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12/12/2014 10 Free Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids
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By Sharon Tighe +
10 Free Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids
We love Edinburgh! It is such a fantastic familyfriendly city with so much to do! Steeped in history, the city iseasy to navigate and neatly separated into Oldtown and Newtown, with its centre dominated by themajestic Edinburgh Castle. You certainly won’t be stuck for activities! Here’s our list of great FREE Things todo in Edinburgh with Kids.
1. The Museum of Childhood
Situated on the famous Royal Mile, this is the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood.It has 21 rooms containing more than 2,000 toys and games from daysgoneby. From early Steiff Bears andCorgi cars to 1980’s Barbie dolls, this is a beautiful collection and a lovely way to spend the afternoon.Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
2. Arthur’s Seat
What a view! At 251 metres high, Arthur’s Seat is a gentle climb, and provides great views of Edinburgh.Rumoured to be named after the legendary King Arthur & the setting of Camelot, this extinct volcano is abusy attraction. Though it is very safe, make sure you follow the signs and watch that the little ones stick withthe proper route.
“If feeling energetic Arthur’s Seat has amazing views!” Lynda S.
3. National Museum of Scotland
12/12/2014 10 Free Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids
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Situated on Chambers Street, The National Museum ofScotland has it all, from Geology to Vikings, Romans andthe Industrial Revolution! It’s really great for kids with lots ofinteractive galleries to keep all ages’ busy, free tours andFamily Footprint Trails!
“You could spend a whole weekend there and still notsee it all! It’s fab!” Gillian S.
4. Free Rail and Waverly Bridge
A Kidsgofree ticket means up to two kids can travel for free on the train with each adult, anywhere inScotland! Offpeak, every day and no need to book in advance! Making this deal even sweeter, kids getFREE entry into a number of Edinburgh’s top attractions (including Edinburgh Zoo and Camera Obscura)when you show your rail ticket at the entrance. For real train enthusiasts, Waverly Bridge is a great place tostop and watch the trains.
“My kids love watching the trains on the bridge in Princes Street Gardens. ….The drivers alwaysbeep and wave.” Ailsa H.
5. Parks and Gardens
Edinburgh has a host of beautiful gardens and parksincluding The Meadows, Blackford Hill and Pond andPrinces Street Gardens, all ideal for a summer picnic! WestPrinces Street Gardens has a playpark and lots of bencheswhere you can take in views of the stunning Edinburghcastle.
If visiting in the winter, Edinburgh’s Christmas is aspectacular event in St Andrew Square and East Princes St.Gardens featuring a beautiful Spiegeltent, ice skating,Christmas markets and rides, including the Big Wheel withfantastic views over the city.
Spending a weekend in Dublin with the kids? Check outour Weekend in Dublin infographic!
6. Cramond Causeway….On bikes!
Cramond’s promenade links to its landmark causeway – a great walkway over the River Forth to CramondIsland. During high tide, the causeway goes underwater, so make sure you check the signs displaying tidetimes so you don’t get stranded! A fun day out, pack some bread crumbs to feed the ducks and swans alongthe River Almond.
If the tide is in pay a visit to Cramond Kirk, built on the site of a Roman fort.
7. Portie beach!
One of Kirsty R.‘s favourtite free things to do in Edinburgh with kids is the beach, so why not leave the citybehind and pay a visit to Portobello Beach? A gorgeous sandy stretch of beach well within the city limits andperfect for a kid’s day out, a picnic or a leisurely walk or run! Take the No. 26 bus if you don’t want to worryabout parking.
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8. Gorgie City Farm
Free to visit, Gorgie City Farm is a lovely community run initiative to educate innercity kids about farming &food production. A carton of animal feed is just 20p and kids can safely get close to the animals and handfeed sheep and pigs. The farm is especially great for little ones. Take your time and talk with some of thefarm workers who are happy to share information on how the farm is run and the animals.
“Lots of fun! My boys love it!” Roisin F.
9. The Botanics
Just a 15 minute walk from the city centre, the Royal BotanicGardens are an oasis of calm with 70 acres of trees, shrubsand lush gardens. If it’s wet, you can take refuge in the warm,balmy Victorian Palm House. Enjoy guided garden walks fromthe John Hope Gateway entrance or tour the exhibitions inInverleith House. One of Pamela C.‘s family favourites, thegarden regularly hosts cultural activities with music, storiesand crafts. There is also a restaurant onsite.
10. Scottish National Gallery
Attend a free lunchtime talk or view a wonderful collection ofart (including Scotland’s favourite painting, The ReverendRobert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch) as well asworldclass temporary exhibitions. There are plenty of regularfamily activities, trails and cool, creative workshops such as‘Make your own masterpiece’ and ‘Portrait detectives.’
What is on your list of favourite Free Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids? Please let us know in thecomments below!
A big, big thank you to all the brilliant Edinburgh Mums who helped us put this post together!!
You might also like Free Family Things to do in London or 10 Fun Things to do in Berlin!!
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