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 other activities that are running, please let us know at wholefamilywellbeing@edinburgh.gov.uk   

Activities throughout the Spring holidays

The Spring Family Trail  

Join St Cecillia's Hall this Spring for a free, fun Spring-themed family trail. Following the usual route around the museum, see if you can spot all 8 butterflies hiding throughout the galleries and answer each of their music-related questions to win a Spring-themed sticker at the end. 

The trail is being held from Tuesday 1 April until Wednesday 30 April from 10am to 4pm at  

St Cecillia’s Hall 
Concert Room & Music Museum 
50 Niddry Street  
Edinburgh 
EH1 1LG 

To book a free slot visit the St Cecillia Hall’s Eventbrite  

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. 

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.
• 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 

Easter Activities at Småland Crèche 

A range of fun and creative activities planned including Easter Egg decorating, Pin the tail on the bunny, Easter hunt and Easter bunny crafting. Sessions daily from 10am to 6pm, Monday 7 April to Monday 21 April at  

For more information visit the IKEA website 

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 

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 

Trinity House Maritime Museum 

Take a free self-guided tour of the house, where there will be activities suitable for all ages including drop-in crafts and children's games from 11am to 4pm on Wednesday 9 and Wednesday 16 April at  

For more information visit Historic Environment Scotland website  

Bunny Bunting 

Create your very own bunny bunting from 11am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4pm on Friday 11 and Friday 18 April at 

For more information visit the IKEA website 

Easter Activities at Modern One Gallery 

There is something for everyone to discover at the National Galleries of Scotland Modern One Gallery over the upcoming Easter holidays. 

• Art Space family drop in - play with patterns, create shapes, mix colours and more on Monday 14 to Friday 18 April from 2pm to 4pm

• Discover the Moderns - Weave your way through two exciting wo galleries and two sculpture parks featuring leading artists' works which define the Modern era. 

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 April until Monday 21 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 Community Lunch  

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 

Community in the Park 

Connect with others in the park by sharing a picnic. Join Edinburgh Printmakers artists for a walk on the Union Canal to explore nature using watercolours and practice creative mindfulness. Free for all ages.  On Saturday 19 April from 1pm to 3pm at 

To find out more and sign up for free visit the Foutainbridge Canalside Community Trust Facebook page 

Easter Adventure Holiday Club 

Games, crafts, drama, Easter egg hunt and stories of the first Easter.  For children in P1 to P7 on Saturday 19 April from 2pm to 4.30pm at 

Pre-register your attendance by contacting holidayclub.cce@gmail.com 

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 

Family Movies - Easter Treats 

Free outdoor films for all the family. Films showing are Hop on Sunday 20 April at 11am and Peter Rabbit on Friday 25 April at 4.30pm at  

To book a space visit the Bridgend Farmhouse Eventbrite webpage.

Easter Egg Hunt at Craiglockhart Hill 

A free Easter egg hunt for children aged 12 years and under (donations welcome). Help track down the eggs the Easter Bunny has left in the woods. Remember to bring your own container for collecting. The hunt will run on Sunday 20 April at 11am 

For Directions view the map on The Friends of Easter Craiglockhart Hill website 

Crafternoons 

A free drop in afternoon of crafts from 11am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday throughout the holidays at  

For more information contact visit@parliament.scot  

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 

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage  

The museum tells the story of Scottish Firefighting from the very beginning to the present day. With interactive displays, dressing up, reading nook, and ‘search and explore’ bags to borrow. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 

For more information visit The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website 

The Wee Play Hub 

The Wee Play Hub is open to the public from 11am to 3pm, Wednesdays to Sundays. As well as a general play area, they also offer regular free drop-in events including arts and crafts and a Lego club.  

For the latest programme, visit The Wee Hub Facebook page 

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 

Easter Holidays at Corstorphine Library 

Series of activities at Corstorphine Library during April. 

• Bookbug sessions - for ages 0 to 5 and their grown-ups every Tuesday from 11am, every Wednesday from 2pm and every Saturday from 11am. 

• STEM Club - Electronic Music Workshop on Saturday 5 April and Saturday 19 April from 2pm to 3pm 

• Virtual Reality Taster Sessions - for children aged 6 to 12 (adult supervision required) on Monday 7 April from 4pm to 6pm and on Monday 14 April from 5pm to 7pm 

• Board Games - for kids, teens and families on Tuesday 8 April from 12pm to 3pm and every Saturday from 3pm to 4:30pm 

• Jewellery Making - with Edinburgh Remakery for ages 9+ on Tuesday 8 April from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Email corstorphine.library@edinburgh.gov.uk to book.  

