Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians
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Monkeys: Our Primate Family
28th June-30th November 2025
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk/monkeys
This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens,...
Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns
14th November-22nd February 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
For the first time since 2019, the spectacular outdoor lantern trail is making a comeback – this time with an underwater twist! From dazzling jellyfish to towering sea turtles, get ready to explore a...
Edinburgh's Christmas
15th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Edinburgh City Centre
Website: https://edwinterfest.com/edinburgh-christmas
Edinburgh's Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and...
LNER Big Wheel
15th November-4th January 2026
Venue: East Princes Street Gardens
Website: https://edwinterfest.com
Enjoy the comfort of the enclosed and weather-proof pods with incredible views of the historic Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and sparkling evening views of Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions....
Traditional Christmas Markets
15th November-4th January 2026
Venue: East Princes Street Gardens
Website: https://edwinterfest.com
With beautifully decorated chalets selling one of a kind gifts, glittering decorations, the smells, tastes and sounds that fill even the biggest miser with Christmas spirit, every elf will find something...
Christmas at Doodles
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: Doodles Ceramics
Website: www.doodlesscotland.co.uk
Doodles is the perfect place to make that extra special gift this year, whether it’s a mug for Mum, some festive tree decorations or baby’s first Christmas bauble. Book in early to avoid disappointment...
Crafternoons
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament
Website: www.parliament.scot
Looking for something fun to do with the kids on the weekend? Crafternoons offer a range of activities for all ages. There's no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions taking place between 11am...
Family Robotics Play
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: Little Plaza
Website: www.littleplaza.co.uk/kidsrobotics
Introduce your child to the world of robotics through hands-on exploration of robotics parts. It's a chance for them to engage in creative learning while allowing the expert instructor to assess if they...
Giants
17th November-25th January 2026
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,...
LS Tuition
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: 11 Harewood Road
Website: https://lydias-tuition.co.uk/
Is your child struggling with their learning? Do you feel they would benefit from, and maybe even grow to enjoy, their school environment more if they felt more supported in their educational journey?...
Lyceum Youth Theatre
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh
Website: www.lyceum.org.uk/take-part/young-people/lyt
Lyceum Youth Theatre offer classes a range of classes; Play (ages 5-7), Mini's (ages 8-10), Juniors (ages 11-13) and Seniors (ages 14-18). Each session challenges members to become strong performers whilst...
PQA Edinburgh East Lothian
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: Wallyford Learning Campus
Website: www.pqacademy.com/academies/edinburgh-east-lothian
Join PQA for an action-packed morning where you’ll learn high-energy K-Pop dance moves, sing your heart out to your favourite tracks and master fun “demon combat” stage skills! Limited spaces –...
The Meadows Junior Parkrun
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: The Meadows
Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/themeadows-juniors
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in...
Winter at Landmark Forest Adventure Park
17th November-25th January 2026
Venue: Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Website: www.landmarkpark.co.uk/winter-at-landmark
Landmark Forest Adventure Park is open for a season of discovery and outdoor adventure. Step inside the Bamboozeleum for mind-bending illusions and interactive exhibits, or experience the quirky Wonderwood...
Christmas at the Botanics
20th November-30th December 2025
Venue: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Website: www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics-2025
Follow a beautifully lit trail through the gardens, where light installations, seasonal sounds and a visit from Santa bring the magic of Christmas to life. Warm up with hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows...
Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
20th November-23rd December 2025
Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Website: www.rct.uk
This festive period, the Palace will be transformed with magnificent Christmas decorations, including two 12-foot-high Christmas trees and a mantle garland in the wood-panelled Throne Room. Visitors will...
Castle of Light: Fire and Ice
21st November-4th January 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Castle
Website: www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
Castle of Light returns for its sixth year. Prepare to be mesmerised by the enchanting forces of fire and Ice as these two powerful elements intertwine throughout the castle to create unmissable immersive...
Monkeys After Dark: Families
21st November 2025
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Enjoy after-hours access to Monkeys: Our Primate Family. This family session will include taster talks, hands-on activities and more.
Santa's Stories
21st November-24th December 2025
Venue: West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Website: https://edwinterfest.com
The magic of Christmas is brought to life, as Santa and his helpers make Edinburgh their home for the season! The halls of his cabin are decked, the hot chocolate simmering away and blankets toasted to...
Dino's: When Disaster Strikes
22nd November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: https://dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Dino’s Saturday Science Club and enjoy a variety of hands on activities and a take home craft. This week you will be facing four natural disasters, so hold on tight! Investigate some of the main...
Family Ice Experience
22nd November-7th December 2025
Venue: 101 George St
Website: https://edwinterfest.com
Step into The Ice Queen's Castle during family-friendly sessions at The Polar Ice Bar. Designed for all ages, these sessions invite you to wander through a glittering frozen world and discover breathtaking...
