Free Things to Do in Edinburgh With Children

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What to expect

You will walk on a long, mainly cobbled street lined with shops, historic churches and attractions. Expect short, steep lanes called closes, quirky museums and street performers near busier spots. Many shops sell Scottish crafts and souvenirs, while cafés and pubs break up the route. Parts are steep and uneven, so pace yourself as you move along.

Plan your visit

Start at either end and walk the full length so you can see the main sites in order. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a lightweight rain layer. Allow time for side alleys and small museums that catch your eye. If you have mobility needs, check accessibility for specific venues in advance, since some closes have steps and narrow passages.

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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 an interactive journey from the planet's formation to modern ecosystems: tactile displays, 3D and dome films, live demonstrations, and both guided and self-led routes. Friendly staff make complex topics accessible, though some zones include detailed panels for those who like to read. The planetarium adds an immersive dimension, while a cafe and gift shop provide convenient breaks. Nearby paths offer dramatic city and cliff-top views for a broader outing.

Plan your visit

Aim for a morning visit to avoid peak crowds and choose guided or self-guided options to suit interest levels. Booking in advance can help secure a spot on popular planetarium shows. Combine the visit with a short walk to nearby viewpoints for panoramic city scenes, and leave time for the cafe and gift shop.

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What to expect

Expect a long, cobbled street with plenty of small shops, heritage sites and places to eat. Street performers and guided tours are common during the day. Many of the side lanes, or closes, reveal quieter corners and short stairways that lead to viewpoints and small courtyards.

Plan your visit

Wear comfortable shoes and a light waterproof, the surface is uneven in places. Allow time to wander down side closes rather than only sticking to the main route. Join a short walking tour if you want curated history, or pick a café and watch the street life. If you prefer quieter moments, aim for early morning or later in the evening.

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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 large-scale mural panels covering walls and the ceiling, intricate decorative motifs and warm gold and jewel tones. The space feels more like an art interior than a conventional church. Many details are at eye level, so close inspection reveals delicate brushwork and symbolic imagery.

Plan your visit

Work out access before you go by checking the venue website, and allow time to move slowly through the nave. Avoid loud conversation while inside, and read the information panels to get context for the images. Photography is usually allowed, but avoid flash to protect the paintwork and follow any on-site rules. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a small tripod only if the venue permits one.

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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 a bright, airy hall where traditional textile craft meets contemporary display: watch weavers at work from the upper balconies, study intricate tapestries up close, and move between thoughtfully curated exhibition spaces. The on-site café offers a pleasant pause, while the shop stocks artist-made items and keepsakes. Friendly staff provide helpful context, making the studio accessible whether deeply interested in textiles or simply enjoying art and design.

Plan your visit

Allow time to watch demonstrations from the balcony, browse the gallery and pick up a unique gift in the shop. Mornings are great for quieter viewing and clearer light for photos. Check the website before heading over to see current exhibitions and any visitor guidance, and plan a relaxed café break as part of the visit.

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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.