If you’re debating whether or not to take your family to Edinburgh, stop wondering and just go! It’s 100% worth it. Our recent family trip to Scotland, was lots of fun and wonderfully educational! We filled 4 days in Edinburgh with a mix of tours, nature, and kid-centered activities. There are dozens of family things to do in Edinburgh, so I spent hours scouring travel blogs and reviews to choose the very best and put together an awesome itinerary. It was mostly fantastic, but we did have some disappointments and I’ve detailed it all here to help you plan your own family vacation to Scotland. Here’s everything YOU need to know about traveling to Edinburgh with kids!
Why we chose a family trip to Edinburgh
Edinburgh wasn’t really on my radar for a long time. But recently, I’ve become completely obsessed, and rightly so! Between 1740 and 1820, Edinburgh became one of the most influential centers of thought, science, economics, philosophy, and literature anywhere on the globe. In fact, it became THE intellectual powerhouse of the Western world and was even nicknamed the “Athens of the North.” During this same time period, Edinburgh was also known for its early “skyscrapers.” Because it is built along a narrow ridge, the city had no choice but to grow upward, meaning that the poor and wealthy often lived together in the same multi-story buildings, just on different floors. This created a really unique society with the rich and poor rubbing shoulders, helping fuel the innovation and intellectual cross-pollination that defined Edinburgh’s Enlightenment. For our family trip to Scotland, we had originally considered visiting the Highlands as well, but the closest destination worth seeing, Glencoe, is about three hours from Edinburgh. With just four days in Scotland, six-hours round trip felt like too much for a day trip. So instead, we got to slow down and really enjoy the city rather than rushing through it. I don’t regret for a second that we chose to focus entirely on spending our time in Edinburgh!
Family Things to Do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Sites by Rating
Palace of Hollyroodhouse ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – One of the three official residences of the British royal family with incredible history tied to Mary Queen of Scots. The kid’s audioguide was interactive and the best I’ve ever seen!
Victoria Street and Grassmarket ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Iconic and beautiful street and square.
Hike to Arthurs Seat ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A fantastic 45-minute hike to a view over the city!
Walking the Royal Mile ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – You can’t miss this! Stop in on the Fudge Kitchen for a free fudge making demonstration.
Edinburgh Essentials Free Walking Tour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – This tour was incredible!
St. Giles’ Cathedral ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Don’t miss the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle and ask the volunteer guides for more information.
Edinburgh Castle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – The kids loved seeing the royal crown!
The Real Mary King’s Close ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – An underground time capsule where visitors explore 17th-century alleyways and hear true stories of the black plague. The kids loved it.
Free Harry Potter Walking Tour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, this tour is fascinating. It’s really a look into the inspiration behind JK Rowlings’s best selling series and her incredible grit.
Gladstone’s Land ⭐️⭐️⭐️- A restored 17th-century home that allows you to peek into the lives of the city’s past residents.
Surgeon’s Hall Museum ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – One of the oldest collections of preserved human specimens in the world, including skulls with bullet holes, jars of tumors and other anomalies.
Camera Obscura ⭐️⭐️ – An optical illusion museum. My kids loved it but it’s not unique to Edinburgh.
Afternoon Tea at the Department of Magic ⭐️- The dry ice effect was cool, but this place was WAY overpriced with food and drinks that were subpar at best.
Swanson Farm ⭐️ – I thought this would be a cute Scottish farm, but it was really a golf club with a few highland cows.
4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
Edinburgh Itinerary Day 1
2:00 PM- Swanston Farm We arrived in Edinburgh and headed straight to Swanston Farm. In general, I think every city trip should include a unique, fun, or slightly off-the-beaten-path day trip. I had searched for a great day trip from Edinburgh, but most options were at least six hours round trip, which just wasn’t worth it for our short stay. I hoped Swanston Farm might be a good alternative, but unfortunately, it was a big disappointment. Instead of a charming farm, it turned out to be more of a golf club with a few Highland cows. There were some walking trails, but they weren’t as scenic as I had imagined, so we decided not to spend much time there. After looking at the cows for about five minutes, we were ready to go and caught the bus back to the city, which took nearly an hour using public transportation.
