Edinburgh Things To Do For Families

Edinburgh is a beautiful city in Scotland, known for its majestic medieval architecture, its stunning views of the surrounding hills, and its vibrant culture. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Britain and a great place for families to visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break, an adventure filled with sightseeing and activities, or just a few days of rest and relaxation, Edinburgh has it all. Here we’ll look at some of the top things to do in Edinburgh for families.

Explore the City’s Historic Streets

Edinburgh is home to a fascinating history, and exploring its winding streets is one of the best ways to discover it. Take a stroll down the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace and is lined with ancient buildings with great stories to tell. You’ll also find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to find souvenirs and treats. There are also plenty of historical buildings to explore around the city, including the likes of St Giles’ Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for any family visiting Edinburgh. This stunning castle sits atop an extinct volcano and offers stunning views of the city below. Inside, you can explore the castle’s many rooms, including the Great Hall, Royal Palace and the Crown Jewels. There are also regular tours available of the castle, which are a great way to learn more about its history.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities

Edinburgh is full of family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. Visit the Camera Obscura for a fascinating interactive experience, where you can explore the city from its rooftop observation deck. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, why not have a go at mountain biking in Holyrood Park or climbing Arthur’s Seat? If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, you could always take a boat out on the Union Canal or rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.

Experience the Local Cuisine

No family trip to Edinburgh would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Edinburgh has a vibrant restaurant scene, with plenty of family-friendly options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties or something more international like Italian or Chinese cuisine, you’ll find something to suit everyone’s tastes in Edinburgh. There are also plenty of great cafes and pubs that serve up delicious snacks like fish and chips and Scotch pies.

Explore the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the world’s largest performing arts festivals and is held every summer in Edinburgh. The festival has a huge range of shows suitable for all ages, from musicals to comedy shows and everything in between. It’s a great way to experience the city’s culture while having fun with the family.

Book A Tour Of The City

One of the best ways to experience Edinburgh is by booking a tour of the city. There are a variety of tours available that can help you explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems and gain an insight into its history and culture. For example, you could book an Old Town Walking Tour to explore some of Edinburgh’s most famous streets, or take a tour of Edinburgh Castle with a knowledgeable guide who can tell you about its history.

Visit The National Museum Of Scotland

The National Museum Of Scotland is one of the city’s best attractions and makes for a great day out for families. It has a wide range of exhibits that cover everything from science and nature to history and art. Kids will love exploring the interactive displays, while adults can learn more about Scotland’s past. The museum also hosts regular events such as art classes and workshops.

Take A Trip To The Edinburgh Zoo

The Edinburgh Zoo is one of the city’s biggest attractions and perfect for families. With over 1,000 different species of animals, there’s plenty to see and do here. You can get up close to some of your favourite animals or take part in one of their animal experiences, such as feeding giraffes or riding elephants. There are also plenty of children’s activities, such as face painting and animal-themed art classes.

Experience The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival is one of the world’s largest performing arts festivals and is held every August in Edinburgh. It has a huge range of shows suitable for all ages, from musicals to comedy shows and everything in between. It’s a great way to experience the city’s culture while having fun with the family.

Popular Tours in Edinburgh

Royal Yacht Britannia Tour

The Royal Yacht Britannia Tour is one of the most popular tours in Edinburgh. This two-hour tour takes you on board Her Majesty’s former royal yacht Britannia, which was once home to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their many travels around the world. You’ll get an intimate glimpse into life on board this luxurious yacht as you explore each deck, discovering what it was like for members of royalty to live on board such an extravagant vessel. You’ll get access to normally restricted areas such as the bridge, engine room and royal apartments, as well as an opportunity to take in stunning views from the upper decks as you sail around Leith Harbour. Book your Royal Yacht Britannia Tour here.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Edinburgh’s spooky side then the Edinburgh Ghost Tour is for you! This two hour tour takes you through some of the city’s most haunted locations as your guide tells you tales of ghosts, ghouls, witches and more! Visit some of Edinburgh’s oldest locations such as Greyfriars Kirkyard and explore underground vaults that are said to be home to some otherworldly beings! You’ll get plenty of opportunities to take photos along the way as well as learn some interesting historical facts about Edinburgh’s past. Book your Edinburgh Ghost Tour here.

Royal Mile Walking Tour

The Royal Mile Walking Tour is one of the best ways to explore some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. This two hour tour takes you along one of Scotland’s oldest roads, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, stopping off at some of its most famous sights along the way. You’ll get insights into Scotland’s history from your knowledgeable guide as well as learn about some fascinating stories about each location. You’ll visit places such as St Giles’ Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland and John Knox House as well as get plenty of opportunities to take photos along the way. Book your Royal Mile Walking Tour here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a wonderful city for families to explore, with plenty of activities and attractions that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for exciting activities like mountain biking or just want to relax with some delicious food from one of the local cafes or restaurants, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, with plenty of tours available that can help you explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems and gain an insight into its history and culture, there’s no shortage of things to do here!