Family Life in Edinburgh

For families considering a move to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh is an international city with a village feel. Excellent schools, accessible green spaces and a strong sense of community make it an attractive place for parents looking to settle somewhere that supports both family life and career.

Leith, Edinburgh's dockside neighbourhood, has quietly become one of the city's most liveable corners. Once a working port, it has reinvented itself as a place where independent restaurants, canal-side walks and a tight-knit community all coexist - and there’s plenty for the families. From rainy-day indoor adventures to wide open green spaces, here's our guide to the best things to do for families in Leith.

Our guide to family activities in Leith

Water of Leith Walkaway

Twenty kilometres of riverside path starts - quite literally - on your doorstep. Head left into the heart of the city, or right towards the character-filled Leith docklands. Either way, historic architecture lines the route. **What is best for?** - Slow Sunday morning walks. **2min walk from PLATFORM_**

Pilrig Park

This generous 7-hectare green space is a true neighbourhood gem. Two play areas cater to all ages — a toddler zone with swings, sandpit and slide, and a junior area with climbing frames and a fireman's pole. **What is it best for?** - Ideal for a kick-about or a family picnic. **8 min walk from PLATFORM_**

Leith Links

The birthplace of modern golf draws families rather than fairways today — a sprawling play park with a pirate ship, zip wire and climbing nets sits alongside a toddler zone with sandplay and a roundabout. **What is best for?** - Family sports, kite flying, and informal games **20min walk from PLATFORM_**

Indoor activities

Wonder World Soft Play

This large indoor adventure centre features a "volcano" slide, go-karts, a soccer area and a café for when energy levels — parental ones, mostly — begin to flag. A dedicated soft play zone for under-4s means no age group is left out. **What is it best for?** - Burning off extra energy whatever the weather. **14 min walk from PLATFORM_**

JOYTOTS

A gentler alternative to sprawling soft play centres, JOYTOTS operates at a quieter pace. This craft café and play space offers baby classes, baby massage, antenatal classes, and genuinely good coffee and cake! **What is it best for?** - Day out with babies and toddlers! **7 min walk from PLATFORM_**

FunParx

FunParx doesn't relegate parents to the sidelines — ninja obstacle courses, multi-storey soft play and a free retro gaming arcade mean there's as much here for the adults as for the kids. Plan for a full afternoon. **What is it best for?** - Family day out that parents can join. **30min walk from PLATFORM_**

Beyond Leith

Dynamic Earth

Where children can journey 4.5 billion years through Earth's history, from the Big Bang to the Ice Age, with hands-on exhibitions at every stage that make the scale of geological time genuinely feel within reach. **What is it best for?** - Educational and fun day out with children aged 5–12. **15 min drive from PLATFORM_**

National Museum of Scotland

Housed in a grand Old Town building that is itself worth the visit, the National Museum earns its reputation through the quality of its interactive exhibits: a hot air balloon launcher, an F1 racing simulator, and crazy mirrors among the highlights. **What is it best for?** - Day out that caters to kids and parents in equal measure **15 min drive from PLATFORM_**

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

This attraction offers five floors of hands-on optical illusions include a vortex tunnel, mirror maze and Ames room, alongside the headline act: a live, moving image of Edinburgh projected through a rooftop periscope. **What is it best for?** - Hours of mind-bending fun for all ages. **14 min drive from PLATFORM_**

Find out more about why families are choosing Leith!

We've gathered all the main reasons why Leith is the best place for a family to call home.

Check it out here!

Ready to move to Leith?

If Leith feels like the right place for your family to settle in Edinburgh, the next step is finding a home designed for everyday family life.

PLATFORM_ offers spacious apartments, including 3-bedroom homes with open-plan living areas, built-in storage and family-friendly amenities such as secure gardens and children’s play spaces.

Explore our available apartments for rent in Edinburgh, discover more about life at PLATFORM_, or book a viewing to see how Leith living could work for you.

Explore Apartments in Leith, Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is Edinburgh a good city to raise a family?

Yes. Edinburgh is widely considered one of the UK’s most family-friendly cities thanks to its strong schools, accessible parks and safe, walkable neighbourhoods. Families benefit from a balance of outdoor space, cultural activities and convenient public transport, making everyday life easier for parents and children alike.

What are the best areas in Edinburgh for families?

What are the best areas in Edinburgh for families? Several neighbourhoods across Edinburgh are popular with families, particularly those that offer good schools, parks and strong community environments. Areas like Leith are frequently chosen by families relocating to the city thanks to their green spaces, local amenities and convenient connections to the city centre.

Is Leith a good place to live with children?

Yes. Leith has become an increasingly popular area for families in Edinburgh. The neighbourhood offers access to parks, schools, family activities and waterfront walks, while still being well connected to the city centre. Its growing residential community and range of amenities make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a balance between city living and neighbourhood atmosphere.

Are there good schools in Leith?

Leith is home to several well-established primary schools and nurseries, making it a convenient location for families with younger children. Nearby options include Broughton Primary School, Leith Primary School and Pilrig Park School, alongside local childcare providers such as Around the World Nursery and Stanwell Nursery School.

Are there family-friendly apartments in Edinburgh?

Yes. many modern developments in Edinburgh now offer apartments designed with families in mind, including larger layouts, storage space and shared outdoor areas. Developments like Platform_ in Leith offer spacious homes and family-focused amenities designed to support long-term city living.