Support for families

Free or low-cost activities and support for families during the holidays. If you know of any other activities that are running, please let us know. 

wholefamilywellbeing@edinburgh.gov.uk  

Activities throughout the Summer  

Active Schools ASN summer opportunities

Active school summer programme for ASN swimming, cycling and Sports opportunities. There is a cost attached to some of these activities. For more information and to book activities, visit the Active Schools website.

Tailor Ed

Go online to download Tailor Ed’s 2024 ASN Leisure Opportunities Guide, find information about what can be expected at an ASN event, advice for planning, along with details on specific sports, art and outdoor events at

Back on Track – Embracing the Next Steps

A group for young people in primary 7 moving into S1 and their parents and carers. With arts and crafts, time to reflect, looking ahead to S1 and coping with change. A sandwich lunch is provided for young people living in South East Edinburgh.

Tuesday 16th, 23rd, 30th July and 7th August at

For more information contact

Stef.robertson@crossreach.org.uk or siobhan.short@crossreach.org.uk

Buggy walks

Walks are for parents with babies and wee ones. Babies in buggies, slings, and carriers are all welcome along with toddlers if they wish to join in. All the walks are free to attend, and no block booking is required. Booking can be made via a meetup page. 

Contact carole@buggywalks.co.uk for more information.

Summer Family Fun 

Free drop-in at the National Museum of Edinburgh during the holidays. A range of fun drop-in activities for all the family every Monday and Friday from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm at the 

Fathers Network 

Go online to access 7 free summer adventure packs which encourage reading, learning and play. Packs include activities and ideas for each week of the holidays. 

Support for Children starting Primary 1 

Edinburgh nurseries have been using ‘The Smeds and the Smoos’ by Julia Donaldson to support children starting school after the summer. Find lots of activity ideas for families to do over the summer. 

Summer of Stories (Craigmillar Literacy Trust) 

Activities for parents and carers and children under 4 years with Baby and Toddler Rhyme time every Monday from 11 am to 12 pm in Craigmillar Library.  Fun and creative events throughout the summer for families with children aged 4-12 and younger siblings. For more information contact  

info@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk or visit the Craigmillar literacy trust Facebook page.  

Library Summer Reading Challenge 

The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is called “Marvelous Makers”. Children will need a library card to take part, register online or at your local library for free all you need is ID. Children are challenged to read books over the summer, they will collect stickers for each book they finish, and when completed they will get a medal and certificate. For more information visit the Reading Challenge website or ask at your local library.  

Summer activities at Central Children’s Library

Join in the summer reading challenge with a free storytelling session,

Author and performer Danyah Miller will lead children in a fun and interactive session. Children will also be able to sign up for the reading challenge and collect their starter pack, on 29th June at 10:30 am at

For more information and tickets visit the ticket source website.

Baby and Toddler Music Group 

Free baby and toddler music group in the Smaland creche, within the IKEA store. Suitable for children aged 0-3 years. No booking is required. Every Wednesday from 10 am to 11 am. Visit the IKEA website for more information.  

Dobbie’s Garden Centre Soft Play 

Enjoy a 60-minute soft play session at Dobbie’s Garden Centre. Bookings must be made at least 1 day in advance. Booking is recommended on Dobbie's website, though walk-ins are welcomed depending on the space available. Adults are free, children cost £3.00. 

2024 Edinburgh KiltWalk - Big Hearts 

The Kiltwalk is known as one of the top family-friendly events supporting small charities in Scotland. Sign up to join team Big Hearts for your free entry and select from one of the distances! With family, friends, kids and dogs all able to take part – it’s not one to be missed. For more information visit the Big Hearts website or contact conrad.frain@bighearts.org.uk to secure your place. 

Weehailes Playpark 

Located within the Newhailes House and Gardens Estate. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. No booking is required.  

• Adults - £1.00 
• Children – £3.50 
• Under 3s – Free 

Monthly Markets also run from 9.30 am to 3 pm on the 22nd and 23rd of June, the 20th and 21st of July, the 17th and 18th of August, 21st and 22nd of September. 

Modern (Modern One) - National Galleries of Scotland 

Every weekend of the summer holidays from 2 pm to 4 pm, drop in for free to create and connect with the outdoors. Each week there will be different themes and materials to play with. 

ASN Summer Opportunities: Swimming, Cycling and Sports  

Edinburgh Active Schools offers sporting opportunities for primary and secondary-aged children with autism or a learning disability. Activities take place at James Gillespies, Craigroyston and Forresters High Schools. Please see the Active Schools website for dates, locations and cost. Note cost concessions are available.  

