25 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids

Are you planning an epic vacation to Edinburgh, Scotland, and want to know the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids? With stunning sights of verdant meadows, awe-inspiring architecture, and interesting history, this is one vacation the whole family will remember.

Our family visited Edinburgh last November. While it was my second visit, it quickly became one of my favorite UK destinations. Its walkability, fascinating history, and family friendliness raised it to the top of my list (outside of London, of course.) Plus, as a HUGE Harry Potter books fan, the entire city feels like you’ve stepped right into Harry Potter’s wizarding world.

Edinburgh is a great place for families. It’s easy to get around, making it the perfect place for people with children — even younger kids. Here are the 25 best things to do in Edinburgh with kids that will make your family vacation a memorable one!

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Why Edinburgh is Great To Visit With Kids

Edinburg is a very walkable city with so many things to do with the whole family. If you’re into history, you’ll find Edinburgh’s Scottish heritage to be fascinating! And if there are Harry Potter fans in the family, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the Harry Potter books and movies — a joy my older kids especially appreciated.

Edinburg would be an amazing spring break destination. But of course, you can travel with kids to Edinburgh any time during the year. In the city center, you’ll find the neat Edinburgh Castle with its crown jewels and many other family-friendly attractions. We had a great time exploring Edinburgh with our kids, and we’re excited to share our top picks with you!

One thing to note is that there are hills in Edinburgh and, in some areas, steps to climb. So, be sure to use a travel stroller that is easy to fold for getting up and down stairs as needed.

25 Best Things To Do In Edinburgh with Kids

I know you’re itching to see all the fun things to do in Edinburgh with kids, so let’s dive in!

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience Edinburgh is to take one of the many walking tours. You’ll see places such as The Greyfriars Kirkyard (Greyfriars Bobby’s home), the Royal Mile, and the historic streets in the city with a local guide who shares local stories.

GPSmycity also has self-guided walking tours if you prefer to see the sights at your own pace. My family and I particularly enjoyed the Harry Potter tour that takes you to some of the real-life locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s books.

2. Tour Edinburgh Castle

Did you know that Edinburgh Castle has been around since the 11th century and was built on top of an ancient volcano? Touring Edinburgh Castle, including the Great Hall and the famous medieval bombard Mons Meg, is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids. 

The views of the city center from the castle are stunning, and the highlight for us was the Scottish Crown Jewels and the mystical stone of destiny.

3. Have Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle

Experience afternoon tea like a royal or at least a local at Crown Square in the heart of Edinburgh Castle. The elegant decorations have a modern feel with a touch of traditional, rugged Scottish character. My kids loved the sweet treats and trying out some new teas.

While you’re there, stop at the castle gift shop to pick up a souvenir like gems, books, or something else. If you’re not sure what to get in terms of souvenirs, these Top 40+ Super Useful Small Travel Gifts Travelers Will Love!

4. Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Younger and older kids alike will love learning about Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland, which has family-friendly, interactive exhibits and neat activities. The National Museum is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids because you can learn everything from natural history to technology to science and more. My kids especially enjoyed the full-sized T-Rex skeleton and dinosaur bones!

5. Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Located on the Royal Mile and close to the castle in a 17th-century historic building is the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. You’ll find this is one of the more unusual things to do in Edinburgh.

In Camera Obscura, you can experience five floors with over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits at Edinburgh’s first purpose-built visitor attraction. We loved the unique perspective this brought to our visit, and the kids enjoyed learning about optical illusions, holograms, and more! 

6. Walk and Shop at the Royal Mile

The infamous Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare through Edinburgh, running from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. It’s made of cobblestones and lined with stone buildings, shops, restaurants, and historical sites. 

I recommend spending some time exploring the souvenir shops, eating lunch or supper, and exploring the sights to learn more about Edinburgh’s history. We found it to be a great spot for people-watching and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

7. Day Trip with Harry Coo Tours to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands

One of our favorite activities was the day trip we took to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Hairy Coo tours. I mean you can’t take a trip to this area of Scotland without seeing the famous Highlands and Loch Ness monster! 

We climbed aboard a high-tech boat in search of Nessie, then journeyed through Cairngorms, Scotland’s second national park, with a stop in Pitlochry for its famous whiskey ice cream.

