WITH KIDS
Deep Sea World
— Why Go: As well as being up front and personal with some fierce sharks you can also choose a number of courses N is a wonderful attractions that also runs courses such as 'Diving nights' and 'Awareness' of the ocean and the animals within. Who
Where & How: Not far from Edinburgh, allow 20 minutes
www.deepseaworld.com
Forthside Ter, North Queensferry, KY11 1JR t: 44 1383 411880
Royal Botanic Garden
— If you want to be really organised you can organise a tour with an experienced guide to better understand the garden. There's usually a special event held most Sunday. There are four in Edinburgh so check the site for which one suits, Benmore, Dawyck, Logan and Rhododendron.
www.rbge.org.uk
National Museum of Scotland
— My two children loved this museum. There are lots of interactive activities, taxidermy of extinct animals and always an exhibition or event on. See their site for full details. Great on a rainy day. There's a cafe for lunch.
www.nms.ac.uk
Chambers Street, Edinburgh
Eica:Ratho – Let the Kids drive you up the wall
— This is a serious adult climbing centre but they do have special Kid's activities to keep them occupied if you fancy a climb.
www.eica-ratho.com
International Climbing Arena, Ratho, South Platt Hill t: 0131 333 6333
Dynamic Earth
— You can easily spend a full day here exploring all the different educational and interactive facilities. It is will organized and plenty of fun stuff. There are a few outside activities but will suit a cooler weather activities or, of course when it rains!
Open Daily 10am to 5pm Entry: A: £9.50 C: £5.95 under 3 free
www.dynamicearth.co.uk
112 Holyrood Road??EH8 8AS
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World
— Handle fish, snakes, butterfly and a few other creepy crawlies.
Open all year, 7 days Summer 9.30am to 5.30pm Winter 10am to 5pm
A: £5.95 Children £3.95 under 3 free
www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk
Melville Nurseries, Dobbies Garden World
The Cadies & Witchery Tours
— I would recommend these tours for the under 8s as might create a few nightmares. This one is probably more ‘tame’ than some of the late night ones.
www.witcherytours.com
Camera Obscura
— Right next to the castle is this ‘house of illusions’. Kids will love all the interactive activties. There are several different galleries to explore from magic to electricity and the ‘smoke and mirrors’ room.
www.camera-obscura.co.uk
549 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 t: 44 131 226 3709