Tiger Tales  

Tales and crafts for five to seven-year-olds after school and in the holidays every Wednesday at 3:30 pm in  

For more information contact oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk. 

Activities in June 

Lauriston Castle 

RSPB at the Castle: Join bird experts throughout the day for a chance to hear about your local feathered friends and to get a chance to do a quick art activity. Double up with a picnic and family day in the castle gardens. Free activity from 10 am to 4 pm on 28th June, 1st July, 7th July and 20th July at 

Empathy Lab Collection-Wester Hailes Library 

A display of books and a range of activities on Empathy from the Empathy Lab throughout June.  

For more information visit Westerhailes Library's Facebook page. 

Granton Castle Walled Garden 

Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, with free entry. Open June to September on Saturdays and Sundays, 2 pm to 4 pm 

For more information visit the Walled Garden website.  

Lyra's Family Garden Parties 

Lyra’s team are having a Free fun, friendly garden party for families and children with live music from the kid's band Sprog Rock, a fire performance from Delighters, creative activities from Lovebomb, juice and cake (bring a picnic too if you would like) on Thursday 13th June from 3 pm to 4.30 pm and Sunday 16th June from 12 pm to 1.30 pm. 

For more information visit the Lyra website. 

Family Fun Day at the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) 

A free event bringing families together with games, food, arts and crafts bring some joy to those who have been displaced from their homes on Friday 21st June from 1 pm to 4 pm at 

Gracemount Goes Wild 

Free health and wellbeing outdoor event with food, yoga, circus skills workshop and more. Friday 21st June from 12 pm to 3 pm at 

Sea Raising Festival 

Music, markets, climate groups, workshops, arts and crafts, ceilidh, cargo bikes, and more, be part of a chorus of voices, to dance in the water.Free of charge, Saturday 22nd June 1 pm to 6 pm. 

For more information visit the Sea Rising Festival Events page on Facebook.  

The Welcoming - The Refugee Festival Event 2024 

A family-friendly community-free event for New Scots and local people to come together in celebration of the rich diversity of skills, arts and culture. The event will feature music, multicultural food, art and craft activities for kids, and an exhibition of artwork. 22nd June 2024 from 11 am to 3 pm. 

Summer Treats, Balerno Parish Church 

A fundraising event in aid of The Guild Project in St Joseph's Centre, there will be tray bakes, home bakes, strawberries, refreshments & music. On 26th June at 7pm Suggested donation of £5.00. Everyone is welcome at 

For more information, contact bpc-admin@balernochurch.org.uk 

Holyrood Family Adventure 

Discover more about Holyrood’s wildlife and Arthur’s Seat’s history with fun, family-friendly activities. Outdoor activities are suitable for all the family. Free event, though tickets are required on Friday 28th June from 1 pm to 3 pm. 

To book, visit the Holyrood Family Adventure Eventbrite webpage. 

Summer Family Trail 

A free, fun Summer-themed family trail! Following the usual route around the museum, see if you can spot the 8 mini beach balls hidden throughout the galleries. Each gallery has two eggs for you to find! The Summer Family Trail is running from 28th June to 14th August at 

To book visit the St Cecilia's Hall Eventbrite webpage.  

Friday Lego Club at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage 

A beginner or a pro, all are welcome. Lego is provided and there is no need to sign up. The Lego club runs from 2.45 pm to 3.45 pm on the last Friday of every month. 

28th June, 26th July and 30th of August at 

To book, visit the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website. 

Dynamites: Deep Dive 

Dynamic Earth’s under 5-year programme. A story, crafting and sensory play whilst exploring the natural world. Cost £4.00 for one child and one adult. Friday 28th June from 10 am to 11 am at 

To book visit the Dynamic Earth website. 

Dynamic Earth: Celebrating 25 years! 

A collection of free activities for children under 12 years. uncover the last 25 years of discoveries on Saturday 29th June from 10 am to 4 pm at 

To book, visit the Dynamic Earth website 

Insect Week: Marvellous Moths 

Celebrate Insect Week with Family-friendly activities. A free drop-in of art activities and bug safari kits. Saturday 29th June from 10am to 3.30 pm at 

For more information, visit the National Museum of Scotland website 

Paint your own mini-helmet at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage 

Paint a mini replica fire helmet to take home with you and find all 6 painted mini helmets hidden throughout the museum. Saturday 29 June from 10.30 am to 1.45 pm. £3.00 per person. 

