Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. The country’s southeast is where it is situated. It is a vibrant and historical city that is rich in culture and boasts a population of around 500,000 people. The city is built on seven hills, which provide stunning views of the cityscape and surrounding areas.
Edinburgh is famous for its stunning architecture, which ranges from medieval to modern styles. The city is home to many landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. These landmarks attract millions of tourists every year. The cityโs old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also known for its narrow cobbled streets and historical buildings.
Edinburgh is also known for its festivals and events, with the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe being the most famous. The Fridge is an annual celebration of comedy, music, and theatre that takes place over three weeks in August. Other popular festivals in the city include the Edinburgh International Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Aside from its cultural attractions, Edinburgh also has a thriving food and drink scene. The city is famous for its whisky, with numerous distilleries located in the surrounding area. It is also home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving everything from traditional Scottish cuisine to international dishes.
This is just an overview of the city. Now in this article, we are going to learn about the things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids of All Ages
1) Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a fascinating attraction that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children. Here are some things to do in Edinburgh with kids:
i. Visit the Crown Jewels: Children are always fascinated by treasures. The Scottish Crown Jewels are sure to capture their imaginations. The jewels include the famous Stone of Destiny, which was used in the coronation of Scottish kings for centuries.
ii. Explore the Great Hall: The Great Hall is a spectacular room with ornate decorations, and itโs a great place to teach kids about Scottish history and architecture. The hall also hosts regular events and performances, such as historical reenactments and music concerts.
iii. Watch the One OโClock Gun: The special about this gun is every day at 1 pm, a cannon is fired from the castleโs ramparts. Kids will love watching this loud and exciting spectacle, and itโs a great way to teach them about the castleโs military history.
iv. Discover the Scottish National War Memorial: The Scottish National War Memorial is a moving tribute to the men and women who have served in the Scottish armed forces. Kids can learn about the sacrifices made by soldiers throughout history and reflect on the importance of peace.
v. Take in the Views: Edinburgh Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city, providing breathtaking views. Kids will love taking in the sights from this vantage point and spotting landmarks they recognize.
2) Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh
The second stop on the list of things to do in Edinburgh with kids is the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a beautiful educational destination that provides a range of activities and experiences for families with kids. Here are some things to do in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with kids:
i. Nature Walks – The garden offers a variety of trails that provide an opportunity for kids to explore and learn about different plants and habitats. Some trails even have interactive features like a sensory garden and a bamboo maze.
ii. Family Workshops – The garden regularly holds workshops and events that are designed to engage kids and families with nature. From bug hunting to storytelling, there is something for everyone.
iii. Children’s Garden – The Garden has a special space designed just for kids, complete with a tree house, sandpit, and interactive water feature.
iv. Discovery Garden – The Discovery Garden is an excellent place to learn about plants and how they grow. There are different themed areas, including a vegetable garden, a medicinal garden, and a rock garden.
v. Art Activities – The garden also offers art activities for kids, including drawing and painting workshops, and even a chance to make their plant pots.
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3) Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
There will be no children who are not interested in magic, wonders like stuff. Here is our third and will be the favorite to visit in Edinburgh with children. The third place on our list of things to do in Edinburgh with kids is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. This interactive museum is a great place to visit with kids. They’ll love exploring the different optical illusions and learning about how our eyes work.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a must-visit attractions in Edinburgh if you are looking for a fun-filled day out with your kids. This five-floor building houses a variety of interactive exhibits and optical illusions that will amaze and delight both children and adults.
The Camera Obscura itself is a unique experience, where you can see a 360-degree panoramic view of the city projected onto a concave screen. Kids will love the illusion of being able to walk on the ceiling and the floor tilting in the Vortex Tunnel. There are also many interactive exhibits where children can experiment with light and sound, such as the Shadow Wall and the Magic Gallery.
The World of Illusions section of the attraction features mind-bending optical illusions and exhibits that challenge your perception. The Ames Room, where the shape of the room creates an illusion of different sizes of people, is a favorite among kids. The Mirror Maze and the spinning tunnel are also popular attractions.
In addition to the exhibits, the attraction offers daily magic shows and rooftop views of the city. On-site amenities include a gift shop and a cafe. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is an excellent attraction for families with children of all ages. It’s a perfect way to spend a day in Edinburgh and create lasting memories.
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4) Dynamic Earth
The next stop on the list of things to do in Edinburgh with kids is Dynamic Earth. Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh is a popular tourist attraction that provides a fun and interactive way to learn about the Earth’s natural history and geological processes. There are many things to do for kids at Dynamic Earth, making it an excellent destination for families looking for an educational and entertaining experience.
One of the must-see attractions is the Earth’s Core exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey to the center of the Earth, highlighting the different layers and structures that make up our planet. The exhibit features a simulated earthquake, complete with rumbling floors and shaking walls, which is sure to thrill young visitors.
Another popular exhibit is the Time Machine, which allows visitors to travel back in time and experience different geological eras, including the Ice Age and the Age of the Dinosaurs. Kids can also take part in interactive workshops, such as creating their fossils or exploring the depths of the ocean in a virtual submarine.
Dynamic Earth also hosts special events throughout the year, such as science festivals and storytelling sessions, which provide additional opportunities for children to engage with the natural world in a fun and exciting way.
In the end, Dynamic Earth is a great destination for families looking for an educational and interactive experience that will spark their children’s curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
5) Edinburgh Zoo
After magic and wonders, the zoo is the second most place that kids are more enthusiastic to visit. There is the best place in Edinburgh that you can include in your bucket list of things to do in Edinburgh with kids. That is nothing but the Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with kids, offering a range of exciting activities and experiences that will keep children of all ages entertained. Here are some of the top things to do in Edinburgh Zoo with kids:
i. Animal Encounters: Get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most popular animals, including penguins, meerkats, and giant pandas. Meet the keepers, learn about the animal’s habits, and even feed them if you’re lucky.
ii. Monkey Walk: Take a walk through the monkey enclosure and watch the playful primates swing and climb through the trees. The kids will love trying to spot all the different types of monkeys.
iii. Penguin Parade: Every day at 2:15 pm, the penguins at Edinburgh Zoo take a walk around the grounds. Join in the fun and follow the penguins as they waddle their way through the zoo.
iv. Play Areas: Edinburgh Zoo has several play areas, including a giant bouncy castle and a soft play area for younger children. There are also plenty of picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a snack.
v. Animal Talks: Throughout the day, the zoo’s expert staff give talks and demonstrations about the animals. Learn about the habits and habitats of the animals, and get a chance to ask questions.
vi. Conservation: Edinburgh Zoo is committed to conservation and has several programs that help protect endangered species. Take a tour of the zoo’s conservation projects and learn about how you can help protect the planet.
In the end, there are many locations in Edinburgh that you can add to the checklist of things to do in Edinburgh with kids. They are The Real Mary Kingโs Close, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile.