EDINBURGH 4 KIDS
 

Come rain or shine there’s so much to do with the kids in Edinburgh.  We’ve compiled our highlights (below) - but why not tell us about any hidden gems you’ve discovered?

 

Edinburgh Zoo

If you’re squeamish about zoos - don’t worry!.  Edinburgh Zoo’scommitted to high standards of animal welfare.  It’s one of the largest wildlife attractions in Scotland with upwards of  1000 animal species.

Set in beautiful parklands it has excellent facilities for kids e.g. superb play areas for  to letting off steam and great safari rides to the top of the hill.  They can feed exotic birds in Rainbow Landings and grill keepers about the animals.  In the  ’Close Encounters’ area wee ones can get up close and personal with small mammals and kid-friendly snakes and lizards.  Cute baby animals are continually being born and there are loads of events and activities laid on throughout the year to keep your kids coming back again and again.

 

The Edinburgh Dungeon
 

In the depths of the Edinburgh Dungeon your kids will be catapulted back to some of the most ghoulish moments in Scotland's history.  Engaging and enthralling live actors challenge you to face your darkest fears.  There’s a really spooky boat ride into the territory of the cannibal Sawney Bean and lots of exciting interactive special effects based on genuine historical events.  Wince over some pretty eye-watering torture equipment and watch a ’live’ post-mortem at the Anatomy Theatre.  Your stomachs will heave as the gung-ho ‘pathologist’ yanks ’organs’ from deep within the corpse.  Watch out for the sticky floor!  Are your little ‘uns brave enough?

The Museum of Childhood
 

Often described as ‘The Noisiest Museum in the World’ the Museum of Childhood - on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile - is an Aladdin’s Cave of wonderful objects that document childhoods past and present.  Opened in l955 it was the very first museum to specialise in the historical documentation of childhood.  There you’ll find a fabulous array of old penny arcade machines, toys, games, comics, grim-faced dolls, golliwogs, teddy bears, train sets, prams, tricycles and ancient pedal cars.   It’s an indulgent trip of pure nostalgia and you’ll find yourself shrieking ’I had one of those!’.  The museum hosts a regular programme of events and exhibitions so there’s always something new.  Best of all - it’s free!


 

Edinburgh Castle
 

Perched atop an extinct volcano the castle affords breathtaking views across Edinburgh.  Your kids can ooh and ah over the Scottish Crown Jewels - some of the oldest royal regalia in all of Europe.  Or they could shudder over the Prisoner of War visitor experience which documents the late 18th century practice of locking captured sailors from all over in the underground vaults.  Little kids will love the Dog Cemetery where officers’ mascots and pets have been buried since the mid 1800‘s.  And it’s hard not to be impressed by Mons Meg - a truly enormous cannon - and the blast of the famous One O’clock gun, fired most days since 1861.

 

Our Dynamic Earth
 

Travel back 15,000 million years and explore our planet’s history. Go back to a time even before the dinosaurs, back to the time of the Big Bang.  Prepare to be shaken to the core by erupting volcanoes; face howling gales and brace yourself for freezing temperatures in the Polar Adventure sector.  Learn about icebergs, polar bears, ice cores and view the famous Northern Lights. 

Experience a truly barren volcanic landscape on the sizzling and newly formed planet Earth.   Get ready as the floor begins to shudder and the smell of sulphur and smoke fills the room.  You’re standing on the edge of an active volcano which is ready to erupt!

Catch your breath in the steamy air of the tropical rain forest as you explore the dark undergrowth, overrun with tropical ferns and creepers.  Monkeys chatter, exotic birds squeal and squawk and an orang-utan plays in the trees.  

In the Ocean Commotion play area little adventurers can dive down to the depths of the ocean in a yellow submarine.  They can clamber up the rock wall, trawl the oceans for concealed treasure and compete with the octopus to catch lots of sea creatures.

 

Mercat Tours
 

Suitable mainly for older children, Mercat’s famous tours are a fascinating and hands-on exploration of the darker side of Edinburgh’s past.  Visit the chilling Mary King’s Close and experience the plight of the many poor souls abandoned to die of the plague.  You may be confronted by a vengeful, ghostly presence - are you intrepid enough?

Visit authentic 18th century vaults beneath the South Bridge and discover the links with Edinburgh’s notorious body snatchers.  Learn about the ways in which ghostly presences manifest themselves and hear about the many paranormal experiences of ordinary visitors like yourselves!   Mercat’s ‘Ghosts and Ghouls’ tour is described as ’a heady mix of dramatic story-telling, gruesome history and haunted underground vaults’.  You can even extend your tour with further chilling stories heightened by a ’wee refreshment’ in a historic Edinburgh tavern!  In the ghost hunter tour truly intrepid tourists fancy they hear the anguished whispers of those who’ve crossed to the other side and venture deep into an Edinburgh necropolis.  Not for the faint hearted!

Note:  Some of Mercat’s tours carry an age restriction.  Check  with the company before booking!

 

Edinburgh Bus Tours
 

On a nice day, sit back and tour all the famous Edinburgh sights on a classic open-top or vintage bus!  To fully engage the kids in this historical cornucopia there’s even an inspiring and captivating children’s channel recorded by  Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.  Combine your tour with a 75 minute boat trip on the Firth of Forth and keep your eye out for sleek seals and cute little puffins!

 

The Royal Yacht Brittania

Recently featured on Blue Peter, this is one of Edinburgh’s top attractions.  Step back in time and experience this ‘floating palace’ as it was when it played host to some of the most famous VIP’s in the world.  Visit the luxurious state rooms and the bridge and don’t forget to check out the toys and sweets in the wonderful gift shop!

 

On yer Bike!

Edinburgh boasts an extensive cycle route network.  Lots of routes follow old, disused railway lines so although you‘re close to the city you can enjoy all the traffic-free benefits of a country ride!  Enjoy the wildlife, waterfalls and wooded splendour of the Water of Leith walkway or peddle the towpath of the Union Canal.  Further afield take in the sea air at Portobello, explore Da Vinci Code territory in Rosslin Glen close by the famous Roslyn Chapel, or check out historic Musselburgh.

 

Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
 

Located in lovely surroundings by the union canal is a former quarry which has been turned into the world's largest indoor climbing arena. The climbs are varied with plenty to suit all ability levels from beginner to expert. Real adrenalin junkies should check out the Aerial Assault which is suspended a terrifying100ft above the arena floor.  Little ‘uns should check out the adventure-themed soft play area and there's also a gym, a  spa and a great café with views of the huge arena.

 

Ride ‘em Cowboy!
 

As well as routes ideal for cyclists, Edinburgh offers extensive routes for horseriding. Many paths follow the same old, disused railway lines so again although they're easily accessible from the city you can enjoy all the traffic-free benefits of a country ride!  Highly recommended routes take in the waterfalls and wooded splendour of the Water of Leith.

Tower Farm Riding Stables (0131 664 3375) offer trekking and hacking excursions in the countryside around the city.  Professional instruction is available for all age groups and levels of experience.

 

Our Top Ten Edinburgh Kid’s Attractions

1.   Edinburgh Zoo
2.   Edinburgh Dungeons
3.   Our Dynamic Earth
4.   The Museum of Childhood
5.   Mercat Tours
6.   Edinburgh Bus Tours
7.  The Royal Yacht Brittania
8.   Edinburgh Castle
9.   Edinburgh Cycle Routes
10. Edinburgh International Climbing Arena