1 / 20
🦁Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo is one of the UK's most popular zoos, home to over 1,000 animals including giant pandas, penguins, and koalas. It offers a range of daily animal talks, feeding sessions, and interactive experiences that engage children of all ages. The zoo's hilltop setting provides lovely views over Edinburgh.
Kid-friendly highlights:
- Penguin Parade (daily) – a must-see for little ones
- Giant pandas (Yang Guang and Tian Tian) – very popular
- Budongo Trail: a huge indoor chimpanzee exhibit with viewing areas
- Kids' play areas and picnic spots
- Animal handling sessions (check schedule)
Practical tips: Allow at least 3-4 hours. Pushchair-friendly but hilly; consider a buggy. Food outlets available, or bring a picnic. Rain can make paths slippery, but many exhibits have indoor viewing. Toilets and baby-changing facilities throughout. Suitable for toddlers (love the penguins) to teens (enjoy animal talks). Best on a dry day to fully enjoy outdoor enclosures.
Travel tips
Allow plenty of time for the hilltop location
Plan for at least 3-4 hours. The zoo is spread across a hill, so factor in extra time for walking between exhibits, especially with younger children.
Pushchairs work but the terrain is steep
Bring a sturdy pushchair if you have little ones, but be prepared for hilly paths. Consider a backpack carrier as well for the steepest sections.
Penguin Parade is the highlight for toddlers
Don't miss the daily Penguin Parade – it's usually a huge hit with younger children. Check the schedule on arrival and plan your route around it.
Wear waterproof clothing and good footwear
Rain makes paths slippery, so bring waterproofs even if the forecast looks okay. Proper walking shoes are essential for navigating the hilly terrain safely.
Baby-changing and toilet facilities are throughout the zoo
Facilities are well-distributed across the site, so you won't struggle to find changing tables or loos. Check the map on arrival to locate the nearest ones.
Visit on a dry day if possible
You'll get far more enjoyment exploring outdoor enclosures on dry days. Many exhibits have indoor viewing areas, but the full experience is better in good weather.
Bring a picnic or use the food outlets
Pack a picnic to save money and give children familiar food options, or use the food outlets scattered throughout. Either way, bring plenty of snacks and water.
Animal handling sessions add interactive value
Check the schedule for animal handling sessions on the day. These are popular with children and worth planning around if your kids are interested.
The indoor Budongo Trail is great for rainy moments
The huge indoor chimpanzee exhibit offers shelter and is fascinating for all ages. Use it as a break point if weather turns or children need a rest.
Giant pandas and koalas attract big crowds
These enclosures get very busy, especially in school holidays. Visit early in the day or mid-afternoon to avoid peak crowds around these popular animals.
Arrive early to beat the crowds
Coming early gives you the best experience with smaller crowds and fresh, active animals. It also suits younger children's energy levels better.
Kids' play areas provide good breaks
Scattered throughout the zoo are play areas where children can let off steam. Factor these in as resting points during your visit to keep energy levels up.
The zoo suits all ages from toddlers to teens
Toddlers love the penguins and interactive elements, whilst older children engage with animal talks. It's genuinely family-friendly across the age range.
Bring a rain cover for your pushchair
Even if it's not raining when you arrive, Scottish weather can change quickly. A rain cover keeps little ones dry and protects them from wind at the hilltop location.
The hilltop setting offers lovely views of Edinburgh
On clear days, you'll get great views over Edinburgh from the zoo. It's a nice bonus for adults whilst children enjoy the animals and play areas.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places
St. Mary's Cathedral
2.0 miSt. Mary's Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture located in Edinburgh's West End. It offers a serene and welcoming environment for families. Children can enjoy a free activity trail that helps them explore the cathedral's art and history. The cathedral has a small café and a gift shop. Services are held daily, and visitors are welcome to attend. The peaceful gardens are a nice spot for a break. - Free entry - Children's activity trail - Café and shop - Accessible facilities
Gorgie City Farm
2.5 miGorgie City Farm is a free, community-run farm in the heart of Edinburgh, offering families a chance to meet a variety of farm animals including pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and chickens. Kids can pet and feed the animals, explore the farmyard, and enjoy the large playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames. The farm also features a sensory garden, a polytunnel, and a cafe serving snacks and hot drinks. - Highlights: Animal feeding sessions, pony rides (seasonal), and a play area. - Best for ages 0–12, but fun for all. - Facilities: Toilets, baby changing, cafe with high chairs, and picnic tables. - Practical tips: Free entry, but donations welcome. Open daily 10am–4pm. Check website for special events and workshops. Strollers accessible, but some paths may be muddy after rain.
