Steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty, Edinburgh has also got the fun-factor for families with children, the one that really counts with kids. Adventure laughs, learning and wonder are all on the menu when it comes to the best attractions and activities – so here are the top selections for young people of all ages (while not forgetting the adults).
EDINBURGH ZOO
Located on Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh Zoo is an endlessly attractive proposition. It’s well-known for housing the UK's only giant pandas and koalas, but beyond these headline acts, it is also home to over 1,000 diverse and exotic animals, including penguins, big cats, and primates, and offers an ever-evolving variety of exhibits and experiences. Of paramount importance – animal welfare is high on the agenda, and Edinburgh Zoo garners plenty of praise for the apparent good health of the animals, and their well-maintained enclosures. This reflects well on the staff, who are friendly and knowledgeable, and experts in guiding quietly thrilling interactive experiences, with the sloth encounter particularly popular among families. Children also love the penguin parade and there is even the chance to act as a zookeeper for the day. Family-friendly facilities are a big draw too: there are plenty of rest areas, cafes, and picnic spots dotted around the grounds – along with play areas for children.
MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
A hands-down no-brainer to visit: the Museum of Childhood is an absolute treasure trove and, when opened in 1955, was the world’s first ever museum dedicated to the history of childhood. All ages will enjoy the vast and impressive collection of toys, games, and artefacts relating to British childhoods – whether for nostalgic recognition or rapt curiosity, whether to ponder how much things have changed through the ages, or what has stayed the same. Among the fascinating and rare objects are toys, games, clothes, books, and dolls, dating from the 1800s to the present day – and a child’s life at home, at school, and at play is brought vividly to life with the displays – it can be like travelling back in time. Highlights include ‘Radio Rex’ – a 1920s voice-activated toy – and the Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone from 1979, long before the modern smartphone could even be comprehended, never mind invented. Raucous laughter is often heard in the fancy dress area – the substantial costume collection reflecting children’s fashions and lifestyles of years gone by is much more fun if all the generations get involved. The museum also has a captivating photographic archive.
GRAVITY ACTIVE
Just south of the city centre – a short bounce, you might say – is Gravity Active. An amazing indoor trampoline park and playground, this is the place to really let loose: if the kids have energy to burn and want to go wild, a genuinely exhilarating experience awaits. Open Jump sessions means just that – jumping, bouncing, hopping, and dancing through the air on extreme trampolines, twisting and turning your body across all of the general park activity areas. It can make for an intense, but hugely rewarding 60-minute session as visitors try to defy gravity with huge jumps and acrobatic skills before tackling the ‘Gravity Assault’ course. There is also an extended two-hour Jump session, in which activities like dodgeball matches and basketball courts are introduced, enhancing the overall high – pun intended! Safety is at the core of the experience – staff are fully trained and will guide suitability – while the sessions cater to all ages and skill levels. You don’t have to be an Olympic gymnast to enjoy flipping and soaring across the range of activities – you just need to get involved.
THE CHOCOLATARIUM
Chocolate equals pure and immediate pleasure to many people, especially children, so where better to spend a couple of hours than a micro-factory dedicated to it. In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, just off the Royal Mile, you’ll get to eat impeccable chocolate. Whether within one of the daily workshops or on an award-winning tour, you’ll also get to learn the art of how it’s made and concoct your very own bar – not an everyday experience. Once the session in the special Tasting Room arrives, it’s pretty extraordinary, with over 40 kinds of chocolate, many of them types of which you’ll have never tasted before. Some people even call The Chocolatarium educational, some are too busy chewing to say.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
The world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens are an Edinburgh classic, not to be missed, particularly if the kids need to roam and explore in an open space. Stimulation is everywhere: among 13,500 species of living plants, there is a dedicated Children’s Garden, where youngsters can learn about plants and nature through hands-on activities and play. The site is huge, spanning around 70 acres, and the history of the garden dates back over 350 years. Keen, active interest in horticulture is not important – the Royal Botanic ensures that visitors are there to be entertained, educated, and amazed – some of the plants are so exotic that even the untrained eye, or a child’s gaze, cannot fail to be impressed. The imposing glasshouses are a flavoursome treat, with 10 different climatic zones to explore, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts – and the John Hope Gateway visitor centre boasts interactive exhibits and displays that are highly educational and engaging for children. Don’t forget about the wildlife either: there are several family-friendly trails throughout the gardens, which are home to a broad variety of insects, birds, and small animals.
Beyond our top picks, Edinburgh is jam-packed with a wide variety of activities and attractions that cater to children of all ages. Venues such as the National Museum of Scotland are a prime example of the choice being rich and deep – in a city centre location, it offers free admission to interactive exhibits, a Natural World gallery, and an Adventure Planet area for kids. Whatever your choice, Edinburgh is a wonderful destination for families, with entertainment, giggles, and adventure lurking around every street corner.