8. Enjoy the Castle Playground in Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens has a neat playground you can stop at for a break, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy sandwiches and ice cream from the shop nearby. If you’re visiting Edinburgh during the summer, you can attend one of the free live music concerts at the Ross Bandstand near Princes Street Gardens.

9. Museum of Childhood

Another one of our favorite things to do with kids in Edinburgh was visiting the Museum of Childhood, which is dedicated to all things youth. Here, you can see toys, games, books, and dolls dating back to the 1800s for a unique glimpse of the evolution of all the things we play with.

My kids were fascinated by the old-fashioned toys and games, while I enjoyed reminiscing about my own childhood and sharing memories with them.

10. Edinburgh Dungeon

Similar to other dungeons around the UK, the Edinburgh Dungeon is only recommended for children eight and older, and you can’t visit with anyone under five. Here, we learned all about the dungeon and Edinburgh’s grisly history, from Mary Queen of Scots beheading, 1800s serial killers murdering 16 people for medical experimentation, and more.

11. Real Mary King’s Close

Explore Edinburgh’s underground in the Real Mary King’s Close, where you’ll see the city’s deepest secret: the hidden streets frozen in time in the 1600s. Costumed guides will take you through the narrow streets and closes (alleys) that were covered over time by new buildings, where you’ll see the history of 17th-century Edinburgh. We loved learning about the city’s past through interactive storytelling and seeing the preserved rooms and artifacts.

12. The Potter Trail for Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter enthusiasts must take a free Harry Potter Tour or Potter Trail, where you can see where J.K. Rowling wrote the books and the places that inspired her like:

• The cemetery where she picked character names
• The school and castle that inspired Hogwarts
• Cafes where she wrote the books
• Victoria Street that inspired Diagon Alley

These tours are really neat, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, your family can book a private tour. If you want to prepare your kids for your trip to Scotland, I recommend taking these virtual Harry Potter tours.

13. Ghost Bus Tour

With Edinburgh’s ancient history full of murders, treachery, executions, and more, a ghost bus tour is one of the best things to do in Edinburg with kids. If you have older kids, brave a ghost tour and learn about the city’s dark past. Most of the ghost bus tours last a little over an hour and take you around places like:

• The Royal Mile
• The Old Town
• The New Town
• Holyrood Palace and more

My family and I had a blast on the Ghost Bus Tour! The actors were amazing, interactive, funny, and scary all at once. 

14. Edinburgh Zoo

My family loved visiting the Edinburgh Zoo. It’s the perfect family day activity where you can see highlights like the penguin parade and a red panda named Ginger. We loved all the animal encounters, and our children even got the chance to be zookeepers for the day!

15. Calton Hill Views and the National Monument

There are many great places to take in the view of the city, like the Scott Monument and Arthur’s Seat. But Calton Hill was our favorite place to see the city from a different vantage point. It’s easy to climb, and the views are breathtaking. Plus, you can explore other interesting landmarks like the National Monument and Nelson’s Monument.

16. Hop On Hop Off Bus

Our kids love a good bus tour. So, taking a hop-on hop-off tour is a great way to see the city on a rainy day or get a little rest for the little ones. Enjoy city history with unique commentary and see top attractions like Holyrood Park, Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and Salisbury Crags.

17. Visit Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is located at the volcanic epicenter of the city and is one of Edinburgh’s seven hills. One of the most popular walks, you can reach Arthur’s Seat two ways: a short walk from Dunsapir Walk or a longer one from the palace. We didn’t make it to the top, but we were able to take in amazing views of the city and get some beautiful photos along the way.

It’s neat to see the natural history of Arthur’s Seat. Legend has it that it is a possible location of King Arthur’s home, Camelot, though it likely has nothing to do with him.

18. Palace of Holyroodhouse

Holyrood Palace, or Holyroodhouse, is The King’s official Edinburgh residence and home to much of the country’s royal history. It’s at the opposite end of the Royal Mile and a great place to visit with kids for many reasons. We had a lot of fun in The Family Room, where our kids played games, dressed up, listened to stories, and participated in a Family Activity trial or workshop.

19. Visit the War Museum at Edinburgh Castle

While you’re touring Edinburgh Castle, be sure to visit the National War Museum, where you’ll learn four hundred years of Scottish military history. Take a guided or self-guided tour and plan your visit to hear the One O’Clock Gun that ships in the Firth of Forth used to set their clocks. 

