As soon as upon a time, I spent a big chunk of my life visiting Edinburgh, because of my then boyfriend who grew up there โ and whereas I wasnโt contemplating issues to do in Edinburgh with children on the time (!), it rapidly turned one in every of my favorite cities.
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A lot so, that Iโm decided to introduce my daughter to all its highlights, particularly given how a lot there’s for teenagers in Edinburgh โ and after whetting her urge for food on a fantastic metropolis break in Glasgowย as a toddler.
Iโve obtained fond recollections of visiting Edinburgh Zoo and the fortress, but in addition wandering the streets of the Royal Mile and absorbing a number of the Scottish capitalโs historical past โ so right hereโs whatโs on my family-friendly Edinburgh listing.
Edinburgh Fortress
Towering on its rock above town, the fortress is likely one of the first belongings you see โ and there was a royal fortress right here for the reason that eleventh century.
When you someway donโt see it, youโll hear it because the One OโClock gun fires nearly each day of the 12 months: as a time sign slightly than a present of army drive although, ships within the close by Firth of Forth as soon as used it to set their clocks.
For a flavour of the fortressโs martial historical past, you need the Royal Edinburgh Army Tattoo which takes place on the Esplanade in August, with the completely different Scottish regiments parading to the accompaniment of pipes and drums.
However everytime you go to, you possibly can see the Honours of Scotland โ because the Scottish Crown Jewels are recognized โ alongside the Stone of Future. Outdoors the Crown room, thereโs the large Mons Meg cannon, the large Nice Corridor and the Royal fortress to probe for starters.
You possibly can take a tour of stroll at your individual tempo, with highlights picked out on the fortressโs web siteย and itineraries relying how lengthy youโve obtained to discover. When youโre in search of a guided tour of Edinburgh Fortress, this feature additionally helps you to skip the road.
Thereโs a reduction if you happen to purchase your tickets prematurely with this Royal Edinburgh go, which additionally helps you to skip the road
Edinburgh Zoo
Well-known for its each day penguin parade, thatโs solely the beginning of what there’s to see on the 82-acre zoo. Set simply outdoors the centre of Edinburgh in Corstorphine, the zoo is someplace I used to go to each time I used to be within the metropolis.
Open and ethereal, itโs a really inexperienced zoo with tigers, koalas and penguins as properly, which come out to parade from Europeโs largest out of doors penguin pool each day at 2.15pm, plus new capybaras for 2025.
In complete there are over 1,000 uncommon and endangered animals โ keeper talks run throughout the day, and hold a watch out for the animals being fed, though official feeding occasions are usually not presently happening. Nevertheless, the large pandas have now left, if you happen to had your coronary heart set on seeing them.
There are common family-friendly actions on the zoo, together with a brief dinosaur exhibit. Itโs free for teenagers below three and tickets should be prebooked until youโre a member โ numbers are restricted so plan forward for varsity holidays.
Preserve a watch out for discounted tickets on websites like Get Your Information, whereas you may as well stand up to 32% off with Children Move โ a 30-day trial of Children Move prices simply ยฃ1
Digicam Obscura and World of Illusions
Thereโs nowhere fairly just like the World of Illusions and the vary of illusions youโll discover over the 5 flooring right here โ to not point out the implausible views of Edinburgh from the rooftop.
The 166-year-old Digicam Obscura continues to be the spotlight โ I bear in mind being wowed after I visited.
Thereโs a 15-minute present with a information telling tales of Edinburgh historical past, whereas exhibiting off the entire metropolis from the rooftop tower utilizing the Victorian contraption, the place photographs of whatโs outdoors are displayed within the room.
There are greater than 100 interactive reveals to boggle your mind, from the mirror Maze and Vortex tunnel to confuse your senses in Bewilderworld to holograms and a color shadow wall, sudden mirrors and extra sensory surprises.
The Potter Path
Potterheads receivedโt be the one ones who love The Potter Path tour, but it surelyโs heaven in case your children are followers โ in any case, Edinburgh is town the place JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter novels, famously beginning in a cafรฉ and ending within the Balmoral Lodge.
The tour takes you to a number of the places which impressed characters and scenes, together with the cafรฉ the place all of it started, the place which impressed Diagon Alley (or one in every of them, no less than) and the prospect to be sorted outdoors the college which impressed Hogwarts.
