19 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh for Families
I’ve explored every corner of Edinburgh with little ones in tow — from muddy woodland trails to hidden city beaches, I’ve tested it all while nannying for kids aged two to twelve.
Whether it was pushing a pram through the Old Town or juggling snack time for four kids in the New Town, I got to know what’s fun, free, and actually doable with children across all ages.
What surprised me most? Just how much you can do in Edinburgh without spending a penny.
From interactive museums and secret gardens to seasonal events and play-packed parks, this city is a goldmine for family adventures on a budget.
In this guide, I’m sharing my top tried-and-tested recommendations for free things to do with kids in Edinburgh — including tips on pram access, baby change facilities, nearby cafés, and the best times to visit each spot.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or just need a fresh idea for the weekend, this list has something for every age and energy level.
Old Town Adventures
1. National Museum of Scotland
If you only do one thing on this list, make it this. The museum is completely free and has enough to keep every age group entertained for hours. Toddlers can press buttons and race toy cars in the hands-on science zone, while older kids can marvel at the T. rex skeleton or the ancient Egyptian coffins.
Meanwhile, adults get to browse world-class exhibits, grab a proper coffee in the café, and enjoy some of the best rooftop views in Edinburgh — all without spending a penny (excpet for enjoying a hot drink of course!)
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Fully pram-friendly with spacious lifts
- Facilities: Clean family toilets and baby changing on every floor
- Café: Kid-friendly with high chairs
- Don’t miss: The rooftop terrace — it’s buggy-accessible and brilliant for photos
2. Museum of Childhood
Right on the Royal Mile, this compact museum is packed with vintage toys, games, and costume displays that spark curiosity in younger kids and nostalgia in adults.
It’s a short visit — 30 to 45 minutes max — but easy to combine with a wander down the Royal Mile.
For kids, it’s a scavenger hunt of dolls, puppets, and weird old-fashioned gadgets. For adults, it’s a trip down memory lane that usually ends with, “I had that exact toy!”
We actually visited this museum without kids one day as we tried to escape the snow and loved it!
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Mostly pram-friendly, though some tight corners
- Facilities: No toilets inside, but plenty of nearby cafés with facilities
- Café tip: Head to Mimi’s Bakehouse just around the corner — plenty of space for buggies and good kids’ options
3. Dunbar’s Close Garden
This walled garden feels like a total secret — even though it’s just off the Royal Mile. Designed in a 17th-century style, it’s peaceful, shaded, and totally free. I’ve used it so many times for snack breaks, mid-meltdown resets, or just a quiet pause away from the crowds.
Kids can explore safely while you sit on a bench and catch your breath. It’s also one of the rare green spots in the Old Town that doesn’t require a full park visit.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Flat gravel paths, fully pram-friendly
- Facilities: No toilets on site, but near public options on the Royal Mile
- Good for: Quiet play, snacks, or a break from the crowds
New Town and Surroundings
4. Princes Street Gardens
You could spend an entire afternoon here without spending a thing. Nestled between the Old and New Towns, these gardens stretch along the base of Edinburgh Castle and are a natural magnet for families. There’s a large playground on the west side, plenty of space for picnics, and grassy hills to roll down (intentionally or not).
Kids love the freedom to run, climb, and spot squirrels. Adults get killer castle views, a bit of calm, and the chance to sit down for once.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Wide paths and ramps throughout
- Facilities: Public toilets (with baby changing) near the west end
- Food nearby: Easy walk to cafés and picnic options on Princes Street or Rose Street
- Best time: Spring and summer, or winter for festive lights and displays
If you’re visiting in winter, it’s worth swinging by George Street’s light installations too — completely free and very photogenic after dark.
5. Scottish National Gallery
Directly next to Princes Street Gardens, this gallery is often overlooked by families — but it’s genuinely great with kids. The entrance is grand, but the space itself is compact and welcoming, with free activity booklets and occasional family trails.
For kids, it’s a quick intro to big dramatic paintings (think knights, animals, and angels) without being overwhelming. For adults, it’s a peaceful half-hour with real masterpieces — and clean toilets.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Fully accessible via ramps and lifts
- Facilities: Family toilets and baby changing
- Café: Downstairs, quiet and spacious — perfect for a break
- Best for: Chilly days when you need something calm and warm
You’ll find this gallery along the same stretch as the gardens — ideal if you’re combining it with other classic city highlights.