My kids thought the One O’Clock Gun was so cool! It’s also a great place to escape from any rain, as you can explore the museum entirely indoors. 

20. Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour

Not to be confused with Mary King’s Close, The Vaults Tour takes you through a different part of Edinburgh’s underground in the vaults beneath Old Town. A costumed guide will take you on a one-hour guided tour of the vaults dating back to the 1700s. 

Get ready for a scare (this activity might be best with older kids). These are some of the same vaults seen on Most Haunted Live, deemed as one of the scariest places on the planet. We went during the day, and my kids were still a little scared! 

21. Jacobian Train Tour with a Harry Potter Day Tour of the Scottish Highlands

This train tour is another fun thing to do in Edinburgh for Harry Potter fanatics as you follow in the steps of the cast. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train, aka the Hogwarts Express, and visit film locations such as Loch Shiel Hogwarts Lake), and Eilean na Moine Island (Dumbledore’s grave).

My son loved this tour, and he’s not even a huge Harry Potter fan. The Scottish Highlands are so beautiful, and it’s a fun way to see more of Scotland while also indulging in some Harry Potter nostalgia. 

22. Have Pizza at Frankenstein-Themed Restaraunt

We loved our pizza experience at Frankenstein & Bier Keller, a pizza restaurant located in a 19th-century church in Edinburgh. Located close to the Royal Mile, it’s the perfect place to stop and eat while touring downtown. 

23. Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens

Add this stop to your Edinburgh itinerary for a sunny day, and take a break out in the fresh air by walking through this beautiful botanical garden. With outdoor gardens and glass greenhouses, my kids learned all about the wildlife and exotic plants in this garden. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas to enjoy. 

24. Climb the Scott Monument

Scott Monument is a unique and noteworthy Edinburgh landmark located at the edge of Princes Street Gardens and dedicated to the famous author, Sir Walter Scott. We climbed to the top of the Scott Monument to take in sweeping city views. The climb is not for the faint-hearted, with 287 steps to reach the top, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views of Edinburgh!

25. Visit Shops on Victoria Street

Victoria Street isn’t just where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series; it’s full of cobblestone streets with historic restaurants and pubs, quirky shops, and other neat things to do. You can also shop at Museum Context and The Boy Wizard for Harry Potter-themed items and merchandise.

My kids were fascinated by the colorful buildings and unique architecture, while my husband and I enjoyed browsing through the boutique stores and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the charming cafes. 

Other Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids

• Scottish Storytelling Centre
• Dynamic Earth Discover – At Dynamic Earth, discover how the Earth was formed in the Big Bang theory. Enjoy the interactive exhibits that take you on a tour of the natural wonders of our planet, like the Northern Lights and polar ice caps.
• Treasure Trail – This is a fun way to explore the city, where a sightseeing tour meets a scavenger hunt.
• Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
• Coro Chocolate Cafe

Where to Stay In Edinburgh

If you want to feel like royalty on your visit to Edinburgh, it is easy to do so. Some hotels look like castles and will treat you like a queen or king. Many are also easily accessible to the Royal Mile and other popular attractions.

• Radisson Blu Edinburgh: In the heart of Royal Mile, this hotel offers suites, rooms, and an onsite restaurant near major attractions. 
• Kimpton Charlotte Square: This vibrant hotel, located near a beautiful private garden, blends classical Georgian decor with glamour and has onsite dining and eclectic suites and rooms.
• Balmoral Castle & Estate: What better place to stay than a real Scottish castle with unique cottages while enjoying the stunning gardens, grounds, and sweeping views?
• Sheraton Grand: This Sheraton hotel has comfortable beds, rooms with views of the castle and historic downtown, a club lounge, and a contemporary Scottish restaurant.
• InterContinental Edinburgh The George: This luxury historic hotel is in five Georgian townhouses built in 1775 just minutes from major attractions and has comfortable rooms and onsite dining.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids

Our trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, was magical and full of unique experiences that only happen here. It’s every bit as romantic and dark as history and stories describe. With plenty of things to do in Edinburgh with kids, from touring Edinburgh Castle to historic sights to having Harry Potter experiences, you won’t get bored on this trip!

A trip to Edinburgh provides a balance of fun and learning the history of this unique UK location, which is the perfect vacation destination for family travel this year. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or teenagers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.