Zoofari Tours: Autumnal Adaptions
22nd November 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Join this one-hour afternoon tour to learn amazing new facts about the species we care for and find out more about the conservation work the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland does locally and around...
Edinburgh's Magical Christmas
23rd November 2025
Venue: Lauriston Castle
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
Witness startling magic and uplifting mystery, inspired by history and legends of the city of Edinburgh, in a lavish, historic setting. This show has sold out in previous years, so book early to avoid...
Free Event - Santa's Arrival
23rd November 2025
Venue: Dobbies Garden Centre Livingston
Website: www.dobbies.com/livingston
Witness Santa’s stylish arrival! Some lucky kids can meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes. Enjoy live entertainment and enjoy performances by local community groups. Get your Christmas shopping...
Santa's Grotto
23rd November-23rd December 2025
Venue: Dobbies Garden Centre Livingston
Website: www.dobbies.com/livingston
Children will get to experience snowy scenes, ice fish with the penguins, help the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot some snowball hoops and see where Santa’s reindeer live, all before...
Scottish Ballet The Snow Queen
27th November-7th December 2025
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror....
The Snow Queen
27th November-7th December 2025
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairytale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror....
Christmas Shopping Fair
28th-30th November 2025
Venue: Hopetoun House
Website: https://hopetoun.co.uk
Enjoy a festive shopping experience with over 50 exhibitors, including both beloved favourites and exciting new faces, offering a wide selection of artisan and unique gifts for Christmas. Browse the stalls...
Cinderella: A Fairytale
28th November-3rd January 2026
Venue: The Royal Lyceum
Website: www.lyceum.org.uk
Sally Cookson's celebrated adaptation of Cinderella will delight the whole family this Christmas in a new production from The Lyceum. With music and puppetry, this festive story adds a magical flutter...
The Wizard of Oz
28th November-31st December 2025
Venue: Howden Park Centre
Website: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
Follow Dorothy as she makes her way through the magical land of Oz with an unlikely group of friends in a journey to get herself back over the rainbow. To get home she just needs to get herself, a brainless...
Winterfest at Dalkeith Country Park
28th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Dalkeith Country Park
Website: www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk
Children can enjoy a whimsical Christmas story at A Tale with Santa, or get creative in festive workshops, from gingerbread house decorating to Christmas crafts. Grown-ups can join the fun too with Wreath...
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet
29th November-2nd January 2026
Venue: Royal Highland Centre
Website: www.beyondvangogh.co.uk
After a sold-out UK debut, Beyond Van Gogh is joined by Beyond Monet for an unmissable dual exhibition in the heart of Scotland’s capital. For a limited run, Edinburgh becomes home to two world-class...
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: An Immersive Experience
29th November-4th January 2026
Venue: Royal Highland Centre
Website: www.royalhighlandcentre.co.uk
From Van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Sunflowers to Monet’s Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise, their iconic works are freed from their frames and transformed into moving, immersive worlds. An experience...
Craigies North Pole Express
29th November-21st December 2025
Venue: Craigies Farm
Website: www.craigies.co.uk
Step into Christmas wonder as Craigies Farm becomes a festive family adventure. Collect your golden ticket from the Conductor’s Office, get your passport stamped, and enjoy a magical story before meeting...
Curiosity Club
29th November 2025
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Leave your grown-ups at the door and get curious with Curiosity Club sessions. Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum...
Family Yoga: Mixed Age Group
29th November 2025
Venue: Abbey Strand Centre
Website: www.rct.uk
This session will begin with a visit to The King’s Gallery, Edinburgh to view beautiful drawings giving inspiration for movement and yoga. Then enjoy a 45 minute yoga class, designed especially for children.Suitable...
Santa's Grotto
29th November-23rd December 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Meet Santa in the icy landscapes of the North Pole, gaze up at the shimmering Northern Lights, and explore the snowy realm he shares with Arctic foxes, polar bears and Arctic hares. Then, settle in for...
Snow Queen Pantomime
29th November 2025
Venue: National Mining Museum
Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com
The perfect way to start the festive season, this enchanting show has everything you love about a Geez a Break pantomime – laughter, songs, and plenty of festive fun! A family-friendly performance that’s...
Snow White
29th November-29th December 2025
Venue: Reconnect Regal Theatre
Website: www.reconnectregal.com
Mirror Mirror on the wall, what is the greatest panto of all? When Snow White’s wicked step mother, the Evil Queen of the land, finds out she will no longer be fairest of them all but instead it will...
The Polar Express
29th November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Experience your festive favourites with family films in Edinburgh’s Planetarium this December. Follow the story of a young boy as he travels to the North Pole aboard a magical train – on Christmas...
