With the Royal Tattoo and Fringe starting this month in Edinburgh, it’s never been a better time to join the festivities and visit the enchanting city. If this special occasion brings you and your family to the Scottish capital for the first time, why not add some fun things to do to your Edinburgh bucket list?
From royal experiences to kids’ activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and here are suggestions for activities to make your trip a special one.
Reach the top and visit Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to its famous castle. Walk in the footsteps of famous Scottish Kings and Queens as you ascend Castle Rock and enjoy incredible views over the city of Edinburgh – get your smartphone out for spectacular selfies!
Once inside the castle, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained. Catch a glimpse of the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain, see the gigantic cannon, Mons Meg and venture into the old castle dungeons.
Immerse in Royal History at The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Enjoy the ultimate royal experience with various events and exhibitions at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, home of Scottish royalty.
Discover some of Scotland’s renowned historical figures, such as Mary and Queen of Scots, or walk throughout the Palace Gardens and try an afternoon tea experience. The little extra? Kids can decorate a crown to wear whilst visiting the Palace or design a flag and badge to take home.
Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Zoo
Take your kids to the Edinburgh Zoo to see their favourite animals. Don’t miss the world-famous penguin parade, where you’ll see the zoo’s adorable penguin colony leave their enclosure and waddle around a parade route with their keepers.
Try the delicious afternoon tea in the Mansion House. For adults and children, the afternoon tea menu offers tasty sandwiches and delicacies, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of teas.
Discover The Royal Yacht Britannia
This impressive yacht sailed over a million miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family. On The Royal Yacht Britannia, see original photos and other personal items belonging to the Royal Family. Try on the captain’s hat, explore the Grand State Apartments, or participate in the cuddy corgi toy treasure hunt.
Visit Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
The little ones and their families will enjoy the mind-blowing exhibits and tricks at The World of Illusions. Find your way in the Magical Mirror Maze and try not to lose your balance in the Vortex Tunnel. Kids can also create their own art using an interactive light painter; use LED torches (or the light from your phone!) to paint on the wall.
Try guaranteed pottery fun at Doodles
Here, at Doodles, Edinburgh’s first DIY ceramic workshop, children and adults can create any pottery they want, i.e. a fruit bowl or a jar. You’ll have a choice of 80 under-glaze colours to craft something unique for your interior and bring back as a souvenir! Choose from over 80 under-glaze colours to craft something unique for your abode. Whether Doodles is geared more towards kids or adults, everybody will have fun.
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth is an interactive museum that occupies a building resembling a spaceship. Inside, you’ll find colourful exhibits, 4D shows and performances, and a 360-degree dome theatre (the only one in Scotland). If you’re looking for an immersive way to teach the kids about the history of our planet, we highly recommend a trip to Dynamic Earth. You can also learn about dinosaurs, outer space, botched science experiments and more.
East Links Family Park
When you need a break from the city centre, head to East Links Family Park to look at farm animals, bounce on trampolines and play a round of mini-golf. If you need something with more of an adrenaline boost, race a few laps on a go-kart. Or, simply enjoy the countryside with a picnic while the kids explore education barns, a giant fortress and the ball blast arena.
Deep-Sea World
Similar to SEA Life London, Edinburgh’s Deep Sea World is home to fish species such as sharks, starfish and piranhas. It also contains underwater safaris and the UK’s largest underwater tunnel. Most creatures swim in large tanks filled with authentically Scottish seawater from the Firth of Forth. If you want to learn about our underwater cousins during your stay in the capital, you won’t regret heading to Deep Sea World.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland really is a gem. Whether travelling with the kids or not should be on your bucket list. It features space galleries, historical artefacts, an impressive collection of ancient mammals and a variety of interactive exhibitions for the young ones. This is the place to go if you want to learn more about the world and Scottish heritage.
S Luca
After a day of running wild with the kids, treat your taste buds to a delicious dessert at S Luca. Paninis, breakfast rolls, nachos, baked potatoes, cake and ice cream are all on the menu at this diner-style ice cream parlour. Fancy something unique? Try some artisanal confectionary. You’ll find S Luca restaurants in Morningside and Musselburgh. If you’re anythin
Now that you have added fun experiences to your Edinburgh bucket list, it’s time to start the celebrations! Read our quick guide for more events and festivals over the Summer in the UK. And if you’re keen to discover more of Edinburgh from London, our full-day rail tour will take you to the most iconic sights with the most qualified expert guides.
