to this family friendly attraction, so it’s another great option for free things to do with kids in Edinburgh.
Dynamic Earth
Discover the story of Planet Earth, from the Big Bang through the chill of Ice Ages to the devastating power of volcanic eruptions, watch the Northern Lights dance and hear the sounds and sights of the rainforest at Dynamic Earth.
Or plunge to the depths of the ocean to discover life beneath the sea (from the comfort of a yellow submarine), as well as searching for whales and watching a 30 foot wall of waves.
If only geography had been quite as exciting when I was at school – the 360 degree ShowDome cinema brings the whole dramatic tale to life while you’ll also find Mission Earth augmented reality experience.
There are also extra themed events taking place during school holidays – a journey to space, for example, if Earth isn’t quite enough. Easily one of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Still the monarch’s official residence in Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse might not have the long history of Edinburgh castle but some of Scotland’s best known royal figures have actually lived within the walls.
Mary Queen of Scots is the most famous, as she lived in the oldest part of the palace during the 16th century – where her secretary was murdered in front of the pregnant Queen’s eyes.
Supposedly you can still see the bloodstains…
There are also links to Bonnie Prince Charlie, who lived here for a glorious six weeks, the chance to view the throne room, and wander past the treasures of the Great Gallery, including a portrait of Macbeth and sword marks in the walls.
As well as temporary exhibits, it’s fascinating to see how royal life continues within the walls: the late Queen held dinners and other events here.
Kids can follow the family trails and dress up, while there’s also an interactive multimedia guide – which beats the standard audioguide commentary as they’re encouraged to answer questions such as where the Queen sat at official dinners, as well as visualising double-decker buses inside the Great Gallery.
Buy your tickets in advance here
The Real Mary King’s Close
These days, Edinburgh’s picturesque Old Town is one of the biggest draws for visitors – but back in the day, the picture was a lot darker (and smellier).
So for kids who love history, or simply the more gruesome parts of it, head to The Real Mary King’s Close, a medieval street that’s preserved under the Royal Mile.
Almost the entire narrow street remains, with homes that were originally as high as 10 storeys, hugging the steep hill down to the present-day Princes Street Gardens, then the Nor Loch, a defensive moat which often stank to high heaven.
Over the centuries, more buildings were constructed over the old homes: eventually rediscovered and reopened as a museum where you can take a tour.
According to the tales, you might find ghosts – and it’s not surprising when one house’s inhabitants almost all died of plague, while another includes a cell where the doomed Mary Queen of Scots once spent a night. Even seeing one small home which would have been crammed with a large family is haunting.
The Real Mary King Close is better for older kids than easily scared or upset little ones, but it’s an introduction to Edinburgh’s past reality that’s hard to beat.
Book your ticket in advance here – private tours and flexi tickets are also available, while you can also find discounted tickets on the Tiqets website – click here
Edinburgh’s Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
If your children love all things gruesome, gory and ghoulish, there’s another thrilling option for your list of things to do in Edinburgh with kids, with a ghost tour that takes you underground to the Edinburgh Vaults.
Suitable for ages 5+ only, a cloaked guide shares tales of the city’s dark past as you travel along the Royal Mile before venturing into the Blair Street Underground Vaults (also known as the South Bridge Vaults).
These old storage areas were turned into homes, quickly becoming slums and a haven for crime. Expect tales of witches and bodysnatchers along the way, and plenty of real life spine-chilling stories.
Find reserve now pay later options (as well as free cancellation) if you book the Underground Vaults tour on Get Your Guide
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Like the other Dungeons around the UK, such as London and York, this one is only for older kids – you can’t visit with under fives and the Edinburgh Dungeon is recommended for over eights only.
Having had actors jump out at me from darkened passageways with unexpectedly realistic make-up, I’d say that’s a good bar – my own daughter would not have enjoyed this in the slightest aged seven.
But once they’re past the point of shrieking at unexpected scares and are ready to soak up more bloodsoaked and gruesome history, from torture to witchcraft, it’s perfect for bringing Edinburgh’s darker past to life.
After all, the city’s most famous queen was beheaded by her cousin, plague stalked the narrow streets and two infamous inhabitants went about killing people for the dissection fee they’d collect – just for starters!
Throw in a couple of rides, including one for those over 1.4m only, and you’re guaranteed to leave with your heart racing.
Click here to buy tickets and check the latest special events
Find Greyfriars Bobby
You can’t visit Edinburgh without wandering along the Royal Mile – from Holyroodhouse at one end to Edinburgh Castle at the other, past a thousand shortbread and souvenir shops.
But as you walk, talk a small detour towards the Greyfriars Kirkyard to hear the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the dog so famous for his loyalty that there’s a statue to commemorate him.
As the tale goes, he would walk the streets of the city with his owner, night watchman John – or Auld Jock – until John died and was buried in the churchyard.
