Region guide
Family days out in Edinburgh And Lothians
The castle and the closes, plus beaches and country parks just outside the city.
Edinburgh's big sights — the castle, the museums along Chambers Street, the zoo — are well worth the crowds, and most are doable on foot or a short bus ride from the centre.
The Lothians around the city are worth the detour too: Musselburgh and North Berwick for the beach and the Seabird Centre, Almondell and Dalkeith for woodland that's easier on small legs than the city's hills.
Read our guide: Free days out in Edinburgh with kids
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Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Iconic castle on Castle Rock with museums, cannons, and panoramic city views.
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
Interactive galleries covering history, science, technology, and natural world, with family trails.
Attraction
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Interactive attraction with illusions, puzzles and rooftop views.
Playpark
The Yard Edinburgh
Indoor play space with climbing structures and creative activities suitable for children of all ages.
Activity
Clip 'n Climb Edinburgh
Indoor climbing centre offering a variety of climbing walls and obstacles for children and adults.
Beach
Portobello Beach
Edinburgh's sandy seaside promenade popular with families.
Beach
North Berwick Beach
Sandy beach with views of Bass Rock and nearby play parks.
Beach
Yellowcraig Beach
Beautiful beach with woodland trails and views of Fidra island.
Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo
Large zoo featuring giant pandas, penguins and over 1000 animals located on Corstorphine Hill.
Zoo
Five Sisters Zoo
Wildlife park with rescued animals including lions, bears and monkeys located in West Calder.
Playpark
Conifox Adventure Park
Adventure playground with soft play, climbing, and outdoor activities for children, located in Kirkliston.
Farm
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Living history farm with animals, outdoor play areas, craft workshops, and seasonal events.
Farm
Gorgie City Farm
Urban farm with animals and educational activities for children.
Castle
Linlithgow Palace
Royal palace and historic gardens with trails suitable for children.
Castle
Tantallon Castle
Dramatic cliff-edge castle ruins with breathtaking coastal views and family trails.
Castle
Blackness Castle
Historic fortress on the Firth of Forth with scenic walks and family-friendly exploration.
Museum
Edinburgh Science Centre
Hands-on science exhibits, planetarium shows, and interactive workshops for all ages.
Museum
Dynamic Earth
Interactive science centre exploring the story of planet Earth with immersive exhibits and shows.
Museum
National Museum of Flight
Historic aircraft exhibits, flight simulators, and hands-on experiences for children.
Playpark
Princes Street Gardens Playpark
A well-equipped play area in central Edinburgh with slides, swings, and climbing frames.
Playpark
Treetop Adventure Soft Play
Indoor soft-play centre for younger children with slides, ball pits, and climbing structures.
Activity
EICA Ratho Clip n Climb
Indoor climbing centre at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena with colourful Clip n Climb walls for children and beginners.
Museum
Scottish Parliament Building
Modern parliamentary building in Edinburgh offering free tours and educational exhibitions.
Museum
Museum of Childhood
Free museum on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, packed with historic toys, games and childhood memorabilia.
Park
Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Wooded river valley park near Broxburn with waymarked trails, a visitor centre and a viaduct crossing.
Attraction
Jupiter Artland
Sculpture park and gallery set in woodland near Edinburgh, with large-scale outdoor artworks to explore.
Castle
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official Edinburgh residence, at the foot of the Royal Mile, with state rooms and ruined abbey grounds.
Farm
East Links Family Park
Family farm park near Dunbar with animals, play areas, a maze and outdoor activities.
Attraction
Butterfly and Insect World
Indoor tropical butterfly house and insect exhibits at a garden centre near Edinburgh.
Beach
Cramond and Cramond Island
Picturesque Edinburgh village with a beach, harbour and a tidal causeway walk out to Cramond Island.
Nature
Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
Ancient volcano in the heart of Edinburgh, with walking routes to the summit and views over the whole city.
Park
The Meadows
Huge open park just south of Edinburgh's Old Town, with play areas, tree-lined walks and open space for games.
Nature
John Muir Country Park
Extensive coastal country park near Dunbar named after the pioneering conservationist, with beaches, cliffs and woodland trails.
Nature
Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve
Scotland's first local nature reserve, a tidal bay and dune system on the East Lothian coast, reached by a wooden footbridge.
Nature
Pentland Hills at Flotterstone
Popular starting point for walks into the Pentland Hills Regional Park, just south of Edinburgh.