Family holiday activities

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

wholefamilywellbeing@edinburgh.gov.uk   

Activities throughout the Spring holidays!

Edinburgh Collage Club  

Enjoy a crafting afternoon where all skill levels are welcome, whether you’re experienced with the technique or a total beginner wanting to try something new. All the materials are included, but participants can bring along any extra materials they would like to work with. Entry by donation, though spaces must be booked. Edinburgh Collage Club will take place on Sunday 23 March from 11.30am to 1.30pm at 

North Mechiston Club  
48 Watson Crescent   
EH11 1EP 

To book tickets visit the Edinburgh Collage Club Eventbrite page 

Edinburgh Science Festival  

The Edinburgh science festival explores the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, with the theme Spaceship Earth. The festival runs from Sunday 5 April to Sunday 20 April. To find out what’s on during the festival visit the Edinburgh Science Website. 

Peace Garden Cross-Cultural Event  

Performances from the Sundanese Nile School and The Gathering Quartet: Ukraine, England, Sweden, Scotland. Come and celebrate being together with cross-cultural music and delicious food. Parking is available for Blue Badge Holders only. This event is entry by donation and booking is required for numbers. The Peace Garden Cross-Cultural event will run from 6pm to 9pm on Sunday 6 April at 

Bridgend Farmhouse  
41 Old Dalkeith Road 
EH16 4TE 

For more information and to book a space visit the Bridgend Farmhouse Eventbrite webpage.  

Spring sessions at Craigmillar Castle Park  

  • Enjoy a series of free Seasonal outdoor activity events at Craigmillar Castle Park. Nature Walks, Family Festivals, Crafts and more! 
  • Tree Flowers Nature Walk - Explore the hidden world of tree flowers on this interactive nature walk on Saturday 5 April from 1pm to 2.30pm 
  • Family Easter Festival - A community festival, orienteering, silent disco, creative workshops and fun family activities on Saturday 19 April from 1pm to 3pm at Craigmillar Castle Park, Old Dalkeith Rd, EH16 4TB 

For more information contact Elly@elgt.org.uk 

Dads Rock Free Playgroup  

Drop in to Dad’s Rock free indoors and outdoors playgroup which is open to all dads with children aged nought to five years. Have a snack and finish with stories. The groups run weekly on Saturdays and Sundays starting on Saturday 5 April from 10am to 11.30am at 

Gorgie Memorial Hall 
338 Gorgie Road 
EH11 2QU 

For more information visit the Dads Rock website 

Friends of Craigmillar Spring Clean 

Please join us for Craigmillar Spring Clean. In the first week of April we are planning a community wide litter-pick of the greater Craigmillar area. During the week youth groups and school children will be out doing their bit to tidy the streets. There will be all equipment provided and refreshments in the White House.  The Spring Clean is on Saturday 5 April with the morning session from 10am to 11.30am and the afternoon session from 2pm to 3.30pm at   

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Road 
Edinburgh 
EH16 4DS 

To find out more visit the Craigmillar Spring Clean Eventbrite 

Little Seedlings Easter Holiday Club: Spring Has Sprung!  

Explore the signs of spring both above and below ground, examine the animals and insects returning to your garden, and learn about springtime celebrations around the world. Play some fun games, and each Little Seedling will leave with their very own handmade kite and is suitable for children aged four to 10 years. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. The workshop is free and lasts for 60 minutes on Monday 7 April and at  

Dobbie’s Garden Centre 
Melville Nursery 
Lasswade 
Midlothian 
EH18 1AZ 

To book, visit the Dobbies Garden Centre website. 

