Family activities in your local area

North East

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Baby and toddler rhyme time and stories- Craigmillar books for babies 

Drop-in singing and story sessions for families with babies and children under four years of age, living in Greater Craigmillar (Craigmillar, Niddrie, Bingham and Magdalene). Sessions run every Monday at 11am at  

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Road 
EH16 4DS 

For more information visit the Craigmillar Books for Babies Facebook page  or contact  

info@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk 

0131 621 2621 

Bookbug at Dr. Bell’s

Bookbug offers the chance to visit Dr Bell’s centre, bond with your little one through songs and rhymes and enjoy a little story too! Sessions run on Fridays at 9.40 am for children aged 18 months to five years alongside their parent/carer and at 10.30 am for children aged nought to 18 months at 

Dr Bell’s Family Centre 
15 Junction Place 
EH6 5JA 

For event information and to book visit the Dr Bell’s Centre Eventbrite page. 

For more information contact 

info@dbfc.org.uk 

0131 553 0100 

Storytimes  

These sessions happen in local libraries for children and their parents. Sessions run at- 

  • Portobello Library every Tuesday at 4pm  at 14 Rosefield Avenue, EH15 1AU. For more information visit the Portobello Library Facebook page

  • Chatterbooks reading group for children at 2 pm on the fourth Saturday of the month at 14 Rosefield Avenue, EH15 1AU. For more information visit the Portobello Library Facebook page. 

Saturday storytimes

Drop-in storytime sessions are run by Craigmillar Books for babies for families with children under four years (older siblings welcome) living in the Craigmillar, Niddrie, Bingham and Magdalene areas. Sessions run on the last Saturday of each month from 11 am to 12 pm at 

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Road 
EH16 4DS 

For more information visit the Craigmillar Books for Babies Facebook or contact  

info@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk 

0131 621 2621 

Craigmillar stories for sharing - feel-good Fridays 

Storytelling and crafts for families in Craigmillar, Niddrie, Magdelene and Bingham. Sessions are perfect for children aged four to 12 years and their parents or carers. Sessions run every Friday from 2 pm to 4 pm during term time at 

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Road 
EH16 4DS 

For more information or book visit the Craigmillar Stories for Sharing Facebook page or contact 

katieswann@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk 

07434 661 098 

Book gifting in the community by Craigmillar books for babies

Craigmillar Books for Babies gift books at their events, at the local baby clinic, on home visits and as part of their literacy programmes. They also provide other resources including nursery rhyme booklets and cards, puppets and craft activities. For more information contact  

Info@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk  

Lego clubs  

Lego clubs happen in some local libraries for children over five years of age, anyone under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. sessions run at - 

  • Portobello Library every second Friday at 2 pm. For more information visit the Portobello Library Facebook page

Craft activities  

Craft activities for families with children aged five to 11 years and children under eight years must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions run in the following libraries-  

  • Leith Library on Fridays at 2 pm. For more information visit the Leith Library Facebook page

  • Portobello Library on alternative Fridays at 2 pm. For more information visit the Portobello Library Facebook page

Home-Start stay and play 

Home Start’s Stay and Play is for parents, carers and children aged nought to three years. Enjoy play, crafts, songs and stories. Self-referrals are welcome although priority will be given to referrals from partner agencies. The group runs every Wednesday from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm during term time at  

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Road  
EH16 4DS 

For more information visit the Home Link Family Support website or contact 

admin@homestartedinburgh.org.uk

0131 553 7819 

Messy play sessions  

Run by Dr Bell’s, parents and their children can explore a variety of sensory and messy play activities at these sessions on Fridays at 1 pm. Families with children aged one to five years in the Leith area are eligible to attend. 

Dr Bell’s Family Centre 
15 Junction Place 
EH6 5JA 

For more information contact 

info@dbfc.org.uk 

0131 553 0100 

Community lunch at Dr Bell’s 

Local families can pop in for a healthy freshly prepared lunch and chat with the Dr Bell’s team on Fridays at 11.30 am. Families with children under five in the Leith area are welcome to attend.  

Dr Bell’s Family Centre 
15 Junction Place 
EH6 5JA 

For more information contact  

info@dbfc.org.uk 

0131 553 0100 

Nurture and natter at Dr Bell’s 

These sessions are for families with a child aged 10+ months and offer a chance to meet other parents and carers in a safe place, a chance to get support and advice and take part in a range of different activities. Suitable for families in the Leith area. The sessions run on Mondays at 1 pm at Dr Bells Family Centre. Information on the planned activities each week is on the Eventbrite page. 

Dr Bell’s Family Centre 
15 Junction Place 
EH6 5JA 

Book directly via the Dr Bell’s Eventbrite page. 

For more information contact  

info@dbfc.org.uk

0131 553 0100 

Trees and seas outdoor adventures - nature play 

Nature play is for children aged six years and under and their supporting adults/carers. The group has fully child-led active play with nature-based activities such as scavenger hunts, nature trails, mud kitchens, and more. Learn sustainable play that can be continued at home or in local green spaces. Sessions are free for families living in postcodes EH16 and EH17 and run every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm at 

Bridgend Farmhouse 
41 Old Dalkeith Road 
EH16 4TE 

For more information and to book visit the Trees and Seas website  

Trees and seas outdoor adventures - stay and play sessions 

Stay-and-play sessions are for children aged eight and under with supporting adults/carers. These sessions include relaxed and engaging play in a natural setting including arts and crafts and messy play. Sessions are free for families living in postcodes EH16 and EH17. Stay and play runs monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month from 10 am to 12 pm at 

Bridgend Farmhouse 
41 Old Dalkeith Road 
EH16 4TE 

For more information and to book visit the Trees and Seas website or contact 

treesandseasoutdooradventures@gmail.com 

07760 138 721 

Supporting parents and carers

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