Our Dynamic Earth and Camera Obscura, Edinburgh

WHAT AND WHERE? Our Dynamic Earth and Camera Obscura, Edinburgh.

WHY? These are two fabulous attractions in the beautiful setting of Scotland's capital city, both within walking distance of the railway station and possible to see in one busy afternoon. Our Dynamic Earth, which looks a bit like a mini-Millennium Dome, and sits at one end of the Royal Mile near the Scottish Parliament, featured a series of clever interactive exhibitions explaining how our planet was created. As my daughter Gabrielle and her friend Helen learned about volcanoes and earthquakes, the floor moved beneath their feet as a river of "lava" flowed towards them. After seeing a short film on a giant screen about the Ice Age, they were able to feel a man-made mini-iceberg. After taking their crew seats in a new gallery called Futuredome, they pressed buttons to decide how the world's population explosion should be tackled. And they learned about species such as the saber-tooth cat, which have come and gone through evolution.

At the other end of the Royal Mile was the Camera Obscura, full of amazing optical illusions and holograms, great views across the city from the roof terrace and a chance to see a camera obscura, dating back to Victorian times. Through mirrors and lenses, an amazing moving image of Edinburgh was projected on to a white table in front of us.

REFRESHMENTS? We ate reasonably priced food in a nice cafe at Our Dynamic Earth.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes. Both attractions are very informative but also imaginative, and never boring.

WINTER OPENING TIMES? Our Dynamic Earth: Wednesday-Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, last admission 3.50pm. Camera Obscura: Daily, from 10am to 5pm, but last camera presentation at 4pm.

HOW MUCH? Our Dynamic Earth: Adults: £ 8.95, children 5-15: £5.45. Camera Obscura: Adults: £6.95, children £4.50.

Further information: Our Dynamic Earth, T: 0131 550 7800. Camera Obscura, T: 0131 226 3709.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE? We travelled by GNER, the only one realistic way to get there and back in a day - although weekend travel will be disrupted until November 5 by engineering works. Advance purchase return fares from York to Edinburgh start from £22 Standard Class or £52 First Class, with further discounts for booking online. Book at www.gner.co.uk, call 08457 225 225 or visit any staffed rail station.

This is the last Day Out feature for 2006 - it should return next spring.