Edinburgh on a Budget with a Baby – 8 Tips for Travelling Families
Edinburgh is a fantastic city to explore with a baby or toddler, but travelling with little ones can sometimes feel overwhelming – especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Between snacks, pram-friendly routes and keeping your wee one entertained, it can be a lot to juggle.
In this blog post, we share 8 practical tips for enjoying Edinburgh without breaking the bank. These are based on our own experiences exploring the city with our toddler and are packed with extra detail to make your trip as smooth as possible!
If you’d like some help planning your visit, I also offer a personalised itinerary service with affordable, family-friendly recommendations. Check it out now!
1. Visit Free Museums
One of the best ways to enjoy Edinburgh on a budget is to take advantage of its free museums – and the National Museum of Scotland is a particular favourite for families.
Located on Chambers Street in the Old Town, it’s within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket. It’s also well-connected by bus – many services that go through the city centre stop nearby. If you’re driving, be aware that parking in the Old Town is limited and expensive, so public transport is usually easier.
The National Museum of Scotland offers plenty to see for all ages, including its popular animal exhibits.
Why Families Love It
Pram-friendly: There are lifts to all levels, wide galleries and even a Buggy Park on Level 1 if you prefer to leave the pram at the entrance.
Baby facilities: Baby-changing rooms are available on multiple floors and there’s plenty of space to feed or sit down if needed.
Engaging exhibits: Toddlers love the Natural World galleries and the hands-on science area.
Pro Tips
Timing: Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience. Rainy days can be busy, so if you have a sling, that would be a good time to use it.
Snacks and breaks: There are several cafes in the museum, but you can also bring your own food and eat it in the Lunch Space at the Entrance Hall on Level 0 – perfect for budget travellers.
Combine with nearby stops: After your visit, stroll over to Greyfriars Kirkyard or the Grassmarket for some fresh air.
And if you have more time, Edinburgh has other free museums worth visiting with little ones:
Scottish National Gallery (Princes Street, near The Mound) - Quieter galleries with plenty of colour for little ones to look at, and a nice open space out front if you want to let them run around.
Museum of Childhood (High Street, Royal Mile) - A nostalgic stop with toys and games from different eras – great for older toddlers who like looking at displays.
2. Buy from Grocery Shops or Utilise Kids-Eat-Free Deals
Food costs can add up fast when you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, but stocking up from grocery shops is one of the easiest ways to keep your trip budget-friendly.
Where to Shop
Lidl (Southside, near Old Town): This is the most centrally located budget supermarket in Edinburgh and a great choice if you’re sightseeing nearby. It’s on Nicolson Street, about a 10-minute walk from the National Museum of Scotland. Lidl keeps prices low by mainly stocking their own-brand products rather than big-name brands, making it perfect for basics, snacks and baby food.
Aldi (Leith, Gorgie and other areas): Also very affordable, but all branches are outside the city centre, so best if you have a car or are staying nearby. Like Lidl, Aldi focuses on own-brand items, which helps keep costs down.
Tesco Express & Sainsbury’s Local (city centre): Found all over central Edinburgh and very convenient, but they are more expensive than their bigger supermarket counterparts. If there’s a specific brand you need that Lidl or Aldi don’t stock, it’s worth going to a full-size store instead – for example, there’s a big Tesco on Broughton Road (near Stockbridge) and a large Sainsbury’s at Cameron Toll (south of the centre).
Pro tip: Bring a small cooler bag for snacks and bottles while you’re out exploring. This makes it easy to offer food when your little one needs it and helps you avoid overspending on everyday meals, though cafes can still be handy for an occasional treat or a quick stop between sightseeing.
Eating Out on a Budget
Even when travelling with a baby, you might want to eat out occasionally. Edinburgh has plenty of options, and there are ways to keep costs down:
Kids-eat-free deals: Many chain restaurants offer these promotions, often during school holidays or summer months. You can check out a handy guide like MoneySavingCentral’s Kids Eat Free page, which compiles offers across the UK. Do note that deals can change frequently, so it’s a good idea to double-check the restaurant’s website or call ahead before heading out.
Lunch instead of dinner: Plan main meals at lunchtime if possible – many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus, which is often easier with a toddler’s routine.
Cafes for snacks and drinks: Edinburgh has many family-friendly cafes for coffee, cake or a light meal between sightseeing stops.
3. Know Where to Buy Emergency Baby Supplies
Even with careful planning, little ones can surprise you when you’re out exploring – like a nappy change, wipes or a snack. Knowing where to go quickly can save stress:
City centre top-ups: Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local are scattered throughout central Edinburgh. Although they’re pricier than larger stores, they’re perfect for last-minute essentials when you don’t have time to detour.
Larger, more affordable stores: If you have time, bigger supermarkets offer better prices and more choice.
Brand considerations: Lidl and Aldi are cheaper, but mainly stock their own-brand baby products. If your baby needs a specific brand, like Pampers, Tesco or Sainsbury’s is your best best.
Pro tip: When you’re sightseeing, it helps to know the nearest quick-stop store in advance – that way, a sudden need doesn’t derail your day.
4. Take Advantage of Bookbug Sessions
If you haven’t come across it before, Bookbug is a Scottish Government programme that encourages early literacy and parent-child bonding. All children in Scotland receive free Bookbug bags with books, and the programme also runs Bookbug Sessions, which are free story, song and rhyme sessions for children aged 0-5.
Why They’re Great for Families
Short and manageable: Sessions are only around 30 minutes long, making them perfect for short attention spans or fitting around nap times.
Social opportunities: It’s a nice chance to meet other parents and children in a relaxed setting.
Accessible spaces: Generally held in local libraries, most sessions are pram-friendly and have baby-changing facilities.
Finding Sessions in Edinburgh
Bookbug app: Download the Bookbug app (iOS or Android) and type in your postcode in the “Find a Bookbug Session” section of the app to see nearby sessions.
Library locations: Popular Edinburgh locations include the Central Children’s Library, Morningside Library and Stockbridge Library, though many other branches run sessions. Look out to see if your library requires a space to be booked.
Tips for Attending
Arrive a few minutes early: It gives you time to settle in, park your pram and let your baby get used to the new environment.
Check session times in advance: Sessions can be seasonal or limited during school holidays, so confirm timing on the app or library website.
Stay for the sticker at the end: Every Bookbug Session generally ends with a sticker for the children – a simple way to make the experience memorable and give toddlers something to look forward to!
5. Discover Playparks Across the City
Edinburgh is full of playparks (or playgrounds) scattered throughout the city, making it easy to find spots for little ones to burn off energy. They’re free, pram-friendly and perfect for letting toddlers run around between sightseeing stops.
Larger City Centre Parks
West Princes Street Gardens: Central location with a well-equipped playpark and scenic castle views. Tip: There are no baby-changing facilities here, but nearby JoJo Maman Bebe on Hanover Street has a community room where you can feed your baby or change their nappy. It’s completely free and you don’t need to be a customer!
Inverleith Park: Popular with locals, it has a large playpark and paths suitable for prams. Tip: The Royal Botanic Garden is right across the road and has baby-changing facilities, making it easier for longer visits.
The Meadows: Spacious with multiple play areas and paths for prams. There aren’t dedicated baby-changing facilities, so plan to bring a portable changing mat if needed.
A central and convenient place for kids to play: the West Princes Street Gardens playpark is ideal for families exploring Edinburgh.
Other Family-Friendly Parks
Saughton Park & Gardens (West Edinburgh): Well-maintained play area and lovely gardens – perfect for a longer visit or relaxed afternoon. There’s a cafe on-site and paths are pram-friendly, with plenty of space for toddlers to run.
Victoria Park (North Edinburgh): Offers a large playground and wide-open green spaces. Good for toddlers who love climbing and running around, with paths suitable for prams.
6. Bring a Blanket to Enjoy a Picnic in Green Spaces
For babies and toddlers, a simple picnic can be just as enjoyable as a playpark or indoor activity – and it’s a great way to save money while enjoying Edinburgh’s outdoor spaces.
Best Spots for a Picnic
Princes Street Gardens: Central and scenic, right beneath Edinburgh Castle. Plenty of grassy areas on both sides of the park to spread a blanket, and ideal if you’re combining sightseeing and a lunch break.
The Meadows: Spacious and family-friendly, with lots of open grass, paths for prams and plenty of room for toddlers to run around.
Holyrood Park: More rugged and natural, perfect for a short picnic after a stroll or light exploration.
Take a break on the grass in Princes Street Gardens while soaking in views of Edinburgh Castle.
Practical Tips for a Picnic
Bring a blanket or mat: Essential for comfort, especially if your baby is crawling or lying down.
Pack simple, easy-to-eat foods: Fruit, sandwiches, baby-friendly snacks or pre-made meals from a nearby shop.
Plan around weather and shade: Edinburgh’s weather can change quickly, so a lightweight cover or umbrella can be handy. Some parks have trees or sheltered areas if it’s windy or drizzly.
7. Go to Soft Play Centres
When the rain sets in – and let’s be honest, it often does in Edinburgh – soft play centres are a lifesaver. If you’re not familiar with the term, “soft play” (sometimes called an indoor play area or play cafe) is a padded, indoor playground designed for babies, toddlers and young children. Think soft climbing frames, slides, ball pits and crawl spaces – all in a safe, enclosed environment.
These centres are perfect for toddlers to burn off energy and for babies to get some crawling time in a safe, padded space. Most sessions cost around £5-8 per child, with babies often discounted or free.
Here are some of our favourite spots around Edinburgh:
Clambers (Royal Commonwealth Pool, near the city centre): Convenient if you’re based centrally, Clambers has separate baby and toddler areas, so everyone can play safely. It’s easy to combine with sightseeing since you can walk or take a short bus ride from the Old Town or Southside.
Tumbles (Portobello, east of the city centre): A bit further out but worth the trip, Tumbles is bright and spacious, with separate zones for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. After your session, you can head over to nearby Portobello Beach for some fresh sea air if the weather clears.
MakeBelieve - The Baby Play Place (West End): MakeBelieve is a creative indoor space right in the centre of Edinburgh. Although not a traditional soft play centre, it offers thoughtfully designed play rooms filled with sensory toys, imaginative play areas and hands-on activities.
TurtleDove Play Cafe (northwest Edinburgh): More than just a soft play centre, TurtleDove has a soft play frame for older kids, a dedicated baby area for crawlers and a calming sensory space for even younger babies. There’s also a cosy reading corner, car and train play zone and a mini kitchen for imaginative play. Parents can enjoy refreshments from the cafe and you can either walk in or book ahead to secure a table.
With different zones for various ages, Clambers soft play is ideal for a relaxed, affordable day indoors.
Tips for Visiting
Bring socks: They’re usually required in soft play centres.
Aim for weekday mornings: They’re quieter and more relaxed, especially helpful with babies.
Don’t skip it if you have a baby: The places we’ve listed above are suitable for even the youngest visitors – perfect for a change of scenery and some floor time.
8. Consider Accommodation with a Kitchen
One of the easiest ways to save money when travelling with a baby or toddler is to book accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette. Having access to even a small fridge, microwave or hob makes it much easier to prepare bottles, heat baby food or put together simple meals.
Self-catering apartments, aparthotels and Airbnbs are great options in Edinburgh, especially if you plan to stay more than a couple of nights. Not only does it save money on eating out, but it also gives you the flexibility to feed your little one at their usual times without having to hunt for a cafe or restaurant.
Many Edinburgh neighbourhoods have great public transport connections, so you don’t have to stay right in the Old or New Towns to be close to everything. Areas like Leith, Bruntsfield and Stockbridge have family-friendly apartments and plenty of nearby shops, so you can stock up on groceries and enjoy a slower-paced stay.
Pro tip: If you’re staying in a hotel, check in advance whether they can provide a fridge in your room – many are happy to do this on request, even if it’s not standard.
Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit with babies and toddlers – there are plenty of free things to do, family-friendly facilities and cosy indoor options for when the weather turns. With a little planning, you can enjoy the city without blowing your budget.
If you have any favourite Edinburgh tips for visiting with a wee one, share them in the comments below! Your suggestion might just help another parent planning their trip.
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Visiting Edinburgh with a baby? Here are 8 simple, budget-friendly tips to save money on food, baby supplies and family fun!