Dry Days
Victoria Park & King George V Park
These are two of North Edinburgh’s most scenic parks. If you’ve got time for both, enjoy a leafy half-hour stroll along the cycle path that links them. It’s the ideal opportunity to encourage a nap!
Victoria Park has a recently revamped designated toddler area. There are swings, a climbing frame, see-saw and spring boards. It’s a super safe, enclosed space with benches, so you can relax if your wee one is a bit older. More adventurous toddlers will also love the bigger play park. But this is best enjoyed when older kids are in school. There are steps to climb, a wobbly bridge and a variety of slides, including a popular moving one! You’ll find lots of picnic benches, grassy and shady areas. For fantastic take-out coffee, head to La Cime on Newhaven Road. Otherwise, you could also follow the cycle path to Milk, the café at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, which has plenty of indoor buggy space.
King George V Park has an attractive small playground and is conveniently close to amenities such as Tesco, Cuckoos Café (very child-friendly) and Stockbridge Library. The climbing frame is perfect for toddlers who have just learnt to walk. You’ll also find a a mini roundabout, swings, spring board and a separate climbing frame for preschoolers.
Royal Botanic Garden
A stunning, spacious oasis for toddlers to roam. NB: Dogs and bikes, scooters etc. aren’t allowed inside the Botanics. There’s a duck pond and plenty of tree stumps and grassy mounds to climb. You’ll also find three cafés and separate facilities dotted throughout the grounds. So you’re rarely far from a baby changing area. For the nearest playground, head across to Inverleith Park via the West Gate.
Starbank Park
This is a stunning volunteer-run walled garden overlooking the Firth of Forth. Accompanied toddlers who love to climb will enjoy the sloping banks and steps in the bottom half of the garden. But the ‘hidden’ top half of the garden is the main toddler haven with its garden trails, tree stumps and open grassy spaces. There are usually plenty of mini wheelbarrows and watering cans, so your child can muck in. You’ll also find a wooden toy cupboard, a children’s bench and a designated children’s library. The top half of the garden is perfect for toddlers on wheels. So do bring a trike or scooter. For coffee, head to Mr Eion Coffee Roaster on East Trinity Rd.
Saughton Park & Gardens
Edinburgh’s largest and most inclusive playground is conveniently located beside stunning walled gardens. For toddlers, there’s a designated Toddler Zone with a long play train, a climbing area and tunnel and a sand play zone. There are also several trampolines, incl. a wheelchair accessible one. Plus lots of swings and a hammock, see-saw, spring boards, a wheelchair accessible roundabout and more.
You’ll find a winter garden, rose garden and physic garden just next door. There’s also a spacious glass house. Plus the spacious Garden Bistro which has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. If out for the day, there’s also the option for a scenic stroll along the nearby Water of Leith.
Portobello Beach
Portobello makes for a very easy day out with a toddler. Head along the promenade with a bucket and space. When you need a break from sandcastles, there are two small playgrounds overlooking the sea. Towerbank Park is especially good for toddlers. There’s a balancing beam, swings and two separate climbing frames. But you’ll also find sand, swings and more at Straiton Place Playground. There are plenty of good local cafés with changing facilities incl. Tanifiki, The Beach House and Tills Bookshop and Café. Here you’ll find a good selection of children’s books and toys for your toddler.
Wet Days
National Museum of Scotland
This is the most spacious indoor space for toddlers to explore. The lifts, escalators and stairs are always popular with little ones. There are two designated children’s zones: Imagine Gallery (on Level 1) has mirrors, shape sorting, building and pattern making and dressing-up opportunities, a big comfy story corner and lots of musical instruments. The Adventure Planet Gallery (Level 5) is also packed with sensory opportunities. Children can crawl inside a giant oak tree or submarine, chase fish, or encounter a dinosaur! For fresh air and great views, head up to the safe open air roof terrace.
MakeBelieve - The Baby Play Place
Arguably Edinburgh’s most stylish soft play. It’s set on three floors in the West End. There’s fantastic Pikler play equipment for climbers and lots of role-play opportunities such as play houses and a tool bench. Downstairs, you’ll find Imagination Playground’s Big Blue Blocks offering endless scope for creative construction. There’s also a ball pit and a tent, so you and your little one can cosy up with a book. Staff are fantastic and coffee and snacks are available on entry. NB: You need to buy food here.
Clambers Soft Play
Edinburgh’s most centrally located Soft Play has three separate play areas, including one designated for toddlers. Updated in 2022, it’s a secure, enclosed area, which means you can easily supervise your child. The soft play is aquatic-themed with plenty of the latest equipment. There are three levels of climbing apparatus, slides, an upper story football pitch, and much more! Head to Café Refresh next door for coffee and snacks.
Central Children’s Library
Edinburgh’s modern Children’s Library boasts two spacious reading rooms. Head to the back room for the picture books, which your child can access independently. There’s a comfy treehouse themed reading corner and sofas. You’ll also find a well equipped art room, perfect for rainy days. NB: Visitors are welcome to use the library too.
Turtledove Play Café
Friendly and popular, this play café is spacious and bright. At the back there’s a good multi-level soft play with a ball bit, tunnels and slides. In the main room, you’ll find a mini kitchen, dolls, prams, trains, cars etc. Plus a reading corner. On our visit, I was impressed how staff interacted with the children. The sea-themed baby room in the middle also has a ball pit, sensory area and baby soft play.
NB: The café has a good children’s menu with healthy options. Food should be bought here.
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