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Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

4.3

·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore a world of toys and games from centuries past at Edinburgh's free Museum of Childhood.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow

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Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a world of toys and games from centuries past at Edinburgh's free Museum of Childhood.

4.3

(2k reviews)

"A free, nostalgic gem offering a delightful journey through the history of childhood play."

TIP

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy this fantastic museum without spending a penny! A great value stop in the city.

🧸 Nostalgia Overload

Prepare for a trip down memory lane with toys from your own childhood and beyond.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 2,159 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG, UK

Website

cultureedinburgh.com/our-venues/museum-of-childhood

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Doll Room

Main exhibition floor

A surprisingly extensive and varied collection of dolls from different eras, a true highlight for many visitors.

Vintage Toy Collections

Various display cases

Step back in time with an incredible array of toys, games, and playthings spanning centuries.

Interactive Displays

Throughout the museum

Engage with hands-on exhibits and elements that bring childhood memories to life.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Nostalgia

This gem offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly stop. Prepare for a wave of nostalgia as you explore toys and games from bygone eras. It's a unique experience that resonates with adults and kids alike, though some find the layout a bit cramped.

Timing is Key for Crowds

While free, the Museum of Childhood can get busy, especially with school groups. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can offer a more relaxed experience. Check their opening times before you go, as they can vary.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer school groups

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Tour groups thin out

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I saw kids on a field trip STUDYING THE ARTIFACTS 😭 #2000s #millennial #nostalgia

@itskatesteinberg

679.7K likes • 6.1M views

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy this fantastic museum without spending a penny! A great value stop in the city.

🧸 Nostalgia Overload

Prepare for a trip down memory lane with toys from your own childhood and beyond.

The best part was getting to show our kid what it was like “in our day”. Also my husband worked at a Blockbuster back then and the memories hit him like a truck. Edit: 📍This is at the History Colorado Center in Denver

@melissdawson

601.4K likes • 4.5M views

On Tuesday this week, I was in Edinburgh for a special trip. One of the many things I went to visit was the @museumsgalleriesedinburgh, #MuseumOfChildhood. (Thanks for the tip @lindahaddentsg!) Among the many amazing displays was a small number of antique samplers, with accompanying needlework tools, notions and boxes. I have included photos of the descriptions provided by the museum for addition...

girlwithagavelstitches

519 likes • 0 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive elements and familiar toys make it engaging for younger visitors too.

📍 Hidden Treasure

It's a bit tucked away, so keep an eye out for its entrance on High Street.

Step into the world of playtime past at the Museum of Childhood, the first museum in the world dedicated entirely to the history of childhood. 🧸 From Victorian dolls to Buzz Lightyear, 1920s voice-activated toys to 2000s action figures, it’s a nostalgia trip for grown-ups and a treasure trove for kids. Peek into what life was like at home, at school and at play over the decades, then let your imag...

thisisedinburgh

222 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy this fantastic museum without spending a penny! A great value stop in the city.

🧸 Nostalgia Overload

Prepare for a trip down memory lane with toys from your own childhood and beyond.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive elements and familiar toys make it engaging for younger visitors too.

📍 Hidden Treasure

It's a bit tucked away, so keep an eye out for its entrance on High Street.

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture those nostalgic moments with unique displays and vintage items.

What Travellers Say

4.3

(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Museum of Childhood for its free entry, vast and charming collection of vintage toys, and the strong sense of nostalgia it evokes. Many find it a delightful and engaging experience for all ages, offering a unique glimpse into the history of play. However, some suggest the layout could be improved for better flow and engagement.

"I love coming to the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh, it’s such a unique and nostalgic place. As someone from Indonesia, I was amazed to see so many toys and dolls I’ve never seen before. The collection is huge and full of charm, with items from different eras that really make you feel like you’re stepping into the past. It’s exciting to explore, and there’s so much to see, but I do feel like it’s a bit hidden, not many people seem to know about it.

Even though the museum has a lot of fascinating displays, the way the items are arranged could be improved. Right now, everything feels a bit too packed or randomly placed, and I think a better layout could make the experience even more engaging. It’s such a shame that not many people come by, especially since the location is actually really good, right along the Royal Mile. Maybe using social media more actively could help attract more visitors, because this place definitely deserves more attention!"

Fikha Rahmadina

"The toy collection from olden days is charming and nostalgic. It’s free to enter and sits right in the heart of the city. Lovely little museum for families or anyone who enjoys childhood memories!"

H 999

"Small but a definitely enjoyful museum! The best part was surely the doll's room. I was surprised to see such different dolls together in one room haha The entrance with all those lovely messages about childhood times made me smile. You can definitely feel it is not just a combination of childhood related objects inside but an effort to make the experience the fullest with fine details considered in each corner. I really liked how some parts of the museum was so interactive, I can definitely see people can rekindle their childhood here. The entrance is also free, you should definitely take a visit!"

Asli

What People Like

Free admission

Nostalgic toy collection

Doll room highlight

What People Dislike

Layout could be better

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Museum of Childhood is conveniently located on the Royal Mile at 42 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TG. It's easily accessible by foot from most central Edinburgh locations. Lothian Buses operate frequently in the area, and you can use their app to plan routes and purchase tickets. A day ticket is £5, and single fares are £2; buses do not give change, but card payments are accepted.

While situated on the bustling Royal Mile, some visitors find the museum a bit hidden. Look for the entrance at 42 High Street.

Yes, Lothian Buses are a great option. You can purchase tickets via their app, which also helps with route planning.

Taking the bus is often advisable with toddlers. The Lothian Buses app is useful for tickets and planning.

On-street parking in the Royal Mile area is very limited and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if you are staying centrally.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Museum of Childhood Edinburgh offers free admission to all visitors, making it an accessible and popular attraction. +1

No, advance booking is not typically required as entry is free. However, during peak times or for special events, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for any updates.

Opening times can vary, so it's best to check the official Museum of Childhood Edinburgh website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Yes, the museum is designed to appeal to all ages, offering a nostalgic experience for adults and engaging displays for children.

Yes, group visits are welcome. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance to arrange group visits, especially for larger parties, to ensure the best experience.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find an extensive collection of toys, games, and objects related to childhood from the 18th century to the present day. Highlights include vintage dolls, action figures, board games, and exhibits on school life.

Yes, the museum features interactive elements that allow visitors to engage with the displays and rekindle their childhood memories.

Some visitors mention a play area behind a 'scary clock,' suggesting there are spaces designed for children's engagement.

Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the museum, depending on their interest level and how much they engage with the exhibits.

The museum is housed in historic buildings, and while efforts are made for accessibility, some areas might present challenges for strollers. It's best to inquire directly with the museum for specific accessibility details.

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.

The doll room, vintage toy displays, and interactive exhibits offer great photo opportunities. The unique historical items provide a nostalgic backdrop.

While personal photography is usually permitted, avoid using flash as it can damage delicate artifacts. Always look for signage indicating restricted areas.

Searching for #MuseumOfChildhoodEdinburgh on TikTok and Instagram can provide a wealth of visual inspiration from other visitors.

Absolutely! The colorful and nostalgic displays make it a very 'Instagrammable' spot, perfect for capturing unique memories.