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Edinburgh Scotland Family Trip with Young Kids: What We Did, Driving Tips, Michelin Dinner & Chocolate Making

chocolatarium edinburgh christian dad travel dad travel vlog driving on the left in scotland edinburgh family travel edinburgh grand hotel review edinburgh tram with kids edinburgh with kids faith and family adventures family adventure scotland family friendly activities edinburgh family travel with young kids international travel with children legacy family trips making chocolate edinburgh michelin star dinner with children planning family trips abroad real family travel stories scotland family trip scotland travel tips for families the kitchin edinburgh with kids Jul 16, 2026

We just wrapped up an unforgettable family trip to Edinburgh, Scotland with my wife and our three kids under 10. Five nights of castles, trams, left-side driving, a Michelin-star dinner, and hands-on chocolate making. It wasn’t perfect — the overnight flight was rough — but it was one of those trips that builds something lasting in your kids and in you as a dad.

In this post I’m breaking down exactly what we did, the practical decisions that worked, and how you can plan something similar for your own family. Whether you’re dreaming of Scotland or just looking for real-world family travel ideas that actually work with young kids, this is for you.

marriott.com

The Edinburgh Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Edinburgh | Luxury Long-Stay Hotel

Staying at the Edinburgh Grand – Why the Right Hotel Changes Everything

We booked the Edinburgh Grand, a Luxury Collection hotel right in the heart of the city. It’s not the cheapest option, but for a family of five it was worth every penny. We had a massive two-bedroom suite (room 2011) that ran the full length of the building. It came with a full kitchen, living area, pull-out couch for our youngest, and enough space that we didn’t feel cramped after long days out.

Why this mattered for us as parents: Having a kitchen meant we could do simple breakfasts and snacks without eating out every meal. The extra space gave the kids room to play and us room to breathe. When you’re traveling internationally with little ones, base comfort is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Pro tip for dads: Look for apartment-style or suite hotels with kitchens when traveling with kids under 10. The daily savings on food and the sanity factor add up fast.

edinburgh.org

Public Transport - Forever Edinburgh

Getting Around Edinburgh: Car vs Tram (What Actually Worked)

We rented a Volvo XC90 from Hertz downtown. I hadn’t driven on the left in years, so I was a little nervous. The biggest mindset shift that helped: always look right first (that’s where traffic is coming from) and stay left. The car felt huge at first but became second nature within a day.

For city days we switched to the tram. It’s a clean, easy surface tram that runs east-west and goes all the way down to the water. You pay once, show your ticket, and hop on. The kids loved sitting near the front and watching the driver. It removed all the stress of parking and navigating narrow streets with a big car.

Quick comparison table:

Option	Best For	Kid-Friendly?	Cost Level	Our Verdict
Rental Car	Castles, highlands, flexibility	Yes with car seats	Higher	Great for day trips
Tram	City exploration, no parking	Very high	Low	Best for daily use
Walking	Old Town & Royal Mile	Moderate	Free	Combine with tram

edinburgh.org

The Kitchin Restaurant - Forever Edinburgh

Dinner at The Kitchin – Taking Kids to a Michelin-Star Restaurant

One night we went to The Kitchin in Leith (the spot Anthony Bourdain visited and loved). Walking in with three kids aged 10, 7, and 5 felt a little intimidating, but it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.

They gave us a private tour of the kitchen — meat section, fish section, pastry. The chef was warm and welcoming. The team created a special kids’ selection (pasta for the little ones, venison for our oldest) while we enjoyed the full multi-course experience. Dessert was a hit with everyone.

Dad takeaway: Kids don’t learn how to behave in nice places unless you actually take them. This dinner taught ours how to sit, try new foods, and enjoy an elevated experience. It stretched them in the best way.

findingtheuniverse.com

Visiting The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh - Everything You Need to Know

Chocolatarium – The Perfect Kid Activity in Edinburgh

The next day we visited the Chocolatarium, just off the Royal Mile. This was pure gold for the kids. They learned how chocolate is made from bean to bar, got to break open cocoa pods, taste the nibs, choose molds and toppings, and make their own bars to take home.

We still have some in the fridge weeks later and the kids keep asking when we can go back.

Why this was high-value: It combined education, hands-on fun, and a tangible souvenir. When you’re planning family travel, prioritize 1–2 “make something” experiences per trip. They create stronger memories than just looking at things.

sothebysrealty.co.uk

Best Views of Edinburgh Castle

Castles, Hiking & the Rest of the Trip

We drove up into the Lamond area for some hiking and visited several churches and castles. Edinburgh’s layered history is everywhere — you can feel it walking the streets and looking up at the castle on the rock.

The combination of structured activities (hotel, dinner, chocolate) and free exploration (hiking, wandering Old Town) kept everyone engaged without burning out the kids.

onejourneyaway.com

12 Places to Visit in Edinburgh's Old Town - Part 2: Hidden Gems & Local Highlights — One Journey Away | Edinburgh Travel Made Simple

7 Actionable Steps for Christian Dads Planning a Family Trip Like This

Choose your base wisely. Prioritize space and a kitchen over saving a few hundred dollars. Your wife and kids will thank you.
Practice the hard parts before you go. I reviewed left-side driving videos and tips ahead of time. That 10 minutes of prep saved a lot of stress.
Mix transport modes. Car for freedom outside the city, tram or walking inside. Less driving = happier kids.
Include one “make it” activity. The Chocolatarium turned a regular day into a core memory.
Prepare the kids for nice experiences. Talk ahead of time about how to act in a fancy restaurant. They rose to the occasion.
Build in margin. The overnight flight was rough. Give everyone (including yourself) grace the first 24–48 hours.
Document the story. These trips become the legends your kids tell their own children one day. Take the photos, shoot the video, write it down.

Why These Trips Matter for Your Legacy

As dads we’re called to lead our families — not just provide safety and provision, but also wonder, adventure, and shared stories. International travel with young kids stretches everyone’s faith and resilience. It teaches them the world is bigger than their neighborhood and that we can trust God in new places.

The small inconveniences (jet lag, driving on the “wrong” side, figuring out a new city) are the very things that bond you together and build the kind of memories that last generations.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about taking your family somewhere meaningful, this is your sign. Start planning. The investment in your kids’ hearts and your family story is worth far more than the cost or the hassle.

You’ve got this, brother.

– Ryan

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