A local’s guide to visiting Edinburgh – 25+ things to see and do in Edinburgh with teenagers

Planning a trip to Edinburgh and wondering what’s there to do with kids especially with tweens and teens?

Then this guide will help you out, here I’ll share not only the most popular attractions but some hidden gems and more from a local’s perspective so your kids will have a memorable break to the Scottish capital.

Go to the beach at Portobello

Many visitors to the city don’t realise that Edinburgh has a beach. Portobello is a two mile stretch of sandy beach with lots of cafes and restaurants along the promenade along with amusement arcades. It’s a lovely spot for a coastal walk and in the warmer months its great to soak up the sunshine here, build sandcastles or play beach volleyball..

Where: Portobello beach
How Long: You could easily spend a full day here on a warm summer day
Cost: Free
More Information: Further details can be found here.

See Dolly the sheep at the National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most popular and impressive museums in the country and is great for a rainy day activity. Start off at the impressive grand gallery and across the museum you can see exhibits on natural history, science, technology, art, culture, and more.

One of the most famous exhibits is Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal and the animal world and teens will love the chance to race a F1 car or lighting up the energy tower, you can easily spend a few hours here and still not see everything on offer at this world class museum. The rooftop terrace here is also a hidden gem that lots of visitors to the museum miss, from here you get some of the best views of the city.

Where: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2-3 hours.
Cost: Free
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Journey through the history of the planet at Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is one of the coolest science centres that you’ll find anywhere in the country. Inside you can experience the Big Bang, the Ice Age (you can touch a glacier), the rainforest, and the oceans, through interactive exhibits and a 360-degree dome theatre.

You can also learn about the challenges and opportunities of the future, and how to protect the environment.

Where: Dynamic Earth Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AS
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2-3 hours.
Cost: Adult 16+ – £19.50, Child £12.00
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Have Fun at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

If your teens have a taste for adventure, consider the huge indoor climbing attraction at Ratho, on the outskirts of the city. This indoor climbing experience is the largest in Europe and offers a unique experience for kids for all abilities – from clip and climb adventure walls right up to world-class climbing walls. If you are visiting with younger kids there is also a soft play here for them to enjoy whilst the teens test their climbing skills.

Where: Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, EH28 8AA
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2 hours.
Cost: £13.99
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Explore the streets of Diagon Alley – aka Victoria Street

This is one of the most photographed locations in Edinburgh with its curved street and colourful shopfronts.

Harry Potter fans will want to take a visit Victoria Street, the assumed inspiration for Diagon Alley and home to two of great Harry Potter stores to pick up your souvenirs.

Where: Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1 hour.
Cost: Free

Get close to the animals at Edinburgh Zoo

Located in Corstorphine on the outskirts of the city, the zoo here in Edinburgh is one of the best and oldest in the UK. Although its famous pandas have now left to go back to China, there are still over 1000 animals here– highlights include a visit to Europe’s largest penguin enclosures at Penguin Rock and its daily penguin parade.

There are koalas, giraffes, sloths, sunbears and tigers and a favourite is always the chimps at the Budongo Trail. The zoo is built on a hillside so there it’s a workout to reach the top of the zoo but the views over the city are well worth the effort.

Where: 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2-3 hours.
Cost: Adult 16+ – £26.50, Child £17.00
More Information: Further details and booking for Edinburgh zoo can be found here.

Relax at Princes Street Gardens

Weather permitting stop off at Princes Street Gardens, which acts as a divider between the old and new towns of the city.

Home of the ornate cast-iron Ross Fountain and the iconic floral clock – an immaculately tended floral display in the shape of a clock, it also tells the correct time. Commissioned in 1903, it was the first of its kind in the world.

The gardens here are not only a great place to relax and have a picnic during the warmer months, but you can get some great views and photos of Edinburgh Castle.

Where: Princes Street Gardens St, Edinburgh
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1 hour.
Cost: Free

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and a must-see for any visitor. You can learn about the royal history of Scotland, see the Scottish crown jewels (they are different to the English ones found at the Tower of London), and witness the firing of the one o’clock gun. The castle also offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Where: Edinburgh Castle The Esplanade Edinburgh EH1 2NG
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2 hours.
Cost: Adult 16+ – £19.50, Child £11.40
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Visit Craigmillar Castle

Whilst Edinburgh Castle is the headline attraction during a visit to Edinburgh, most visitors miss out on Edinburgh’s second castle Craigmillar Castle. This is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists.

You can explore the medieval fortress, which was once a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots, and see the impressive tower house, the great hall, and the chapel. You can also enjoy the views of the city and the countryside from the tower.

