Dynamic Earth

Sitting right at the foot of the Royal Mile, next to the Parliament, this is a science centre that takes you on a trip through the history of our planet. It is located in Holyrood, Edinburgh, postcode EH8 8AS.

What to Expect and Enjoy
The building itself looks like a giant white tent and is very cool. Inside, it’s all about high-tech effects and “sensory” experiences.

The Time Machine: Your visit starts in a “time machine” elevator that takes you back to the Big Bang.
Interactive Environments: You get to feel the heat of a bubbling volcano, see a real block of ice (which represents a glacier), and experience a tropical rainstorm.
The Showdome: This is a 360-degree cinema with a massive screen that wraps around you. They show films about space or the deep ocean, and it’s very relaxing and impressive.

Best For and Time Spent
This is perfect for families and school-aged children. It’s educational but feels like a big adventure. It’s also one of the best things to do in Edinburgh if it’s raining, as everything is indoors.

Duration: Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the galleries and watching a show in the dome.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

Parking: There is a dedicated multi-storey car park right underneath the building, which is very convenient, though there is a charge for it.
Food & Drink: There is a nice cafe on-site called the “Food Chain” which has plenty of space for families.
Nearby: Since you are right at the bottom of the Royal Mile, you are perfectly placed to walk across the road to see the Scottish Parliament or start a walk up Arthur’s Seat if the weather is nice.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre

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