29 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids: A Fun Family Day Out

I’ve visited Edinburgh (one of my favorite places) a bunch of times, and I’ve personally done almost all of the items on this list of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids! After my most recent trip last month- where I took 40 kids to Edinburgh with me- I updated this post with all of the most recent top things you should absolutely try if you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids!

Edinburgh, Scotland is amazing. I just returned from a two-week jaunt through Scotland, and I would literally move to Edinburgh if I could. It is the perfect place to visit with your kids: Edinburgh is accessible (you can walk the entire city), kid-friendly, and safe.

Plus, there are tons of fun options in Edinburgh for children. Like touring Edinburgh Castle, exploring the Royal Mile, and laughing at Camera Obscura.

This post packs in everything you need for an awesome family trip to Scotland’s most fun-filled city. Cool castles that’ll make you feel like you’ve time-traveled, super-fun museums where learning is a blast, and tons of secret spots the locals love. Every recommendation is tried and tested for family fun, so whether you’re up for outdoor adventures or want to soak up some culture, I’ve got you covered.

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Top Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids

After exploring Edinburgh for days at a time, I still feel like I’m always discovering new things to do that are perfect for kids!

Here is a map and a list of the best and most memorable things to enjoy in Edinburgh, Scotland with children of all ages:

1. Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the most famous street in Old Town, Edinburgh. It was named as such because it is bracketed on both ends by royal residences.

At the top of the Royal Mile, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle towering over the rest of the city. It sits high upon the inactive volcano of Castle Rock. At the other end of the Royal Mile, you will find Holyroodhouse Palace, a castle that was once home to Mary Queen of Scots.

Walking the Royal Mile is intentionally put at the top of my list for two reasons. First, the Royal Mile is an easy place to begin exploring the city. Second, it is one of my favorite places in Edinburgh. Every time I walk it, I feel as though I’m in the soul of the city.

You’ll find numerous pubs (including my favorite one listed below!), magnificent Scottish shops, and you’ll almost certainly encounter a traditional bagpiper.

Spend your first afternoon orienting your family on how to get around Old Town Edinburgh as you plunge yourself headfirst into the character and ambiance along the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile.

✅ Tip: Some of the most amazing food we had in Edinburgh was at Deacon Brodie’s Tavern, which is smack dab in the middle of the Royal Mile.

Pop into their upstairs dining area and let your kids try some traditional Scottish fare like haggis or Cullen skink!

2. Visit Historic Edinburgh Castle (A Top Thing to do in Edinburgh with Kids)

It’s hard to miss Edinburgh Castle; you can pretty much see it from anywhere in Edinburgh! It stands on the top of the Royal Mile and has served as a royal residence, a fortress, and even a prison!

Edinburgh Castle has a long and colorful history, which is best learned about during a tour of the site! Enjoy a self-paced audio guide tour, or book one of the tours that are offered with guides. You can take an hour-long guided tour, or, if you’re a military buff, book a two-hour tour dedicated just to the military history of the castle.

Be prepared to walk, because my kids and I were both definitely stunned by how massive the grounds inside the castle are. Plus, much of the walk is uphill, and there are lots of stairs!

Regardless of which tour you decide on, children will be awed by the Scottish Crown Jewels, which are still on display in the Crown Room of the castle. My personal favorite part of Edinburgh Castle was exploring the prisons and torture chambers!

Visiting Edinburgh Castle is a must during your time in Edinburgh with kids, and there are so many beautiful photo locations that look out over the entire expanse of the city!

⭐ Feeling Fancy? Book Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle! Your tea includes castle admission!

3. Dark History Tours in Edinburgh: An Edinburgh with Kids MUST!

One of the top things I recommend you do as a family in Edinburgh is take a dark history tour that descends into Edinburgh’s vaults! Every time I’m in Edinburgh, I make it a point to take one of these tours. They seem to get better every single time!

