15+ Free Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids

Name: Monsters and Myths Trail
Start: 2026-10-03
End: 2026-11-01
Location: Dynamic Earth

Edinburgh has a great range of genuinely free things to do with kids — from parks and playgrounds to national museums with no entry charge at all.

15+ venuesFree entry available

Events & Groups this weekend

Fri 2 – Sun 4 Oct · Edinburgh

Sat 3 Oct

Curiosity Club

Ages 7–11

National Museum of Scotland

Until 31 Oct

Halloween Lantern-Led Tour at The Real Mary King's Close

Ages 5+

The Real Mary King's Close

Sat 3 Oct

Monsters and Myths Trail

Dynamic Earth

📅

More events being added soon

Halloween in Edinburgh & the Lothians 2026

Every family Halloween event in Edinburgh & the Lothians — trails, parties and pumpkin patches

City Parks(10)

Meadows Play Park

★4.7

A peaceful enclosed toddler sanctuary on the Meadows' north side, away from crowds, with a Community Garden and Little Free Library adjacent.

Free entryAges 3–12Outdoors

Good transportPushchair friendlyParking

Haugh Park

★4.6

A tranquil fenced playground near the River Almond with views of a neighbouring horse field, ideal as a starting point for Cramond Beach walks.

Free entryAges 5–8Outdoors

Good transportPushchair friendlyParking

Granton Gas Holder

★4.5

Explore a restored industrial heritage park featuring dedicated play zones, sports facilities, and public art installations including the iconic Granton Whale sculpture.

Free entryAges 3–12Outdoors

Pushchair friendly

Cramond Walled Garden Park

★4.6

A sheltered historic walled garden playground near Roman Fort remains, with separate areas for toddlers and teenagers including sports facilities.

Free entryAges 0–14Outdoors

Food on siteGood transportPushchair friendly

Pilrig Park

★4.6

The larger of two Pilrig Park play areas featuring a popular zip line, climbing net with slide, and wobble boards in a spacious 7-hectare park.

Free entryAges 0–14Outdoors

Good transportPushchair friendly

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Country Parks(2)

Cammo Estate

★4.7

Explore woodland trails, open grassland, and diverse wildlife at this scenic estate perfect for family walks and outdoor adventures.

Free entryAges 2–12Outdoors

Food on siteBaby changePushchair friendlyParking

Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve

★4.8

A 150-acre local nature reserve with wooded glen walks, Blackford Hill viewpoints, and rich birdlife in south Edinburgh.

Free entryAges 4–14Outdoors

Food on siteGood transportPushchair friendlyParking

Museums(2)

National Museum of Scotland

★4.8

Discover thousands of amazing objects across multiple galleries exploring Scotland's history, world cultures, science, and nature. Free admission daily.

Free entryAges 3–12Indoors

Food on siteGood transportBaby changePushchair friendly

Museum on the Mound

★4.5

Explore the fascinating world of money through art, design, technology, and crime in free family-friendly exhibitions.

Free entryAges 5–12Indoors

Good transportBaby change

Art Gallery(1)

Fruitmarket

★4.5

A free contemporary art gallery in central Edinburgh showcasing international and Scottish artists.

Free entryAges 8–17Indoors

Food on siteGood transport

Botanical Garden(1)

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

★4.7

World-renowned botanic garden in Edinburgh with glasshouses and family activities.

Free entryAges 2–12In & Out

Food on siteGood transportBaby changePushchair friendly

Heritage Site(1)

St Giles' Cathedral

★4.6

Edinburgh's historic High Kirk dating from 1124 with magnificent architecture in the heart of the Royal Mile.

Free entryAges 6–14Indoors

Food on siteGood transport

Historic House(1)

Lauriston Castle

★4.6

Explore a 16th century tower house with Victorian extensions set among beautiful gardens overlooking the Firth of Forth, featuring guided tours and family events.

Free entryAges 5–12In & Out

Food on siteBaby changePushchair friendlyParking