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Edinburgh · Museum
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh with kids
Museum of Childhood is temporarily closed while its galleries and lighting are refreshed. Reopening is expected in January 2027, but a date has yet to be confirmed. For now, choose another Edinburgh museum. This free Royal Mile toy museum is one to keep in mind for a future visit.
- Best ages
- Future visit: preschool and primary
- Entry
- Normally free · currently closed
- Weather
- Indoor museum · unavailable for now
- Visit shape
- After reopening: a focused stop
Our family take
When it reopens, this is worth considering for children who enjoy old toys and adults who enjoy the memory-lane element. It works best as one part of an Old Town plan, with the collection setting the pace. If your children need plenty of active play, keep another nearby plan ready.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Current status
- Closed from 21 September for gallery and lighting work. Reopening is expected in January 2027; no exact date is confirmed.
- Entry
- Normally free admission. Check the visitor information again once reopening is confirmed.
- Address
- 42 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TG, on the Royal Mile.
- Access after the works
- Check the available galleries, buggy and lift arrangements before planning a visit. The previous layout had some galleries accessible only by stairs.
- Parking
- There are no parking facilities at the museum. Check current city-centre parking restrictions and charges if driving.
Historic Toy And Games CollectionIndoor Visit
2 October 2026
Check reopening updates (official)A little more detail
Make it work for your family
Choose another Edinburgh museum for now
National Museum of Scotland is the broader free indoor choice for mixed ages, while Museum on the Mound suits families who want a focused money theme and family activities. Check your chosen museum’s opening details before travelling.
Toys and childhood history
What children can see after reopening
The collection covers toys, games, dolls, fancy dress, books, magazines and comics, alongside objects linked to home, childcare, nursery and school. It stretches from the 1800s to today, so children can see how play and childhood have changed.
Before the closure, a small dressing-up area with a teepee gave younger visitors a change of pace. Check which displays and activities return after the gallery refresh.
Best ages and family fit
Preschool and primary-age children can get different things from the same displays. Younger children may enjoy familiar toys, while older children can compare games, fashions and school life across the collection. You spend most of the visit looking and talking about the objects.
Before a future visit
Wait for a confirmed reopening date before adding this museum to your day. Regular opening hours in older listings do not apply during the closure.
The pre-closure access information describes a ramped entrance, lift access to galleries 1 and 3, and stairs only to galleries 4 and 5. Check what changes after the works if step-free access will decide your visit. Toilet and baby-changing arrangements also need checking.
The museum says it cannot answer enquiries during the closure. Use the visitor-information page for reopening updates. Once it reopens, allow for the cobbled Royal Mile approach when planning your buggy or mobility route.
Plan the rest of your day
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