Edinburgh is one of the UK's best cities for families. From the free National Museum with its hands-on galleries to the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, from climbing Arthur's Seat to building sandcastles at Portobello Beach, there's something for every age group.
Many of the best attractions are free or reasonably priced, and the city is compact enough to explore on foot (though prepare for hills!). Even on rainy days—and Edinburgh has plenty—there are fantastic indoor attractions to keep children entertained.
Top Family Attractions
Edinburgh Zoo
Scotland's largest zoo with over 1,000 animals including pandas, penguins, and lions. The daily penguin parade is a highlight.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Read full guide →Dynamic Earth
Interactive science centre exploring Earth's history. Kids can experience earthquakes, tropical rainforests, and polar ice.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Read full guide →National Museum of Scotland
Free museum with hands-on galleries, dinosaurs, space exhibits, and a rooftop terrace. The adventure planet is brilliant for kids.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Read full guide →Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's most iconic attraction. Kids love the cannons, dungeons, and crown jewels. The One O'Clock Gun fires daily.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Read full guide →Camera Obscura
Five floors of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and mind-bending fun. The rooftop views are a bonus.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Read full guide →Edinburgh Dungeon
Spooky interactive experience through Edinburgh's dark history. Best for older children who enjoy being scared!
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Activities by Age
Under 5s
National Museum (free, hands-on), Zoo, Botanic Garden, Portobello Beach, soft play
5-8 years
Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura, Castle, Zoo, Arthur's Seat (lower paths), beach
9-12 years
Castle, Arthur's Seat summit, Edinburgh Dungeon, underground tours, Zoo
Teenagers
Edinburgh Dungeon, ghost tours, escape rooms, Castle, shopping on Princes Street
Outdoor Activities
Arthur's Seat
Climb the ancient volcano for amazing views. The easier paths around Holyrood Park are pushchair-friendly.
Best for: Walking age+ for summit
Learn more →Portobello Beach
Sandy beach 20 minutes from the city centre. Perfect for bucket and spade fun, paddling, and ice cream.
Best for: All ages
Learn more →Royal Botanic Garden
70 acres of gardens with space to run around. The glasshouses have giant tropical plants that fascinate kids.
Best for: All ages
Learn more →Princes Street Gardens
Central park with playgrounds and open space. Great for a break between sightseeing with castle views.
Best for: All ages
Water of Leith Walkway
Riverside walks through woodland. Spot squirrels and ducks. Dean Village to Stockbridge is pushchair-friendly.
Best for: All ages
Learn more →Rainy Day Ideas
Edinburgh weather can be unpredictable. Here are the best indoor options for families:
National Museum of Scotland
Free, huge, and packed with interactive exhibits. You could spend a whole rainy day here.
Learn more →Dynamic Earth
All indoor and completely hands-on. Perfect for burning off energy when the weather's bad.
Learn more →Edinburgh Zoo
Many indoor exhibits including Budongo Trail (chimps) and Penguin Rock. Still fun in light rain.
Soft Play Centres
Several soft play centres around the city for younger children to burn off energy.
Swimming
The Royal Commonwealth Pool has slides and a wave machine. Portobello Swim Centre has Victorian baths.
Free Family Activities
National Museum of Scotland
World-class free museum with kids' activities
Princes Street Gardens
Playgrounds and open space in the city centre
Royal Botanic Garden
Gardens free, small charge for glasshouses
The Meadows
Large park with playgrounds, popular with families
Arthur's Seat / Holyrood Park
Free outdoor adventure and wildlife
Portobello Beach
Sandy beach with promenade and arcades
Family Tips
- ✓Book popular attractions online to skip queues
- ✓The National Museum is free and brilliant for kids
- ✓Bring layers - Edinburgh weather changes quickly
- ✓Many restaurants have kids' menus and high chairs
- ✓Lothian Buses have space for pushchairs
- ✓Arthur's Seat is easier from the Dunsapie Loch side
- ✓Edinburgh Zoo is hilly - bring a carrier for toddlers
- ✓The Royal Mile can be very crowded with pushchairs
- ✓Pack snacks - kids get hungry on sightseeing days
- ✓Camera Obscura and Dynamic Earth are both rainy day winners