What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians

Marvellous Makers

Venue: Scottish Libraries

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/news/general/tbfr-scotland

The Summer Reading Challenge Scotland officially launches in Scottish libraries on 25 June. Borrow and read any six books from the library over the summer to collect limited edition rewards and a very...

Game On

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Address: Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Get set for Game On - the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming's rich history through over 100 playable games from...

Bikeability Scotland

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...

Bothwell Junior Chess Club

Venue: Bothwell Community Hub

Website: www.thebothwellhub.co.uk

This group is proudly sponsored by Your Move McLaughlin and is held every Thursday, £1.50 entry. To apply, contact Michael hamiltonchesstuition@virginmedia.com, 07942876090.

Code Ninjas

Venue: Code Ninjas Edinburgh

Website: www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk

Code Ninjas' innovative programme enables young minds to develop crucial skills in coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking through a fun, game-based curriculum. Engaging in such dynamic learning...

Dino's Science Club

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk/dinos-science-sessions

At the science centre in Edinburgh, your child will learn a range of fun activities exploring topics like dinosaurs, life on our planet, outer space, planet protection, and much more.Dino's runs every...

Doodles Ceramics Workshop

Venue: Doodles Ceramics

Website: www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Two hour Ceramic painting sessions for all ages including Clay baby Imprints, Baby and Child Hand and Foot prints, Pet paw prints, Birthday parties for children (age 8+) and adults Team building events,...

Eye Spy Edinburgh

Venue: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Website: www.camera-obscura.co.uk

With five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits there's something fun to entertain all ages. Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Test your brain against mind-bending illusions. Take...

Family Activity Area in Museum of Edinburgh

Venue: Museum of Edinburgh

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

The activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets and amazing objects relating to the history of Edinburgh. The Museum offers a warm and welcoming space for family groups to work creatively...

First Class Learning

Venue: Various venues in Edinburgh

Website: www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

FCL supports learners of all ages and abilities, providing personalised study plans to address individual needs and boost confidence. Each child’s progress is closely monitored, ensuring they build a...

Go Quest Adventures

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Website: www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk

During your Quest, unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing team challenges, all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app on your mobile device. See the city's highlights,...

Highland Wildlife Park

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Address: Kincraig

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Only seven miles from Aviemore, the park is open seven days a week and offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands. From cheeky monkeys and elusive wildcats to Scotland’s only polar bears –...

Inverleith Junior Parkrun

Venue: Inverleith Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/inverleith-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...

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Venue: Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Website: www.landmarkpark.co.uk

Plunge down one of three water coasters, walk through an amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of butterflies, meet dinosaurs and try out Scotland’s first-ever aerial net challenge! Plus explore...

LS Tuition Holiday Clubs

Venue: 11 Harewood Road

Website: www.lydias-tuition.co.uk

LS Tuition provides fun and engaging holiday club experiences for children, during the School Holidays. Their club theme/focus changes each time, so keep a look out on the website to see what exciting...

Play Rangers

Venue: West Pilton Park and Muirhouse Park

Website: www.northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on/play-rangers

Free creative outdoor play in local parks on Friday afternoons. The sessions are free for local children ages 5+. No booking is required, simply drop in. 12.30pm-2.15pm in West Pilton Park and 3.15pm-5pm...

Portobello Music School

Venue: Portobello Music School @ CRE:8

Address: Edinburgh College, Milton Road East

Website: www.portobellomusicschool.com

Portobello Music School provide Musical Pathways to ensure progression for children at the various stages of their musical development. Children can join the Creative Music Classes at any time from birth...

Sheena Ferguson Violin Lessons

Venue: Bruntsfield

Website: www.bruntsfieldviolinlessons.wordpress.com

Sheena teaches a range of ages from children as young as four to adults, and from total beginners up to Grade 6 standard. Sheena is an accredited Stringbabies teacher, a method specifically designed for...

The Meadows Junior Parkrun

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...

Autumn Harvest

Venue: Almond Valley

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Enjoy an enhanced programme of fun for the September half-term break, with Clydesdale encounters, alpaca feeding and other celebrations of the harvest.

