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IN THIS ISSUE
Easter fun Spring projects What’s On After school childcare, in your home, on the days and times you need it. Easier working week: come home to full tummies and homework done Personalised childcare: invaluable 1-1 attention Calmer afternoons: kids can decompress at home We only accept the best nannies: vetted, referenced and ID checked
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Issue 146 Spring 2025 familiesonline.co.uk
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CONTENTS
Contents 2-4
Local News Find out about local news for families
5
Education Improving your child’s metacognition
6-7
Clubs & Classes Local clubs, classes & activities
8-9
Easter Fun Easter fun for the whole family
10-11
Peter and the Wolf on Tour
Spring Outdoor Projects
Children’s Classic Concerts’ Wind Ensemble is coming to Haddington’s Corn Exchange on 17 May for some wind-tastic family fun!
8 ideas to inspire outdoor fun with your family this spring 12-15
‘Peter and the Wolf on Tour’ is an action-packed, interactive concert with some of the best and silliest(!) musicians in Scotland. This unique theatrical concert presentation of the much-loved music by Prokofiev has been arranged for wind quintet, representing Peter and his four brave animal friends as they battle the sly wolf.
Out & About What’s on for families in March and April
CCC’s team of musical animals, led by Owen Gunnell, will move effortlessly from madcap mayhem to virtuousic performances – with plenty of audience participation along the way.
Get in touch Editor Sarah Adair editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405
This concert is perfect for children aged 4-12 and their families and is a brilliant introduction to the wind family.
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www.thebrunton.co.uk/whats-on/peter-the-wolf
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Quality family time outdoors this spring Did you know that Edinburgh is a great place to try orienteering? Children in particular love the thrill of finding checkpoints. It’s also amazing how much exercise you can get without noticing when you’re concentrating on your route! Participants use a detailed map to find their way round a set of checkpoints as accurately as they can. As well as developing map reading skills, it’s great for boosting confidence and encouraging independence. Regular Saturday come-and-try-it events are organised by Interlopers Orienteering Club. There is a choice of courses and beginners of all ages are always welcome. You can also orienteer anytime at one of Edinburgh’s permanent orienteering courses, Braidburn Valley Park and Craigmillar Castle Park. Download maps for FREE from www.interlopers.org.uk or visit www.goorienteering.org.uk To find out more about orienteering and local events, visit www.interlopers.org.uk or www.scottish-orienteering.org 2
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Get your energy back! Laurene is a qualified Health Coach and works with women who struggle with low energy. This could be great for you if you are feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, worrying about weight gain or simply looking for more energy to live a vibrant life and do the things that you really want to do. Together, you will identify and address the root causes of fatigue. Laurene will provide personalised guidance on nutrition, movement, stress and help you create sustainable habits. “I am here to help you boost your wellbeing because you deserve to feel your best and have the energy to look after yourself and your loved ones”. Start growing your healthy roots now! For more information and to book a FREE discovery call, please visit www.healthyrootswithlaurene.com
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NEWS & VIEWS
The St George’s Junior School Advantage
Developing talent and passion at Loretto
At St George’s School, we believe well-rounded education is about nurturing every aspect of a child’s development—academic, social and personal - within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Loretto was founded on the principle that every child has talents that should be discovered and developed. Whether your child is passionate about the arts, academia, sport, or a combination of all three, the potential of every child is realised at Loretto.