You possibly can even see the place Lord Voldemort is buried, practise a couple of spells and discover out which horrible poet gave his title to a Hogwarts trainer.
Better of all, it doesnโt value a penny (even for Muggles) if you happen toโre in search of free issues to do in Edinburgh with children โ though they do go the sorting hat round on the finish for donations, so itโs value bringing a couple of galleons in case you have been spellbound.
For extra concepts of days out within the UK for Harry Potter followers, take a look at my prime picks
Nationwide Museum of Scotland
This nice museum has some implausible methods to get arms on, so itโs value a go to at any time of 12 months โ though itโs a very good possibility if you happen toโre in search of issues to do in Edinburgh within the rain with children.
The completely different galleries have completely different themes โ creativity in Think about for instance, plus science and know-how, in addition to Journey.
You can climb right into a human hamster wheel, or dig for dinosaur bones within the Journey Planet gallery in case your children fancy themselves as mini archaeologists.
Animal lovers can attempt to outrace a cheetah or discover out in the event that theyโre heavier than a polar bear (in all probability not!) in addition to trying to find bugs, dressing up in historic garments or designing their very own trend masterpieces.
Or observe one of many themed trails, impressed by Area, coffins, wildlife or good previous I Spy, in addition to marvelling at a T Rex skeleton forged.
Thereโs no cost for entry to this household pleasant attraction, so itโs one other nice possibility without spending a dime issues to do with children in Edinburgh.
Dynamic Earth
Uncover the story of Planet Earth, from the Huge Bang via the nippiness of Ice Ages to the devastating energy of volcanic eruptions, watch the Northern Lights dance and listen to the sounds and sights of the rainforest at Dynamic Earth.
Or plunge to the depths of the ocean to find life beneath the ocean (from the consolation of a yellow submarine), in addition to trying to find whales and watching a 30 foot wall of waves.
If solely geography had been fairly as thrilling after I was at college โ the 360 diploma ShowDome cinema brings the entire dramatic story to life whilst youโll additionally discover Mission Earth augmented actuality expertise.
There are additionally further themed occasions happening throughout faculty holidays โ a journey to house, for instance, if Earth isnโt fairly sufficient. Simply some of the enjoyable issues to do in Edinburgh with children.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Nonetheless the monarchโs official residence in Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse won’t have the lengthy historical past of Edinburgh fortress however a few of Scotlandโs greatest recognized royal figures have really lived inside the partitions.
Mary Queen of Scots is probably the most well-known, as she lived within the oldest a part of the palace throughout the sixteenth century โ the place her secretary was murdered in entrance of the pregnant Queenโs eyes.
Supposedly you possibly can nonetheless see the bloodstainsโฆ
There are additionally hyperlinks to Bonnie Prince Charlie, who lived right here for a wonderful six weeks, the prospect to view the throne room, and wander previous the treasures of the Nice Gallery, together with a portrait of Macbeth and sword marks within the partitions.
In addition to non permanent reveals, itโs fascinating to see how royal life continues inside the partitions: the late Queen held dinners and different occasions right here.
Children can observe the household trails and gown up, whereas thereโs additionally an interactive multimedia information โ which beats the usual audioguide commentary as theyโre inspired to reply questions reminiscent of the place the Queen sat at official dinners, in addition to visualising double-decker buses contained in the Nice Gallery.
Purchase your tickets prematurely right here
The Actual Mary Kingโs Shut
Today, Edinburghโs picturesque Outdated City is likely one of the largest attracts for guests โ however again within the day, the image was loads darker (and smellier).
So for teenagers who love historical past, or just the extra ugly elements of it, head to The Actual Mary Kingโs Shut, a medieval road thatโs preserved below the Royal Mile.
Virtually the whole slim road stays, with properties that have been initially as excessive as 10 storeys, hugging the steep hill all the way down to the present-day Princes Road Gardens, then the Nor Loch, a defensive moat which regularly stank to excessive heaven.
Over the centuries, extra buildings have been constructed over the previous properties: finally rediscovered and reopened as a museum the place you possibly can take a tour.
In line with the tales, you may discover ghosts โ and itโs not stunning when one homeโs inhabitants nearly all died of plague, whereas one other features a cell the place the doomed Mary Queen of Scots as soon as spent an evening. Even seeing one small residence which might have been filled with a big household is haunting.