• Robot Junk Modelling - please bring yogurt tubs and cereal boxes on Wednesday 9 April from 3:30pm to 5pm 

• Explore Learning Sessions - for ages 5 to 9 on Thursday 10 April and Tuesday 15 April from 12pm to 2pm  

• Crafternoon - for under 8s (adult supervision required) on every Friday from 2pm to 3pm and Thursday 17 April 2pm to 3pm.

All events held at  

Corstorphine Library
12 Kirk Loan
Corstorphine
Edinburgh
EH12 7HD 

Spring at your local library 

Many libraries have a host of spring activities for children and families throughout the holidays. To see what’s going on visit your libraries website or Facebook page.  

All City of Edinburgh Libraries will be closed on Good Friday 18 April and Easter Monday 21 April.  

To find your local library visit The City of Edinburgh Council's Library webpage 

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  

City Art Centre
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 

Dogs Trust Family Workshops 

Have fun as a family this school holiday by coming along to one of our free, dog-themed workshops. 
Our face-to-face workshops last around 90 minutes and are packed with engaging dog-related games and activities, designed to teach children how to behave safely and responsibly around dogs.  

• Children attending must be aged 7 to 11 years old

• Children must be accompanied by an adult 

• One adult can bring a maximum of three children 

• We kindly ask that you please leave your dog at home, so you and your children can give your full attention to the workshop to get the most out of it. 

To book a workshop contact educ@dogstrust.org.uk your with your postcode to identify details of your nearest workshops.

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. 

Free or low-cost food in the holidays  

Places Kids Eat Free during UK School Holidays 

It’s so hard to keep the kids entertained for long periods of time without spending a fortune. Find all the restaurants and cafes which are offering ‘Kids Eat Free’ (or for £1) during Edinburgh’s Spring holiday in 2025. 

Visit the Money Saving Central Website to see the full listing. 

The Bridge Cafe 

This community cafe is providing free homemade soup and fresh fruit on Wednesday’s, Thursdays’ and Fridays from 10am to 2.30pm at 

Holy Trinity Wester Hailes Church 
2 Hailesland Place 
EH14 2SL 

To find out more visit the Bridge Cafe website or contact 0131 442 3304 

Salvation Army Community Cafe 

This community cafe is providing free cake and coffee for all on Mondays and Wednesday’s from 10am to 2pm at 

36 Wardieburn Drive
Granton
Edinburgh
EH5 1BZ 

To find out more contact 0131 551 6820 

Granton Parish Church Coffee Morning 

Coffee and cake served every Thursday morning from 10am to 11.30am at  

55 Boswall Parkway
EH5 2DA 

To find out more contact 0779 532 3990 

Pilton Community Health Project Community Lunch  

Free lunch served every Wednesday from 2pm at 

10 Wardieburn Road 

To find out more contact 07518756330 

Fresh Start Community Lunch 

They serve hot soup with a filled roll every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm and two course meals available every Friday from 12pm to 1.30pm at 

28-30 Ferry Road Drive 
EH4 4BR 

Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts 

They serve hot soup with a roll every Friday from 1pm until 2pm at 

3-11 West Granton Road
EH5 1HG 

To find out more visit the Empty Kitchens Full Heart website or contact 07895347157 

Grassmarket Community Project 

Two course meals available every Wednesday from 5pm to 6pm at 

86 Candlemaker Row
EH1 2QA 

To find out more visit Grassmarket website or contact 01312253626 

Ps & Gs Church 

Open for a sit-down meal every Saturday from 5pm to 6pm at 

46 York Place
EH1 3HP 

To find out more visit the Ps & Gs Church website or contact 01315561335 

Steps to Hope 

Offers hot meals every Monday from 6pm and every Sunday from 5pm at 

St. Cuthbert’s Church
5 Lothian Road
EH1 2EP 

To find out more contact 07494838666 

Breakfast Bothy 

Offers hot meals every Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm at 

100 Melville Drive
EH1 1SR 

To find out more contact Keith.taylore@carlowriecastle.co.uk 

Carrubers Christian Centre 

Provides sit in and Takeway Breakfast every Sunday from 9am at 

65 Highstreet
EH1 1SR 

To find out more visit the Carrubbers website 

Social Bite 

Sevres Takeaway breakfast and hot meals on Monday to Friday from 8am to 9.30am and 4pm to 4.45pm at  

131 Rose Street
EH2 3DT 

To find out more contact 01313530250 

South Leith Parish Church 

Serves a takeaway breakfast every Sunday from 9.30pm to 10.30am and a packed evening meal ever Thursday from 5.30pm to 6pm at 

6 Henderson Street
EH6 6BS 

To find out more contact 01315542578