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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Kids go Free at Hopetoun House
27th June-31st August 2025
Venue: Hopetoun House
Website: www.hopetoun.co.uk
This August, children aged 15 and under can explore Hopetoun House and Grounds absolutely FREE with a paying adult! Step into a world of grand architecture, woodland trails, and hidden adventures. Whether...
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,...
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Highland Wildlife Park
28th June-31st August 2025
Venue: Highland Wildlife Park
Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk
Explore the wonders of nature with The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Highland Wildlife Park this summer! From 28 June - 31 August, immerse yourself in Eric Carle's delightful world. Enjoy interactive activities,...
Wallace and Gromit Come to Dynamic Earth
30th June-31st August 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
In collaboration with the renowned creators at the multi-award-winning animation studio Aardman, this interactive experience promises a day filled with plenty of fun and invention. Perfect for cheese-lovers,...
Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out
30th June-31st August 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Dynamic Earth every day for a screening of ‘Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out’ in the Planetarium. Enjoy this film as part of your Annual Pass admission, or on its own as a Planetarium Only...
Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers
5th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Wallace and Gromit are plunged into a tale of skulduggery involving techno trousers and the criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw! Enjoy this film as part of your Annual Pass admission, or on its own as...
Tutankhamun Glasgow: An Immersive Experience
24th July-26th October 2025
Venue: SEC Centre
Website: www.tutankhamunexperience.com/glasgow
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition brings Ancient Egypt to life like never before, offering a cutting-edge 90-minute journey back in time. Featuring 8-metre high video projections, VR experiences,...
Assembly Festival
30th July-25th August 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.assemblyfestival.com/venues
Assembly Festival returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this August with a programme of 220+ shows featuring circus, theatre, magic, children's shows and much more.
Circus The Show
30th July-25th August 2025
Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens
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 re-imagined family circus spectacular – perfect for the entire family!...
House of Oz and The Sonicrats
30th July-25th August 2025
Venue: Pleasance Courtyard
Website: www.edfringe.com
A magical, musical science experiment that turns people into instruments! Two scientists take kids on a wild ride where movement becomes music, turning anything and everything into musical instruments....
The Greatest Magic Show
30th July-25th August 2025
Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens: Palais du Variete
Website: www.assemblyfestival.com
The multi award-winning, sell-out smash hit is returning to Edinburgh Fringe this summer for its fifth magical year, with more whimsical wonders and magical mayhem that the whole family will love! 'This...
The Listies: Make Some Noise
30th July-25th August 2025
Venue: Assembly George Square Studios
Website: www.edfringe.com
Make Some Noise! is a comedy concert for humans aged 4-400. Join Rich and Matt, as they belt out a bunch of songs with the LOLs turned up to 11. Hilarious, fabulous fun for the whole family!
toooB
30th July-25th August 2025
Venue: The Green, The Pleasance Courtyard
Website: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/toob
Meet tooB, a curious and friendly shape shifting creature. She's not quite sure where she's landed but she'd love to meet and play with you! An enchanting wordless show for 6-24 month olds and their...
Amazing Bubble Man
31st July-25th August 2025
Venue: McEwan Hall at Underbelly, Bristo Square
Address: Teviot Place
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...
Children Are Stinky
31st July-25th August 2025
Venue: Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens
Website: www.edfringe.com
High calibre circus, a rocking soundtrack and genuine belly laughs have thrilled audiences all over the globe. Expect daredevil stunts, incredible aerials, lightning-fast acrobatics, loads of laughs and...
The Bubble Show
31st July-17th August 2925
Venue: Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens
Website: www.edfringe.com
This is an original, interactive adventure, where the fusion of magic, storytelling and science converge in a breathtaking display of bubble artistry. Whether you're a wide-eyed child or a child at heart,...
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
1st-25th August 2025
Venue: Edinbugh - Various venues
Website: www.edfringe.com
For three weeks in August, Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers present shows that span many genres including cabaret, children's shows, comedy,...