At our bespoke Junior School, we take pride in truly knowing each pupil. This deep understanding allows us to meet their individual needs with tailored learning strategies that balance support and challenge. Every child is encouraged to explore their interests, whether through academic pursuits, co-curricular activities, or creative outlets such as music and drama, ensuring they thrive in every area of school life. “I love that all our girls get the chance to join committees, take part in sports, and shine in musical performances. These experiences help them discover what they’re passionate about and where their strengths lie.” “By trying out as many different things as possible, they leave the Junior School with a clear idea of what they love and where they want to go next. With access to our fantastic facilities, specialist teaching, and enriching activities like Junior Duke and Mathletics, they really do thrive in an environment that’s both inspiring and challenging”. What I find most rewarding is seeing how we’re giving our pupils the tools and experiences to not just succeed but really thrive in the modern world.” Lisa Nettleton, Head of Junior School and Nursery. Join us at our 14 March Open Day, book online at stge.org.uk or book a personalised visit by contacting the admissions team, admissions@stge.org.uk
Giving your child the very best start in life is Loretto Junior School. Specialist subject teachers in Art, Drama, French, Music and PE lay strong foundations for a lifetime of learning. Time spent outdoors enjoying sport and in Forest School develops curious minds and an appreciation for the natural environment. A Loretto education is flexible, with part-time and full-time Pre-School places, wraparound care from early until late and exciting after school activities. In Senior School, the British examination system is followed, with students gaining outstanding GCSE, BTEC, and A-Level qualifications. With a 99% A-Level pass rate and 99% of leavers securing places at destinations of their choice, life after Loretto continues to be bright. An extracurricular offering of over 70 activities means there are plenty of opportunities to develop unique interests. From astronomy to entrepreneurship, students are kept engaged and present in the real world, whilst developing skills for life. Keeping young people entertained over the holidays, Loretto hosts a variety of activities and sports camps which are open to the wider community. Expert coaches and excellent facilities ensure attendees gain valuable skills whilst having great fun. Summer 2025 camps are available to book now via the Loretto website (www.loretto.com). To arrange a visit, email admissions@loretto.com
Your Child Has Talents, We Develop Them Whether in the arts, academia, sport, or a combination of all three, the potential of every child is realised at Loretto.
www.loretto.com
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NEWS & VIEWS
George Heriot’s - Edinburgh’s oldest independent school George Heriot’s opened its doors in 1658 for the education of Edinburgh’s ‘faitherless bairns’, made possible through the generosity of jeweller to James VI, George Heriot. We are proud to welcome young people from across Scottish society, especially Foundationers, children of widows and widowers, who live in Edinburgh and its environs. These pupils are a key part of our story as Edinburgh’s oldest independent school. ‘Giving’ remains at the heart of the school today in our Foundation and motto: I distribute chearfullie. As a sector-leading school, George Heriot’s understands the importance of high-quality academic attainment and the importance of wellbeing and how to develop happy young people. This was recognised in the exceptional results of our recent Education Scotland Inspection: ‘The School has sector leading approaches to ensuring inclusion and equality for children and young people.’ ‘Young people’s overall attainment in their National Qualifications is outstanding.’ ‘Young people feel safe, happy and have every opportunity to learn and thrive.’ Please see the Education Scotland website (https://education.gov. scot) for the full report. Heriot’s welcomes children aged 4 to 18 (Nursery to S6) in a co-educational setting and progressively develops critical and creative thinking. Heriot’s values are simple: work hard, be kind, be yourself. It is these values which bind our pupils and staff together to create a cohesive culture. Conveniently a city centre school, we have beautiful grounds and open spaces. Our Junior and Senior School classrooms are purposefully located together on one campus, reinforcing a strong community feeling.
Through our extensive range of curricular and co-curricular subjects and activities, our emphasis is on developing each child’s potential and encouraging them to grow to be their best self. We have high expectations of our young people; we want them to thrive, enjoy their learning and care about one other. Visitors are welcome during term time and we encourage you to come and find out more for yourself. You will have the opportunity to look around the school, to feel the Heriot’s ethos and meet key staff members to answer your queries. Our next Open Morning will be held on Saturday 27 September 2025 to which you are also welcome to attend. Details for signing up will be available on our website in August. Limited vacancies are available for entry in August 2025. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information or to arrange a visit on 0131 221 6709 or admission@george-heriots.com. Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision. Our most important publicity comes from our current and former pupils and parents so do please feel free to speak to them! We look forward to meeting you. Find out more at www.george-heriots.com
What epitaph would you write for an umbrella? In Learning Enhancement (LE), philosophical questions help children to think for themselves and discover their inner voice. LE is studied from Nursery to P7 and supports Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Philosophical Enquiry, Thinking Skills and Diversity. LE is unique to Heriot’s and has a huge impact on children’s learning and wellbeing – it is recognised by SAPERE as gold standard. In June 2024, Heriot’s was awarded sector-leading status by Education Scotland for its ‘wellbeing, equality and inclusion’, and ‘raising attainment and achievement’. Limited spaces available for August 2025 entry – please visit our website or call Admissions on 0131 221 6709.
george-heriots.com George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust. Scottish Charity Number SC011463.
