Family Friendly Things to do in Edinburgh

Are you visiting Edinburgh with your kids?

If so then you will be spoilt rotten with family-friendly attractions to choose from.

Edinburgh has a whole host of family-friendly attractions and things to do. Parks, beaches, castles and anything else you can think of. Regardless of your age or interests, we have something to help entertain the entire family. Our guide below details some of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids.

Family-Friendly Activities

Explore Edinburgh Castle
Visit Edinburgh Zoo
Learn about Edinburgh’s underground at Mary Kings Close
Make chocolate at The Chocolatarium
Get whacky at the Camera Obscura
Take a tour of Edinburgh Dungeons
Get your skates on at The Boardwalk
Visit the amazing Gorgie City Farm
Challenge your strength at Ninja Warrior
Take a walk up Carlton hill
Take a walk up Arthurs Seat
Get a Selfie with Greyfriars Bobby
Visit Portabello or Cramond beach
Visit South Queens Ferry
Alien Rock, Indoor climbing
Murrayfield Ice Rink
Gravity, Indoor trampoline park
Midlothian Snow Centre, Dry slopes and tubing
Walk tours! Ghouls, Harry Potter and history

Museums in Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland – Scottish antiquities, culture and history
Museum of Edinburgh – Exhibits sharing the history of Edinburgh
The People’s Story Museum – The story late 18th century to the present day people of Edinburgh
St Cecilia’s Hall Concert Room and Music Museum – Musical instruments
John Knox House – Historic owned and lived in by Protestant reformer John Knox during the 16th century
The Writers’ Museum – The story of Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson
Museum of Childhood – Toys through the ages
Surgeons’ Hall Museums – Artefacts and medical history
Museum on the Mound – Learn about money in Scotland
National War Museum – 400 years of conflict in one museum

Galleries in Edinburgh

Scottish National Gallery – Fine art including The Skating Minister
Royal Scottish Academy Building – Annual Scottish graduate show
Fruitmarket Gallery – Art gallery, bookshop and a cafe
Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Famous Scots in portrait
Modern One and Two – Modern and contemporary art
The Queens Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse – Small gallery at Holyrood

Start planning ahead, book your accommodation now.

We may be currently closed but if you require accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh then we recommend that you look at staying at one of our sister hotels which are all in the heart of the Scottish capital and within walking distance from the cities most iconic and most visited attractions.