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!
Shows and events for kids this winter
Despite the coronavirus pandemic there are still some events to enjoy. But make sure you stay within the current travel restriction and note that many venues have to review their operations in light of the most recent covid restrictions. We will update this page regularly so check back and always check with a venue before setting off.
Spectacle of Light – a magical winter light show - returns to Dalkeith Country Park from Dec 5 to Jan 3. Read the Primary Times review here. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and hot food will be available. Recommended time for the experience is 75 minutes. You can also play after-dark in Fort Douglas, including an exploration of the tree canopy in the Sky Maze. Toilets on site. Tickets - Adult £18 on the day (£13.50 until Sept 30; £15.30 from Oct 1). Child (13 to 15) £9 on the day (£6.75 until Sept 30; £7.65 from Oct 1). Family (2 + 2) £46 on the day (£34.50 until Sept 30; £39.10 from Oct 1). Under 3s, disabled carers and car parking free.
Christmas at the Botanics is becoming a firm fixture in the festive season. Read the Primary Times review here. This year – ongoing to Jan 3 although without catering or the shop - the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has created a light show among the trees including a laser garden and giant luminescent sculptures rising high into the night sky. Meanwhile, Inverleith House springs to life with choreographed beams of light dancing across its façade and the tunnel of light returns with twinkling splendour. Also, a fire garden, aglow with hundreds of flickering flames, has been brought in for 2020. Mulled wine and hot chocolate will be on sale and don’t forget to watch out for Father Christmas along the way. Toilets on site. Advance tickets – adult £19, child (4 to 16) £13, members £16, family £60, carers and 0 to 3s free.
Edinburgh Zoo is running Christmas Nights from November 20 to January 3 with a light trail around the zoo, passing Penguins Rock and an enchanted ice forest on the way to visit Santa’s workshop. Tickets start at £12 for children, £18 for adults. Entry slots are available every 15 minutes from 4.45pm with the last available entry time at 7.30pm for a 9pm finish. Book online in advance. There is a quiet night for those who would benefit from a more relaxed experience on 10 December and an adult only night on 11 December. You can also book to meet Santa in his grotto (socially distanced) or go for a full-day Christmas VIP experience (additional charges apply).
There are a couple of pantos going ahead. The Brunton has brought together the creative team behind last year’s pantomime hit, Cinderella and film makers D Fie Foe, to create Rapunzel, a unique family pantomime film for all ages. It has been produced in-house as a traditional family friendly pantomime, just on screen. Brunton favourites Graham Crammond as the Dame, Wendy Seager as the Sorceress, Eildih Weir as Rapunzel and Ross Donnachie as Jammy will all star. It can be seen online now - check the website for details.
Amid the Covid restrictions, Scottish Ballet is making “the screen the stage” this winter and will premiere the company’s first full-length feature film, The Secret Theatre. Seen through the eyes of a young boy as he stumbles into an empty theatre, the Christmas special will feature characters, choreography and music from Scottish Ballet’s popular festive repertoire, as the worlds of the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy collide. The Secret Theatre is being screened online.
The National Theatre of Scotland has been working with Historic Environment Scotland for the first time to present an online festive show, packed full of songs. Filmed in the surrounds of Stirling Castle, Rapunzel will be streamed online from 23 December to 04 January. Online tickets are on a pay as wish basis, at a sliding scale from £0 to £25. Go to www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/rapunzel to find out more.