Glasgow/Edinburgh with a 3yo

[Agaplop]

Thinking of a last minute trip in early December, (or maybe February if I can't get my act together in time). 1/2 nights in central Edinburgh and 1/2 nights staying with MIL in Hillhead. Traveling by train with no access to a car. Just me and DD(3). She's never been to either city before and I've not been for years.

Any ideas for an itinerary?

Thanks!

In Edinburgh I'd say zoo, plenty there to keep a 3yr old entertained for ages.

Camera Obscura.

Dynamic Earth.

Both of the above are great indoor activities in central Edinburgh for if you get some rain.

From Hillhead - Kelvingrove, Riverside Museum, Science Centre.

The national museum on chamber street in Edinburgh is brilliant for that age, so much to do, lots of hands of exhibits and it's free!

I don't rate Edinburgh zoo to be honest, I think there are better wildlife parks in other parts of Scotland.

Your 3yr old will probably enjoy a ride on the tram and to see all the Xmas lights around the city. There's usually a 'kids zone' at the west end of princess St gardens with a fun fair.

Another vote for the national museum. Free, nice cafe and so much for little ones to look at and touch.

Take a push chair. The streets are up and down.
You are so lucky.

Thanks all! I like the idea of the Camera Obscura and National museum in Edinburgh!

Is Kelvingrove museum the one with the suits of armour? ⚔️

Another recommendation for the museum in Edinburgh. Free and warm. The zoo is expensive, cold and hilly. You can see all the animals stuffed in the museum anyway 😀
The Glasgow Science Centre hads lots for wee kids to touch and play with. And the transport museum next door is free and has an old street you can walk down, old shops to go in and some vehicles to climb on.

Yes kelvingrove has armour but also alot of stuffed animals some hands-on things and paintings.

The botanic gardens in Glasgow is great. It's inside and warm with big carp the kids like to see. And is close to you.

The national museum is fantastic. We took dd around that age. Also, in December, the Christmas market will be on, which may be nice to walk through when not too busy and there is an amusements section which dd enjoyed. And the zoo.

Riverside museum is great for that age group, it’s the transport museum so lots of cars, trams, trains, buses etc, you can go into some of them. There’s a mini “fire engine” and “steam train” set up to play with and various rooms with old toys, clothes etc to look at, DD loves the toy section as there is a model train up high that goes round and round. Then there is a recreated cobblestone street from the late 1800s/ early 1900s with shops, cafes, pub, subway etc that’s fun to explore. It’s totally free. Right next to it is the Tall Ship, a big restored Victorian sailing ship which is also free.

Science centre is fab but pricey.

Loads of parks in Glasgow, Kelvingrove park is right next to the museum.

Thanks all!