Edinburgh is bursting at the seams when it comes to things to do, especially in the summer.
From Edinburgh's Festival Fringe to long adventurous walks, Scotland's capital city has a lot to offer and not everything has to come at a cost.
One of Edinburgh's charms is that there are a lot of fun free activities to keep the whole family entertained. With that in mind we've put together a list you can keep handy for those days where you need to save a little extra cash.
Edinburgh Live have already reported on fun things to do with kids in Edinburgh, and what's on for kids at the Festival 2021, but if you want to watch the pennies, we have some more ideas for you.
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens stretch back 350 years and are a gem at the heart of Edinburgh. With 70 acres of ground, kids can run around while the grown ups can enjoy the tranquil gardens and exotic plants from all around the world.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.
LOVE Gorgie Farm
For the little ones who love animals, LOVE Gorgie Farm is the urban farm that welcomes families to come and meet the farm animals including chickens, ducks, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. They can even learn about the hands-on farming.
They also provide birthday events, school trips and farm tours.
Climb Arthur's Seat
If the Scottish weather is on our side, a hike up Edinburgh's ancient volcano will keep you busy for two to three hours, depending on stops and how little the legs are.
Once you reach the summit, you can gaze over the whole of Edinburgh.
Some even take to running up, so if the kids want a race... that's something for you to decide.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street offers a range of galleries including four impressive levels of exhibits dedicated to Science and technology, a Scottish history gallery and in the Natural World section, you can get up close to a dinosaur skeleton and the kids will no doubt love to have their photo taken next to the lions.
Admission is free but customers should book to a slot.
Museum of Childhood
With an interactive puppet theatre and dress up area, this is a spot for the whole family as adults can reminisce about old toys and the kids can see what came before the Xbox and iPads.
Walk up the Royal Mile
During the month of August street performers flood the cobbles. Just walking up the high street you will catch tasters of shows, and actors will most likely stop you in the street to offer you a flyer. But they never fall out of character and offer great entertainment on your trip up the mile.
Harry Potter free walking tour
For the Potterheads out there, they will probably know pages of the famous Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh and this free walking tour shows you the exact spots along with the grave of He Who Must Not Be Named and the real Diagon Alley.
Portobello Beach
Just 20 minutes from Princes Street, you can feel like you're out of the city and enjoy a stroll or a swim in Portobello.
The sandy beach lies at the bottom of a row of Georgian and Victorian houses and there are plenty of cafes and ice cream shops in case you get peckish.
