Edinburgh is a brilliant city for a family trip. It is compact and walkable, packed with history that genuinely grabs children, and surrounded by hills, beaches and green space for when everyone needs to run around. There is plenty to do whatever the weather, which matters in Scotland, and much of the best of it is free. Here is a guide to the best family days out in Edinburgh, with tips on keeping everyone happy and where to stay with room to breathe.

The big hitters

Edinburgh Castle

The Castle is a guaranteed hit. Children love the cannons, the dungeons, the crown jewels and the One O’Clock Gun, and the views over the city from the ramparts are worth the climb. It is busy in peak season, so go early if you can.

The National Museum of Scotland

Free to enter and genuinely world-class, the National Museum is a family favourite and a lifesaver on a wet day. There are hands-on galleries, animals, science, Scottish history and plenty of space, and you could easily spend half a day there without spending a penny.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, the former royal yacht is a real ship to explore, and children enjoy clambering through the decks, the bridge and the engine room. Our full visitor guide to the Royal Yacht Britannia has the details, and it is a short walk from our apartments.

Edinburgh Zoo

A classic family day out, with the famous penguin parade among the highlights. It is a hillside site, so there is plenty of walking, but lots to see along the way.

For a rainy day

Scotland’s weather does its own thing, so it pays to have indoor options ready.

• Dynamic Earth brings the story of the planet to life with interactive exhibits, a hit with curious children.
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions on the Royal Mile is full of optical illusions and hands-on fun across several floors.
• The National Museum of Scotland and the city’s galleries are warm, free and endlessly interesting.
• A cinema trip at Ocean Terminal is an easy option a short walk from our apartments when the rain sets in. Our Ocean Terminal and Western Harbour guide covers what is there.

Free and outdoors

Some of the best family memories in Edinburgh cost nothing at all.

• Climb Arthur’s Seat. The walk up the city’s own hill is an adventure for the whole family, with a huge reward at the top. There are gentler routes for shorter legs.
• Explore Calton Hill for monuments to clamber around and one of the best views in the city, with far less climbing.
• Spend an afternoon at Portobello beach, Edinburgh’s sandy seafront, with a Victorian promenade and plenty of space to run about.
• Wander the Royal Botanic Garden, free to enter, with lawns, glasshouses and room to roam.
• Walk the Leith waterfront, with sea air and space right on our doorstep.

For a fuller plan of the essentials, our roundup of the top 10 things to do in Edinburgh works well for families, and if you are visiting in the October holidays, our October school break family guide has seasonal ideas.

Tips for a smooth family trip

• Mix indoor and outdoor plans so the weather never derails the day.
• Go to the big attractions early, before the crowds and before energy runs low.
• Build in downtime. A packed schedule wears everyone out. Leave space to rest and come back refreshed.
• Use the buses and trams. Edinburgh is walkable, but little legs tire, and public transport is cheap and easy.
• Pack layers and waterproofs whatever the forecast, especially for Arthur’s Seat and the beach.

Why an apartment makes a family trip easier

A week, or even a weekend, away with children is far easier with space and a kitchen. A hotel room quickly feels small when the weather turns and everyone is indoors, whereas an apartment gives you a living room to relax in, separate bedrooms so the little ones sleep while the grown-ups unwind, and a kitchen for the meals and snacks that keep a family trip calm and affordable.

Our apartments have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and an open-plan living area, with complimentary parking for the car and a large supermarket next door. Our family apartments are set up with younger guests in mind, and cots and high chairs can be requested, as our cots and high chairs FAQ explains. Being able to feed children early, dry off wet coats and spread out after a busy day makes all the difference to how a family holiday feels.

A sample family day in Edinburgh

To show how easily a day comes together, here is one that works whatever the sky is doing. Start with a relaxed breakfast at the apartment, then take the tram or the number 11 bus into the centre. Spend the morning at Edinburgh Castle, timing it for the One O’Clock Gun, which children always enjoy. Have a picnic lunch in Princes Street Gardens if it is dry, which keeps costs down and gives everyone a breather.

In the afternoon, let the weather decide. If it is bright, walk part of Arthur’s Seat or head down to Portobello beach for sand and sea air. If the rain comes in, the National Museum of Scotland keeps everyone happy and dry for hours, free of charge. Round off the day with an early dinner cooked back at the apartment and, if there is energy left, a film at the Ocean Terminal cinema a short walk away.

The beauty of a trip rather than a single day is that you can spread all of this out, mixing busy days with lazy ones, so nobody gets overtired. A comfortable base with room to spread out is what makes that gentle pace possible.

Family-friendly places to eat

Edinburgh is an easy city to eat out with children. Leith and the waterfront have plenty of relaxed, family-friendly cafes and restaurants, and the city centre is well stocked with places used to younger diners. Having a kitchen helps too, for the evenings when a simple meal at home and an early night is exactly what everyone needs. Our guide to the local restaurants and cafes points you to the best spots near the apartments.

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh good for a family holiday? Very. It is compact and walkable, with world-class attractions, lots of free things to do, and hills, beaches and parks close by. There is plenty to keep children happy whatever the weather.

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids? Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Zoo, Dynamic Earth and Camera Obscura are all favourites, along with free options like Arthur’s Seat, Portobello beach and the Royal Botanic Garden.

What can we do in Edinburgh with kids on a rainy day? Plenty. The National Museum of Scotland, Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura and a cinema trip at Ocean Terminal all keep families happy and dry.

Are your apartments suitable for families? Yes. Every apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a full kitchen, family apartments are available, and cots and high chairs can be requested. There is free parking and a supermarket next door.

What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh with kids? Somewhere with space, easy transport and a calm base away from the busiest streets. The Leith waterfront works well for families: you get room to spread out, free parking, a supermarket and a cinema close by, and the centre is a short bus or tram ride away.

Is Edinburgh expensive for a family day out? It does not have to be. Many of the best attractions, including the National Museum of Scotland, Arthur’s Seat, Portobello beach and the Royal Botanic Garden, are free, and a kitchen at the apartment keeps food costs down across a trip.

Book a family base with room to breathe

For a family trip with space to relax and free parking for the car, we would love to host you. Take a look at our family apartments, then request a quote with your dates, or call the team on 0131 553 7394.