Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids

Edinburgh is a beautiful city full of fascinating history and great sights, and it’s also one of the most family-friendly places to visit in Europe. There are a huge range of things to do in edinburgh with kids, from visiting a castle and climbing an extinct volcano to taking a spooky tour and learning about medieval history.

For a day of history, head to the National Museum of Scotland. It has an incredible collection of artifacts from around the world, including ancient Egypt, Scotland and natural history, plus lots of interactive activities for kids to get stuck into. They can dig for dinosaur bones, dress up in traditional costumes from different cultures and even get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 race car.

Timetwisters is another fun place to take the kids for a day of adventure and exploration, this time inspired by Ancient Egypt. It has rope bridges, tunnels and a whole lot of interactive elements to keep your kids engaged for hours. It’s the perfect choice if you want to spend the day with your kids and a bit of a treat for yourself, too.

There are several other museums in Edinburgh that are worth checking out, too. For example, there’s Dynamic Earth, which has more than 100 interactive exhibits, from a colour shadow wall and unexpected mirrors to holograms and an escape room.

Sculpture parks are another great way to engage your children with nature, and Jupiter Artland is a popular option for families looking to explore contemporary art and natural sculptures in the heart of Edinburgh. It’s open between May and September, so it’s a lovely place to go with kids who want to see how contemporary artists can use the landscape of Scotland to create works that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

For a great view of Edinburgh, climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the Scott Monument. This is one of the most iconic spots in the city, and it’s easy to see why – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you look down over the capital. Be prepared to be surrounded by traffic on the way up, but it’s worth it when you see the views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside below.

The Royal Mile is the main street that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, and it’s a fantastic spot to walk with your children. It’s got a range of interesting sites and cafes, and the street performers are always entertaining, too.

A trip to the Edinburgh Zoo is a popular choice for kids in Edinburgh, and there’s usually some kind of event or activity going on here too. The animals are friendly and there’s a great playground in Princes Street Gardens, which is a good place to let toddlers and small children burn off some energy.

Harry Potter lovers will be happy to know that the city of Edinburgh is home to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where author JK Rowling penned her beloved series of books. This magical tour is free, and lets you take a stroll around the locations where some of the books’ characters were inspired. You’ll see where Lord Voldemort’s crypt is, practise a few spells, and even have the chance to be sorted into your Hogwarts house.