As soon as upon a time, I spent a big chunk of my life visiting Edinburgh, due to my then boyfriend who grew up there – and whereas I wasn’t contemplating issues to do in Edinburgh with children again then (!), it shortly turned certainly one of my favorite cities.
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A lot so, that I’m decided to introduce my daughter to all its highlights, particularly given how a lot there’s for teenagers in Edinburgh – and after whetting her urge for food on an incredible metropolis break in Glasgow as a toddler.
I’ve received fond reminiscences of visiting Edinburgh Zoo and the fort, but in addition wandering the streets of the Royal Mile and absorbing a few of the Scottish capital’s historical past – so right here’s what’s on my family-friendly Edinburgh checklist.
Edinburgh Citadel
Towering on its rock above town, the fort is among the first belongings you see – and there was a royal fortress right here because the eleventh century.
When you in some way don’t see it, you’ll hear it because the One O’Clock gun fires nearly day-after-day of the yr: as a time sign slightly than a present of navy power although, ships within the close by Firth of Forth as soon as used it to set their clocks.
For a flavour of the fort’s martial historical past, you need the Royal Edinburgh Army Tattoo which takes place on the Esplanade in August, with the totally different Scottish regiments parading to the accompaniment of pipes and drums.
However everytime you go to, you may see the Honours of Scotland – because the Scottish Crown Jewels are recognized – alongside the Stone of Future. Outdoors the Crown room, there’s the massive Mons Meg cannon, the enormous Nice Corridor and the Royal fort to probe for starters.
You possibly can take a tour of stroll at your personal tempo, with highlights picked out on the fort’s web site and itineraries relying how lengthy you’ve received to discover. When you’re on the lookout for a guided tour of Edinburgh Citadel, this feature additionally permits you to skip the road.
Shopping for your tickets prematurely with this Royal Edinburgh go additionally permits you to skip the road
Edinburgh Zoo
Well-known for its big pandas, that’s solely the beginning of what there’s to see on the 82-acre zoo. Set simply outdoors the centre of Edinburgh in Corstorphine, the zoo is someplace I used to go to each time I used to be within the metropolis.
Open and ethereal, it’s a really inexperienced zoo with tigers, koalas and penguins as nicely, which come out to parade from Europe’s largest out of doors penguin pool day-after-day at 2.15pm, plus there was a brand new giraffe enclosure added in summer time 2021.
In complete there are over 1,000 uncommon and endangered animals – keeper talks run through the day, and preserve an eye fixed out for the animals being fed, though official feeding occasions usually are not at the moment going down.
If it’s the pandas that are the highlights for you, there’s no have to e-book additional tickets or timed entry, simply flip up everytime you wish to see in the event that they’re out having a scratch towards a tree trunk or lounging by the pool – you would possibly have to queue a little bit although.
There are common family-friendly actions on the zoo, together with a short lived dinosaur exhibit. It’s free for teenagers underneath three and tickets have to be prebooked except you’re a member – numbers are restricted so plan forward for college holidays.
Okayeep an eye fixed out for discounted tickets on websites like Get Your Information, whereas you too can rise up to twenty% off with Youngsters Move – a 30-day trial of Youngsters Move prices simply £1
Digicam Obscura and World of Illusions
There’s nowhere fairly just like the World of Illusions and the vary of illusions you’ll discover over the 5 flooring right here – to not point out the unbelievable views of Edinburgh from the rooftop.
The 166-year-old Digicam Obscura continues to be the spotlight – I keep in mind being wowed once I visited.
There’s a 15-minute present with a information telling tales of Edinburgh historical past, whereas displaying off the entire metropolis from the rooftop tower utilizing the Victorian contraption, the place photographs of what’s outdoors are displayed within the room.
There are greater than 100 interactive displays to boggle your mind, from the mirror Maze and Vortex tunnel to confuse your senses in Bewilderworld to holograms and a color shadow wall, sudden mirrors and extra sensory surprises.
The Potter Path
Potterheads gained’t be the one ones who love The Potter Path tour, nevertheless it’s heaven in case your children are followers – in any case, Edinburgh is town the place JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter novels, famously beginning in a café and ending within the Balmoral Lodge.
The tour takes you to a few of the areas which impressed characters and scenes, together with the café the place all of it started, the place which impressed Diagon Alley (or certainly one of them, no less than) and the possibility to be sorted outdoors the college which impressed Hogwarts.
