Great family days out in Edinburgh

Our 12 best recommended things to do in Edinburgh for families

1          Camera Obscura - Seeing is definitely not believing inside the Victorian Camera Obscura and World of Illusion. Bendy mirrors and giant kaleidoscopes will delight young eyes at the Magic Gallery, and in the Electric Room, blue tendrils of light spark across the Giant Plasmasphere 

2          Our Dynamic Earth - Step back billions of years at this huge interactive museum, where the time machine takes you back to before dinosaurs walked the earth. You can even witness the Big Bang from the bridge of a spaceship through the Hubble telescope

3          Deep Sea World - At 112 metres long and holding a million gallons of water, the underwater tunnel at Deep Sea World is one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. Here you will find the largest collections of sand tiger sharks, as well as 2,000 other fish including rays and conger eels

4          Gorgie Farm - Meet the horses, goats and sheep at this city farm. Children can get their hands dirty and work at being a farmer, or just cuddle a cute guinea pig 

5          Royal Commonwealth Pool - Swimming Pool - Diving Pool - Childrens Pool - Clambers childs play area (a multi level adventure area for children)

6          Edinburgh Science and Edinburgh Children’s Festival - Children's International Theatre Festival aims to ensure that children of all ages can experience the delights of live theatre. Edinburgh International Science Centre promises to shed light on everything from outer space to the inner workings of the mind

7          Edinburgh Zoo - Edinburgh Zoo is the largest and most exciting wildlife attraction in Scotland offering the opportunity to see over 1000 wonderful animals!

8          Laserquest  - Laser Quest hurls you onto a derelict starship of some distant future, pitting you against opponents who have only one thing in mind... your annihilation

9          Scottish Storytelling Centre - In this contemporary building along the Royal Mile, let your family experience Edinburgh’s history coming alive at the Scotland’s Stories exhibition

10        Edinburgh Dungeon - Deep beneath the pavement at locations across Europe, chilling tales and petrifying aspects of our history are reenacted, providing eerie, spine-chilling fun for anyone who dares enter the world of the Dungeons!

11        Time Twisters - TimeTwisters is far more than your average "soft play" centre, it offers a completely unique experience for both children and parents; with its state of the art play facilities, unique Ancient Egyptian themed environment, lots of comfortable seating, a healthy café that serves a range of tasty, freshly prepared meals and snacks

12        The Royal Yacht Britannia - This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, she was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, now in Edinburgh you are welcome on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences