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.

If something on his wrist would annoy him, could a backpack with a strap help?
For times when you're in traffic etc

Edinburgh itself will be mental. The national museum is great but I wouldn't fancy getting a flight risk child to anywhere through the city centre immediately before Christmas.

I go with the suggestions nearer the airport/out with the centre.

The zoo is much more contained in size than Chester. It's a nice day out but wrap up as it catches the wind. The only place they can potentially get out is near the rhinos where there's a turnstile so just be aware of that corner if you go.

Do also agree with the wrist strap. I once got caught in the barriers of Waverley with child the other side and never been so glad he was on a strap.

The hotel next door does baggage storage which you pay a small fee for as non guests. They share the car park so not out of the way.

Good god NMS is absolutely wonderful but an utter maze it would be hell on earth with a child that might purposefully disappear!

The zoo is fab but there is a turnstile exit out the back. Dynamic earth is quite well contained & watching their films is a nice chilled out thing to do. Wee hails is a great suggestion really lovely & kids can adventure whilst still being in view.

For something in town The museum on the mound is small, contained & far far more child friendly & suitable than you would ever imagine of a banking museum (the guards are also ridiculously kind & child friendly IME!). Central library would be a nice place to escape for some quiet.

I was going to suggest this.

sounds like you’re going with the day hotel idea which is great if it’s an overnight flight. But for other days - what about reins that go over his clothes instead of the wrist kind?

If your flight arrives at 9am, you will get to Musselburgh not far of 11am. Then it's not a lot of time to wait to get into your accommodation. You can while away a bit of time in Musselburgh - the beach, Newhailes, just walking along the riverbank and down the High Street.

Is your accommodation in Musselburgh itself? I can't picture where a lodge would be.