What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians

Giants

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive,...

The Letterman

Venue: Billiard Room at Gilded Balloon Teviot

Website: www.edfringe.com

Award-winning clown Bryce Flint-Somerville (Blue Man Group, Barroz) will have you in hysterics as he battles, cajoles and pleads his way to getting his letters in line. Combining clown, puppetry and audience...

Champions of the Wild

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Get hands-on with sporty challenges and surprising facts in this family activity which brings learning to life in a fun and engaging way for all ages. Collect your trail map, complete the challenges, and...

Giant Garden Games

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Challenge your friends and family to fun outdoor games including Connect 4, tumbling tower and more. The perfect location for sunny days in the city with a breath-taking view of Arthur’s Seat and the...

Bricktastic Beasts at Edinburgh Zoo

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Will you be able to spot the wild brick sculptures nestled around Edinburgh Zoo this summer? Perfect for families, brick fans and animal lovers alike, this exhibition offers a chance to marvel at the artistry,...

Assembly Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

From George Street to George Square, Assembly Festival have a programme packed with the best of comedy, theatre, music, dance, circus, children's shows and more across the city. From homegrown heroes to...

Circus The Show

Venue: Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens

Address: George Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Prepare to enter a world of whimsy, wonder and amazement where your imagination will soar like never before, in this completely reimagined family circus spectacular that families across the globe are raving...

Darryl J Carrington: Out of the Box

Venue: The Wee Coo at Underbelly, George Square

Address: George Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Out of the Box is a multi award-winning family show delighting audiences across the UK, an hour of joyful chaos, jaw-dropping skill and irresistible fun. Named Best Family Show at Brighton Fringe, Darryl...

101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents... and Other Really Old People!

Venue: Maggie's Chamber at Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

From multi award-winning kids comedian Matty Grey. Laugh your guts out of your butthole as he brings the chaos of his mind to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Adventures! Journey Through Dungeons With Dragons

Venue: Maggie's Front Room at Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

Imagine a stage where dragons, wizards, and brave adventurers come alive – not from a script, but through the laughter and creativity of you. Adventures! is a family-friendly D&D-type improv show where...

Billy Banana's Brilliant Bingo

Venue: Main Cellar at Laughing Horse @ West Nic Records

Address: 32b W Nicolson St

Website: www.edfringe.com

Award-winning Billy Banana's Brilliant Bingo returns by popular demand in its third year. Fun for all the family in this high energy interactive extravaganza with hilarious jokes, plenty of prizes, games...

By a Thread

Venue: Assembly Rooms , Music Hall

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

Seven acrobats and thirty metres of rope… Long spools of white rope run through industrial pulleys and wrap around bodies. Australian circus at its best, By a Thread is an exploration of trust and risk...

CeilidhKids at the Fringe

Venue: The Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

Website: www.edfringe.com

Family workshop suitable for children aged three to seven with parents or carers, but all welcome to participate in whatever way they feel capable. Enjoy simple (often simplified) dances that you might...

Cricket and The Freebugs

Venue: Assembly Rooms

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

It's 1972 and one bug band is about to change music forever. These five funky bug musicians are coming to you with the true story of the greatest band you've never heard of. As featured on BBC's The One...

Explosive Science Show!

Venue: Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.edfringe.com

The maddest of mad scientists, Magnus Danger Magnus, is back! Chaotic mayhem abounds in this stunningly stylish STEM show with 10 times the spectacle and 20,000 times the voltage of the science classes...

Magic Maestros

Venue: Garden Room at Laughing Horse @ Bar 50

Website: www.edfringe.com

Magic Maestros is a one-of-a-kind magic-themed music show that blurs the line between concert and illusion, inviting audiences into an immersive experience where sound and wonder collide encouraging creativity...

Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show: This Time It’s Stupider!

Venue: The Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

Website: www.edfringe.com

The comedy show that comedians take their kids to is back and even funnier! Join Olaf Falafel (if that is his real name) for an hour of kid's comedy, which will be the stupidest show he has ever let ooze...

