Edinburgh with kids

[n0ne]

We're visiting Edinburgh next week with DDs 4.9 and 4m. Accommodation is sorted. Can anyone recommend things to do, places to eat, any good shops etc? We're there nearly 5 days so plenty of time to do stuff. Thanks!

[caoraich]

Definitely the camera obscura! Your 4yo will love it. It's pricey but your ticket allows you to come and go all day so you can e.g. go and come back later to catch the shows they do too

[Ricekrispie22]

There's loads to do in Edinburgh with young children: the Zoo, Storytelling Centre, the Museum of Childhood, Camera Obscura science centre, Dynamic Earth, the Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The Museum of Childhood has a dressing up corner and lots of hands on exhibits including a puppet theatre.
4 is also the youngest age at which children can go Tubing at the snow sports centre on Friday afternoons.
It's worth knowing that the magical playground known as The Yard for disabled children is open to the general public on Sunday. So whether your child has a disability or not, they can enjoy the ride-ons, sandpit, mud kitchen, art room, adventure playground and soft play centre. www.theyardscotland.org.uk/paytoplay-what-it-is
Eat at S Luca which is a diner-style ice cream parlour and has a never-ending selection of eats suited to both children and adults. It doesn't just do the best ice cream sundaes and floats though, it's great for paninis and breakfast rolls, soup, nachos, and baked potatoes, this place never fails to please.

[mintbiscuit]

Defo camera obscura. You used to be able to use tesco reward points for entry.

Personally I wouldn't bother with edinburgh castle. Ok for adults but bit boring for kids. Craigmillar castle is a ruined castle but lots of it still standing so great for exploring. My 4 year old DS loves it. Out of city centre but reachable by bus.

[mintbiscuit]

Oh and the national museum of scotland on chambers st. Free entry.

[DrWhooves]

The museum of childhood is shut for refurbishment just now. The zoo is definitely worth a day out at, and I think they're still running their Chinese lantern event in the evenings but I'm not sure which days it runs.

[WineandDine]

The Giant Lanterns of China will still be on at the Zoo whilst you’re here and is great.
www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns

Also second the National Museum on Chambers Street.

Enjoy!

[n0ne]

These are great, thanks!

[Gez8]

Museum of Scotland is fab - probably could spend a full day here (and its free). I agree with the Edinburgh Castle comments - lots for military enthusiasts but not so much for children. Storytelling Centre Cafe is lovely for coffee and cake (and the meals are good as well)

[daydreambelieving]

Absolutely National Museum of Scotland.