4:00 PM- Camera Obscura This was actually one of my kids’ favorite activities of the whole weekend, but it’s definitely on the expensive side and not unique to Edinburgh. (My small hometown in Oregon has a similar museum.) The highlight is on the top floor, where you’ll find the actual camera obscura, which was one of the earliest known types of cameras and first demonstrated in Edinburgh in 1853. We watched the demonstration and then made our way down through the five remaining floors, each filled with optical illusions and interactive exhibits. If you have extra time, your kids will absolutely love this stop. However, if your time is limited, there are plenty of other experiences in Edinburgh that feel more unique to the city itself.
6:00 pm- Dinner We walked downtown and the got dinner at Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips on Victoria street before heading back to our Airbnb.
***If I could do this trip over, I would completely switch this day out with a couple of the activities from the list of “things we wish we had seen but didn’t”, such as the National Museum of Scotland or the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Edinburgh Itinerary Day 2
9:00 AM- Edinburgh Castle
The earliest entry time for Edinburgh Castle is 9:30 AM, but you’ll want to arrive by 9:00 to be near the front of the line which by 9:15 it’s already very long. Most visitors enter and slowly meander along the Argyle Battery (the main walkway), working their way up. I, however, recommend heading straight to the Crown Jewels so you can see them before the crowds arrive! We did exactly this and had the small room all to ourselves. It was pretty incredible. While you’re there, you can also explore the Royal Apartments (this is where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland), the Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and Mons Meg, a massive siege cannon that could launch a 330-pound stone nearly two miles.
Rick Steves includes a self-guided walking tour of the castle in his book, but honestly, I wish we had taken a guided tour instead. With so much fascinating history here, a live guide really would have brought it all to life.
Hot tip: As soon as you’re inside, be sure to pick up the free scavenger hunt for kids. It’s excellent and kept our kids engaged the whole time!
11:00 AM- Walk down the Royal Mile
This is Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare, full of energy and atmosphere. You’ll hear bagpipe buskers, pass street performers, and have the chance to duck into narrow alleys (called “closes”) as you go. Rick Steves offers a great self-guided walking tour, but even without it, the Royal Mile is fun to explore. Here are a few recommended stops along the way:
a) Gladstone’s Land (pg 75) – This is a fascinating example of a typical 16th–17th century merchant’s house. It’s hands-on and fun for kids—they can touch everything! Ask the guides in each room for more information and they’ll be happy to give you a quick tour. There’s also a scheduled guided tour at 3:00 and 3:30 PM, but with kids, it’s probably better to explore freely and ask questions as you go. This isn’t a must-do, but a quirky and educational stop if you have the time. (Oh, and look out for the “poop” in the bedpans! My kids were so shocked.)
b) St. Giles’ Cathedral – Built in the 14th century, this is the city’s main church. It is free to visit and it’s steeple (built in the shape of a thistle, the flower of Scotland) is one of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks. Don’t miss the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle as it’s beautifully ornate! Also, be sure to chat with the volunteer guides inside as they’re incredibly knowledgeable and generous with their insights.
c) Fudge Kitchen – This is a fun and delicious stop! Drop in and if you’re lucky you can watch a free demonstration on how fudge is made and enjoy some yummy samples.
d) Palace of Holyroodhouse (view from outside) – The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. If you’re traveling with older kids, you can tour the Royal Palace at the end of your walk. Our kids, however, were pretty wiped out by the time we arrived and since I wanted their brains to be fresh, we saved the tour for Day 4.
One of the most famous (and tragic) events in Scottish history happened right inside these palace walls. In 1566, David Rizzio, the close confidant (and likely lover) of Mary, Queen of Scots, was murdered in her private chambers by Mary’s jealous husband, Lord Darnley, and his followers. Today you can still see Rizzio’s blood that has soaked into the wooden floor of Queen Mary’s chamber. This history makes the palace even more fascinating for older kids and teens…especially if you’ve studied it before your trip!
