10 Family-Friendly Activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the most historic and culturally rich destinations in the UK. It is the proud home to stunning architecture, picturesque cobbled streets, and centuries-old castles, and offers seemingly endless shops, restaurants, and bars.
It is the perfect destination to visit with children of all ages, as you can explore various fun landmarks, stroll through interesting museums, and enjoy a wide variety of fun attractions.
Ensure you have a superb time with your kids and learn about these ten family-friendly activities in Edinburgh.
1. Step Inside Edinburgh Castle
It would be a crime to visit the Scottish capital and not step inside Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that dates back to the Iron Age and is located on Castle Rock, a dormant volcano.
Your kids will love exploring the age-old castle, which offers some of the finest views of the city via its gun-holes.
Young and old will enjoy viewing the Scottish crown jewels, as well as the armoury and weapons that will be on display in the Great Gall. Plus, they will be able to view Mons Meg, the largest medieval cannon in the world.
Keep your little ones entertained throughout the day by picking up an Explorer Quiz from the audio tour, which you can grab as you enter the castle.
The scavenger hunter will provide your kids various challenges and questions, such as “Climb the Lang Stair. How many steps are there?”
Ticket prices commonly start from £11.40 per ticket for children and £19.50 for adults. However, the cost can change daily.
2. Be Wowed at Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions
Wow your children by taking them along to Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions, which you can find down the road from the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle.
The children could easily spend a whole day here, as it offers six floors of jaw-dropping illusions, optical tricks, and fun puzzles. It offers some of the finest views of the city from its rooftop, too.
The biggest highlight is the Camera Obscura Show, which requires adults and children to enter a pitch-black room to view live images of the Scottish capital on a viewing table thanks to the wonder of a periscope.
3. Join a Harry Potter Tour
If your kids are big fans of the Harry Potter series, join a tour dedicated to the Boy Who Lived. It allows tourists to view the capital through the eyes of J.K. Rowling. The talented author wrote the book in the city and was inspired by many of Edinburgh’s landmarks.
For instance, The Potter Tour Trail features knowledgeable tour guides who will provide an insight into J.K. Rowling’s inspiration behind the popular series.
Expect to visit the café where J.K Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, discover where Lord Voldemort is buried, and walk down the street that inspired Diagon Alley.
Plus, the kids can be sorted into houses outside the school that inspired Hogwarts.
4. Explore the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland offers exhibitions for all ages, from dinosaurs and mummies to historic vehicles and Roman and Viking artefacts. It is the perfect destination to learn more about Scottish history.
When you’re not busy viewing the skeletons of T-Rex dinosaurs or taking a selfie with Dolly, the most famous sheep on the planet, you can try the human hamster wheel or listen out for the Millennium Clock to chime, which occurs every hour.
It’s a free activity to enjoy in the city, and the museum’s doors will be open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. It’s not to be missed!
5. See Animals at Edinburgh Zoo
Adults and children will adore Edinburgh Zoo. It is home to over a thousand rare and endangered animals, including giant pandas and visayan spotted deer.
Your kids will love the zoo’s famous penguin parade, which features the only knighted penguin on the planet, Sir Nils Olav.
Other animals you can expect to see at the zoo include cheeky monkeys, mischievous meerkats, exquisite birds, sun bears, koala bears, and much more.
It’s important to note that all the animals at the zoo are loved and happy, as they are well-cared for in spacious enclosures.
Spread across 82 acres, it is one family-friendly activity in Edinburgh that parents and kids will enjoy from start to finish.
6. Learn About the Planet at Dynamic Earth
If you’re looking for another fun yet educational activity in Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong with Dynamic Earth.
It will take your kids on a journey through time, as they will learn the story of the creation of planet Earth. For instance, they can learn about the Big Bang and various forces of nature, such as volcanic eruptions, the development of the rainforest, and the wonder of Aurora Borealis.
Visitors should not miss out on the 4Dventure, as it will take you from the Arctic to the tropical rainforest. Expect to come face-to-face with large sharks and learn about the power of a scorpion’s sting.
Bear in mind that Dynamic Earth will be closed to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays from November to March.
7. Climb Up to Arthur’s Seat
If you want the whole family to embrace the outdoors and enjoy some exercise, consider climbing up to Arthur’s Seat, which is an ancient extinct volcano located in the heart of the city.
It is one of seven stunning hills in the capital, and a stone’s throw away from the bustling city centre.
It’s a short walk from the popular Royal Mile and is a part of Holyrood Park, the proud home of Holyrood Palace, which we will come to next.
It typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes to walk to the peak, but it will be worth all the effort, as you can look down on the picturesque city.
8. Walk Through Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, also referred to as Holyrood Palace, is an official residence of the British monarch, King Charles III, and it has played a significant role in Scottish History.
The 16th-century residence has served as the home to many kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Elizabeth II.
It is a great way to help your children learn more about various historical figures, and they can step inside the rooms where King Charles III carries out various official engagements.
9. Have Fun at Time Twisters
Edinburgh is not only home to historic landmarks and exciting zoos and museums, but the capital provides plenty of fun things to do, such as Time Twisters.
It is a soft play centre with an Ancient Egyptian theme and offers various slides, rope bridges, nets, padded steps and rope ladders.
While the main soft play area is perfect for those aged four and over, there is a baby and toddler play area for your little one to enjoy.
10. Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
If you’re travelling to Edinburgh with children or teenagers, don’t overlook Edinburgh International Climbing Area.
It’s one of the best family-friendly activities in the capital as it has a superb climbing arena, fitness centre, soft play section, and a spa.
There is even a café where adults can enjoy a coffee or tea while watching their kids burn away excess energy.
If your kids are four years old or over, there will be a mobile climbing wall for them to enjoy, and it is perfect for experienced and novice climbers.
So, if you are looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh, the above activities will not disappoint your kids.
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