Science Circus

Venue: Maggie's Front Room at Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

Scientist and comedian Donal Vaughan (Science Magic) is back and will be clowning around, juggling balls and spinning plates to show you the science of the circus. Laugh and learn in this fun family show.

Tale of the Firebird – Concerto for Violin, Fire & Acrobatic Orchestra

Venue: Assembly Roxy , Central

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

Classical precision meets circus adrenaline in this genre-bending re-imagining of a violin concerto composed by Chloé Charody for The Freestyle Orchestra. Each musician doubles as an acrobat, uniting...

Ten Thousand Hours

Venue: Assembly Hall, Main Hall

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

Gravity and Other Myths are back again with their international smash hit that sold out in 2025. Ten Thousand Hours. The creators of A Simple Space bring you an ode to the countless hours of sweat and...

Amazing Bubble Man

Venue: Udderbelly at Underbelly, George Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. The Amazing Bubble Man...

Best of the Fest Daytime

Venue: Assembly George Square Studios , Studio Three

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

Bite-size tasters of the best comedy, cabaret, family entertainment and circus – all for you to enjoy in the heart of the Festival in George Square Studios. With line-ups changing daily, we have something...

Bleep Bleep!

Venue: Ermintrude at Underbelly, Bristo Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

A wordless, high-energy performance, diving into the hilarious chaos between humans and machines. With physical comedy, live drawing and music, a captivating tale about a man and his robot unfolds, turning...

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Venue: Various venues around Edinburgh

Website: www.edfringe.com

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the biggest arts festivals on the planet, with thousands of performers due to take to the stages. Artists and performers present shows that span many genres including...

Magic Spectacular

Venue: The Big Yurt at Hoots @ Potterrow

Website: www.edfringe.com

A thoughtfully curated Fringe showcase celebrating magic, mind reading, circus skill, and international variety.Expect polished routines, clever illusions, audience involvement, and moments of genuine...

Ndlovu Youth Choir

Venue: Main Hall at Assembly Hall

Website: www.edfringe.com

The Ndlovu Youth Choir makes its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut with a high-energy spectacle that blends African music, choreography and global hits into a vibrant, unforgettable experience.The programme...

SeedHeart

Venue: Below at Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.edfringe.com

Don’t miss this extraordinary one-of-a-kind puppet performance… a small show with big ideas! Meet Grey. The journey begins as Grey finds themself trapped inside a jar, unable to remember why, and wondering...

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Website: www.edinburghcastle.scot

Performed on Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade, the show will once again welcome local and international audiences to this much-loved cultural and musical showcase, with music, dance, culture, and military...

Wow! The Amazing Family Magic Show

Venue: Muse at Braw Venues @ Hill Street

Website: www.edfringe.com

Step into a world of wonder with this interactive family magic show where kids don’t just watch – they become part of the magic. International magician Christian Lavey combines visual illusions, playful...

Abracadabra Family Friendly Magic Show

Venue: LAB at PBH's Free Fringe @ CC Blooms

Website: www.edfringe.com

Be amazed as Alex, a sold-out Fringe children's performer, brings his amazing skills once more. Returns for his sixth year at the Edinburgh Fringe with an all-new children's magic show! A hit at the Glasgow...

Explosive Science Show!

Venue: Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.edfringe.com

The maddest of mad scientists, Magnus Danger Magnus, is back! Chaotic mayhem abounds in this stunningly stylish STEM show with 10 times the spectacle and 20,000 times the voltage of the science classes...

Mama G: The Magic Bookmark

Venue: The Den at Gilded Balloon Teviot

Website: www.edfringe.com

Book Worm is livid that encyclopaedias give people so much knowledge, so decides to steal all the books from Mama G's library! Mama G vows to save the day by proving that books can help make the world...

Splash Test Dummies Circus

Venue: The Lafayette at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows

Website: www.edfringe.com

Splash Test Dummies are here, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics,...