You can easily spend 3-4 hours walking down the Royal Mile and entering sites. Be sure to browse souvenir shops, grab lunch, and take breaks as needed. By early evening, our kids were exhausted, so we called it a day and headed back to the Airbnb.
4:00 PM- Princes Street Gardens If you’re looking for a place with great views where the kids can run around, the Princess Street Gardens are perfect. Our kids went wild here, especially with the Harry Potter wands they had just bought. On the corner of the gardens is the Scott Monument, a striking Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famed Scottish historian and novelist. It’s actually one of the most significant monuments ever built and dedicated to a writer. Guided tours are available every 30 minutes in small groups of just 12 people. If you choose to take a tour, you will climb 287 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to a viewing platform. Unfortunately, you can no longer go all the way to the top, and because the wait time was over 1 hour when we arrived, we decided to skip this climb.
Edinburgh Itinerary Day 3
9:00 AM- The Real Mary King’s Close This is a really fun journey into medieval life in Edinburgh. For adults it can be interesting, but also a bit gimmicky; the kids however loved it! On this tour, you’ll journey back to 1645 by descending into Mary King’s Close, which is a real underground alleyway that was sealed off for centuries. That year, the Black Death devastated the city, killing nearly one-third of Edinburgh’s population. With the help of a costumed guide, you’ll explore what daily life was like during these difficult times and hear real stories about the people who lived in that alley. This guided tour of Real Mary Kings Close lasts one hour and should be booked in advance because spots fill up quickly!
10:30 AM- Surgeon’s Hall Museum This stop is totally optional, especially if your kids need a break between The Real Mary King’s Close and the Harry Potter tour, but we had some time, so we decided to check it out. (Another option is to book The Real Mary King’s Close at 10 am and then go straight to the Harry Potter Tour at noon.) This museum houses one of the largest collections of pathological specimens in the world and is a fascinating look at what can go wrong inside the human body. It’s definitely a bit gruesome, but that’s also part of the draw. Our kids were mesmerized by the displays: birth defects, fractured bones that never healed, tumors, and more. They also enjoyed the scavenger hunt, which gave them something fun to focus on as they explored.
12:00 PM- Free Harry Potter Walking Tour
You’ll quickly notice that Edinburgh is filled with Harry Potter shops and tours, and that’s because J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series here! This free Harry Potter walking tour is filled with fascinating stories from her life and writing process, and focuses on how the city inspired her. The tour lasts between 75 and 90 minutes and is best for kids ages 10 and up who are already familiar with the books. Our 10- and 11-year-old boys said they really liked it, although it wasn’t quite what they had expected. Our girls (7 and 8), who haven’t read the books yet, spent most of the time playing with sticks and drawing in the dirt. Andrea and I, however, thought it was fantastic! It’s truly inspiring to hear how Rowling’s creativity was shaped by the city around her.
1:30 PM- Walk down Victoria Street and into Grassmarket The Free Harry Potter Walking Tour ends on Victoria Street, which is easily the most iconic street in Edinburgh. It’s full of charm and character, with colorful facades and curving architecture. You might want to stop into the Museum Context shop along the way, which is the official Harry Potter store and is packed with souvenirs and memorabilia. Victoria Street winds down into Grassmarket, a historic square that once served as a livestock market for cows, sheep, and pigs. It was also the site of public hangings. Today, it’s no longer a functioning market, but a vibrant plaza surrounded by pubs, cafés, and eateries.
For a truly stunning view of Edinburgh Castle, walk a bit farther down Cowgate Road and just admire the sight. While the Vennel Viewpoint (at the far end of Grassmarket) is a popular photo spot, I actually preferred the view from Cowgate Road as it felt more dramatic and less crowded.
