Top 7 Cool and Trendy Outdoor Birthday Ideas in Edinburgh

"They say every birthday brings a fresh start and a chance to begin anew!" What better place to embrace that fresh start than Edinburgh? Celebrating a birthday in Edinburgh means more than just marking another year. It’s about immersing yourself in unique activities that can make every moment of your day special. From ancient hills that whisper stories of the past to festivals that turn the whole city into a stage, birthday ideas in Edinburgh offer a remarkable backdrop for a celebration. Whether hiking up Arthur’s Seat for a breath of fresh air and stunning views or indulging in a whisky-tasting experience, the city is a hub of adventure, excitement and culture. So, if you’re planning a birthday bash in Scotland’s capital, get ready to celebrate with these 7 unique ideas in style.
17 May 2023 7 min read
Fantastic Birthday Ideas Edinburgh

7 Stand-out Edinburgh Birthday Ideas for the Ultimate Celebration

Ready to make your birthday in Edinburgh one to remember? Dive into these 7 standout experiences that’ll take your celebration to the next level.

1. Bubble football

Bubble football in Edinburgh can be an exhilarating activity.

If you are looking for an energetic and hilarious birthday activity, Bubble Football in Edinburgh is sure to deliver. Imagine suiting up in a giant inflatable bubble, where your top half is encased, and only your legs are free to run around. As you try to kick the ball, you’ll find yourself bouncing, rolling, and crashing into others, all in good fun. 

This quirky twist on traditional football guarantees laughter, light-hearted competition, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. The best part is that it is ideal for adults as well as kid’s birthday parties in Edinburgh. 

The activity brings everyone together for a birthday celebration that’s all about having a great time while getting a bit of exercise, too.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Zorb Football Edinburgh, Bubble Soccer Scotland, and Xtreme Events.
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £20 per person.

2. Hike to Arthur’s Seat

Edinburgh hike to Arthur's Seat can be thrilling and peaceful.

For a birthday that combines outdoor adventure with stunning views, an Edinburgh hike to Arthur’s Seat is an excellent choice. This ancient volcano in Holyrood Park offers a relatively easy climb with well-marked paths, making it perfect for an independent hike without the need for a guide. 

Once at the top, you can enjoy a picnic while admiring the beautiful panoramic views of the city and beyond. It’s the perfect way to start a birthday celebration, offering a peaceful escape from the city with a dose of history and natural beauty.

If you want an outdoor birthday party in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat provides a memorable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed. After the hike, you can chill at the many restaurants and cafes in Holyrood Palace at the base of the hill.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours for the hike.
  • Price: Free.

3. Scotch Whisky Tasting 

Scotch whisky tasting in Edinburgh is a classy experience.

Turn your birthday into a true Scottish experience by enjoying a Scotch Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh. What’s more? You can sample some of these finest whiskies while surrounded by the natural beauty of the city. 

Distilleries like Glenkinchie offer tastings in the peaceful, green hills of East Lothian, surrounded by lush fields and trees. Meanwhile, Kingsbarns Distillery in Fife provides stunning views of farmland and the nearby coastline, with glimpses of the North Sea. 

This outdoor whisky tasting brings together Scotland’s most famous drink and its beautiful countryside. Some distilleries even offer day tours along with food pairings. It is a great birthday activity for adults in Edinburgh who are whisky enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Glenkinchie Distillery, The Scotch Whisky Experience and Kingsbarns Distillery.
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours for the tasting experience.
  • Price: Starts from £21 per person.

4. Paint and Sip

Edinburgh’s paint and sip events are pretty fun.

Do you want your birthday party to be all shades of “arty”? If so, then Edinburgh’s Paint and Sip events offer a fantastic way to celebrate. Opt for an outdoor setting and enjoy painting in the fresh air while sipping on wine, prosecco, or your favourite drink.

Whether in a scenic park or a private garden, outdoor Paint and Sip sessions allow you to embrace nature while unleashing your creativity. You can spend a few hours with your friends painting, with step-by-step guidance, while sipping drinks in a peaceful, open-air setting. 

With a drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, it’s a fun and social way to celebrate a birthday, combining artistry with the joy of being together. The organisers provide the drinks and supplies. All you need to bring is your creativity and the willingness to have a good time.