You possibly can even see the place Lord Voldemort is buried, practise just a few spells and discover out which horrible poet gave his identify to a Hogwarts trainer.
Better of all, it doesn’t value a penny (even for Muggles) should you’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Edinburgh with children – though they do go the sorting hat round on the finish for donations, so it’s value bringing just a few galleons in case you have been spellbound.
For extra concepts of days out within the UK for Harry Potter followers, try my high picks
Potion making and a Wizard Afternoon tea on the Cauldron
If the tour has whetted your urge for food for all issues magical, you may strive your hand at creating your personal potions or refuel with a Wizard Afternoon tea at The Cauldron in Edinburgh.
On the Wizard bar in Edinburgh’s Outdated City, there are potions appropriate for teenagers aged 5+ in addition to adults, with a welcome drink poured by magic wand, plus the possibility to brew two of your personal (in addition to using any important magical gear when you’re there) throughout a 1h 45-minute potion making expertise.
Or tuck into the Wizard afternoon tea, with ‘sand-witches’ alongside the scone and desserts, plus tea brewed by magic wand – additionally lasts for 1h 45 minutes.
Nationwide Museum of Scotland
This nice museum has some unbelievable methods to get arms on, so it’s value a go to at any time of yr – though it’s a very good choice should you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Edinburgh within the rain with children.
The totally different galleries have totally different themes – creativity in Think about for instance, plus science and expertise, in addition to Journey.
You can climb right into a human hamster wheel, or dig for dinosaur bones within the Journey Planet gallery in case your children fancy themselves as mini archaeologists.
Animal lovers can attempt to outrace a cheetah or discover out in the event that they’re heavier than a polar bear (in all probability not!) in addition to looking for bugs, dressing up in historic garments or designing their very own vogue masterpieces.
Or comply with one of many themed trails, impressed by House, coffins, wildlife or good previous I Spy, in addition to marvelling at a T Rex skeleton solid.
There’s no cost for entry to this household pleasant attraction, so it’s one other nice choice at no cost issues to do with children in Edinburgh.
Dynamic Earth
Uncover the story of Planet Earth, from the Massive Bang by way of the nippiness of Ice Ages to the devastating energy of volcanic eruptions, watch the Northern Lights dance and listen to the sounds and sights of the rainforest at Dynamic Earth.
Or plunge to the depths of the ocean to find life beneath the ocean (from the consolation of a yellow submarine), in addition to looking for whales and watching a 30 foot wall of waves.
If solely geography had been fairly as thrilling once I was at college – the 360 diploma ShowDome cinema brings the entire dramatic story to life when you’ll additionally discover Mission Earth augmented actuality expertise.
There are additionally additional themed occasions going down throughout faculty holidays – a journey to area, for instance, if Earth isn’t fairly sufficient. Simply probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Edinburgh with children.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Nonetheless the monarch’s official residence in Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse may not have the lengthy historical past of Edinburgh fort however a few of Scotland’s greatest recognized royal figures have really lived inside the partitions.
Mary Queen of Scots is probably the most well-known, as she lived within the oldest a part of the palace through the sixteenth century – the place her secretary was murdered in entrance of the pregnant Queen’s eyes.
Supposedly you may nonetheless see the bloodstains…
There are additionally hyperlinks to Bonnie Prince Charlie, who lived right here for an excellent six weeks, the possibility to view the throne room, and wander previous the treasures of the Nice Gallery, together with a portrait of Macbeth and sword marks within the partitions.
In addition to short-term displays, it’s fascinating to see how royal life continues inside the partitions: the late Queen held dinners and different occasions right here.
Youngsters can comply with the household trails and gown up, whereas there’s additionally an interactive multimedia information – which beats the usual audioguide commentary as they’re inspired to reply questions akin to the place the Queen sat at official dinners, in addition to visualising double-decker buses contained in the Nice Gallery.
Purchase your tickets prematurely right here
The Actual Mary King’s Shut
Nowadays, Edinburgh’s picturesque Outdated City is among the greatest attracts for guests – however again within the day, the image was loads darker (and smellier).
So for teenagers who love historical past, or just the extra ugly elements of it, head to The Actual Mary King’s Shut, a medieval avenue that’s preserved underneath the Royal Mile.
Virtually all the slim avenue stays, with properties that have been initially as excessive as 10 storeys, hugging the steep hill all the way down to the present-day Princes Road Gardens, then the Nor Loch, a defensive moat which frequently stank to excessive heaven.
