See & Do

Museum of Childhood

Free

Attraction

Hightlight

City Centre
Family Friendly

Take a day out to the world’s first ever museum dedicated to the history of childhood. A family friendly attraction in the heart of Edinburgh city. A visit to this museum will spark some great memories of the past and amongst the displays you will find toys, games, clothes, books and dolls, dating from the 1800s to the present day and best of all it’s FREE, but they do ask for donations.

Explore a child’s life at home, at school and at play. See blasts from the past like Muffin the Mule, the first star of children’s television and Radio Rex – a 1920s voice activated toy. Favourite toys which last the test of time are also on display including a Buzz Lightyear, the action figure from 2000 and a Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone from 1979. And don’t miss the dressing-up area and tee-pee in the imaginary play area which offers families the chance to play together.

Opened in 1955, the Museum boasts an impressive collection of toys, games and artefacts relating to British childhoods. See fascinating and rare objects as well as toys you may recognise from your own childhood.

The collection at the Museum of Childhood explores all aspects of British childhood from the mid 19th century to the present day. Play and entertainment are represented by toys, games, dolls, fancy dress, items relating to hobbies and pastimes, books, magazines and comics. Childcare and life at home, nursery and school also feature, along with a substantial costume collection reflecting children’s fashions and lifestyles. The museum also has a photographic archive.

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Museum of Childhood

4.32170 reviews

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Emily Sullivan

a week ago

A small but charming museum that feels especially nostalgic. It brought back a lot of childhood memories and honestly probably resonates more with adults than with kids. The collection is not large, but it is thoughtfully curated and fun to check out. Best of all, it is free to enter. If you have a bit of extra time while exploring the Royal Mile, it is definitely worth stepping inside for a quick visit and a dose of nostalgia.

Kalista Sky

4 months ago

The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh is free to enter, though you can always leave a donation. It’s spread across several floors with different toys to see. The place is interesting not only for children but also for adults and older visitors. Little ones can not only look at the exhibits but also interact with some of them. There’s also a short film about childhood in the 1930s–1960s, offering glimpse into the past.

Fikha Rahmadina

6 months ago

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!

Asli

6 months ago

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!

P M

2 weeks ago

This is a tardis of nostalgic childhood memories. From the outside it would be easy to think it's just a shop but it's not. Once through the first room, there are loads of other rooms over many levels. They have a lift if you can't manage the stairs. In each room you hear.... "oooo I remember...." To be honest, from the inside first bit I hadn't expected much, but how wrong was I ! It was brilliant. Definitely worth a visit and definitely worth contributing to keep it open.