Free Things to Do in Edinburgh With Children

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What to expect

You can wander along level paths, pause on a bench, or settle on the grass for a simple break from sightseeing. The park also works well for a slow wander past statues, memorials and the Ross Bandstand, with flower beds adding colour when the season is kind and the city’s pace easing around you rather than rushing past you. Sometimes there is live music nearby, which adds a gentle extra layer to the walk.

Plan your visit

Give yourself time to move through the gardens at a relaxed pace rather than treating them as a shortcut. For the clearest views, head towards the lawns facing the Castle, then loop past the fountain and monuments before you leave. A picnic blanket or a dry layer for sitting is useful if you want to

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What to expect

Come for an easy walk, then settle on the grass for a pause or a picnic. You may see runners, dog walkers, informal football or rugby games, and small boats on the pond from the model boat club. The park feels open and unhurried, with birdsong, tall trees and enough space to move at your own pace throughout the day and into the evening light, when the castle view becomes especially clear from the slopes.

Plan your visit

Pick a route that loops the pond if you want the best mix of water, birds and city views. If you are visiting with children or a dog, the open grass and wider paths make it easy to linger. It also works well as a gentle stop between Stockbridge and the Botanic Garden.

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What to expect

Several public viewpoints along the shoreline give clear sightlines to the bridge. You will see trains cross the spans, and there are coastal paths nearby for short walks. The immediate structure is restricted, so viewing is from designated areas rather than on the bridge itself.

Plan your visit

Combine the stop with a walk along the coast or a visit to North Queensferry village. Wear windproof layers and sturdy shoes for uneven paths. Take binoculars to study the ironwork and arriving trains. Keep to public paths and observe any safety signage.

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What to expect

Expect a compact, mostly pedestrian passage with uneven cobbles and narrow stairways. There are no visitor facilities here, and signage is minimal. The close is primarily residential, so activity tends to be local rather than tourist-focused.

Plan your visit

Combine a stop here with a walk along the Canongate or a visit to Holyrood Park. Wear sturdy shoes for the steps and cobbles. Keep voices low and avoid blocking doorways, since people live here. Allow a short window in your itinerary , this is best as a quick detour rather than a long stop.

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What to expect

Expect a warm, often moving journey through childhood, with rooms of dolls, model trains, vintage playthings and period displays that chart how play has changed. Interactive corners invite younger visitors to explore, while interpretive labels and curated groupings give context for adult visitors and educators. The museum's classic building adds character, and staff aim to be welcoming. Lighting in some galleries is deliberately soft to protect artefacts, so a torch on a phone can help with close-up details.

Plan your visit

Allow time to move between floors slowly, following themes rather than a linear path, so small discoveries can be savoured. Bring comfortable shoes and a curious mind, as many treasures reward close inspection. Suitable for mixed-age groups and school visits, the museum pairs well with a stroll around the Royal Mile and nearby historic sites. Check the venue website before travelling for accessibility information.

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What to expect

Expect uneven ground, some steep sections and loose gravel on certain paths. The summit is exposed, so conditions can change quickly: it can be calm one moment and windy the next. There are several trails to choose from, varying in steepness and surface. You will find open grass, rocky outcrops and views across the city and Firth of Forth.

Plan your visit

Wear sturdy walking boots and dress in layers. Bring water, sun cream and a windproof jacket. Pick a route that matches your fitness: some paths have steps and short, steep climbs. Keep dogs under control near cliffs. Charge your phone if you plan to use maps or take photos. Combine the walk with time in Holyrood Park or nearby cafés if you want a longer outing.

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What to expect

A mix of lawns, themed beds and glasshouses with labelled specimens and interpretation panels. Paths are mostly paved or gravel with some gentle slopes. You will find benches and sheltered spots to rest. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.

Plan your visit

Wear comfortable shoes and layers to cope with changeable weather. Bring water, a camera and a small bag for any personal items. If you have children, pick flatter routes and allow time for stops. Check the garden’s official information before you go for accessibility details and seasonal highlights.

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What to expect

A variety of objects from prehistoric finds to contemporary inventions, presented across permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions. Expect clear labels, interactive displays aimed at families, and spaces that suit both quick visits and deeper exploration. Facilities include a café and a museum shop.

