18 Best Parks & Playgrounds in and around Edinburgh

Here's a list of free parks and playgrounds recommended by parents in Edinburgh and the Lothians. 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

Inverleith Park & The Royal Botanic Garden (The Botanics)

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

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, Trinity

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

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, Liberton

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

Riverside park
Large, enclosed playground
Attractive trees (mature redwoods, monkey puzzle and hollys)
Picnic areas
Parking available off Bridge Road

West Edinburgh

Saughton Park

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 (The Garden Bistro)
Picnic area
Toilets/ baby changing
Biggest skate board park in Scotland
Sheltered bandstand

St Margaret’s Park, Corstorphine

Small play area
Plenty of running space
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