Edinburgh with a 15 and 9 year old-what to see and do

[AutisticLegoLover]

We'd be travelling by train in the summer and staying 2 nights. What should be on our to do list? We've never been to Scotland before and are reliant on public transport.

The museum on Chambers Street is really good and it's free. Dynamic Earth is good if your kids are into Sciency things. It's quite nice to just wonder about in Summer around The Royal Mile - the castle is at the top (though I wouldn't go in, seem to remember it wasn't that exciting exciting quite expensive) The Camera Obscura is near top of Royal Mile. I think the kids would like that.

Also you could climb Arthur's Seat and get good views of the city from the top if its a nice day.

The Real Mary King’s Close, Cadies and Witcheries tour, Camera Obscura

Camera obscura
Walk to the castle
Zoo
Loads of museums

Edinburgh is my favourite city

Camera Obsura, City Bus Tour, a walk
around the grounds of the castle and spend time picnicking in the park (if a decent day), a visit to see Grey Friars Bobby.

My teens loved the camera obscura and we spent ages at the top of the Royal mile watching the pavement performers, who were all really good. If they like HP, Victoria st and Greyfriars kirkyard are great. If they like shopping, Harvey Nics and the new St James quarter are just across the road from the train station. Princes St gardens for a picnic and to watch the squirrels if the weather is nice.

I would also recommend The Real Mary King's Close - everyone in our family found it fascinating.
If it's your first time in the city I would probably take one of the open top bus tours. They're always a bit pricey for what they are, but it's a good way to get an overview of a city when you don't have a lot of time. And you can then go back to anything you find particularly interesting.
Not sure how accessible it is by public transport but the Royal Yacht Britannia is an interesting visit and not too far away.

The National Museum of Scotland is brilliant. If you're visiting during the Festival, there will be street performers around the Royal Mile as well as lots of ticketed events (some of which will be free).