A friendly atmosphere, fantastic attractions, secret parks, beautiful beaches, and a magical castle that looks like it’s been taken straight out of a storybook make Edinburgh an excellent destination for a family-friendly city break in the UK.
There truly is something for everyone in this magical city, and not surprisingly, Scotland’s capital even took 6th place in The Times “Best European City Breaks with Kids”.
Here are our top tips and recommendations for exploring our beautiful city with your little ones.
How many days do you need to explore Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a compact city, making it the perfect destination for a short city break with kids. We recommend three to four days to fully immerse yourself in the city’s top attractions and hidden gems.
How to get to Edinburgh
Getting to Edinburgh is easy, with convenient options for families travelling by train, road or air. If you’re coming by train, Waverley Station is centrally located and well-connected to major cities across the UK. For those driving, Edinburgh is accessible via major motorways, and there are plenty of parking options available around the city.
If you’re flying in, Edinburgh Airport is just a short distance from the city centre with direct tram and bus links. The leading airport bus service, Airlink 100, stops near our hotel in the city’s West End before terminating at Waverly Bridge. Services 17 & 18 are new additions to the city, making the journey quick and easy.
No matter how you choose to travel, Edinburgh’s transport options will ensure a smooth arrival.
Family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh
Whether looking for adventure, culture, history or fun, Edinburgh has something for all ages. From castles to zoos, museums to secret parks, Scotland’s capital city promises a getaway filled with lasting memories for the entire family.
Top of the itinerary: Edinburgh’s must-see attractions for families
You could not visit the city and not amble along the Royal Mile to the iconic Edinburgh Castle! They offer a family day out tour, bringing the historic castle to life with fun and interactive quizzes and activities. Children will love exploring the ancient rooms, discovering the vaults where they used to lock up pirates, and even getting up close to Mons Meg – a huge cannon!
Of course, top of any family’s itinerary when visiting the city is Edinburgh Zoo. Just a short bus or taxi ride away from the city centre, you will find over 2,500 species from across the world. There’s plenty to see and do while you’re there; why not join one of the daily talks with their expert keepers or participate in one of their many events? Check the Edinburgh Zoo website before you visit to see what’s on.
The Edinburgh Dungeon is excellent for older children (recommended 12 years+) who like something a little spooky. This fun, immersive journey through the darker side of Scottish history features an underground tour with everything from special effects to rides and fantastic actors for a thrilling experience.
Indoor family activities for a rainy day in Edinburgh
The charming Scottish weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to know where to go should you need shelter from the rain for a few hours!
The award-winning Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a fun day out for the entire family. Enjoy over 100 illusions and experiences, including the popular vortex tunnel and shrinking room. They also boast an incredible rooftop terrace offering 360 views of Edinburgh, with telescopes for an even better view.
Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s world-renowned science centre and planetarium, is a great way to learn about the Earth in a fun and interactive way. Kids of all ages will love to immerse themselves in the educational exhibits – the highlights include a time travel machine, a real iceberg and the chance to experience an earthquake!
If your children love to read, you must visit Ginger and Pickles bookshop in Stockbridge. A hidden gem and the smallest independent bookshop in Edinburgh, it was created exclusively for young readers and is a treasure trove of lovingly selected books.
Step into an enchanting world of witchcraft and wizardry at The Potions Cauldron. Located on Rose Street, this 30-minute, family-friendly experience lets you discover Edinburgh’s historical connections to witches whilst giving you the chance to create your own magical potion. With engaging staff and captivating special effects, it’s a magical way to spend quality time with the family.
The Edinburgh CitySightseeing Tour is a great way to explore the city. But did you know they offer Horrible Histories Children’s commentary narrated by author Terry Deary? This hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a fun day out, packed with engaging stories and quirky facts. Kids will love the entertaining and often funny approach to Edinburgh’s interesting history, while parents can sit back and enjoy the stunning sights. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, this tour makes learning about the city’s past a memorable adventure.
If your children love all things arts and crafts, take a trip to the outskirts of Edinburgh to Potter Around. An art studio based in Kirknewton, they offer everything from ceramic painting to pottery wheel sessions and events. It’s a great way to connect with your little ones and create something beautiful and unique to cherish forever.
Family-friendly things to do outdoors in Edinburgh
There are endless things to do outside in Edinburgh – almost half of the city is green space! If the sun is shining, take advantage of Edinburgh’s secret parks and hidden gardens for a fun family picnic.
Calton Hill is a relatively easy climb for little legs. It takes around 15 minutes to get to the top, where you can enjoy the best views of the city and discover monuments, iconic landmarks and observatories on top of Edinburgh’s infamous volcanic hill.
