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- Posted: 27/10/2025
Things to do in Edinburgh: Family Edition
Lucy Starrs
Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in the UK – and rightly so. But it’s not just for history buffs or festival-goers. The Scottish capital is bursting with family-friendly attractions, free museums, and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for a city break – whether you’re travelling as a couple or with the kids.
Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or a longer family holiday, here’s a round-up of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids – with prices included to help you plan your trip.
1. Visit Edinburgh Castle
You can’t miss Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on Castle Rock. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, sitting proudly at the top of the famous Royal Mile. Children will love the booming cannon fire, exploring ancient dungeons, and hearing tales of battles and royalty. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels or the chance to climb the castle walls for incredible panoramic views over Edinburgh.
If you’re not keen on going inside, you can still walk up to the castle walls free of charge and enjoy stunning views over Princes Street Gardens.
2. National Museum of Scotland
This is easily one of the best free attractions in Edinburgh for families. The museum features dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, space and science galleries, and even a hands-on learning zone for kids. It’s fun, educational, and big enough to fill a whole day. Inside there are multiple cafe spots, a picnic area and buggy park making it a family friendly stop on your list.
Don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace for impressive views over the Old Town.
3. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Situated at the top of the Royal Mile, just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, this attraction is packed with mind-bending fun for all ages. Explore five floors of interactive exhibits including mirror mazes, shrinking rooms, vortex tunnels, and more.
At the top, you’ll find the historic camera obscura, which projects real-time images of the city. Plus, the rooftop terrace offers some of the best views in Edinburgh.
4. The Real Mary King’s Close
If you are travelling to Edinburgh with older kids a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close is a great stop. Step back in time on this underground guided tour, which takes you beneath the Royal Mile to explore perfectly preserved 17th-century streets. Discover what life was like in Edinburgh during the plague years through dramatic storytelling and immersive sets. It’s spooky, but not too scary – ideal for curious older kids.
These are among the top-selling tours in Edinburgh, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
5. Edinburgh Zoo
Famous for its daily penguin parade, Edinburgh Zoo is the perfect day out for animal-loving families. You’ll find lions, monkeys, giant pandas, and more, along with beautifully landscaped gardens, play parks, and family-friendly walking trails.
There are two restaurants, a café, several kiosks, and picnic areas – making it a full-day experience.
6. Dynamic Earth
Located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth is an award-winning science centre and planetarium. Take a journey through time, from the Big Bang to the present day, exploring volcanoes, glaciers, rainforests, and even outer space through interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the incredible 360° planetarium show – it’s educational and exciting for all ages.
7. The Edinburgh Dungeon
Perfect for thrill-seeking families, The Edinburgh Dungeon uses theatrical sets, live actors, and special effects to bring Scottish history to life. This 70-minute interactive tour ends with the Drop Ride to Doom, making it an unforgettable experience.
Recommended age: 8+
8. Harry Potter Trail
If you’ve got a Harry Potter fan in the family, Edinburgh is a must-visit. Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, said to have inspired several character names, and wander Victoria Street, widely believed to be the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley.
You can either join a guided walking tour or use a free map to explore at your own pace. There are also several Harry Potter-themed shops around the city to keep the magic going.
Things to do in Edinburgh – Conclusion
That’s our top things to do in the city of Edinburgh for families! With such a mix of activities, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination for families. We hope you’ve found somewhere new and exciting to explore on your next visit.
You an find great hotel deals at hotels.com and can find more things to do in Edinburgh at Get Your Guide
Check out our page Scotland for more local content and holiday deals.
Some links in this post are affiliate links
Written by: Lucy Starrs
Hi, I am Lucy – mum to a 6-year old boy based in Scotland with a passion for travelling and saving money. Check out my blogs and Scotland page for hand-picked recommendations.
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