Note: Some exhibitions do require you to purchase a ticket but there are many things to see for free!
The One-Day Edinburgh Family Itinerary That Actually Works
Grab my free Family Day Planner — a magical, mom-tested itinerary you can follow in just 10 minutes.
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✅ No spreadsheets. No stress. Just one magical day in Edinburgh, mapped for you
“We used this and skipped the worst crowds — it saved our day!”
— Jess, mum of 3
Hidden Gems
6. Dean Village
This one always feels like stepping into a storybook. Just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street, Dean Village is all cobbled lanes, stone bridges, and a quiet stretch of the Water of Leith.
It’s not a playground, but kids love the little nooks and tunnels, and adults will appreciate the peaceful break from the city crowds.
It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or golden hour, and totally free to wander.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Fine for rugged buggies, but there are steps and cobbles in parts
- Facilities: None in the village itself, but cafés are nearby in Stockbridge
- Best for: Scenic walks and photo stops between activities
For a deeper wander, you can follow the Water of Leith Walkway which runs all the way to Leith and is surprisingly kid-friendly in stretches.
7. Colinton Tunnel
If your kids like art, colours, or trains, Colinton Tunnel is a winner. It’s a former railway tunnel that’s now been transformed into Scotland’s largest public mural — and it’s packed with animals, characters, and poetry. It’s a little out of the way but easy to pair with a walk or scooter ride.
Adults will appreciate the story behind it (based on a Robert Louis Stevenson poem), and kids just love the scale and colour.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Flat and paved, easy for prams
- Facilities: None at the tunnel, but public toilets nearby in Spylaw Park
- Nearby: Bring snacks and let the kids play in the park after your walk
You can tie this into a bigger day out if you’re exploring some less touristy spots around Edinburgh.
8. Saughton Park
This is one of the most underrated green spaces in the city. It’s got a proper playground (with equipment for toddlers and older kids), formal gardens for the grown-ups, a skatepark, and even a little café. Everything’s well maintained and — crucially — free.
I used to take all of the kids I nannied here and they always came away happy and ready for nap time!
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Flat paths and wide open spaces
- Facilities: Clean toilets, baby changing, and a café with indoor seating
- Best for: Longer play sessions or meeting up with other families
If you’re building a kid-friendly itinerary beyond the Old Town, this one’s worth a slot. Bonus: it’s near the tram route, so easy to reach even without a car.
Coastal & Nature Escapes
9. Portobello Beach
This is Edinburgh’s beach day, and yes — it’s still great when the weather’s not. There’s a wide promenade that’s ideal for prams and scooters, plus rock pools, ice cream shops, and a splash pad in summer. And right on the seafront, you’ll find classic arcades with 2p machines that are weirdly addictive for both kids and adults — perfect for killing time when the wind picks up.
You can’t come here and not get fish and chips. Either eat them on the beach (watch for seagulls) or find a bench along the promenade and turn it into an easy, seaside dinner. It’s the kind of place where no one minds a bit of sand on the chips.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Fully pram-friendly promenade
- Facilities: Toilets, baby changing, and plenty of food options along the front
- Must-do: Try the 2p machines, grab chips, and let the kids go wild on the sand
- Best for: Half-day trips in any season — bring layers and snacks
10. Inverleith Park & the Royal Botanic Garden
Just north of the city centre, these two spots sit right next to each other and make a perfect low-key outing. Start with the park for space to run and roll, then wander into the Botanic Garden for exotic glasshouses, duck ponds, and winding stroller-friendly paths.
Older kids love the huge trees and hidden corners, while adults can enjoy the peaceful setting — especially in spring or autumn when the colours are at their best.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Both the park and gardens have flat, paved paths
- Facilities: Baby change and a café inside the gardens
- Best time: Spring blossom or autumn leaves — but good year-round
If you’re planning a relaxed day outdoors, this combo is a brilliant (and free) way to spend it. Bonus: it’s a quieter alternative to the city’s better-known green spaces.
Rainy Day Indoor Options
11. Central Library (Children’s Section)
This isn’t just a library — it’s one of the coziest corners in Edinburgh on a wet afternoon.
The children’s area has colourful beanbags, low shelves, and a brilliant range of picture books and storytime classics.
