What to do in Edinburgh this October half-term
Edinburgh is full of exciting things to do during an October half-term visit. We have put together a list of family-friendly activities to keep the whole crew entertained.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Awarded Tripadvisor’s No.1 Attraction in the World, Britannia is the perfect all-weather attraction for a great day out, whatever the weather. Just 2 miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, Britannia is easily reached by Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 and by the Edinburgh tram. With five accessible decks, the engaging stories and history of the Yacht are available in 42 versions through a complimentary audio guide in 36 languages, a BSL/ASL tablet and Braille script, along with a junior audio guide available in five languages. Stop by the Royal Deck Tearoom during your visit and treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. Pair it with a slice of cake or scone for the ultimate treat. As you explore, look out for Clarence the corgi and his friends hiding throughout the tour route. Be sure to visit the Shop to browse its great selection of nautical and Royal-themed mementoes, and don’t miss the chance to take a photo with Clyde the giant corgi before finishing your Britannia experience.
Book your visit in advance and save.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and watch the leaves change into their vibrant autumnal colours. From the Woodland Garden to the Chinese Hillside and the Rock Garden, you will discover beautiful scenery everywhere you look. After many years of closure, the newly refurbished Palm Houses will be open to the public from 2 October 2026. Book your tickets to step inside the historic greenhouse which houses rare and threatened species of palms and ferns. Pay a visit to the free exhibition at Inverleith House Gallery, Earth Matters, which celebrates the 300th anniversary of the birth of Edinburgh-born geologist, James Hutton.
Search for the best hot chocolate
As you explore the city, along the way search for Edinburgh’s best hot chocolate. One of Edinburgh’s most famous hot chocolate spots is Uplands Roast. Topped generously with marshmallows, chocolate flakes and a chocolate straw, it’s perfect to take with you on a walk through the Meadows. Conveniently located just off Princes Street, Coro Chocolate Café is a haven for chocolate lovers, offering a variety of hot chocolates made with Belgium chocolate, served with lashings of whipped cream, marshmallows and wafers. For the ultimate indulgence, pair it with their death by chocolate cake. Mary's Milk Bar, in the heart of the Grassmarket, is famous for its unique handmade gelato flavours and is a favourite with both locals and visitors. On cooler days, their hot chocolate float is a fantastic choice, featuring a scoop of your favourite gelato served on top.
Pumpkins After Dark
Taking place at the Royal Highland Centre between 9 and 31 October, this family-friendly attraction features illuminated pumpkin displays, live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, and entertaining performances. Enjoy autumnal treats and plenty of opportunities to strike a pose for a spooky photo.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
In 2026 the Scottish International Storytelling Festival is returning to Edinburgh with the theme Lights of the North. From 22 October to 1 November, the festival will explore Scotland's northern identity through stories, songs, and myths, while also highlighting the connections between Scotland and the northern nations of Finland, Iceland, and Norway. With numerous events taking place over 11 days, there is something for everyone, from storytelling sessions and live music to hands-on workshops.
National Museum of Scotland
Free to visit and a great indoor activity, the National Museum of Scotland houses a huge collection of objects, ranging from Egyptian coffins, Dolly the cloned sheep, robots, Roman artifacts and even a T-Rex. As you explore, why not download one of their museum trails? Great for keeping little ones engaged, they offer fun activities to enjoy during your visit, including the Selfie Safari Trail, Family Puzzle Trail, and Discovering Dinosaurs Trail. No visit is complete without taking the lift to the top of the building to their roof terrace, offering fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle and across the city. 
Conifox Adventure Park
Conifox Adventure Park is hosting their Halloween Festival with two exciting events taking place throughout October. The Halloween Pumpkin Festival is a fun daytime activity for the whole family. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, explore the adventure park, find your way out of their mazes and enjoy live music and entertainment. As the sun goes down, join them for their Halloween Pumpkin Nights featuring fireworks, spook-tacular immersive mazes, fire performers, live music as well as access to the pumpkin patch.
Walk the Water of Leith to the National Galleries Scotland: Modern One and Two
Take in the crisp autumn air and enjoy a walk along the Water of Leith. Stop in the historic Dean Village to admire its quaint buildings and the beautiful autumnal foliage along the way. Continue on the path until you reach the National Galleries Scotland: Modern One and Two. Before heading inside the gallery, take the time to explore the grounds, which are home to numerous sculptures by artists including Nathan Coley, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Joan Miro. With free entry, a visit to Modern One is not to be missed, offering the chance to see works by renowned artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Pablo Picasso.
Read our other blogs, Spooky things to do in Edinburgh and Autumnal things to do in Edinburgh, for more ideas on what to do in Edinburgh during Autumn.
Image copyright:
Helen Pugh
Latasha Millette
VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
