Disclosure: some experiences were gifted as part of a Press visit, but all opinions are my own.

There’s still plenty to do with children in Edinburgh and places to eat well which are open and would appreciate your visit, but be aware that many attractions require advance booking either to allow social distancing or for track and trace even if they are free activities. Given the weather, its worth making a plan so you don’t end up eating pizza in the car to escape the rain (yes, that was us).

Let’s get straight to it, here’s the list, and, at the end, a few things which we love but that are still closed for now.

1. National Museum of Scotland.

I’ve always loved the museum, my grandfather was a curator, so I had lots of fun running about behind the scenes as a child. Luckily my son loves visiting too and it’s a great rainy day activity. It’s still free to visit but you need a timed ticket, book here. The café is open, but there are presently no cloakrooms, so pack light. There is a one-way system in place to help with social distancing and lots of hand sanitiser, some of the more touchy displaces are out of action, but there is still plenty to see and do.

2. Mercat Tours

Even if you’ve lived in Edinburgh for years, you are bound to come away having learned something new. We tried out Mercat Tours’ Secrets of the Royal Mile * and both really enjoyed it. Lots of interesting information for adults and plenty of gross and spooky stuff for kids. They have only recently restarted tours, groups are small and there are no issues social distancing as everyone gets their own radio headset (bring your headphones). No need to wear a face covering outside unless you want to.

3. Edinburgh Castle

If you do the Mercat Tour Secrets of the Royal Mile, you can jump the queue at the Castle. Definitely something to save for a nice day as it can be the coldest and windiest place on the planet, and you’ll miss the spectacular views right across Edinburgh if its cloudy. The Crown Jewels are not on display at the moment, but there’s still plenty interesting stuff to explore.

4. Craigmillar Castle

Edinburgh’s other castle, used as a safe haven by Mary Queen of Scots. Cheaper that Edinburgh Castle but no less dramatic. Advance tickets from Historic Scotland here.

5. Butterfly and Insect World

If you are heading to Craigmillar castle, you should probably also visit Butterfly World. Advance booking required but there’s currently good availability for next week. It’s a bit retro, but still tremendous fun, and the people working there really love children and know how to get them interested in and excited about insects. They have some very friendly chickens too.

6. The Elephant house on George IV Bridge.

Maybe I’ve missed something, but this café seems decidedly average. However if you are a Harry Potter fan, then it’s a must visit, and not as busy as usual just now, they’re super friendly and it’s open. I would usually recommend Spoon instead, the wonderful café where the books were actually written, but it has sadly closed its doors for good thanks to COVID. Book your table on 0131 220 5355.

7. Camera Obscura

Another excellent rainy day activity to let off some steam. Advance booking required so there’s plenty space for social distancing inside. It’s not the most accessible of venues with lots of stairs and toilets are up on the 1st floor. If you time your visit around sunset, the views from the roof terrace can be spectacular.

8. The Botanics

Admission is still free but advance booking of timed tickets required. Cafés are open for takeaway and there are extra toilets. Sometimes, when its really cold, I like to sit among the palms in the glasshouses and pretend that I live in a warm country.

9. Newhailes

This National Trust for Scotland** property has a really brilliant outdoor play area, if you are a Member, it’s free, but you still need to book. The grounds and Doocot Diner is open but the house, café and toilets are closed.

10. The Georgian House,

Another NTS property in Edinburgh, really fun if you are interested in how people lived in our historic buildings. Advance booking required, even for members, some time slots for half term week available at time of writing.

11. National Galleries: The Scottish National Gallery (on the mound) and Modern One have reopened. Both are free but advance booking required. Modern Two is reopening on 24th October. The Scottish Cafe (run by Continis, and rather a special treat) is open but also needs to be booked. The exhibition NOW by Katie Paterson at Modern One is very interactive and a big hit with kids and adults alike, Café Modern One is open daily 10am to 4.30pm. No booking required - counter service and takeaway available, lots of space outside to run about, or why not take a walk along the Water of Leith after, you might even spot the Kingfisher.

12. City Art centre

This gallery is always a hit with children and adults. Free advance booking required. Includes a branch of the popular Mimi’s Bakehouse, open for sit in.

13. The Scotch Whisky Experience

This might not be your first thought of a family friendly experience, but kids go free and you get to ride around in a whisky barrel, so it might be a good rainy day option! Book here.

14. Climb one of Edinburgh’s seven hills

It’s free, no need to book, and you’ll get a different perspective, plus the autumn colours are just lovely at the moment. If you are feeling energetic, climb all of them.

15. Where to find a toilet.

Perhaps its just me, but, I find that the chorus of Muuuum, I need the toilet tends to happen at the most inopportune moments, usually at the front of a soul-destroyingly long queue at the supermarket, and I have developed a mental map of the nearest free loos in town. With so many places closed or takeaway only, options are currently limited . Anyway, the toilets at both ends of Princes St Gardens are currently closed, as are the ones at the top of the Royal mile but those behind the Ross Bandstand are open. Primark’s cafe and toilets are closed, but there is a loo on the top floor of Costa Coffee on the corner of princes St and Hanover St, and the code lock is currently not working, but don’t tell them I told you. There are toilets in Waverley Station, by the ticket office. Jenners and Marks and Spencers on Princes St both also still have toilets open. There are also paid toilets in the Waverley Mall, bottom floor near Sainsburys. The cafe in Waterstone’s Princes St seems to be still open, one of the best views of the Castle too and they have one loo. You may find more further out of the city centre on lockdownloo.com .

16. What’s currently closed

For now, City of Edinburgh museums including the Writers’ Museum, Museum of Childhood, Scott Monument, Museum of Edinburgh, The People’s Story Museum, Nelson Monument and City Observatory, are all shut. NTS Gladstone’s Land is closed for renovation ,Gilmerton Cove, Scottish National Portrait Gallery (reopening on 8 November), Dynamic Earth (only open at Weekends for now, limited availability with advance booking).

*PR experience

** I’ve previously worked with the National Trust for Scotland, but have paid full price to renew my membership.