July
Free or low-cost activities and support for families during the holidays. If you know of any other running activities, please let us know.
wholefamilywellbeing@edinburgh.gov.uk
Morning Makers
Join for a burst of creative energy and some hands on fun for all the family. Each week brings a different firefighting inspired craft to enjoy from 10am to 12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July at
For more information visit the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website.
The Jungle Jam
A free, interactive songwriting and storytelling workshop for children aged five to 11 years of age. Hosted by the tutoring group Explore Learning, it is designed to help kids practice English skills, solve puzzles, and write rhymes to create a magical jungle-theme. The session will run on Thursday 2 July from 12pm to 2pm at
To book a ticket contact
0131 529 5536
Picnic in the Park
Enjoy and afternoon of community fun. Bring your family, friends, and picnic blankets for a relaxed day filled with games, laughter, and connection. The event is on Thursday 2 July from 12pm to 2pm at
To find out more visit the Community Renewal Bingham Facebook page.
WEe Grow Arts
Get out into the garden, meet new people and enjoy some fun and play. Sessions may include music, storytelling, sensory play, creative arts, meaningful conversation. For children aged 0 to 5 years old and their parents/carers with Tea and snacks provided. The sessions are running on Saturdays from the 4 to 25 of July at
To find out more contact
Nature walk – Summer trees and stories
Identify common trees and explore their myths and folk law on Friday 3 July from 2pm to 3.30pm at
For more information contact
Living Fungi Exhibition
Discover the fascinating world of fungi at Mycobee Mushroom‘s Living Fungi exhibition, featuring a wide variety of mushroom specimens in both fresh and dried forms. The Mycobee team will introduce a range of mushroom growing techniques, offering insight into how fungi can be cultivated at home and within communities. This event requires online sign up with a minimum donation of £1.00
The session will run on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July from 1pm to 4pm at
To find out more visit the Granton Castle Walled Garden website.
Connection Cafe
Come along to Queensferry Church’s Connections Cafe for a free summer cafe and crafts on Monday 6, Wednesday 8, Monday 13 and Wednesday 15 July from 10am to 12pm at
To find out more visit the Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church website.
Brain lab
A free drop-in activity day at the Physician’s Gallery with scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s Montagne Lab. Enjoy three interactive sessions where you can build neurons with pipe cleaners, step into a creative ‘brain map’ and discover how scientists track disease progression by analysing molecules in blood samples through a hands on experiment. The event will run from 11am to 2pm on Tuesday 7 July at
For more information visit the Brain Lab Eventbrite website.
Mellow Mornings
Join for a free relaxed session in a calm, sensory-friendly space. These mornings are designed for neurodivergent visitors and their families to explore, create and enjoy the gallery at their own pace. The sessions are on Tuesday 7 and Tuesday 21 July from 9am to 10am at
For more information visit the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website.
Summer Cafe and Craft Events
A free cafe and craft events throughout July on Tuesdays and Fridays between the 7 and 14 July at
To find out more visit the Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church website.
Physicians’ Gallery Free Drop in Activities
Get involved in fun activities while learning about health, medicine, science and history. As well as drop-in activities, the Physicians’ Gallery has a children’s medical library, colouring in, worksheets and a dressing-up station available every day. All ages welcome.
The sessions are on Tuesday 7th, Monday 13th, Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd July from 11am to 2pm at
For or more information or to book a free space visit the Physicians Gallery Eventbrite page.
Cloudy Crafts and Rainbow Rhymes
Free summer drop in sessions on the theme of rain and weather, inspired by the National Library of Scotland’s new exhibition, 'Rain'. As well as books and stories on a weather theme, there will be related crafts and creative activities suitable for 6 to 10 year olds. The sessions are on Wednesdays from the 8 to 29 July from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at
To find out more visit the National Library of Scotland's Eventbrite page.
Trees in Summer
Enjoy a gentle guided walk around Holyrood Park with a ranger to learn about the different species of trees in summer and learn about their history and folklore. This event is free and the meeting point is next to the car park entrance of the car park on the grass verge on Thursday 9 July from 1pm to 2.30pm at
For more information or to book spaces visit Trees in Summer Eventbrite website.
Fairy Folk
Discover all about the ‘wee folk’ who love to cause mischief in the summertime. Join the ‘wee folk’ in the Dells to learn the history of fairies and do some magical crafts, wings optional. For children aged 3 to 6 years old. Tickets cost £5.00 per child with accompanying adult for free. The session will run on Thursday 9 July from 10am to 11.30am at
Water of Leith Visitor Centre
24 Lanark Road
EH14 1TQ
To book your tickets visit the Water of Leith Visitor Centre website.
Explorer Royal Rhyme Time
Discover the wonder of nature though stories, songs, rhymes and explore the Physic Garden. This session is suitable for children who are walking to the age of four years old. Children must be accompanied by parents or carers. Tickets cost £3.00. The session is on Friday 10 July from 11am to 11.45am at
To find out more visit the Royal Collection Trust website.
Family Fun Day
The Umbrella Hub is hosting a free family fun day event for families of all ages on Friday 10 July from 12pm to 2.30pm at
For more information contact
Holyrood Family Adventure
Discover Holyrood’s wildlife and volcanic landscape with fun family friendly activities on Monday 13 and Wednesday 29 July from 1pm to 3pm at
For more information or to book spaces visit the Holyrood Family Adventure Eventbrite website.
WHALE Arts Summer Youth Programme
WHALE Arts are offering four weeks of free summer activities for young people aged six to 11 years old. Junk robots, mask making, trashion, miniature worlds, a trip to the circus at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and more. The programme is running from Monday 13 July to Friday 7 August at
To register your interest, visit the WHALE Arts website
WHALE Arts Open Studio
A relaxed, creative drop in session with a knowledgeable tutor for young people aged 12 to 16 years. Try a new technique or work on your own project. Use the provided materials or bring along your own on Tuesday 14 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To register your interest, visit the WHALE Arts website.
Pollinators Everywhere
Join Laura in the woods and meadow to find out more about bees and butterflies. Buzz, crawl, and explore the wonderful world of pollinators! Tickets cost £7 per child. This is aimed at five to 10 year olds with no additional charge for the attending adults. The session is on Tuesday 14 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To book visit The Water of Leith Visitor Centre Eventbrite page.
Trade Unions in Communities big give away day
A free fun packed day with music, food, face painting, and stalls with clothes, toys, books, and electrical goods. The event is running on Saturday 18 July from 11am to 3pm at
Physic Garden Festival
Borrow an explorer bag, pick a paper family trail, and discover the garden for yourself. Visitors of all ages are welcome to pick up a sketchbook and sketch in the garden! The festival is on Saturday 18 July from 10am to 3pm at
To find out more visit the Royal Collection Trust website.
Mardi Gras
Non-stop entertainment and a party atmosphere as a host of bands perform on multiple stages, bringing Jazz and Blues to the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday 18 July from 1pm to 4pm at the Grassmarket.
For more information visit Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Mardi Gras webpage.
Edinburgh Festival Carnival
A celebration of costumes, dance and music. A variety of performances are played in the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens from 1pm on Sunday 19 July with reggae, soca, and Latin America rhythms sound out across West Princes’ Street Gardens.
For more information visit the Edinburgh Festival Carnival webpage on the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival website.
Textile Lessons
Learn sewing skills while making your own textile creations that you will be able to take home. For young people aged 12 to 16 years. The Make your own drawstring backpack session is on Tuesday 21 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To register your interest visit the Whale Arts website.
Extreme River Dipping
Discover the creatures who live in the river and try out new, more adventurous dipping spots Adventurous afternoon in the river suitable for child aged eight to 12 years old. This is a dop off events no need for parents and carers to stay. The session is on Tuesday 21 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To book visit The Water of Leith eventbrite page.
Splash!
Grab your wellies and splash in the river. Hunt for the animals that call the river home. The event is run for children aged six years and under and costs £5.00 per child and will run Thursday 23 July from 10am to 11.30am at
For more information and to book tickets visit the Splash! Eventbrite website.
Summer storytelling and crafts
Join Dougie McKay for nature stories and crafts in the woods on Friday 24 July from 1pm to 3.30pm at
Booking is essential. For more information contact
MycoKids with Vii
Join Vii for a fun and hands on introduction to the fascinating world of fungi. This family friendly session is designed for children and parents to explore nature together through engaging, outdoor activities. This event requires online sign up with a minimum donation of £1.00. The session is on Friday 24 July from 2pm to 3pm at
To find out more visit the Granton Castle Walled Garden website.
