Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian
About Dynamic Earth
Looking for an out-of-this-world adventure without ever leaving Edinburgh? Say hello to Dynamic Earth - Scotland’s ultimate science and nature experience!
Nestled at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, this futuristic-looking dome is more than just a museum. It's a thrilling time-travelling, planet-exploring, Earth-shaking adventure that’s perfect for curious minds of all ages.
There isn’t anything more diverse or fascinating than the weird and wonderful world we live in, which is what you’ll discover here!
Things To Do At Dynamic Earth
From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re no longer in the present. Dynamic Earth whisks you on a journey through time, 4.5 billion years ago to witness the Big Bang, walk through erupting volcanoes, sail with dinosaurs, and even feel the chill of the Ice Age. With its epic planetarium experience and 90-minute interactive walk-through, this science centre is a force of nature.
It's one of the top visitor attractions in Edinburgh for a reason! To keep both grown-ups and kids engaged, Dynamic Earth is specially designed with hands-on, multi-sensory, and jaw-dropping visuals. Each exhibit has an interactive adventure, meaning little ones can touch, hear, see, and even smell their way through Earth’s history. Parents will love how cleverly it blends fun with learning, and kids? They'll be too busy zooming through space and digging into fossils to even notice they’re learning science.
As you embark on a journey that spans time to witness the story of planet Earth, you'll feel the heat of a bubbling volcano and the chill of the polar ice on your fingertips before crash landing in the tropical rainforest and coming face to face with dinosaurs!
Grab your (imaginary) winter coat and enter the chill of the Polar Zone! Walk through a sub-zero chamber where you can touch a real iceberg, learn how animals survive the freeze, and witness the majesty of the northern lights. It’s cool - literally - and unforgettable for little explorers.
If that’s not enough for you, Scotland’s only 360-degree full dome film theatre will take you deep inside nature with an all-encompassing visual movie experience. In-house astronomers will lead the exclusive shows as they'll show you real-life imagery taken from space. Or you'll settle down for a 30-minute film on topics like the Apollo moon landing! Once you’ve recovered from your global trek, the kids can enjoy the soft play and natural selection gift shop!
This isn’t just another educational trip - it’s like stepping into a giant science fiction movie… that just happens to be real!
Why We Think Families Will Love Dynamic Earth
Whether your kids dream of becoming astronauts, palaeontologists, or volcano hunters, Dynamic Earth has something that will spark their imagination. It’s educational without ever being boring, fun without being chaotic, and genuinely inspiring for visitors of every age.
So if you're visiting Edinburgh and wondering how to spend a magical day that’s exciting, enriching, and easy on parents? Dynamic Earth is the answer. Science has never felt so alive - and neither have we!
Touch a Real Iceberg
Step into the Polar Zone and feel the chill - literally! You’ll come face-to-face with a real iceberg, explore frozen landscapes, and learn how polar animals survive the freezing cold.
Don’t forget your jacket (just kidding… kind of). It’s the coolest part of the journey - hands down! Plus, how often can you say you've touched an iceberg?!
ShowDome Planetarium Magic
Buckle up for an all-immersive trip through space in the epic 360° ShowDome.
At Dynamic Earth, you’ll float through galaxies, dive into oceans, and fly with giant dinosaurs - all under a giant dome screen. It’s awe-inspiring, dazzling, and the perfect “wow” moment for both kids and grown-up explorers. It's an adventure of a lifetime!
Ride the Time Machine
Kick off your adventure by hopping into Dynamic Earth’s Time Machine!
Travel back 4.5 billion years to witness the incredible Big Bang, dodge fiery lava, and watch Earth take shape. With wild special effects and edge-of-your-seat excitement, it’s like a sci-fi movie - except everything actually happened!
Are you ready to travel back in time?
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Food Available
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 18:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 18:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-15) : £13.50
- Adult (16-18+) : £21.50
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Dynamic Earth by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Head to the Dynamic Earth Cafe for seasonal bites, daily specials, cakes and drinks! Indulge in baked goodies, hot soup, deli sandwiches, baked potatoes, salads and more!
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Dynamic Earth Enterprises Ltd
112-116 Holyrood Road
Edinburgh
Edinburgh and Lothian
EH8 8AS
Scotland
Tel: 01315507800
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By Car:
From the city centre, take Canongate or Holyrood Road toward the foot of Arthur’s Seat.
From outside Edinburgh, follow the A1, A7, or A701 into the city, then follow signs to Holyrood Palace - Dynamic Earth is nearby.
By Bus:
Local Lothian Buses offer frequent services to Dynamic Earth.
Bus routes 6 and 35 stop nearby.
You can also take routes 7, 14, 29, 30, 31, 33, 37, or 49 to stops on Canongate or South Bridge, just a short walk away.
By Train:
Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Station—the city’s main rail hub.
From there, it’s a 15-minute walk via Market Street and Canongate, heading toward Holyrood Park.
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