Here's a list of free parks and playgrounds recommended by parents. Grouped by location, we have listed the attributes of each one so you can make the most of your visit.
These playgrounds are all, understandably, popular. If you can, it’s worth turning up at quiet times (e.g., at midday during the week) to ensure your preschooler can spread their wings!
Central Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens Playground
EH2 3AA
Highlights:
Large Playground set in Princes Street Gardens (good for picnics), views of the castle in the background
Castle themed multi-play unit with three different height slides
Lots of climbing equipment for young older children
Mini roundabout
Activity boards
Public toilets by the Ross Bandstand
The Fountain Cafe, in the gardens or many more on Princes Street
Easy to reach on public transport
Inverleith Park & Playground, Opposite The Royal Botanic Garden (The Botanics)
EH3 5PA
Highlights:
Large playground and extensive green space in Inverleith Park
Table tennis, tennis, extensive playing fields and exercise equipment (IP)
Duck pond (IP)
Coffee shops galore and toilets in Stockbridge and at the Botanics
Stockbridge library has a good range of children’s books & good facilities for baby changing
Lovely views of city skyline from the Botanics and IP
Plenty of benches/tables for relaxing/eating in IP
No dogs allowed in the Botanics so a toddler can roam easily
King George V Park & Playground
EH3 5EN
Highlights:
Cosy, so for playing, not walks!
Two play areas - one excellent for toddlers
Basketball court, table tennis
Connects to cycle path
Usually quiet
Short walk to Tesco and excellent coffee shops (Cuckoo’s Bakery, Brioche, The Bearded Baker etc.)
North Edinburgh
Victoria Park & Playground, Trinity
EH6 4NG
Highlights:
Varied, creative and attractive main play area
Separate (quiet/small) play area with equipment appropriate for under 2s
Views over to Arthur’s Seat and plenty of shady areas
JAC’s Coffee Van (most days weather permitting) & Sainsbury’s Local nearby
Plenty of picnic benches
Tennis, basketball and football areas
Connects to leafy cycle paths
Free on-street parking. Number 7, 11, 14, 21 bus
Leith Links & Playground
EH6 8HR
Highlights:
Two play areas; one designed for toddlers and juniors
Large climbing net for juniors and teenagers
Big open green space
Good toddler zone, sand play area with slide, pirate ship,
Range of climbing frames/swings, flying fox, dish type roundabout.
Natural play area with stilt walk & log stack
Proximity to good cafes (The Hideout, Twelve Triangles etc.)
Parkour, tennis courts
Wheelchair friendly activities
Park benches and tables
South Edinburgh
Seven Acre Park & Playground, Liberton
EH16 6TN
Highlights:
Enclosed playground
Green space
Horses to look at
Plenty of benches
Woodland walks with wood carvings
Table tennis, small football pitch
Views over city to Arthur’s seat
Spylaw Park & Playground, Colinton
EH13 0JU
Highlights:
Riverside park
Large, enclosed playground
Attractive trees (mature redwoods, monkey puzzle and hollys)
Picnic areas
Parking available off Bridge Road
West Edinburgh
Saughton Park Playground & Gardens
EH11 3BQ
Highlights:
Big, colourful & creative play area with large sand pit
Zip wire and plenty of games
Playing fields/green space
Stunning formal gardens to explore
Popular cafe with indoor and outdoor seating
Picnic area
Toilets/ baby changing
Biggest skate board park in Scotland
Sheltered bandstand & Glass Houses
St Margaret’s Park & Playground, Corstorphine
EH12 7SZ
Highlights:
Small play area
Plenty of running space
Picnic tables
Stunning views over the Pentland Hills
Plenty of coffee places on the high street (The Village Cafe, Cafe Vigo, Mimi’s) + The Dower House Café in the park.
Tennis
Cramond Walled Garden & Playground
EH4 6NZ
Highlights
Community play space for toddlers and juniors
Set in the beautiful walled garden by a Roman fort
Play ship, multiplay unit for older children, large rotating net
Goal/basketball unit
Playpark by Horses (Cramond Bridge/Haugh Park)
EH4 6DP
Highlights
Shetland ponies in neighbouring field
Car park
Nice walk through woods to river
We found another great blog that also reviewed playgrounds in Edinburgh www.thebearandthefox.com . This blog is packed with photos and details about lots more playgrounds in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians here.
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