Edinburgh with Kids — 3-Day Practical Family Itinerary (Spring)
A relaxed, stroller-friendly 3-day plan in Edinburgh for families with young children. Mixes hands-on museums, green play spaces, good-value family meals and short transfers. Month chosen for best family weather and daylight: May (Spring).
Highlights
- National Museum of Scotland — interactive galleries
- Royal Botanic Garden — easy paths and glasshouses
- Dynamic Earth — family-friendly science shows
- Edinburgh Zoo — pandas, penguins and family facilities
- Portobello Beach — sand and safe paddling
Itinerary
Day 1
Easy first day: indoor interactive museum for varied ages, outdoor park time for naps/play, and a hands-on illusion experience on the Royal Mile. Pace allows for snacks/rests and short walks.
National Museum of Scotland — interactive family galleries
Start at the National Museum of Scotland (great for ages 2–12). Exhibits include natural history, technology and a large hands-on science/transport area. Stroller routes and lifts throughout; baby changing in the toilets. Plan 2.5 hours so toddlers can explore and older kids can try interactive exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: take the rear Scarab lift off the main entrance — it's wider and avoids the busy Grand Gallery staircases.
- Facilities: baby-changing rooms and accessible toilets are on multiple floors; café has high chairs and allergy-aware staff (mention common allergies).
- Timing: visit 09:30–11:30 for quieter galleries; the dinosaur and science areas are busiest late morning — plan a snack break shortly after to avoid meltdowns.
Lunch: Mimi's Bakehouse — family-friendly café
Relaxed lunch with children’s portions and a sweet treat option. Good for picky eaters and offers high chairs. Recommended for all ages; try a sandwich or a toasted panini with a kids' cake.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve or arrive slightly before typical lunch (12:15) to secure a table for a stroller or pram.
- Allergy note: staff are used to allergy requests—ask at order for substitution (gluten/dairy swaps).
- Low-sensory seating tip: ask for a table towards the back or by a window to avoid loud service areas and give kids space to unwind.
Princes Street Gardens — stroller nap & playground time
Short walk to the gardens for a quiet stroll, stroller naps, and a small playground area. Open green space is ideal after lunch; suitable for ages 0–8. Benches, shady trees and public toilets close by.
Tips from local experts:
- Nap-friendly: the quieter west end lawns are good for stroller naps (bring a light blanket for windy spring days).
- Facilities: public toilets (with changing tables) are near the Ross Fountain—use these before heading to the playground.
- Playpark note: supervise closely near paths; use the paved paths to keep the stroller smooth and avoid steps.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions — playful, interactive show
A hands-on attraction with optical illusions and a rooftop camera obscura show that delights ages 4+. Short, interactive exhibits keep children engaged without long queues. Stroller fold recommended for tighter spaces inside.
Tips from local experts:
- Queue tip: buy tickets in advance when possible or go just after opening to avoid the midday family rush.
- Stroller tip: fold small strollers for the busiest rooms — there are areas to park prams near exhibits but keep valuables close.
- Quiet moment: head to the camera obscura rooftop show — it's short and calming if kids need a sit-down break.
Early family dinner: PizzaExpress — predictable kids' menu
Child-friendly chain with reliable kids' dishes, high chairs and allergy-aware staff. Good fallback if little ones want simple, familiar food. All ages welcome.
Tips from local experts:
- Early dining (around 17:00) avoids peak times and noisy crowds—ideal for toddlers' bedtimes.
- Order a sharing starter to keep little ones occupied while pizzas arrive; staff can split portions and accommodate simple swaps for allergies.
- Practical seating: ask for a booth or corner table to contain spills and give a comfortable feeding area for younger kids.
Day 2
Outdoor morning at the Botanic Gardens, leisurely lunch and an afternoon at Dynamic Earth for immersive science fun. Finish with a gentle evening stroll in Holyrood Park.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh — glasshouses & gentle paths
Wide, stroller-friendly paths and heated glasshouses to explore (great for ages 0–10). The glasshouses provide a warm, sensory-friendly environment if May weather turns cool. Plenty of benches and toilets across the gardens.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: follow the main paved loop (Inverleith Row side) to avoid steps; the rock garden paths are better for toddlers able to walk.
- Facilities: family toilets and changing tables are available near the main visitor centre; the garden café has high chairs and space for buggies.
- Picnic idea: bring a light picnic blanket and snacks—even in May there can be sunny spells ideal for a quick outdoor rest.
Botanic Cottage café break — relaxed snack and restroom stop
Small café near the gardens with family seating and simple lunch options. A calm spot for toddlers to recharge before the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Order simple hot drinks and sandwiches for a quick recharge; staff often accommodate smaller portions for children.
- Changing facilities: use the nearby visitor centre facilities if you need changing space before heading off.
- Stroller seating: there is outdoor bench seating that works well for buggies if inside gets busy.
Transfer: short tram/bus or taxi to Dynamic Earth (families prefer taxi if tired)
A short 20–30 minute transfer from the Botanic Gardens to the Holyrood area; taxi reduces walking with buggies. Buffer time included for restroom/snack stops.