Forest Skills  

Join the Youth Vision group for Easter fun! Discover wonderful, wild nature on your doorstep, play games and learn some bushcraft. Free outdoor activities suitable for young people aged 10 to 13 years who live in southwest Edinburgh. Sessions begin the first week of the Spring holiday from Monday 7 April to Wednesday 9 April from 10am to 2pm at 

Wester Hailes Quarry Park 
9 Dumbryden Drive 
Baberton 
EH14 2QR 

For more information contact info@youthvision.uk 

Dr Bell`s Easter 2025- Cake and a Cuppa  

Have a cake and a cup of tea at Dr Bells Family Centre. For anyone living within the EH6 and EH7 postcodes and has a child aged between nought and 10 months old. Cake and Cuppa will run from 10am to 11am on Tuesday 8 April at  

Dr Bells Family Centre 
15 Junction Place 
EH6 5JA 

To book a space visit the Dr Bell's Eventbrite webpage 

Youth Cooking Class for P7 to S1’s

Join a fun and interactive cooking experience. Learn how to whip up delicious meals from scratch, all while having a great time with friends. No experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and appetite! The church’s experienced Cafe Manager will guide you through each step, from chopping to sautéing to plating. Get ready to impress with newfound culinary skills! Don’t miss out on this tasty opportunity. The class will run on Tuesday 8 April from 6pm to 8.30pm at  

Dalmeny Church 
Main Street Dalmeny 
EH30 9TT 

To sign up visit the Dalmeny and Queensferry Church Eventbrite webpage 

Family Feasts 

A hands-on cookery class is designed to be enjoyable for all ages, fostering teamwork and creativity in the kitchen. Guided by our friendly and experienced chef, families will learn to prepare a wholesome and delicious meal from scratch, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Bond over chopping, stirring, and tasting as you create dishes that everyone will love. Children need to be accompanied by at least one adult for this class. For those living in the Craigmillar or Niddrie area class are for free. The classes are on Tuesday 8 April 2025 and Thursday 10 April from 10.30am to 3.30pm at 

Edinburgh Food Social 
47 Peffer Place 
Edinburgh 
EH16 4BB 

To find out more or sign up visit the Edinburgh Food Social website 

Easter Holiday Family Ceilidh  

A two-hour Ceilidh event, with the first hour geared to families with preschoolers and the second geared to families with school age children and young people, families encouraged to come to as much or as little of the event that suits them. The Ceilidh will be held on Wednesday 9 April from 2pm to 4pm at 

The Wash House 
3 Adelphi Grove 
Portobello 
EH15 1AP 

For more information view Ceilidh Kids Facebook event  and to book your space contact ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com 

Community Mushroom Farming Workshop  

Join Granton Community’s free hands-on learning experience ‘Community Mushroom Farming Workshop’. In these two-hour workshops, gain an understanding of the different aspects of community mushroom farming. Learn which seasonal native fungi you can grow outdoors for food and soil restoration. Join us and let’s grow mushrooms together! They are not only good for the soil but for our mental and physical health too! The workshops will run on Wednesday 9 April 2025 and Wednesday 16 April from 1pm to 3pm at 

Granton Castle Walled Garden 
23 West Shore Rd 
EH5 1QB 

For more information visit the Granton Castle Walled Garden website or to book your place email info@mycobee.org 

Brick Botanics  

Join Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens scientists to construct the city of the future where plants make a better place for us all using LEGO bricks. Build a wall of plants, a rain garden or even better, something that no one has invented yet. Speak to their scientists and find out what they are doing to make our cities better. Suitable for children aged 3 years and up.  Sign up for free, on the day in person for a 30-minute slot. The activity will run on Thursday 10 April from 12pm to 4pm at  

Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh 
EH3 5NZ 

For more information visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Website 

Evening Buggy Walk for Dads & Kids  

Dr Bell’s Family centre is having a evening buggy walk for their dad’s group for fathers who live in the Leith area and have at least one child under five years of age. The walk is being held on Thursday 10 of April from 5.30pm to 7pm at 

Dr Bells Family Centre  
15 Junction Pl 
EH6 5JA 

For more information or to confirm your attendance email  Andrew@dbfc.org.uk 

Gilmerton Community Centre Easter Event  

Join Gilmerton Community Centre for easter egg hunts, cake decoration, crafts, music games and meet the Easter Bunny. See some small animals and learn all about them as you get your photo taken on Saturday 12 April from 12pm to 3pm at  

Gilmerton Community Centre  
4 Drum Street 
EH17 8QG 

King’s Church Easter Egg Hunt at Harrison Park  

Join King’s Church for a morning of community fun in the park this Easter! Free easter egg hunt event for the whole family. Drop-in at any time on Saturday 12 April from 10am to 11.30am at 