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EDUCATION
Improving your child’s metacognition By Usha Patel
In all the stages of learning, we want to encourage curiosity, find out how best a child likes to learn and exploit this to its full potential. However, what can make the task of learning very difficult, especially for those with neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, DCD, ADHD or ASD is that, due to weak executive function skills, children may appear bored easily and be unable to engage for long periods. In my experience, this stems from many factors; some of which are physical (poor co-ordination), others brain-based (cognitive). The result is that such children look for activities which deliver instant gratification and they are either not entertained for long or hyper-focused and can’t change pace or activity. This pattern, in turn, creates a vicious cycle of events leading to the point where everything is boring unless it is their choice of activity, usually procedural in nature. This limits their potential to stretch their way of thinking and how they process their own thoughts – metacognition. Metacognition is ‘thinking about how you think’ and this selfanalysis is the basis of self-improvement. So how do you help a child improve their way of thinking and engage in developing curiosity? The first thing is to stop talking and start asking more questions or allow silence to give them space to work it out for themselves. Parents who provide all the answers all the time are not letting their children think for themselves. We want to place the responsibility squarely in their hands. Whenever they can’t find the butter in the fridge, behind the bowl of yesterday’s evening meal, instead of moving things in the refrigerator, the call comes out: ‘I can’t find the butter!’ This needs to change, so YOU need to change. Don’t do things for them or provide answers until they have tried to work it out for themselves.
carefully - we cannot do it routinely. This is why climbing walls are my first point of call for building metacognition. Children using climbing walls (or climbing trees) need to do many things but most of all they need to avoid falling down! Each hand position, each foot position is thought through and has consequences. This is critical thinking at its best. Afterwards, there is a lot of self-analysis: was I strong enough? How would I do this next time? This is the metacognition we want to nurture. After a few goes of the same climbing wall, the activity does become procedural but that’s when it’s time to increase the challenge to the next level for a longer duration. How does the ship get into the bottle? Puzzles which make you think but don’t burden the working memory are also good for building metacognition. I like to use simple Sudoku puzzles. You don’t need equipment, a unique space or loads of time. Unlike a physical puzzle, with Sudoku, you can see the steps taken to solve the puzzle and analyse them. You can then use this analysis next time. This helps build on the metacognition of how to solve the puzzle and how you think.
The beauty of physical ‘survival’ based activities
There are many different variations of Sudoku and the level of complexity can range from beginner to rocket scientist level, making them highly adaptable.
When survival is a factor, the brain switches on. Any activity which affects balance is something we have to think about
Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist at Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk)
Building executive function
Breaking the cycle
Activities like climbing walls or solving Sudoku-type puzzles can greatly enhance children’s cognitive and executive functioning abilities. Climbing requires critical thinking and focus, as each movement carries real consequences. Meanwhile, puzzles encourage problem-solving, adaptive strategy development and self-reflection. Both activities cater to varying skill levels, making them accessible and effective tools for cognitive growth. They also help children stay in the moment. By integrating these practices, children build stronger executive function, working memory and problem-solving skills, unlocking their potential for future success.
Children with poor executive functioning skills may struggle with concentration, which can hinder their ability to focus and persevere. This often leads to boredom and reliance on familiar, procedural activities that require less effort.
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Breaking this cycle involves fostering curiosity and metacognition: thinking critically about how they think and approach problems. Parents can support this by allowing children to solve challenges independently, avoiding the tendency to provide immediate answers. This process nurtures critical thinking, responsibility and resilience, essential for long-term development and adaptability.
