Edinburgh with Kids
Everything you need for an unforgettable family trip to Scotland's capital. Curated age-by-age adventures, weather-proof rainy day backups, free days out, and stroller-friendly routes across the historic wynds.
Curated Family Sights & Experiences
Showing 39 of 39
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A 70-acre botanical wonderland with wide, smooth asphalt avenues ideal for pushchairs, towering giant redwoods, duck ponds, and sensory gardens.
Parent Insider Tip:Enter through the John Hope Gateway West Gate on Arboretum Place for step-free access directly to the main family café and parent-and-baby changing suite.
Museum of Childhood
The world's first museum dedicated to childhood history, showcasing vintage teddy bears, Victorian dollhouses, puppet theatres, and interactive retro play areas on the Royal Mile.
Parent Insider Tip:Use the ground-floor buggy park upon arrival; while the museum has lifts, the historic gallery aisles are easiest to enjoy with toddlers on foot or in lightweight strollers.
Princes Street Gardens
Splendid public park separating Old and New Town beneath Edinburgh Castle crags, featuring West Princes Street play park, Ross Fountain, and smooth stroller avenues.
Parent Insider Tip:Access West Princes Street Gardens via the ramped gateway opposite St Cuthbert's Church at Lothian Road for the gentlest stroller slope down to the play park.
The Meadows
A vast tree-lined green parkland with cherry blossoms in spring, wide asphalt paths for tricycles and prams, and the colossal Meadows Adventure Playground.
Parent Insider Tip:The East Meadows play park has a fenced toddler zone with soft wood-bark flooring and bucket swings, keeping little runners safely enclosed away from cycle lanes.
Dr Neil's Garden
A tranquil secret oasis nestled on the shores of Duddingston Loch under Arthur's Seat, featuring aromatic herbs, swans, gentle winding paths, and peaceful flora.
Parent Insider Tip:Bring along bird-friendly oats or cracked corn to feed the swans from the lochside jetty — a magical, calm moment for young toddlers.
Dunbar's Close Garden
A tranquil 17th-century walled knot garden tucked secretly off the bustling Royal Mile, featuring neat box hedges, gravel paths, and quiet wooden benches.
Parent Insider Tip:This is central Edinburgh's ultimate secret outdoor spot to feed a baby or let a toddler stretch their legs away from the heavy Royal Mile walking crowds.
Dynamic Earth
Scotland's premier earth science centre featuring time-travel elevators, a vibrating volcanic eruption simulator, real 3-tonne iceberg, and a 360° digital planetarium dome.
Parent Insider Tip:Book your planetarium dome slot immediately upon entry at the reception desk to secure preferred showtimes before peak midday family arrivals.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Five floors packed with over 100 hands-on optical illusions, a mind-bending spinning vortex light tunnel, mirror mazes, and a 170-year-old Victorian Camera Obscura show.
Parent Insider Tip:Because the historic tower has stairs between floors, park large prams at the staffed ground-floor buggy park and carry toddlers in a carrier.
Edinburgh Zoo
Sprawling 82-acre zoological park set on Corstorphine Hill, world-famous for its daily Penguin Parade, UK's only koalas, Budongo chimpanzee trail, and hilltop views.
Parent Insider Tip:Corstorphine Hill has a steep incline; take the free Zoo Hilltop Safari bus to the very top first and enjoy an easy, gentle downhill stroll with the children.
National Museum of Scotland
World-class Victorian Grand Gallery housing full-size T-Rex casts, Dolly the Sheep, giant suspension racing cars, and two entire hands-on children's discovery galleries.
Parent Insider Tip:Head to Level 0 for the dedicated indoor family picnic space where you can unpack your own packed lunches with baby high chairs and water refills available.
Museum of Edinburgh
Housed in the bright yellow 16th-century Huntly House on the Royal Mile, featuring the original collar and feeding bowl of Greyfriars Bobby and tactile craft tables.
Parent Insider Tip:Pick up the free kids' explorer activity trail sheet at the front desk; completed sheets earn a museum discovery stamp.
Museum on the Mound
Scotland's fascinating money museum inside the historic Bank of Scotland headquarters, where children can see £1,000,000 in genuine banknotes and strike their own coin.
