Edinburgh with Autistic Children

Edinburgh is a beautiful, historic city with a lot to offer families. However, traveling Edinburgh with autistic children requires a bit of extra planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This guide will provide you with essential information about visiting Edinburgh with kids with autism, including tips on managing autism in the city and a list of sensory-friendly places to visit.

Things to Know About Edinburgh

Sensory Sensitivities: Edinburgh is a bustling city with many sensory stimuli, from the sounds of street performers on the Royal Mile to the crowds at popular tourist spots. Prepare your child for the sensory overload by discussing what they might encounter and bringing along noise-cancelling headphones or sensory toys to help them cope.

Public Transportation: Edinburgh has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains and trams. This can be a great way to see Edinburgh with an autistic child, but keep in mind that buses can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak hours. Consider using quieter times to travel or opting for taxis or walking when possible. Apps like Uber are popular in Edinburgh.

If you are Scottish, and you or your child have autism, make sure you apply for a disability bus pass with a companion sticker on it so you can bring someone else on the bus for free. Anyone under 22 who is Scottish can get a bus pass to travel for free in Scotland. Learn everything you need to know with getyournec.

To help make travel on public transport in Edinburgh with autistic children more manageable, connect to the free internet that is usually available on the buses. Here is an Instagram tutorial I made about accessing the free internet on Lothian buses.

Weather: Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and wind. Make sure to dress your child in layers and bring waterproof clothing to keep them comfortable in all conditions.

I have a system I use for layering in Scotland in winter and it is the same for boys and girls. First I use tights, then a pair of trousers or leggings on top, then socks. A baby will have a button vest and a toddler or above will have a normal vest, t-shirt and then a jumper and coat if needed. Layers can be added and removed as needed. I also travel with hats, gloves and snoods for the kids to be able to add to them when they are too cold. And blankets for strollers!

In Scotland, you’ll need a proper rain coat with proper waterproof abilities. My smallest two have a few coats, but one of the best is from Blade and Rose.

Accessibility: Many attractions in Edinburgh are accessible to people with disabilities, but the city’s hilly terrain and cobblestone streets can be challenging. Plan your routes in advance and consider using strollers with good suspension if needed. Here is a funny Instagram reel I made of me being determined to explore even the stairways and hills in Edinburgh.

Crowds: Popular tourist areas like the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile can get very crowded. Visiting these attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help avoid the busiest times.

Managing Autism in Edinburgh

• Create a Visual Schedule: Using a visual schedule can help your child understand the plan for the day and reduce anxiety. Include pictures of the places you’ll visit and the activities you’ll do. You can use our free travel PECS or our paid bumper pack of travel PECS to help. Specifically for a trip to Edinburgh, you should consider our Edinburgh PECS Cards. Add to your collection with our Scotland PECS.

• Identify Quiet Spaces: Locate quiet spaces where your child can take a break if they become overwhelmed. Many museums and attractions offer quiet rooms or sensory-friendly areas. If you contact places upfront they will provide any information they have available about quiet spaces or even autism guides to use to prepare people before visiting.

• Use Social Stories: Social stories can help your child understand what to expect in different situations. Create stories about using public transportation, visiting museums, and interacting with crowds. Before coming to Scotland with autistic children, consider using some of these books to help prepare them for the trip.

• Bring Comfort Items: Bring along items that provide comfort to your child, such as a favourite toy, blanket, or fidget tool. These can help soothe them during stressful moments. My son likes to use headphones and music when he is getting overwhelmed.

Sensory-Friendly Places to Visit

When visiting Edinburgh with an autistic child, you should plan some time to partake in sensory activities to cater to their needs.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

This interactive museum offers a range of sensory experiences, from optical illusions to light shows. The museum provides a sensory map to help you plan your visit and identify quieter areas. It’s a fantastic place for children to explore and engage with different sensory exhibits. I made this reel about the free mirrors outside, just incase you can’t visit when you planned to.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful, tranquil space perfect for a relaxing day out. The gardens offer wide open spaces, peaceful walking paths, and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy nature. It’s an excellent place for a sensory break away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is an interactive museum that tells the story of our planet. It features a variety of sensory experiences, including a simulated volcanic eruption and a 4D show. The museum is spacious and usually less crowded, making it a good option for children who may be overwhelmed by more densely populated attractions.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland offers a range of exhibits that cater to different sensory needs. The museum provides sensory backpacks, which include ear defenders, sensory toys, and visual supports to help children engage with the exhibits. Additionally, the museum has designated quiet spaces for when a break is needed.

The Yard

The Yard is an adventure play centre designed specifically for children with additional needs. It offers a safe and inclusive environment with a variety of play equipment and activities. The staff is trained to support children with autism, making it a welcoming place for families.

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is a lovely public park located in the heart of Edinburgh, dividing the Old Town from the New Town. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets and offer several sensory-friendly features that can be particularly beneficial for children with autism.

• Wide Open Spaces: The gardens are spacious, allowing children to run around and explore without feeling confined. This open environment can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of freedom.
• Sensory Experiences: Princes Street Gardens is home to a variety of plants and flowers, offering rich sensory experiences through different textures, colours, and scents. The gardens also feature fountains and ponds, adding soothing water sounds to the sensory mix.
• Quiet Corners: Despite being in the city centre, the gardens have many quiet corners where families can relax away from the crowds. These areas can be ideal for taking a break and allowing children to decompress. One of my favourite spots is where a little statue of a dog hides, the tradition is to bring the dog a stick because he is lonely. My boys loved this little timeout in the busy city.
• Play Areas: There are several play areas within the gardens, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. These play areas can help children burn off energy and enjoy physical activity in a safe environment.
• Stunning Views: The gardens offer beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. Sitting on a bench and taking in the scenery can be a calming experience for both children and adults.