Edinburgh is riddled with closes- small alleyways leading who-knows-where, and vaults that run underneath the city. Both of these dark places are alive at night with the large variety of haunted tours that run in Old Town.

While the closes and vaults are super creepy, these tours are still a must-do with kids in Edinburgh as they are not too scary for children.

Here are the two best dark history tours that I’ve personally done and would recommend in Edinburgh:

✅ The Real Mary King’s Close

The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the most well-known closes in Edinburgh, and it is my personal favorite. I just recently did this tour again, and it was even better than the first time. It should absolutely top your list of things to do in Edinburgh with kids.

You’d never guess the history that lives underneath the Royal Mile!

You’ll walk down, under the streets of Edinburgh, and into the old Mary King’s Close. A tour guide walks you down many cobblestone streets and into old vaults, focusing on the history of the black plague and life in old Mary King’s Close.

Hear all about old-time quarantine, plague doctors, and even a haunted tale! I loved every second of this tour, and you will too! It was interesting but not too scary- so it’s the perfect Edinburgh attraction for families.

⭐Book tickets for Mary King’s Close here.

✅ Mercat Tours

Mercat Tours runs multiple different underground and ghost tours in the heart of Edinburgh.

You’ll meet your guide right at the Mercat Cross by St. Giles Cathedral and head through the streets of Edinburgh as you learn about old-time body-snatching, graverobbers, and haunted stories!

Finally, you’ll descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults which was SO COOL! The vaults were damp and dark, making the tour even better!

⭐ Note: Mercat Tours is one of the only tour providers in Edinburgh that can actually take you underground into the vaults!
Book tickets for Mercat Tours here.

4. Dynamic Earth

Children of all ages in Edinburgh will enjoy a visit to Dynamic Earth– an attraction designed to take visitors on a trip through time and space as they explore the evolution of the world from the beginning of time.

Included in your ticket is admission to the planetarium, where multiple different movies can be seen as they thunder to life around you.

Admission ranges from £12.00- £19.50, and children under four are free.

Book tickets and planetarium viewings in advance HERE!

5. Hike Arthur’s Seat at Calton Hill

King Arthur’s Seat is one of the best places in Edinburgh for an unforgettable view of the city.

Located at the end of the Royal Mile, you can find Arthur’s Seat at the very top of the large Calton Hill, overlooking the Palace of Holyroodhouse. As legend has it, many believe that this is the original spot of Camelot, where many of the King Arthur stories take place.

Hiking Arthur’s Seat is a great afternoon option for kids who are active! While the hike can be strenuous depending on the route you take, it is worth the approximately two-hour climb. Get some energy out and enjoy the sunlight- the best starting place for your hike is Holyrood Palace.

6. Visit a Cat Cafe (A Rather Unique Thing to do in Edinburgh with Kids-HA!)

During our trip to Edinburgh in November of 2023, I was shocked by how many of my students wanted to hit the first cat cafe we saw. Literally floored.

More than half of our group visited Maison de Moggy, a cat cafe that was about a 5-minute walk from our hotel. It’s right in Grassmarket, so it is very central and easy to get to.

I was honestly also shocked by how clean Maison de Moggy was (Can you tell I was skeptical?). You have to remove your shoes before entering, and then you can enjoy a cappuccino (complete with a cat paw in the foam!) and play with one of the 8 cats on the premises.

You do have to reserve a 1-hour time slot in advance to visit this cat cafe, and there is a 1-to-1 child to adult ratio required for visiting.

7. Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was built in 1128 and has a long line of interesting history to its name, including originally being a monastery.

Currently the official residence of the King when he is in town, the Palace has also been home to Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The Palace has large grounds filled with an abbey, gardens, treasures, galleries, and even state apartments and a throne room!

Entry to the palace: Book Tickets Here!
Included: A multimedia guide

⭐ Holyroodhouse has separate resources for families and children including a free multimedia tour, drawing activities, and even an opportunity to play dress up!
You can find the children and families section here!

