Things to Do With Kids in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland and is home to many wonderful attractions and activities. With its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, the city has something to offer families of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, a cultural experience, or a thrilling adventure, there’s plenty to see and do in Edinburgh with kids. From exploring the city’s many museums and galleries to enjoying delicious food and taking part in exciting outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just some of the things to do with kids in Edinburgh.

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland and is a must-see for visitors to the city. Situated on the Castle Rock, the castle has been a royal residence since the 12th century and is home to many historical artifacts and treasures. The castle is open to the public and offers a range of activities and events for families. Kids can explore the ancient dungeons, take part in educational workshops, and enjoy spectacular views of the city from the castle walls.

As well as the castle itself, there are many other attractions to explore in the castle grounds. Kids can learn about the castle’s history at the War Memorial, go for a stroll in the Queen’s Garden, and explore the Royal Palace. There are also a variety of shops and restaurants in the castle grounds offering souvenirs and delicious food.

Visiting Edinburgh Castle is a great way to spend a day with the family and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

2. Enjoy a Picnic in the Meadows

The Meadows is a beautiful park located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The park covers an area of over 35 acres and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic with the family. Kids will love playing in the park’s playground, exploring its many pathways, and feeding the ducks on the lake.

The Meadows is also home to a range of events and activities throughout the year. During the summer months, there are outdoor concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants near the park, offering a range of delicious food and drinks.

Spending a day in the Meadows is a great way to relax and enjoy some quality time with the family.

3. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is a stunning 70-acre site located on the edge of Edinburgh. The garden is home to a variety of plants and trees from around the world and is a great place to explore with the family. Kids will love discovering the garden’s many pathways and discovering its unique flora and fauna.

The garden also offers a range of activities for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the garden’s glasshouses and take part in special events throughout the year. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants near the garden, offering delicious food and drinks.

Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden is a great way for kids to learn about nature and discover the beauty of the garden.

4. Take a Sightseeing Tour

A sightseeing tour is a great way to explore the city with the family. There are many different tours available in Edinburgh, from walking tours to bus tours. Kids will love learning about the city’s history and culture and discovering its many hidden gems.

The tours usually include a visit to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and other iconic landmarks. Kids can also learn about the city’s many hidden gems, such as its cobbled streets and secret gardens. The tours usually last around two hours and are a great way to get an overview of the city.

Taking a sightseeing tour is a great way for kids to learn more about Edinburgh and its many attractions.

5. Visit the National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is a great place to take the family. The museum is home to a range of exhibits and collections, from natural history to science and technology. Kids will love exploring the museum’s many interactive displays and discovering its fascinating artifacts.

There are also a range of activities and events for kids, including workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the museum’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The museum also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Visiting the National Museum of Scotland is a great way for kids to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

6. Visit the Edinburgh Zoo

The Edinburgh Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions and is a great place to take the family. The zoo is home to a range of animals, from penguins and tigers to monkeys and meerkats. Kids will love exploring the zoo’s many pathways and discovering its unique inhabitants.

The zoo also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the zoo’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The zoo also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Visiting the Edinburgh Zoo is a great way for kids to learn more about animals and the environment.

7. Enjoy a Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the city’s most popular events and is a great place to take the family. The festival is home to a range of shows, from comedy and theatre to music and dance. Kids will love exploring the festival’s many venues and discovering its unique performances.

The festival also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the festival’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The festival also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Enjoying a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a great way for kids to explore the city’s vibrant culture.

8. Explore the Camera Obscura

The Camera Obscura is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and is a great place to take the family. The Camera Obscura is home to a range of interactive displays and fascinating exhibitions, from optical illusions to 3D movies. Kids will love exploring the camera’s many pathways and discovering its unique wonders.

The Camera Obscura also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the camera’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The camera also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Exploring the Camera Obscura is a great way for kids to learn about science and technology.

9. Visit the National Gallery of Scotland

The National Gallery of Scotland is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is a great place to take the family. The gallery is home to a range of artworks and collections, from classic paintings to contemporary sculptures. Kids will love exploring the gallery’s many pathways and discovering its unique artworks.

The gallery also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the gallery’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The gallery also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Visiting the National Gallery of Scotland is a great way for kids to learn more about art and culture.

10. Take a Boat Trip on the Union Canal

The Union Canal is a beautiful canal located in the heart of Edinburgh. The canal is home to a variety of boats and is a great place to take the family. Kids will love exploring the canal’s many pathways and discovering its unique wildlife.

The canal also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the canal’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The canal also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Taking a boat trip on the Union Canal is a great way for kids to explore the city’s waterways.

11. Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is a great place to take the family. The gallery is home to a range of modern artworks and collections, from classic paintings to contemporary sculptures. Kids will love exploring the gallery’s many pathways and discovering its unique artworks.

The gallery also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the gallery’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The gallery also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Visiting the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a great way for kids to learn more about art and culture.

12. Visit the National Museum of Flight

The National Museum of Flight is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is a great place to take the family. The museum is home to a range of aircraft and artifacts, from vintage planes to modern jets. Kids will love exploring the museum’s many pathways and discovering its unique exhibits.

The museum also offers a range of activities and events for kids, including interactive workshops and educational tours. Kids can also explore the museum’s outdoor gardens and take part in special events throughout the year. The museum also has a range of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Visiting the National Museum of Flight is a great way for kids to learn more about aviation and the history of flight.

Summary

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland and is home to many wonderful attractions and activities. From exploring the city’s many museums and galleries to enjoying delicious food and taking part in exciting outdoor activities, there’s plenty to see and do in Edinburgh with kids. Some of the top things to do with kids in Edinburgh include visiting Edinburgh Castle, enjoying a picnic in the Meadows, exploring the Royal Botanic Garden, taking a sightseeing tour, visiting the National Museum of Scotland, visiting the Edinburgh Zoo, enjoying a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exploring the Camera Obscura, visiting the National Gallery of Scotland, taking a boat trip on the Union Canal, visiting the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and visiting the National Museum of Flight.

Edinburgh is a great destination for families looking for a fun and memorable day out. With its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, the city has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out, a cultural experience, or a thrilling adventure, there’s plenty to see and do in Edinburgh with kids.