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Hey Reader,

Some of our best days in Edinburgh have been the ones where we didn’t spend a thing.

No big-ticket attractions. No queues. Just a few good spots, snacks on hand, and enough room to run or rest depending on the day.

Here are three of my go-to free family-friendly places in the city — all tested with toddlers, older kids, and the occasional hangry meltdown:

1. National Museum of Scotland​
Perfect for rainy days or long mornings. It’s hands-on, totally free, and has a rooftop view that’s worth the lift ride.

• Fully pram-friendly
• Baby changing on every floor
• Coffee for the grown-ups
• Dino skeletons + race cars for the kids

Even if you don’t love museums, this one’s a win.

2. Dunbar’s Close Garden​
Right off the Royal Mile but completely hidden. Think shady benches, 17th-century garden paths, and space to breathe.

I’ve used it for snack breaks, reset moments, or just five quiet minutes between the Castle and Holyrood.

3. Portobello Beach​
Rain or shine, this one works. You’ve got a wide promenade for scooters and prams, rock pools, and arcade games for downtime.

And if you stay long enough, fish and chips on the sand pretty much seals the deal.

There are 16 more spots like this, from sculpture gardens to colourful tunnels — all with kid-friendly tips like where to find toilets, when to go, and what to pack.

👉 Read the full list here: 19 Free Things To Do in Edinburgh for Families

And if you’ve already been to Edinburgh — or live nearby — I’d love to know your go-to freebie. Hit reply and tell me what I should add to the list.

Warmly,
Fiona

P.S. The post also has a free printable Family Travel Checklist if you want a bit of prep help.

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✈️ My Favourite Edinburgh Travel Tools

• My go-to site for finding family-friendly hotels and flats
• Where I book walking tours, ghost tours, and day trips
• The best hop-on-hop-off bus for tired little legs
• Where I find unique food experiences hosted by locals
• My go-to app for UK trains (including day trips!)
• How I stay connected abroad without roaming fees
• Where I compare car hire for day trips
• The best hostel finder for central private rooms
• The no-stress guide I recommend for planning your perfect Edinburgh family trip
• The personalised itinerary planner that builds your entire trip in seconds
• My itinerary review service for families who want feedback from an Edinburgh expert
• My full trip planning service (I build your custom itinerary from scratch!)