I’ve spent hours here waiting out the rain with toddlers who were more than happy to flip through books or join an impromptu rhyme session.
Adults can duck upstairs to browse their own section or just enjoy the peace and quiet. Plus, it’s warm, free, and never too busy.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Ramp access and lift inside
- Facilities: Public toilets and baby changing available
- Nearby: Grab a takeaway coffee from nearby Victoria Street or the Grassmarket
It’s a good pause point if you’re exploring Edinburgh’s historic centre and the weather turns.
12. Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)
This is one of my favourite rainy day spots — not because of the art (though the art is great), but because it’s one of the few galleries that feels genuinely welcoming with kids.
There’s loads of space to roam, a quirky sculpture garden even in drizzle, and some big, bold pieces that hold children’s attention without needing any explaining.
Adults can soak up the culture, kids can wiggle freely, and the on-site café is genuinely lovely.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Fully accessible, with ramps and wide galleries
- Facilities: Family toilets, baby changing, and high chairs in the café
- Best for: Mornings when you need somewhere calm but not boring
It’s a bit out of the way but easy to reach by bus — and a good pick for a quieter, cultural stop with zero entry cost.
Greater Edinburgh Adventures
13. Musselburgh Beach
Just a short bus or train ride from the city centre, Musselburgh is an easy win for a beach outing that’s calmer than Portobello.
The promenade is pram-friendly, and the beach itself is usually quiet enough for toddlers to explore without stress.
There’s a duck pond nearby, plus plenty of space for scooters and pushchairs.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Smooth paths along the prom
- Facilities: Public toilets near the coast; shops and cafés in town
- Best for: Easygoing beach days with fewer crowds
It’s especially good if you’re staying in Edinburgh longer and want to see more of the local coastline without venturing too far.
14. South Queensferry & the Forth Bridges
Queensferry is pure postcard stuff. You’ve got the dramatic Forth Bridge views, a small beach, rock pools, and a pretty harbour to wander.
I’ve taken older kids crabbing here while little ones napped in the pram — and it’s always felt like a proper adventure just 30 minutes from town.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Promenade and harbour paths are pram-friendly
- Facilities: Cafés, public loos, and occasional pop-up stalls in summer
- Best for: Bridge lovers, boat watchers, and fresh sea air
There’s a VisitScotland guide to South Queensferry if you want to plan a full afternoon out.
15. Pentland Hills (Harlaw Reservoir)
When the kids need to run wild — and you need some green space without playground noise — head to the Pentlands.
Harlaw Reservoir is my go-to: it’s scenic, quiet, and has flat trails that are stroller-friendly in dry weather. You’ll often spot birds, dogs, and very serious cyclists.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Mostly flat gravel paths, best with a sturdy buggy
- Facilities: Car park and small visitor centre with seasonal toilets
- Best time: Autumn for crunchy leaves and wide-open skies
This makes a great change of pace if you’ve been in the city for a few days. Pack snacks, waterproofs, and layers — even in summer.
16. Blackford Hill & Pond
Quieter than Arthur’s Seat but still scenic, Blackford Hill has panoramic views, a duck pond at the base, and a hilltop walk that gives everyone a bit of a workout.
I’d often start at the pond with the younger ones and send the bigger kids scrambling uphill with one adult.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Pond paths are pram-friendly; hill is not
- Facilities: No toilets, so plan ahead
- Nearby: Bring a picnic or stop at the nearby café in Marchmont
17. Swanston Village
It’s like stepping into a film set. Thatched cottages, grazing sheep, and cobbled lanes — all tucked right up against the Pentlands. This was my favourite place for calm walks with napping babies in the sling.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Better with carriers; paths are uneven
- Facilities: None in the village, but Swanston Brasserie nearby does a solid lunch
- Best for: Peace and quiet plus a bit of local charm
17. Gullane Beach
Further out but worth the trip, Gullane is a huge sandy beach near North Berwick with space to run, dig, and fly kites.
We’d often spend the day here with packed lunches and zero plans — just towels, snacks, and a bucket or two.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Long path to the beach, manageable with effort
- Facilities: Toilets and cafés in town
- Best for: Full-day summer outings when the forecast is decent
18. Lauriston Castle Grounds
This one flies under the radar. The castle itself is only open on guided tours, but the grounds are free and open daily — and stunning. Think woodlands, gardens, Japanese landscaping, and views across the Firth of Forth.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Mostly flat and buggy-friendly
- Facilities: Toilets and tearoom on site
- Best for: Calm mornings or somewhere scenic to stretch your legs
19. Cammo Estate
If your kids love a bit of mystery and mud, Cammo Estate is a brilliant hidden spot.
It’s a wild woodland park with the ruins of an old manor house, secret trails, horses in the nearby paddocks, and lots of space to roam.
I’ve taken groups of siblings here and they always turned it into a full-blown adventure.
There’s no playground, but that’s kind of the point — it’s all about trees, imagination, and wellies.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Mostly unpaved and better with all-terrain buggies or slings
- Facilities: None on site — bring snacks and go before you arrive
- Best for: Messy play, exploring, and older kids who like the idea of ‘discovering’ something
It’s not on every tourist’s radar, which makes it ideal if you’re looking to escape the busy bits of the city.
Seasonal Tips
Summer: Festival Fringe Street Performances
August in Edinburgh is chaos — the fun kind. While most Fringe events cost money, there are loads of free performances across the city, especially on the Royal Mile and in areas like the Meadows or Bristo Square.
Think musicians, bubble-blowers, jugglers, and acrobats who know exactly how to get a laugh out of a toddler or tween.
I used to take the kids just for the spectacle — we’d wander, clap, snack, and leave whenever they’d had enough.
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Busy crowds, but doable with patience (sling carriers often easier)
- Facilities: Public toilets available near the Royal Mile
- Best for: Older kids who can watch a show or sit on your shoulders for a bit
You can check the PBH Free Fringe listings to see which free indoor performances are kid-friendly each year.
Winter: Christmas Lights & Window Displays
Come November and December, the city centre transforms — and most of the magic is completely free.
You’ll find lights strung across George Street, whimsical window displays at Jenners and Harvey Nichols, and the full Nativity scene in Princes Street Gardens.
We’d wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate, and just go for a wander. For younger kids, the lights are entertainment enough — especially if you throw in a ride on the trams or a surprise visit to the Edinburgh Christmas market (you don’t have to spend anything to enjoy the vibe).
Quick tips for parents:
- Stroller access: Mostly flat, but expect some crowd dodging
- Facilities: Public toilets along Princes Street
- Best time: Early evening for lights but before the crowds peak
Practical Tips for Family Days Out
Don’t try to do too much in one day
It’s tempting to cram in the sights, but the best family days are the ones where everyone has time to just be.
Pick one or two places from this list, build in snack breaks, and call it a win if nobody cries on the bus home.
Use day tickets on Lothian Buses and Trams
Public transport in Edinburgh is reliable and easy to navigate. A family day ticket on Lothian Buses gives unlimited travel for two adults and up to three children — perfect if you’re hopping between areas like the New Town and Old Town or heading out to places like Portobello or the Pentlands.
You can pay contactless and don’t need to worry about exact change. Just tap and go.
Pack for the weather — always
Even on sunny mornings, the weather can turn in minutes. I always carried:
- Lightweight waterproof jackets for everyone
- Snacks (always)
- A compact picnic blanket
- Baby wipes — for hands, faces, benches, and sometimes shoes
If you’re not sure what to bring, this Edinburgh packing guide breaks it down by season.
Toilets are hit or miss — plan ahead
Not every park or museum has them, and not all cafés are toddler-friendly. When in doubt, aim for places like the National Museum, larger galleries, or shopping centres (like St James Quarter) for clean, reliable baby change and toilet access.
Cafés in museums tend to be quieter and more spacious
They often have high chairs, accessible toilets, and space for buggies. Even if you don’t buy a full meal, they’re great for a snack break or warming up on a cold day.
What to Do Next
Hopefully you’ve now got a solid list of family-friendly ideas — ones that won’t blow your budget, leave you stranded without toilets, or bore your kids to tears.
Pick one or two to start with, keep the rest for later, and trust that you don’t need to spend much (or anything) to make some great memories in Edinburgh.
If you’d like help building your full trip — including personalised itineraries, restaurant suggestions, rainy day backups, and more — I’ve put everything I know into the Edinburgh Travel Concierge.
It’s made for families like yours and takes all the decision fatigue out of planning.
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