Europe: Family friendly highlights in Edinburgh

Located just outside Edinburgh, the Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a family-friendly attraction that combines a farm, museum, and play area. Children can meet farm animals, explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, and enjoy the large outdoor play area with trampolines, slides, and pedal tractors. The center also offers tractor rides and a narrow-gauge railway, making it a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Gorgie City Farm is a community-run urban farm offering a hands-on experience with animals. Children can meet and feed goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. The farm also features a play area and a small garden where kids can learn about plants and vegetables. It’s an ideal spot for young animal lovers to get close to nature and learn about farm life in a fun, interactive environment.

Lauriston Castle offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past with its beautifully preserved Edwardian interiors and stunning gardens. Families can explore the castle’s rooms and enjoy the Japanese Friendship Garden. The castle hosts family-friendly events and workshops throughout the year, including storytelling sessions and craft activities, making it an engaging and educational experience for young children.

Dynamic Earth is an interactive science museum that takes families on a journey through the history of the Earth. With its 4D experiences, a simulated earthquake, and a tropical rainforest, Dynamic Earth offers a sensory adventure that’s perfect for young children. The museum also hosts workshops and events that are both fun and educational, making it an exciting day out for curious minds.

The Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful and educational outing for families. The gardens offer plenty of open space for children to run around, as well as themed areas like the Rock Garden and the Chinese Hillside. Kids will love exploring the glasshouses with their exotic plants and the outdoor play area. The garden also hosts seasonal events and workshops tailored for young children.

The Meadows is a large public park in the heart of Edinburgh, perfect for a family day out. The park features extensive grassy areas, play areas with swings and climbing frames, and plenty of space for picnics and ball games. During the summer, the park hosts various family-friendly events and festivals, making it a vibrant and fun destination for children of all ages.

This indoor climbing arena is perfect for active kids. The arena offers a range of climbing walls suited to all ages and abilities, including a special soft play area for younger children. The Clip \’n Climb section features colorful and fun climbing challenges that are fully supervised, ensuring safety while allowing kids to build confidence and physical skills.

Holyrood Park offers a fantastic outdoor adventure for families. A climb up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, provides stunning views of Edinburgh and is a manageable hike for children. The park also features smaller hills, lochs, and the ruins of St Anthony\’s Chapel. It’s a great place for picnics, nature walks, and exploring the outdoors, allowing children to connect with nature while enjoying some fresh air.

This immersive science center offers a journey through time and space, perfect for young explorers. Kids can experience a simulated earthquake, travel through a tropical rainforest, and even visit the stars in the planetarium. The hands-on exhibits and interactive displays make learning about the Earth’s history and the natural world exciting and accessible for children, sparking curiosity and wonder.

The Royal Yacht Britannia offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life. Families can explore the five decks of the yacht, including the Queen’s bedrooms, the crew’s quarters, and the engine room. The interactive exhibits and audio guides tailored for children make the experience engaging. Kids will especially enjoy the play area on the Royal Deck Tea Room, making it a unique blend of history and fun.

The Museum of Childhood is dedicated to the history of childhood and toys. Kids can see vintage toys, dolls, and games, as well as exhibits that showcase how children played and lived in the past. There are also interactive displays and a play area where children can engage with toys from different eras. It’s a nostalgic and fun trip down memory lane for parents and an eye-opening experience for kids.

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that offers a blend of history and adventure for young visitors. The castle has interactive exhibits like the National War Museum and Crown Jewels, which capture children’s imaginations. The kids can explore dungeons, hear the famous One O’clock Gun, and enjoy the stunning views of the city. Special family trails and quizzes make the visit even more engaging for children.

Johnston Terrace Garden is a hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh. This small, tranquil garden offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a great place for a quiet family stroll, with plenty of plants and flowers to explore. The garden is also home to a variety of birds and insects, making it a wonderful spot for children to observe nature up close.

Edinburgh Zoo is a must-visit for families with young children. Home to over 1,000 animals, including the UK\’s only giant pandas and koalas, the zoo offers a variety of exhibits that fascinate kids. The daily penguin parade is a highlight, where penguins waddle around outside their enclosure. The zoo also features play areas, picnic spots, and a soft play center, ensuring that children have plenty of opportunities to explore, learn, and burn off energy.

Located just outside Edinburgh, this attraction offers a close-up look at a variety of butterflies and insects. Children can walk through a tropical rainforest environment, where butterflies fly freely, and get a chance to see other creatures like tarantulas, scorpions, and reptiles. Interactive sessions, where kids can handle some of the insects, make the experience even more engaging and memorable.

The Edinburgh Dungeon offers a thrilling and slightly spooky experience that’s suitable for older children. The attraction features interactive exhibits, live actors, and special effects that bring Edinburgh’s dark history to life. From the plague to witch trials, the Dungeon offers an entertaining yet educational experience. While it may be too intense for very young children, those over 8 will find it an exciting adventure.

Just a short distance from the city center, Portobello Beach is a great place for a family day out. The sandy beach offers plenty of space for building sandcastles, playing frisbee, or simply enjoying a stroll along the promenade. During the warmer months, kids can paddle in the sea, and the area is dotted with cafes and ice cream shops, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed day by the sea.

Located near Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions offers a fun and educational experience for kids. The attraction features interactive exhibits, optical illusions, and a rooftop camera obscura providing panoramic views of the city. Children can enjoy the mirror maze, vortex tunnel, and holograms, making it a place where science meets magic in a way that’s both entertaining and educational.

The National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of exhibits that cater to all ages. For young children, the museum’s hands-on displays, including the Natural World galleries and the Adventure Planet exhibit, are particularly appealing. Kids can dress up in historical costumes, dig for fossils, and even explore a giant T-Rex. The museum is free to enter, making it a great option for a family day out.

Known as Edinburgh’s “other” castle, Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress that’s fun for kids to explore. The castle’s maze of rooms, towers, and staircases provide a sense of adventure, while the surrounding parkland offers plenty of space for running around and picnicking. It’s a great spot for children to play knights and princesses while learning about Scotland’s history.