Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most friendly family city break destinations. As well as plenty of history and welcoming locals, the city offers an exciting selection of family days out which are suitable for all ages, from babies to grandparents. You can meet the UK’s only Giant Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo or take a ghostly tour of the city. Here’s a look at our top-five family days out in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh zoo is one of the best zoos in the UK and certainly in Scotland and is conveniently close to many Edinburgh hotels. Unlike many others zoos, it is a registered charity and conservation programmes are integral to the zoo’s operations. Home to two Giant Pandas, it also offers a range of daily events such as the penguin parade. You can even take a trip on the famous Hilltop Safari, a free tour around the zoo. Edinburgh Zoo offers a full days entertainment for the whole family.
2. Edinburgh Castle
The Castle is a day out that guarantees both adventure and learning and is therefore perfect for kids. It is also a good option if you don’t want to stray too far from the centre as it can be found right in the middle of the city. As well as a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Castle also provides a café and restaurant. Children will love the one o’ clock Gunshot, which is fired every day except Sunday.
3. Childhood Museum
Edinburgh’s Childhood Museum is the kind of museum kids can really get on board with. Exhibitions revolve around the history of childhood, which comes alive with a huge display of toys, games, books, clothes and school equipment. The cyber generation will be fascinated by finding out how children lived twenty, fifty or even over a hundred years ago. The museum is a great day out that entertains and educates children and adults alike.
4. Black Hart Edinburgh Tours
The Black Hart Edinburgh tours include a selection of ghoulish and chilling tours that will excite and fascinate both kids and grown-ups. The company runs tours specifically aimed at children featuring tales of well-known characters such as Harry Potter and Frankenstein’s monster. Learning about the city’s history though the excitement of the Black Hart tours is perfect for children who prefer to be entertained than educated.
5. International Science Festival
Each spring, Edinburgh plays host to an International Science Festival. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the city during this time, it’s worth checking the events calendar as the festival provides many opportunities for family days out. Highlights for children this year include a Slime Showcase, a Jungle Safari and a Monster Hunt. These are just a few of the many events aimed at children and families which are perfect for a day out.
Edinburgh offers a huge and varied choice of fabulous family days out. If you are on a break with kids, you’ll need to get out of the four walls of your choice of Edinburgh hotels early each morning. With everything from science events to toy exhibitions, anyone taking their children to Edinburgh for a city break can expect the whole family to have a great time in this fun-packed city.