To book visit the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website. 

Edinburgh Climate Festival 

A variety of climate-related workshops, stalls, performances, and family-friendly activities. The event is being held in the meadows on Saturday 29th June from 12 pm to 7 pm. 

Rainbow Families Picnic at Porty Pride 

LGBTQ+ parents and carers welcome their children and families to celebrate a free, fun, and informal afternoon together, take a picnic and enjoy meeting other LGBTQ+ families to celebrate pride season. Enjoy Pride-themed outdoor games and silliness. Just look for the Rainbows and bunting around our space on Portobello Beach on Sunday 30th June 12 pm to 3 pm.  

Register in advance by visiting the Rainbow Families Eventbrite webpage. 

Family Concerts

Free interactive concerts for children aged 0-5 and their grown-ups, musicians from Live Music Now Scotland will perform traditional tunes for tiny people. Sunday 30th June and Sunday 28th July at 2 pm. No booking is required.

Activities in July 

Trees & Seas Outdoor Adventures 

Nature Play

Nature Play sessions are aimed at children aged 6 years and under with a supporting adult. Cost from free (free to families living in the EH16 and EH17 areas).

Sessions are held on Wednesday 3rd, 17th and 31st of July from 10 am to 12 pm in the forest or the Bothy space at

Sessions are held on Tuesday 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th July from 9.30am to 11.30am at

For more information or to book, visit the Trees & Seas website. 

Beach Play

Beach play sessions are aimed at children aged 6 years and under with a supporting adult. Cost from free (free to families living in the EH16 and EH17 areas).

Sessions are held on Wednesday 10th and 24th July from 10 am to 12 pm at Musselburgh Beach.

For more information or to book, visit the Trees & Seas website.  

Youth vision forest skills  

Free outdoor fun and play activities Suitable for children aged 10 to 13 years living in the southwest locality. Outings to the Pentlands on 1st to 3rd July & 8th to 10th July from 10 am to 2 pm on Monday to Wednesday at Wester Hailes Quarry Park.  Booking is essential. Limited space.To book email info@youthvision.uk.  

Make Mess Matter 

Free messy play part experience in Ikea customer restaurant without the stress. Full-sleeved aprons are provided. Activities may include sand, water, dough, foam, bubbles, chalk paint and edible items. No registration is required. 

Make Mess Matter is running on Tuesday 2nd July from 11 am to 12 pm at 

To book visit the IKEA website. 

Spanish Bookbug sessions 

Spanish Book bug sessions every 2 weeks on a Wednesday at 3.30 pm. Join us for songs and rhymes in Spanish and English on 3rd July at 

Summer Holiday Autism and Neurodiversity Camps 

Team United has free summer holiday autism and neurodiversity camps open to all boys and girls of all skill levels ages 10 to 15 years. All new players must complete a player profile to confirm their place. Sessions run 10 am to 12 pm, 8th to 11th July at Leith Academy and 10 am to 12 pm, 22nd to 25th July at Tynecastle High School. For more information and/or to register contact Ben@teamunited.org.uk.

Whale Arts Summer Youth Programme 2024

WHALE's four weeks of exciting activities taking place for young people over the Summer starting 8th July. Bookings open from Friday 21st June. For more information, visit the WHALE Arts Summer Youth Programme 2024 webpage.

Bugs 

A fun afternoon for the little ones searching for the critters that live in our woods and meadows on 9th July from 1.30 pm to 3 pm. Suitable for children aged 3 to 6 years. Cost £5 per child accompanying adult free of charge.  

To book a space visit the Water of Leith Eventbrite webpage. 

Edinburgh Food Social Community Good Food Youth Club 

All classes and workshops focus on sharing the stories behind our food as well as giving attendees the skills to create beautiful dishes to share with family and friends and are Free and open to people who live in Craigmillar. Tuesday 9th to Wednesday 11th July and Monday 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th July at 

For more information contact hello@edinburghfoodsocial.org or visit the Edinburgh Food social website. 

Summer Circuits

Improve your physical and mental health this summer at the outdoor circuits class on Tuesday 9th July at 10 am in Hailes Quarry Park. Suitable for people living in the Southwest locality. People over 16 years old are welcome to attend.

For more information visit the Digital Sentinel Summer Newsletter or contact

Positivemoves@thehealthagency.org.uk 

074 0074 0385.

Health and Wellbeing Mural (Craigmillar Community Grows) 

Join in and make a drawing for a mural about health and wellbeing in Craigmillar and Niddrie for the Niddrie GP Service waiting room. 

