Schools Out: Things to do with the Kids in Edinburgh

The summer holidays are basically here now, and with a good few weeks with the kids at home, you'll be wanting to get out and do things with them whilst you have the chance. If a trip up to Edinburgh is on the cards, then we want to make sure that you're prepared and that the kids never get bored (as we all know that that can lead to chaos.) 

So whether they're the outdoorsy type who wants to climb up to some stunning views, they want to laugh their socks off and see some crazy illusions, or even if they fancy themselves as thrill seekers and want to test their nerve in the Dungeons, there's something for all kids in Auld Reekie, so have a look below at all the best things to do with the kids in Edinburgh!

 

 

Explore the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle

When: 9:30am - 5pm, Every day

Where: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Where better to start than the crown jewel of the city, Edinburgh Castle. When looking for things to do with the kids in Edinburgh, this should be right up there (on the hill). The kids will love wandering around its walls and taking in all of the history on offer, or they might just fancy role-playing as kings and knights. 

Whatever their imagination conjures up we know that they will love exploring the medieval grounds and will learn a thing or two at the same time, an amazing experience for all the family and has got to be on your list.

 

Find tickets for events at Edinburgh Castle - here

 

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Catch a show at the Theatre

When: Shows vary

Where: A variety of venues across the city

Where better to expose your kids to the arts than the theatre. Whether they're a broadway star-to-be or just have a mild interest in the acting world, we can guarantee that the range of incredible performances that appear on Edinburgh's stages will delight, excite and potentially ignite something within your child. 

Whether their very small and need an easy intro to the medium and want to see Peppa Pig live, they want a light-hearted historical comedy that's very kid friendly in Will tell and the Big Bad Baron, or you want to show them something that could stimulate their mind and ask questions with Tiger Lady, the city has something for everyone and is a great thing to do with the kids in Edinburgh.

 

Find tickets for Theatre events in Edinburgh - here

 

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Experience the primaeval force of nature at Dynamic Earth

When: 10am - 4pm Every day

Where: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS

Let your kids uncover the wonders of the universe at Dynamic Earth. They can journey through space and time and also take part in their incredible 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be alongside them as they embark on the interactive adventure of a lifetime and whether they're flying through the universe on their Deep Time Machine, plunging to the depth of the ocean in their Yellow Submarine, or experiencing their planetariums 360-degree tech and thundering sound. They're gonna love it and we know you will too, and seeing their faces light up as they explore our planet and beyond will be a memory for a lifetime.

 

Find tickets for events at Dynamic Earth - here

 

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Have a mind-bending time at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

When: 8am - 10pm Every day

Where: The Royal Mile, 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND

Without a doubt, one of the funniest things you can do with the kids in Edinburgh, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is an absolute delight. Your kids will be running around with the biggest grins on their faces and filling over laughing at some of the things they will see (exhibit A is above). It is also a great laugh for the older heads in the room and some of the illusions in place there will have you racking your brains. A must-visit and a brilliant day out, especially with the little uns'

 

Find tickets for events at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - here

 

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Let them see the history of their kind at the Museum of Childhood

When: 10am - 5am Monday and Thursday to Saturday, 12pm - 5pm Saturday

Where: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG

Do you reckon your kids might be interested in what the lives of the kids of the past were like, do you want to show them how good they have it after a barmy about leaving the screens? Well, The Children's Museum in Edinburgh is the best place to take them. Not only is it an informative look into the lives of kids gone by, but it is also just an incredible celebration of the time we all wish we could go back to. So when looking for things to do in Edinburgh with the kid with more of an educational side, then this should be the place!

 

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Inspire their artistic side at Doodles Ceramics

When: 10:30am - 9pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm Friday to Monday

Where: 27-29 Marchmont Cres, Edinburgh EH9 1HQ

Are you after a place where your child's artistic abilities can run free without judgement, and with full encouragement from some incredible staff, then you just have to take them to Doodles. Here they can let their minds run free on some unsuspecting pottery and give it a colourful make-over. You pay for what you paint and it's a great time for all ages. So whether they paint something that you (may be forced to say) is amazing, or they fancy themselves the next Van Gogh, they'll have a blast, and you can take it home and treasure it for a lifetime. 

