Childfriendly Edinburgh

[Dreamer]

We're off to Edinburgh in a couple of weeks to housesit for BIL. Does anyone know of any good places for a 4 year old - we've done all the usual before (zoo, castle etc). Thanks in advance.

Hi Dreamer,
I live in Edinburgh and also have 4 year old. Here are some suggestions which I hope are of use to you:
Botanic Gardens (free) - good for running about and letting off steam in with Inverleith Park nearby which is also nice. Botanics have cafe/restaurant in the middle of them.
Gorgie City Farm (also free) - city farm with small swing park and cafe. Handy for buses although you can park inside (limited) or nearby.
Butterfly Farm - haven't been there for years but ds went recently with Nursery and enjoyed it.
Museum of childhood (also free - you can tell I'm skint!) - selection of toys through the ages
Museum of Scotland (I think that's what it's called. It's in Chambers Street) (free) - big museum with lots of different displays. Depending on your child's interests it may keep them amused for half an hour or an afternoon
(Slightly) further afield I would recommend:
Almond Valley Heritage Park in Livingston (not free, I'm afraid) - train, tractor rides; farm animals; interactive museum; play barn; soft play and more plus nice cafe. Would thoroughly recommend this. Had ds's birthday party here last year.
Deep Sea World (Aquarium) - North Queensferry. Within walking distance of railway station and train journey over the Forth Rail Bridge may be an attraction in itself for a 4 y.o.
Would also suggest you have a look at Edinburgh For Under 5s (by local NCT, I think) which should be in the reference section of all the local libraries. This will give you info about things to do, places to visit, child-friendly restaurants and shops etc, etc.
p.s. If we have a rare sunny day up here, go to Portobello beach (reasonably clean now) or Vogrie Park at Gorebridge.

Thanks Gillymac - some great ideas here (shall definitely do the Heritage park I think). And all those free options - how refreshing!

We did go to the butterfly place last year, but I was too scared and ran around with my hands on my head shrieking and ducking from dive bombing butterflies. DD took it all in her stride though!

Glad to be of some help.
Hope you get some decent weather when you're up here. It's been pretty dire so far this summer and last summer too if I remember rightly. Will keep my fingers crossed.

dreamer i live just a few miles away from the said heritage centre and it is fabby,we go two or three times a year,its really cheap for entry and you can spend the whole day there,they have a coffee shop to get lunch but choice can be limited if the centre is busy and can also work out a bit expensive but there is picnic areas too,my kids are 6 and 4 and have an absolute ball, they never get up even though we go there frequently.

Hi Dreamer. I'm in Edinburgh too, though have never been to the Heritage Centre! Where exactly does your BIL live, and we might be able to give you some details of some parks etc. close to you. You're welcome to come to lunch on the 11th too, if you're around.

I go to Livingston quite often for work (we have an office there) and so had seen the signposts for the Heritage Centre - but never even considered it as a place for a day out. Even though it is quite a trek from Glasgow, it sounds like it would be worth it - especially as we are trying to think of things to "Do" with ds at weekends, now that he is more active. (Typical working parents - wanting to be sure that we've made the most of the precious weekends with ds - but as "non natural players", having difficulty thinking up activities. And the weather this summer has not helped, as playing in the garden has not been an option)

Thank you for the v.kind invite Rosy. The in-laws will be with us and I wouldn't inflict FIL on you!
We'll be staying in Roslin.

I think we'll be doing some festival stuff too - can't wait