Home Alone
30th November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
When he is mistakenly left at home for the festive season, Kevin must defend his home from a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve. Enjoy this Christmas classic ‘Home Alone’ at the Planetarium, also showing...
Peebles Youth Theatre: Sleeping Beauty
4th December 2025
Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre
Website: www.eastgatearts.com
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, magic, and mischievous mayhem as this beloved tale comes to life on stage. Whether you’re clapping along, laughing out loud, or booing the...
The Nutcracker
4th December 2025
Venue: Usher Hall
Website: www.sco.org.uk
From the delicate ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ to the elegant ‘Waltz of the Flowers’, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker conjures all the magic and wonder of Christmas – and it’s as much of...
Beauty and the Beast
5th-28th December 2025
Venue: Portobello Town Hall
Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/stagedoorentsuk/e-mqpgyv
Back by popular demand, Porty Panto returns for its third consecutive year, and this time it promises to be a BEAST of a pantomime! Filled with much-loved music, and hilarious comedy, Beauty and the Beast...
Quiet Grotto
5th December 2025
Venue: Dobbies Garden Centre Livingston
Website: www.dobbies.com/livingston
These sessions can be pre-booked, with no queuing on the day and a reduced number of families attending in each slot. During your visit all music is off, twinkling lights are removed or switched off and...
The Wizard of Oz - Pantomime
5th-13th December 2025
Venue: Corn Exchange
Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk
Join Dorothy and a whole host of familiar faces on a whirlwind journey bursting with chart-topping pop hits, toe-tapping original tunes, shout-out loud silliness and plenty of local laughs. Expect flying...
Christmas at Almond Valley
6th December-4th January 2026
Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk
Expect twinkling trails, illuminated play, hands-on crafts, and heart-warming food and drink. Includes dedicated Relaxed sessions, with reduced sound and lighting alongside their much-loved Tots and Toddlers...
Christmas Fayre
6th December 2025
Venue: Water of Leith Visitor Centre
Website: www.waterofleith.org.uk
Join the Water of Leith Visitor Centre for Christmas craft activities, gifts and snacks. 11am-2pm. Free but there will be charge for craft activities. More details to follow.
Christmas Weekend on Britannia
6th-7th December 2025
Venue: The Royal Yacht Britannia
Website: www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
Celebrate the festive season in style with a visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia and see the State Drawing Room and Dining Room, adorned with stunning decorations for the holiday season. Discover fascinating...
Festive Grotto
6th-24th December 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Make your little one's day at Edinburgh Zoo extra special this festive season. Meet Santa Claus at our Festive Grotto, which this year will be inside our Budongo Trail building! The grotto is available...
Santa’s Grotto Visits
6th-21st December 2025
Venue: National Mining Museum
Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com
Take the whole family for a magical, relaxed visit to Santa in his cosy grotto. With timed slots, you can enjoy your moment without the rush. Children will have the chance to chat with Santa, receive a...
Zoofari Tours: Hilltop Hooves
6th December 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Join this one-hour afternoon tour to learn amazing new facts about the species we care for and find out more about the conservation work the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland does locally and around...
Children's Classic Concerts Christmas Wishes
7th December 2025
Venue: Usher Hall
Website: www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk
‘Tis the season to be jolly, so let’s make this the best Christmas yet! Make all your Christmas Wishes come true with Children’s Classic Concerts, the RSNO, the RSNO Children's Chorus and the Manor...
Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk
7th December 2025
Venue: Princess Street Gardens
Website: www.edinburgh.org/event/edinburgh-santa-fun-run-walk
Sprinkle the wish magic this Christmas by taking part in the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk. Held in West Princes Street Gardens, all monies raised will be used to help fund magical wishes for children...
Elf
7th December 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he goes on an unforgettable journey to New York City to find his father. Don’t miss ‘Elf’ at the Planetarium this Christmas. Also showing 13 December.
Sensory Sunday
7th December 2025
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join this programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families....
Christmas Jumper Day
11th December 2025
Venue: Nationwide
Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk
Sign up with your workplace, school, community or friend group and join millions of people getting silly for a seriously good cause with Save the Children.You get to have fun, commit some crimes against...
Sinbad the Sailor
12th December 2025
Venue: Church Hill Theatre
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
After adventures aplenty on his previous 7 voyages, Sinbad returns home for good. But, when the Persian Pearl of Peace mysteriously disappears, Sinbad must set out on an epic adventure to clear his name...
Christmas activity day
13th December 2025
Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Website: www.rct.uk
Join this fun festive activity for the whole family to enjoy. Discover the story of David I and the stag at Holyrood and make a decoration to take home and hang on your tree.Hear about Queen Victoria and...
