Family Travel/Edinburgh

Edinburgh Kids Travel Guide

Discover the Athens of the North. Plan a perfect kid-friendly family adventure with local tips and curated day-by-day itineraries.

🗓️

Best Time

May-June, September

⚠️

Avoid

August (Festival crowds), December (cold & dark)

✈️

Arrival

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

🚕

Transport

Walkable city center; Lothian Buses (kids under 5 free); trams; black cabs

⭐

Rating

9.5 / 10

ASK A LOCAL

Travel Insights

Select Date:

Expected Weather (September)

9°C - 16°C

Mild, less crowded

Expected Crowds (September)

Moderate

Perfect time for a family safari! ✨

Choose Your Duration

Pick how long you plan to stay in Edinburgh using the selector below.👇

Aesthetic Summary

Perfect for First-timers wanting history + fun

✨

DAY 1

Castle to Museum Day

🗺️ Today's Route

Edinburgh Castle

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Start at the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched on Castle Rock. See the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and Mons Meg. Watch the One o'Clock Gun at 1 PM (if you're still there).

Kid-proof

Kids love the dungeons, the giant cannons, and the military dog cemetery. The castle is steep, so pushchairs are tough; consider a baby carrier for toddlers.

Pro Tip

Book tickets online in advance to skip queues. Arrive early to avoid crowds. There are cafes inside but they're pricey; pack snacks.

Adults £19.50, kids 5-15 £11.50, under 5 free. Open 9:30 AM - 6 PM (last entry 5 PM).

🎒 Pack for this:

Baby carrierSnacksWater bottle

Royal Mile Walk & St. Giles' Cathedral

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Walk down the historic Royal Mile from the Castle Esplanade to St. Giles' Cathedral. Stop at the Heart of Midlothian cobblestone, and peek into closes (alleys) like Advocate's Close for great views.

Kid-proof

The Royal Mile has street performers (especially in summer) and shops with quirky souvenirs. St. Giles' is free and has a beautiful stained-glass window; kids can do a free trail sheet at the desk.

Pro Tip

Keep kids on the inside of the pavement. Watch for pickpockets in crowds. There are many ice cream shops along the way.

St. Giles' Cathedral is free (suggested donation £5). Open 10 AM - 6 PM Mon-Fri, 10 AM - 5 PM Sat, 1 PM - 5 PM Sun.

🎒 Pack for this:

CameraSmall umbrellaHand sanitizer

Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Enjoy a posh but kid-friendly lunch at The Witchery, just steps from the castle. They have a special kids' menu and a dramatic, Gothic interior.

Kid-proof

Kids get a coloring sheet and crayons. The staff are welcoming. Highchairs available. Try their fish and chips or mac and cheese.

Pro Tip

Reserve ahead, especially on weekends. It's a bit pricey but a fun splurge. If you want cheaper, there are many cafes on the Royal Mile.

Kids' menu £12-£15. Open daily from 12 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

None needed

National Museum of Scotland

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Explore the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. Highlights for kids: the animal section, the space exhibit, and the interactive 'Patterns of Life' zone.

Kid-proof

The museum has a dedicated family zone with dressing up, puzzles, and hands-on activities. The whale skeleton in the grand hall is a hit.

Pro Tip

Free entry. Pick up a family explorer backpack at the info desk. There are lifts and accessible toilets. The rooftop terrace offers great views.

Free. Open 10 AM - 5 PM daily. Special exhibitions may have a fee.

🎒 Pack for this:

Curious kidsComfortable shoes

Dinner at Maison de Moggy

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Head to Maison de Moggy, Edinburgh's first cat café, for a quirky dinner experience. Enjoy light bites and cakes while surrounded by rescue cats.

Kid-proof

Kids must be 5+ to enter. The cats are friendly but need gentle handling. There are hand-washing stations and rules to ensure cat safety.

Pro Tip

Book in advance, especially on weekends. It's not a full dinner spot, so consider having a bigger lunch. The café is located at 9 Montrose Terrace.

Entry £7.50 per person (includes drink). Open 10 AM - 6 PM (last entry 5 PM).

🎒 Pack for this:

Hand wipes

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

End the day with a visit to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions on the Royal Mile. Explore five floors of optical illusions, mirror mazes, and the rooftop camera obscura.

Kid-proof

Kids love the vortex tunnel, the giant kaleidoscope, and the rooftop viewing terrace with telescopes. It's interactive and mind-bending.

Pro Tip

Buy tickets online for a discount. It can get crowded, especially on rainy days. The attraction is open until 8 PM in summer.

Adults £17.95, kids 5-15 £11.95, under 5 free. Open 9 AM - 8 PM (last entry 7 PM).

🎒 Pack for this:

No special items

💡 Daily Pro Tips

•Buy a family ticket for Edinburgh Castle and Camera Obscura to save money.
•Use the free Wi-Fi at the museum to upload photos.
•If kids are tired, skip the evening activity and grab ice cream at Mary's Milk Bar.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh

What is the best time to visit Edinburgh with kids?▼

The best time to visit Edinburgh with children is May-June, September. Avoid travelling during August (Festival crowds), December (cold & dark).

How do I get around Edinburgh with children?▼

In Edinburgh, families typically use Walkable city center; Lothian Buses (kids under 5 free); trams; black cabs. Always confirm child-seat availability in advance.

What airport serves Edinburgh?▼

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

What languages are spoken in Edinburgh?▼

The primary languages in Edinburgh are English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic. English is generally understood in tourist areas.

Is Edinburgh safe for family travel?▼

Edinburgh is generally safe for families. KidsVentura itineraries are designed with child safety in mind — we recommend kid-friendly attractions, restaurants with high chairs, and comfortable transit routes.

Explore More Family Destinations

Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Thiruvananthapuram