Visiting With Families

There's no "best" age. Younger children enjoy the colourful visual effects, mirrors and interactive exhibits, while older children, teenagers and adults love the puzzles, illusions and photography opportunities. It's one of the few attractions that genuinely entertains the whole family together.

Yes. Many of our youngest visitors love exploring the mirror rooms, giant kaleidoscope, light displays and sensory experiences. While some exhibits are more suited to older children, toddlers enjoy discovering new sights, sounds and surprises throughout the attraction.

Children can explore five floors filled with over 100 interactive exhibits, including optical illusions, perspective tricks, mirror experiences, puzzles and hands-on displays. Almost every exhibit encourages children to interact, experiment and discover something unexpected.

Yes. Our exhibits introduce ideas about light, perception, science, psychology and visual illusion through play and exploration. It's a fun learning experience where children are encouraged to question what they see while having fun. 

Most families spend around 2 hours exploring, although many choose to stay longer. Your ticket is valid all day, so you're welcome to leave and return later if you'd like to get refreshments, have a break or explore Edinburgh before coming back.

Definitely. As a mostly indoor attraction, Camera Obscura is one of Edinburgh's favourite family activities when the weather isn't at its best. You'll stay warm and dry while enjoying five floors packed with interactive experiences. The Rooftop Rerrace remains open whatever the weather, you can watch the haar or see Edinburgh sparkle in the rain, we even provide umbrellas! 

You'll find us beside Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile, making us easy to include as part of a family day exploring Edinburgh's historic Old Town.

Children under 5 visit free of charge, but they still need a ticket so we can manage visitor numbers. Please include every member of your group when booking online.

Buggies and pushchairs need to be left in our buggy parking area in our admissions foyer. As we're housed in a historic building with multiple floors and only stairs to access each area. We recommend using a baby carrier where possible, which you can borrow for free from us, and our team will be happy to advise when you arrive for your visit.

Yes. Baby changing facilities are available in all our toilet facilities, and breastfeeding is welcome throughout the attraction. If you'd prefer a quieter place to feed your baby we have a Quiet Space on Floor 4, simply ask a member of our team and we'll be happy to help.

Absolutely! Photography is encouraged throughout the attraction, and many of our exhibits create brilliant opportunities for memorable family photos. Don't forget to share your favourites with us on social media.

As family groups consist of many variations, we don't currently offer a family ticket, to allow inclusivity to all our visitors. Tickets are individually priced. 

We think so! Camera Obscura has been delighting families for generations and is consistently rated as one of Edinburgh's top visitor attractions. With interactive exhibits, unforgettable illusions and experiences that appeal to all ages, it's a place where the whole family can laugh, learn and discover together.

Absolutely. Teenagers often enjoy the illusion rooms, puzzles, photography opportunities and exhibits that challenge their perception. Many families find it's one of the few attractions that genuinely appeals to children, teens and adults alike.

Most of our exhibits are designed to be interactive and hands-on. We encourage visitors to get involved, explore and experience the illusions for themselves.

Yes. Camera Obscura is one of Edinburgh's most popular family attractions during school holidays, offering a fun indoor experience that appeals to a wide range of ages and interests. We do get busy at these times, and recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred entry date and time. 

There's no special dress code. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended as families often spend a couple of hours exploring the attraction's multiple floors.

Camera Obscura combines history, science, optical illusions and hands-on fun in one unique attraction. Rather than simply observing exhibits, visitors actively participate in the experiences, making it memorable for children and adults alike.