Edinburgh is a fantastic year-round destination for families with kids, offering plenty of outdoor activities. The city is home to stunning parks like Princes Street Gardens and The Meadows, perfect for picnics, games, or simply running around.
For more adventurous families, Arthur’s Seat provides an easy hike with breathtaking views of the city, while the nearby Salisbury Crags are a fun climb for older children.
The Royal Botanic Garden is a peaceful spot where kids can explore nature trails and learn about plants. Edinburgh Zoo, home to giant pandas and penguins, is always a hit with little ones.
During the winter, Princes Street Gardens transforms into a magical winter wonderland with ice skating, fairground rides, and Christmas markets.
With its mix of green spaces, fascinating wildlife, and family-friendly festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the city offers exciting outdoor adventures in every season, ensuring endless fun for kids of all ages.
1. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
One of the world’s leading centres for the study and conservation of plants, this popular tourist attraction has loads to see and do. Explore 70 acres of perfectly preened landscape, the ten beautiful Glasshouses (dating back to 1858) and fine artwork at Inverleith House gallery. The kids will love running around the different areas, from steamy tropics to arid desert, and discovering all about the exotic plants.
Address: Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 4pm
2. Edinburgh Zoo
Home to the UK’s only Giant Pandas, Edinburgh Zoo give the kids a chance to get up close to over 1,000 rare and endangered animal. Spread over 82 acres, you can meet koalas, monkeys, pelicans and snakes, to name just a few. Don’t miss the amazing Tiger Tracks – a see through viewing tunnel where tigers will walk right over your head! A must do when in Edinburgh for Under 5’s.
3. Princes Street Gardens
In view of the Castle and separating the Old Town and New Town, Princes Street Gardens are one of the most popular green spots in the city. Divided into East and West, they attract dog walkers, city workers and families in search of some calm and tranquillity on the midst of the capital. The perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day.
Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
4. Portobello Beach
Fancy escaping the city for a day? Just a couple of miles away is a beautiful sandy stretch of beach, in the popular suburb of Portobello. Many locals head here in the summer, but we think it’s equally as beautiful in the cooler months too. There are some nice cafes and shops to mooch around after you’ve had your fill of building sandcastles.
Getting there: Regular busses (numbers 26, 44 or 45) operate from Edinburgh city centre to Portobello beach, taking less than 30 minutes.
Address: Portobello Beach, Edinburgh, UK
5. The Meadows
One of the best places in Edinburgh for Under 5’s is The Meadows. This huge green space is one of the city’s most popular places for outdoor pursuits, be that dog walking, cycling or wearing out a toddler on the play equipment! The Meadow’s boasts a fantastic playground for kids, as well as large grassy areas, tennis courts and a cafe. A great spot to stop for a picnic on a sunny day too.
Address: Melville Dr, Edinburgh EH9 1ND
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6. Cramond Beach
Want to see a different side of Edinburgh for Under 5’s? Then head to the beach! A short ride on the number 41 bus to this suburb of Edinburgh, Cramond. Enjoy the feel of an old fishing village complete with a quaint row of whitewashed houses. The small sandy beach is a popular choice with Edinburgh residents as well as tourists who head here to walk and cycle on the beachside paths. It’s ideal for a family day out or simply a relaxing stroll and offers splendid views of Firth of Forth.
At low tide you can walk across the causeway to the mysterious Cramond Island. do keep an eye on the tides though!
Address: 2 Kirk Cramond, Edinburgh EH4 6HZ
7. Bobcat Alpacas
Take the opportunity to learn more about these unique and curios exotic animals – your kids will truly be fascinated. Often confused with the llama, the alpaca is usually smaller than the former. At Bobcat Alpaca, your family can have fun getting immersed in all things Alpacas. Although the focus is on care and breeding these domesticated animals for their quality fleece, there’s still lots more to be done in these fields. Therefore, if you are looking for kid-friendly things to do in Edinburgh, this location can fit the bill.
Address: Bonaly Rd, Edinburgh EH13 0PB
8. Jupiter Artland
This spot is one of the most artistic locations you will find in the UK. It is a haven for budding and experienced artists looking for inspiration. Jupiter Artland makes it a mission to open its doors to young minds of all ages. For that reason, this beautiful landscape is ideal for parents interested in kid-friendly things to do in Edinburgh. The exciting thing about it is the long stretch of land that encourages tourists to walk around the various installations. Indeed, Jupiter Artland offers a holistic, fun day out for families.
Address: Bonnington House The Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh EH27 8BY
9. Craigmillar Castle
Situated in the South East of Edinburgh centre, Craigmillar Castle is now displaying ruins of a medieval castle that was famously used on a couple occasions by Mary, Queen of Scots. The site is beautifully maintained and you are free to explore the castle and its gardens at your leisure.
The Craigmillar Castle makes a lovely half day activity to do with children if you are visiting Edinburgh. Children under 5 go FREE to.
Address: Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SY
10. Leith Links Play Park
If you need a great park with a playground to keep your kids active whilst visiting Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong by spending some time at Leith Links Play Park.
Your children will find different climbing frames, swings and even a sand pit. Leith Links Play park is a perfect place to bring your kids on a sunny day out in Edinburgh. It has been renovated in 2019 and is among the largest outdoor play area in Edinburgh.
Address: Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7EL
11. East Links Family Park
Around a 40 minute drive from Edinburgh, this 20 acres farm is a fab place for little ones to burn off some energy and get some fresh air. Won numerous awards including Best Visitor Attraction in Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife (2011 & 2016). Enjoy a train safari and indoor animal barn, bouncy castles, crazy golf, climbing walls, go-karts, a giant fortress and more! Pony rides in summer. Bottle feeding lambs in spring. Open all year round.
Address: Dunbar EH42 1XF
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 4pm
12. Dalkeith Country Park
Just five miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, you’ll find Dalkeith Country Park, a stunning 2,000 acre estate home to Fort Douglas adventure playground and Restoration Yard – a gorgeous store, restaurant and wellbeing space in the restored stables and courtyard. The kids will love exploring the huge treehouses, zip wires and Sky Maze. There are also walking and cycling trails which will take you through the ancient woodlands and along the river.
Address: Via King’s Gate, Dalkeith EH22 1ST
Opening Hours: Open daily 7am – 7pm (individual attractions may vary)
13. Craigie’s Farm & Deli
Address: West Craigie Farm, Queensferry EH30 9AR
Opening Hours: Open daily 9am- 5pm
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