Or why not spend the day at the beach? Beautiful North Berwick is just a 30-minute train ride away, where you can stroll along the beautiful beach and experience the thriving high street packed with local shops. Or Portobello, which has a buzzing promenade, arcade, parks, and seaside eateries where you can grab an ice cream to enjoy together on the sand.
If you travel a little outside of Edinburgh (around a 30-minute drive) to Midlothian Snowsports Centre, you will find Scotland’s only Alpine Coaster. Inspired by the Swiss Alps, this exciting gravity-powered rollercoaster is built on the hillside and features a track that twists and turns through the landscape. You can control your speed, but it can reach up to 28mph! Children over 9 years old (and 1.4m tall) can ride alone, and children 4+ can ride with an accompanying adult. Since its opening, it has been a hit with visitors and locals alike, offering a thrilling experience and a great way to see the Scottish countryside.
Archerfield Walled Garden, on the outskirts of Edinburgh in East Lothian, is a stunning family-run garden shop and café with plenty to see and do. Located on the beautiful grounds of the Archerfield Estate, the café offers a seasonal menu using local produce from their gardens, which you can explore during your visit. There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy too, with a lovely fairy trail and play park to explore.
The magical wizarding world of Harry Potter is synonymous with Edinburgh. The Potter Trail takes visitors on an enchanted journey to where the first book was written, the unusual street where JK Rowling got the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and the tombs at Greyfriars Kirkyard that inspired some of the most famous characters. They offer free daily tours (although a donation is much appreciated), and it is a great way to bring your children’s favourite book to life – remember to take your wands!
Free activities for families in Edinburgh
The entire family will enjoy spending a day at the National Museum of Scotland. Explore everything from nature, art and design, science, technology and history, with plenty of interactive activities to take part in along the way. Children can race a Formula 1 car, discover prehistoric dinosaurs and even step on the scales to see how they weigh up against animals from across the world.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is sure to delight kids and adults alike. Take a relaxing stroll around the world-famous grounds, exploring over 70 acres of stunning scenery, which is home to an array of spectacular plants from around the world. During the summer, they run a host of children’s events for you to join in with. Be sure to check the Royal Botanic Gardens website before your visit.
A family day out at Edinburgh’s International Children’s Festival
If you’re visiting in May, don’t miss the world-renowned Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, running from 24th May to 1st June 2025. Showcasing the finest children’s theatre and dance from across the globe, you will find a range of interactive and engaging children’s shows for a fantastic family day out.
Visiting Edinburgh with babies and toddlers
City breaks with babies and toddlers can be challenging, but rest assured, Edinburgh has plenty of things to do to keep them occupied.
MakeBelieve, in the West End, is a great indoor play space. Designed to encourage calm, nurturing play, it’s a great break from prams and carriers where your little one can explore, and you can enjoy a coffee. If you plan to take a day trip to North Berwick, stop by Whitekirk Hill for a coffee and play in their Play Barn – a lovely space for children to explore. Booking is recommended. Edinburgh’s Everyman cinema hosts a Baby Club each Tuesday and Thursday morning, where you can watch the latest film in a relaxed environment. The volume is turned down so it’s not too noisy for little ears, and coffee and cake are included for a lovely way to spend your morning.
Family things to do in Edinburgh at night
Edinburgh provides a variety of family-friendly activities for an enjoyable evening, with something to suit all interests. For those looking to catch the latest blockbusters, a trip to one of the city’s cinemas offers an opportunity to experience the newest films in a comfortable environment. Families can also enjoy a night out at the Edinburgh Playhouse – the UK’s largest all-seated venue. With a diverse calendar of live performances, including musicals, plays and concerts, there’s always something for everyone. In 2025, catch shows like Six, Matilda and The Greatest Showman sing-a-long. Check the Edinburgh Playhouse website before your visit to see what’s on.
Top tips for travelling around the city with kids
Edinburgh is a wonderfully walkable city, with many top attractions just a short stroll away. If this gets to be too much for little ones, the city has an excellent public transport system, including buses and trams, connecting you to the city’s top neighbourhoods and beyond. Taxis, Uber and private car hire are also readily available for those seeking a more direct mode of transport.
Read our blog “top tips for getting around the city” for more helpful advice.
Family-friendly hotels in Edinburgh
The Bonham Hotel in the West End is the perfect choice for a family-friendly city break in Edinburgh. Just a short walk to the city’s main attractions, it is the ideal base to explore all that the city has to offer. Book direct and save 20% off our room-only rates.