Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids — 14 Days Out That Work

Edinburgh is a dream city to visit with kids — compact, walkable, dramatic to look at, and packed with free things that are genuinely good rather than free because they're dull. Here's how to fill a few days without melting down (yours or theirs).

The big-hitters

Edinburgh Castle

Worth every penny of the ticket. The One O'Clock Gun (fired at 1pm daily except Sunday) is a guaranteed thrill, the views over the city are unbeatable, and the Crown Jewels and the tiny St Margaret's Chapel are quick wins for shorter attention spans. Book a timed slot online — walk-up queues are long.

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Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Five floors of hands-on optical illusions, mirror mazes and a Victorian "camera obscura" that projects live Edinburgh onto a table. Reliably the kids' favourite paid attraction in the city, and entirely indoors.

Dynamic Earth

An interactive journey through the planet's history — earthquakes, an iceberg you can touch, a 4D cinema. Sits right under Arthur's Seat, so pair it with a walk.

The free wins

National Museum of Scotland

The best free family day out in Scotland, full stop. Dolly the Sheep, an actual T. rex, a soaring Victorian grand gallery and hands-on science galleries — you could spend a full rainy day here and not see it all.

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano in the middle of the city, and a proper little mountain that most kids over 6 can climb. The view from the top is the best free thing in Edinburgh. Allow 1.5–2 hours; go up the gentler route from Dunsapie Loch with younger legs.

The Royal Botanic Garden

Free entry to 70 acres of gardens with a stream, squirrels and space to run. The glasshouses cost a little but are a good rainy-day add-on.

The atmospheric ones

The Real Mary King's Close

A guided tour of genuine 17th-century streets buried beneath the Royal Mile — spooky enough to thrill older kids (8+), historical enough to count as educational. Book ahead.

The Scott Monument

Kids love climbing the 287 narrow steps of this Gothic rocket of a monument for the view; younger ones may find the tight spiral a squeeze.

The rest of the fourteen

• Edinburgh Zoo — pandas (while they're still here), penguins and a hillside setting.
• Gorgie City Farm — free, central, and hands-on with the animals.
• The Museum of Childhood — free, and full of toys across the generations.
• Portobello Beach — a proper sandy beach a short bus ride from the centre.
• Cramond — a tidal-island walk (check tide times) with a village café.

Practical notes

Edinburgh is hilly and cobbled — a lightweight buggy suffers, and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. The weather changes fast, so always have a waterproof even in summer. Buses are cheap and frequent (exact change or contactless, tap on entry). Book the castle and Mary King's Close online ahead in summer and during the August Festival, when the city is rammed.