9 family days out and activities in and around Edinburgh

If you need to keep young ones entertained while in Edinburghl, try one of these fun days out in the capital.

There's plenty of activities for children in and around the capital

Gorgie City Farm

For over 30 years Gorgie City Farm has been a much loved part of the local community for adults and children alike. Entry is free - although donations are always welcome - and the young ones can meet a variety of animals including pygmy goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits and even tortoises and snakes.

They can also find out more about farming and gardening, plus you can get involved in community projects or volunteer on the farm.

Visit: 51 Gorgie Road, EH11 2LA - gorgiecityfarm.org.ukEast Links Family Park

Especially good for younger children is the East Links Family Park, outside Dunbar.

They can feed the animals around the park with special feed available onsite and take a ride on the train through the larger animals enclosures. Alternatively they can get stuck into the park's colossal play fortress.

Visit: Dunbar, EH42 1XF - eastlinks.co.ukScottish Seabird Centre

With stunning views of Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth, North Berwick’s Scottish Seabird Centre has a variety of fun and interactive activities for families to get stuck into, including; boat trips, live webcams and a 3D film experience.

Kids can also get up close and personal with species that call the sea their home.

Visit. 7 Beach Road, North Berwick, EH39 4SS - seabird.orgNational Museum of Flight

Part of the extensive National Museums of Scotland is the site dedicated to aircraft at East Fortune Airfield. The open-air museum is a great place to let your child's imagination run wild.

Visit: East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick, EH39 5LF - nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-flightBeecraigs Country Park

Sprawling over 900 acres of countryside outside Linlithgow, Beecraigs Country Park is a haven for children who love the great outdoors.

As well as the obligatory play area for kids, there’s a lake for fishing, mountain bike trails for cycling, an orienteering course, and miles of woodland trail to explore.

Visit: Linlithgow, EH49 6PL - westlothian.gov.uk/beecraigsLauriston Castle Grounds

There are plenty of distractions for toddlers and adults alike at this hidden gem.

The views of the Firth of Forth, Cramond Island and Fife coastline are stunning, and there are beautiful gardens designed by William Henry Playfair.

There is also an award-winning tranquil Japanese garden to the right of the castle - a perfect place to relax, while the kids run riot.

Visit: 2 Cramond Road South, EH4 6AD - edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/lauriston-castleDynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth takes you on the journey of Planet Earth from the big bang to the formation of volcanoes. With a 4D cinema experience, earthquake recreation and icy polar experience, children won’t even realise they're learning.

The attraction's spectacular ShowDome, Scotland’s only 360 degree cinema, takes film to a new, immersive and thrilling level.

Visit: 112 Holyrood Road, EH8 8AS - dynamicearth.co.ukDeep Sea World

Located across the River Forth lies Deep Sea World – Scotland’s National Aquarium.

Here you and your children can observe playful seals at feeding time, get up close and personal with fascinating sea critters and come face to face with Sand Tiger Sharks.

Visit: Forthside Terrace, North Queensferry, KY11 1JR - deepseaworld.comEdinburgh Zoo

Home to the only two Giant Pandas in the whole of the UK, Scotland’s famous nature destination boasts a stunning array of all creatures great and small – with many of the world’s most wondrous creatures strutting their stuff at the action-packed 82-acre site.

For animal loving kids in the Edinburgh area, this is an absolute must.

Visit: 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS - edinburghzoo.org.uk