Princes Street Gardens is also a fantastic place to play Pokemon Go in the city, and you’ll learn some cool things about the cultural highlights of Princes Street Gardens by spinning the Pokestops. See this reel I made about Pokemon Go and why I let me kids play it when we travel.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit landmark with its rich history and stunning views. While it can be busy, planning ahead can make the visit more manageable for children with autism.

• Early Visits: Arrive early to avoid the largest crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
• Quiet Areas: The castle grounds have several quiet spots where you can take a break if needed.
• Audio Guides: Consider using the audio guides, which can help engage your child with the history without needing to navigate crowded tour groups.
• Preparation: Prepare your child with social stories about what to expect, and use visual schedules to keep the visit structured.

You can pre-book Edinburgh Castle via GetYourGuide.

Hard Rock Café Edinburgh

The Hard Rock Café offers a lively dining experience with a rock ‘n’ roll theme. While it can be busy and loud, it can also be a fun and memorable place to visit with some planning. When we visited it was actually pretty quiet with only a few other tables filled at the time.

Conifox Adventure Park

Conifox Adventure Park is a fantastic place to visit with kids, and they often have themed events at Christmas and Easter, for example. It is both an indoor HUGE soft play and climbing area, and also an outdoor space for their events which also includes outdoor play areas with trampolines, jumping cushions, go-karts and much more.

We went to their Christmas event in 2023 and Luke was so adorable with this snowman.

• Reservations: Make a reservation to avoid long wait times.
• Quiet Times: Visit during quieter hours, such as late lunch or early dinner.
• Sensory Kit: Bring along a sensory kit, including noise-cancelling headphones, to help your child manage the environment.
• Familiar Foods: Check the menu in advance to ensure there are foods that your autistic child will enjoy. Our will usually eat the fries.

John Muir Alpacas

This places is really cool and nice and quiet compared to the other places on the list. The children get assigned 1 alpaca each and the get to hold it’s rope and bring it on a short walk and then feed it carrots. They learn a bit about how to care for an alpaca and then get to play in the big tent and in the park.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Edinburgh

TimeTwisters Soft Play

TimeTwisters is an indoor soft play centre designed to look like an ancient Egyptian city. It offers a safe and fun environment for children to play and burn off energy. The centre has a separate area for younger children and quieter times for those who prefer a less stimulating environment. We haven’t needed to go to the autism session as we found week days to be quiet enough.

The soft play also do something like build-a-bear in a small tree-house style hut. We did it once time after Luke’s autism diagnosis appointment but they prefer to run about and play!

Getting Around Edinburgh With Autistic Children

Edinburgh is really well connected – with trams, buses, trains and cars. We have been to Edinburgh so many times and used almost every type of transport available. I recommend a mix of walking and using the buses because they are the most simple to use.

Is Edinburgh Autism-Friendly?

Edinburgh is considered to be a relatively autism-friendly city, with a growing awareness of autism and a variety of resources and services available to support individuals on the autism spectrum. The city’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its education system, healthcare facilities, and public spaces. While there are challenges, particularly in busy tourist areas, careful planning and the availability of support services make Edinburgh a welcoming and accommodating destination for individuals with autism and their families.

Things That Make Edinburgh Stand Out

• Edinburgh’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, is generally accessible and well-organized. Lothian Buses, the city’s main bus service, offers helpful staff and clear signage, making it easier for individuals with autism to navigate. Some services provide information about quieter travel times, and the city has made efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Edinburgh is a walkable city with a mix of bustling areas and quieter neighborhoods. The city’s layout includes both busy tourist zones like the Royal Mile and more tranquil areas such as Dean Village. Planning routes that avoid peak tourist areas during busy times can help reduce sensory overload.
• Many of Edinburgh’s museums, such as the National Museum of Scotland and Dynamic Earth, offer sensory-friendly sessions or quiet hours specifically designed for visitors with autism. These sessions often include adjusted lighting, reduced noise, and fewer visitors to create a more comfortable environment.
• As one of the city’s most popular attractions, Edinburgh Castle can get crowded, but visiting during off-peak hours or using special passes to avoid queues can help make the experience more manageable.
• Edinburgh has numerous parks and green spaces, such as Holyrood Park and The Meadows, which provide peaceful environments away from the city’s hustle and bustle. These areas can be ideal for relaxation and sensory breaks.
• The city is famous for its festivals, especially the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. While the festival can be overwhelming due to large crowds and noise, there are efforts to make it more inclusive, including quieter performances and sensory-friendly venues.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Scotland PECS and Edinburgh PECS to add to your experience.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Edinburgh is a vibrant and historic city with much to offer families traveling with children on the autism spectrum. By planning ahead, identifying sensory-friendly locations, and bringing along comfort items, you can create a positive and enjoyable experience for your child. Whether you’re exploring interactive museums, relaxing in botanical gardens, or playing in soft play centres, Edinburgh has plenty of options to ensure a memorable and fulfilling trip for your family.

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