72 Hours in Edinburgh with Kids

By Jenna Francisco
September 19, 2025
8 Min Read

For families looking beyond the big European cities, Edinburgh is one of my favorites, as well as being a convenient choice for parents and grandparents who want to dive into history, art, architecture, gardens, food and museums.

Just a short train ride north from London, the capital of Scotland is loaded with interesting architecture, historical sights and museums. And because Edinburgh has a compact city center, it’s easy for families to explore on foot, making 72 hours a good amount of time to get to know this grand old beauty that boasts plenty of old architectural styles, but a few modern ones too.

This elevated view of Edinburgh shows a prominent clock tower in the foreground with ornate Victorian architecture, while Gothic church spires are visible in the background across the cityscape. The busy street below features red buses, trams, and pedestrians moving along what appears to be a main thoroughfare lined with traditional sandstone buildings. The scene is captured during golden hour lighting, which illuminates the warm-toned stone architecture and creates long shadows across the urban landscape. — The 1902 Balmoral Clock Tower, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, looms over Princes Street atop The Balmoral Hotel

3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Royal Mile walk, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat (optional, but great for kids in need of a place to run), the Real Mary King’s Close and an evening of shopping and watching the fountains

Day 2: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Princes Street Gardens or Royal Yacht Britannia (optional), Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Day 3: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle

This image shows a historic city street lined with multi-story sandstone buildings in traditional Scottish architectural style, with a prominent Gothic church spire visible in the background. The scene captures pedestrians walking along the street and sidewalks in what appears to be late afternoon lighting that casts a warm glow on the stone facades. The view is taken from an elevated perspective looking down the street, showing a mix of historic architecture with some modern additions integrated among the older buildings. — Edinburgh’s Old Town, as seen from Waverley Bridge

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids

Day 1: Dive into the Old Town

Edinburgh’s main attraction is Edinburgh Castle, but we like to save it for a final flourish to end your time in the city. Instead, spend the first day getting to know the Old Town.

Morning: Stroll the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the oldest part of Edinburgh’s historic center and its most popular tourist attraction. At its midpoint is High Street, which connects the city’s two most prominent landmarks: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In between the castle and palace are blocks of historic buildings, many with colorful flowers tumbling from window boxes above shops and cafes. Interspersed amid these old tenement buildings are closes, such as Dunbar Close, which consists of narrow alleyways leading down to hidden courtyards and gardens. As you stroll the Royal Mile, stop at Grassmarket, which has a somewhat grisly history as a medieval marketplace and the spot where executions were carried out.

As you approach Edinburgh Castle, the last few blocks of the Royal Mile feature street performers that the whole family can enjoy. Take in the traditional sounds of the bagpipe players and let your kids try to figure out how the levitating illusionists “float” above the sidewalk.

This image shows a cobblestone plaza featuring a prominent bronze statue of a robed figure on an ornate stone pedestal, positioned in front of St Giles Cathedral, a Gothic stone church with large arched windows and decorative spires. Classical sandstone buildings line the right side of the square, and a blue flag can be seen flying from one of the structures. The scene is captured under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, creating strong shadows across the paved courtyard. — St. Giles Cathedral, a.k.a. the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is one of the most important medieval churches in Scotland

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Stop in at this 14th-century church, which might even impress the teens in your family. The cathedral is named for St. Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh, and is often referred to as the “Cradle of Presbyterianism.” Take your time admiring the ribbed vaulting of the ceiling, the detail in the Thistle Chapel (designed by Robert Lorimer and finished in 1911) and the exquisite stained glass windows throughout the building.

TIP: You can take a small group tour to the top of the cathedral for a bird’s-eye view of the Old Town. The cathedral also holds music services and special concerts — check the schedule for your travel dates.

This image shows a large sandstone castle complex featuring multiple round towers with conical roofs and an adjoining multi-story palace building with numerous windows. The structure displays typical medieval Scottish architecture with warm golden stone, and a flag can be seen flying from one of the buildings. The castle sits beside a paved area or road, with some ruined structures visible on the left side, all photographed under a partly cloudy blue sky. — The Palace of Holyroodhouse has been a seat of British royalty for more than 500 years

Lunch and Palace of Holyroodhouse

Meander in the opposite direction of the castle to the end of the Royal Mile and explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland, rich with 16th-century history and adjacent to the ruins of a 12th-century abbey. The palace has a lovely cafe for visitors to enjoy a quick lunch, scone and tea, or even ice cream.