Pleasance Kidzone
1st-25th August 2025
Venue: 60 Pleasance
Website: www.pleasance.co.uk
The Pleasance's family-friendly Kidzone is back at the Pleasance Courtyard this Fringe, with all the usual arts and crafts activities available in their weather-proof pods. Stop by to enjoy a designated...
Joeys, Roos and Big Roos
27th August 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Specially designed for children aged from 3 months to 5 years, you can promote their early learning development and enjoy the zoo weekly over a six week block. This includes free entry to the zoo and the...
Inflatable 5K
30th August 2025
Venue: Abercorn School House, Broxburn
Website: www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/events/inflatable-5k
Get ready to jump, bounce, slide and swing through the World's biggest Inflatable 5k Obstacle Course.You'll be jumping, sliding and laughing all the way to the finish line. Grab your friends, family or...
Tracing Time: Past, Present, Future
30th August 2025
Venue: City Art Centre
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
This workshop will ask you to look at Edinburgh’s past as well as an imagined future. You will create simple line drawings of both post-war past and what you think the future will hold. By overlapping...
The Lost Plans
31st August 2025
Venue: Lauriston Castle
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
William Burns’ architectural plans for the 1823 Lauriston Castle extension have gone missing. Sir Walter Scott is on his way to meet his friend Thomas Allan to view the completed work and to discuss...
Flowers & Friendship Bracelets
5th September 2025
Venue: Corn Exchange, Haddington
Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk/whats-on
'Shake it Off’ to Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus, dust off all your best dance moves to ‘Vampires’ with Olivia Rodrigo, not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter...
Hopeful Monsters
5th-6th September 2025
Venue: Studio Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
Hopeful Monsters is a piece of tabletop puppetry for adults and children aged 5+ inspired by evolutionary theory. The action is set to an emotive soundtrack and is non-verbal.It’s a tale of survival...
Tabletop Scotland
5th-7th September 2025
Venue: Royal Highland Centre
Website: www.royalhighlandcentre.co.uk
Tabletop Scotland is a board game, card game and roleplaying game festival.The event is one of the largest in the UK, suitable for newcomers to the hobbies we celebrate, family friendly, and attracts attendees...
360 Fest
6th September 2025
Venue: National Museum of Flight
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
You’ll be on a roll this September with this all round family fun event. From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s...
Hopeful Monsters
6th September 2025
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
Hopeful Monsters is a piece of tabletop puppetry for adults and children aged 5+ inspired by evolutionary theory. The action is set to an emotive soundtrack and is non-verbal.
Messy Masterpieces
6th September 2025
Venue: City Art Centre
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Reimagine classical Scottish artworks simulating the techniques and style of the artists prominent in the post-war period. You will use pastels to create messy imperfect artwork that will reflect the emotions...
Pirates Love Underpants
6th-7th September 2025
Venue: The Royal Lyceum
Website: www.lyceum.org.uk
Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants, and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry, and glittering pants...
Taylor Swift Effect in Reconnect Howden Park
6th September 2025
Venue: Howden Park Centre
Website: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
This show features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including ; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong To Me , Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more with lots...
Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
7th September 2025
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Friendly staff will be available to support your visit, as you explore the exhibition in a more relaxed environment. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be...
Vogrie Pogrie Festival 2025
12th-15th September 2025
Venue: Vogrie Country Park
Website: www.vogriepogrie.com
Vogrie Pogrie transforms Vogrie Country Park into a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.Experience open-air theatre, live music, jam sessions, circus acts, comedy, cabaret, storytelling, dance,...
CAT Saturdays Programme
13th September 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
CAT (Conservation Action Team) is all about having fun while learning about conservation. During these sessions, participants will work in a team and get their hands dirty to help local biodiversity on...
Pups and Pancakes
13th September 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Start your day like no other by getting your paws into a Pups and Pancakes Breakfast at Edinburgh Zoo. Enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by fun-filled arts and crafts as well as a guest appearance by...
The Edinburgh Academy Open Day
13th September 2025
Venue: 10 Arboretum Road
Website: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk
For younger children, the school offer wraparound care 8am - 6pm and exciting Holiday Clubs full of fun and discovery. They are committed to making an Academy education accessible to bright, ambitious...
