Fun activities in edinburgh | Things to Do in edinburgh for Families (Our Top 20 Picks)
If you are thinking of fun activities in Edinburgh with your friends and family, then this guide will give you some great places to visit that will help you a lot in doing fun activities in Edinburgh and if you want to do fun activities in these places, then reading our guide will give you some idea in advance.
- Edinburgh Castle Tour
- Climb Arthur’s Seat
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
- Explore the National Museum of Scotland
- Ghost Tour of the Old Town
- Stroll down the Royal Mile
- Enjoy a Whisky Tasting Experience
- Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- Visit Holyrood Palace
- Walk through Dean Village
- Picnic at Princes Street Gardens
- Go to the Edinburgh Dungeon
- Tour Mary King’s Close
- Catch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse
- Go shopping on George Street
- Relax in The Meadows
- Enjoy the view from Calton Hill
- Take a food tour of Edinburgh
- Attend the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August)
We've already covered 20 things to do in Edinburgh. Now let's learn more about some of the fun things to do in Edinburgh.
- Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands tall on Castle Rock above the city, serving as a symbol of Scottish heritage. Admire the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and enjoy panoramic views of the city with your loved ones or alone. - Arthur’s Seat
For a breathtaking adventure, visitors should definitely consider climbing Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park. The summit offers stunning views of Edinburgh and beyond. - Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a scenic route from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Travel enthusiasts will find shops, restaurants, and attractions such as St. Giles’ Cathedral along the way. - Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and a visit here will give you a glimpse into its extraordinary history, especially the magnificent rooms and beautiful gardens. - Scotch Whisky
Immerse yourself in the heritage of Scotland’s whisky with a tour to experience Scotch whisky. Learn about whisky-making, enjoy tastings, and choose from one of the largest whisky collections in the world. - National Museum of Scotland
Explore Scotland’s history, culture, and extraordinary scientific achievements while visiting the National Museum of Scotland. This museum has everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge technology. - Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
A family-friendly attraction located near the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura offers visitors optical illusions, amazing exhibitions, and a rooftop view of the city. - The Real Mary King’s Close
Go back in time with an underground tour of Edinburgh’s historic streets at The Real Mary King’s Close. Learn about the city’s dark past, including stories of the plague and ghostly legends. - Princes Street Gardens
Located in the heart of the city, Princes Street Gardens offers visitors a tranquil escape with its lush greenery, seasonal flowers, and iconic Ross Fountain. - Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth is perfect for families, taking visitors through the history of the Earth, from the Big Bang to the present day, with engaging displays and a 360-degree dome. - Dean Village
A short walk from the city center, Dean Village is a wonderful neighborhood where visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the village streets and the Water of Leith. Its riverside setting is a photographer’s paradise.
Apart from these, go to some old bookstores and buy some history books about it — then, even though you go everywhere, you will know about the history and significance of those places, and it will give you a new perspective.
Some of our ideas for fun activities in Edinburgh:
Explore the countryside by train or bus. Walk to Dalkeith Country Park, Dalmeny House, or from Prestonpans to Longniddry Beach (you can do the coastal walk from Edinburgh to North Berwick and return by train). Take the train to the Scottish Borders — walk from Tweedbank to Eildon Hill in Melrose. Take the train to North Queensferry and walk part of the Fife Coastal Trail. Walk along the Union Canal to Glasgow, or at least to Linlithgow.
- Take a walk to Tyninghame Beach and lose yourself for a day — ideal at this time of year with a flask of soup.
- Play coin falls with a fistful of coins at Portobello Beach.
- Visit Ashley Ainslie and try to find some hidden gems there.
- Walk to Balerno and back through the Water of Leith — I can never get tired of that walk.
- Walk through the walled gardens from Braid Hills Golf Course to Mortonhall Garden Centre and Farm Shop.
When Should You Visit Edinburgh?
- Spring (March to May)
Mild weather brings flowers to Princes Street Gardens and fewer crowds. It’s a great time to explore the city’s parks. - Summer (June to August)
The area comes alive with festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Summer is a great time to visit, though the streets are busier. - Autumn (September to November) Enjoy beautiful fall foliage, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at many of the city’s attractions. It’s also a perfect time to explore historic sites and cozy cafes.
A Sample Itinerary in Edinburgh
Start your day by climbing Arthur’s Seat for a spectacular sunrise, then visit Holyrood Palace. Walk along the Royal Mile, stopping at shops and visiting amazing sites like Camera Obscura.
Spend the afternoon at Edinburgh Castle, and end the day with a unique experience at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
For a more relaxing day, take a stroll through Dean Village and Princes Street Gardens before immersing yourself in the National Museum of Scotland. End your tour in the evening at The Real Mary King’s Close for a thrilling experience.
Festivals in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the largest arts festivals in the world. Every August, the Fringe transforms the city into a cultural hub. Enjoy performances of theatre, comedy, music, and dance from artists worldwide. - Edinburgh International Festival
Running alongside the Fringe, this festival offers high-quality performances in opera, folk music, theatre, and dance. It celebrates artistic excellence. - Edinburgh Hogmanay
Ring in the New Year with one of the world’s most famous street parties at Edinburgh Hogmanay, featuring live music, fireworks, and a torchlight procession. - Edinburgh International Book Festival
Held in August, this literary event attracts authors and book enthusiasts with readings, discussions, and workshops. - Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Held at Edinburgh Castle, this event features military bands, live performances, and cultural showcases from around the world. - Beltane Fire Festival
Held on Calton Hill in late April, this festival celebrates the arrival of summer with fire displays, drumming, and performances rooted in ancient Celtic traditions. - Edinburgh Science Festival
Held in April, this festival features interactive exhibitions, workshops, and talks on science, technology, and innovation. - Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
This July festival features a variety of jazz and blues performances, from traditional to contemporary styles, across multiple venues.
Traditional Edinburgh Food
- Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties
The national dish of Scotland, haggis is a savory pudding made from sheep offal, oats, and spices. It’s traditionally served with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes). - Scotch Pie
A double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or other meat, it’s a popular snack, often enjoyed during football matches. - Cullen Skink
A hearty soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. It’s a comforting dish, especially on cold days. - Cranachan
A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, honey, oats, and raspberries. It’s a special way to end a meal. - Tablet A sweet dessert made with sugar, butter, and condensed milk. Its crumbly texture and rich taste make it a favorite among locals.