Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Britain for families. The combination of world-class museums (many of them free), outdoor spaces, interactive science centres, and a castle that looks like it belongs in a storybook means there is plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city's compact size makes it easy to fit several activities into a single day.
Here are the best family days out in Edinburgh, with practical tips on what works for different age groups.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is arguably Edinburgh's best family attraction, and it is completely free. The museum covers everything from natural history and science to Scottish history and world cultures across six floors of galleries.
For younger children, the dedicated interactive galleries on the ground floor are outstanding. The Adventure Planet gallery lets kids explore the natural world through hands-on exhibits, while the Imagine gallery (aimed at under-5s) has dressing-up areas, building blocks, and water play. Older children tend to gravitate towards the science and technology galleries, where they can experiment with pulleys, levers, and electronics.
The rooftop terrace on Level 7 is free to access and offers panoramic views across Edinburgh — a good spot for a breather.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:00. Free admission. Practical tip: The museum is huge. Pick two or three galleries rather than trying to see everything. The café on the ground floor is decent but gets busy around lunchtime.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo sits on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill in the west of the city and is home to over 1,000 animals. The zoo's star attractions include a penguin colony with daily penguin parades (check the website for the current animal highlights, as exhibits change over time), a large penguin colony with daily penguin parades (weather permitting), and an impressive chimpanzee enclosure.
The zoo is built on a hillside, which means a lot of walking uphill. This can be tiring for younger children, but the hilltop location gives excellent views across Edinburgh. There is a free hilltop safari ride that helps with the return journey.
Tickets: Around £22 for adults, £16 for children (3–15). Under-3s free. Book online for discounts. Getting there: Bus numbers 12, 26, and 31 from the city centre. There is also limited parking on-site.
Our Dynamic Earth
Housed in a striking tent-like building at the foot of Arthur's Seat, Our Dynamic Earth is an interactive science centre that takes visitors through the story of the planet — from the Big Bang to the present day. Children can experience simulated earthquakes, tropical rainstorms, and an ice age, then explore the deep ocean in a submarine simulator.
The 4D cinema and the planetarium-style ShowDome are particular highlights. The exhibits are well designed and engaging for a wide age range, though primary school age children tend to get the most out of it.
Tickets: Around £17 for adults, £11 for children (3–15). Under-3s free. Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:30 (last entry 15:30).
Edinburgh Castle
Most children find Edinburgh Castle genuinely exciting. The castle sits on a volcanic crag high above the city, and the approach up the cobbled esplanade is dramatic. Inside, children tend to be drawn to Mons Meg (an enormous 15th-century cannon), the dungeons where prisoners of war carved graffiti into the walls, and the daily firing of the One O'Clock Gun.
The castle can be overwhelming with very young children — there are a lot of stairs, cobblestones, and steep drops. But for children aged 5 and above, it is one of Edinburgh's best experiences. The audio guide includes a children's version that keeps younger visitors engaged.
Tickets: Around £19.50 for adults, £12 for children (5–15). Under-5s free. Book online to skip the queue.
The Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a short bus ride from the city centre in Inverleith, is a beautiful and surprisingly child-friendly space. The 70 acres of grounds are free to wander, with wide paths suitable for pushchairs, a large lawn for running around, and seasonal events aimed at families.
The glasshouses (which require a ticket) are impressive — the Temperate Palm House is one of the tallest in Britain, and children enjoy the tropical Rainforest House with its giant lily pads and warm, humid atmosphere. There is also a dedicated children's trail that runs through the gardens.
Admission: Gardens free. Glasshouses around £8 for adults, £4 for children. Practical tip: The garden has two excellent cafes. The Gateway Restaurant near the east gate is the more family-friendly option.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
At the top of the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura is five floors of optical illusions, puzzles, and interactive exhibits that work well for children aged 4 and above. The rooftop camera obscura — a Victorian device that projects a live image of Edinburgh onto a viewing table — is genuinely fascinating for all ages.
Expect to spend about 90 minutes here. The building is tall and narrow, which means it can feel cramped when busy, but the exhibits are well maintained and regularly updated.
Tickets: Around £20 for adults, £15 for children. Open daily from 10:00.
Edinburgh Dungeon
For older children (roughly 8 and above), the Edinburgh Dungeon on Market Street offers a theatrical tour through Edinburgh's darker history — plague doctors, Burke and Hare, witch trials, and more. The experience is led by actors and includes a couple of mild rides. It is schlocky rather than genuinely scary, but it depends on the child.
Tickets: Around £20 for adults, £16 for children. Cheaper if booked online in advance. Note: Not suitable for very young children. Some scenes may be too intense for anxious or sensitive children.
Cramond
For a free outdoor day with children, head to Cramond on the western edge of the city. This former fishing village on the Firth of Forth has a sandy beach, a harbour, and — at low tide — a causeway walk out to the uninhabited Cramond Island. The walk to the island takes about 20 minutes and is hugely popular with families.
Important: Check tide times before crossing to Cramond Island. The causeway floods quickly and people do get stranded. Tide times are posted at the causeway entrance.
The village also has the ruins of a Roman fort, a riverside walk along the River Almond to a waterfall, and a couple of cafes.
Practical Tips for Families
- Transport: Edinburgh is very walkable, but for longer distances the Lothian Buses network is reliable and cheap. Children aged 5–15 pay a reduced flat fare (check lothianbuses.com for current pricing).
- Rainy days: Edinburgh's weather is unpredictable. The National Museum, Dynamic Earth, and Camera Obscura are all excellent indoor options.
- Eating out: Many Edinburgh restaurants are family-friendly at lunchtime. The Mosque Kitchen on Nicolson Square serves excellent, cheap curry. Mums Great Comfort Food on Forrest Road does good children's portions.
- Pushchairs: The Old Town's cobblestones and steep hills are challenging with pushchairs. The New Town and the Botanic Garden are easier.