The Actual Mary King Shut is healthier for older children than simply scared or upset little ones, but it surelyโs an introduction to Edinburghโs previous actuality thatโs laborious to beat.
E-book your ticket prematurely right here โ personal excursions and flexi tickets are additionally accessible, whereas you may as well discover discounted tickets on the Tiqets web site โ click on right here
Edinburghโs Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
In case your youngsters love all issues ugly, gory and ghoulish, thereโs one other thrilling possibility on your listing of issues to do in Edinburgh with children, with a ghost tour that takes you underground to the Edinburgh Vaults.
Appropriate for ages 5+ solely, a cloaked information shares tales of townโs darkish previous as you journey alongside the Royal Mile earlier than venturing into the Blair Road Underground Vaults (often known as the South Bridge Vaults).
These previous storage areas have been become properties, rapidly turning into slums and a haven for crime. Count on tales of witches and bodysnatchers alongside the best way, and loads of actual life spine-chilling tales.
Discover reserve now pay later choices (in addition to free cancellation) if you happen to ebook the Underground Vaults tour on Get Your Information
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Like the opposite Dungeons across the UK, reminiscent of London and York, this one is just for older children โ you possibly canโt go to with below fives and the Edinburgh Dungeon is really useful for over eights solely.
Having had actors leap out at me from darkened passageways with unexpectedly sensible make-up, Iโd say thatโs bar โ my very own daughter wouldn’t have loved this within the slightest aged seven.
However as soon as theyโre previous the purpose of shrieking at sudden scares and are prepared to take in extra bloodsoaked and ugly historical past, from torture to witchcraft, itโs excellent for bringing Edinburghโs darker previous to life.
In spite of everything, townโs most well-known queen was beheaded by her cousin, plague stalked the slim streets and two notorious inhabitants went about killing individuals for the dissection charge theyโd gather โ only for starters!
Throw in a few rides, together with one for these over 1.4m solely, and also youโre assured to go away together with your coronary heart racing.
Click on right here to purchase tickets and verify the most recent particular occasions
Discover Greyfriars Bobby
You possibly canโt go to Edinburgh with out wandering alongside the Royal Mile โ from Holyroodhouse at one finish to Edinburgh Fortress on the different, previous a thousand shortbread and memento retailers.
However as you stroll, discuss a small detour in the direction of the Greyfriars Kirkyard to listen to the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the canine so well-known for his loyalty that thereโs a statue to commemorate him.
As the story goes, he would stroll the streets of town together with his proprietor, night time watchman John โ or Auld Jock โ till John died and was buried within the churchyard.
Bobby refused to go away the graveside besides as soon as a day, when the One OโClock gun fired from the fortress when heโd eat, till his personal loss of life 14 years later when he was buried close to his grasp.
True? Who can sayโฆ but it surely makes a candy story to entertain (and slightly extra child-friendly than tales of Burke and Hareโฆ until youโre visiting with teenagers, that’s!).
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Take a break between exploring with a relaxation and a story on the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The humanities centre has a string of occasions year-round, however thereโs additionally an interactive Storywall within the Storytelling Court docket.
You’ll find out extra about Greyfriars Bobby, but in addition another well-known Scottish characters, from Nessie to Wee Willie Winkie, in addition to listening to snatches of Robert Louis Stevensonโs well-known tales.
When youโre impressed to select up a ebook and take it residence, thereโs a store within the medieval John Knox Home โ be careful for the dragonโs nest tucked away.
Lower than 10 minutes away, take a look at the dwelling monument at Makarsโ Court docket, the place well-known phrases of nice Scottish writers are inscribed within the flagstones.
Take the hop on hop off bus
If itโs a wet day in Edinburgh otherwise youโre trying to see the sights with out sporting out small legs, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is at all times on my listing of issues to do with children.
You get the standard commentary and itโs at all times a great way to get your bearings, however this explicit metropolis sightseeing tour appears particularly properly designed for getting you between a number of the metropolisโs largest points of interest too, together with the fortress, Holyrood Palace and Dynamic Earth.
You may also discover tickets for 3 completely different Edinburgh bus excursions, together with the Metropolis Sightseeing route.
Courageous the ghost bus tour
When youโre in search of a bus tour of Edinburgh with a distinction, older children will love the Comedy Horror Present ghost tour of Edinburgh, a 75-minute journey on a classic double-decker telling darker tales of town.