Tips from local experts:
- If using public transport, take a single-decker bus (easier to board with a stroller) or the tram where available—avoid rush windows.
- Taxi hack: ask the driver to stop closer to the Dynamic Earth entrance on Holyrood Road to avoid carrying buggies up steps.
- Bring a light change of clothes for kids—Dynamic Earth has water-based displays that can splash small children.
Dynamic Earth — family science adventure
An interactive science centre focused on Earth and space, with short shows and hands-on exhibits ideal for ages 4–12 (and curious toddlers). Exhibits are mostly stroller-friendly and designed for active families.
Tips from local experts:
- Show schedules: check the live show times on arrival and plan gallery visits around a single show to keep momentum with younger children.
- Stroller note: most galleries are accessible, but some exhibit areas are dim — keep the stroller covered if it’s windy outside.
- Snack break: there is a café with child-friendly options and seating—use it to regroup if kids get sensory-overloaded.
Holyrood Park easy stroll — short fresh-air unwind
A short stroll around the lower slopes of Holyrood Park near St Margaret's Loch for easy walking and wildlife watching (suitable for all ages). Stroller-friendly paths are available near the loch and along the Queen's Drive.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: stick to flat paths around St Margaret's Loch for a smooth push and minimal steps.
- Quiet spot: the loch area is a shaded, calm place for a late-afternoon nap or quiet time if kids are tired.
- Safety: keep to the path edges and away from steep slopes — many paths are pram-friendly but some higher sections (towards Arthur’s Seat) are not.
Dinner in Leith: The Ship on the Shore — family-friendly seafood
Friendly seafood restaurant with kids’ options and stroller access (suitable for ages 3+). Leith is a short taxi ride from Holyrood and offers relaxed dining by the water.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table close to the entrance if arriving with a stroller to avoid tight corridors.
- Menu flexibility: staff are used to families—ask for smaller portions or simple grilled fish for sensitive eaters.
- Pacing: the restaurant is spacious and quieter on weeknights—ideal if you prefer a calm dinner before bedtime.
Day 3
Animal-focused morning at Edinburgh Zoo, a relaxed lunchtime and a sandy afternoon at Portobello Beach. Finish with a final family-friendly dinner and easy evening stroll.
Edinburgh Zoo — animals and family facilities
Plan the zoo early to see active animals (pandas, penguins, giraffes). Best for ages 2–12. The site has buggy-friendly paths, dedicated family toilets and feeding/rest areas. Expect some walking—bring a light backpack and snacks.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at opening (09:00) to see morning feeding activity and avoid midday crowds; penguin area is lively in the cooler morning air.
- Stroller routing: the main loop is paved and pram-friendly, but some exhibits have steps—carry a lightweight sling if you have a very small child.
- Facilities: family rooms and changing tables are available; bring layered clothing as zoo areas can be breezy in May.
Lunch & rest: zoo café or picnic area
Use the zoo cafés (family seating, high chairs) or a shaded picnic bench if you brought food. Short, relaxed lunch to allow toddlers a quiet break before travel to the beach.
Tips from local experts:
- Zoo café allergy tip: staff can usually prepare simple allergen-free sandwiches if given notice—ask on arrival.
- Nap window: the 12:15–13:00 slot is ideal for a stroller nap while you have a coffee—choose a table near exits for quick departures.
- Snack kit: keep easy handheld snacks ready for hungry little ones while you queue for hot food.
Transfer to Portobello Beach — short drive or bus (approx 20–30 mins)
A short transfer across to Portobello Promenade. Taxis are quickest with strollers; buses are frequent and have wheelchair/stroller spaces. Buffer included for restroom changes before beach time.
Tips from local experts:
- Taxi tip: ask the driver to stop close to the promenade access ramp for easy stroller deployment.
- If taking the bus, use the lower-deck rear doors to roll a stroller on and secure it near the priority seating.
- Weather check: May can be breezy—bring a windproof layer and sun cream for little ones during beach play.
Portobello Beach — sand play and safe paddling
Wide sandy beach perfect for free play, buckets and paddling (monitor tides). Suitable for ages 1–10. Promenade has cafés, toilets and benches for drying off and snack breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Safety first: stick to the sandy shore and avoid slippery rocks—small children should paddle only under adult supervision.
- Facilities: public toilets and seasonal lifeguard service may be present—use the kiosks on the promenade for quick snacks and shade.
- Packing tip: bring a small bucket and spade, spare clothes, and a towel—sun can be stronger than it appears in spring.
Final family dinner: The Outsider — relaxed central dining with kids' options
Return to central Edinburgh for an easy final dinner with views and a flexible menu (suitable for all ages). High chairs and children's portions available; quieter family tables on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Book ahead and request a quieter table away from busy service stations—best for toddlers needing calm before bedtime.
- Meal flexibility: staff are used to simplifying dishes for children—ask for smaller portions or grilled veggies for fussy eaters.
- Evening stroll: post-dinner walk around the nearby Grassmarket is stroller-friendly and a nice low-key end to the trip.
