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

Looking for fun things to do near Edinburgh? Fort Kinnaird is the place to enjoy inspired days out with your family and friends.

From big movies at Odeon, incredible family dining, welcoming kids’ stores and free parking plus an outdoor play area, you can enjoy a full day full of activities and fun (see our opening times here).

Plan your day with our helpful guide (and also follow us on social and sign up to our newsletter to hear about some new openings coming soon).

1. See big new movies at the Odeon Fort Kinnaird

Photo from outside of Odeon cinema

2023 is going to be a huge year for family films on the big screen with the arrival of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 (5th May), The Little Mermaid (26th May) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2 June) plus Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (30 June) and Barbie (21 July).

Odeon offers lots of deals on movies including discounted tickets if you book online, unlimited movies from £14.99 a month plus adults can pay kids’ prices on certain movies. You can also catch kids’ movies on Saturday and Sunday mornings for just £2.50 while Odeon Newbies means you can enjoy a baby-friendly atmosphere where nobody minds if they cry. Find out more here.

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 and Wednesday. Plus, 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

Family enjoying a meal in a diner booth

Fort Kinnaird is home to some of the most children-friendly places to eat on the planet. Discover brilliant discounted children’s menus all year round at Nando’s, PizzaExpress (dough balls, pizza or pasta, dessert, drink and activity pack for £7.25) and Marks & Spencer cafe (enjoy a hot or cold main such as a jacket potato with beans and sausages, pancakes with blueberries and honey or ham and cheese toastie, a snack and a drink for only £4).

Many of our cafes, shops and restaurants (including Greggs, Fridays and Pizza Hut) also offer student discounts. 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

Photo of outside of Schuh

We’re home to some of the best fashion, beauty, food and gifting stores in Edinburgh making Click & Collect and everyday shopping easy. There are also plenty of purse-friendly clothes and shoes stores for kids 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 kid-friendly stores too: Smyths Toys, and Argos have toys for all budgets. 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

Photo showing outside of Fort Kinnaird shopping centre

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.