Harrison Park West (dog free section) 
42 Harrison Gardens  
EH11 1SG 

Planet Botanics  

You have landed on a new planet. What now – how are you going to survive? What will you build shelter with? What will you eat? How will you grow plants? Join the team at the Botanics and scientists from SRUC for fun hands-on activities to explore how to grow plants in a brave new world. This drop-in event is free of charge and suitable for ages three years plus. The session will run on Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April 2025 from 12pm to 4pm at:

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 
Edinburgh
EH3 5NZ

For more information and to sign up visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Website 

Botanical Frontiers  

Get ready for a journey to a new planet with scientists from the Botanics and discover the surprising variety of plants you’ll take with you. The Botanics’ Herbarium contains three million plants in its collection: learn about some unusual ones you have never heard of and be amazed at how they are used here on Earth. This drop-in event is free of charge and suitable for children aged five plus. The session will be held on Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April from 12pm to 4pm at  

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 
EH3 5NZ 

For more information visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Website 

Holyrood Family Adventure  

Holyrood’s Park Ranger service will be holding a free Holyrood Family Adventure aimed at children aged five years and above. Discover more about Holyrood's wildlife, history and volcanic landscape with these fun, family-friendly activities. The adventure is being held on Monday 14 April 2025 from 1pm to 3pm at 

Broad Pavement Car Park 
Holyrood Car Park  
EH8 8AZ 

For more information visit the Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service Eventbrite 

Easter Holiday Club at 6VT 

6VT will be running a free to attend Easter Holiday Club for S1-S4's with activities including Bowling, Mini Gold, Gravity and more. The club will be held over the course of three days on Monday 14 April, Wednesday 16 April and Friday 18 April from 1pm at 

6VT Youth Cafe 
11-15 Vennel 
Edinburgh 
EH1 2HU 

To find out more or register your interest contact contact@6vt.info or phone 07708179357.  

Easter Football camp   

Free football sessions for children and young people who have an ASD or other Neurodiverse Diagnosis who are interested in participating in football. Camps are mixed ability and experienced as well as being mixed aged from 10 to 15 years old. Our camps are about using football to create a fun and safe space young people can get together and enjoy participating and making new friends.  The camp runs Monday 14 April to Thursday 17 April from 10am to 12pm at 

Queen Margaret University  
Drive 
Musselburgh  
EH21 6UU 

Register to attend via the Team United Website 

Botanics Easter Trail  

The Botanics Easter trail is back! The White Rabbit is late to meet the Botanics Bunny for a celebration. Follow the clues and help the White Rabbit find his way round the garden to discover what the Botanics Bunny is celebrating and receive a tasty treat as a reward. Hop along to the John Hope Gateway to pick up a booklet for £3.00 per child. The trail will be running from Tuesday 15 of April until Monday 21 of April at 

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 
EH3 5NZ 

Make Mess Matter 

All children are provided with full-sleeved waterproof aprons and whilst under supervision of their accompanying adult can enjoy all manner of messy matter in a controlled and safe environment. Matter can include Sand, Water, Dough, Foam, Bubbles, Chalk, Paint and Edible items All designed to enhance your child's creative learning experience. Make Mess Matter is from 11am to 12pm on Tuesday 15 April at  

Customer Restaurant 
Ikea 
Costkea Way  
Loanhead  
EH20 9BY 

For more information visit the IKEA website 

Holiday Club at Chalmers Church  

All primary aged children are welcome at Chalmers Church holiday club! Three fun filled mornings with games, crafts, snacks and drama! There will be two Bible teaching tracks, one for younger children and one for older children. The Club runs Tuesday 15 April to Thursday 17 April from 10am to 12.30 pm at   

Chalmers Church 
69b Morningside Road 
EH10 4AZ 

For more information and to sign up visit Chalmers Church Holiday Club’s Page 

Easter Egg trail at Newhailes  

Follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your chocolate reward. Fun for all the family and the grounds around the estate to enjoy a spring family walk. Trail sheets cost £5.00 each (Only book tickets for those that want a chocolate treat). This event runs from Friday 18 April to Sunday 20 April at  

