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,...
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,...
Autumn at Doodles
23rd September-16th November 2025
Venue: 27-29 Marchmont Cres
Website: www.doodlesscotland.co.uk
Fancy doing something fun and creative with the kids? Head along to Doodles for some pottery painting fun. They have all different shapes of pottery, from mugs and bowls, to figurines and plant pots. Dozens...
Bikeability Scotland
23rd September-16th November 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.cycling.scot/bikeability-scotland
Free, in-school programme that is supported by a network of qualified instructors, who are often teachers, parents, and members of the local community. You can check to see if your child’s school currently...
Crafternoons
23rd September-16th November 2025
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...
Edinburgh Leisure Sports Coaching
23rd September-16th November 2025
Venue: Various Edinburgh Leisure venues
Website: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
Edinburgh Leisure offers fun, active sessions for all ages and abilities, from climbing and diving to tennis, gymnastics, swimming, and more. With certificates and exciting events throughout the year,...
Family Robotics Play
23rd September-16th November 2025
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...
First Class Learning
23rd September-16th November 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.firstclasslearning.co.uk
FCL Centres offer Maths, English, and science tuition, fully aligned with the national curriculum. Each child benefits from a personalised study plan, closely monitoring progress to ensure they achieve...
Giants
23rd September-16th November 2025
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
23rd September-16th November 2025
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
23rd September-16th November 2025
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...
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
23rd September-16th November 2025
Venue: Midlothian Snowsports Centre
Website: www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200281/snowsports_centre
Head to Midlothian Snowsports Centre - Scotland’s hub of high-energy fun for all ages (4+). It’s the perfect activity for competitive family fun and unforgettable memories.Summer ski and snowboard...
PQA Edinburgh East Lothian
23rd September-16th November 2025
Venue: Wallyford Learning Campus
Website: www.pqacademy.com/academies/edinburgh-east-lothian
From writing and directing their own scripts to performing on stage or working behind the camera, PQA gives young people the tools to discover self-belief. No matter their background or experience, every...
The Meadows Junior Parkrun
23rd September-16th November 2025
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...
The Enchanted Forest
2nd October-2nd November 2025
Venue: Loch Dunmore Faskally Wood, Pitlochry
Website: www.enchantedforest.org.uk
The forest trail is a gentle walk which is family-friendly, and is accessible for wheelchairs and prams so whether you’re visiting with kids, or looking for a romantic autumn evening, you’ll find it...
Monsters and Myths Trail
3rd October-2nd November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Uncover monsters and myths this Halloween at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.From Halloween favourites including zombies, vampires and Frankenstein’s Monster – to legends from Scottish folklore such as...
Big Wild Halloween Trail
4th October-2nd November 2025
Venue: RSPB Scotland Loch Leven
Website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochleven
Can you help find all of the spooky items hidden around the reserve in this Halloween treasure hunt? Pick up your treasure map at the Visitor Centre and see how many objects you can find! Then have a go...
Lights of the North
22nd October-1st November 2025
Venue: Various venues
Website: www.sisf.org.uk
Over 11 days, some of the North’s most celebrated storytellers will join leading voices from Scotland to bring a feast of world-class storytelling, music, workshops, and shared experiences to Edinburgh...
Dino's: Monstrous Myths
1st November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Dino’s Saturday Science Club (Ages 6-12), enjoy a variety of hands on activities and a take home craft. This week they'll be celebrating spooky season by learning about fascinating myths and monsters...
KIDZ BOP
1st November 2025
Venue: Usher Hall
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
KIDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids, today announces the UK leg of the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour 2025. Aleah, Cliff, Matty and Shila – will take the stage to perform the biggest BOPs from the...
Broomstick training at Newhailes
2nd November 2025
Venue: Newhailes House and Garden
Website: www.nts.org.uk
Visit Newhailes House and Garden for a spellbinding session where young witches and wizards will learn the basics of broomstick flying – how to hold, fly and manoeuvre their sticks like true pros. Three...
Edinburgh Diwali 2025 (Festival of Light)
2nd November 2025
Venue: Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
Save the date and block your diaries for a day filled with joy, vibrant colours, delicious food, fireworks and soulful performances. Experience the magic of Diwali in Edinburgh City Centre. Includes a...
Fawkes Festival
2nd November 2025
Venue: Royal Highland Centre
Website: www.royalhighlandcentre.co.uk
Get ready to be blown away as Fawkes Festival lights up the Royal Highland Centre this autumn. Featuring cutting-edge pyrotechnics, immersive live entertainment and an epic fireworks display. Expect an...
Edinburgh Gang Show 2025
4th-8th November 2025
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
With powerful music, hilarious comedy, dramatic moments and incredible choreography the Edinburgh Gang Show has to be seen to be believed. The gang of Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Explorers and Rangers...
George Heriot's School In Action Morning
6th November 2025
Venue: Lauriston Place
Website: www.george-heriots.com
Heriot’s is a leading independent school in Scotland that welcomes children of all backgrounds aged 4 to 18 to flourish. Pupils learn side by side, with both Junior and Senior School on one historic...
Dino's Ancient Archaeology
8th November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Dino’s Saturday Science Club (Ages 6-12), enjoy a variety of hands on activities and a take home craft. This week learn about ancient people through the work of archaeologists. Discover how humans...
Relaxed Opening Hours: November
13th November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Opening Hours 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...
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...
Dino's: Endangered Scotland
15th November 2025
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Join Saturday Science Sessions with Dino’s (Ages 6-12), enjoy a variety of hands on activities and a take home craft. Learn about the clever ways some of animals combat tricky conditions to survive,...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
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...