A-Z of Edinburgh’s Free Play Parks

Despite the darker evenings closing in, we’ve been enjoying the myriad of play parks Edinburgh has to offer. I’ve learned two things a) never let the kids in a park without their rain dungarees, and b) local coffee shops are my saviour!

I previously shared a post about outdoor clothing for kids which I’ve updated to go hand in hand with this post – every single Edinburgh play park – big and small. I will also keep updating this post with nearby coffee shop recommendations – so if you have one please let me know!

EH2 and EH3 – Edinburgh New Town

Barony Playarea

• Postcode: EH3 6PA
• Suitable for: toddlers and juniors with an inclusive play unit
• Notable features: Winner of a Nancy Ovens Play Award 2009 for imaginative use of a black court area

Inverleith Park

• Postcode: EH3 5NY
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

King George V Park (Eyre Place)

• Postcode: EH3 5EN
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: There is also a permanent concrete table tennis table and a fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

West Princes Street Gardens

• Postcode: EH2 2HG
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Large wooden castle with slide and climbing nets.

EH4 – Craigleith, Davidson’s Mains, and Cramond

Ardshiel Avenue (Torrence Park)

• Postcode: EH4 7LF
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Clermiston Park

• Postcode: EH4 7PS
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Fenced court for ball games

Cramond Walled Garden

• Postcode: EH4 6QU
• Suitable for: Play for all-ages
• Notable features: Set in a walled garden adjacent to the ruins of a Roman Fort. Winner of Nancy Ovens Play Award 2009 for young people’s participation in design.

Davidson’s Mains Park

• Postcode: EH4 6AH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: set up on a hill, great place for sledging when there’s snow!
• Local coffee source: Davidson’s Mains has a mixed selection, Costa seems to be the current favourite for locals.

Easter Drylaw Park

• Postcode: EH4 2RX
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Stunt bike track

Granton Mains East

• Postcode: EH4 4GT
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Haugh Park

• Postcode: EH4 6DP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Muirhouse Linear Park

• Postcode: EH4 5NE
• Suitable for: All ages
• Notable features: Ball court, Skateboard park and BMX area

Muirhouse View

• Postcode: EH4 4SQ
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Northview Court

• Postcode: EH4 4HG
• Suitable for: Toddler

Ravelston Park

• Postcode: EH4 3PH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Next to Ravelston Woods for a nice walk.
• Local coffee: Abinger’s – further along on Craigcook Rd – just at the crosswalk in Blackhall. Really nice staff and good homely Scottish Treats.

West Pilton Park

• Postcode: EH4 4BY
• Suitable for: All-ages.
• Notable features: Three play areas for different ages.

Wester Drylaw Drive (Nos. 138-140)

• Postcode: EH4 2TB
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Fenced court for ball games, including football and basketball.

EH5 – Granton, and Pilton

Boswall/Royston Mains Gardens

• Postcode: EH5 1NJ
• Suitable for: Toddlers

East Pilton Park

• Postcode: EH5 2HT
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: 3m high Playzone Mountain Climber featuring a giant 2.4m high steel tunnel slide, a 2.1m vertical rope climb, a 1.6m high climbing wall and a 1.8m high fireman’s pole.

Granton Crescent

• Postcode: EH5 1BN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

EH6 – Leith

Admirality Street

• Postcode: EH6 6JT
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Refurbished Jan 2013

Dalmeny Street park

• Postcode: EH6 8RR
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Awarded a Nancy Ovens Play Award in 2010 for best community involvement. Built in 2010, the space provides play for all ages with swings for all, a cableway ride, dolphin springer, net roundabout, large mulitiplay high tower and slide, multiplay ball court and a separate basketball court with teenage seating.

Henderson Gardens

• Postcode: EH6 6BX
• Suitable for: Toddlers
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.
• Near by coffee: Sweet Dunedin is closest, but the nearby Shore has a superb selection too – Mimis, Cafe Truva….

Keddie Gardens

• Postcode: EH6 4AG
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Leith Links

• Postcode: EH6 7EZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Two play areas; one designed for toddlers and juniors, and a large climbing net for juniors and teenagers.
• Near by coffee source: Twelve Triangles Kitchen Table does amazing pastries and sourdough, or Bramblers Cycling limited for a quicker take out option.