Newhailes House & Garden 
Newhailes Road  
Musselburgh  
EH21 6RY 

For more information visit the Newhailes House & Gardens Facebook page 

To book tickets visit the Newhailes Eventbrite webpage 

Easter Chicken Trail  

Look through the shop windows to find the knitted chickens. Find the 4 which have numbers on them, those numbers will open the padlock to the box of eggs at Queensferry Parish Church. The trail is running from Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April at  

Queenferry Parish Church 
The Loan 
South Queensferry 
EH30 9NS 

Easter Outdoor Fun  

Drop-in to Lauriston Castles all day easter event. Collect an easter trail or egg hunt quiz from the front of the castle and see how far you get.  Maybe you’ll discover parts of the grounds you haven’t seen before! The Session will run on Friday 18 April from 11am to 4pm at  

Lauriston Castle  
2 Cramond Rd South 
EH4 6AD 

For more information visit the Edinburgh Museum website 

House of Binns Easter Trail  

Enjoy the Easter Egg Trail in the gardens of House of Binns, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your chocolatey reward! Book online for a morning or afternoon session. Children up to 14 years of age need a ticket costing £5, adults go free but need to book a space.  The trail will be held on Friday 18 April from 10am to 12.30pm at 

Binns View  
Linithgow 
EH49 7NA  

To book tickets visit the House of Bins Eventbrite page 

Easter Egg hunt with Waterstones  

Join Waterstone’s in the Children's section for activities and an Easter Trail - with prizes on Saturday 19 April from 11am to 4pm at 

Waterstone’s – West End 
128 Princes Street 
EH2 4AD 

Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’  

Ps & Gs Church are welcoming families along for a morning of egg decorating, arts and crafts, a creative sharing of the Easter Story, games and other fun activities for all ages on Saturday 19 April from 10am to 11.30am at 

Ps & Gs Church 
10 Broughton St 
EH1 3RH 

For more information or to book your place visit Ps & Gs Church event page 

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 – £4.50  

  • Under 3s – Free  

The monthly market will also run in the courtyard on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. 

Newhailes  
Newhailes Road  
Musselburgh  
EH21 6RY  

Scottish Parliament  

Explores the Scottish Parliament independently or with a free guided tour. Guided tours look at the inner workings of Parliament and award-winning architecture. The tour is suitable for visitors of all ages and free to attend and is available every day throughout the holidays at  

Horse Wynd 
EH99 1SP 

To book tickets visit The Scottish Parliament website 

National Library of Scotland   

Enjoy a free tour of the Visitor Centre of National Library of Scotland at George IV Bridge, where you'll discover some of the treasures that make The National Library of Scotland a cornerstone of Scotland's cultural heritage. The Guides will introduce you to the story of the library’s building and history, and you will learn about the library's role in preserving the nation's history.  

National Library of Scotland 
George IV Bridge 
EH1 1EW 

To book tickets in advance visit the National Library of Scotland's Eventbrite webpage 

Forth Bridges Trail   

The five-mile circular trail can be started at any of the 10 stops in and around South Queensferry, be submerged in history, heritage, wildlife, nature and beauty and some pretty impressive views of the bridges. 

To find out more visit the Forth Bridges Website 

Spring at Oxgangs Library  

Series of Spring seasonal activity events at Oxgangs Library during April. 

  • Bookbug for children aged nought to five years starting at 10.30am on Saturday 5, Tuesday 8, Saturday 12, Tuesday 15 and Saturday 19 of April 

  • Lego Club drop-in for children aged four years plus starting at 12pm on Saturday 5, Saturday 12, Saturday 19 of April 

  • Tiger Tales for children aged four to seven years starting at 3.30pm on Wednesday 9 and Wednesday 19 of April 

  • Art Club for children aged four years plus starting at 2.30pm on Friday 11 and Friday 18 of April 

  • P7 to S1 drop-in group, with PS5, Boardgames and art staring at 6pm on Tuesday 15 of April 

All events held at  

Oxgangs Library 
343 Oxgangs Rd N  
EH13 9LY 

Monument-al Treasure Hunt 

The Monument-al Treasure Hunt in West Princes Street Gardens will take participants on a cultural and historical exploration for children and ages of all ages to enjoy. Play at your own pace, on your phone or on a printed version. The treasure hunt Is free to play and there is a free audiobook or e-book narrated by the actors of Game of Thrones, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Bravehart and Dr Who.  