Where: Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4SY
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1-2 hours.
Cost: Adult 16+ – £7.50, Child £4.50
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Watch a Movie at the Cameo

The Cameo Cinema is one of the oldest and most charming cinemas in Edinburgh, and a great place to watch a movie with your teens. It’s a totally different experience to your mainstream cinema with its cosy and retro interior to watch the latest blockbuster movies.

A more modern cinema experience but just as cool is a visit to the new Everyman cinema at the St James centre. This is another unique cinema experience, where you can watch a film in style. Here can literally relax and watch a film on a comfy sofa and enjoy delicious food and drinks whilst watching the latest blockbuster movies on the big screen.

Where: The Cameo 38 Home Street Edinburgh EH3 9LZ
How Long: Overall experience will depend on movie length
Cost: Adult – £13.90, Child £9.40
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Step onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia moored in the docks of Leith is the former floating palace of the British royal family. It’s not in every city that you can step onboard a royal yacht, and as you explore its numerous decks you’ll see how the royals and the crew lived and worked on board. You can also see the original furniture, artefacts, and photographs, and learn about the history and the stories of the yacht.

Where: Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2 hours.
Cost: Adult 18+ – £19.50, Child £9.25
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Experience Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions

Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is a fun and interactive attraction located at the top of the iconic Royal Mile. Inside are five floors of optical illusions, puzzles, mirrors, and special effects including the cool vortex tunnel and mirror maze . Don’t miss the 360-degree panorama views of old town Edinburgh from the rooftop terrace, and the 160-year-old camera obscura that projects live images of the city.

Where: 549 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2 hours.
Cost: Adult 16+ – £21.95, Child £16.95
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Enjoy the views of Edinburgh from Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of the best spots in Edinburgh for panoramic views of the old medieval and new Georgian town, especially at sunrise and sunset. You can also see some of the famous monuments on the hill, such as the National Monument (which looks like something from ancient Greece), the Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument.

Where: 32 Greenside Road, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 3AJ
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1-2 hours.
Cost: Free
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Indulge in Afternoon Tea

If you want to treat yourself to a dining experience with a difference, I would highly recommend an afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh. You can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and teas, served on elegant china and silverware. Some of the best places to try afternoon tea are at the Balmoral Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, and the Dome.

Where: Waldorf Astoria, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 90 minutes
Cost: £55.00
More Information: Further details for the Waldorf Astoria can be found here.

Where: The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 90 minutes
Cost: £45.00
More Information: Further details for the Balmoral can be found here.

Climb an ancient volcano

If you wanted to boast to your friends that you have climbed to the top of a volcano, then you can in Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano, and the highest point of Holyrood Park ensuring some of the best panoramic views of the city and it’s a really popular place for hiking and summer picnics.

It’s a bit of a workout to reach the top of Arthur’s Seat (typically an hour) but the views are worth the effort or for a shorter walk start at Dunsapir Walk where you can reach the summit in 20 minutes.

Where: Queen’s Drive Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 2-3 hours.
Cost: Free

Skate at Murrayfield ice rink

You don’t need to wait for Christmas and Hogmanay to enjoy ice skating in Edinburgh as there is a huge Olympic sized ice rink in the heart of Edinburgh. Teens will love trying out their ice skating skills here, there are skates to hire and also family sessions available.

If you need to brush up on your skating skills then tuition is available to book and a highlight is their disco skating sessions on Fridays and Saturdays – how cool is that.

Where: 13 Riversdale Cres, Edinburgh EH12 5XN
How Long: Overall experience will last approximately 1 hour.
Cost: £11.00 – £14.00
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Watch a Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse

The Edinburgh Playhouse is one of the largest theatres in the UK , and a venue for musicals, concerts, comedy, and drama. Inside this historic theatre, you will find West End musicals on tour such as Wicked and Aladdin to local productions. It’s worth checking out the Playhouse website and booking shows in advance as the most popular ones can book up weeks in advance.

Where: 18-22 Greenside Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
How Long: Dependent on the show
Cost: Dependent on the show
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Dine at Edinburgh Street Food

Where: Edinburgh Street Food Leith Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3AU
How Long: 1 hour
Cost: N/A
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Go on a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and there are many ghost tours that will take you to the most eerie and mysterious places. You can explore the underground vaults, the old cemeteries and the dark alleys of the old town. You can also hear stories of ghosts, witches, murderers, and other sinister characters that haunt the city.

How Long: 2 hours
Cost: £26.00
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Retail therapy at St James Quarter

If your teens like retail therapy then Edinburgh is a great city to visit. The huge new St James Quarter located in the heart of Edinburgh contains three floors of shopping heaven, from high street and luxury stores to department stores – there is even a Harrods here – one of their few stores outside of London.