8. The Potter Trail: A Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh

Many people know that J.K. Rowling spent a significant part of her life in Edinburgh. In fact, many of the Harry Potter books were written in cafes and hotels around the city.

Therefore, you’ll find plenty of Harry Potter tours and references around the city. I am a well-proclaimed Potterhead, so I knew the second I was in Edinburgh, I had to take a Harry Potter tour.

The Potter Trail is an extremely popular walking tour designed JUST for Harry Potter lovers …and it’s completely free!

These tours run for over an hour as guides walk participants through spell-binding locations in the city from Greyfriar’s Kirkyard to Voldemort’s grave and even a visit to Victoria Street (Diagon Alley!).

Our tour guide for the Potter Trail, Sam, was absolutely incredible! He made the experience magical and engaging for all of us! Make sure to bring something with you that can be used as a wand–interactive spell-casting is required!

⭐ You can also book a private Potter Trail Harry Potter Tour here!

9. Explore Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

With five entire floors dedicated to illusions, mind games, exploration, and a rooftop terrace with 360° views of the city, Camera Obscura and World of ILlusions is easily one of the neatest attractions for children– whether they are toddlers or young adults. On our recent trip to Scotland, this was one of the things our kids loved the most!

Entry to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is first-come, first-served. Booking advance tickets is recommended, and there is a discount for purchasing tickets online.

Book tickets here!

10. Enjoy Scares at the Edinburgh Dungeon

Would Edinburgh even be a large European capital city if it didn’t have its own version of the ever-popular Dungeon? I think not.

Although considered “touristy,” Edinburgh Dungeon still brilliantly puts on a spellbinding show that is family-friendly but still illustrates the gruesome and hysterical parts of Scottish history.

This immersive experience is a great way to get up and moving, laughing, and shrieking (with fear or joy, I’m not sure!), and learn some history while doing it. You’ll visit Edinburgh’s vaults, experience a witch trial, and even witness some medieval torture!

Tickets start at ~£23.00
Book Tickets For Edinburgh Dungeon Here!

11. The Scottish Storytelling Centre

You never know just what adventure you’ll find at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Touted as “A place for Scotland’s stories,” this community center, theater, and performing arts center has something for the whole family.

Book tickets in advance for one-of-a-kind, authentic Scottish experiences with locals. My favorite is the Scottish Ceilidh.

A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish gathering that includes dancing, storytelling, and other festivities. The one at the Scottish Storytelling Centre brings families together by making it easy to learn folk dances from Scottish history.

You’ll make family memories much more valuable than the £5 it costs to enjoy this event.
Dancing not your jam? There are plenty of other events to choose from including family shows and traditional storytelling of tales such as the selkies.

⭐ Check out current calendar events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre here!

12. Edinburgh Treasure Trail

Is there any better way to orient yourself to a new city than by completing a treasure hunt!?

For just £9.99, up to five people can embark on a mystery-solving treasure hunt involving history, piracy, and riches.

The Treasure Trail booklet is downloadable online and can be completed at your own pace, making it a simple thing to do in Edinburgh with kids during a free afternoon.

The hunt takes place in the Old Town area of Edinburgh and takes about two hours to complete on average. With text message clues available if you get stuck, you’re sure to solve this mystery as a family in no time!

13. Visit Edinburgh Zoo

Seeing animals is always a highlight for kids, and the Edinburgh Zoo will be no exception!

Edinburgh Zoo hosts a ton of different animal encounters, including giraffes, tigers, pandas, and Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool.

Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance. I recommend booking a timeslot here.

Tickets range from £15.70-£24.75. Children under 3 are free.

14. Climb Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens

Take the kids to one of the most well-known locations in Edinburgh. Located right in Princes Street Gardens, Scots Monument is a great place for children because you can climb to the top of the monument!

It’s the perfect place to allow the kids to get some energy out, and the top of the climb comes with fantastic views across Old and New Town Edinburgh. After you’ve managed the 287 steps, anyway!

There is a charge to climb Scots Monument, but you can just pay when you get there! No reservations required.

