Edinburgh in 2 Days — Family-friendly (Summer)
A gentle, kid-focused 2-day itinerary in Edinburgh (June, Summer). Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes, interactive museums and green space for naps and play. Suitable for families with children ~2–12 years.
Highlights
- National Museum of Scotland — hands-on exhibits
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions — playful science
- Edinburgh Zoo — pandas-free but great penguins and big cats
- Royal Botanic Garden — stroller-friendly paths and glasshouses
- Quiet family-friendly dining in Stockbridge
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic family-friendly Old Town + interactive fun. Morning museum, gentle midday rest, afternoon illusions, early dinner in Stockbridge.
National Museum of Scotland — hands-on galleries
Start at Edinburgh’s family favourite: big, multi-floor museum with dinosaurs, science galleries and a dedicated children’s area. Lots of lifts, pushchair-friendly routes and family toilets.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: use the main entrance lifts near the information desk to avoid stairs — all floors are lift-accessible.
- Best for ages: 2–12. The natural world and science zones are particularly engaging for preschoolers and early school-age kids.
- Facilities: family toilets and baby changing in the main concourse; arrive at opening to beat group tours and school visits.
Lunch — Museum Café (easy, allergy-aware options)
Quick, family-friendly lunch at the museum café with high chairs and simple allergen information. Ideal for a relaxed meal without a long transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask staff for an allergen menu — the museum café staff are used to families and can point out nut-free and vegetarian choices.
- High-chairs and children's plates available; order food for the little ones first to avoid them getting restless.
- If you prefer a quieter spot, grab takeaway sandwiches and sit on the terrace (weather permitting) or head to a quieter gallery with benches.
Edinburgh Central Library — children's corner & quiet rest
A short, stroller-friendly stop for a calmer hour: children's books, story-corner seating and quiet space for a nap or downtime after lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- The children's area has comfortable seating and lower shelves — great for a post-lunch wind-down or quick storytime.
- Facilities: accessible toilets and baby changing; quieter than cafes at the same hour, so good for short naps.
- Best for ages: 0–7 for storytime/quiet play. Older children can enjoy the city maps and Scotland-history children's books.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions — playful science for kids
Short walk to the Royal Mile for an interactive, wonder-filled experience: optical illusions, hands-on exhibits and a rooftop camera obscura view over the city.
Tips from local experts:
- Book timed tickets in advance to avoid queues — mornings and late afternoons are usually quieter than midday.
- Best for ages: 4–12. Supervision needed for small children on the roof viewpoint and smaller exhibits.
- Accessibility: there are stairs in parts of the attraction; ask staff on arrival for the most stroller-friendly route and elevator access where available.
Transfer: short ride to Stockbridge (easy stroller access)
Gentle transfer to the Stockbridge neighbourhood — either a 15–20 minute bus/ taxi or ~25 minute walk along level streets, depending on energy levels.
Tips from local experts:
- If using public transport, the 23/27/41 buses connect the Royal Mile and Stockbridge and are stroller-friendly; ask the driver for the kneeling ramp.
- If walking, head via the Meadows/Princes Street Gardens route for benches and playground stops on the way.
- Stockbridge has wide pavements for buggies and several child-friendly cafés if anyone needs a quick snack.
Early dinner — The Scran & Scallie (child-friendly gastro pub)
Relaxed, family-friendly dinner in Stockbridge with a children's menu, high chairs and flexible options for food allergies. Early seating avoids rush hour.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table (17:00) — the kitchen is experienced with families and can adapt portions and ingredients for allergies.
- Kids' menu and high chairs available; ask for a corner table if you need space for a stroller beside you.
- Stockbridge has a small play-friendly green (Circus Lane area) for a post-dinner stroll if kids need to burn extra energy.
Day 2
Animal morning and garden afternoon. Easy breakfast, Edinburgh Zoo visit to spot favorites, then peaceful Royal Botanic Garden for stroller-friendly paths and glasshouses.
