Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids

Edinburgh is a city that truly captivates visitors of all ages, and we understand you're looking for ways to make the most of your trip with your family. There’s so much to discover here, from its dramatic castle to its charming cobbled streets, and thankfully, there are plenty of tour options designed to keep everyone entertained. Let's explore what Edinburgh has to offer families, focusing on the available tour categories and how they might best suit your group.

When it comes to travelling with children, a good walking tour can be an excellent starting point. We have fourteen different walking tours available in Edinburgh, ranging from £18 to a substantial £245. The top-rated option, the "Edinburgh Private Walking Tour," consistently receives a fantastic 5.0/5 rating – this suggests that exploring the city on foot is a popular and rewarding experience for families. A guided walk offers a structured way to see key landmarks, and allows knowledgeable guides to bring the history of Edinburgh to life in a way that’s engaging for children. The price range provides flexibility; even a smaller investment will provide a valuable experience as you discover the city's heart.

Food tours are another fantastic choice when travelling with kids – particularly if they have an adventurous palate! We currently offer fourteen food tours, priced between £35 and a considerable £1,245. Again, there’s a wide variety of options available to suit different budgets and tastes. The “Explore Edinburgh's Asian Quarter & Local Scottish Cuisine” tour has been awarded the highest rating of 5.0/5, indicating that these culinary adventures are particularly well-received. Food tours can be a fun way to introduce children to new flavours and cultures, and they often include opportunities for hands-on activities like trying traditional dishes or learning about local ingredients. The price range here is significant, reflecting the scale of some of the experiences – allowing you to tailor your spending based on the group’s appetite (literally!).

Considering the nature of these tour categories, we can confidently say that walking tours and food tours tend to be the most family-friendly options. Activities like boat rides or wildlife excursions aren't currently available within Edinburgh through our tour offerings, and those types of experiences are generally best suited for specific destinations elsewhere in the UK or Ireland. Similarly, evening pub crawls or nightlife focused tours wouldn’t typically align well with children's schedules or preferences.

The walking tours offer a tangible way to experience the city; you can see the scale of Edinburgh Castle, wander through Princes Street Gardens, and explore the Old Town’s historic streets at your own pace – perfect for little legs! Food tours provide a delicious and educational adventure, allowing children to sample local delicacies and learn about Scottish culinary traditions. The cost of these tours is generally within reach for families, with options available across a broad price range.

Let's think practically about planning a family day out in Edinburgh. A good starting point would be choosing one of the walking tours – perhaps focusing on the Royal Mile or the New Town to keep things manageable. Following that, you could incorporate a food tour to sample some of Scotland’s best produce and dishes. You might want to allow for downtime as well – perhaps a visit to a park, like Calton Hill, which offers fantastic views across the city, or simply finding a comfortable café where everyone can relax and refuel. With careful planning and a mix of these tour options, you'll be sure to create lasting memories with your family in this beautiful Scottish capital.

To help ensure a smooth day, we recommend researching the available tours beforehand and booking in advance, particularly during peak season. Consider what interests each member of your family – perhaps one child is fascinated by history while another loves trying new foods. Combining elements from different tour categories will cater to everyone's passions and create a truly memorable experience for the whole family. Remember to pack comfortable shoes and layers of clothing, as Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable!