Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Sands

"A combination of Edinburgh history, city views from a new perspective, and experience with optical illusions, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an attraction that certainly appeals to all ages. The centerpiece, set in a Victorian rooftop room, is a pinhole camera that projects live moving images of Edinburgh onto a viewing table. The panorama is created by a combination of mirror and lenses, and it has been entertaining people here since 1853."

"Getting to Camera Obscura : Located on Castlehill, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh. Right at the top of the Royal Mile, just a few seconds walk from Edinburgh Castle, is the most fun, interactive museum on this list."

"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."

"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."

"The hill overlooks the entire town, including Princess Street, which is the direction of the castle. Within that view is the Dugald Stewart monument, which makes for a wonderful shot. Calton Hill is particularly breathtaking at sunset."

"On your way there, take a slight detour and check out the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Personally, I love the Mac and Cheese or the grilled Halloumi but they have other great items to choose from too. And don’t worry about missing dinner since the kitchen is open until 10:30 pm daily. Oh, and join their website mailing list if you want a discount!"

"Right next to the train station, not far from the National Gallery of Scotland is the gorgeous Princes Street Garden. When I went in April, the tulips were bursting with color, even though the weather was dreary."

"Princes Street Gardens is the most important public park in the heart of Edinburgh. Created in the 1820s after draining the Nor Loch."

"Linlithgow Palace: Used as a royal residence throughout the ages, Linlithgow Palace is located in a town of the same name and was one of the most important seats of the monarchy during the 15th and 16th-centuries. In fact, it was even the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots!"

"If you love gardening, you will love the Archivists’ Garden located in between the General Register House and the New Register House. Home to 57 different plant species, the Garden is not only beautiful, but all the plants are connected to Scotland’s history, be it through folklore, heraldry or association with famous Scots. Child friendly: yes Address: HM Register House, 2 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm More information on this green space"

"A two story extension was added in the 1820s by architect William Burn, and finally a library was added in the 1870s. The interior is beautifully decorated and furnished in Edwardian style and features some beautiful works of art. There are regular craft workshops for all ages held in the Victorian kitchen throughout the year."

"Lauriston Castle has one of the most remarkable Edwardian interiors in Scotland, with elements dating back to the 16th century. Gifted to the nation in the 1920s, the beautiful gardens, which remain free to the..."

"Situated in Newhaven, this sloped, Victorian garden overlooks the Firth of Forth into Fife. This spot is perfect for relaxing under the cherry blossoms in the Spring and enjoying the delights of the lovingly maintained park throughout the year. Ray, our Merchandising Assistant, and Laura, our Finance Manager, favour this park for a spot of quietness with a picnic of foodie indulgence."

"The People's Story details the history of the residents of Edinburgh from the 18th century to the modern day. The museum is housed in the historic Canongate Tollbooth, an impressive Edinburgh landmark built in 1591, in the heart of the Royal Mile. The exhibition includes fascinating displays such as a recreation of the jail which was once housed in the building, an 18th century book binder's workshop and a wartime kitchen."

"Canongate Tolbooth, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BNOpen Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pmFree to enter, donations welcome. The People's Story museum is located in the Canongate Tolbooth, which is a historic landmark in itself built in 1591. It provides visitors with a realistic and fascinating look at what life was like for Edinburgh citizens in days gone by."

"The People's Story - as the name suggests - tells the story of the regular people of Edinburgh, not just the great and the good. Pay a visit to this museum to get a real flavour of day-to-day life in in the city throughout the 18th to 20th centuries. Learn about crime and punishment, crafts, trade and the culture of Edinburgh."

"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."

"If you're down in Leith, La Favorita is the place to be (especially on Sundays when they have an incredible offer wherechildren can choose a main from the children's menu for £1!!) With pizza and pasta galore, everyone loves La Favorita and the staff, in true Italian style, make a big fuss over the kids. Definitely not one to miss."

"La Favorita is an authentic pizza restaurant and take out establishment in Edinburgh. Their passion is pizza and they use the finest Italian ingredients for the toppings. Meanwhile the pizza dough is prepared fresh instore everyday and left for 48 hours to naturally mature before use."

"The beautiful union of a wine cellar and charming chic Italian restaurant, Divino Enoteca is not only one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Edinburgh. It also boasts a number of awards for food and wine, making it one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh as well. Located in the heart of Old Town, Divino Enoteca has soft mood lighting and an award-winning wine list that makes it a perfect venue for a romantic rendezvous (book for Valentine's Day!), as well as fun and sophisticated nights out with the gang."

": Jam-jar lanterns and candles lighting the stairs set the mood and tone at Squeal, one of Edinburgh’s most romantic bars. This intimate basement haunt is sexy to boot, and serves a long list of cocktails that are guaranteed to have you swooning over them – and your partner. What’s more, they host regularly party nights too, making it the perfect place for couples who love a ‘scene’."

"Elegant restaurant and wine bar featuring one of the best selections of Italian wine in the city alongside an engaging menu."

"An ideal place for a first date, Jamie’s Italian is renowned for delicious food and smashing service. From the scarlet walls and dimmed lighting to the glistening chandeliers, red velvet chairs and ornate ceiling, Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, which is situated within The Assembly Rooms on George Street, is decadent and wildly romantic. Foodies will no doubt salivate over the perfectly cooked al dente pasta and other top eats."

"Serving the best in authentic Italian food and chic cocktails, Gusto specialize in catering to all dietary requirements with over 30% of the menu available as vegan."

"A late Gothic red sandstone church with a lofty vaulted interior, stone arches and angel corbels. Stained glass windows of note. 15 Upper Bridge StStirling FK8 1ESTel: +44(0)1786 473749Roman Catholic - check"

"Address: Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 226 5138 The Canongate Kirk is situated within the Old Town area of Edinburgh and is a particularly attractive building, being located just across from the Museum of Edinburgh and close to the university campus. This church serves as the place of worship for the Royal family when they are staying in the area and is steeped in history. Built in 1688, attractions include stunning architecture, classical music concerts and choir recitals."

"In 1688 King James VII of Scotland (also King James II of England) ordered the construction of the Kirk of the Canongate and it was completed in 1691. Residents nearby had been using the Abbey Church but the King wanted to us that as a Chapel for the Order of the Thistle. The Kirk is architecturally unusual for Scotland with a Dutch-style end gable and a cruciform layout inside."

"If you’ve already seen St Giles’, you will notice that Canongate is designed in a very different style, much simpler and more austere, tipically Presbyterian."

"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."

"St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, located at the west end of Princes Street, has several theories surrounding its origins. One is that St Cuthbert sheltered in a hollow below Castle Rock while journeying from Melrose. Whatever the true origin, this is the most ancient religious site in Edinburgh, although the present church building dates back to 1892-4."