3:30 PM- Afternoon Tea at Department of Magic (75 minutes)
9 Blair Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1QR
Honestly? I’d skip this one. The experience was fun in concept, but the execution just wasn’t there. The themed potions didn’t taste good, and the food overall was disappointing—even the brownie…and it’s hard to mess up a brownie! It was also overpriced for what we got. The one saving grace was the dry ice effect, which the kids thought was really cool. However, if you’re looking for a memorable tea experience, I’d recommend opting for a more classic afternoon tea elsewhere.
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Andrea took the kids back to the apartment, while I spent a few hours walking through the New Town. Edinburgh’s New Town is a remarkable example of 18th-century urban planning, known for its elegant Georgian architecture. Built between 1767 and the mid-19th century, it was designed to relieve the overcrowding of the medieval Old Town and to reflect the city’s forward-looking ambitions during the Scottish Enlightenment.
5:00 PM- Rick Steves’ Self-Guided Tour I followed Rick Steve’s Self-Guided Walking Tour which takes you along George Street and through some of the charming smaller streets that branch off it. Then I walked all the way to Circus Lane, a spot that a few blogs I’d read had really hyped up. Honestly, the actual Circus Lane it was a bit of a letdown, but the walk there was pretty. If you’re doing Rick’s walking tour, you could add this detour to the end, but it’s not a must-see.
After that, I continued up to Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city. The path to the top is easy, taking about 10–20 minutes and the views really are beautiful. Make sure to walk all the way around the summit for the full 360-degree experience. In some ways, the views from Calton Hill are even better than those from Arthur’s Seat because you’re closer to the city skyline, but the hike up Arthur’s Seat has its own kind of magic.
Edinburgh Itinerary Day 4
9:30 AM – Palace of Holyroodhouse (9:30–11:30)
This is the official residence of the King in Scotland. He stays here for about one week each year, and when he’s not in residence, the palace is open to visitors. The highlight of the palace is probably the chambers of Mary Queen of Scots, which are steeped in dramatic history, including the infamous murder of her private secretary David Rizzio. My favorite part of touring the Holyroodhouse was the children’s audioguide, which is packed with fun, educational games and quizzes. It’s excellent!! It is truly the best and most engaging audioguide experience we’ve ever had with children.
11:00 AM – Hike to Arthur’s Seat (2 hours round-trip)
The beginning of this trail begins just past Holyrood Park. This large, grassy hill is actually the remains of an extinct volcano that erupted around 350 million years ago and Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in this ancient volcanic formation. It’s often confused with Salisbury Crags, a nearby but lower ridge that’s also part of the same landscape – so make sure you take the correct trail! This was one of the absolute highlights of our trip because the kids loved being out in nature and running free. While I’d say the views from Calton Hill were better overall (because you’re closer to the city), the walk up to Arthur’s Seat was peaceful, beautiful, and energizing. Don’t skip this if you’re traveling with kids; it’s so worth it.
2:00 pm – Lunch Time to rest your feet and enjoy a lunch! The kids begged us to go back to Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips and we happily complied.
4:30 PM- Free Walking Tour
We booked this free walking tour of Edinburgh through GuruWalk and it was one of the best walking tours I’ve ever taken. The guide was engaging, the route well paced, and the history came alive in such a fun and accessible way. While our boys (ages 10 and 11) enjoyed it, the girls (7 and 8) weren’t quite as interested, but they played happily nearby while we listened. Since it’s a free tour, we tipped based on who actually paid attention. In our case, that meant we paid for the four of us who really followed along, which felt more than fair.
More family things to
do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has so many incredible sites, so here’s everything we didn’t do but would have liked to.
1. National Museum of Scotland (open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM)
This museum is dedicated to Scottish history and culture, but also covers a wide range of other topics like science, technology, geology, and natural history. Apparently, the free audio guide is fantastic and packed with interesting facts.
