# Things To Do In Edinburgh For Families

Edinburgh has long been a favorite destination for families looking to explore a new culture, experience unique attractions, and spend quality time together. Located in Scotland, the capital of Scotland is a city full of history, culture, and entertainment. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the sprawling Princes Street Gardens, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a fun day out with the kids or a romantic evening for two, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained in Edinburgh.

## Introduction to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, located in the south-east of the country. It is the second most populous city in Scotland and the seventh most populous in the United Kingdom. With a population of over half a million people, Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Europe.

Founded in 854AD, Edinburgh has a longstanding history as one of the most important cities in Scotland. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Scotland until 1707, when the Acts of Union were signed between England and Scotland. This period marked a new era for the city, which has since become a major cultural and economic hub.

The city has undergone a great deal of change over the years. It has grown from a small fishing village to one of Europe’s largest cities. Its old cobbled streets, iconic monuments, and grand architecture make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Edinburgh is home to many famous landmarks and attractions. The most iconic of these is Edinburgh Castle, a large fortress located on top of an extinct volcano. The castle dates back to the Iron Age and is now one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions. Other famous landmarks include the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace; Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano; and Calton Hill, an artificial hill with panoramic views of the city.

Edinburgh is also home to many cultural attractions. The National Museum of Scotland is one of the city’s most popular cultural attractions, with over 20 galleries focusing on different aspects of Scottish history and culture. The National Gallery of Scotland houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world. The city also has several theatres and concert venues that host regular performances from local and international artists.

## Family-Friendly Attractions

Edinburgh is home to many family-friendly attractions. These attractions offer fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are some of our top picks for family-friendly attractions in Edinburgh.

### Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is one of Europe’s most popular zoos, and it’s easy to see why. With over 1,000 different species of animals and birds, it’s a great place for families to learn about animals from around the world. The zoo also offers plenty of hands-on activities such as feeding the penguins or getting up close to some of the more exotic species. A visit to the zoo is sure to be an exciting and educational experience for all ages!

### Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a fun and interactive attraction in Edinburgh’s Old Town. With over 500 interactive exhibits, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. The interactive exhibits range from optical illusions to interactive puzzles, so there’s something for everyone. There’s also an incredible rooftop terrace with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat!

### Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is an interactive science centre located in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s a great place for families to learn about science and explore some of the world’s most remarkable natural phenomena. There are over 20 interactive exhibits that explore topics such as climate change, evolution, and energy use. There are also regular shows and events throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover!

### Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-see for families visiting Edinburgh. The majestic vessel was once the floating residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and now visitors can explore this incredible ship and learn about its fascinating history. There are interactive exhibits, guided tours, and even a restaurant on board for families to enjoy!

### National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s top attractions for families. The museum houses over 20 galleries that focus on different aspects of Scottish history and culture. From dinosaur fossils to ancient artefacts, there’s plenty to explore and discover here! There are also regular events and activities throughout the year such as storytelling sessions and craft workshops.

## Popular Tours

In addition to these family-friendly attractions, there are several popular tours that you can book to get the most out of your visit to Edinburgh. Here are two popular tours that we recommend you take while visiting the city:

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

The Edinburgh Ghost Tour is one of the city’s most popular tours. It takes visitors around some of Edinburgh’s spookiest spots while exploring stories about supernatural encounters and paranormal activity in the city. On this tour, you’ll get to explore places like Greyfriars Kirkyard (where you can learn about Greyfriar’s Bobby), Mary King’s Close (a hidden underground city), Canongate Graveyard (the final resting place of many famous figures), and St Giles Cathedral (the High Kirk of Edinburgh). It’s an exciting tour that will have you on edge throughout! Book your Edinburgh Ghost Tour here.

Edinburgh Brewery Tour

The Edinburgh Brewery Tour is a great way to discover some of Edinburgh’s best craft beers while learning about how they are made. On this tour, you’ll visit three breweries where you can learn about the brewing process from expert brewers and sample some delicious beers along the way. This tour is perfect for those who are interested in craft beer or just want to try something new! Book your Edinburgh Brewery Tour here.

## Conclusion

Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and it offers plenty of fun activities for families looking for an unforgettable experience. From exploring iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle to discovering interactive exhibits at Dynamic Earth or Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, there is something for everyone here. And with popular tours like the Edinburgh Ghost Tour or Edinburgh Brewery Tour, there’s plenty more to do in this wonderful city!