Take a look at some of the family activities you can do in Edinburgh this summer.
School’s out for summer! Thankfully in Edinburgh there are plenty of great activities and events taking place throughout the summer months to keep boredom at bay, no matter the weather.
From bus tours to wildlife encounters, take a look at our round-up of events and activities, and start planning your family’s summer of fun.
Hopetoun House
A family-friendly trail through the grounds of Hopetoun House in South Queensferry, Deer Bambinos at Hopetoun offers the chance to learn more about Britain’s native deer species while exploring the beautiful grounds.
Follow a themed trail, take part in creative crafts in the Education Room, and visit the Ranger at the Deer Park for informal drop-in talks.
Join Deer Bambinos at Hopetoun on 28 June 2026.
Junior Aerial Camp
Kick off the summer holidays with aerial fun with Junior Aerial Camp at Leith’s Out of the Blue Drill Hall.
The camp is all about building confidence and creativity by learning tricks on aerial silks and trapeze. Classes will be split by experience, so whatever your level, you can join and learn new things.
Classes run from 29 June to 03 July 2026.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Embark on an adventure together on The Royal Yacht Britannia, where this summer kids go free*
From the State Apartments to below decks, explore the five decks, count the cuddly corgis hiding throughout the ship, then complete your visit with a visit to the Royal Deck Tearoom, looking out over the waterfront.
*T&Cs apply. See Kids go free this summer aboard Britannia for full details. This offer is valid from 25 June to 01 September 2026.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Discover over 900 years of Scottish royal history at the Palace of Holyroodhouse’s fun family sessions.
Discover more about the history of the Palace’s beautiful Physic Garden through stories, songs and rhymes at Explorer Royal Rhyme Time. Get up close to a mix of historical and replica items that would have been used in the Palace hundreds of years ago at Hands on History. Taking inspiration from Holyrood Abbey, make your own mini stained glass windows using tissue paper and card in Monday Makes, or enjoy a classical concert has been created especially for babies and toddlers at Recitals for Wrigglers Summer Concert.
Events take place on selected dates over the summer. See website for booking details.
Edinburgh Zoo
Have a wild time this summer with Edinburgh Zoo’s extensive range of family events.
Start your day with Zoo-fari Tours, a 60 minute themed tour around the zoo. Take part in one of the Wild Discovery Days to learn all about your favourite animal, find out more about the amazing animals that live at the zoo on Summer Explorers, and spot the wild brick sculptures on Bricktastic Beasts at Edinburgh Zoo.
Plus, on selected dates in July, Late night openings at Edinburgh Zoo lets you explore the zoo as twilight settles in.
Events take place on selected dates over the summer. See website for booking details.
Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium is transforming into a high-energy arena for families with Summer at Dynamic Earth.
Explore the science of speed, strength, and survival of the unsung sporting heroes of the animal world at Champions of the Wild Trail. Plus, young visitors are invited to help name the newest member of the team – a brand-new robot delivering food and drinks to tables inside the recently opened Core Café.
For those seeking a cinematic escape, Planetarium Movie Magic will host immersive screenings of Ratatouille and Madagascar, or join Fringe Sing-Alongs for Encanto for families and The Greatest Showman for adults.
Events run on select dates between 26 June and 30 August 2026.
Go Ape Dalkeith
With three incredible treetop courses to explore, Go Ape at Dalkeith Country Park takes excitement to a whole new height.
Climb, swing and zip through the air as you navigate the treetop adventure zone. One course is designed for children aged 4 to 10 years, one for age 6+years, and a third one for families with older children (10+ years).
Or for an exhilarating day out, don’t miss their latest activities, Archery Tag (suitable for 10+ years), or the problem-solving, logic game, Stumped (ages 8+ years).
Scottish Seabird Centre
If you fancy learning more about the sealife that live around the islands in the Firth of Forth, the Scottish Seabird Centre in neighbouring North Berwick offer a range of fascinating wildlife boat trips.
See puffins, guillemots, gannets and if you’re really lucky, dolphins as you take to the water with knowledgeable guides. You’ll also learn more about the history of this ancient coastline.
Trips run from late March to early October and should be prebooked online or by calling the Scottish Seabird Centre on 01620 890 202.
Holyrood Park
Suitable for children aged 5 and over, Holyrood Family Adventure offers the chance to learn more about this ancient park’s wildlife, history and volcanic landscape through hands-on activities.
Free to attend, but with booking required, sessions run on select dates from 13 July to 10 August 2026.
Edinburgh Bus Tours
On a bright summer’s day, what could be better than capturing the best views of the city from an open-top bus?
The multi-language audio guided CitySightseeing Edinburgh lasts for around an hour and takes in famous sights such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the Scott Monument, all while listening to Terry Deary’s fun Horrible Histories commentary.
Not only that, but up to three kids (aged 5 to 15 years old) go free with every paying adult/senior.
The main departure point is Waterloo Place, but you can board at any tour stop. Tickets can be booked in advance online, on board any of the bus tours, or from a ticket seller on Waterloo Place (during operating hours).
Discover Harry Potter in Edinburgh
Love all things magical? From the graveyard said to have inspired some of the key characters in the world-famous books, to an assortment of shops where you can stock up on all kinds of magical delights, Edinburgh is jam-packed with Harry Potter sights and attractions.
Why not kick off your wizarding adventure with The Potter Trail – led by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, this 90 minute tour is not only free (donations welcome), but you’ll see all Edinburgh’s top Potter sights, and you may even learn a spell or two along the way!
Get a real sense of Hogwarts and the Wizarding World in our Ultimate Harry Potter Guide to Edinburgh.
Mercat Tours
A daytime tour for kids, Mercat Tours’ Gory Stories: The Kids’ Tour shows you a side of Edinburgh that others don’t see, providing an informative and fun way to learn about the secrets of our city.
Suitable for ages 5+ years old, wander through the ancient streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town and learn about creepy characters from the past and what treasure could be found buried in a 19th century graveyard!
Tours run on select dates. Pre-booking required.
The National Museum of Scotland
From hands-on activities to craft projects, there’s lots going on at the National Museum of Scotland’s Summer Family Fun sessions, the majority of which are free to attend. Taking place in the Grand Gallery, they run on Mondays and Fridays between 29 June and 07 August 2026.
And don’t miss the chance to see life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils at the epic Giants, which runs until 14 September 2026. Journey through time, from 66 million years ago to the present day, to encounter the awe-inspiring creatures that roamed the Earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Still looking for more ideas?
Take a look at some of the family activities you can do in Edinburgh this summer.
