Easter Sunday in Edinburgh with 8 year old son... Things to do?

dprovan

Hi all,

my eight year old son and I are having a 'boys' trip to Edinburgh next weekend. We are flying in from Belfast on the early flight on easter sunday arriving in edinburgh at approx 8am and we are coming home at approx 7-8pm on easter monday so we have all day sunday and monday to do boys stuff together...

We will definately do the castle and might do the zoo and he wants to go to the cinema at some stage... Just wondering if people had any other ideas, I have heard there is a great puzzle world place up by the castle also...

Are there any special events planned for easter sunday, or any other suggestions for an 8 year old and his dad.


many thanks

Realbairn

Really depends what you like doing. Loads to do, places to go such as Butterfly and insect world where the kids can handle creepy crawlies, dynamic earth, childhood museum (which more suited to you + your childhood toy memories). Also things like ghost walks etc but he may be a bit young for some of them. Best to check the internet to get a better idea of what on. Hope you both enjoy your trip.

Kinski

If he likes ships you could take him to Ocean Terminal where the Brittania is, there's also a cinema and places to eat http://www.oceanterminal.com/home.asp

Decluttering

The Museum of Childhood is fairly central, I've been in a couple of times to kill half an hour or so. When I last went however there was a school group who seemed more interested in running around than looking at the displays, so it may not hold his attention.

Is he too old to enjoy soft play? There's an area called Fountain Park which has a cinema, a bowling alley and a soft play area called Monkey Business. Never been in it myself but it looks alright. Also eating places etc, a short taxi ride away from Haymarket. Might be busy during the holidays though.

The Edinburgh International Science festival will also be on, I went once when I was a kid and thought it was fantastic! Certain activities have to be booked in advance but I think there was a fair amount that could just be walked in on too.

podperson

Would second the Science Festival, went with my little cousin last year, he's 7 and loved it. Loads of interactive things for kids, not seen the full programme this year but think they have things like building robots, jungle themes and lots of things involving ick and goo, which most boys that age are into You might have to book for some of the workshops so could be worth having a look on their website.
There's usually special events on at the castle over Easter so should be good fun but be aware that it will probably be very busy. Scottish Storytelling Centre I think has a few Easter things on as well and have been running a puppet season. Is right on the Royal Mile so can be nice to have a bit of a sit down after running around.
Museum of Childhood is ok but tends to be more interesting to adults then the children - I loved it but the kids there looked a bit bored. National Museum has quite a good interactive area for kids.

beecher2

Have a look here for Easter Egg hunts
http://www.informededinburgh.co.uk/whats-on/easter-egg-hunts-edinburgh-2011/
There seems to be a lot going on at the castle on Sunday too
http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/index/events/easter.htm
The Omni centre is good for the cinema and something to eat too.
Any extra time could be filled with stuff from the Science Festival which is great
http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/whats-on/city-art-centre-day-pass

stormbreaker

When I saw this thread I too thought of the science festival but it finishes on the 22nd! The op does not arrive in Edinburgh until the 24th.

dprovan

hi guys

thanks so much for all the feeback i will look at the links..... What about eating does anyone know of anywhere with discounts etc

headoutthesand

Try http://www.5pm.co.uk/ for discounts for eating.

I'd recommend dynamic earth which is at the bottom of the Mile and next to the parliament and Palace.

If you go on the open top bus you'll get a discount voucher in your ticket for the castle. I think there are a few discount vouchers in it but don't remember what they are all for. The bus also lets you jump on and off at different points of the city. You can get on at Princes st, off at the castle, back on it and off at the science centre.

I was at the dungeons last week but I think it might be a bit scary for your wee one. The zoo is really expensive though. Check prices etc online for discounts

Hope you have a great visit. I love Edinburgh

beecher2

dprovan wrote: »

hi guys

thanks so much for all the feeback i will look at the links..... What about eating does anyone know of anywhere with discounts etc

If you go to the cinema at Omni, you'll find load of restaurants, some of which have money off coupons you can print off from this forum. Last time I was there you could use your cinema ticket to get a discount at the Pizza Hut there.

cazziebo

Dynamic Earth was a favourite for my kids when they were younger. They also loved the Camera Obscura at the top of the Royal Mile ( I didn't even know it was there - it's a well kept secret!)

My kids didn't like the Museum of Childhood at all. The zoo is good, bit expensive for entry but reasonably priced restaurant.

Weather is supposed to be good - enjoy!