|
Edinburgh is a great place for children of all ages. If you are looking for a fun day out or something to do with the children during your visit to Edinburgh then this guide has some ideas of child friendly places from free attractions to paid attractions. This is of course on a sample of the numerous things that you could do or see with children. There are of course several pools around Edinburgh including Leith Water World. Galleries and musuems are free of charge for children. During Christmas the city becomes a magical and fantastic place for children.
Edinburgh Zoo
This is of course a very popular attraction for families throughout the year. The Zoo is located on Corstorphine road and is easily accessable from the center of town with various buses stopping right outside the gates. It is also easy to reach by car although there is an added £3 for parking at the zoo.
Edinburgh Zoo is home to all of children's favourite animals and there are over 1,000 animals at the zoo for the children to explore and discover. Throughout the day you may also see the World famous Penguin parade or take a hill top safari ride and these attractions help to make your day just that little bit more exciting. The zoo is open everyday throughout the year including Christmas day but closing times vary depending on the time of year.
 Children under 3 FREE
Children (3 -15) £9
Adults £14
The zoo also has family and group tickets available and with the new book online system it is easier than ever to get your tickets.
Dynamic earth
Located near Holyrood Palace at the end of the Royal Mile and sitting next to the Crags not only is this attraction in a pefect location but it is also an interesting building.
Inside this wonderfully looking building children and adults will learn more about the worlds natural extremes from the Big Bang to tropical rainforest and icebergs where you can leave a handprint if you are brave enough to stand the cold temperatures. The past, present and future are brought to life fantastically with 3D cinemas, audio exhibitions and things for children to see and touch. Dynamic earth has a shop full of fun and educational gifts and a cafe for relaxing after all your hard exploring.
Portabello beach
For those warm summer days when the sun is out Portabello beach is a lovely place for building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and collecting shells. There is also the temptation on ice creams and the lure of the Portabello amusment arcade. If the weather is not to nice Portabello beach is still a nice place to escape the city and stroll along the beach. In the olden days Portabello used to be where the city of Edinburgh would retreat to to escape the huslte and bustle of city life.
The beach can be reached by several Lothian buses straight from the city center.
Gorgie City Farm
In the suburbs of Edinburgh you can find this little farm full of farm animals which the children can meet close up. Entarance to the farm is free and the farm is open from 9:30-4:30pm. There is also an organic vegetable garden and a cafe. It can be reached by buses from Princes Street and Haymarket.
Edinburgh Dungeons
This is not an attraction for young children or people who are easliy scared. Located near Waverly station this underground attractions explores Edinburghs grim and frightening past. The scary guides take you through Edinburghs history stopping at different places on the way including the anatomy theatre, huanted labyrinth and the judgement of sinners. Throughout the tour aduince participation is expected and there are also two short rides including, new for 2009 Extremis: drop ride to doom. The Edinburgh Dungeons are open daily except Christmas day.
Deep Sea World
Located on the north side of the Forth and in between the Forth Road bridge and the rail bridge this is a great location to explore the deep sea. This is a great location for rainy days as it is all located in doors. There are a series of small shallow water pools where children can touch different sea creatures. There is also a moving walkway where you can see fish, sharks and sting rays swimming beside and above you. Throughout the day there are shark feeding times and this would certainly be a higlight to your visit as you watch the divers swim among the fish to feed the sharks. When you have finsihed exploring you will find a large gift shop and cafe.
|