15. Chocolate Making Tour

Has your child ever watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and wished they could spend a day in a chocolate factory? Now they can!

One of the best food tours to take in Edinburgh, Scotland is the one at The Chocolatarium. This chocolate factory won the #1 Best Food Experience in the UK in 2022!

On this tour, you’ll see how the chocolate is made, sample exotic chocolates from around the world, and even create your own chocolate to try and bring home.

⭐ Book your Chocolatarium tour here!

16. Explore Royal Yacht Brittania

Head down to Leith Walk and hop on board the Royal Yacht Brittania for a tour around Queen Elizabeth II’s original floating palace.

This ship contains five full floors to explore, and you can even have tea on board at the Royal Deck Tearoom! Kids will love the opulence of the state apartments and the feel of being on deck this massive yacht!

The tram now runs to Leith, so it is extremely easy to get here from center city Edinburgh, and there are some amazing new restaurants and stores along the Water of Leith that are well worth trying!

17. Watch a Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse

The Edinburgh Playhouse is the United Kingdom’s largest working theatre.

Each month, there are a variety of performances happening, making seeing a show a fantastic thing to do in Edinburgh with kids.

There is sure to be something for everyone from orchestras to musicals and even comedians. In the next year alone, catch presentations of “Shrek the Musical,” the Nutcracker ballet, and a Greatest Showman singalong!

See what’s on and buy tickets for upcoming shows here.

18. Enjoy a Proper Afternoon Tea in the United Kingdom

Is there anything more charming than enjoying Afternoon Tea? I think not.

There are loads of unique places to have a proper afternoon tea party in Scotland– Edinburgh, in particular! No matter where you go, your family will remember the experience forever!

For a Lavish Afternoon Tea Experience, book tea in the Georgian Room at the Dome. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous chandeliers and elegance. Plus, they have a separate tea menu just for children!

Another amazing option in Old Town Edinburgh, located right on the Royal Mile, is Clarinda’s Tea Room.

Afternoon tea here somehow feels just like home in a quaint, cozy space with loads of character and delicious pastries and quiches. I was here during a rainy afternoon, and it was the perfect place to escape the weather and I devoured literally everything we ordered! It was so yummy!

19. Break Out of an Escape Room

Looking for an exciting adventure in Edinburgh with the kids? Escape rooms are a fantastic option! They’re not just exciting and mysterious; they’re also a great way to encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and a whole lot of fun.

In Edinburgh, you’ll find a variety of escape rooms that are perfect for families, offering a range of themes and difficulty levels to suit everyone’s taste.

One top pick is Escape Reality Edinburgh, known for its immersive themes and challenging puzzles. With six different rooms to choose from, there’s something for every family. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss the Department of Magic, where you can immerse yourself in the world of witches and wizards.

20. See the Spirit of Scotland Show

A fantastic thing we did with kids in Scotland that I would’ve totally overlooked (and almost cancelled) was the Spirit of Scotland show and dinner.

This dramatic performance shows the history of Scotland through famous Scottish traditions like the Address to a Haggis, traditional bagpiping performances, and Scottish dancers. I even got pulled up to polka with a bagpiper in full dress! It was hilarious (Okay, the kids loved laughing at me!)

The show can be a little longer (about 2 hours), so this may be best for older kids, or prepare to leave halfway through.

21. Ride the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

Look- I’ll be the first to admit that a ride on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus in any city is bound to be touristy, but they’re popular for a reason.

Walking around Edinburgh is the best way to explore the city, but that can be tough on little feet. A way to fix that would be to take a tour around the city on the bus.

The Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus has 14 different stops situated throughout Edinburgh, ranging from a stop at Dynamic Earth to a stop at the Burns Monument, and two different stops on The Royal Mile!

This is a great way to tour the city and cuts down on travel time between attractions for sure! Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, meaning if you buy it at the right time…you can technically get part of two days!

Book Hop On Hop Off Bus Tickets Here! The best part? Up to three kids ride free with a paying adult!

22. Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

Rainy day in Edinburgh? Head over to this indoor climbing arena that will allow kids to blow off some steam!

One of the best-kept secrets as far as unique places in Edinburgh goes is the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. It is Europe’s largest indoor climbing space with tons of things to do for the whole family.

Though you’ll have to head a few minutes outside the city center, this space has multiple rock walls for adults, a clip-and-climb option for kids, a bouldering space, and even a soft play area for younger children.

Rates vary based on activity and time. View pricing and book a time here.

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The Best Free Things to Do With Kids in Edinburgh

Budgeting for a trip can be tough, so I am always looking for things to do that are free (or cheap!). I’ve compiled below some of my favorite free things to do in Edinburgh with children.

23. Walk Through Princes Street Gardens

📍 Google Maps Link: Princes Street Gardens

The most-visited park in Edinburgh, Princes Street Gardens, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

Within this area, you’ll find all types of attractions such as the Scott National Monument, erected to pay homage to the Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott.

Enjoy a picnic in the gardens, ride the Festival Wheel– a large ferris wheel and one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh with kids- or, explore other monuments like the Royal Scott Monument.

Best of all, be sure to visit Princes Street Gardens if you’re traveling to Edinburgh during the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, this area transforms into Scotland’s Winter Wonderland– the Edinburgh Christmas Market!

I’ve been to the Christmas market in Edinburgh twice now, and I would highly recommend it for rides, delicious food, mulled wine, local souvenirs, and, of course, Christmas cheer!

🚨 You may see other articles that mention a castle playground in Princes Street Gardens, but that playground has, sadly, been demolished. As of late 2023, it is not there.

24. The Royal Botanic Gardens

📍 Google Maps Link: Royal Botanic Garden

An oasis in the middle of the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a stunning place to get away and spend some time in nature.

Nature trails that span more than 70 acres mean there is plenty of space to get lost while exploring the curated gardens. If your kids need to burn off some steam and let loose, this is the place!

Entry to the gardens is free.

25. Explore Grassmarket Market or Edinburgh Farmer’s Market (And Sample Some Scottish Food!)

📍 Google Maps Link: Grassmarket Market & Edinburgh Farmer’s Market
⭐ Insider Tip: My favorite things to grab are fresh Isle of Skye cheese, Lemon Curd, and a piping hot, handmade sausage roll! YUM!

One of my favorite things to do in Edinburgh is wander the local markets. My two favorites are the Grassmarket Market and the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market. Both markets run on Saturday mornings!

At the bottom of Victoria Street in Edinburgh lies the Grassmarket area of the city. This neighborhood has a large array of stores, restaurants, and boutiques. It also hosts the Grassmarket Market.

Here you can find many stalls full of vendors making street food (hello fresh sausage rolls!) and selling unique Scottish souvenirs and goods! Kids will also love spending some time meandering through the streets and enjoying local snacks or a meal at one of the restaurants!

For example, we love Mary’s Milk Bar for some authentic hot chocolate or gelato or the Last Drop for some amazing fish and chips!

⭐ If you walk 5 minutes past Grassmarket Market, you will find the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market along the Castle Terrace! This was the highlight of my recent trip to Edinburgh, and I bought tons of delicious local cheese, jams, and even coffee!

26. The National Museum of Scotland

📍 Google Maps Link: National Museum of Scotland
⭐ Insider Tip: This museum is free AND centrally located. Pop in when it’s convenient!

The National Museum of Scotland boasts 7 floors of historical artifacts and exhibits for visitors to enjoy. And many are awed by the prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton that hangs in the Animal World exhibit.

However, add to that chess pieces from the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone movie, Viking artifacts, Egyptian relics, and other animals like a polar bear, and the National Museum of Scotland is a world to explore.

My kids said that this was the best museum they visited during our recent trip abroad to Scotland and Ireland, and that’s saying something! You could seriously spend hours in here!

Entry to the museum is free!

