Exciting museums and galleries
‘Euda’ by Charles Jencks at the Gallery of Modern Art
the animal world gallery in the National Museum of Scotland
the National Gallery of Scotland
National Galleries of Scotland © Kenny Lam
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 National Galleries of Scotland
Edinburgh is home to three of the National Galleries of Scotland: the National Gallery on the Mound, the Gallery of Modern Art not far from Princes Street and the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street (reopening after an extensive refurbishment project on 1 December 2011). With fascinating permanent collections, exciting visiting exhibitions throughout the year and fun children’s activities the galleries are ideal for a great family day out.
Have a sculpture spotting competition in the grounds of the Gallery of Modern Art and race the children to find spectacular artworks by artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Become portrait detectives for the day at the National Gallery - this activity moves to the Portrait Gallery when it reopens in December - and head off with your detective kits and clues to work together to solve the fictional crimes of well-known characters from Scottish history.
Children can get creative at the National Galleries’ regular art days, creating their own masterpieces to display at home. Find out more about the National Galleries of Scotland’s families and children activities.
National Museum of Scotland
Spend an informative afternoon at the newly refurbished National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street and learn all about Scottish history, science and technology, art and design and world cultures as you enjoy the interactive displays and games. Go on a family adventure to the heart of Ancient Egypt and brave snakes and scorpions as you descend into a Mummy’s tomb, if you dare! Learn how to fly and build your own aircraft to escape from a rainforest, or, if you are feeling a bit peckish, see how many aphids you could eat as a ladybird.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Immerse yourself in the magic created by storytelling at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile and find out more about the fascinating life of Mary Queen of Scots’ goldsmith in the adjacent John Knox House. Make some fascinating discoveries with all the family as you explore the fantastic permanent exhibition showcasing the best of Scottish storytelling old and new. Children can enjoy hours of entertainment as they are whisked away into a make believe land by some of the centre’s talented visiting storytellers - find out more about the Storytelling Centre’s fun-packed events programme.
The Museum of Childhood
Enjoy some family fun at the Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile, the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood. Travel back in time as you wander through a 1930s classroom and a Victorian street before the kids complete the recreated scenes by trying on costumes from the dress-up box. Relive your own childhood as you take a look around the collection of toys, teddies and dolls including Corgi cars, a classic Stanbrig Eorls doll house and Barbie dolls.
Search
Skip search formsSearch for accommodation
Search for attractions
Search for events
Search for activities
Information Line
Book online or call us:
0845 859 1006
Monday to Friday: 0900 - 1700
Closed Saturday and Sunday
* Calls may be recorded.
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.
Order a free brochure »
Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
