Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Westquarter

"There’s nowhere quite like the World of Illusions and the range of illusions you’ll find over the five floors here – not to mention the fantastic views of Edinburgh from the rooftop. The 166-year-old Camera Obscura is still the highlight – I remember being wowed when I visited. There’s a 15-minute show with a guide telling tales of Edinburgh history, while showing off the whole city from the rooftop tower using the Victorian contraption, where images of what’s outside are displayed in the room."

"This hill at the east end of Princes Street provides the ideal perch for viewing Edinburgh's loveliest sights, including the Castle, New Town, Holyrood and Arthur's Seat. At 100 feet, you'll be surprised at how extensive the view is from the crest, and it's a great place for a picnic lunch. At the top of the hill, you'll find Nelson's monument, offering added lift for an increased perspective of the city."

"0 km from city center 2 out of 11 places to visit in Edinburgh. Situated on the east end of the Princes Street, the Calton Hill in Edinburgh is included in the city's UNESCO world heritage site. The National Monument of Scotland is situated on the Calton Hill."

"The Princess Street Gardens sit at the feet of Edinburgh Castle in the valley between the old city and the new city. Nor Loch once occupied the space, but the city began draining it in the 1770s, finishing in 1820. Wide paved paths lead throughout the park for full accessibility, roaming across fields of wildflowers, through wooded areas, and over streams and the railroad that divides the east and west sections of the park."

"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."

"The dark and cold Edinburgh winter nights light up every year when the Christmas market comes to town. At the European Market below the Mound and in East Princes Street Garden you can sample bratwurst, waffles, crepes, sweets, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and more. The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square showcases some of the best craft, food and drink Scotland has to offer."

"Calton Hill sits in the center of Edinburgh and boasts the famous Duglad Stewart Monument. This structure is dedicated to the Scottish philosopher of the same name, who taught Economics, Natural Philosophy, and Greek and Logic at Edinburgh University. The monument, built in 1834, was designed by William Henry Playfair, who as we already know, was responsible for the designs behind The Scottish National Gallery."

"The Dugald Stewart Monument is based on the design of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. But who is Dugald Stewart?. Dugald Stewart was a philosopher and professor at Edinburgh University."

"This free-to-enter attraction, LOVE Gorgie Farm brings a slice of countryside to the heart of the city. This unique outdoor resource is the best place in Edinburgh to learn about farming hands-on. Head along and meet all the animals including chickens, ducks, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, and take in all the sights and smells of the herb and sensory garden."

"Have fun at the farm with your little ones at Gorgie City Farm. This largely volunteer-run, community-owned urban farm is a long-time favourite with local families. Kids will be able to get up close to some of Gorgie's animal residents, including sheep, goats and pigs, while learning more about farming and food production."

"Address: East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BL, Scotland, UK Mansfield Place Church is to be found within the New Town area, standing close to the bus depot and the King George V Park. Built in 1872 by Robert Rowand Anderson, this old church has had many uses over the years and once even functioned as a nightclub. Today, it is owned by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, a conservation group who have actively restored the building over a number of years."

"The Grassmarket is a bustling part of Edinburgh, which has great nightlife and places to eat, as well as an intriguing past. Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle to the south, it is named, as it was the market where all animals that ate grass –as well as the grasses to feed them – were sold. The bustling square hosts a food and craft market on Sundays and has a plethora of great old character-filled pubs to visit and great restaurants to sample Scottish or international food."

"To the base of Edinburgh Castle, the flat historic market area and event space is known as Grassmarket and is actually located below the water table. Although in the past, this Edinburgh district was used for executions, today the Grassmarket is Filled with unique and quirky pubs. This spot of the city is perfect if you want to grab a bite to eat, catch up with friends, or simply want to snap some street shots."

"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!"

"I’ve been led to believe that this little place on Friars Street is something of a Stirling institution. To look into, it doesn’t look like much – a relaxed little dining room with the bar/kitchen open on one side. But once you notice the traditional pizza oven and see the small but concise menu (complete with full customisation options!)"

"The 15th century buildings are tucked away in the east corner of the city, on the edge of Auchinlea Park. A category A-listed building probably isn't what you'd expect from the neighbourhood, and it's a pleasant, and beautiful surprise."

"Why: Operating since 1984, this can almost be considered an old-school Chinese in Edinburgh – we guess the Georgian design details play their part, too. The fare is Scottish Cantonese, using proud local ingredients (largely seafood) with Chinese cooking techniques. The spiced and salted monkfish with chilli is a winner, and so are the scallops with cashew nuts served in a nest."

"Specializing in authentic Cantonese fare, this upscale restaurant is popular among the local business crowd. The soft music playing helps to create a pleasant atmosphere. Evenings provide a wonderful opportunity for adults to enjoy a relaxed meal, as they do not allow children."

"They are centrally located near bus and tram stops and have ample parking for self-driving guests. They do recommend reservations but it does not look like walk-ins will be turned away automatically. The website says they have ample facilities for families and handi-guests, such as Baby Changing Facilities, Disabled Access and Free WiFi for everyone."