Everyone is welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult), and all materials are provided. Meet at the front desk. 

Thursday 11th and 18th July 2 pm to 3 pm 

For more information visit the Craigmillar Community Grows Facebook page. 

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 

Enjoy a free selection of online concerts from a host of talented musicians. A concert will go live on each of the ten days from Friday 12th to 21st July from 8 pm onwards 

To book free tickets visit the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival website.  

Mardi Gras 

A taste of New Orleans in the heart of Edinburgh. Non-stop entertainment and a party atmosphere as bands play on stage. In the Grassmarket on Saturday 13 July from 1 pm. 

For more information visit the Mardi Gras festival page on the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues festival website.  

Edinburgh Festival Carnival 

A celebration of costumes, dance and music. A variety of performances were played in the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens. Sunday 14 July from noon. 

For more information visit the Edinburgh Festival Carnival webpage on the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival website.  

Games and Gadgets with Maths Week 

Codeapillars, Spheros, Botley the Robot and more! Get your gadgets moving as Maths Week Scotland takes over the Grand Gallery for two days of the National Museum of Scotland's Summer Family Fun programme. No need to book, just drop in. From 10.30 am to 3.30 pm on Monday 15th July and Friday 19th July at 

To book for 15th July visit the Maths Week Scotland website, 

To book for 19th July, visit the Maths Week Scotland website. 

With Kids Edinburgh 

With Kids are running 2 FREE projects through the summer:

1. Therapeutic Workshops, delivered by With Kids Play Therapists are offering 6 workshops for families to explore and better understand their emotions. Using the theme of 'Inside Out', they will be using arts/crafts and play to provide practical support with emotional regulation. Workshops will run for 3 days (16-18th July) and then be repeated the following week (23-25th July). Families can pick and choose how many sessions they want to attend. Workshops start at 10 am until lunch and a light meal is provided. This is open to all families across Edinburgh.
2. Summer Activities is a programme offered to families based in and around Wester Hailes with some trips to City attractions and Fringe shows. A light lunch is provided. Dates are 29th July - 2nd August and 5th - 9th August.

To book, contact

L.bywater@withkids.org.uk 

07539957703 or

 k.forrester@withkids.org.uk

 07896557223.

Design your own Badge 

Free family drop-in workshop at the Museum of Edinburgh to compliment the ‘Edinburgh rising from the Ashes: 200 years of Scottish Fire’ exhibition on Saturday 20 July from 2pm to 4pm at 

Summer Party  

Bridgend Summer Party with food, circus skills, face painting, tombola and more.  £5 per adult and £2 per child. Book to attend on Eventbrite. Saturday 20th July from 2 pm to 5 pm at  

Canary in a coal mine 

Learn why canaries were important in the coal mine and decorate your own canary wind chime with paint and feathers to take home. Cost £5.50 per child. Book to attend on the National Mining Museum website. Monday 22nd July from 11 am to 2 pm at 

Splash 

Grab your wellies make a splash in the river and hunt for the creatures who call it home. Thursday 25th July 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Suitable for children aged 3 to 6 years. Cost £5 per child accompanying adult free of charge. Book only for the children. 

Community Garden 

Enjoy tea, home baking and a chat with friendly Gardeners of Craigentinny and Telferton plot-holders at this independent allotment site, it is a tranquil and charming space, hidden away in a built-up area on Sunday 21st July from 2 pm to 5 pm Admission is £4 Children are free. More information can be found on the Craigentinny and Telferton Allotments website.  

Summer family day 

Take the family to learn to make pizza from scratch, sit down together and enjoy your own pizza with a tasty salad. Fun activities for kids are available Wednesday 24th July 11 am to 3 pm. 

For more information contact 

catherinefyfe@edinburghfoodproject.org. 

Sandy’s Mini Festival 

Dive into the excitement at Sandy's Mini Festival, inflatable assault course, table sale, multi-culture arts show, live music, food from around the world, and BBQ.On Saturday 27th July 11 am to 2 pm. Find more information on Sandy’s website.  

Teddy Bears’ Picnic 

Saturday 27th July 11to12 in Craigmillar Library Garden. Don’t forget Teddy! For more information visit the Craigmillar Books for Babies Facebook page.  

Activities in August 

Edinburgh International Festival, Space @The Broomhouse Hub  

This August, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub is taking one giant leap toward the future. Space will host a free virtual reality (VR) experience with the festival's orchestra-in-residence: Philharmonia. Visitors to Broomhouse Hub can sit right in the heart of the VR orchestra.  

