Edinburgh Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Edinburgh
This itinerary focuses on a mix of free museums and parks, alongside popular ticketed attractions, ensuring a balanced and budget-conscious experience for families with young children in Edinburgh. Activities are grouped geographically to minimize travel time.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Giants LEGO Fun
Join free family activities celebrating the new 'Giants' exhibition.
Get inspired by colossal prehistoric creatures and engage in hands-on LEGO building for all the family. The museum also offers various interactive galleries like 'Imagine' and 'Adventure Planet' suitable for kids of all ages.
Suitable for all ages, especially 3-12. Interactive exhibits, family trails, and a rooftop garden with city views are available. Allow 1.5 - 2 hours for the activity and exploring the museum. Toilets and baby changing facilities are on-site.
Centrally located, easily accessible by public transport (buses, trams to Princes Street). Paid parking is available nearby, but limited. Stroller friendly with lifts to most floors.
Casual Family Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at one of Edinburgh's many kid-friendly restaurants.
Options near the National Museum include informal cafes and eateries that cater to families.
Look for restaurants offering children's menus or early bird specials. Many places have high chairs and space for strollers. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Walkable from the National Museum of Scotland or a short bus ride depending on chosen restaurant.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Explore Dynamic Earth
Embark on an interactive journey through the history of our planet, from the Big Bang to erupting volcanoes and moving glaciers. This world-class science centre features immersive exhibits, a real iceberg to touch, and a 360-degree planetarium. The 'Giant Lanterns' event at Edinburgh Zoo is also running until today, so you might consider combining this with an evening visit to the zoo if you adjust timings.
Best suited for children aged 5-12, but engaging for all ages. The core experience takes about 1.5 - 2 hours. On-site cafe, gift shop, and full accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers. 'Relaxed Opening Hours' might be available on some Friday afternoons for sensory-sensitive visitors.
Located near the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace. Good bus connections. Paid underground parking is available. Stroller accessible.
Lunch Break
Have lunch at the Dynamic Earth Café, which offers views of the Salisbury Crags, or find a nearby eatery in the Holyrood area.
The café offers various options including kids' meals. Duration: 1 hour.
On-site at Dynamic Earth, or walkable to nearby casual dining spots.
Museum of Childhood
Step back in time at the Museum of Childhood, filled with toys and games from the past to the present day.
See a fantastic range of childhood artifacts from different historical periods. It's a delightful journey for adults to reminisce and for children to discover how kids played in yesteryear.
Suitable for all ages. The museum is housed in a historic building; a lift provides access to the first three galleries, but upper floors are by stairs. A dedicated 'buggy park' is near the entrance. Allow 1.5 - 2 hours.
Located on the Royal Mile, easily walkable from Dynamic Earth or via short public transport. Parking nearby is limited and paid.
World of Illusions
Discover five floors of interactive fun at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Immerse yourselves in over 100 hands-on exhibits, including a Mirror Maze, a gravity-defying Vortex Tunnel, and an Ames Room. Don't miss the Live Camera Obscura Show and stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Edinburgh from the Rooftop Terrace.
Fun for all ages with no minimum age requirement. Children aged 0-4 get free entry but require a booked ticket. The building has six floors and is accessible via stairs only; there is no lift. Allow approximately 2 hours for the full experience.
Conveniently located at the top of the Royal Mile, next to Edinburgh Castle. Walkable from the Museum of Childhood. Public transport options are readily available nearby.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Wild Edinburgh Zoo
Spend a wild morning at Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world, set in 82 acres of sloping parkland.
Meet Sumatran tigers, penguins, meerkats, and more. Participate in animal encounters or keeper talks. The 'Giant Lanterns' event concludes today, offering an illuminated experience if you revisit in the evening.
Ideal for animal lovers of all ages, especially 3-12. The zoo is on a hill, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Allow 3-4 hours or more. Indoor enclosures may close 30 minutes before the zoo.
Located west of the city centre. Accessible by public buses. Paid car parking is available on-site. The zoo is stroller-friendly but involves inclines.
Zoo Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at one of the Edinburgh Zoo's cafes or bring a packed picnic to enjoy amidst the animals.
Various food and drink options are available, including kids' meal boxes. Duration: 1 hour.
On-site at Edinburgh Zoo.
Princes Street Playground
Let the children enjoy some free play at the large Princes Street Gardens Playground.
This themed play area features a wooden castle with slides and climbing nets, suitable for toddlers and juniors, all set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Suitable for toddlers and juniors (ages 3-12). Public toilets are available nearby. Great spot for a relaxed outdoor afternoon activity. Duration: 1-2 hours.
Centrally located below Edinburgh Castle, easily accessible on foot or by public transport (buses, trams). Stroller friendly within the park.
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