10 of the best free things to do in Edinburgh

Feed the ducks at Blackford Pond
Julie, mum to two girls aged four and two years-old, thinks that Blackford Pond is the perfect place to feed the ducks.“Geese, swans and ducks flock to the picturesque pond at the foot of Blackford Hill. Circumnavigate the pond and find the prefect spot to feed the birds and while away a lazy hour or so.”

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Craft activities at City Art Centre
Every child likes to get their hands messy so Jas, childminder to two boys aged five and three-years-old, recommends that you take part in the craft activities at the City Art Centre. “Long day in town? Pop into the City Art Centre basement where there is a fantastic collection of free-to-use craft materials for children. A wonderful resource, a place where your little ones can invent, design and create to their heart's content.”

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Fly a kite on Blackford Hill
Take the skies and fly a kite on Blackford Hill and join Jacqueline, mum to two boys aged eight and five-years-old, to see who can fly theirs the highest.“Take in all ofEdinburgh's landmarks from your vantage point next to the Royal Observatory then unroll your kite and catch the wind - safe in the knowledge that your fluttering fabric will be spotted by jealous children all over the city...”

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Visit your local library
Let your child embrace their inner bookworm with a trip to your local library suggests Claire, mum to a two-year-old boy. “Yes, there are books but your local library offers much more than that - all Edinburgh libraries run free Bookbug Rhymetime sessions for pre-schoolers and many run book groups and activity sessions for older children while in the kids section you will find not only books galore but also a great selection of toys and drawing materials.”

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Climb Arthurs Seat
Dust your walking boots off as daddycool, dad to a two-year-old boy, recommends you organise a trek to Arthurs Seat.“Arthur's Seat dominates Edinburgh's landscape. It's not often that a city has its very own 'mountain' right at its heart. From its quiet, grassy valleys to the impressive craggy-edged walk ways, this is truly a wild piece of highland landscape in the middle of the city!”

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National Museum of Scotland
Make sure you visit the grand opening on the National Museum of Scotland. Lucy, mum to a two-year-old girl, thinks it is one for the diary.“Set to open its doors on the 29th July 2011, it's sure to be a wonderful treasure trove for adults and children of all ages.”

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Trainspotting in Princes St Garden
Julie, mum to a three-year-old girl, thinks that train enthusiasts will loves to visit Princes St Garden to get the best view in town for trainspotting.“As the trains rumble into Edinburgh Waverley they have the stunning reception area ofPrincessStreetGardensbefore they stop at the station. Stand on the bridge and wave at the trains as they pass - the drivers will wave back and give you a loud toot as they trundle underneath you!”

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Roly-poly down the slopes of Braidburn Valley Park
Who remembers rolling down hills as children? David, dad to a four-year-old girl, thinks you should introduce your child to this simple pleasure.“BraidburnValleyParkis, as the name suggests, a large steep-sided valley in the south-west of the city with a shallow stream running its length. The slopes here are the best in town for a good old roly-poly!”

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If you're happy to spend a little, then take a look at the best family days out in Scotland to see what else there is to do in Edinburgh.