Jack and The Beanstalk
13th December-11th January 2026
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
Jack and the Beanstalk will be spectacularly brought to life by sensational song and dance numbers, fantastic special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime!
A Family Edwardian Christmas at Lauriston Castle
14th December 2025
Venue: Lauriston Castle
Website: https://cultureedinburgh.com
Join this annual Christmas event where you can capture the magic of Christmas past. Lose the commercialism surrounding Christmas and get back to basics. With crafts, stories, and special tours. Have fun...
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
14th December 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Join everyone’s favourite grumpy, green character in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000). This tells the story of the Grinch as he tries to steal Christmas from the joyful Whoville residents....
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
14th December 2025
Venue: National Museum of Flight
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems,...
Children’s Messiah
17th December 2025
Venue: The Queen's Hall
Website: www.thequeenshall.net
Fun for all the family is guaranteed in Dunedin Consort’s interactive, 45-minute Children’s Messiah — specially crafted with young ears in mind! Guided by Mr Handel himself, they’ll be whizzing...
Dunedin Consort Children’s Messiah
17th December 2025
Venue: The Queen's Hall
Website: www.thequeenshall.net
Guided by Mr Handel, and his footwoman Frances, this specially devised 45-minute adaptation of Handel’s masterpiece will guide young listeners through some of his greatest hits, with plenty of fun and...
MagicFest 2025
17th-30th December 2025
Venue: Various Venues
Website: https://magicfest.co.uk
Featuring shows, events and workshops, plus some of the top acts from Edinburgh and beyond, MagicFest has something for all ages. Be prepared to be wowed by illusions, mind-reading, sleight of hand and...
Snowy
17th-31st December 2025
Venue: Studio Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/snowy
Step into a magical snow globe with Snowy the pup. When she accidentally throws the city’s festive celebrations into chaos, Snowy must put things right – but can one little dog really save Christmas?...
RSNO Season 25-26: Christmas Concert featuring The Snowman
19th December 2025
Venue: Usher Hall
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
This family-friendly concert is packed full of your favourite sing-along carols and festive melodies, including Consider the Penguin and Schneewalzer. Plus the enchanting film The Snowman shown on the...
Snowy
19th-31st December 2025
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
Meet Snowy, a curious little pup with a nose for mischief and a heart full of adventure. When she accidentally throws the city’s festive celebrations into chaos, Snowy must put things right – but can...
The Wizard of Oz - Pantomime
19th-27th December 2025
Venue: Loretto School Theatre
Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk
Join Dorothy and a whole host of familiar faces on a whirlwind journey bursting with chart-topping pop hits, toe-tapping original tunes, shout-out loud silliness and plenty of local laughs. Expect flying...
The Wizard of Oz - Pantomime
19th-27th December 2025
Venue: Loretto School Theatre
Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk
Join Dorothy and a whole host of familiar faces on a whirlwind journey bursting with chart-topping pop hits, toe-tapping original tunes, shout-out loud silliness and plenty of local laughs. Expect flying...
Breakfast with the Clauses
20th-24th December 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Take the family and enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus at Edinburgh Zoo. Dining in the restaurant, you’ll tuck into festive snowman pancakes, participate in craft activities and listen to a story...
Festive Feast with Santa
20th-21st December 2025
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium
Website: https://murrayfieldexperience.com
On the 20 and 21 of December, get ready for a magical festive treat! For the very first time, The Murrayfield Experience is hosting Santa for a special brunch – and he’ll be joined by Scottish Rugby’s...
Drawn Together at the Museum
27th-30th December 2025
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Pick up pencil and paper from the hub in the Grand Gallery and either head off to explore the museum or pull up a seat at the tables to sketch there. When you have finished, why not add it to the display...
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
31st December 2025
Venue: Edinburgh City Centre
Website: https://edwinterfest.com/hogmanay
Featuring live music, DJ’s, Giant Screens, International Street Theatre, Pipers, Drummers, funfair attractions, delicious street food and drink and the return of pyrotechnic wizards Titanium designing...
Sprogmanay
1st January 2026
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2026. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for all ages with live music and performances. Look out your party clothes, shine your dancing...
Zootropolis 2
2nd January 2026
Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre
Website: www.eastgatearts.com
Disney Animation’s long awaited sequel reunites beloved detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, now deeply partnered as officers on the Zootopia Police Department. When a mysterious newcomer—a pit viper...
Sensory Sunday
1st February 2026
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join this programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families....
Nutcracker in Havana
3rd-4th February 2026
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/nutcracker-in-havana
Set to an exuberant Cuban reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, this new production features choreography by Carlos Acosta CBE and more than 20 dancers from his acclaimed company, Acosta Danza....
Horrible Histories – The Concert
13th-15th March 2026
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series will be appearing live on stage in a very special production! Featuring a live band, led by the Horrible...