For more info contact admin@spacescot.org. 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 

A range of free shows is available across the city to suit all the family or take a walk up the Royal Mile and enjoy the street performers. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs from 2nd August until 26th August. Details can be found on the Festival  Fringe website.  

Meet a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dog 

Head along to The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage to Meet Phoenix the SFRS Fire investigation dog on Saturday the 3rd of August between 10 am and 1 pm. The event is free, though sign-up is required for numbers. 

The Ferry Fair 

Various events held including 5 side football, dog show and walks. All events are free so everyone can participate. The aim is to have fun and create memories for all ages. Various locations in South Queensferry from 4th August to Saturday 11th August. For more information visit the Ferry Fair website.

Paint your own mini-helmet 

Paint a mini replica fire helmet to take home with you meet a retired firefighter and learn about the different types of firefighter helmets. 

£3.00 per person Saturday 10 August from 2 pm to 4 pm at 

Community Family Fun Day 

Celebrate 40 years of the National Mining Museum with bouncy castles, pony rides, face painting and more on Saturday 10th August from 11 am to 5 pm at 

This event is free to attend, though booking is essential. 

Edinburgh International Book Festival 

Activities for all of the family. With book signings, cafes and bars, a festival bookshop, and a children’s play area. The full programme is available on Book Festival the website. The festival runs from 10th August to 25th August. Some events are free.

Family Fun Day 

Free Local Community Family Fun Day organised by the Trade Unions in Communities Hub in Craigmillar, including a parade from the Craigmillar High Flats and then food, live music, stalls, bouncy castles, face painting, art and other activities on Saturday 17th August 11 am to 4 pm at 

For more information contact  

contactus@tuic.org.uk  

07475761810. 

Lauriston Castle 

Castle Carnival: Celebrating Notting Hill Carnival by making flamboyant headdresses and masks before joining in the parade in front of the castle with some music and some sweet treats. Saturday 24th August from 10 am to 12 pm. Ticketed event £4 per person.

Find more information on the Museums and Galleries Edinburgh website.

Lauriston Castle 

Clay Tiles: Inspired by the natural environment come along to Lauriston and take inspiration from the gardens and make a clay tile inspired by nature. You can take it home and paint it. Sunday 25th August 2024 from 12.00pm. Free event. Find more information on the Edinburgh Museum website.  

Fun Activities to Do at Home 

Activities do not need to cost a lot of money (or sometimes any money at all) to be meaningful and memorable. Some of the best memories are made by doing simple things at home or around the community. Enjoying the time, you have together is what is most important. Below are some very low-cost or free activities that require no/minimal resources, most of which you will have around the house already. Enjoy!  

Making music 

Household objects like pots, pans, tins, wooden spoons or plastic bottles filled with rice can be the perfect kit for starting a musical rock band. 

Floor is lava 

a great way for children of all ages to stay physically active indoors. Gather up your cushions and pillows and let your child’s imagination go wild as they hop, jump and climb their way around your home. 

Host a talent show 

Choreographing a dance routine to a favourite song, becoming a teddy ventriloquist, performing a magic trick, and hosting a talent show can be a great way to interact as a family, boost children’s confidence and have fun. 

Make use of everyday items 

Children have such rich imaginations- a box of everyday household items can unlock a whole world of play. A kitchen roll tube can become a telescope for gazing at the stars, and a bedsheet can become a tent. Letting children play freely with household objects is a great way to encourage their creativity. 

Potato/sponge Stamping  

Cut designs into potatoes or sponges, dip them in paint and create some exciting potato stamp pictures. 

Scavenger hunts 

From collecting leaves and twigs in a forest, spotting birds, or counting different colour cars in your local area- a family walk can turn into a fun challenge and a great way to motivate children to spend time outdoors. 

Water play 

Water fights, slip ’n slides, running through sprinklers, painting with wet brushes/sponges, making perfumes, outdoor kitchen play and even washing the car, children are drawn to water-based activities that are also great for cooling down on a hot summer’s day. 

Mini Olympics 

Making obstacle courses and having races with friends is a great way to hang out and stay active. You can use play equipment like hula hoops and skipping ropes, or everyday objects like cardboard boxes, brushes or chairs.  

Den building 

Household items such as old blankets, chairs and laundry rails can make the perfect hiding place for play. Supermarkets and hardware shops are also good places to gather up free items such as cardboard boxes for your child to expand their den building.