Water of Leith Walkway
2.6 miThe Water of Leith Walkway is a 12-mile (19 km) public path that follows the River Leith from Balerno to Leith in Edinburgh. It passes through scenic woodlands, parks, and historic villages like Dean Village and Stockbridge, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Families will enjoy spotting wildlife (herons, dippers, kingfishers), waterfalls, and art installations. The path is mostly flat and well-maintained, suitable for buggies and children's bikes, though some sections can become muddy after rain. - **Highlights:** Dean Village, the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art grounds, and the Leith Shore. - **Ages:** Suitable for all ages; toddlers can explore short stretches, older kids can walk or cycle longer distances. - **Facilities:** Cafés and toilets at several points (e.g., Dean Village, Stockbridge, Leith). Benches and picnic spots along the way. - **Practical tips:** Wear sturdy shoes; some sections have steps or narrow paths. Best on a dry day. Free and open year-round.
Edinburgh Castle
2.7 miPerched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and is one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks. Families can explore the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the National War Museum. Kids love the Mons Meg cannon and the daily One o'Clock Gun firing. The castle offers stunning views of the city and plenty of photo opportunities. - **Highlights for families**: Crown Jewels, Mons Meg, Stone of Destiny, Prisons of War exhibition, military history, cannons, and the Royal Palace. - **Ages**: All ages welcome; younger children may enjoy the open spaces and cannons, while older children and teens will appreciate the history. - **Facilities**: Baby-changing stations, highchairs in the café, pushchair access is possible but some areas have stairs. Toilets available. - **Practical tips**: Book tickets online to skip queues. Allow 2-3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes – lots of steep slopes and cobbles. The café and gift shop are on site.
The Meadows
2.7 miThe Meadows is a sprawling public park in Edinburgh's Southside, beloved by local families. It features two well-equipped children's playgrounds (one for toddlers, one for older kids), open lawns perfect for picnics and ball games, and a network of paths for cycling or scootering. The park also has tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a café (the Meadows Café) serving snacks and ice cream. - Play areas with swings, slides, climbing frames, and sand pits - Flat, buggy-friendly paths - Seasonal events like fairs and festivals - Public toilets near the café Practical tips: Free parking is limited; use nearby paid lots or public transport. Bring a picnic or buy from the café. The park can get busy on sunny weekends.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
2.7 miThe Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a 72-acre living museum of plants, offering a peaceful escape in the city. Families can explore vast outdoor gardens, glasshouses, and a dedicated Children's Garden with interactive play areas, water features, and sensory plants. Highlights for kids include: - Children's Garden (ages 2-12) with tunnels, slides, and a giant bird's nest. - Glasshouses (tropical, temperate, and arid zones) – a rainy-day favorite. - Seasonal events like Easter egg hunts, Halloween trails, and Christmas lights. - The Botanic Cottage and pond life. The garden is pushchair-friendly with wide paths; toilet facilities include baby changing. The Gateway Restaurant and Terrace Café serve kids' meals and snacks. Note: entry to the main garden is free, but glasshouses require tickets (free for under 5s, discounts for families). Allow at least 2-3 hours for a relaxed visit.
Princes Street Gardens
2.8 miPrinces Street Gardens are two adjacent public parks in the heart of Edinburgh, split by the Mound. The East Garden features the Ross Fountain, floral clock, and a playground with swings and slides. The West Garden offers open lawns, benches, and a dramatic view of Edinburgh Castle. Families love the seasonal flower displays, the R… carriage rides (adult £8, child £4), and the free outdoor space for picnics and play. Toilets and a café are available near the Ross Fountain. The gardens are buggy-friendly with paved paths, but some slopes near the castle esplanade can be steep. Ideal for all ages, especially toddlers and older children who enjoy running around.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
2.9 miA fun-filled family attraction on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, combining a historic camera obscura with five floors of hands-on optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits. Kids love the mirror maze, vortex tunnel, and light and colour zone. Highlights include the rooftop terrace with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. Suitable for all ages, but best for children aged 5 and over. The attraction is pushchair-friendly with lifts, baby-changing facilities, and a café on site. Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit. Practical tip: book tickets online in advance to skip the queues.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
2.9 miA fun-filled family attraction on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, combining a historic camera obscura with five floors of hands-on optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits. Kids love the mirror maze, vortex tunnel, and light and colour zone. Highlights include the rooftop terrace with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. Suitable for all ages, but best for children aged 5 and over. The attraction is pushchair-friendly with lifts, baby-changing facilities, and a café on site. Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit. Practical tip: book tickets online in advance to skip the queues.
The Real Mary King's Close
3.0 miStep back in time to the 17th century in this underground warren of streets and houses preserved beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Costumed guides lead small groups through the close, sharing stories of the real residents who lived and died there. Highlights include the plague doctor's room, the ghost of a little girl, and original artifacts. - Suitable for children aged 5 and up (younger kids may find some stories scary) - Uneven stone floors and low ceilings; not pushchair-friendly - Guided tours last about 1 hour; book ahead to secure a slot - No cafe on site, but plenty of family-friendly options nearby in the Old Town