Tweedy's Massive Solo Show

Venue: Udderbelly at Underbelly, George Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Tweedy finds himself battling mischievous props in a series of increasingly absurd situations, but however chaotic things become Tweedy can always find a creative way to get out – much to the delight...

Vasthy and Friends: Sing, Dance, Play!

Venue: Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House

Website: www.edfringe.com

Join Vasthy and Friends for a joyful interactive family musical filled with songs, dancing, laughter and heart. Created by eight-time Broadway performer Vasthy Mompoint and producer Leanna Gadow, this...

Showstopper! The Kids Show

Venue: 60 Pleasance

Website: www.edfringe.com

If your children could create their very own dream musical, where would they start? The Showstoppers turn your kids' ideas into marvellous, mischievous adventures from scratch, in front of their noses....

Amazing Family Comedy Bingo: Prizes Galore!

Venue: Lindisfarne Room at St Cuthbert's Church

Address: 5 Lothian Road

Website: www.edfringe.com

It's bingo with loads and loads of prizes. You get two bingo tickets as part of your entry. If you bring a wrapped prize, you get another ticket. Take your seats, get your dabber ready and let the winning...

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.edbookfest.co.uk

The renowned children’s programme features an exciting programme to delight, educate and entertain young minds. Take your pick from a range of subjects, including the natural world, art, history and...

360 Fest

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme...

1920s Style Family Scavenger Hunt

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com

Get a team together and come in costume. Solve the puzzles in a 1920s themed scavenger hunt that takes you around the grounds at Lauriston. Is the Mineral Well hiding a secret? What clues can be found...

1920s Style Family Scavenger Hunt

Venue: Lauriston Castle and Garden

Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com

Get a team together and go in costume. Solve the puzzles in a 1920s themed scavenger hunt that takes you around the grounds at Lauriston. Is the Mineral Well hiding a secret? What clues can be found lurking...

Quiet Afternoon at Dynamic Earth

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

During quiet afternoons you will find reduced visitor numbers in the centre. Additionally, all videos in the galleries will be captioned and the 4pm Planetarium show includes BSL interpretation. Staff...

School of Rock - Livingston Players

Venue: Reconnect Theatres

Website: www.reconnecttheatres.com

School of Rock is a two hour, two act musical (plus interval), based on the hit movie. The show follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight A students into a guitar shredding,...

Inflatable 5k

Venue: Abercorn School House

Website: www.hopetoun.co.uk

Packed with giant inflatable obstacles, slides and tunnels, this is the ultimate challenge. Choose from 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 15k routes. Each lap includes a variety of fun inflatables, making it ideal for...

Relaxed Morning

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

This Relaxed Morning is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum...

Sensory Sunday

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families are invited to join this programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families....

The Gruffalo

Venue: The Royal Lyceum

Website: www.lyceum.org.uk

Tall Stories’ much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns by popular demand, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. A mouse took...

Artie's Singing Kettle - Live!

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com

Join Artie for a sing-along spectacular as he takes you on a musical journey through the magical world of The Singing Kettle. Packed with fun, laughter, and loads of audience participation, this is the...

Bluey and Bingo at Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Venue: Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Website: www.landmarkpark.co.uk

Visitors to the park will have the chance to see Bluey and her sister Bingo who will be meeting fans at intervals throughout both days and will be available for photos. Visitors are encouraged to take...

Ocean Explorers Breakfast Event

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Enjoy a paw-some breakfast with a special appearance from Captain Barnacles and Kwazzi Kitten at this themed breakfast event. As well as a delicious breakfast, there will be arts and crafts for...

Octonauts are coming to Edinburgh Zoo

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Sound the Octo-alert, Captain Barnacles and Kwazzi Kitten are visiting Edinburgh Zoo. Join them as the duo appear at intervals throughout the day. Don’t forget your camera! 11am and 2pm meet and greet,...

The Edinburgh Academy Open Day

Venue: The Edinburgh Academy

Website: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk

The Edinburgh Academy focus on Character Education – nurturing kind, confident and resilient young people. From Nursery to the Senior Years, learning extends beyond the classroom through Art, Music,...

Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Venue: Various venues around Edinburgh

Website: www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Every step you take helps raise funds for a charity close to your heart with 100% of donations going directly to your chosen charity. Perfect for the whole family, the Wee Wander experience in Dundee is...

Annie

Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse

Website: www.atgtickets.com

The smash-hit West End production of ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, is on UK tour! With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock...

SIX the Musical

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century...

Erskine Stewart Melville Open Day

Venue: Erskine Stewart Melville

Website: www.erskinestewartmelville.com

At Erskine Stewart Melville, they blend strong academics with curiosity and confidence, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities ahead. With 110 clubs, 48 trips, and 46 sports teams in the...

Shiver Me Timbers! Lauriston Castle Family Workshops

Venue: Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com

Learn about the most fearsome individuals on the water and get equipped with everything you need to become a pirate. This family workshop involves a treasure hunt and a variety of crafts.This workshop...

Wild Discovery Days

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

On selected dates, Edinburgh Zoo host celebration days with themed talks, pop-up engagement activities and crafts relating to different zoo topics. Free with zoo entry or RZSS membership. Also 20, 26 and...

Relaxed Day

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Days aim to provide a calm and inclusive environment for visitors, designed for those who would benefit from a more relaxed visit, but open to everyone. These sessions prioritise...

RSNO Season 26-27: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

Venue: Usher Hall

Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…. and now the adventure is right here, live and larger than life in this extraordinary screening of Return of the Jedi. And with Scotland’s National Orchestra...

Doors Open Days

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Visit the museum for free Doors Open Days East Lothian weekend and learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Immerse yourself in interactive galleries, supersonic...

George Heriot’s School Open Morning

Venue: George Heriot’s School

Address: Lauriston Place

Website: www.george-heriots.com

Heriot’s Open Morning is for prospective parents of any year group. The day will consist of a Presentation in the School Hall, pupil or self-led tours of the campus and a wide range of activities, experiments...

End of Season Family Event – Scottish Myths

Venue: Hopetoun House

Website: www.hopetoun.co.uk

As part of the Family Discovery Days, families are invited to step into a world of storytelling, imagination and outdoor exploration. Follow themed trails through the grounds, enjoy engaging storytelling...

McDougalls: Farmyard Fun

Venue: Reconnect Regal Theatre

Website: www.reconnecttheatres.com

Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit are trotting down to the farm for the Big Barn Dance. But before the dancing begins, the animals need YOUR help! Sing along with farmyard favourites like Old MacDonald...

Loretto School Open Day

Venue: 1-7 Linkfield Rd, Musselburgh

Website: www.loretto.com

Lorettonians enjoy a holistic education from ages 3-18, ensuring they develop in mind, body, and spirit. This, coupled with a warm and nurturing environment, means that every pupil thrives. They would...

Pumpkins at the Park

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Don’t miss Pumpkins at the Park, where families can enjoy pumpkin picking, seasonal activities and Halloween fun on selected dates from 3 October until 1 November. Check out the park website and book...

St George’s Junior School Open Days

Venue: St George's Edinburgh

Website: www.stge.org.uk

With 130+ years of expertise, St George's is Edinburgh's only all-through girls' school, where girls thrive without compromise and grow into confident young women. Student-led tours run year-round, the...

Barnum

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

West End star Matt Rawle will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum. This spectacular production will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians,...

Junior Highland Keeper

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Junior Highland Keepers will get hands-on opportunities to care for the animals, learn about their habitats and understand the importance of wildlife conservation.Children will assist with feeding, cleaning...

Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns

This year’s trail takes you on a glowing journey through space, where you'll encounter cosmic creatures, radiant planets and interstellar installations that will capture imaginations of all ages. Early...

Polar Protectors

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

This winter, join the Polar Protectors for a festive adventure and help the resident elves find Santa and guide a lost animal safely home in time for Christmas.Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Christmas...