12 Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh When You Have Children

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit with children, and it is even better if you are lucky enough to live there. Scotland's capital has plenty of family-friendly attractions, activities and events to keep kids of all ages entertained. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Edinburgh when you have children.

1. Visit Edinburgh Zoo

One of the top attractions in Edinburgh for families who are fostering with fosterplus.co.uk is the Edinburgh Zoo. Home to over 1,000 animals, highlights for kids include watching the penguins splash about at feeding time, seeing the zoo’s two giant pandas, visiting the budgie house where you can feed the colourful birds, and spotting monkeys clambering around their enclosures. The zoo has play areas like the rainforest-themed Amazonia indoor play centre and the outdoor Fun Zoo playground.

2. Explore Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits dramatically on top of an extinct volcano in the heart of the city. Older children will enjoy exploring the castle’s defences, stepping inside tiny prison cells and discovering the Great Hall and Royal Apartments. Costumed interpreters bring the castle’s history to life. Be sure to watch the famous One O’clock Gun being fired and to check out the expansive views from the castle ramparts.

3. Step Back in Time at the National Museum of Scotland

From dinosaurs and dragons to Egyptian mummies and stuffed animals, the National Museum of Scotland is full of fascinating exhibits to spark kids’ imaginations. The extensive collections cover natural world, science, technology, art, design and world cultures. Don’t miss the grand Grand Gallery with its giant diplodocus skeleton casting. The ever-popular Amazing Bubble Show features giant bubbles up to 5m long.

4. Ride the Wheel at Princes Street Gardens

For bird’s eye views across Edinburgh, take a spin on the Edinburgh Observation Wheel in Princes Street Gardens. The iconic 443-foot high wheel has 42 fully enclosed glass capsules, each holding up to eight people. Little ones will love looking down on Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street’s shops and the garden’s beautiful flowerbeds from 135m up. Tickets last 30 minutes.

5. Explore Underground Vaults on a Ghost Tour

For older kids who love things that go bump in the night, join a ghost tour to explore Edinburgh’s creepy underground vaults. Located beneath the old city bridges, these former storage vaults are said to be haunted. Tours like Mercat Tours take you below ground by candlelight to hear spooky tales about the vaults’ paranormal activities. Not suitable for under 12s.

6. See Amazing Wildlife at Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World 

Located in the popular Edinburgh Zoo, Butterfly & Insect World is home to over 1,000 free-flying tropical butterflies from Africa, Asia and the Americas along with stick insects, leafcutter ants and the UK’s largest collection of tarantulas. Kids can watch butterflies emerging from pupae in the hatchery, stroll through the sensory tunnel and spot camouflaged creepy-crawlies in the Insect Discovery Zone.

7. Explore The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a green oasis located in the heart of Scotland's capital. Spread over 70 acres, these stunning botanical gardens feature a diverse array of plant species from around the world. Highlights include 10 glasshouses showcasing habitats ranging from rainforest to desert. The woodland garden provides beautiful walks past flowers, streams and ponds. Don't miss the Chinese Hillside with its pagoda. With free entry, a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden makes for a relaxing day out surrounded by nature. The gardens host events and activities for all ages throughout the year.

8. Learn Through Interactive Play at Our Dynamic Earth

To give kids an exciting introduction to science and nature, visit Our Dynamic Earth near the Scottish Parliament. Through high-tech exhibits and games, this interactive museum teaches about the Earth’s formation and processes. Kids can experience the Power of the Earth zone’s earthquake simulator, make a tsunami in the water area, and get dramatic volcano footage on the big screen.

9. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a fascinating attraction located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. At the top is the Camera Obscura, which projects live images of the city onto a viewing table using a natural optical phenomenon. Downstairs, the World of Illusions features interactive exhibits perfect for kids and adults alike. Be wowed by 3D holograms, mind-bending puzzles, infinity mirrors and an upside down room. This family-friendly experience will entertain you for hours as you play and experiment with hands-on optical illusions created using perception and perspective. Don't miss Camera Obscura's rooftop viewpoint overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

10. Play in the Park at Madelvic Play Park

Featuring a huge wooden pirate ship with lookout points, slides and climbing frames, Madelvic Play Park in Granton is one of Edinburgh’s best outdoor playgrounds for burning off energy. Kids will love scrambling over the giant sea creature structures, crossing the wobbling bridges and zooming down the long slides. There are also sandpits, swings, spinning dishes and wheelchair accessible play equipment.

11. Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is an expansive green space located at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Encompassing 650 acres of rugged landscape, the park's highlights include climbing up Arthur's Seat, an imposing 822-foot extinct volcano that towers over Edinburgh. Additional peaks within Holyrood Park include Salisbury Crags, a series of cliff faces ideal for rock climbing. The park also contains lochs, glens, ruins, and acres of scrubland with diverse wildlife. With an extensive network of walking trails, Holyrood Park offers the perfect escape from the city for hiking and admiring panoramic views. It's a beautiful natural oasis minutes from Edinburgh's historic center.

12. Portobello Beach

Located in the seaside suburb of Portobello, this popular blue flag beach offers a beautiful stretch of golden sands perfect for sunbathing and swimming during summer. The promenade features cafes, restaurants, shops, and an indoor pool. With Edinburgh Castle views, this family-friendly beach allows you to enjoy the seaside just a short bus ride from the city center. Portobello Beach is a lovely spot to relax by the water.

With its abundance of museums, parks, activities, and attractions, Edinburgh offers endless entertainment for families visiting with children. From riding rollercoasters to meeting penguins, there are fun things to do to suit all ages and make for a memorable family holiday.