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CLUBS & CLASSES
Clubs and Classes News
Whether you are looking for term time or holiday activities we’ve got you covered!
When you get in touch to book a spot, please don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Edinburgh magazine!
Term-time
FREE TRIAL!
Find your dancing feet with Peaches Dance Peaches Dance offers dance classes for ages 2-16 in Ballet & Modern Dance.
Studio 48 Our children’s art classes are designed to inspire and nurture budding artists of all ages. Led by passionate and highly qualified instructors, we welcome every child to thrive in our supportive studio environment. Classes, available all week during term time, explore various artistic mediums including painting, sculpture, and mixed media, allowing kids to discover their unique forms of expression. In addition to regular classes, we offer children’s camps during the holidays and creative birthday parties, ensuring an exciting and enriching experience year-round. Join us at Studio 48, where children build confidence, develop skills, and forge lasting friendships through art. For more information, visit the website www.studio48art.com
Dance Grades and creative dance. Fun, friendly and supportive learning environment. ISTD registered and experienced dance teachers with enhanced DBS. Register for a FREE TRIAL peachesdancefitness@gmail.com Classes held Fridays from 1pm at Portobello Swim Centre, Edinburgh Leisure. Find discounts, class times and more info at www.peachesdancefit.com
EDA Recently voted highest ranked dance school in the UK and Ireland offers classes and exams in RAD Ballet, Commercial, Pre School Dance (for those little movers!), Parent and child Teenie Toes classes, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acro, Turns and Limbering, Progressing Ballet Technique, Contemporary, World Champion Competition classes and much more. We pride ourselves on our high standards and constantly apply ourselves to be the best but the most important thing is that all of our pupils are cared for, nurtured and have FUN! For this term to celebrate our show year we are offering one term completely FREE.* For more information. email hello@eda. scot or call 0131 3344299. *Terms and conditions apply
Rugbytots offer great classes AND birthday parties Looking for a high energy party? Give Rugbytots a try. Our parties are focused on games and having fun and are not skill specific so can be enjoyed by everyone, boys and girls from age 4-7. Our coaches are enthusiastic and well trained to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. For further details contact sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0345 313 3252. ‘Thanks for a great party. The whole family enjoyed it!! The games were fantastic and kept all the children very well entertained, I think you will have a few new Rugbytots!’
MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!
DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS
Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, email or call:
kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk 0345 313 3252 rugbytots.co.uk
The world’s favourite rugby play programme
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CLUBS & CLASSES
Holiday Clubs and Courses Whizzkids Whizzkids is offering a range of computer courses this Easter for children aged 7 and up. Children can learn to touch-type using the fun and motivating Nessy Fingers program or learn some coding using Scratch or Python. Children can make stickers, gift boxes, cards and keyrings on the computer art course or create an engaging presentation on the PowerPoint course. Other courses are available.
Why Water Babies? Taking your wee one swimming and having quality time in the water builds the bond between you and your baby, through skin-to-skin and eye contact. Swimming gives you that time to really connect, away from the demands of daily life in our toasty warm pools. Lessons are a fun packed 30 minutes and each skill, song or game has a purpose in helping your little one to develop their swimming skills and confidence as they grow! Your teacher will help you to understand why you do things in class and explain where it leads to…. It’s so much more than a song and a splash! If this sounds like the class that you’re looking for then get in touch for more information. Call 0131 554 6682, email: Woggle@waterbabies.co.uk or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk
For further details please email gillian@whizzkids. uk.com, visit www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.