To access the hunt and to play, visit the Terrible Tales website 

Dobbie’s Garden Centre Soft Play  

Enjoy a 60-minute soft play session at Dobbie’s Garden Centre. Bookings must be made at least one day in advance. Booking is recommended, though walk ins are welcomed depending on spaces available.  

Adults are free, children cost £3.00. 

Dobbie’s Garden Centre 
Melville Nursery 
Lasswade 
Midlothian 
EH18 1AZ 

To book visit the Dobbie’s Garden Centre website 

Meadows Junior Parkrun  

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors aged four to 14 years old. The aim is to have fun, come along and join at your pace! The runs are held every Sunday at 9.30am starting at the East Meadows Playpark 

The Meadows 
Melville Drive 
EH9 9EX 

For more information and to sign up visit The Meadows junior parkrun webpage 

Family Art and Activities Space  

Come and have fun in the family area on the Lower Ground Floor at the City Art Centre. The activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets relating to their exhibitions.  They offer a warm and welcoming space for family groups to work creatively together and to stay as long as you like. The drop in is open daily from 10am to 5pm at  

2 Market St 
EH1 1DE 

To find out more visit the Edinburgh Museums website 

Nature Play at Bridgend Farm   

Fully child-led active play for children under six years and under and their supporting adults. All sessions include sustainable activities that can be replicated at home, in the garden and in local green spaces including scavenger hunts, nature trails, mud kitchen, water play, small world play, loose parts and much, much more. Sessions are free for families living in the EH16 and EH17 postcode areas and run on Wednesday’s from 10am to 12pm 

Bridgend Farm 
41 Old Dalkeith Rd 
EH16 4TE 

To find out more visit the Trees and Seas Outdoor Adventure website  

Personalised Easter Bunny letter 

Surprise your little one with an egg hunt and personalised letter from Hopper the Easter Bunny this Spring. Along with the personalised letter, we’ll send a ready-made egg hunt, making this Easter quick and easy for adults and fun for your little ones. You can then use your letter to surprise your child and reveal where the first egg is hidden. Each pack costs £3 which covers the cost of designing, printing and delivering your pack. Any additional donation you make is eligible for Gift Aid.  

To find out more or create your letter visit the NSPCC Website 

 

Fun Activities to do at home   

Egg rolling  

Boil up some eggs and either keep them plain and simple or decorate with paint, stickers, pens whatever you have in the art box. Find the best hill in the local park and have an egg rolling race. Which egg makes it to the bottom first? How many rolls can the egg do before it cracks? Endless fun on the hill!  

Decorating chalk eggs  

Decorate the garden path with chalk easter eggs. Turn it into a competition if you like, who can make the best design? Who can do the biggest egg design? 

Potato/sponge Stamping  

Cut designs into potatoes or sponges, dip in paint and create some exciting potato stamps pictures! 

Outdoor treasure hunt  

Wherever you decide to go (beach, park, your own garden) pick a base. It can be a particular tree, or it can be a bench. Have a leader who calls out what the group needs to find for example, 3 green leaves, 2 large stones, 4 sticks. This can be turned into a race, the first person back to base with the correct items is the new leader.  

Balloon tennis  

Can you keep up with the balloon? Your hand is the bat, and you need to bat the balloon back and forth. Don’t let it hit the ground! 

Spring walk  

Get a ‘spring’ in your step and enjoy a walk around one of Edinburgh’s well-known spots. Arthur’s Seat, Portobello Promenade, Colinton Tunnel, Water of Leith, Calton Hill, Dalkeith Country Park, Figgate Park, The Meadows or Cramond Beach. Remember you can apply for a free travel card (bus and tram) for children. Pop into your local library for help to apply. 

 

Supporting parents and carers

We hope you can find the information you need, if you require help finding supports email us at