In Edinburgh for 1 week with 2 kids - things to do?

[flea]

I know this has probably been asked before but couldnt find precise info.
I have a 3 yr old and 18 month old and am staying in Edinburgh for 1 week from 20th July.
Need ideas of things to do to keep them entertained and also a list of child friendly restaurants.
Also recommendations of beaches relatively near by would be good!

bump..any help at all nobody living in Edinburgh who wants to sing its praises to a novice?

Hi flea,

a lot will depend on the weather and whether you've got a car or not.
Without access to a car, the following come to mind: Edinburgh Zoo; Gorgie City Farm (free); Botanic Gardens and Inverleith Park nearby (both free - I think); Walks/feeding the ducks in Holyrood Park; Portobello Beach (okay if the weather's good and easy busing distance from city-cintre); Museum of Childhood (free); Meadows (a big open space not too far from the city centre with children's playgrounds in it); even Princes Street Gardens (right in the centre of Edinburgh) is great for kids to run around in and you can watch the trains going past;
North Berwick is nice for a visit - has two beaches, open air paddling poor and seabird centre - and you can go there by train in, I think, about 40 mins. Aberdour can also be reached by train and has lovely beaches, recommended in Good Beach Guide etc.
You might also want to look at the netmums/edinburgh site as they have details of places to go and events that are on.

Here's a starter for you: Edin for kids

Basically it's got masses. Where are you staying? Do you have your own transport? The best beaches are a drive away - our favourite was always Yellowcraigs . (I grew up in Edin. but only aged parents there now - but my two (4 and 6) love going there.)

We will be staying with my sister who leaves directly across from Arthur's Seat so very near Holyrood Park. We have a car but want to be able to use Public transport where possible as there isnt enough room in the car for 4 adults and 2 kids!

Thanks for all the help so far.

Which side Arthur's Seat? If Newington side, Clambers at Commonwealth Pool (soft play thing) has been Mum & Dad's sanity-saver through all 10 (so far) grandchildren.