Parent Insider Tip:The coin-striking station lets kids take home an authentic embossed souvenir coin for a nominal 50p coin drop.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's floating palace berthed in Leith, featuring five decks to explore, sparkling engine rooms, and a dedicated children's Corgi audio trail.
Parent Insider Tip:Britannia is 100% accessible with lifts connecting all five decks, making it the smoothest maritime adventure for pushchairs in Scotland.
The Real Mary King's Close
A subterranean labyrinth of preserved 17th-century streets buried beneath the Royal Mile City Chambers, brought to vivid life by costumed character historical guides.
Parent Insider Tip:Tours require walking down historic uneven flagstones and steep flights of steps; pushchairs cannot be accommodated, so book when children are steady on their feet.
The Edinburgh Dungeon
An exhilarating 75-minute theatrical walkthrough featuring 11 live actor-led shows, special effects, Burke and Hare bodysnatching, witch trials, and the Drop Dead drop ride.
Parent Insider Tip:Teens love the thrilling blend of jumpscares and Scottish history, but note that children under 8 might find the darkness and sudden loud effects overwhelming.
Arthur's Seat
A dramatic 251-metre extinct volcano rising directly out of Holyrood Park, offering thrilling rocky trails, St Anthony's Chapel ruins, and 360° panoramic views across the Firth of Forth.
Parent Insider Tip:For teenagers, climb the rocky ridge via Salisbury Crags; for younger legs or buggies, follow the paved Queen's Drive path around to Dunsapie Loch instead.
Victoria Street
A sweeping curved cobblestone street lined with rainbow-hued medieval facades, quirky bookshops, joke emporiums, and wizarding boutiques widely hailed as Diagon Alley's muse.
Parent Insider Tip:Climb the stone stairs to Victoria Terrace above for elevated photos of the bright rainbow shops without crowds walking in your frame.
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Edinburgh's beloved bronze memorial dedicated to the loyal 19th-century Skye Terrier who faithfully guarded his master's grave for 14 years.
Parent Insider Tip:Help preserve Bobby's historic statue: please encourage kids to take photos alongside him without rubbing his nose, which wears away the bronze patina.
Greyfriars Kirk & Kirkyard
Atmospheric 16th-century graveyard renowned for historic Covenanters prison and the real gravestones that inspired J.K. Rowling's characters: Thomas Riddell, McGonagall, and Moodie.
Parent Insider Tip:Download a free Harry Potter Kirkyard map online or ask the church volunteers inside for directions straight to the Thomas Riddell headstone in the Flodden Wall section.
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most iconic fortress towering atop an extinct volcanic crag, home to the Honours of Scotland crown jewels, giant medieval siege gun Mons Meg, and the One O'Clock Gun.
Parent Insider Tip:Arrive at the Mill's Mount battery by 12:45 PM to get front-row positions for the 1:00 PM cannon firing. The castle esplanade also offers step-free buggy ramps to Crown Square.
Edinburgh Vaults
Subterranean chambers encased beneath the 19 arches of South Bridge, constructed in 1788 and later populated by tavern keepers, cobblers, bodynatchers, and secret societies.
Parent Insider Tip:The vaults are subterranean and cool year-round; even in July, bring a warm sweater or light jacket for teens heading underground.
National Gallery of Scotland
Neoclassical art museum on The Mound showcasing masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Turner, alongside the light-filled new Scottish galleries and free family art trail bags.
Parent Insider Tip:Ask at the information desk in the Garden Entrance for a free 'Art Explorer' activity backpack filled with sketchpads, magnifying glasses, and scavenger puzzles for children.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A red sandstone Venetian Gothic palace in New Town, featuring a gilded Great Hall zodiac ceiling, historic portraits of Scottish royalty, and free family activity trails.
Parent Insider Tip:Look straight up when entering the Great Hall; children are spellbound by William Hole's golden zodiac stars shining from the 30-foot vaulted blue ceiling.
The Writers' Museum
Housed in the fairy-tale 1622 Lady Stair's House off the Royal Mile, celebrating the lives of Scotland's literary giants: Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns.
Parent Insider Tip:Teens studying Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' or 'Jekyll and Hyde' will be thrilled to see his personal travel writing trunk and Samoan chieftain gifts.
The People's Story Museum
Set inside the historic 1591 Canongate Tolbooth, recreating the authentic working-class lives of Edinburgh citizens from the 18th to 20th centuries with realistic dioramas and jail cells.