Loretto Junior School Open Afternoon

Time: Loretto Junior School

Address: www.loretto.com

Website: With a tangible warmth and friendly atmosphere, Loretto provides an exceptional education that encompasses intellectual endeavour, creative expression and an active lifestyle. If you would like to attend their Open Afternoon starting at 1:30pm, contact admissions@loretto.com who will be delighted to book you in.

Vogrie Pogrie Festival 2024 

Venue: Vogrie Country Park

Website: www.vogriepogrie.com

A celebration of all things innovative, featuring open-air performances and creative happenings from walkabout performances to theatre shows, live music, jam sessions, storytelling, dance, crafts, comedy,...

Cat Saturdays Programme

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...

The Edinburgh Academy Open Day

Venue: The Edinburgh Academy

Website: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk

The Edinburgh Academy feels like a small school and proudly offers a personalised, individualised approach to families. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team: 0131 624 4987. admissions@edinburghacademy.org.uk

The Superhero Family Raceday

Venue: Musselburgh Racecourse

Website: www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Racing isn't just for grown-ups! On Superheroes day let the kids enjoy the Clip Clop kids zone with kids rides and superhero shows (Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, Bumblebee), prizes for the best dressed...

ESMS Junior School Open Day

Venue: ESMS Junior School

Website: www.esms.org.uk

ESMS Junior School is passionate about giving every child the opportunity to excel. Their rounded education is sector-leading, with a high standard of academic education, strong pastoral care and a comprehensive...

See The Gruffalo at Edinburgh Zoo!

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Go along and see the beloved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler character and remember to bring your cameras as there will be lots of photo opportunities! The Gruffalo can be found on the main lawn at...

Shiver Me Timbers

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Ahoy me Hearties a couple of days ago it was International Talk Like a Pirate Day so Lauriston are celebrating all things Pirate! Craft workshops and family learning experiences are designed around the...

Arties Singing Kettle - Greatest Hits

Venue: Reconnect Regal Theatre

Website: www.reconnectregal.com/show

“Spout, handle, lid of metal, What’s inside the Singing Kettle?” A whole bunch of songs that will take adults on a nostalgic trip back to their youth and entertain a whole new generation of children...

500 Words

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-words

The UK's biggest children's story writing competition will be open for entries on Tuesday 24 September. There will be two age categories: 5-7 and 8-11 year-olds. The winners will be revealed on World Book...

George Heriot's School Open Morning

Venue: George Heriot's School

Website: www.george-heriots.com

With high-quality academic attainment, kindness and care, and a 400-year foundation at its heart for pupils who are bereaved. Heriot’s values, work hard, be kind, be yourself, bind pupils and staff together...

The Baddies

Venue: The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh

Website: www.lyceum.org.uk/events/the-baddies

Meet the very worst Baddies in the world! They roar, spook and cast wicked spells to try and scare a girl out of her wits. Who will succeed? Or perhaps the girl is braver than they think… The Baddies...

George Watson's College Open Morning

Venue: George Watson's College

Website: www.gwc.org.uk/admissions/open-morning

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6. Explore their entire 52-acre...

St George's School Open Day

Venue: St George's Edinburgh

Website: www.stge.org.uk

Tailored curriculums, flexibility, and strong female role models ensure abundant opportunities, free from stereotypes. Visit the Open Days on 5th and 8th October by registering online at stge.org.uk or...

The Haunted Concert Hall

Venue: Usher Hall Edinburgh

Website: www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk

There’s something strange in the neighbourhood this Halloween...the ghosts and ghouls have taken over the concert hall! You can expect lots of spooktacular treats from the orchestra and the Children's...

The Polar Express Train Ride

Venue: Waverley Station

Website: https://edinburghthepolarexpressride.com

This November and December experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh. The fully immersive theatrical event lets you and your family, from little ones to Granny and Grandpa, experience what...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Usher Hall

Website: www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk

Tis the season to be jolly! CCC needs your help to save Scrooge from his surly ways (what the Dickens is that all about?). Can the magic of the festive season take away those bah humbugs and fill him with...

LS Tuition Summer School

Website: https://lydias-tuition.co.uk/ls-summer-school

Combat ‘Summer Brain Drain’ with our week-long Summer Schools! Our team of fully qualified teachers are ready to welcome students for a stimulating, fun and educational summer-school experience!...