Top Day Trips To Take From Edinburgh With Children!

There are plenty of day trips from Edinburgh– but some are just too long or not interesting enough for children. Here are a few of the day trips that I would recommend for children from Edinburgh:

27. Visit the Highlands, Explore a Castle, and See Highland Cows!

A trip to Scotland is not complete without seeing some Hairy Coos! Hairy Coos are native to Scotland and are some of the country’s most lovable creatures.

A day trip from Edinburgh is the perfect way to experience some smaller villages in Scotland as you tour some of the bigger sites (can you say castles?!?) to see in the Highlands, and see hairy coos!

Children of all ages will enjoy running around Stirling Castle, riding a boat on Loch Lomond, and exploring the Highlands.

⭐ This day trip to the Highlands combines so many fun things into one jam-packed day of excitement.

You’ll see the world-famous Kelpies, visit Trossachs National Park, feed hairy coos, see Stirling Castle, and visit Loch Lomond.

28. Visit Loch Ness and Search For Nessie

Jump on a tour bus and get out of the city from Edinburgh to the Inverness-area for a trip to see the world-famous Loch Ness Monster!

You’ll stop in Glencoe, a village nestled in the Highlands, and continue on to the world-famous Loch Ness! At Loch Ness, you can opt to take a one-hour cruise on the loch to search for The Loch Ness Monster, more fondly named Nessie.

This ride is one of the top things in Inverness I recommend for travelers because it brings the legend of Scotland to life for the little ones. Even though you won’t get the chance to stay in Inverness, you’ll still experience some of it!

🦕 Explore Loch Ness day trip experiences here!

29. The Ultimate Harry Potter Location Tour

Have a kid who is a massive Potterhead? What better way to spend the day than to travel to film locations around Scotland together?

On this tour that departs from Edinburgh, you will ride the famous Hogwarts Express and see the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Other locations include the loch from The Chamber of Secrets and film scenes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

✈ This tour creates all the magic for you so that you and your Potterhead can enjoy seeing places you’ve only dreamt of!

FAQ: Edinburgh With Children

Here are some of the things I am most frequently asked when it comes to the subject of traveling in Edinburgh, Scotland with little ones:

Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting With Kids?

Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Europe to visit with kids! There is so much to do for children, from interactive museums to city games, music events, storytelling, and hikes to plenty of day trips…and of course, my kid’s favorite, the bagpipers!

Plus, Edinburgh is so walkable and compact that it makes it a brilliant place to travel with kids simply because you don’t have to worry too much about getting around!

Is Edinburgh Castle Suitable For Kids?

Absolutely! Edinburgh Castle is filled with attractions for kids. My students loved seeing the Crown Jewels, the Royal Apartments, and the different types of weapons. Plus, everyone loves exploring the creepy dungeons!

Edinburgh Castle as a whole is great for kids, and I particularly love that they put together activities specifically meant for little ones! The only thing I’d caution is that much of the walk up into and though Edinburgh Castle is uphill. It may be difficult on little legs!

Which is Better For Kids, Glasgow or Edinburgh?

I just traveled to both of these cities in the past month with kids, and I can confidently tell you that not one of the 40 students I traveled with preferred Glasgow. Edinburgh far outweighs Glasgow when it comes to things to do, places to explore, and even the overall character of the city.

In fact, I wouldn’t bother taking kids to Glasgow again. It is more a city for older individuals who can appreciate culture and adult activities.

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Conclusion: Edinburgh Family Days Out

Edinburgh is the perfect European city to visit with kids. My kids are always begging to go back, and we truly loved our time there.

With the 27 best things we’ve listed to do in this city in Scotland, there are things to do with children of any age.

Have the time of your life making memories as a family in Edinburgh!

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Traveling to Scotland Soon? Here are Some More Helpful Posts ⬇️

✔️ Grab my 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary so you can plan out the BEST days in the city!
✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh.
✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh!
✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know.
✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber!)
✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots
✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)