Parent Insider Tip:Kids love peering through the iron bars of the preserved 16th-century jail cell located on the upper floor of the old Tolbooth.
Calton Hill
A scenic hilltop park featuring neoclassical monuments, the iconic twelve-pillared National Monument ('Edinburgh's Disgrace'), and the city's most famous panoramic sunset vista.
Parent Insider Tip:Take the gentle tarmac driveway path on the south side (off Regent Road) rather than the steep Royal Terrace steps if you are pushing a pram or toddler buggy.
Portobello Beach & Promenade
Edinburgh's seaside escape boasting two miles of golden sand, gentle waves for paddling, an entirely flat two-mile promenade, beachfront play parks, and artisan ice cream shops.
Parent Insider Tip:Board the Lothian Bus 26 ('Marine Express') from Princes Street; it drops you right by the sand in just 25 minutes. Pack buckets and spades!
Water of Leith Walkway
A peaceful, tree-canopied riverside trail winding through Dean Village and Stockbridge, offering duck feeding, heron spotting, and shaded stroller-friendly paths.
Parent Insider Tip:The stretch between Stockbridge and the Royal Botanic Garden (via St Bernard's Well) has the smoothest paved surface and zero steps, ideal for pushchairs.
Cramond Island
A tidal island in the Firth of Forth reachable at low tide along a mile-long concrete causeway lined with dramatic WWII anti-submarine pylons.
Parent Insider Tip:Always check the official Cramond tidal crossing board at the causeway entrance before setting off; you must return well before the tide turns to avoid being stranded.
Civerinos Slice
High-energy New York style pizza bar near the Royal Mile serving giant 20-inch sourdough slices, parmesan dough bites, and fun graffiti sticker boxes that kids adore.
Parent Insider Tip:Two slices easily feed an energetic child; order the signature dough bites for the table while waiting for your giant slice.
Civerinos Slice Promenade
Beachfront sourdough pizza hub right on the Portobello Promenade where families can eat piping-hot giant slices on outdoor picnic tables facing the sea.
Parent Insider Tip:Grab takeaway pizza boxes and picnic directly on the sand while the children build sandcastles right in front of your bench.
The Scran and Scallie
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin's acclaimed family gastro-pub in Stockbridge, celebrated for its dedicated indoor playroom ('Scallywags') and gourmet children's menu.
Parent Insider Tip:Request a table near the 'Scallywags' playroom when reserving online so you can enjoy your starter while keeping an eye on the children playing happily inside.
Dishoom Edinburgh
Grand 1920s Bombay-style cafe on St Andrew Square welcoming families with spacious booth seating, mild chicken ruby curries, warm naan rolls, and children's activity colouring.
Parent Insider Tip:Dishoom is exceptionally child-friendly for breakfast or weekend brunch; the freshly baked warm naans and fresh fruit lassis are instant toddler favorites.
The Espy
Cosy beachfront pub on Portobello Promenade with squishy sofas, board games, hearty children's options, and front-row sea views across the beach.
Parent Insider Tip:Snag one of the plush velvet sofa tables beside the front window for the ultimate cosy spot after an hour of chilly beachcombing.
Mimi's Bakehouse
Edinburgh's premier family-run boutique bakery on the Leith Shore, renowned for glorious brownies, layered cupcakes, waffles, and a special 'Little Rascals' children's afternoon tea.
Parent Insider Tip:Book the 'Little Rascals' afternoon tea in advance; it comes on a mini tiered stand featuring bite-size ham sandwiches, mini cupcakes, and marshmallow dip.
Howies
Elegant yet thoroughly unstuffy Scottish dining in a grand Georgian hall near Calton Hill, offering healthy, wholesome children's menus and spacious tables.
Parent Insider Tip:Their 2-course lunch menu offers one of central Edinburgh's best value family sit-down meals, conveniently located right at the foot of Calton Hill.
Teuchters Landing
Charming waterfront dock pub in Leith featuring a floating pontoon beer garden, welcoming families with their signature 'mugs' of mac & cheese, stovies, and soups.
Parent Insider Tip:The ceramic mugs of creamy macaroni cheese are piping hot and portioned perfectly for children; sit on the enclosed pontoon deck to watch the swans drift past.
