Budget-friendly days out in Edinburgh

Cheap days out in Edinburgh for under £10 a head - small admission, low-cost activities and family-friendly spots that won't blow the weekend budget.

12 activities

Alien Rock Climbing Centre
£

Alien Rock Climbing Centre

Alien Rock · Edinburgh

This indoor climbing centre offers routes for complete beginners to advanced climbers. Kids' sessions and family climbing times make it accessible. The bouldering areas don't require experience and are great fun.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Half day
Craigmillar Castle
£

Craigmillar Castle

Historic Environment Scotland · Edinburgh

This well-preserved medieval castle offers towers to climb, rooms to explore, and sweeping views. It's less crowded than Edinburgh Castle and kids love the freedom to roam. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World
£

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World · Edinburgh

Walk through a tropical glasshouse filled with free-flying exotic butterflies and handle stick insects and giant millipedes. A genuinely unique and memorable experience for young children.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Edinburgh Canal Centre
£

Edinburgh Canal Centre

Edinburgh Canal Centre · Edinburgh

Hire a canal boat or take a family barge trip along the Union Canal. A uniquely peaceful way to spend a few hours and a great introduction to Scotland's waterway heritage.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Gilmerton Cove
£

Gilmerton Cove

Gilmerton Cove Trust · Edinburgh

This mysterious underground network of caves and passages was hand-carved from sandstone in the 18th century. Guided tours reveal the fascinating history and theories about its original purpose. It's an intriguing adventure beneath Edinburgh's streets.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Lauriston Castle
£

Lauriston Castle

City of Edinburgh Council · Edinburgh

This Edwardian time capsule sits in beautiful grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth. Tours of the house reveal how wealthy families lived, while the gardens offer space to roam. It's like stepping back in time.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor & outdoor
Duration
Half day
Prestonfield Golf Club Par 3 Course
£

Prestonfield Golf Club Par 3 Course

Prestonfield Golf Club · Edinburgh

This short par 3 course is perfect for introducing children to golf in a relaxed setting. The nine-hole layout offers good practice without being overwhelming. Clubs can be hired and the setting is beautiful beneath Arthur's Seat.

6–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Printmaking Workshop at Edinburgh Printmakers
£

Printmaking Workshop at Edinburgh Printmakers

Edinburgh Printmakers · Edinburgh

Scotland's premiere printmaking studio offers family workshops where you can create your own prints. Kids love getting hands-on with inks and presses. The gallery space also showcases contemporary prints.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Half day
Scottish Mining Museum
£

Scottish Mining Museum

Scottish Mining Museum Trust · Edinburgh

Go underground into a real mine at this fascinating museum exploring Scotland's coal mining heritage. Former miners lead tours sharing their experiences. Above ground, the historic pit village and exhibitions complete the story.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor & outdoor
Duration
Half day
Scottish Storytelling Centre
£

Scottish Storytelling Centre

Scottish Storytelling Centre · Edinburgh

This unique venue celebrates Scotland's oral traditions with storytelling events for all ages. Family-friendly performances bring myths, legends, and tales to life. The building itself sits on the Royal Mile beside John Knox House.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Surgeons' Hall Museums
£

Surgeons' Hall Museums

Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh · Edinburgh

Fascinatingly gruesome medical and surgical history collections that teenagers find genuinely gripping. The Wohl Pathology Museum is not for the squeamish — in the best possible way.

11–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Half day
Treetop Walkway at Dalkeith Country Park
£

Treetop Walkway at Dalkeith Country Park

Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust · Edinburgh

This elevated walkway takes you through the treetops with forest views and learning opportunities about woodland ecology. The wider park offers adventure play, walking trails, and bike hire. It's an excellent full day out.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Full day