Edinburgh is a fantastic city for families, offering a mix of historical sites, interactive museums and outdoor adventures - there’s something to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re after a spooky tour to get your spine tingling or want to get lost in a mirror maze to challenge your adventurous side, Edinburgh is packed full of fun activities for kids and adults alike.
We understand that keeping little ones entertained can sometimes be tricky, so to help you out, we’ve researched all the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids. Here are our top ten activities to enjoy in this vibrant city.
Dominating the Edinburgh skyline and consistently voted as one of the best attractions in the UK, Edinburgh Castle is not to be missed. Exploring the castle is like stepping into a real-life history book. Kids can don their adventure hats and start discovering everything this historic site has to offer. If you time your visit right, you may catch a live re-enactment to really bring the history of the place to life. Make sure you don’t miss the daily one o’clock gun salute too - it’s sure to impress your little ones.
Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
Daily from 9:30am to 6pm in summer and 5pm in winter
£19.50 for adults, £11.40 for children (7-15 years), free for under 7s
A fantastic activity for kids in Edinburgh, enjoy optical illusions, interactive exhibits and a rooftop view of the city when you take a trip to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. This place is a treasure trove of fun and learning that will captivate kids and adults alike. From the Vortex Tunnel to the Mirror Maze, this attraction has more than 100 exhibits to keep you and your family busy. Learning about science and perception has never been so fun!
Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND
Daily from 9am to late (closing times vary by day and season)
£22.95 for adults, £17.95 for children (5-15 years), free for under 5s
Where education and entertainment meet, the National Museum of Scotland is a great option for families looking for what to do in Edinburgh with kids. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to exhibits on innovative technology, there’s so much to get involved in at this museum. For dinosaur aficionados, there are dinosaur skeletons to marvel at, and you can even see a life-sized T. rex. If you have a miniature astronaut on your hands, then head over to explore space in the science and technology galleries.
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Daily from 10am to 5pm
Free entry
Home to over 1,000 animals, including the UK’s only giant pandas and koalas, Edinburgh Zoo gives you a chance to see rare and exotic species from across the world, up close. Kids can participate in animal feeding sessions, educational talks, and interactive exhibits that make learning about wildlife engaging and fun. The zoo is also set on 82 acres of parkland, offering plenty of space for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS
Daily from 10am, closing time varies by season (between 4pm and 6pm)
£26.50 for adults, £17 for children (3-15 years), free for under 3s
A great indoor option for rainy days in Edinburgh, this interactive museum takes you on a journey through Earth’s history, from the Big Bang to the present day. Kids can experience simulated earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and even a 4D adventure through the Earth’s biomes. With a focus on nature and geology, Dynamic Earth will keep kids of all ages engaged and entertained.
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS
Daily from 10am to 5:30pm
£19.50 for adults, £12 for children (4-15 years), free for under 4s
A good activity for older kids who like to get active, a hike up this extinct volcano offers stunning views of the city and a great outdoor adventure. An ancient, extinct volcano (which erupted around 350 million years ago), Arthur’s Seat is steeped in history. There are several route options, so we recommend doing some extra research before you go so you can choose the best option for you and your family – particularly if you have little ones that may need carrying.
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG
Open 24 hours
Free
With a chance to create your own chocolate masterpiece, get your chef’s hats at the ready for this family-fun activity in the centre of Edinburgh. Located just off the Royal Mile, The Chocolatarium will get the taste buds tingling and creative juices flowing. The 90-minute guided tour covers the history of chocolate, a tour of the Chocolate Factory Kitchen, and the chance to make your own bar. You’ll also get the chance to sample some delicious creations in the tasting session. For the chocolate fiends out there, this is not one to be missed.
3-5 Cranston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BE
Daily from 9am to 8.30pm (sometimes later)
£25 for adults, £17 for children, no under 6s allowed
Named as the Best Visitor Attraction in the UK by Tripadvisor in 2024, The Real Mary King’s Close is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh for families with kids over five years old. This underground labyrinth of streets and rooms offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s eerie past. All tours are led by costumed guides who bring the history of the city to life with spooky stories, fun facts and historical re-enactments. Make sure to book in advance as these tours are extremely popular with visitors – for good reason!
2 Warriston’s Close, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PG
Daily from 9am to late (closing time varies by season)
£25 for adults, £19 for children (5-15 years), no under 5s allowed
A beautiful park, perfect for picnics, playgrounds and a break from sightseeing, take a stroll through the picturesque Princes Street Gardens for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Located between the new town and the old town, the gardens are the perfect spot for a midday picnic between attractions. The kids can run free, and you can rest your feet (and mind) between activities.
Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG
Open 24 hours
Free entry
Thrill seekers, get ready! Experience live actors, special effects, and rides that bring Edinburgh’s dark history to life, all at the Edinburgh Dungeon. This immersive, walk-through experience takes around one hour and fifteen minutes to complete, and for obvious reasons is not suitable for young children under eight. Your journey will take you through The Torture Chamber, Cannibal’s Cave and much, much more, including a heart-stopping fall on the ‘Drop Dead’ ride that’ll have you screaming your lungs out. If you’re looking for fun things to do with older kids in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Dungeon gets our vote.
31 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF
Daily, opening hours vary by season
Start from £19 but vary by day. Offers are often available. No under 5s allowed
As you can see, Edinburgh is brimming with fun things to do with kids. Whether you’re exploring ancient castles, enjoying interactive museums, or simply taking in the beautiful scenery, this stunning city will keep the whole family entertained. Start your journey now by booking a train to Edinburgh. Still craving more inspiration? Head over to our blog to discover the best independent shops and things to do near Edinburgh. Happy exploring!
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