From executions and homicide to hauntings, the eerie bus conductor tells takes of the notorious Burke and Hare as you journey the streets of Europeโs most haunted metropolis within the black double-decker.
Thereโs a big serving to of comedy, in addition to the prospect to see a few of Edinburghโs key sights within the Outdated City and New City, between terrifying tales of dreadful deeds throughout the centuries.
The bus itself has its personal chilling historical past too. As soon as belonging to the Necropolis Bus Firm, itโs the one survivor of a hearth which destroyed the whole fleet in 1967โฆ
Take a look at my assessment of its sister tour, the Ghost Bus Tour of London to get a spine-chilling flavour of the expertise
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
When the solar is shining in Edinburgh, there are many locations to get outside with children, together with the 70 acres of townโs Botanical gardens.
Set on a hill above town, thereโs 350 years of historical past within the gardens but it surelyโs additionally a beautiful inexperienced spot to amble with children โ and if you happen to simply desire a stroll, itโs free to enter as properly.
The royal botanic gardens are additionally residence to 10 glasshouses, together with a temperate and tropical palmhouse, which home over 3,000 unique crops between them โ there an extra charge for tickets for adults, though youngsters aged 15 and below go free.
Princes Road Gardens
When you donโt wish to enterprise too far out of town, children can even play in Princeโs Road Gardens within the shadow of the Scott Monument โ which you’ll be able to pay to climb climb, though with its 287 usually slim and twisty steps, you may wish to keep on with the views from the Digicam Obscura as a substitute.
In December, the gardens flip right into a Winter Wonderland together with Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye โ excellent if you happen toโre spending Christmas in Edinburgh with children.
The Chocolatarium Tour
Fancy some haggis-inspired chocolate? Itโs only one spotlight of this enjoyable tasting and chocolate-making expertise at Edinburghโs Chocolatarium Tour.
The interactive tour helps you to study all of the steps of the method remodeling the cacao from its pod to eventual chocolate bar, plus a historical past of chocolate proper via to the latest innovations.
Alongside the best way you possibly can style varied flavours, together with camel milk chocolate, in addition to making your individual, personalised together with your favorite flavours.
The entire expertise lasts for 90 minutes, appropriate for teenagers aged six and above. Beats your common metropolis information tour!
On the lookout for one other sweet-toothed expertise in Edinburgh? This Royal Mile donut tour of Edinburgh features a string of candy treats โ take a look at what we considered the London donut tour
Arthurโs Seat
Enterprise out of Edinburgh metropolis centre to climb this historical extinct volcano, a implausible Edinburgh viewpoint โ Arthurโs Seat itself, 251m above sea degree, is a part of Holyrood Park.
House to an historical hill fort, in addition to the fifteenth century St Anthonyโs Chapel, you possibly can climb up in below an hour from Holyrood Palace, though decide good climate.
Legend tells that below the rock is a dragon which terrorised the realm, consuming a lot that it fell right into a deep sleep and by no means woke.
Generally fact is stranger than fable although, as miniature picket coffins have been found right here, containing picket figures, all sporting completely different garmentsโฆ
One thing to ponder as you drink in Salisbury Crags and the views again down.
Calton Hill
Begin on the finish of Princes Road and climb the staircase up the hill for a number of the greatest views over town โ from right here you possibly can see out to the fortress and over to Arthurโs Seat.
House to the Nationwide Monument, supposed to be a duplicate of the Parthenon in Athens however by no means completed, itโs additionally the place youโll discover the large Nelson monument.
At 1pm, the time ball right here drops โ designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the fortressโs One OโClock gun was added as unhealthy climate meant the ball couldnโt at all times be seen.
Cruise the Firth of Forth
Spot seals and scoff scones, in addition to looking for the three bridges throughout the Forth, on a ship journey aboard the Maid of the Forth or Forth Boat Excursions
The 90-minute three bridges sightseeing tour is likely one of the hottest, however there are additionally excursions stopping at Inchcolm Island (working from April via the summer time months) amongst different choices.
Departing from South Queensferry, itโs round a half hour drive (or prepare journey and quick stroll) to Hawes Pier. Save a while to discover the gorgeous city (technically a part of town of Edinburgh). Seize an ice cream and wander alongside the waterfront, go to the free Queensferry Museum or go to the stately Hopetoun Home.
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, included in an earlier model of this submit, has since closed
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2025*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH WITH KIDS
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