12 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Edinburgh

Since taking in giant pandas, Edinburgh Zoo has become one of the most famous in the world. Of course, those huge cuddly bears are far from the only attraction – there are over 1,000 different animals here, and the penguin parade is particularly popular.

Seeing is definitely not believing inside the Victorian Camera Obscura and World of Illusion. Bendy mirrors and giant kaleidoscopes will delight young eyes at the Magic Gallery, while blue tendrils of light spark across the Giant Plasmasphere in the Electric Room.

Hungry ducks will swim up for bread at the large duck pond, a kids’ highlight at these bucolic gardens. Enter the vast Victorian glasshouse, where little ones can try to spot the lemons among the trees, or red pompoms flowers in the Rainforest House.

Regarded as one of the best pizzerias in Edinburgh, there’s lots of reasons that La Favorita lives up to its name as a family favourite. As well as cooking up gourmet Italian fare and bespoke pizzas, there’s a special kids’ menu and great family dining deals. A clown is also a regular visitor on weekends.

Dynamic Earth is a science centre that offers 35 workshops and learning programs for kids to learn about the world. Step back billions of years at this huge interactive museum, where a time machine takes you back to before dinosaurs walked the earth. You can even witness the Big Bang from the bridge of a spaceship through the Hubble telescope.

Meet the horses, goats and sheep at Gorgie City Farm, about 3 km southeast of Edinburgh Old Town. Children can get their hands dirty and work at being a farmer, or just cuddle a cute guinea pig.

Follow the river snaking its way through Edinburgh’s Stockbridge and Dean Village neighbourhoods as it spills into the Firth of Forth. Look out for great spotted woodpecker and herons – sharp-eyed walkers might even see an otter or badger. The Water of Leith Walkway is over 12 miles long – a good departing point is the Water of Leigh Conservation Trust and Visitor Centre, which can easily be reached by bus.

Let your family experience Edinburgh’s history coming alive at the Scotland’s Stories exhibition. In this contemporary building along the Royal Mile, look out for fun family-friendly events in the Storytelling Court and dramatic performances throughout the year. 

Book an Edinburgh hotel in the Old Town and venture underground to tour the Real Mary King’s Close. Older kids will love the spooky walks, where costumed guides take you back to the 17th-century underground townhouses and the stories of the people who lived there.

Hendersons of Edinburgh is a basement restaurant that has been serving tasty vegetarian dishes for decades. Take a break from your Edinburgh sightseeing to fill up on hearty pasta bakes or vegetarian haggis or treat yourselves to afternoon tea.

Pick up a Treasure Trail pack and take the family off on an adventure through the oldest parts of the city – there are clues for the children to follow and exciting secrets to uncover, as the sights of Edinburgh reveal themselves. You can download and print the self-guided treasure hunt-themed walking trail around Edinburgh Old Town in advance.

If you want to give your kids a taste of the local cuisine, rather than standard chain-restaurant fare, Mussel Inn is perfect. It serves the freshest seafood in creative ways, inspiring adventurous tastes. Sauces are made-to-order though, so you can still suit fussier eaters, and all dishes are available as half-portions for smaller appetites.