Highlights

  • Where to go: PopUp Painting Edinburgh, Paintvine and Brush Party Edinburgh 
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £25 per person, including a drink such as wine, prosecco, or soft drinks.

5. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Edinburgh is a great place to celebrate birthdays.

Count yourself lucky if your birthday falls in the month of October because you can celebrate at the Oktoberfest in Edinburgh. The event brings the spirit of the famous German festival to Scotland with traditional Bavarian beer, hearty food, live music, and plenty of fun.

Set in large, open-air tents, Oktoberfest offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy with friends and family. Raise a stein of beer, feast on bratwurst and pretzels, and dance to live oompah music for a birthday celebration that’s filled with energy, laughter, and nonstop fun. It is a lively and festive way to ring in your birthday party in Edinburgh.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Edinburgh Oktoberfest (held annually at West Princes Street Gardens or the Meadows).
  • Duration: Typically runs for 4 to 5 days.
  • Price: Free entry with reserved seating options starting from £5 per person.

6. Mini Golf

Edinburgh’s mini golf courses are very entertaining.

For a lighthearted and entertaining birthday activity, Mini Golf is a fantastic option. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newbie, Edinburgh’s mini golf courses offer a variety of creative themes that are perfect for all ages. 

From putting through tropical landscapes, dodging pirates, or navigating neon-lit courses, mini golf brings a playful vibe to your birthday celebration. The mix of colourful obstacles, clever designs, and the thrill of aiming for that perfect shot makes this activity as fun to watch as it is to play.

It is one of those birthday activities in Edinburgh that is laid back yet filled with excitement, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and fun.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Fore Play Crazy Golf, Paradise Island Adventure Golf, and Volcano Falls Adventure Golf.
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £9 per person.

7. Paddlesports at Union Canal

Paddleboarding in Edinburgh can be a fun birthday activity.

Another scenic and adventurous way to celebrate is kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on Edinburgh’s Union Canal. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and tranquillity for a memorable birthday outing.

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As you paddle along, you’ll pass by scenic spots like Harrison Park and the historic Slateford Aqueduct, making it a relaxing yet visually rewarding experience. Whether you prefer the balance of a paddleboard, the thrill of kayaking, or the leisurely pace of canoeing, the canal’s calm waters provide an excellent setting for your birthday celebration.

There are various companies that you can hire the equipment from and explore the canal at your own pace.  All you need to do is check the Union Canal Edinburgh map to plan your route and get ready for an amazing day on the water.

Highlights

  • Where to go: Union Canal.
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours.
  • Price: Starts from £20 per person for rentals.

Take Your Birthday to New Heights with a Gourmet Twist

With such fantastic birthday ideas in Edinburgh, your celebrations are bound to be exceptional. But let’s face it, great food is at the heart of any birthday party. Whether it’s a customised cake or a meal of your favourite dishes, adding a personal touch to your celebration can make all the difference.

Restaurants can be limited in personalisation, variety, and capacity to accommodate large groups. Instead, hiring a private chef will allow you to create an event that’s tailored to your preferences. Platforms like yhangry connect you to chefs who provide end-to-end services, from meal preparation to clean-up, anywhere in the UK. 

And guess what? With a variety of cuisines that you might not find in local restaurants, it’s the perfect way to do something special for your birthday. Craving a sizzling Korean BBQ or a vibrant Nigerian feast? Booking with yhangry will bring these unique flavours to your doorstep, turning your celebration into a feast to remember.

FAQs

There are various activities that you can indulge in on your birthday across the different cities of Scotland. In Edinburgh, you can explore the mysterious Edinburgh Vaults. Glasgow boasts the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where you can see Salvador Dalí’s iconic works. And in Inverness, a boat tour of Loch Ness provides a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery.

You can celebrate your birthday in a special way by planning an experience you’ve always wanted, like a weekend getaway. It can be an activity that reflects your interests, like a cooking class, a hike, or a concert. Surrounding yourself with close friends and family is always a meaningful way to celebrate. For an added touch of luxury, you can hire a private chef from a platform like Yhangry to cook a customised gourmet meal.

Scottish birthday traditions include playful “bumping,” where the birthday person is lifted and lightly bumped on the ground for each year of their age. Celebrations often include a special birthday cake, traditional music, and a whisky toast. Some also enjoy a ceilidh, with dancing and socialising.