Over the centuries, extra buildings have been constructed over the previous properties: finally rediscovered and reopened as a museum the place you may take a tour.
In accordance with the tales, you would possibly discover ghosts – and it’s not shocking when one home’s inhabitants nearly all died of plague, whereas one other features a cell the place the doomed Mary Queen of Scots as soon as spent an evening. Even seeing one small house which might have been full of a big household is haunting.
The Actual Mary King Shut is best for older children than simply scared or upset little ones, nevertheless it’s an introduction to Edinburgh’s previous actuality that’s laborious to beat.
E book your ticket prematurely right here – non-public excursions and flexi tickets are additionally accessible, whereas you too can discover discounted tickets on the Tiqets web site – click on right here
Edinburgh’s Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
In case your youngsters love all issues ugly, gory and ghoulish, there’s one other thrilling choice to your checklist of issues to do in Edinburgh with children, with a ghost tour that takes you underground to the Edinburgh Vaults.
Appropriate for ages 5+ solely, a cloaked information shares tales of town’s darkish previous as you journey alongside the Royal Mile earlier than venturing into the Blair Road Underground Vaults (also referred to as the South Bridge Vaults).
These previous storage areas have been changed into properties, shortly turning into slums and a haven for crime. Count on tales of witches and bodysnatchers alongside the way in which, and loads of actual life spine-chilling tales.
Discover reserve now pay later choices (as nicely as free cancellation) should you e-book the Underground Vaults tour on Get Your Information
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Like the opposite Dungeons across the UK, akin to London and York, this one is just for older children – you may’t go to with underneath fives and the Edinburgh Dungeon is beneficial for over eights solely.
Having had actors soar out at me from darkened passageways with unexpectedly practical make-up, I’d say that’s bar – my very own daughter wouldn’t have loved this within the slightest aged seven.
However as soon as they’re previous the purpose of shrieking at sudden scares and are prepared to absorb extra bloodsoaked and ugly historical past, from torture to witchcraft, it’s excellent for bringing Edinburgh’s darker previous to life.
In any case, town’s most well-known queen was beheaded by her cousin, plague stalked the slim streets and two notorious inhabitants went about killing folks for the dissection charge they’d acquire – only for starters!
Throw in a few rides, together with one for these over 1.4m solely, and also you’re assured to depart together with your coronary heart racing.
Click on right here to purchase tickets and examine the newest particular occasions
Discover Greyfriars Bobby
You possibly can’t go to Edinburgh with out wandering alongside the Royal Mile – from Holyroodhouse at one finish to Edinburgh Citadel on the different, previous a thousand shortbread and memento outlets.
However as you stroll, discuss a small detour in direction of the Greyfriars Kirkyard to listen to the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the canine so well-known for his loyalty that there’s a statue to commemorate him.
As the story goes, he would stroll the streets of town along with his proprietor, night time watchman John – or Auld Jock – till John died and was buried within the churchyard.
Bobby refused to depart the graveside besides as soon as a day, when the One O’Clock gun fired from the fort when he’d eat, till his personal loss of life 14 years later when he was buried close to his grasp.
True? Who can say… nevertheless it makes a candy story to entertain (and slightly extra child-friendly than tales of Burke and Hare… except you’re visiting with teenagers, that’s!).
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Take a break between exploring with a relaxation and a story on the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The humanities centre has a string of occasions year-round, however there’s additionally an interactive Storywall within the Storytelling Court docket.
Yow will discover out extra about Greyfriars Bobby, but in addition another well-known Scottish characters, from Nessie to Wee Willie Winkie, in addition to listening to snatches of Robert Louis Stevenson’s well-known tales.
When you’re impressed to choose up a e-book and take it house, there’s a store within the medieval John Knox Home – be careful for the dragon’s nest tucked away.
Lower than 10 minutes away, try the dwelling monument at Makars’ Court docket, the place well-known phrases of nice Scottish writers are inscribed within the flagstones.
Take the hop on hop off bus
If it’s a wet day in Edinburgh otherwise you’re trying to see the sights with out sporting out small legs, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is all the time on my checklist of issues to do with children.
You get the same old commentary and it’s all the time a great way to get your bearings, however this explicit metropolis sightseeing tour appears particularly nicely designed for getting you between a few of the metropolis’s greatest sights too, together with the fort, Holyrood Palace and Dynamic Earth.
