Things to do with a young toddler in Edinburgh

[ShadowPuppets]

Sorry - shamelessly posting for traffic. We’re in Edinburgh for a few days after a wedding. Had lots planned for today, did the Zoo and walked the Water of Leith in the afternoon. Bit stuck on recommendations for tomorrow, it’s due to be raining and heard that the National Museum is good for littleys but wondering if there’s anywhere else we should be factoring in? Had planned a general wander for the afternoon but if the weathers not great then would love to have something else lined up. I’ve been to Edinburgh loads but in my 20s and my knowledge is limited to climbing Arthur’s Seat and getting very drunk, which doesn’t lend itself to an afternoon with a 2 year old! We also have a 5 week old so things need to be buggy friendly etc. Would be super grateful for anything that keeps DD entertained and not sitting watching CBeebies in our holiday apartment!

Colinton Tunnel, Dalkeith Country Park, South Queensferry with optional boat trip, Georgie City Farm.

National museum and camera obscura both good for kids

Dynamic Earth

Agree with National museum, Camera Obscura, also Dynamic Earth.

If it's dry enough, the Botanic gardens are lovely; you could use the hop on/off bus.

The new St James quarter has a Hamley's & Lego store. There is a play park in Princes St Gardens.

For food, Vittoria's & Toni Macaroni's are good for young kids. Coro the Chocolate cafe to get out the rain.

Second camera obscura for rainy day!

If you've got a car, craigies is fab also for a rainy day (indoor playground) as well as almond valley heritage park (soft play, animals and playground under cover).

My 20 month old likes the escalators and elevators in the new mall and can easily kill a couple of hours doing that-playing with the toys in the hamleys and then getting ice cream in bonnie and wild. Also a few soft play areas in John Lewis as well as playing with the toys in the toy section (there's a model train that my son loves).

Soft play at the commie pool is excellent.

Also though, the national museum is a full day adventure. Make sure you get to the 'learning centre' to the right of the big clock - plenty to play with in there! The main gallery and the technology floor (5th I think) are popular with my son and we usually stay for 4+ hours by the time we've also had lunch etc.