Family Walking Tour of Edinburgh & Museum Visit

Walking Tour

2 hrs

Edinburgh

Edinburgh teems with stories of kings and queens, castles and bards just waiting to be discovered. On this 2-hour Edinburgh Old Town Tour for Kids, we'll travel through time from a 400-year-old school for orphans, to an imposing castle, to mysterious Victorian rooftops.

Tour Itinerary

We'll begin in the National Museum of Scotland, where we'll discuss the origins of Scotland and its people. Specifically, we'll learn about the mysterious Picts, taking a look at the fascinating stones with intricate carvings they've left behind, and examining some artifacts left behind to try to figure out what Norse people were doing in Scotland at the time. We'll also take a look at the Lewis chessmen, beautifully carved 12th-century chess pieces, to help us learn about games and daily life in Scotland almost 1,000 years ago.

From here, we'll venture out into Old Town to examine up close what it would've been like to live here. We'll encounter secret passages and medieval alleys, and uncover traces of Scotland's history and traditions in every small detail. Taking in Victoria Street and the Grass Market, we'll learn about water, markets, and daily life in the city—like how, at one point, ale was actually safer to drink than water! You'll discover the history of bagpipes, learn about ancient bards, and discover how Scotland eventually became part of the United Kingdom.

Take Aways

By the end of the tour, we will have discovered numerous fascinating characters and stories throughout Scotland's colorful history. Children and adults will come away with a better understanding of Scottish history and the role of Edinburgh in history and today.

FAQ

Where do we meet? After your order is placed and confirmed, we will send you a full confirmation with meeting point details and all the information you need to know.
Do we go inside the venues or just see them from the outside? We will go inside the National Museum of Scotland and possibly some other buildings, depending on the weather and the day.
Will you pre-purchase tickets? Tickets are not necessary as the Museum is free
What if it’s raining? Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids? Yes! This tour was specifically designed for families with kids. Feel free to provide us with information such as their favorite school subjects and hobbies. This will help us match you with the best possible expert.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Edinburgh Castle
Greyfriars Tolbooth and Highland Kirk
Writers' Museum
National Museum of Scotland

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Edinburgh Tour for Kids with the Museum of Scotland general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

15 Reviews

Tour was awesome

Dustin Dec 29, 2025

Great tour that was very kid friendly!

Heather Jul 21, 2025

Jenny was such fun and so knowledgeable! Enjoyed by young and not so young in our family. Highly recommend her!

Bonnie Mar 20, 2025

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

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