Rainy day favourites in Edinburgh - museums, soft play, indoor climbing and weatherproof family days out for when the forecast lets you down.
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.
Camera Obscura · Edinburgh
Five floors of mind-bending optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and a rooftop camera obscura with panoramic views. Hugely popular with children who love being baffled.
Dovecot Studios · Edinburgh
A working tapestry studio in a converted Edwardian swimming pool, with free gallery access and creative workshops for families. A wonderfully unexpected cultural gem in the city centre.
Dynamic Earth · Edinburgh
A spectacular interactive journey through the history of our planet from the Big Bang to the present day. The special effects and immersive domes make it genuinely thrilling for kids.
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.
Historic Environment Scotland · Edinburgh
Perched dramatically on volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle captivates children with crown jewels, cannons, and tales of sieges. The One O'Clock Gun never fails to impress.
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.
Hopetoun House Preservation Trust · Edinburgh
Scotland's finest stately home offers grand interiors, stunning grounds, and family trails. Kids can explore the deer park, woodland walks, and seasonal events. The house itself is magnificent with fascinating stories.
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.
City of Edinburgh Council · Edinburgh
A charming free museum on the Royal Mile dedicated entirely to the history of childhood — packed with vintage toys, games, and school memorabilia that delights adults as much as kids.
Bank of Scotland · Edinburgh
This free museum tells the story of money, banking, and Scotland's economic history through interactive displays. Kids can hold a real gold bar and try cracking a safe. It's compact and engaging for a short visit.
National Museums Scotland · Edinburgh
A magnificent free museum covering Scottish history, science, and culture across seven floors. The rooftop terrace has stunning views and the Grand Gallery wows on arrival.
City of Edinburgh Council · Edinburgh
This charming museum tells the story of Newhaven's fishing community through displays and artifacts. Recently renovated, it brings local history to life. The nearby harbour and fish market area add to the experience.
Historic Royal Palaces · Edinburgh
The official Scottish residence of the King, with richly decorated state rooms and fascinating royal history. Older children are drawn in by the story of Mary Queen of Scots.
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.
Real Mary King's Close · Edinburgh
A guided tour through the hidden underground closes beneath the Royal Mile, filled with atmospheric storytelling and real history. Best suited to older children with a taste for the dramatic.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Edinburgh
These stunning gardens spread across 70 acres offer glasshouses, woodland trails, and sprawling lawns perfect for running around. Kids love the squirrels, the Chinese Hillside, and the Victorian Palm Houses. It's a peaceful green escape just minutes from the city centre.
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.
National Galleries of Scotland · Edinburgh
World-class art in a beautiful neoclassical building on the Mound, free for all. Family trails and creative activities run regularly to keep younger visitors engaged.
National Galleries of Scotland · Edinburgh
Two beautiful buildings set in landscaped grounds featuring contemporary and modern art. The outdoor sculptures and the landform artwork by Charles Jencks are especially fun for children to explore. Free family activities run regularly.
National Galleries of Scotland · Edinburgh
This stunning red sandstone building houses portraits of famous Scots throughout history. Family-friendly trails and activities help kids engage with art and storytelling. The grand entrance hall alone is worth the visit.
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.
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.
City of Edinburgh Council · Edinburgh
Located in the historic Canongate Tolbooth on the Royal Mile, this museum tells the stories of ordinary Edinburgh people from the 18th century to today. Recreated rooms and displays bring social history to life.