You may as well discover tickets for 3 totally different Edinburgh bus excursions, together with the Metropolis Sightseeing route.
Courageous the ghost bus tour
When you’re on the lookout for a bus tour of Edinburgh with a distinction, older children will love the Comedy Horror Present ghost tour of Edinburgh, a 75-minute journey on a classic double-decker telling darker tales of town.
From executions and homicide to hauntings, the eerie bus conductor tells takes of the notorious Burke and Hare as you journey the streets of Europe’s most haunted metropolis within the black double-decker.
There’s a big serving to of comedy, in addition to the possibility to see a few of Edinburgh’s key sights within the Outdated City and New City, between terrifying tales of dreadful deeds throughout the centuries.
The bus itself has its personal chilling historical past too. As soon as belonging to the Necropolis Bus Firm, it’s the one survivor of a fireplace which destroyed all the fleet in 1967…
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
When the solar is shining in Edinburgh, there are many locations to get outdoor with children, together with the 70 acres of town’s Botanical gardens.
Set on a hill above town, there’s 350 years of historical past within the gardens nevertheless it’s additionally a beautiful inexperienced spot to amble with children – and should you simply need a stroll, it’s free to enter as nicely.
The royal botanic gardens are additionally house to 10 glasshouses, together with a temperate and tropical palmhouse, which home over 3,000 unique vegetation between them – there an extra charge for tickets for adults, though youngsters aged 15 and underneath go free.
Princes Road Gardens
When you don’t wish to enterprise too far out of town, children also can play in Prince’s Road Gardens within the shadow of the Scott Monument – which you’ll pay to climb climb, though with its 287 usually slim and twisty steps, you would possibly wish to stick with the views from the Digicam Obscura as an alternative.
In December, the gardens flip right into a Winter Wonderland together with Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye – excellent should you’re spending Christmas in Edinburgh with children.
The Chocolatarium Tour
Fancy some haggis-inspired chocolate? It’s only one spotlight of this enjoyable tasting and chocolate-making expertise at Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium Tour.
The interactive tour permits you to study all of the steps of the method remodeling the cacao from its pod to eventual chocolate bar, plus a historical past of chocolate proper by way of to the latest innovations.
Alongside the way in which you may style varied flavours, together with camel milk chocolate, in addition to making your personal, personalised together with your favorite flavours.
The entire expertise lasts for 90 minutes, appropriate for teenagers aged six and above.
Arthur’s Seat
Enterprise out of Edinburgh metropolis centre to climb this historical volcano, a unbelievable Edinburgh viewpoint – Arthur’s Seat itself, 251m above sea stage, is a part of Holyrood Park.
Residence to an historical hill fort, in addition to the fifteenth century St Anthony’s Chapel, you may climb up in underneath an hour from Holyrood Palace, though choose good climate.
Legend tells that underneath the rock is a dragon which terrorised the realm, consuming a lot that it fell right into a deep sleep and by no means woke.
Typically reality is stranger than delusion although, as miniature picket coffins have been found right here, containing picket figures, all sporting totally different garments…
One thing to ponder as you drink in Salisbury Crags and the views again down.
Calton Hill
Begin on the finish of Princes Road and climb the staircase up the hill for a few of the greatest views over town – from right here you may see out to the fort and over to Arthur’s Seat.
Residence to the Nationwide Monument, supposed to be a duplicate of the Parthenon in Athens however by no means completed, it’s additionally the place you’ll discover the massive Nelson monument.
At 1pm, the time ball right here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the fort’s One O’Clock gun was added as dangerous climate meant the ball couldn’t all the time be seen.
Cruise the Firth of Forth
Spot seals and scoff scones, in addition to searching for the three bridges throughout the Forth, on a ship journey aboard the Maid of the Forth or Forth Boat Excursions
The 90-minute three bridges sightseeing tour is among the hottest, however there are additionally excursions stopping at Inchcolm Island (working from April by way of the summer time months) amongst different choices.
Departing from South Queensferry, it’s round a half hour drive (or practice journey and quick stroll) to Hawes Pier. Save a while to discover the beautiful city (technically a part of town of Edinburgh). Seize an ice cream and wander alongside the waterfront, go to the free Queensferry Museum or go to the stately Hopetoun Home.
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, included in an earlier model of this put up, has since closed
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2022*
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