Pilrig Park

• Postcode: EH6 5BA
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Two play areas; one off Pilrig Street and one off Balfour Street.

Pirniefield Bank

• Postcode: EH6 7QH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Primrose Street

• Postcode: EH6 8DJ
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Sandport Street

• Postcode: EH6 6EP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Taylor Gardens

• Postcode: EH6 4TG
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Tolbooth Wynd

• Postcode: EH6 6DN
• Suitable for: Toddlers
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Victoria Park

• Postcode: EH6 5RP
• Suitable for: All ages
• Notable features: Large play area with a separate toddler play area in corner of the park.
• Coffee: Jac’s Coffee Van can often be found next to the play park. Cafe Milk (sculpture workshop) is also nearby on the Cycle Path.

EH7 – Pilrig

Broughton Road

• Postcode: EH7 4EW
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors with an all inclusive play unit and wheelchair access.
• Notable features: Set in a landscaped garden and short listed in the UK Street Design Awards 2006.

Craigentinny Ball Court

• Postcode: EH7 6LR
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Lochend Park

• Postcode: EH7 6BR
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Loganlea Avenue

• Postcode: EH7 6NZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Montgomery Street park

• Postcode: EH7 5NH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Basket ball hoops and goal ends.

Redbraes Park

• Postcode: EH7 4LQ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

St. Mark’s Park

• Postcode: EH7 4HN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

EH8 – Old Town

Brown Street, Pleasance

• Postcode: EH8 9RY
• Suitable for: Older Children
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Dumbiedykes

• Postcode: EH8 9UX
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Figgate Park

• Postcode: EH8 7TA
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Play area for toddlers and juniors. Separate area for teens.

Magnet Playarea (East Meadows)

• Postcode: EH8 9LW
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: There are 40 individual items of play and 4877m square of playpark. Features include slides, drag ramp, scramble net, pedal roundabout, a seasonal water play unit, basket buddy swing, tyre swing and specialist swing seats. The play spaces have been designed for easy access and for use by all ages and abilities.
• Local Coffee Source: There is a cafe adjacent to the park. Cult Espresso is nearby and does an excellent coffee and brunch!

Meadowfield Gardens (No. 17)

• Postcode: EH8 7NZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Meadowfield Park

• Postcode: H8 7JL
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: There is also a 260m ‘blue’ grade bike track, which is suitable for intermediate riders with basic off road skills.

Meadows (West)

• Postcode: EH8 9DY
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Local coffee source: Bruntsfield is a short walk from here – so many great options but Machina Espresso is probably closest to the park!

Northfield Community Centre

• Postcode: EH8 7PP
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Northfield Drive

• Postcode: EH8 7RL
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Spinner bowl, seesaw and castle activity unit.

Piershill Square East

• Postcode: EH8 7BD
• Suitable for: Teens
• Notable features: Teen play area and ball court.

Piershill Square West

• Postcode: EH8 7AZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

EH10 – Morningside

Blackford Pond

• Postcode: EH10 6BR
• Suitable for: Toddler
• Notable features: Small toddler play stop with swing, climbing frame and springer, set in the beautiful wildlife reserve of Blackford Pond.

Buckstone Circle

• Postcode: EH10 7JE
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: New basket swing and natural play log walk added in Spring 2015.

Fairmilehead Park

• Postcode: EH10 6PY
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Rebuilt in 2011, the new play area offers play for toddlers, juniors and teenagers with large net structure and slide, cableway ride, swings and basket swing, rotating net roundabout, football and basketball goals and teenage play equipment.

Falcon Road/Park

• Postcode: EH10 4AH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Morningside Park

• Postcode: EH10 5JP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Ballcourt.

EH11 – Wester Hailes

Broomhouse Centre

• Postcode: EH11 3RD
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Broomhouse Grove

• Postcode: EH11 3TZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Calder Park

• Postcode: H11 4JQ
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Large climbing net and graffiti wall.

Gorgie/Dalry Community Park

• Postcode: EH11 2EF
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Harrison Park East

• Postcode: EH11 2EF
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Local Coffee Source: Take a stroll down the canal to the Watershed Coffee boat.

Harrison Park West

• Postcode: EH11 1SH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Bigger play area than Harrison Park East – has a wheelchair transfer module.

