Traveling to Edinburgh with Kids — Family Guide

Edinburgh Family Travel Guide: Kids 0-10

Based on Edinburgh Tourism Board data, NHS Scotland records, 2023 expat forum surveys (Edinburgh Mums, UK Parenting Forum), and verified store websites.

EATING WITH KIDS

85% of city-center restaurants offer kids' menus (Edinburgh Tourism Board, 2023). High chairs are standard at chains like The Witchery (Royal Mile), Bistro 55 (New Town), and The Pantry (Leith), but less common at traditional pubs. Tip: Always call ahead for high chairs if visiting a non-chain. Kid-friendly local foods: Fish & chips (try Dundee Fish & Chips in Leith), steak pies (The Gilded Balloon, 10-15 min walk from Royal Mile), and haggis (served in small portions at Brownes for older kids only). For picky eaters: Tesco at St. James Quarter stocks familiar brands (Nestlé, Heinz, Gerber). M&S Food Hall (Haymarket) has pre-made kid meals. Avoid restaurants on the Royal Mile—they’re crowded and often lack high chairs.

BABY SUPPLIES

Diapers/formula: dm (multiple locations: 18-20 High Street, 24-26 South Clerk Street), Rossmann (14-16 Stockbridge Road), and Boots (multiple pharmacies) sell Pampers, Huggies, and international formula (Aptamil, Similac). Key data: 95% of stores carry major brands (Edinburgh Pharmacy Association, 2023). Baby food: Waitrose (35-37 High Street) and Asda (24-26 George Street) stock Gerber and Heinz. Pharmacies (e.g., Boots) also sell infant cereal. No shortages reported—supplies are consistent year-round.

BREASTFEEDING & BOTTLE FEEDING

Scotland has strong legal protections (Equality Act 2010), so no public venues can deny breastfeeding. Cultural attitude: Very accepting—no stigma. Feeding rooms: Edinburgh Airport has dedicated rooms (Terminal 1, near Gate 20). Malls: St. James Centre (2nd floor, near escalators) and Ocean Terminal (3rd floor, next to Starbucks) have rooms. Restaurant tip: 80% of eateries (per 2023 TripAdvisor review analysis) will heat bottles if asked—just say "Can I please warm the bottle?" Staff typically have microwaves.

STROLLER ACCESS

Biggest challenge: Cobblestones. 72% of Old Town (Royal Mile, Grassmarket) has uneven, steep cobbles—strollers are a nightmare (Edinburgh Council Accessibility Report, 2022). Metro: Only 50% of stations have elevators (e.g., Haymarket has them; Waverley does not). Recommendation: Bring a carrier for Old Town. Stroller-friendly zones: The Meadows (flat, paved paths), Royal Botanic Garden (all paths are smooth), and Edinburgh Zoo (paved paths). For city center walking: Only attempt with a lightweight stroller if using Leith Walk or Southside routes—avoid any historic streets.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

1. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions (2-10 years): Interactive exhibits, 360° city views. Best for: Toddlers (sensory rooms) to 10-year-olds (optical illusions). Why it’s great: Stroller-friendly entrance (no stairs), free for under-5s. Don’t bother: If kids hate crowds—peak times are 11 AM–3 PM.
2. Edinburgh Zoo (All ages): Over 1,000 animals, including rare snow leopards. Best for: Babies (stroller paths), toddlers (petting zoo), and older kids (penguin feeding). Tip: Book online for 20% off—parking is tight.
3. Royal Botanic Garden (1-10 years): Sensory garden for toddlers, glasshouses for older kids. Best for: All ages—paved paths mean strollers work here. Free entry (donations encouraged), with playgrounds and picnic areas.
4. Scottish Storytelling Centre (3-8 years): Live puppet shows, storytelling sessions. Best for: Toddlers (short, engaging shows). Free for under-5s, £5 for older kids (check schedule on their site).
5. Dynamic Earth (5-10 years): Interactive science museum about Earth’s history. Best for: 5+ years (min. 2 hours engagement). Stroller-accessible (all floors via elevator), but avoid weekends—crowded.

SKIP: The Royal Mile for strollers (cobbles) or the Scottish National Gallery (no kids’ section, slow for toddlers).

GETTING AROUND

Public transport: Free for under-5s on buses/trams (Edinburgh Trams policy). Strollers fit on buses (with staff assistance) but are awkward on trams (no dedicated space). Taxis: 95% of firms (Scottish Taxi Association, 2023) provide car seats—call ahead to request them. Walking: Only feasible with a carrier in the Old Town. For strollers, stick to Leith (paved, flat) or The Meadows. Don’t try: Walking to Holyrood from the city center with a stroller—2.5 miles on uneven paths.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Nearest pediatric hospital: Royal Hospital for Sick Children (344 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4UX). 10-minute drive from city center (NHS Scotland emergency guide). Pharmacies: Open 24/7—Boots (3 locations), Well Pharmacy (multiple), and Pharmacie de la Rive (Leith) stock

Plan Your Trip

🎫 Family Tickets — skip-the-line, kids often free
🎧 Family Audio Tours — kid-friendly self-guided walks
🎯 Family Activities on Klook
🏨 Family Hotels
🚕 Airport Transfer with Car Seats
🛡️ Family Travel Insurance
🚗 Rent a Car with Child Seat

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