Edinburgh Attractions for Families

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city full of history, culture and natural beauty. Its cobblestone streets and grand architecture have been captivating visitors for centuries. With its stunning castle, world-renowned festivals and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a family vacation, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Edinburgh is a great destination for families with children of all ages – from toddlers to teens – as there’s an abundance of attractions and activities to suit everyone’s needs.

History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh was founded in the 7th century and has been a hub of activity ever since. Over the centuries, the city has seen many wars and conflicts, but it has also been a place of learning and discovery. Edinburgh was the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century, which saw a surge in intellectual and scientific progress. This period also saw the emergence of Scotland’s iconic architectural style, known as Georgian. The Old Town of Edinburgh is a great example of this style and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, Edinburgh is home to around 500,000 people and is a bustling hub of culture and business. It’s known for its festivals – from the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe to the Military Tattoo – as well as its vibrant nightlife. The city is also home to a number of universities, making it a great place to visit for those looking for an educational experience.

Popular Sights

Edinburgh is full of sights and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Here are some of the most popular:

Edinburgh Castle

The iconic Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This medieval fortress towers above the city, offering spectacular views across the rooftops and out to sea. Inside the castle walls, visitors can explore ancient dungeons, the Royal Palace and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. There’s also a popular sound and light show that runs every evening in summer.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a floating museum that offers an insight into the life of Britain’s royal family. Visitors can explore all five decks of the boat, including the State Apartments, the bridge and even the Queen’s bedroom. It’s a great way to experience how the royals lived on board their luxurious yacht.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the best museums in Europe. It offers visitors a chance to explore Scotland’s history and culture in depth, from ancient artefacts to modern artworks. The museum also has an interactive science gallery and a planetarium with shows for all ages.

Camera Obscura

The Camera Obscura is a great way to explore Edinburgh from a unique perspective. This interactive museum allows visitors to explore the city through a giant camera lens, with live demonstrations and hands-on exhibits. It’s an exciting experience for all ages.

Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is one of the most impressive art galleries in Europe. It showcases masterpieces from around the world, including works by Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh. The gallery also holds regular family-friendly events and activities, making it a great place to visit with children.

Family-Friendly Activities

In addition to its popular sights, Edinburgh also offers plenty of family-friendly activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained. Here are some of our favourites:

Underground Vaults Tour

The Underground Vaults Tour is a unique way to explore Edinburgh’s hidden history. Here, visitors can take a guided tour of the city’s underground network of tunnels, vaults and chambers that have been used as secret meeting places over the centuries. It’s an exciting experience for all ages!

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is an interactive science centre that offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays about Earth’s history and future. Visitors can explore volcanoes, ride on a time machine and even take part in virtual reality experiences. It’s great for families with children of all ages!

Edinburgh Bus Tours

Edinburgh Bus Tours offer a great way to explore the city without having to walk too much. This hop-on hop-off bus tour takes passengers around all of Edinburgh’s popular sights, with live commentary about each one. It’s perfect for those who want to learn more about Edinburgh in an easy and convenient way!

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of Europe’s best zoos and offers a great day out for families with children of all ages. Here, visitors can get up close with some of their favourite animals, including lions, tigers and pandas. There’s also an interactive play area for younger children.

Popular Tours

Ghost Tour of Edinburgh

The Ghost Tour of Edinburgh is a great way to explore some of the city’s spookiest spots – from haunted cemeteries to mysterious underground vaults. Led by experienced guides, this tour takes visitors through some of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations as they hear stories about ghosts, ghouls and other supernatural happenings. With its thrilling atmosphere and entertaining stories, this tour is perfect for those looking for an eerie experience in Edinburgh! Book a Ghost Tour of Edinburgh here.

Whisky Tour

Scotland is famous for its whisky, so what better way to explore the city than on a Whisky Tour? This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries, where they can learn about whisky production and get to sample some delicious drams! This tour is perfect for those looking to sample some of Scotland’s finest whisky while learning more about its history and culture.Book a Whisky Tour here.

Harry Potter Tour

For Harry Potter fans young and old, there’s no better way to explore Edinburgh than on a Harry Potter Tour! This two-hour walking tour takes visitors around some of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations from the wizarding world – from Diagon Alley to Hogwarts itself – while hearing stories about the books and movies along the way. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for any Potterhead! Book a Harry Potter Tour here.

In conclusion, Edinburgh is full of attractions that are perfect for families with children of all ages – from toddlers to teens – making it one of Europe’s most popular destinations for family holidays. From its iconic castle to its many family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just want to relax and have fun with your family, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone!