Edinburgh for the weekend

[Libra]

Planning to go to Edinburgh for the weekend with Ds1 (10) and DS2 (20 months). Although I go there once or twice a year for work, we have never taken the children there. Where would be good to go with such disparate ages? We were thinking about the zoo because of DS2's Pingu obsession. Where are nice (but cheap) places for lunch which won't object to a toddler? Any help gratefully received.

OOh LIbra I just love Edinburgh, amnd the zoo is fab!

Can't really help with lunch suggesstions but I'm sure someone here can.

Have a lovely time!

definitely go to the zoo, the penguin enclosure is so cool and they have a penguin parade at 2.15 every day. you can have lunch there but it's probably not that cheap.

there's a good italian restaurant on george st (behind princes st) called est est est. it doesn't look very toddler friendly from the outside but they have a really good attitude towards families. there's a childrens menu or you can get half portions or make your own pizza.

Many thanks so far. Looks like it's definitely the zoo then. Anyone got any other suggestions?
We are house swapping as usual so I spend most of my time worrying about our end and very little thinking about what we are going to do when we get there!

There's an observatory type thing called camera obscura up near the castle, where you can view the whole of the city through a special telescope, that could be fun for the 10 year old at least.

There's always the castle to see, theres dynamic earth which is a bit sciency and there is the musuem of childhood.

My DD(6) and DS (4) both loved the castle. There was so much to see and a reasonably nice cafe inside.

There is a nice pizza express on Princes Street and plenty of chinese resaurants around that always seem to welcome children.

Hope you have fun!

Dynamic Earth is FAB for 10 year olds. It's a sort of all-singing all-dancing geography/ecology look at the world. Quite moving for adults too. Things like huge block of real ice in middle of room and simulated tropical thunderstorm might appeal to 20 month old... Also on the map for all nature lovers is Deep Sea World which I have never been to but is loved by all kids who've been there.

If you wanted a wellpriced worthy lunch, Henderson's on Hanover St. is a bit of an institution... good for salads etc. Don't think many places in town would actually object to toddlers...

Museum of Scotland is great too, with trains that have push buttons to make lights go on and wheels turn, orange carp in ponds in foyer and Taxidermy!... also cafe with toys to prove family credentials. you sort of have to know your favourites for children but the trains always a winner in my exp.

Also One World cafe under St. John's church (west end princes st.) - I sound like a right old hippy in my eating habits but should you want to avoid the obvious places these are good value.

Have Fun!

PS - there are two cafes in the museum. Don't be fobbed off by the chi-chi coffee bar type effort in the foyer.