Highlights include:
a) A life-size skeleton cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, discovered in Montana in 1988
b) An entire floor devoted to the Wildlife Panorama, with life-size models of animals from hippos to a full pride of lions
c) A giant hamster wheel you can actually spin on
d) The World Cultural Galleries, which let you “travel the globe” through exhibits
e) An original 1976 Apple computer
f) Dolly the sheep, the first animal ever cloned
2. Dean Village – This is a quiet, historic area along the Water of Leith, just outside the city center. Once a working mill district, it’s now a residential neighborhood known for its preserved architecture and peaceful atmosphere. A short walk through here could offer a nice contrast to the busier parts of Edinburgh.
3. The Royal Yacht Britannia – You can actually tour the official royal yacht that Queen Elizabeth II used for over 40 years! Now permanently docked in Leith, just outside central Edinburgh, it offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life at sea. Visitors can explore five decks of the ship, including the Queen’s bedroom, the State Dining Room, and the crew’s quarters. It’s one of Edinburgh’s top-rated attractions and even includes a tearoom with views over the harbor. Easily reachable by bus or tram, it could make for a memorable visit for both adults and kids.
4. Scott Monument – This Gothic tower is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous writers and historians. It’s actually one of the most significant monuments ever built to a writer anywhere in the world. You can climb to the viewing platform via a narrow spiral staircase (287 steps in total), but unfortunately you can no longer go all the way to the very top. Guided tours are available in small groups of just 12 people every 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Our Airbnb for 4 days in Edinburgh
This is the Airbnb we stayed in during our Edinburgh, Scotland family vacation, and I would totally recommend it.
As a rule of thumb, we generally try to stay in a central location when visiting a city. Spending lots of time on a bus or train is no fun, and staying near the main sites allows you to quickly run back to the apartment/hotel for a break when needed. (This is especially important when you have little kids!!)
However, the prices in Edinburgh (compared to what we are used to in Southern Europe) are extremely high and we were able to save quite a bit of money by booking an Airbnb just outside the city. From our rented home, it was only a 10-minute walk and then a 15-minute train ride to Edinburgh, which felt pretty easy. The place was also quite spacious and right next to a giant park that the kids loved playing in. The table was a bit small, but we did manage to fit our family of six around it. I would happily stay here again!
We learned the expensive way that kids ride on the trains for free. All you need to do is buy the adult train tickets and then when the conductor comes to check your tickets, explain that the children are with you. This feels like an odd way to do it, but all the locals we spoke with assured us it was the correct and only way.
What to pack for a Scotland family vacation
Good walking shoes and a light, waterproof rain jacket is all you’ll really need. We were incredibly lucky that it didn’t rain while we were in Edinburgh, but the spring of 2025 was unusually sunny.
Before your family trip to Scotland...
Background Knowledge about Edinburgh
Books to Read
1. Mary Queen of Scots by John Guy
2. How the Scots Invented the Modern World by Arthur Herman
3. Crowded with Genius by James Buchan
Youtube
- YouWhat was life like in 18th century Edinburgh? – a great and informative video from History Hit.
- The Secret History of Edinburgh (BBC) – a fascinating look beneath the surface of the city.
Books for Kids
1. The Story of Scotland by Richard Brassey
2. Edinburgh Castle for Kids: Fun Facts and Amazing Activities by Moreno Chiacchiera
3. An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin
4. Greyfriars Bobby: A Puppy’s Tale by Michelle Sloan
YouTube Videos for Kids
1. Hogie the Globehopper
2. Scotland Culture: Fun Facts About Scotland
3. Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster
Films for the Whole Family
1. Greyfriars Bobby (2005) – Based on the true story of a faithful little dog who stayed by his owner’s grave in Edinburgh. You can even visit Bobby’s statue in the city today!
I’m so glad we made the effort to take a family to Scotland! Our 4 days in Edinburgh did not go exactly as planned, but we still had so much fun. Building flexibility into your itinerary is one of the keys to planning an amazing family trip, as it creates space for unexpected adventures and takes a lot of the stress out of travel. 💛 This is especially true when traveling with kids. Hopefully now you feel more prepared and excited to book your tickets to Edinburgh!
If you are still looking for more information about a Edinburgh Scotland family vacation, here’s my list of recommended restaurants!
