You are here:

Things to do in Edinburgh with kids

From fun attractions to beautiful historic buildings outside the city, Edinburgh and the Lothians is a great region for the whole family to enjoy. Country parks offer adventurous activities and you can spot local wildlife as you explore.

an animal handling session with a Bearded Dragon at Five Sisters Zoo, West Lothian

an animal handling session at Five Sisters Zoo

Mons Meg, the world’s oldest canon, at Edinburgh Castle, Courtesy of Historic Scotland

Mons Meg at Edinburgh Castle, Courtesy of Historic Scotland

the animal world gallery in the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

the animal world gallery in the National Museum of Scotland

123

Gardens and country parks for families

Have a fantastic family trip to one of Edinburgh and the Lothians’ gardens and country parks. From the stunning Royal Botanic Garden to archery and orienteering at Beecraigs Country Park, there are many activities to enjoy in these delightful open spaces.

Highland cow at Beecraigs Country Park

Giant Pandas arrive at Edinburgh Zoo

Don’t miss the chance to meet two of the world’s rarest and most captivating animals in Scotland’s capital.

Tian Tian 1

A great family day out in Edinburgh

Make sure you are all up and ready to go nice and early so you can visit all of these fantastic attractions in one day and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastically fun, action packed, family day out.

Modern Art Gallery

Edinburgh’s fantastic attractions

Visit some of Edinburgh’s top city centre attractions for fantastic family days out. Enjoy fantastic family experiences from standing in the centre of a bubbling volcano to creating your own lightning and even meeting Scotland’s most infamous cannibal.

Our Dynamic Earth, near Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh

Exciting museums and galleries

Have great family trips to some of Edinburgh’s fantastic galleries and museums. From enchanting tales in the Scottish Storytelling Centre to becoming detectives in the National Gallery of Scotland, there are many fascinating adventures to be enjoyed.

the animal world gallery in the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

Fascinating historical attractions

Explore Edinburgh and the Lothians’ fascinating historic attractions and uncover the region’s colourful past on a family day out. From stunning stately homes to secret underground passages you will certainly have entertaining trips to the attractions.

Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, one of Scotland’s most splendid mansions dating from the 18th century deisgned by William Adam

Wonderful wildlife

Enjoy fantastic family trips to brilliant wildlife centres and zoos in Edinburgh and the Lothians. From seabirds to glow-in-the-dark scorpions and indoor tropical rainforests to penguin parades, you will have a blast discovering some wonderful wildlife.

an animal handling session with a Bearded Dragon at Five Sisters Zoo, West Lothian

Royal days out in Edinburgh

Find out what it’s like to be part of the Royal Family at some of Her Majesty The Queen’s Scottish residences. Admire the Palace of Holyroodhouse, discover Scotland’s glittering crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle and explore the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Mons Meg, the world’s oldest canon, at Edinburgh Castle, Courtesy of Historic Scotland

Search

Skip search forms

Search for accommodation

More search options

Search for attractions

More search options

Search for events

Search for activities

More search options

Newsletter sign up »

Sign up now to receive regular e-newsletters and be the first to hear about the latest news, exciting events and festivals.

News letter sign up

Order a free brochure »

Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.

Order a free brochure