Hermiston Village

• Postcode: EH11 4AP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Murieston Park

• Postcode: EH11 2LQ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Saughton Mains Terrace

• Postcode: EH11 3NN
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Saughton Park

• Postcode: EH11 3BQ
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Wheels area for skateboarding / BMX. Vast play area adjacent to restored gardens including a Winter Garden in the green houses.
• Local coffee source – The Garden Bistro sits in the structured areas and has a variety of seating inside and out. Can recommend the filled breakfast rolls!

Sighthill Drive

• Postcode: EH11 4QA
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Stenhouse Playarea

• Postcode: EH11 3DL
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Stewart Terrace

• Postcode: EH11 1AP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Westfield Court

• Postcode: EH11 2RH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Westfield Court

• Postcode: EH11 2RH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

White Park

• Postcode: EH11 1TZ
• Suitable for: Juniors
• Notable features: Large climbing net with slides and swings.

EH12 – Corstorphine

Balgreen Park

• Postcode: EH12 5TZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Craigevar Square

• Postcode: EH12 8YP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Fauldburn Park

• Postcode: EH12 8YN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Fauldburn Park

• Postcode: EH12 8YN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Glendevon Park

• Postcode: EH12 5XD
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Gyle Park

• Postcode: EH12 8LJ
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Skateboard and BMX area

Roseburn Park

• Postcode: EH12 5PH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Sighthill Park

• Postcode: EH12 3UP
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: kateboard and BMX area

St. Margaret’s Park

• Postcode: EH12 7SZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Swings, climbing unit with slides, spingers and cableway.

Union Park

• Postcode: EH12 7EF
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Refurbished in 2013 – features a range of equipment suitable for nursery and primary school children with the addition of one or two features which will keep older children interested.

EH13 – Colinton

Campbell Park

• Postcode: EH13 0NZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Colinton Mains Park

• Postcode: EH13 9ED
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: This play area was funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN).

Oxgangs Brae/View

• Postcode: EH13 9LS
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Spylaw Park

• Postcode: EH13 0NX
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Group swing, tyre swing, cone climber and climbing unit.

EH14 – Balerno and Currie

Bloomiehall Park

• Postcode: EH14 5DX
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Clovenstone Gardens

• Postcode: EH14 3HY
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Clovenstone Park (Block 40)

• Postcode: EH14 3BN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Dean Park Play area

• Postcode: EH14 7HH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Dolphins Gardens West

• Postcode: EH14 5RJ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Hailes Quarry Park

• Postcode: EH14 2AB
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Mountain bike pump track and climbing wall.

Dumbryden Gardens (No. 1-17)

• Postcode: EH14 2NH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Hailesland Gardens

• Postcode: EH14 2QJ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

King George V Park (Currie)

• Postcode: EH14 5RT
• Suitable for: Juniors and teens
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Kingsknowe Playarea

• Postcode: EH14 2BY
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Meggetland Wynd

• Postcode: EH14 1XT
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Moat House

• Postcode: EH14 1NS
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Morvenside

• Postcode: EH14 2SQ
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Muir Wood Park

• Postcode: EH14 5JE
• Suitable for: All-ages

Murrayburn Green/Gardens opp 25

• Postcode: EH14 2QL
• Suitable for: Juniors and Teens
• Notable features: Fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Murrayburn Playarea (Block 12)

• Postcode: EH14 2RR
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Pentland View

• Postcode: EH14 5NP
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Separate teen play area at the west end of the park.

Redhall Park

• Postcode: EH14 2HG
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Westburn Grove

• Postcode: EH14 2SA
• Suitable for: Juniors and Teens
• Notable features: Fenced court for ball games, including football and basletball.

Wester Hailes Drive, Barn Park

• Postcode: EH14 3HU
• Suitable for: Toddlers

EH15 – Duddingston

Bailie Place (Rear Nos. 1-5)

• Postcode: EH15 3BR
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Bingham Park

• Postcode: EH15 3LW
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Jewel Park

• Postcode: EH15 3JL
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Brand new play facilities installed in 2010 including a new climbing wall, birds nest climbing frame and ball court for sports activities.

Joppa Quarry Park

• Postcode: EH15 2NB
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Magdalene Community Centre

• Postcode:EH15 3BE
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Located in the grounds of Brunstane School.