S. Luca Ice Cream
Century-old Scottish-Italian gelato institution established in 1908, serving legendary knickerbocker glories, hot fudge sundaes, and over 24 artisan flavours.
Parent Insider Tip:Order the classic Knickerbocker Glory with double spoons for the table; it comes loaded with strawberries, raspberry coulis, vanilla gelato, and whipped cream.
The Elephant House
World-renowned historic coffee shop overlooking Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh Castle, famed as an early writing birthplace of Harry Potter.
Parent Insider Tip:Treat young wizards to a hot chocolate with whipped cream and ask for a seat near the rear window for inspiring views across to the Castle crag.
Rainy Day & Indoor Family Activities
Scottish drizzle will never ruin your day. Edinburgh is packed with massive, hands-on indoor wonderlands where children can spend hours exploring, discovering, and playing.
National Museum of Scotland
Explore the giant Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, launch hot air balloons in the interactive Science Gallery, and discover Dolly the sheep across 6 massive indoor floors.
Dynamic Earth
Feel volcanic earth tremors beneath your feet, touch a genuine 10-foot real iceberg, and experience Scotland's only 360-degree digital planetarium dome.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Five floors of mind-bending optical tricks, spinning light vortex tunnels, giant mirror mazes, and rooftop telescopes overlooking the Old Town.
Free Family Days Out (£0 Entry)
Scotland's capital is one of Europe's most generous cities for family travel. All national galleries and major museums are 100% free of charge.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
70 acres of pristine greenery, friendly resident squirrels, duck ponds, and wide paved avenues that make stroller walking effortless.
Calton Hill Panoramic Panorama
An easy 10-minute paved tarmac walk up to the Acropolis of the North. Spectacular 360-degree views over Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth.
Portobello Promenade & Beach
Two miles of golden sand beach, seaside arcades, artisanal gelato stands, and a completely flat promenade perfect for scooters and buggies.
Family Dining & Relaxed Taverns
Dining out with children in Edinburgh is relaxed and welcoming. These curated eateries feature dedicated kids' menus, high chairs, coloring sheets, and accommodating staff.
The Scran & Scallie
Award-winning gastropub featuring an indoor children's playroom with books and toys, cozy booth seating, and a wholesome Scottish kids' menu.
Dishoom Edinburgh
Grand Bombay cafe with generous high chairs, gentle spiced chicken and rice kids options, and complimentary coloring kits.
Howies Restaurant
Classic welcoming Scottish bistro with family booth seating, children's roasts, Cullen skink, and warm sticky toffee puddings.
Practical Family Logistics & Travel Tips
Real advice from local Edinburgh parents on navigating historic cobblestones, public transport with pushchairs, and family attraction savings.
Old Town vs. New Town Stroller Strategy
The Old Town's steep closes (like Fleshmarket Close) consist entirely of high-rise stone staircases where wheels cannot pass. If visiting Royal Mile closes, an ergonomic baby carrier is essential. For strollers, stick to the main Royal Mile ridge, Princes Street, George Street, and Princes Street Gardens where wide tarmac paths and ramped crossings prevail.
Lothian £10 Family DAYticket Hack
Do not buy individual single bus tickets. Ask your bus driver for a 'Family DAYticket' (£10.00 cash or contactless). It grants unlimited hop-on hop-off travel across all daytime Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams for up to 2 adults and 3 children for the entire calendar day.
Top Feeding & Baby-Changing Sanctuaries
When central with a baby, our top 3 sanctuaries are: (1) National Museum of Scotland Level 0 — quiet parent room with nursing chairs and microwave; (2) John Lewis 4th Floor at St James Quarter — private nursing cubicles; (3) Royal Botanic Garden John Hope Gateway — spotless family washrooms.
How to Do Edinburgh Completely Free (£0 Entry)
A family of four can spend an unforgettable weekend without paying a penny in admission fees. National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden, Museum of Childhood, Calton Hill, and Portobello Beach are all 100% free under Scottish public culture charters.
Frequently Asked Questions for Edinburgh Family Trips
Essential answers on stroller navigation, Lothian bus pushchair rules, and family attraction passes.
Find Stroller-Friendly Family Hotels in Edinburgh
Browse spacious 2-bedroom serviced aparthotels with full kitchens, elevator access, and central locations near Princes Street Gardens.