Here’s what we’d do just now. Let us know if you find hidden gems!:
1. FATOWL classes
6 months to 4/5 years
Various times
Drop-in/One-off sessions fine
Classes you can attend as a one-off, or in 5-week blocks: Toddler Yoga, Family Grooves (creative dance and toddler yoga) and a Family Messy Play class. Stay for a cup of tea/biscuit and chat with other parents at the end.
For more info: Fatowl.co.uk
2. Babies and Toddlers Play Sessions at Ps & Gs
Babies, toddlers & preschoolers
10am & 2pm on Thursdays (term time only) for 1.5 hours
Small donation by card (ideally) on entry
At St Paul’s & St George’s Church near John Lewis. Huge space. Lots of play areas. Prams, cars, tractors etc. to ride. Role play areas, playdough, colouring. Plus a baby area with friendly staff for good chat. Coffee, tea and snack zone. Nursery rhyme singing session at the end. No prebooking or prepayment required. Stay as long as you like. Mornings less quiet. Do register beforehand online to make check-in easy.
For more info: psandgs.org.uk
NB: Register first online
3. Bounce Sessions at Ps and Gs
3-7 year olds
Saturdays 10.30am & 12.30pm ( check which Saturdays online)
Limited capacity. Book in advance online (up to 2 weeks before)
A fun session with crafts, storytelling, magic shows, science shows and more.
For more info: psandgs.org.uk
4. National Museum of Scotland
Age 0+
10am-5pm
Free (Donations welcome)
Imagine gallery (Level 1) has many play options. Plus mirrors, a big comfy story corner and musical instruments. You’ll find many wild animals (elephants, crocodiles etc.) on this floor! Older kids head to Explore gallery (level 1) and Adventure Planet (Level 5). Cafés with food for kids. Lots of changing facilities.
If the kids want out, head to Meadows Toddler Play Area. There’s good ice cream at Alandas Gelato on the way. Argyle Place (chic eatery just off the Meadows) has luxurious baby changing and incredible brunch, lunch and sweet treats. (Takeaway fine!) You’ll find a fab range of cheap children’s picture books (in many languages) at Amnesty International Bookshop next door (12 Roseneath Street.) Plus a sofa for zzzzz time.
For more info: www.nms.ac.uk
5. Edinburgh Zoo
Age: 2+
10am-6pm
Under 3s free! Under 16: £15.70 Adults: £24.75 (online)
82 acres with c. 1,000 rare and endangered animals, including chimpanzees, sun bears, rhinos, koalas and pandas. Play areas and eateries, so you can make a day of it!
For more info: edinburghzoo.org.uk
6. Dance N Play Class at Dancebase
Drop-in & one-off fab
18 months to 5 years
A beautiful modern, light and airy venue in Grassmarket (Edinburgh Old Town). Staff are super friendly. Great for bad weather. Good changing facilities, a lift up, and plenty of space to park your buggy. There is also Wifi, and a snacking space/ child-friendly waiting area with tables/chairs & an interactive wall area if you are early. Can be quiet. So fab for little ones who get overwhelmed easily. I took my baby here when she was small. Drop-ins fine. So why not book a session online and give it a go?
More Information: dancebase.co.uk
7. Bookbug
Free - 0-5yrs, mostly drop-in
At 26 Libraries across Edinburgh
Lasts around 30 minutes with songs, rhymes and a story
Everyone is welcome to Bookbug Sessions. A great way to meet other families in your local area. Sessions will develop your child's social skills and support their speech and language development. A few Libraries also have Spanish, Gaelic, and Polish sessions. Check the link for nearest locations, times. And to find out if booking is required.
More Information: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries/libraries-fives/2
8. Starbank Park
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers
Always open
No shelter!
Best on sunny or mild days. (Otherwise, gear up!) A stunning walled garden at the top of the slope (see above). Sea views. Gardening tools for toddlers. Or how about a snail hunt? There are also books, vehicles to ride, mini wheelbarrows, imaginative trails etc. Plus a toddler table and chairs if you want to take art stuff. If it rains, there is Mr Eion Coffee shop on East Trinity Road (check opening hours). Or head to Newhaven Church café (see online opening hours) for changing facilities. You could make a (sunny!) day of it and head to Victoria Park (15 mins walk) for climb time and swings. (Mini Sainsbury’s is en route!)
9. Soft Play (Indoors!)
Multiple options
NB: Super affordable if your child is an early mover!
Why not head to seaside Portobello for the day? Lovely long sandy beach. And if it rains, try Tumbles Gymnastics and Soft Play Centre (by the beach). Best for toddlers, preschoolers. (And older kids.) But there’s a small baby area too. Portobello Library also handy for toys and children’s books. Or to escape the elements. There are baby changing facilities. Lots of café options too. We like The Beach House for brunch, lunch and cake. (Outdoor play area next door.) And good baby changing. Or Tanifiki (coffee shop) near The Portobello Bookshop (kids reading area here too).
Other more central options:
Clambers Soft Play (run by Edinburgh Leisure) at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Ocean Play in Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre (Leith) with The Wee Hub (Floors 1 & 2) for free play next door.
Wonderworld Soft Play (Leith Walk - also on the Tram route to Leith). Walk to Leith Links Play Areas if the sun shines! Fab baby changing, outdoor tables and (usually!) bananas at Hingabootery Café, 4a John’s Place.
10. Toy Libraries
Alternative to buying for a short stay
Meet other parents
See what toys your child enjoys
A great place for babies and toddlers to play and make new friends. Parents or carers can have coffee and chat while children play.
Gorgie/Dalry Toy Library - Open every Monday during school terms 10 am to 11.30 am.
The Kings Hall Toy Library - Play Sessions run fortnightly on Wednesday mornings during term time from 09.30 to 11.30am term time.