What to do in Edinburgh with child that keeps running off?

[MC846]

My son, just turned 7 has suspected ADHD and over the last few months has taken to running off whenever we go anywhere. It's got so bad we've stopped really going anywhere. We've booked a big family holiday to Edinburgh for Christmas, the whole family is going and a lot of money had been spent.

Once everyone arrives at the lodge we've booked all should be fine. My dilemma is that we arrive in Edinburgh at 9.00am on the 23rd, hours before any of the other family and 6 hours before we can book into our accommodation.

What can I do with him for 6 hours in Edinburgh where he's contained and can't run off? I can probably find a soft play but would only get a couple hours out of that. Any ideas or local knowledge would be greatly welcomed. We would lose a lot of money and the once in a lifetime chance to make amazing memories if we cancel.

Op could you change your travel time to arrive later??

This might be a crazy idea but could you use those toddler wrist straps and use them on him? I know he’s older but if it keeps him safe is it an option?

There is a soft play down in Portobello which is right next to the beach. It would be very hard to run off at the beach, unless he's likely to run into the sea. Good cafes and coffee shops down there too.

Depending on the severity of the running off, the National Museum is great and quite contained. Free. Also a good cafe.

Or one of the kids AM showings of a Christmas film at the cinema?

What about the zoo? He might run off a bit but at least he would be contained in a safe place and the animals might distract him?

The National Museum of Scotland is great for little ones - lots of interactive stuff and loads of kids running around. There’s one room in particular designed for toddlers that has some musical stuff and a reading area which older kids could also use.

There's an outdoor playground at Newhailes that's enclosed. There is a security gate to get in and out. Wee Hailes it's called. I have no idea about opening times but it's big with lots of space for running and climbing

www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/newhailes

Thank you so much, there's some really good ideas here. There is the option to change the flight's but it pretty much costs the same as the original flight and I can't really afford it.

I am debating with myself whether to change the flight's but it means serious compromises for an entire family already making really big sacrifices for this one family member and I can't bring myself to ask it of them.

I have been to portobello beach with a child that runs and do NOT recommend it 😂

The Commonwealth Pool could be a good shout. It’s got a soft play and also an enclosed children’s pool so two activities in one place. I would look up the timetable though to check both are open on 23rd. It is accessible by short bus from Princes Street that stop right outside. You could put your luggage in a swim locker or if you are two adults one of you could stay dry and sit with luggage in the cafe (recently refurbished).

Another option, near the airport works be Almond Valley. Again, it is enclosed and very fun! Soft play, petting zoo, tractor ride, playground, jelly beans, sand exploration area… the list goes on! You could go there from the airport. They have barns where people often leave their things for the day and come back to at lunch etc. if you had some valuable luggage I’m sure reception could help you. A child could run across the site but would not manage to get out. As I said, near the airport so you could get a taxi there, easily spend 5 hours and then head to accommodation.

The zoo? Easy to get to by tram.

I can't thank you enough 💐

Conifox? I'm sure it has a staffed gate so kids can't run out.

It also has a really huge soft play so you could be outdoors for a while then indoors if it gets too cold. Food inside the soft play too.

www.conifox.co.uk/

Whereabouts is your accommodation? Some places might be easier than others.

Put him in the castle dungeons....

Ok joking aside, can you put a wrist lead on him and you/dh?

Edinburgh dungeons is good..... camera obscure would be ok, plenty distractions to look at etc.

Edinburgh Zoo? Ill warn you its mostly uphill. But not huge if you know what I mean.

Everywhere in Edinburgh is uphill. Wherever you started or wherever you’re going!

Im well aware 🤣 the op may not though so good you've made the comment

Ask hotel ig you can pay an early check in fee or add an extra night before your day of arrival so you can go straight to your room.

There e been lots of great suggestions for entertaining your child but won't he already be tired and over stimulated? I'd want a quiet space and colouring /stories/screen time.

Maybe the climbing centre in Ratho?

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/clip-n-climb/

I would go to camera obscura, there’s loads to distract him

There is the climbing centre at Ratho that is easily accessible from the airport.
The National museum is amazing and got plenty to keep a 7 year old occupied for a few hours.
i know it will probably be cold but the open top bus tour would keep him from running away but still let him see all the lights and goings on.
The zoo would be good, he may run away, it is very hilly though so might be knackering for you
The Christmas markets will be very busy but there are shows and also the ice skating on George street.
Where are you staying, I know you can’t check in but they may let you use the leisure facilities if they have any

🤣 and uphill on cobbles. I once had to live in Edinburgh on crutches……

Get yourself a picnic and let him run around the meadows.

Another vote for the National Museum, there’s loads to do.

You don't need to change everyone's flight surely just yours and your son?. Everyone else can travel as planned and you can meet them later.

Lots of soft play and trampoline parks in Edinburgh to choose from that would probably be the best option. A wrist strap and bribery!

Another vote for National Museum, lots of interactive things and there’s a snack room where you can eat a picnic. Dynamic Earth is also good for that age as is the Zoo.