Breakfast — Loudons (family-friendly café)
Start with a hearty, allergy-aware breakfast at Loudons — known for good coffee, relaxed seating and a large menu with kid options.
Tips from local experts:
- Loudons has a variety of milk alternatives and clear allergen info—ask on arrival if you have dietary restrictions.
- High-chairs and room for buggies; it can get busy on weekends so aim for an early seat (08:00).
- Best for families who want a filling start before a busy day at the zoo; portions are generous and easy to share.
Transfer to Edinburgh Zoo — short taxi or bus
Quick transfer west to the zoo; taxis cut travel time and are easy when traveling with children and pushchairs.
Tips from local experts:
- If taking the bus, look for the 12/26/31 routes that serve the zoo area; ask the driver to lower the ramp for strollers.
- Taxis are slightly faster and door-to-door — worth the extra cost on a hot morning or with sleepy kids.
- Bring a light rain layer even in June — weather can change quickly and the zoo is outdoor-heavy.
Edinburgh Zoo — animal trails and penguin parade (self-paced)
Morning visit to see pandas (note: no giant pandas currently), penguins, and family-friendly enclosures. Lots of outdoor paths that are stroller-friendly and clear family facilities.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages: 2–10. The penguin and big-cat enclosures are highlights for younger children.
- Facilities: multiple family toilets, baby changing and buggy parking near some exhibits — pick up a map with accessible routes on arrival.
- Avoid queues: arrive before the daily keeper talks or animal feeds (check times online) and plan to watch one feed rather than trying to hit everything.
Lunch — Zoo café or picnic in the grounds
Casual lunch at one of the zoo cafés (family-friendly options) or a picnic on the grassy areas if the weather is good.
Tips from local experts:
- If your child has strong food allergies, bring packed food and use picnic areas — cafés can handle common allergies but packed food is always safest.
- High-chairs are usually available in the larger zoo cafés; quieter picnic spots are near the penguin enclosure.
- Keep lunch short and simple to maintain momentum — toddlers do best with familiar items and a scheduled snack break.
Transfer to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (gentle, stroller-friendly)
Travel back toward the city centre to the Botanic Garden for a calmer afternoon among plants and glasshouses — ideal for a slower pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Taxi is ~20 minutes and saves tired little legs; buses are available but involve a short walk at each end.
- Carry a lightweight blanket or change mat — the lawns are perfect for a short rest or nap and are well-kept.
- The paths are wide and mostly level — great for double strollers or those needing a wheelchair-friendly route.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh — glasshouses & explorer trails
Stroller-friendly glasshouses, sensory gardens and explorer trails for children. Lots of shade and benches for breaks; a calm way to end an action-packed visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages: 0–10. Toddlers will love the sensory beds and older kids the glasshouses with tropical plants.
- Facilities: family toilets and baby-changing in the visitor centre; bring sun protection for open paths on bright days.
- Collect a children’s trail sheet at the visitor desk — it turns the visit into a fun mini-mission and keeps kids engaged.
Snack / Rest at The Botanics Café (inside the gardens)
Light snack, ice cream or hot chocolate in the café — an easy spot to regroup before heading back to your base or out for dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- The café offers simple allergen information; if you have strong allergies, consider pre-packed snacks.
- There is outdoor seating shaded by trees — good for little ones who still need to move around while snacking.
- If kids are sleepy, the café is calm and often less crowded in late afternoon; use this time for a final short rest.
Dinner — Henderson's of Edinburgh (Stockbridge) or similar family-friendly spot
End the day with a relaxed dinner offering vegetable-forward options and flexible plates for children — Stockbridge is an easy, low-stress neighbourhood to finish in.
Tips from local experts:
- Henderson’s is allergy-aware and vegetarian-friendly; ask staff for simple, child-pleasing dishes if your child is a fussy eater.
- Reserve an early table (17:30–18:00) to avoid dinner crowds and ensure quick service for tired children.
- After dinner, take a short stroll around Stockbridge’s cobbled streets or head to a nearby green for a final play before bedtime.
