Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Union Canal

"Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of Edinburgh’s most popular and oldest tourist attractions. Located at the top of the Royal Mile, close to the castle, this museum of optical illusions is really fun and well done. It’s a great visit if you’re visiting Edinburgh with your family!"

"Calton Hill is another fantastic place for kids to let off steam and as a bonus you’ll get some of the ultimate best views of the city!. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views to the Firth of Forth, Arthurs Seat, the port of Leith, the Pentland hills and of course right down Princes street towards the castle. Calton Hill is also home to several unusual monuments including the national monument which looks like it was built by the Romans."

"***If you’re a morning person, grab a blanket, a thermos of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from Calton Hill. One of the most enchanting and TOTALLY free things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland. Obviously, if you hate mornings, you can watch the sunset instead, (just make sure you have clear skies, which are something of a rarity) but you’ll just have a bit more company."

"Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right above the heart of the city. You can walk there easily from the city centre, and in return you’ll get an incredible panoramic view once you’re there. It’s part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sight, with an Athenian acropolis that  makes photos even more Insta-worthy."

"If you don’t want to venture too far out of the city, kids can also play in Prince’s Street Gardens in the shadow of the Scott monument – which you can climb, although at 287 often narrow and twisty steps, you might want to stick to the views from the Camera Obscura instead. At Christmas, the gardens turn into a Winter Wonderland including Christmas market, ice rink and ferris wheel, dubbed the Edinburgh Eye."

"Princes Street Gardens is located in the middle of Edinburgh, right beneath the castle. They used to be the site of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New Town was built in the 1760s. The gardens have a wonderful view of the castle, and it is a great place to stroll or stop for a picnic."

"While you're in Edinburgh, be sure to take a walk through the pretty Princes Street Gardens in the centre of town. From here, you’ll see Scotts Monument, a Victorian Gothic building dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest monument to a writer in the world."

"Completed in 2002, the Falkirk Wheel is a modern engineering marvel, a rotating boat lift that raises vessels 115ft from the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Boat trips depart from the lower basin (eight daily March to October, three daily in winter) and travel into the wheel, which delivers you to the Union Canal high above. Boats then go through Roughcastle Tunnel before the return descent on the wheel."

"The only rotating boat lift in the world, the Falkirk Wheel links two major waterways, the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal,…"

"A few recommendations (although there are many more), are Stirling, Doune Castle, and the Kelpies. The city of Stirling and nearby has a lot of great attractions, including Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Doune Castle is a medieval castle made famous as the primary filming location for the cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail and most recently used in Season 1 of the TV series Outlander."

"The Helix, a country park on the edges of Falkirk with cycle and walking paths, play areas, and a wetland, is home to sculptor Andy Scott's…"

"Located close to the castle and featuring a vast cobbled square surrounded by pubs, restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect place for dinner and/or to have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. In the past, in addition to being a market place, Grassmarket square was also the place where public execution took place. Hopefully nowadays, the atmosphere is a lot more joyful!"

"Fun fact: Back in 1477, the Grassmarket was a huge market in Edinburgh with most of it trading cattle and horses. This is apparently where the name Grassmarket originated as the western end of it was where the animals’ grass was kept."

"A great place for unusual finds such as vintage clothes, contemporary jewellery and rare books. Distance from Hotel:500 m6 mins6 mins4 mins"

"Running around like a wild child can certainly work up an appetite. Satisfy those taste buds and grab a bite at S Lucas at either of their Morningside or Musselburgh locations. This diner-style ice cream parlour is quite the treat and has a never-ending selection of eats suited to both children and adults."

"When seeking the best food around, they say to follow the locals. So when that hankering for sweetness sets in, S.Lucas is the spot to head. A true taste of Italy, with a hefty sprinkling of Scottish influence, this renowned ice cream parlour and café has digs in Morningside and Musselburgh."

"Established in 2017, Yummys Desserts has become a huge hit and the go-to for delicious desserts. After many sleepless nights wondering whether it’s possible to create a second branch during a pandemic, the owner of Yummy’s Desserts decided to go for it. The team have given it their all over the last few months, creating a huge range of freshly-made cakes, desserts, cookie dough, waffles, pancakes in the new Hampden branch."

"In this Old Town cafe, you will find everything you need for a good brunch without spending too much. Do not expect to find a place with hyper-sophisticated decoration, but very good quality products and great staff. In addition, they have excellent options both vegan and vegetarian, as well as gluten-free."

"Loudons may seem like your average eatery from the outside but they have a speciality - and it’s homemade pancakes!. We’re talking everything from American style with layered bacon and baked banana topped with maple syrup, to the healthier, savoury superfood pancakes that are packed with lentils, veg and delicious garlic pea chutney. Located in Fountainbridge, it is the perfect location for a leisurely walk down the canal to digest your food, with a takeaway coffee in hand."

"If you find yourself in the Fountainbridge area be sure to pop into this light and bright cafe to enjoy brunch or lunch!. Another bonus is they serve up delicious fluffy pancakes. Choose from classic American Style Pancakes, Vegan Blackcurrant Pancakes, or if you’re looking for a healthy boost they also serve Superfood pancakes (pictured below)!"

"Loudons is an Edinburgh staple, serving all-day breakfast at its restaurants in New Waverley and Fountainbridge. From a full breakfast with haggis and all the trimmings, to vegan pancakes, there's something for everyone."

"If you’re looking for a good classic then Scotts is the venue for you. From burgers to mac ‘n’ cheese, they serve up tasty traditional fare at a reasonable price point. There’s a terrace looking over the gorgeous old town for drinks, and the interiors are clean and modern for a neutral backdrop to your event."

"Green tile, brown leather and arched Georgian windows lend an elegant feel to this modern cafe, which combines fine Scottish produce with great value. Fill up on a breakfast (served till 11.45am) of eggs... Top ChoiceCafe in Old Town"

"Looking for something a bit more special for you and the other half?. Make your way up to the heady heights of Calton Hill where Edinburgh's most beautiful restaurant awaits. Housed inside the city observatory, The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage lets you feast on a series of sublime tasting menus while you watch all the action unfold below you."

"A post shared by The Lookout (@thelookoutbygc) on Jul 16, 2020 at 8:11am PDT. The Lookout By Gardener's Cottage takes Scottish dining to new heights – quite literally. This so-called ‘destination restaurant’ sits on top of Edinburgh's Calton Hill within the restored City Observatory and dome – a trendy art and restaurant complex."

"Sitting pretty above the city, The Lookout is a truly unique eating experience. Housed within the observatory on Calton Hill, you'll find delicious tasting menus of up to six courses, fronting Gigha oysters, highland lambs and peatland honey, and gorgeous views over Edinburgh."

"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."

"Another staple on our radar is anything created by Jamie Olivier. If you have read our guide to London with kids, or my quick trip to Rotterdam, you will know the lengths I will go to in order to experience a Jamie Oliver restaurant."