Kid-Friendly Attractions
Imagination lives in Edinburgh - expand your family’s Festival experience into a greater tour of the city centre.
The spaces, places and energy fuel family-friendly adventures that span centuries of Scottish history and culture.
Edinburgh Castle
Situated on top of an extinct volcano, majestic Edinburgh Castle is steeped in folklore. Take a tour and discover its secrets, enjoying spectacular views across the city. Make sure you see Scotland’s Crown Jewels, Mons Meg (giant cannon) and St Margaret’s Chapel the oldest building in Edinburgh. The Stone of Destiny – where the Scottish kings and queens were crowned, has been returned and is also on display in the castle. The Castle is also the home of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Royal Botanic Garden
See green and refresh your senses in one of the world’s finest Botanic Gardens located 20 minutes from Princes St. next to Inverleith Park.
Stroll through over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds that host performances, workshops and events for the International Science, Art and Fringe Festivals.
Dynamic Earth
A short stroll from the Royal Mile, Dynamic Earth is a hugely popular attraction that tells the story of our planet’s past, present and future – children will love exploring exhibits like the Time Machine and Future Dome. A natural accompaniment to Science Festival or Imaginate Programs.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a must visit attraction packed full of interesting collections that reveal the story of Scotland, its land, people and culture. The exhibitions include both ancient and contemporary pieces on offer for free. Thoughtful fun for both kids and adults, a definite highlight in
Edinburgh.
Arthur’s Seat
Climb an extinct volcano 822 ft. high. The easiest path up is to start on the eastern side at DunsapieLoch. Walk along the Salisbury
Crags to the summit. From the top, you can see for miles around, including the Firth of Forth. Don’t miss the swans and the ducks paddling around the loch.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Enter a world where seeing is definitely not believing: five floors of interactive, hands-on fun where you can swap noses and heads, walk through a tunnel of neverending stars and capture your own shadow on camera. Free rooftop telescopes in the tower, where you’ll find excellent panorama
views of the city.
Princes Street Gardens
The moat for Edinburgh Castle was drained in the 17th century to make way for these gardens. Climb up the 200-foot Scott Monument to Sir Walter Scott for a stunning view of the city. Near the National Gallery of Scotland look for the floral clock, on the quarter hour a “cuckoo” appears.
Museum of Childhood
Heaven for toddlers, deemed the “museum with the most toys” and also “the noisiest museum in the world.” The Museum of Childhood is a treasure of objects telling of childhood past and present. There are toys and games from many parts of the world ranging from dolls and teddy bears to train sets and tricycles.
Holyrood Park
The Park encompasses 650 acres, a natural wonder so close to the city. The palace - official residence of Queen Elizabeth while in Edinburgh - was founded by James IV in 1498 and was where Mary Queen of Scots' secretary David Riccio was murdered.