Kiltwalk 2025
14th September 2025
Venue: Edinburgh - Holyrood Park
Website: www.teenagecancertrust.org
Take on Kiltwalk with family, friends, or colleagues and step out in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.Choose one of three distances – a Mighty Stride (22-26 miles), a Big Stroll (11-15 miles) or the Wee...
Relaxed Morning
14th September 2025
Venue: National Museum of Flight
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight, 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...
The McDougalls Pirate Adventure
14th September 2025
Venue: Howden Park Centre
Website: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
Join Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit as they set sail on a musical treasure hunt, filled with songs and sea shanties such as Row Row Row Your Boat and A Sailor Went to Sea. The McDougalls need...
Circus Zyair
17th-21st September 2025
Venue: Hunters Hall Park
Website: www.circus-zyair.co.uk
Fearless acrobats and daredevil stuntmen guarantee maximum thrills by risking life and limb daily for your entertainment. Everybody aged two years old and above requires a ticket to enter the circus big...
Loretto Junior School Open Day
19th September 2025
Venue: Loretto School
Website: www.loretto.com
See Junior pupils in action with a guided tour from Year 7 pupils and Head of Junior School, Mrs Catherine Beddison. All guests are invited to stay for afternoon tea. Open Days are kept purposefully small,...
Loretto School Open Day
19th September 2025
Venue: North Esk Lodge, North High Street
Address: Musselburgh
Website: www.loretto.com/admissions/open-event-sign-up
Loretto School invite you to a relaxed visit, chatting with the senior team and teaching staff, followed by a personalised tour of the campus, designed with your child’s interests and future in mind....
Erskine Stewart Melville Open Day
20th September 2025
Venue: Ravelston
Website: www.erskinestewartmelville.com
Experience what makes Erskine Stewart Melville such a special place to be. Take a guided tour of the beautiful campuses, meet their passionate teachers and see students in action. Includes refreshments...
Pirate Day / Shiver Me Timbers
20th September 2025
Venue: Lauriston Castle
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Ahoy there mateys. Get ready to sail the seven seas at Lauriston. Learn about the most fearsome individuals on the water and get equipped with everything you need to become a pirate. This family workshop...
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
23rd-27th September 2025
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined....Suitable...
Australian Animal Weekender
27th-28th September 2025
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
On selected dates, Edinburgh Zoo are hosting celebration days with themed talks, pop-up engagement activities and crafts relating to different zoo topics! Don’t miss out on the Wild Discovery Days...
George Heriot's School Open Morning
27th September 2025
Venue: George Heriot's School
Website: www.george-heriots.com
Heriot’s is Scotland’s leading independent school. Pupils aged 4 to 18 learn side by side, as part of one big Heriot’s family. Visit the website to see the open morning films 2021 which will give...
Peebles Jazz Weekend - Cabinet of Wonders
28th September 2025
Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre
Website: www.eastgatearts.com
Experience this interactive family show which explores the incredible music and technology of early jazz that changed the face of music forever. From Sousaphones to gramophones, this traveling museum of...
Hercules the Bear
30th September 2025
Venue: Studio Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
Like the one about the Scottish couple who raised a 10ft grizzly bear in their home?It happened in Sheriffmuir in the 1980s! Combining physical comedy and puppetry, Hercules the Bear tells the wild, funny...
St George's School Open Morning
4th October 2025
Venue: Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh
Website: www.stge.org.uk/admissions/open-days
Enjoy a lively morning exploring every part of the school – from Nursery through to Sixth Form and Boarding. Tour the campus with student guides, take part in hands-on activities in classrooms, and meet...
Autumn Explorers
14th-16th October 2025
Venue: Highland Wildlife Park
Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk
This active programme includes visiting the amazing animals, playing themed games and taking part in a range of exciting activities whilst exploring the wonderful site in the heart of the Cairngorms National...
Fright at the Museum
26th October 2025
Venue: Usher Hall
Website: www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk
Help, Owen’s lost in the museum at Halloween! Who knows who (or what!) he’ll encounter in those frightful hallways when night comes. Will the extinct animals come out to dance in the moonlight? Or...