Bobby refused to leave the graveside except once a day, when the One O’Clock gun fired from the castle when he’d eat, until his own death 14 years later when he was buried near his master.
True? Who can say… but it makes a sweet story to entertain (and rather more child-friendly than tales of Burke and Hare… unless you’re visiting with teens, that is!).
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Take a break between exploring with a rest and a tale at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The arts centre has a string of events year-round, but there’s also an interactive Storywall in the Storytelling Court.
You can find out more about Greyfriars Bobby, but also some other famous Scottish characters, from Nessie to Wee Willie Winkie, as well as hearing snatches of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous tales.
If you’re inspired to pick up a book and take it home, there’s a shop in the medieval John Knox House – watch out for the dragon’s nest tucked away.
Less than 10 minutes away, check out the living monument at Makars’ Court, where famous words of great Scottish writers are inscribed in the flagstones.
Take the hop on hop off bus
If it’s a rainy day in Edinburgh or you’re looking to see the sights without wearing out small legs, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is always on my list of things to do with kids.
You get the usual commentary and it’s always a good way to get your bearings, but this particular city sightseeing tour seems especially well designed for getting you between some of the city’s biggest attractions too, including the castle, Holyrood Palace and Dynamic Earth.
You can also find tickets for three different Edinburgh bus tours, including the City Sightseeing route.
Brave the ghost bus tour
If you’re looking for a bus tour of Edinburgh with a difference, older kids will love the Comedy Horror Show ghost tour of Edinburgh, a 75-minute trip on a vintage double-decker telling darker tales of the city.
From executions and murder to hauntings, the eerie bus conductor tells takes of the infamous Burke and Hare as you travel the streets of Europe’s most haunted city in the black double-decker.
There’s a large helping of comedy, as well as the chance to see some of Edinburgh’s key sights in the Old Town and New Town, between terrifying tales of dreadful deeds across the centuries.
The bus itself has its own chilling history too. Once belonging to the Necropolis Bus Company, it’s the only survivor of a fire which destroyed the entire fleet in 1967…
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
When the sun is shining in Edinburgh, there are plenty of places to get outdoors with kids, including the 70 acres of the city’s Botanical gardens.
Set on a hill above the city, there’s 350 years of history in the gardens but it’s also a gorgeous green spot to amble with kids – and if you just want a stroll, it’s free to enter as well.
The royal botanic gardens are also home to 10 glasshouses, including a temperate and tropical palmhouse, which house over 3,000 exotic plants between them – there an additional fee for tickets for adults, although children aged 15 and under go free.
Princes Street Gardens
If you don’t want to venture too far out of the city, kids can also play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott Monument – which you can pay to climb climb, although with its 287 often narrow and twisty steps, you might want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura instead.
In December, the gardens turn into a Winter Wonderland including Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye – perfect if you’re spending Christmas in Edinburgh with kids.
The Chocolatarium Tour
Fancy some haggis-inspired chocolate? It’s just one highlight of this fun tasting and chocolate-making experience at Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium Tour.
The interactive tour lets you learn all the steps of the process transforming the cacao from its pod to eventual chocolate bar, plus a history of chocolate right through to the newest inventions.
Along the way you can taste various flavours, including camel milk chocolate, as well as making your own, personalised with your favourite flavours.
The whole experience lasts for 90 minutes, suitable for kids aged six and above.
Arthur’s Seat
Venture out of Edinburgh city centre to climb this ancient volcano, a fantastic Edinburgh viewpoint – Arthur’s Seat itself, 251m above sea level, is part of Holyrood Park.
Home to an ancient hill fort, as well as the 15th century St Anthony’s Chapel, you can climb up in under an hour from Holyrood Palace, although pick good weather.
Legend tells that under the rock is a dragon which terrorised the area, eating so much that it fell into a deep sleep and never woke.
Sometimes truth is stranger than myth though, as miniature wooden coffins were discovered here, containing wooden figures, all wearing different clothes…
Something to ponder as you drink in Salisbury Crags and the views back down.
Calton Hill
Start at the end of Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat.
Home to the National Monument, intended to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument.
At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen.
Cruise the Firth of Forth
Spot seals and scoff scones, as well as looking out for the three bridges across the Forth, on a boat trip aboard the Maid of the Forth or Forth Boat Tours
The 90-minute three bridges sightseeing tour is one of the most popular, but there are also tours stopping at Inchcolm Island (running from April through the summer months) among other options.
Departing from South Queensferry, it’s around a half hour drive (or train trip and short walk) to Hawes Pier. Save some time to explore the pretty town (technically part of the city of Edinburgh). Grab an ice cream and wander along the waterfront, visit the free Queensferry Museum or visit the stately Hopetoun House.
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, included in an earlier version of this post, has since closed
*First published 2020, last updated 2022*
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