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Stornoway (Scotland)
Hong Kong
3
0
0
FREE
ITINERARY (Full Day)
National Museum of Scotland
Tupiniquim
Bamboobelly Bandstand
East Meadows Play Park
nugget’s Advice
Good to know
The weather in May can be unpredictable so bring layers and umbrellas.
Recommended day/time
Avoid the crowds by doing this on a weekday rather than weekend.
Recommended time of the year
Probably too chilly for most to enjoy the playground during the winter months.
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You can bring your own packed lunch and eat in the museum's Group Room. Or you can purchase food at their Brasserie or Café, both of which have children-friendly options available. There is also a third place to eat, the Tower Restaurant, that offers a more fine dining experience. But we recommend holding out for lunch at the crepe stand!
About This Day
You can spend countless hours at the centrally located National Museum of Scotland (which is great for a rainy day), but combined with the stroll through the Meadows and yummy food, this is the best way to explore Edinburgh with kids on your family vacation. After the museum, stop by Tupiniquim for delicious Brazilian crepes and end your day with some playground fun at East Meadows Play Park. The kids will go down early without a fight after such an active day!
National Museum of Scotland
45 Chambers Street, Edinburgh
FREE
This must be one of the best family-oriented museums anywhere in the world, with exhibits to keep toddlers, kids, teens and adults alike entertained and engrossed. There are a variety of topics to explore, from natural history to science and contemporary design to national treasures. We have visited many times and always discover something new. There are plenty of interactive displays and scheduled activities for the little ones to get involved in, as well as a dedicated kids room.
DIRECTIONS
Aside from cycling, or going by car, a number of buses go via the city centre and stop outside the museum on Chambers Street, or nearby on George IV Bridge and South Bridge. Single and day tickets are available. Lothian Buses’ family DAYticket allows unlimited all-day travel for 2 adults and up to 3 children together on day services. During the summer there is a special weekend bus, Service 9, which runs between the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
TIP
Check out their website ahead of time (in the What's On section) as they have special activities for kids.
$$$
Tupiniquim is a small kiosk where you’ll find delicious, sweet and savory gluten-free authentic Brazilian crepes. The kids loved the Margarita Ta Ta (sundried tomato with gooey cheese). Their spicy sauce can't be missed for those who can handle heat!
DIRECTIONS
From the museum, it's a short 4-minute walk. Turn left upon exiting the museum, take a left on Forrest Road and you'll see the kiosk at the corner of the street crossing.
TIP
The kiosk gets busy so make sure you get there before or after the lunch rush. There’s no seating outside so once you got your food head over to the Bamboobelly Bandstand where you can sit and eat.
Bamboobelly Bandstand
1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh
FREE
Grab a crepe from Tupiniquim, chill out and people watch from the gardens behind the stand! It has bench seating available, plus kids toys.
DIRECTIONS
The bandstand is right behind the Tupiniquim kiosk.
TIP
You can also find amazing baked treats, coffee and ice cream at Peter's Yard which is a 3-minute walk down Middle Meadow Walk.
East Meadows Play Park
Melville Drive, Edinburgh
FREE
This is a great midsize playground set amidst the beautiful Meadows for the little ones to run around in to their hearts content. It features play areas for toddlers and up, and there are picnic tables and a toilet just outside the gated area. We love the walk and people watching. During the summer there are ice cream trucks on site as well!
DIRECTIONS
A short 10-minute walk, from the Brazilians crepes walk straight down Middle Meadows Walk through University of Edinburgh, turn left and walk through The Meadows until you hit the playground. You can't miss it!
TIP
There's a lot of sand around so bring a bucket and spade if you have them. There's a small takeaway cafe for snacks and drinks if needed.
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