Plan your visit

Wear comfortable shoes and plan your route around subjects you most want to see, since the museum covers many themes. Check the museum website before you go for details on special exhibitions and any booking requirements for ticketed galleries. Combine a visit with a walk around the Old Town to make the most of the area.

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What to expect

Inside, you move through bright, well-signposted rooms with detailed labels beside each work, so it is easy to linger over a painting or keep a gentle pace. Staff are usually on hand in the galleries if you want guidance, and there is a café, a shop and locker storage, which makes the visit feel well organised from start to finish. The upper levels add another reason to pause, with outlooks across Edinburgh that give the galleries a pleasing sense of place.

Plan your visit

If you are carrying a bag, use the lockers so you can move through the galleries comfortably. It also works well to pause for a café break before heading back to the rooms you want to spend more time with, rather than trying to take everything in at once.

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What to expect

A broad stretch of sand at low tide, a paved esplanade for walking and cycling, and a handful of independent cafés and ice-cream spots along the front. Expect families, dogs and casual weekend crowds in fine weather, plus a steady stream of walkers on cooler days. The sea is often brisk, so bring layers for the wind.

Plan your visit

Bring a windproof layer and sturdy shoes for the promenade. Pack a towel and a small picnic if you plan to sit on the sand. Try the cafés for a warm drink or ice cream after a walk. If you have a dog, keep it under control on busy parts of the beach. Allow time to stroll along the esplanade and explore the nearby shops.

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What to expect

Expect a mix of wide tracks and narrower forest paths, gentle slopes and steeper sections near the summit. The hill is used by dog walkers, families and local runners. Wildlife such as birds and small mammals is common, and there are open clearings for sitting or picnics. Surfaces can be uneven after rain.

Plan your visit

Wear sturdy shoes and layers, since weather can change on higher ground. Bring water and a small snack for a picnic at a clearing. Keep dogs on a lead where asked and follow any waymarked paths. If you prefer quieter routes, choose side paths rather than the main approach from the busiest entrances.

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What to expect

Expect stonework, platform remnants and a visible tunnel entrance surrounded by trees and paths. The site is outdoors and fairly small, with uneven surfaces in places. Facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.

Plan your visit

Combine a visit with a local walk around Colinton village. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground and bring water. Supervise children near old platforms and edges. Take a small torch if you plan to be here near dusk.

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What to expect

Expect a steep, cobbled street with tightly packed buildings painted in different colours. You will find small boutiques, speciality food shops and a few casual cafés. The layout makes for interesting window-shopping and short photographic walks rather than long browsing sessions. Surfaces and steps can be uneven, so wear sensible shoes.

Plan your visit

Plan a short visit as part of a walk through the Old Town. Start at the top to take in the full curve, then descend and stop in a café or shop you spot along the way. Allow time for photographs and a quick browse, and factor in a little extra time if you’re with children or mobility needs.

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What to expect

Expect a circular tapestry of bedding plants, planted with pin-point precision to form numbers, hands and seasonal motifs. Dedicated gardeners rework the display each year, so the design varies and the clock looks very different from one visit to the next. The clock sits within city gardens, framed by mature planting and architectural backdrops, and offers close-up detail as well as wide views for photos. Occasionally the bedding is being replanted, so the display may be less showy outside peak months.

Plan your visit

Approach from the garden paths and lean over the stone wall for the best vantage points, or step back for a broader composition that includes city features. Bring a camera with a zoom for plant detail and a wide lens for context. Combine the stop with nearby galleries and a stroll along the gardens, and aim for quieter times for unobstructed views. Check local visitor information for seasonal planting schedules before travelling.

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What to expect

Expect finely modelled figures, mermaids and classical details set on a tiered, French-built fountain, with Edinburgh Castle rising in the background. The surrounding lawns and benches invite relaxation, while seasonal blooms and the sound of flowing water add atmosphere. The fountain is a popular photography spot, and although it can be busier on sunny days, quiet corners remain for a contemplative moment or people watching.

Plan your visit

Bring a camera and comfortable shoes for a stroll through the gardens, then pick a bench to take in the view. Combine the visit with a walk along Princes Street Gardens, pop into nearby cafés for a hot drink, or allow time for family photos and a relaxed break amid the park’s greenery.