Compact, walkable, and full of green pockets
Edinburgh is a city of two halves (the dramatic Old Town and the ordered New Town) but for families, it's really about the green spaces wedged between. The Botanics, Inverleith Park, the Meadows, Blackford Hill; you can walk to proper nature from most parts of the city. It's compact enough that you don't need a car for the daily routine, and the parent community in areas like Stockbridge and Morningside is well established.
Mornings at the Botanics, lunch in Stockbridge, nap on the walk home through Inverleith Park. That's a solid Tuesday sorted. When the weather packs in, the Museum of Childhood is free and right in the centre. The National Museum of Scotland has a good under-fives area. Edinburgh's children's centres run free drop-in groups, and there are loads of paid classes in everything from baby yoga to Gaelic singing. The Meadows in summer is where half the city's parents seem to end up.
Places Families Go in Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden
Free entry, beautiful grounds, and a surprisingly good play area. The glasshouses warm everyone up on cold days.
National Museum of Scotland
Free, with a dedicated section for young kids. The rooftop terrace has views across the city and enough space for toddlers to move.
Blackford Hill
Short, manageable climb with a view across to Arthur's Seat. The pond at the bottom has ducks and is flat enough for buggies.
Portobello Beach
Sandy beach within the city. The promenade is pushchair-friendly and there's usually an ice cream van. Proper seaside without leaving Edinburgh.
Areas We'll Cover in Edinburgh
Edinburgh can feel reserved at first, but the parent networks are genuinely welcoming once you plug in. There's a strong culture of outdoor play regardless of weather. You'll see toddler groups heading to the woods in January.
Finding Children's Activities in Edinburgh
Parents in Edinburgh search for things like baby groups in Edinburgh, toddler classes Edinburgh, children's activities Edinburgh, things to do with kids in Stockbridge. Sproggo is being built to answer all of those searches. Free toddler groups, paid baby classes, weekend family days out, weekday sessions for maternity leave. It all goes on Sproggo, tailored to what your family actually wants.