Five Places to take the Kids in Edinburgh

 
Edinburgh is abound with an array of things to see and do for kids on a day out. Whether you're looking for educational, physical or something more relaxed, it has it all.  
We have selected just five places you can take the kids that can keep them entertained and amused for hours at a time. Plus, all the family can take part in and enjoy to. 

 
Edinburgh Zoo 

The zoo has been welcoming visitors for over 110 years and today you can find more than 170 species and over 2500 animals as you meander around the 82-acre park. 

Throughout your visit to the zoo you’ll be able to ask the park rangers questions as you listen to their daily talks on the many animals that you have still to discover. Plus, don’t miss the chance to feed the Giant Pandas. 

Here are just some of the animals you can expect to see on the journey -  
Lions, Tigers, Giraffes, Penguins, Pandas, Koala, Flamingo, Banteng, Monkeys, Gorillas, Vultures, Owel, Zebra, Meerkat, Bear and many more.  

Going Live – Take an up-close look at the many of the animals via the Zoo’s live webcam, it’s a great way to get a taste of what’s to come when you visit in person - WebCam 

Edinburgh Zoo survives to conserve all the animals you will see at the park, many of them endangered species and who with your support may one day flourish again in the wild. See their conservation programme here 

There is a range of catering outlets in the zoo as well as picnic areas if you want to bring packed lunches. 

Edinburgh Zoo is located on Corstorphine Road in the Corstorphine area in the west of the city and is easy to access from the City Centre by bus. Taking the car? There is limited parking in the Zoo's car park. Tip - To get parking for the discounted price of around £3, you must get your barrier ticket validated before you exit and before you pay for parking at the machine!

Who is it for – All the Family. 

For more information, opening times and entry prices - Click Here  
 

Camera Obscura 

Towering above the Royal Mile is the magnificent world of Camera Obscura and its world of illusion. A firm favourite with the 1,000s of visitors who come to the city each.  

You might think in our current world of technical know-how and modern invention that Camera Obscura is something quite new, but in fact, it dates back to around 1835 when it was once located on Calton Hill.

Maria Short the then-owner of the attraction relocated to a tenement building on The Royal Mile in 1853 and added additional floors to the building to host more attractions. And to this day it’s where some of the best views of the city were to be had using Camara Obscura. 

Today’s Camera Obscura, Edinburgh's first purpose-built visitor attraction is no different to its past, in that, it still mesmerises its 1,000s of visitors each year. With five floors hosting more than 100 interactive hands-on exhibits, there is something for everyone.

Plus, you can take amazing photos from the impressive rooftop terrace.  
Check out the - Hologram, Mirror Maze, Vortex Tunnel, Rooftop Viewing Terrace and of course the Victorian Camera Obscura itself.  

Great News - Dogs are welcome here at Camera Obscura - More Info

Tip – Check Camara Obscura’s own website as sometimes they offer discounts! 

Camera Obscura is located on The Royal Mile (next to Edinburgh Castle)

Who is it for – All the Family. 

For more information, opening times and entry prices - Click Here 

Museum of Childhood 

The Edinburgh Museum of Childhood has an impressive collection of over 60,000 items in its possession, with some of the oldest and most precious dating back to c1740, that being a Queen Anne Doll, a wooden fashion doll. 

You can find a vast array of objects and exhibits that chart childhood from the mid-19th century right up to the current century. 

Amongst a great many items on display in the museum which opened in 1955 are comics, dolls, a 1920 voice-activated toy, a Raleigh Copper Bicycle, an 1894 doll house, and a Chatter Telephone by Fisherprice from 1979.  

The Museum is located on the High Street and is open seven days a week from 10.00 - 17.00 with the last entry at 16.30. 

Who is it for – All the Family. Entry is Free.

For more information - Click Here 
 

Dynamic Earth 

A planet of discovery is what you will find here at Dynamic Earth. You’ll find answers to questions you may often have asked yourself and even more so, the questions children often ask, but don’t quite have the full answer to. 

Well, step back in time to this interactive marvel and be astonished at the adventure you're about to embark on. You’ll travel back in time to witness the Big Bang firsthand, reach out and touch a real iceberg as we discover the Polar ice caps. Always wanted to understand more about the Aurora Borealis and stand underneath it, well, you’re in for a treat. 

Click here to see - The Planetarium Or Discover the Deep 

There is a café, gift shop and parking on site.  

Tip – Parking is not cheap. Take the bus or walk from the City Centre.  

Dynamic Earth is located on Holyrood Rd (next to the Scottish Parliament) 

Who is it for – All the Family. 

For more information, opening times, and entry prices - Click Here 

The Chocolatarium 

Ever wondered where chocolate comes from and how chocolatiers make and design chocolate bars and individual chocolates? Then wonder no more!

The Chocolatarium, an Edinburgh hidden gem, was voted best food experience in 2022 by TripAdvisor, offers a 90-minute factory tour. 

On the tour, you will learn all about the history of chocolate, and see and touch the trees that produce the magical beans that are turned into velvety chocolate that you’ll have the chance to taste. 

You’ll also see and smell how chocolate is made, make your own chocolate bar, choose from over 40 flavours in the tasting room, discover the difference between milk and dark chocolate and get this, they even make a haggis-flavoured Chocolate. 

Tip – Book in advance. 

The Chocolatarium can be located at 3-5 Cranston Street

Who is it for – All the Family. (Kids 6+) 

For more information, opening times, tour prices and booking - Click Here 

NOTE - Information contained in this article was accurate at the time of publishing and should be used for guidance only. Whilst we make every effort to keep our information up to date, public information is constantly changing and therefore, no responsibility will be accepted if this information becomes out of date or which warrants this information to be inaccurate.