From visual art workshops to adventure days and free family days out, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained this summer...
1. WHALE Arts Summer Programme
You’ll find everything from visual art workshops (24th July) to monoprinting (31st July) and Indian Dance school (2nd August) for ages 6-12 years at WHALE Arts, a community-led arts charity and social enterprise, set up by local people in Wester Hailes. All activities require booking, email [email protected] or call 0131 458 3267. To see the full programme, click here.
2. The Great Edinburgh Bear Hunt - Support for Children starting Primary 1
Edinburgh nurseries have been using the book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen to support children starting school after the summer. Look out for the Edinburgh Bear when you are out and about in Edinburgh this summer. You'll also find lots of activity ideas for families to do over the holidays at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/startingP1
3. Scottish Seabird Centre Discovery Experience
Enjoy a family day out at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. egg members get 20% off entry into The Discovery Experience where there's exhibits, games and interactive live cameras on the world’s largest Northern gannet colony, the spectacular Bass Rock. READ MORE
4. Ocean Vertical’s Summer Adventure Camp
Dare devils between the ages of 10-14 can enjoy an adventure day and outdoor learning at East Lothian’s Ocean Vertical Adventure Camp. Taking place every Thursday during the summer holidays, 8.30am-4.30pm, the days include a broad range of both water and land-based adventures. Think adventure swimming, SUP/Paddle Boarding and Archery. Full price £85. egg members receive 20% off all adventures! READ MORE
5. Big Hearts School’s Out!
School’s Out is Big Hearts’ holiday club for local pupils facing social isolation. It’s based in South-West Edinburgh and a space for children aged 8-12 years to relax, play games, get active, meet friends, and make new ones. It runs every Wednesday, 12-2pm, until 9th August (excluding 19th and 26th July) and is open to anyone who would benefit from this service. For more information, contact [email protected]
6. Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh
Open 6 days per week, with a varied timetable of classes, Gymboree Play and Music Edinburgh is a child development centre on Gorgie Park Road running classes for children from birth - 5 years. Their classes begin with baby massage and sensory baby play. egg members can enjoy 50% off their first month’s membership. READ MORE
7. Maid of the Forth 3-hour Inchcolm Island trip
Maid of the Forth is a family-run, multi-award-winning visitor attraction offering sightseeing cruises from South Queensferry. It’s famed for its 3-hour Inchcolm Island trip which lands on the historic island and sails under all three Forth Bridges. So, pack a picnic and set sail on the Firth of Forth! egg members receive 15% off. READ MORE
8. Holyrood Family Adventure
Discover more about Holyrood's wildlife, history and volcanic landscape at the free, fun, filled session in Holyrood Park on 26th July, 1-3pm. Aimed at families with children aged 5 and over, but younger children welcome, the route may be unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Meet at Holyrood Park Information Centre, 2 Horse Wynd, EH8 8AZ. Free entry but booking required. Contact the Ranger Service, Tel: 0131 652 8150 or email: [email protected]
9. Edinburgh International Book Festival, 12th-28th August
Entry to the Book Festival Village at Edinburgh College of Art on Lauriston Place is free and everyone welcome. Some family events will be livestreamed onto the large outdoor screen for everyone to enjoy. For full details visit www.edbookfest.co.uk/families
10. Library Summer Reading Challenge
Children will need a library card to take part in the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge “Ready, Set, Read.” Children are challenged to read up to 6 books over the summer, they will collect stickers for each book they finish, and when completed they will get a medal and certificate. Register online or at your local library for free all you need is ID. READ MORE
11. The Plague Doctor, Armadillo, and the Human Skin
Activities, talks and the opportunity to meet a real live armadillo and dress up as a plague doctor! The free family day out is aimed at 5–14-year-olds and takes place on 12th August, 11.30am – 2.30pm, at Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The event will also explore the amazing skin, why we blush, get pimples and freckles. Eczema Outreach Support (EOS), will also offer some fun activities, teach the importance of creams and how it might feel to have eczema.
12. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One), Belford Road
Explore the grounds of Modern One. Family Art Baskets are FREE to borrow every afternoon, 2-4pm, during the school holidays. In each basket you’ll find lots of creative, fun ideas and materials to help your family have fun making and exploring art together. Items include sculpture and drawing materials, a viewfinder to help you focus and see nature in a new way, activity ideas to spark your imagination. It’s free to borrow the baskets but booking is recommended at www.nationalgalleries.org
13. The Yard
Drop-in Family Play sessions for children with additional support needs 0-18years will be available until 10th August, Mon-Sat, 1-4pm (no session on Fri 14th July). Quiet sessions will run on Friday and Saturdays from 10am-12pm (no session Fri 14th July). Early years session will be available on Mondays from 10am-12pm- booking required. New families welcome, free taster sessions are available. Monthly family membership costs £8 per month and then all sessions are free or visiting memberships costs £20 for 5 visits or £30 for 10 visits over 12month. For more information or to book a taster session or Early Years session email [email protected] or call 0131 476 4506. Existing families do not need to book family or quiet sessions.
14. Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Portrait Gallery
There’s a regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly morning on Sunday 6th August, 10.30-11.30am, for children with additional support needs, including autistic children and those with learning disabilities. See artworks in the gallery spaces and take part in creative activities. There will be a quiet, comfortable space available at all times for use. Places are free but limited so please book online. Only one ticket is needed per family. Book at What's on | National Galleries of Scotland. For more information or assistance contact [email protected]
To find more free or low-cost activities in Edinburgh, or for information on the support available for Parents and Carers in the Scottish capital, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/supportforfamilies. If you'd like access to the egg discounts featured, you can find out how to become an egg member and get access to exclusive offers here.