The palace was the 16th-century home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and remains an official residence of the British monarch. A tour of the historic palace reveals details in the fascinating reign of this rival of Queen Elizabeth I. Audio tours are available, with a specific tour just for kids. If you wonder why your children are lingering in certain rooms, it’s just because they are counting unicorns per their audioguide’s instructions.

TIP: Because it’s a working royal palace, Holyroodhouse can be closed on short notice for official state visits or events. Be sure to check the schedule before you visit.

Afternoon: Arthur’s Seat and the Real Mary King’s Close

If your crew has energy to burn, hike Arthur’s Seat — the extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, adjacent to the palace — for sweeping 360-degree views of the city. Then, if your family enjoys a bit of spooky intrigue, descend into the Real Mary King’s Close, an immersive underground tour revealing Edinburgh’s eerie past.

Too busy to plan? We've got you covered.

Send us a quick inquiry, and we’ll pair you with an expert Travel Advisor who can handle all your trip details: a custom-designed itinerary, private guides and experiences, and vetted accommodations, often with valuable perks to pass along. Click to get started!

Evening: Shops, Snacks and Splashing Fun

Stroll back along the Royal Mile, exploring quaint shops and picking up local treats like shortbread, cashmere scarves, wool sweaters and bagpipes. For dinner, try family‑friendly pubs (kids are generally welcome until 8 pm) such as Royal Mile Tavern or The World’s End, both of which have great atmospheres. If you have very picky eaters in your group, Pizza Express is an easy option everyone can enjoy.

Afterward, let younger ones splash at the Scottish Parliament fountains while older kids might enjoy tracking down the cozy café where J.K. Rowling penned parts of Harry Potter.

This image shows a landscaped garden with a grass pathway running between beds of flowering shrubs displaying blooms in yellow, pink, and orange colors. A large glass greenhouse or conservatory structure with a domed roof is visible in the background, surrounded by mature trees. The scene is captured under a clear blue sky, creating a bright, well-maintained botanical garden setting. — Enjoy a tranquil nature break, plus a chance for kids to burn off energy outdoors, at the Royal Botanic Garden

Day 2: Gardens, Illusions and Royal Pleasure

Morning: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Spend a tranquil morning at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a lush retreat in the city that’s free to enter (except the glasshouses, which require a fee — note, they’re currently closed for refurbishment).

This enormous botanical garden, founded in 1670, is a place of wonder for both adults and children. It serves as an important center for plant science and is now home to an array of plants in its gardens and glasshouses, which are worth the modest admission price, especially on a cold or rainy day. Inside you’ll find giant lily pads, carnivorous plants, colorful orchids and bromeliads, and palm trees so tall they look like they’ll break through the ceiling.

It’s easy to get here by taking one of the public buses (line 8, 9, 23 or 27 from the City Centre). These double-decker buses are an adventure in themselves for kids. For the most fun, get a seat in the front row on the top level.

TIP: Don’t miss the Beech Hedge and Fossil Garden. Stay for a snack or lunch at one of the garden’s cafes.

This image shows a bronze statue of a uniformed figure standing on a platform next to a large ship with a blue hull and white superstructure docked at a pier. A white life ring labeled "HMY YACHT BRITANNIA" is displayed on a red stand beside the statue, along with purple flowering plants and informational displays behind metal railings. The scene is captured under a partly cloudy sky with flags visible flying from the ship's rigging. — Climb aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, formerly a royal residence for Queen Elizabeth II

Alternate Options:

For younger kids, Princes Street Gardens has a fun playground. The Royal Yacht Britannia, the royal family’s yacht now permanently docked in Edinburgh’s harbor, is also a big hit with families, or older kids interested in art might find the National Galleries of Scotland fascinating. The options are abundant according to your interests.

