We love Edinburgh! It’s such a fantastic family-friendly city, with so much to see and do. Steeped in history and easy to navigate, the city is neatly split into its Old Town and New Town, with Edinburgh Castle standing proudly over both. Whatever your kids are into, you won’t be stuck for things to do here.
From museums and gardens to beaches, farms and even a bit of Harry Potter magic, here’s our pick of the best free things to do in Edinburgh with kids.
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Edinburgh is a beautiful capital city, but like most tourist hotspots, it can get pricey if you try to take in every top attraction. So we asked parents to share their favourite spots in Edinburgh with kids that cost nothing at all.
#1. The Museum of Childhood
Located on the famous Royal Mile, this museum was the first in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, with rooms packed full of toys and games from decades past.
From early Steiff bears and Corgi cars to 1980s Barbie dolls, it’s a lovely, nostalgic collection and a great way to fill an afternoon with the kids. Admission is free, though donations are always welcome.
#2. Arthur’s Seat
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What a view! Standing at 251 metres, Arthur’s Seat is a gentle climb that rewards you with fantastic views across Edinburgh. Rumoured to be named after the legendary King Arthur and the setting of Camelot, this extinct volcano is a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike.
It’s a safe walk for families, but do stick to the marked paths and keep little ones close, especially near the higher, rockier sections.
“If feeling energetic, Arthur’s Seat has amazing views!” – Lynda S.
#3. National Museum of Scotland
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Located on Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland has it all — geology, Vikings, Romans and the Industrial Revolution, to name a few. It’s brilliant for kids, with plenty of interactive galleries, free tours and family trails to keep every age group busy.
“You could spend a whole weekend there and still not see it all – it’s fab!” – Gillian S.
#4. Go on a Mini Harry Potter Tour
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J.K. Rowling was living in Edinburgh when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. With its medieval “closes”, tall turreted buildings and the Castle looming over the skyline, it’s easy to see why the city feels a little magical. Here are four Harry Potter-related spots worth seeking out:
Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row
Victoria Street is a charming curved street running down from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket, while Candlemaker Row curves back up the other side to meet the bridge again. Long thought to have inspired Diagon Alley, it’s full of quirky little shops and cafés to explore. On Victoria Street you’ll find Diagon House, a shop stuffed with Harry Potter memorabilia, before you head up Candlemaker Row to spot the “Diagon Alley” plaque and mural.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is best known for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who visited his master’s grave for years. No filming ever took place here, but Rowling is said to have taken inspiration for Tom Riddle from the graves of Thomas Riddell Esq and his son, also Thomas Riddell, found within the kirkyard. Die-hard fans reportedly visit every Halloween to pay their respects at the “real-life” Voldemort’s grave.
Tip: You’ll find the entrance to the kirkyard opposite the Greyfriars Bobby statue, at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row.
Spoon and The Elephant House
J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book at what was then Nicholson’s Café, now Spoon, on Nicholson Street. She went on to write The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban in The Elephant House café on George IV Bridge. Neither café appears in the films, but fans love sitting where Rowling herself once wrote.
City Chambers
On the Royal Mile you’ll find the City Chambers, home to a Hollywood-style plaque honouring winners of the Edinburgh Award. J.K. Rowling received the award in 2008, and her handprints are cast in bronze in the Chambers’ courtyard.
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#5. Princes Street Gardens
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Edinburgh has no shortage of beautiful gardens and parks — The Meadows and Blackford Hill and Pond among them — but one of our favourites is Princes Street Gardens, right in the heart of the city and perfect for a summer picnic.
West Princes Street Gardens has a play park and plenty of benches with stunning views up to Edinburgh Castle. Don’t miss the famous floral clock, first planted in 1903, which is replanted each year with tens of thousands of plants in a new design.
If you’re visiting over the festive season, keep an eye out for Edinburgh’s Christmas, held around St Andrew Square and East Princes Street Gardens, with markets, rides and often a big wheel offering fantastic views over the city.
“My kids love watching the trains on the bridge in Princes Street Gardens. The drivers always beep and wave.” – Ailsa H.
#6. Cramond Causeway… on Bikes!
Cramond’s promenade links to its landmark causeway — a walkway over the River Forth to Cramond Island. At high tide the causeway floods, so always check the tide-time signs before you set off, so you don’t get stranded.
It’s a lovely day out — pack a picnic and watch the ducks and swans along the River Almond. If the tide’s in, pay a visit to Cramond Kirk, built on the site of an old Roman fort.
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From the infamous to the insane, and the quirky to the downright cool, fun is guaranteed with these unusual places to visit in the UK — perfect for a memorable family day out.
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#7. Portobello Beach
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One of Kirsty R.’s favourite free things to do in Edinburgh with kids is a visit to “Portie beach”, and it’s easy to see why. Leave the city centre behind for a gorgeous sandy stretch well within the city limits, perfect for a family day out, a picnic, or a leisurely walk or run.
#8. Gorgie City Farm
Free to visit, Gorgie City Farm is a lovely community-run initiative that helps inner-city kids learn about farming and food production. Pick up a carton of animal feed and let the kids safely hand-feed the sheep and pigs.
It’s especially great for little ones — take your time and chat with the farm workers, who are always happy to share how the farm runs and talk about the animals.
“Lots of fun! My boys love it!” – Roisin F.
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#9. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
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Just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis of calm, with 70 acres of trees, shrubs and lush planting to explore. If the weather turns, take shelter in the warm, balmy Victorian Palm House. Enjoy a guided garden walk from the John Hope Gateway entrance, or take in the exhibitions at Inverleith House — and keep an eye out for the resident squirrels.
One of Pamela C.’s family favourites, the garden regularly hosts cultural events with music, stories and crafts, and there’s a restaurant on site too.
#10. Scottish National Gallery
Catch a free lunchtime talk or simply wander the collection at the Scottish National Gallery, home to Scotland’s best-loved painting, The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, alongside world-class temporary exhibitions.
There are regular family activities, trails and creative workshops too, such as “Make Your Own Masterpiece” and “Portrait Detectives” — well worth checking before your visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edinburgh a good city for a budget family day out?
Yes! Edinburgh is packed with free attractions, from museums and galleries to beaches, parks and gardens, so you can fill a full day of family fun without spending a penny on entry fees.
What are the best free things to do in Edinburgh with kids?
Highlights include climbing Arthur’s Seat, exploring the National Museum of Scotland, wandering Princes Street Gardens, visiting Gorgie City Farm, and following the Harry Potter trail through the Old Town.
Do I need to book free attractions in Edinburgh in advance?
Most of the free attractions in this list, such as the museums, gardens and parks, don’t require booking, though it’s always worth checking a venue’s website before you travel in case anything has changed.
Is Arthur’s Seat suitable for young children?
It’s a gentle climb suitable for most families, but keep little ones on the marked paths and take extra care on the steeper, rockier stretches near the top.
Is Portobello Beach easy to reach without a car?
Yes, Portobello Beach is well served by public transport from the city centre, making it an easy, low-cost day out for families without a car.
Related Reads
If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like:
- 30 Magical Harry Potter Places to Visit
- 25 Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales
- 15 Unique and Exciting Things to Do in Glasgow with Kids
- 15 of the Best UK Holiday Destinations for Families
- Cool and Unusual Places to Visit in the UK
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