 

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Scale some walls at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

When: 9am - 9pm Weekdays, 9am - 5pm Weekends

Where: South Platt Hill, Newbridge EH28 8AA

Have you got a kid that won't stop climbing around the furniture, knocking over lamps and causing a ruckus in the house, then where better to channel such raw energy than at a climbing centre. Edinburgh's International Climbing Arean is the biggest indoor climbing centre in the whole of Europe, and with walls that range from little kids' play pits to huge scaling indoor cliff faces, there's a good time here for kids of all ages and abilities. So if you're looking to wear them out a bit so they get at least one early night then there's no better place in Auld Reekie than the EICA.

 

Find tickets for Edinburgh International Climbing Arena- here

 

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Let them discover their inner wizard out on The Potter Trail

When: 12pm - 1:30pm Every day

Where: Edinburgh Old Town

Potter fans unite! Edinburgh is THE place for all the little fans of the wizarding world to get their magical fix. Being the place where she who shall not be named lived when writing the series, there are little nods and names dotted all over the town and The Potter Trail is a dedicated tour that covers them all. From the graveyard where Thomas Riddle and Mrs McGonnagal lie, to the real Diagon Alley, all of their needs will be met and they can even get sorted into a prospective house along the way. So much fun for everyone involved and you can pretend you're there for your kids (when really we all know who the real superfan is).

 

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Make the trek and see the views of Arthurs Seat

When: Open to climb whatever the time

Where: Queens Drive, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH8 8HG

If your kids are the outdoorsy type then you've got to take them up Arthurs's Seat. Whilst Edinburgh is a place of remarkable beauty, the tall buildings and narrow roads don't lend themselves to views of the whole city, especially when you're a little kid. Dominating the Edinburgh Skyline, Arthurs seat is actually the remains of a 350-million-year-old volcano and a place where stone and flint tools have been found that date as far back as 5,000 B.C.

Not only is this hill steeped in ancient history for you to tell your kids all about, but, at 824 feet high, it also provides the best aerial view of the city you're likely to find (I mean look at that picture above). If they don't mind a little bit of a climb, it is definitely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh with the kids.

 

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Let their minds run free at the Scottish Storytelling Centre

When: 10am - 6pm Every day 

Where: 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

Fancy ingratiating the young uns into a bit of Scottish literary culture? And before you say anything no it won't be Irvine Welsh (that's for when they're older). The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a hub for all of the tales of Scotland past and present, and with a range of performances, readings, and discussion groups, it's a cool left-field choice for a day out with the kids that will offer education and fun to boot. Plus, with an ethos from an old Scottish proverb - "The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart” - you just know that they truly care about the art form and it shows ten-fold when you visit.

 

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Test their nerve in the depth of Edinburgh Dungeons

When: 11m - 4pm on Weekdays, open until 5pm on Weekends

Where: 31 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF

Do your kids fancy themselves adrenaline junkies, or are they feeling brave? Well, if they fancy a scary but informative trip to the dungeons of the city, then Edinburgh Dungeons has got to be on your list. Whilst only open to kids eight and up (for good reason) the dim passageways of the dungeons expose you to myths and legends of Edinburgh sometimes dark history. From being tried in court as a witch alongside sweaty betty to exploring the misty realm of Kirkfryars Graveyard, it's a trip that will scare and excite, just make sure they're up for it first, you can't blame us for any tears.

 

Find tickets for events at Edinburgh Dungeons - here

 

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Get up close to the amazing animals at Edinburgh Zoo

When: 10am - 6p, Every day

Where: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS

There are very few kids who don't enjoy the Zoo. Being able to get involved with some of the most fascinating wildlife the world has to offer always sparks something inside of them, and Edinburgh Zoo is no exception. With an extensive range of animals from Lions to Penguins, the site has been exposing people young and old to the wonders of the natural world for generations. So, if you're looking for things to do with the kids in Edinburgh, then look no further than here, it's a guaranteed good time that will give you all memories to last a lifetime!

 

Find tickets for events at Edinburgh Zoo - here

 

 

To find even more events happening around Edinburgh in 2022, click or tap - HERE

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.