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The best things to do at Fort Kinnaird for a day out

Everything you need in one place for an incredible family day out

From blockbusters at Odeon, delicious bites at wagamama, welcoming kids’ stores including a newly arrived adidas and free parking, you can enjoy a family day full of activities and fun at Fort Kinnaird.

1.   See big new movies at the Odeon Fort Kinnaird

Enjoy recent releases including DreamWorks Dog Man, based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling graphic novel series (7 February).

Odeon offers lots of deals on movies with adults pay kids’ prices on certain movies. You can also catch kids’ movies on Saturday and Sunday mornings for just £2.75 while Odeon Newbies means you can enjoy a baby-friendly atmosphere where nobody minds if they cry. Find out more here.

Don’t miss Frankie & Benny’s amazing movie and a meal offer – head there after the big screen, show your ticket and you’ll get a whopping 30% off.

If you buy any products from Compare the Market, you can also enjoy Meerkat Movies for a whole year with 2-for-1 tickets every Tuesday or Wednesday, there are discounts for seniors and students; get booking now is our advice.

2.   The best places to eat with family menus and offers for kids

Fort Kinnaird is home to some of the most children-friendly places to eat on the planet with crowd pleasers including Five Guys, McDonalds, Chaiiwala, Hotel Chocolat and Greggs alongside Pizza Express and Pizza Hut.

Keep an eye on Frankie & Benny’s offers from their Small Eaters or Big Eaters menus featuring cheesy tomato pizza, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, all with free veggie sticks and a dessert.

Nando’s famous Nandinos meals have chicken strips, wings with side orders of corn on the cob and fries with either a juice or bottomless frozen yoghurt while Bread Meets Bread has a kids’ menu filled with hot dogs, classic burgers, cheese toastie and chicken bits served with fries, fruit juice and ice cream!

During the school holidays, kids can eat for free or for just £1 at leading cafes and restaurants at Fort Kinnaird so keep an eye on our offers page.

3.   Discover smart shopping with the kids at Fort Kinnaird

Image provided by M&S

We’re home to some of the best fashion, beauty, food and gifting stores in Edinburgh making Click & Collect and everyday shopping easy.

Keep youngsters comfy and stylish with M&S kids’ everyday essentials collection, featuring durable sweatshirts, cosy hoodies and versatile tracksuits. Whether they’re playing outside or lounging at home, our quality designs are built to last, including classic knits, playful patterns and easy-care fabrics.

There are also plenty of kid-friendly shoe and clothing brands including Clarks, H&M, JD Sports, Mamas & Papas, Primark, schuh kids and TK Maxx if you need to pick things up while you’re here with the family.

Visit our fun stores too: Smyths Toys and Argos have toys for all budgets. Head to Hobbycraft for lots of crafting and art and check out their workshops. Or, have a fun time picking bedtime reading at Waterstones.

Keep an eye on our offers page for the latest deals, menus and ways to shop and enjoy delicious food and drink all year round. Don’t forget there are always exclusive discounts for students, Blue Light card holders and NHS workers plus there are plenty of loyalty memberships to take advantage of.

4.   Easy parking and buses to get to Fort Kinnaird

It’s super easy for families to get here. There are also 2,600 free car parking spaces available with plenty of dedicated disabled and parent-and-child parking.

We also provide bike racks to keep cycles secure while you shop. If you’re travelling by bus, take Prentice Coaches 108 and 118 and Lothian 30, 400 (previously 18), 106 and 49. By train, you can go from Edinburgh Haymarket and Waverley stations to nearby Newcraighall station.

5.   Family-friendly essentials at Fort Kinnaird

We have baby-changing facilities with changing units in both customer services and in Boots.

Finally, if you need to let your little ones work off some energy, we have a play area for under 10s outside Caffe Nero.

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Last updated Tuesday 11 March, 2025