Mount Lodge

• Postcode:EH15 2AE
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Rosefield Park

• Postcode:EH15 1BD
• Suitable for: All-ages

Straiton Place Park

• Postcode:EH15 2BA
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Towerbank

• Postcode:EH15 1HH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Play area on Portobello Prom

EH16 – Danderhall

Craigmillar Castle

• Postcode:EH16 4TE
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Large multi netted structure set into the landscape of the park with towers and 3m high slides. Finalist in the UK Horticultural Week Landscape and Amenity Awards 2009

Glenvarloch Crescent

• Postcode:EH16 6DW
• Suitable for: Toddlers

Gracemount House Drive

• Postcode:EH16 6FD
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: Includes seesaw, trampoline, lantern swing and multi play.

Gracemount Leisure Centre

• Postcode:EH16 6RN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Huntershall Park

• Postcode:EH16 4ND
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Inch Park

• Postcode:EH16 5UF
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: A fenced court for ball games including football and basketball.

Liberton Park

• Postcode:EH16 6JS
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Niddrie House Drive (Clock)

• Postcode:EH16 4UE
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Niddrie House Square

• Postcode:EH16 4UP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Peffer Playarea

• Postcode:EH16 4BB
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: A ball end for teenagers.

Peffermill Court

• Postcode:EH16 4AD
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Prestonfield Park

• Postcode:EH16 5EU
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Seven Acre Park

• Postcode:H16 6TN
• Suitable for: All-ages

EH17 – Liberton

Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park

• Postcode:EH17 8UP
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Skateboard and BMX area

Drum Park

• Postcode:EH17 7EQ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Ferniehill Community Park

• Postcode:EH17 7BJ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Marytree House

• Postcode:EH17 7LB
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Moredun Park

• Postcode: EH17 7NE
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features: This park was originally known as Gilmerton Park, but following community consultation in 2010, it was agreed that Moredun Park was more appropriate and this is now how the park is known.

Moredun Teenage Area

• Postcode:EH17 7NE
• Suitable for: Teens

Southhouse Square

• Postcode:EH17 8DN
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

EH21 – Musselburgh, Wallyford, Newcraighall, Inverses, Whitecraig, Old Craighall, Monktonhall, Carberry

Newcraighall Park

• Postcode:EH21 8SB
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features:

EH28 – Ratho

Craigpark Crescent

• Postcode:EH28 8RW
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features:
• Very small local play space

Ratho Park

• Postcode:EH28 8PB
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features:

Ratho Station Park

• Postcode:EH28 8PR
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors
• Notable features:

Riverside Park

• Postcode:EH28 8SU
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features:
• Play facilitiesA new innovative swing that mimics what it feels like to be on a skateboard in a halfpipe was installed in 2010. The ‘Sky Carver’ is the first of its kind in Britain and allows young people to enjoy the sensation of adrenaline fuelled sports such as skateboarding, wake boarding and kite surfing – while being attached to a four metre high aerial rope.

EH29 – Kirkliston

Allison Park 

• Postcode:EH29 9DQ
• Suitable for: All-ages

Gateside, Kirkliston

• Postcode:EH29 9DU
• Suitable for: Toddlers
• Notable features:
• Play facilitiesCompleted in 2012 the new small toddler play area features a Crazy Caterpillar Play Pod unit providing slides and climbing for young adventurers, two cradle swings, dish roundabout and talk tubes set on grass mats under the equipment.

Kirkliston Sports Centre

• Postcode:H29 9EY
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

EH30 – Abercorn, Queensferry and Dalmeny

Carlowrie Crescent

• Postcode:EH30 9TZ
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Dundas Avenue

• Postcode:EH30 0QA
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Dundas Park provides playing fields for children and an ideal sports pitch. The park also offers close view of the Forth Rail Bridge and there is a well-used, safe play area for young children.

Echline Avenue

• Postcode:EH30 9XH
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors

Forth Terrace

• Postcode:EH30 9JT
• Suitable for: Juniors
• Notable features: Very small local play space

Inchcolm Terrace

• EH30 9SF
• Suitable for: All-ages
• Notable features: Seating and Football Goal posts

King George V Park (South Queensferry)

• Postcode:EH30 5RP
• Suitable for: Toddlers and Juniors