Summer Fair
The Inch Community Association is hosting a free summer fair and everyone is welcome. Come along for the Cafe, bouncy castle, children’s activities, ice cream van, face painting, market stalls and more. The event is on Saturday 25 July from 10.30am to 1pm at
Family Fun Day at Currie Bowling Club
Come along to Currie Bowling Club for a family fun day filled with lots of different things to do like target bowls and Tombola. Bring your friends and family, see what facilities the club has while having a fun filled day. The event is on Saturday 25 July from 12pm to 5pm at
To find out more visit the Currie Bowling Club Facebook page.
Sandy’s Mini Festival
Enjoy free live music, world foods, a tombola, bouncy castle and more on Saturday 25 July from 11am at
For more information contact
sandyscommunitycentre@gmail.com.
Big Nature Drawathon
Join Granton Hub to get drawing and painting, bring in any nature themed art you'd like to add to the celebration. Big or little, real or imaginary, let your imagination loose. There will be a series of activities on Saturday 25 July from 10.30am to 3.30pm and an exhibition of work on Sunday 26 July from 2pm to 4pm at
Granton Park Avenue
Edinburgh
To find out more visit the Granton Hub Facebook page.
Picnic in the park
Come along to Harrison park for a picnic, connect with others in the park by sharing a picnic. Free drop in activities, music and more. The session is on Saturday 25 July from 12pm to 3pm at
To find out more visit the Edinburgh Canal Festival.
Frozen Sing-a-long Dress Rehearsal
Support the King’s Theatre and come along to their dress rehearsal screening of the sing-a-long version of Frozen, a stunning big-screen comedy-adventure. Tickets cost £5.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. The show is on Saturday 25 July from 2.30pm at
To book visit the Capital Theatre's website.
Diary of a Disciple
Join Cornerstone Church community for crafts, bible stories and games aimed for children in primary school on Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 July from 9.30am to 12pm at
To find out more visit the Cornerstone Church Facebook.
Paper Making
Learn how to make your own paper using recycled materials. Explore simple techniques to create textures, designs and images on your handmade sheets. For young people aged 12 to 16 years. The session is on Tuesday 28 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To register your interest visit the WHALE Arts website.
WHALE Arts Sound Stage Tour
Join WHALE Arts on a small group visit to an Edinburgh-based Sound Stage where sound is recorded for films, TV and advertisements. Go behind the scenes and learn more about one of the most important parts of the entertainment industry. For young people aged 12 to 16 years. The tour is on Wednesday 29 July from 9am to 2pm.
To register your interest visit the WHALE Arts website.
Family Sports Day
Lauriston Castle and Gardens are holding a family sports day in celebration of the Glasgow commonwealth games for children aged five years and older. You will even get the chance to make your own medal to take home. Tickets cost £7 and children must be accompanied by paying adults. The session is on Wednesday 29 July at
To book visit the Culture Edinburgh webpage.
Summer Picnic Lunchtime Plug-in
Join community for a cheerful gathering filled with laughter, food, and summer vibes! Picnic and various activities will be provided. The event will take place on Thursday 30 July starting at 11am at
For more information phone Marina on
07436 379 806
Meadowbank Free Sports Taster Sessions
Edinburgh Leisure will celebrate the Commonwealth games returning to Scotland with a free sports taster sessions in gymnastics, basketball and Athletics for children aged five to 12 years old. The sessions are running on Thursday 30 July at
To book your space visit the Meadowbank Sports Centre website.
Trash to Treasure
Children aged five to 10 years old can explore why litter is bad for the river and its wildlife and what you can do to prevent it. Get creative transforming trash to treasure boats and have a race to see whose boat floats best and fastest. Tickets cost £7 per child with accompanying adults free. The session is on Thursday 30 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To book visit The Water of Leith Eventbrite page.
Woodland musical instruments
Making simple instruments from natural materials in the woodland on Friday 31 July from 1pm to 3.30pm at
Booking is essential.
For more information contact
Drumbrae Free Sports Taster Sessions
Edinburgh Leisure to celebrate the Commonwealth games returning to Scotland are holding free sports taster sessions in Judo, Netball and Swimming for children aged five to 12 years old. The sessions are running on Friday 31 July at
To book your space visit the Drumbrae Leisure Centre website.