An optical illusion shows a child's head that appears to sit on a square red table, in a room with wallpaper that has a design of large turquoise flowers and khaki vines on a black background. The child is making an exaggerated face of surprise. — Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is serious fun for kids (and grown-ups)! Photo by Jenna Francisco

Afternoon: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

If everyone is still game after all that exploring, this is the perfect outing for a couple of hours in the late afternoon or evening (also a great rainy-day activity, but it will be more crowded). Camera Obscura and World of Illusions was my kids’ favorite activity from our entire trip in Scotland!

Housed on six floors in a narrow old building next to Edinburgh Castle, this tiny museum is named after the 19th-century camera obscura that is still in use on the roof. While the museum specializes in optical illusions of all kinds, the interactive exhibits about how the camera obscura works are a real treat for both adults and kids.

If your children prefer natural history, Dynamic Earth (a science museum) is a great alternative for your afternoon.

This image shows the interior of a large multi-story museum with Victorian-era white cast iron architecture, featuring ornate columns, arches, and decorative balustrades across several levels. Multiple aircraft are suspended from the ceiling throughout the spacious atrium, including what appears to be military aircraft with RAF roundels and other vintage planes displayed at various heights. Visitors can be seen exploring the exhibits on different floors connected by walkways and galleries, with colorful display panels and exhibits visible along the perimeter walls. — The National Museum of Scotland holds an impressive and diverse collection from the millennia of the country’s history

Day 3: Museum Exploration and Castle Finale

Morning: National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a fascinating blend of Victorian grandeur and modern design, housing everything from ancient Scottish artifacts and natural history specimens to cutting-edge science and technology exhibits. You can go from learning about Scotland’s geological formation and exploring the area’s ancient civilizations to perusing textiles and fashion design all under one roof. Highlights not to miss include Dolly the sheep (the world’s first cloned mammal), a small collection of the medieval Lewis Chessmen, the restored Millennium Clock Tower, Mary Queen of Scots’ rosary and execution gloves, Egyptian mummies and samurai armor.

This image shows a large medieval stone castle with multiple towers, battlements, and defensive walls, with several flags flying from flagpoles on the structure. Numerous tourists and visitors are gathered in the paved courtyard area in front of the main entrance gate, some walking around and others standing in small groups. The scene is captured under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, highlighting the golden-colored sandstone construction of the historic fortress. — The oldest parts of Edinburgh Castle (seen here from the esplanade at the entrance) have presided over the city for nearly 1,000 years

Afternoon: Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh’s most famous attraction and the epicenter of Scottish history, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline from its position atop Castle Rock at the west end of the Royal Mile. Like many castles in Scotland, this one has an activity to keep kids entertained while learning about the structure’s history. Try to time your visit so you’ll be there for the One O’Clock Gun, which is fired every day except Sundays.

After purchasing your tickets, pick up a quiz from the audio tour booth; once finished, the kids can return it to the Visitor’s Center, where they’ll be given a prize for completion. This is also an excellent attraction to invest in a private guided tour so that its history comes alive for your family.

TIP: Buy your tickets online to avoid a wait at the ticket desk. If you visit during high season, plan to go in the afternoon when the crowds begin to thin. You’ll need about two hours to visit, and the castle closes at 6 pm. A tour is included in your ticket.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Scotland on Ciao Bambino

Our favorite luxury hotels in Scotland with kids

Best things to do in Glasgow with kids

Adventures with Gaelic flavor on Scotland’s Hebrides Islands

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

Camera Obscura Edinburgh Castle Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden Royal Mile Scottish National Gallery St. Giles' Cathedral

Start a Discussion

4 Comments

Brendan says:

5 years ago at 4:53 am

Just bear in mind that Scotland’s weather is unpredictable so sometimes its good to have a backup plan that incorporates being indoors if it is grey, miserable and WET!

Reply
Pingback: Best Itinerary for Touring Scotland with Kids | Ciao Bambino!
Pingback: Family Vacation in Scotland | Scotland with Kids | Adventures by Disney Scotland Escorted Group Travel
Pingback: Two to Three Weeks in Scotland: A family itinerary

Family Travel Blog

View All Posts

72 Hours in Edinburgh with Kids

3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary at a Glance