Where: St James Quarter St James Crescent Edinburgh Scotland EH1 3AD
How Long: 2-4 hours
Cost: Free to enter
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Watch a Scottish premier league football game

If you kids are into football then Edinburgh has two professional football teams both of which play in the Scottish premier league. Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian football clubs are both within easy reach of the city centre.

If there are no matches on during your visit then have a look at the stadium tours that both clubs offer, which provides a history of the club and stadia and a behind the scenes look at what goes on at a professional football club.

Where: Tynecastle Park McLeod Street Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH11 2NL
How Long: 1 hour stadium tour
Cost: Stadium Tour – £10.60
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Take a tour of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium: Home of Scottish Rugby

Explore the home of Scottish national rugby with a tour of Murrayfield Stadium. During your visit you get a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic venue, check out the dressing rooms, walk through the players tunnel and learn about the history of the game in Scotland

If your kids love rugby, then this is also home to the professional rugby team in the city, Edinburgh rugby – so its well worth checking their home game fixtures. The season runs between September and April.

Where: Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre Scottish Gas Murrayfield Edinburgh EH12 5PJ
How Long: 90 minute stadium tour
Cost: Stadium Tour – Adults 18+ £12.00 – Children £7.00
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Journey Back in Time at Edinburgh Dungeon

If you’re looking for a fun yet thrilling and spooky experience, Edinburgh Dungeon is the place to go (for those who have done the dungeons in London or York this will be similar) – teens will love it here. You join a live actor walkthrough in this immersive experience that takes you through the dark and gruesome history of Edinburgh, from the plague to the witch trials. There is also a fun drop tower at the end of the tour.

Where: 31 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DF
How Long: 70 minutes
Cost: Stadium Tour – Adults 16+ £24.00 – Children £19.50
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Climb the Scott Monument

You can’t miss the Scott Monument, dedicated to writer Sir Walter Scott, as it dominates the skyline of Princes Street in Edinburgh at 200ft high. You can climb the 287 steps up a series of spiral staircases to the viewing platform at the top which gives panoramic views of central Edinburgh.

Where: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ
How Long: Up to 1 hour
Cost: Stadium Tour – Adults £8.00 – Children £6.00
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Explore the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens here in Edinburgh are well worth visiting. It’s free to enter the 70 acre gardens which are home to giant redwood trees, a world famous rock garden a Chinese hillside.

There are also 10 greenhouses to explore (although these have a fee) and house a wide range of tropical plants.

Where: 20a Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR
How Long: 3 – 4 hours
Cost: Free
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Visit Edinburgh’s most charming neighbourhoods

Nestled along the Water of Leith, Dean Village is a peaceful oasis just a short walk from the city centre. Its charming cobbled streets and picturesque colourful buildings is perfect for a leisurely family stroll.

On the way meander through the independent stores, cafes and restaurants in the upmarket area of Stockbridge before walking through Circus Lane, one of the cities most popular and Instagrammable photo spots in the city.

Where:Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY
How Long: 1 -2 hours
Cost: Free

Step back in time visiting the Real Mary King’s Close

The Real Mary King’s Close is a network of secret underground streets and chambers underneath the old town of Edinburgh that date back to the 17th century. This is a guided tour that will take you through the dark and mysterious history of Edinburgh, from the plague to the witchcraft trials. You can also hear stories of what it would have been like to live in medieval Edinburgh.

Where: 2 Warriston’s Close High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PG
How Long: 1 hour
Cost: £22.50
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Go skiing/tubing at Midlothian Snowsports Centre Hillend

Just outside of Edinburgh, you’ll find Midlothian Snowsports Centre which is the largest artificial ski slope in Britain. There are 2 main slopes, 2 nursery slopes, a jump slope and a 130-metre fun slope with three different types of pitches and various jumps and all of which are floodlit.

Alongside skiing, kids will love the tubing here which is not only great fun the views from the top of the slope are incredible. For the best views, take the chairlift ride to the top station for incredible views from the Pentlands – at the top you can also enjoy countryside walks on the Pentland hills.

Where: Biggar Road Hillend Edinburgh EH10 7DU
How Long: 1 hour
Cost: £15.00
More Information: Further details can be found here.

Activity centres for teenagers

Another rainy day activity is a visit to these entertainment centres dotted around the city. With everything from ten pin bowling, adventure golf, shuffleboard, AR darts to even axe throwing there is so much at these venues to keep teenagers entertained.

Where : Various locations across Edinburgh
How Long: N/A
Cost: Dependent on activity
More Information:
Boom Battle Bar – Further details can be found here.
Roxy Lanes – Further details can be found here.
Fountain Park – Further details can be found here.
Lane 7 – Further details can be found here.

https://lane7.co.uk/