About Dynamic Earth
Journey through Earth's 4.5 billion year story at Edinburgh's immersive science centre, where hands-on exhibits bring volcanoes, polar ice caps and prehistoric creatures to life in a wheelchair and pushchair-friendly environment.
What's nearby
- Rockstar North next door
- Scottish Parliament Building 200m away
- Palace of Holyroodhouse 250m away
- Holyrood Abbey 350m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Incredible experience. We only had enough time to see one show in the planetarium but was absolutely worth the quick visit. It was easy to get to, pretty cool walk up the doors, the staff inside were so very kind and helpful. Highly recommend!!
· via Google
A great place for kids and families, full of interactive and educational experiences. There are fun presentations, dinosaur exhibits, and plenty of hands-on activities that make learning really engaging. Everything is designed in a way that keeps kids interested while also teaching them about the planet, nature, and science. Perfect mix of fun and education 👍 Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Edinburgh with kids.
· via Google
Dynamic Earth bills itself as a science attraction, but it did not feel like a science centre at all. It felt more like an expensive vanity project that had grown far beyond the quality of the experience being delivered. Neither I nor my family came away having learned anything new. I genuinely struggled to work out who the attraction was aimed at, as much of the information was so basic that most five-year-olds would already know it. At the same time, there was very little in the way of genuinely interactive exhibits to keep younger children engaged. There was also nothing particularly “dynamic” about it. Most of the attraction consisted of static displays and dated videos, many of which had poor resolution and contrast. For the price charged, the overall quality was extremely disappointing. The café was the highlight of the visit. The food was good, and the man running it was friendly and helpful. Even there, however, the digital menus scrolled so quickly that they were almost impossible to read, meaning he had to explain the options individually to each customer. Save your money. Edinburgh has far better family attractions, including the zoo, the underground tours, the castle, or simply a good meal out. Almost anything would be better value than this
· via Google
This was a fantastic day out. We loved how the place takes you on a 'journey' through time. Each room is very different to the last. All the staff were enthusiastic and friendly. It was well worth a visit! Tickets are slightly cheaper online. Take note of the times for the planetarium shows.
· via Google
Visitors say this science center offers immersive and interactive exhibits, including a planetarium with engaging shows, and is a great place for families and children to learn about Earth's history. They also highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the clean, well-organized environment.
Some reviews mention the annual pass can be overpriced.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.4 / 5 (2,236 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 2-3 hours
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Edinburgh