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Home › Donut Guides › Things to Do with Kids › Edinburgh
Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids
Edinburgh feels like a storybook for kids: a castle on a volcano, a museum of illusions, a hill to climb in the middle of the city and a free national museum with a rooftop view. This guide is organised by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Royal Mile doughnut tour mixes fresh doughnuts and a scone stop with Scottish history, and families tell us it's great for kids.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The National Museum of Scotland, Arthur's Seat, Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, the Royal Mile
- Rainy day picks: National Museum of Scotland, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Dynamic Earth
- Sweet treat: Our Edinburgh doughnut tour welcomes kids 2 and up
Kid-friendly things to do in Edinburgh, by neighborhood
The Old Town and the Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle
A castle on an ancient volcano, with crown jewels and a one o'clock gun.
Greyfriars Bobby
FreeThe statue of a famously loyal little dog.
Parent tip: The Royal Mile is all cobbles and hills. A sturdy buggy or a carrier is easier than a light stroller.
Holyrood and the New Town
Arthur's Seat
FreeAn extinct volcano to climb in Holyrood Park, with huge views.
Princes Street Gardens
FreeGardens under the castle, with a playground.
Calton Hill
FreeAn easy climb to monuments and city views.
Beyond the centre
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids welcome, ages 2 and up). Our Royal Mile Doughnut Tour walks the Old Town with stops for fresh doughnuts and a scone, plus stories about Edinburgh's history along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Edinburgh's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Edinburgh tours
"Great tour for kids. 4 stops incl 3 for donuts and 1 for scone. Fun stories as we walked."
TripAdvisor review, November 2024
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Edinburgh guide lists the city's best doughnut shops by neighbourhood, and Best Christmas Doughnuts in Edinburgh covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: The Royal Mile
- Morning: Royal Mile doughnut tour.
- Edinburgh Castle.
- Camera Obscura.
- Dinner in the Old Town.
Day 2: Museums and gardens
- National Museum of Scotland.
- Lunch.
- Princes Street Gardens playground.
- Calton Hill at sunset.
Day 3: Volcanoes
- Climb Arthur's Seat.
- Lunch.
- Dynamic Earth.
- Or Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh with kids by season
Holidays
- Edinburgh's Christmas: markets, rides and lights in the city centre.
- Hogmanay: a famous New Year celebration with a torchlight procession.
- Winter views: frosty mornings on Calton Hill.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Christmas Doughnuts in Edinburgh.
The rest of the year
- Spring: longer days and blooming gardens.
- Summer: the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with plenty of family shows in August.
- Autumn: crisp walks up Arthur's Seat.
- Winter: Christmas markets and cosy museums.
Edinburgh with kids FAQ
Is the Edinburgh doughnut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, and guides set the pace for families.
What are free things to do in Edinburgh with kids?
The National Museum of Scotland, Arthur's Seat, Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill and the Royal Mile.
Is Arthur's Seat OK for kids?
Yes, for most school-age kids. It's a steep walk, so wear good shoes and take your time.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The National Museum of Scotland, the Camera Obscura or Dynamic Earth.