Experience the excitement of Easter Art Camp at Studio 48! From 14 to 17 April, 9:30am-4pm each day, your child can immerse themselves in a world of creativity. Our camp offers a range of fun themes, including Clay and Animal Wonders, Anime and Creative Crafts, Colourful Canvas and Printmaking, and Messy Fun Dayideal for inspiring young artists. You have the flexibility to book the full camp or select individual days to fit your schedule. Each activity is designed to ignite imagination and build artistic skills, ensuring a memorable experience. With limited spots available, don’t miss out on this chance for your child to embark on a creative adventure this Easter holiday! Open to ages 7 to 15. For more information, visit www.studio48art.com
TotalRugby Easter & Summer Camps 7 to 11 April I 28 July to 1 August I 4 to 8 August 2025 School holiday rugby camps for all children aged 5 to 16 years old. Whether you are starting out on your rugby journey or want to develop and improve your skills, TotalRugby offers a fun and safe learning environment to help you. We have been running rugby camps in Edinburgh since 2009. Our structured programmes are split into four sessions each day, ending in a final game related session where players can put their learning into practice. We absolutely love seeing children return to us each year, enjoying spending the holidays with friends or making some new ones. We even have some returners from abroad. 10am to 3.30pm - £200 for 5 days Fettes College Playing Fields, Edinburgh, EH4 1QX (indoor facilities available if wet) For more information visit www.totalrugby.org or email info@totalrugby.org
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MAKE
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baby clay imprints unique gifts take home kits birthday parties gift vouchers hundreds of items and colours to choose from
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0131 229 1399
27-29 Marchmont Cres EH9 1HQ www.doodlesscotland.co.uk
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EASTER FUN
Easter Fun for The Whole Family
Spring will be fully springing and we can all have some lovely sunny days out over Easter. But just in case spring has sprung a leak we have some indoor options for you too!
Crack open Earth’s extraordinary story this spring at Dynamic Earth! Attend the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Almond Valley This April, join us for a whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Almond Valley! From Friday 4 to Tuesday 22 April, step into a world of fun, fantasy and adventure. Bring your biggest hat and sense of curiosity as you explore our very own Wonderland, packed with games, laughter and delightful surprises. Savour high tea, indulge in sweet treats and meet larger-than-life characters – whether you’re chasing the White Rabbit or sharing tea with the Mad Hatter, there’s magic around every corner. To guarantee a truly enchanting Easter experience book your tickets in advance and mark your calendars with your very important date! www.almondvalley.co.uk
Easter pottery painting fun at Doodles Pick from a range of Easter and spring themed pottery. Book your spot today! 27 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh
Take part in our Tiny Tales Spring Trail and find baby animals of all sizes from tiny and cute, to large and ferocious. Complete the trail to collect a cuddly surprise! Join in with Edinburgh Science Festival events to explore the power of our planet and meet scientists reshaping our understanding of Earth, Create a weather report at our Family Outdoor Day. Settle in under the stars to enjoy family favourite films Wall-E and The Iron Giant in Edinburgh’s only Planetarium. Find out more at dynamicearth.org.uk
Easter Trails at Newhailes Join Newhailes this Easter for a funfilled Easter Egg Trail and lots of other surprises too! Magical fun, games, face painting, workshops and more. Trail tickets are in hourly slots with last entry at 3pm. Please note the £5 trail ticket fee is only for the trail, face painting and workshops have a separate charge. A £4 car park charge applies to all non NTS members. Book via eventbrite.
Whizzkids
Computer Learning Centre
Easter Holiday Computer Courses
Touch-typing Scratch coding Computer Art Raspberry Pi
PowerPoint Desktop Publishing 7th-11th and 14th-18th April
19 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh 0131 447 5893 www.whizzkids.uk.com gillian@whizzkids.uk.com 8
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EASTER FUN
Celebrate Easter at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stop by the Palace of Holyroodhouse during the easter holiday and take part in our Extravagant Egg Hunt! Search for eggs throughout the Palace to help you solve a special riddle and take home a prize. On Saturday 12 April join us for an Easter Family Activity Day hunting for eggs and making themed crafts. Visit our new Royal Portraits exhibition opening in The King’s Gallery February 28th and stop in on Wednesdays during the Easter holiday to learn about the photography process with Midweek Makes. Don’t forget to check out our monthly programmes! Royal Rhyme Time is an interactive toddler storytelling session designed for children ages 2-4, occurring on the first Monday of every month. Family Studio Saturdays occur on the last Saturday of each month, with artistic workshops for families with children ages 7-12, interested in exploring their creative side.
Botanics Easter Trail at Royal Botanic Garden The Botanics Easter Trail is back fom 15-21 April. 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. Trail costs £3 per child. www.rbge.org.uk
Edinburgh International Science Festival This year’s festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, with the theme Spaceship Earth. From 5 April. DiscoveryLab at the City Art Centre has five floors of immersive workshops and activities for children between 3 and 12 years-old to explore. From making your own slime, to becoming an animal conservationist, investigating a crime scene, or programming your own robot there’s plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning! www.edinburghscience.co.uk/festival
EasterFest at Dalkeith Country Park Dalkeith Country Park is delighted to announce EasterFest, running across two action-packed weekends from Saturday 12 April to Monday 21 April. With a host of exciting activities for all ages, families can look forward to a celebration filled with adventure, tasty treats, and of course, a special visit (or two) from the Easter Bunny.
FAMILY FUN THIS EASTER Join Us for a Whimsical Mad Hatters Tea Party At Almond Valley Heritage Centre Friday 4th - Tuesday 22 April STEP INTO A WORLD OF FUN, DISCOVERY & WONDER
Meet the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and Friends Savour High Tea and indulge in sweet treats
Create your own adventures in our play parks
Celebrate Easter at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Enjoy animal encounters and so much more ....
Don’t be late for your important date BOOK YOUR DAY TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Check out our family activities on offer over the Easter holidays A charity registered in Scotland, Registration No. SC 013783 familiesonline.co.uk
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SPRING
Outdoor fun and le
Spring is the perfect season to embrace the wonders of nature with your children. The budding trees and connect with wildlife. Whether you have a sprawling garden, a small balcony or just a window bo outdoor fun with your family this spring. Each project offers a
Create a hedgehog haven
Build a bug hotel Bug hotels are fantastic for biodiversity and providing shelter for insects, including beetles, ladybirds and solitary bees. They’re also a brilliant hands-on project for children. Start by gathering natural materials like twigs, pinecones, bark, bamboo canes and dry leaves. Use an old wooden box or stack pallets to create the structure, filling the compartments with these materials. You can also recycle everyday items like bricks with holes, cardboard tubes or broken terracotta pots. To make your bug hotel even more appealing to solitary bees, create a ‘bee hotel’ section by bundling together hollow bamboo canes or drilling holes of varying sizes into wooden blocks. This provides ideal nesting spots for these important pollinators. Position this section in a sunny, sheltered spot, as solitary bees prefer warmth and dryness.
Hedgehogs are nocturnal wonders with a crucial role in maintaining garden health by eating pests like slugs and snails. To welcome our prickly friends, leave a small gap in your garden fence for them to pass through. Avoid using slug pellets as they can harm hedgehogs. You can also make or purchase a hedgehog house. Position it in a quiet, shaded area and fill it with dry leaves or hay. Providing fresh water and food such as meat-based cat or dog food (not milk or bread) can encourage regular visits. Involve your children in setting up and checking the hedgehog house and teach them to observe from a distance to avoid disturbing these shy creatures.
Encourage kids to monitor their creation regularly. Buglife (www.buglife.org) has a fantastic bug directory to help you identify your tiny new visitors and find out more about them. Remind children to visit the hotel at different times of the day and observe which insects prefer which areas of the hotel. Dom Higgins, Head of Health and Education at The Wildlife Trusts (www.wildlifetrusts.org) says encouraging children’s natural curiosity can instil a lifelong love of nature that brings physical benefits. He also believes that getting hands-on can help prevent or dispel fears about creepie-crawlies. ‘Children have a fascination with insects and creepie-crawlies. Isn’t it often the adults who are squeamish, rather than the children?’ Need more ideas for bug hotels? Famly (www.famly.co) has an excellent guide to creating different kinds of bug hotels from a really simple ten-minute project to the mega-complex.
Go on a minibeast hunt Transform your garden or local park into a treasure trove of discovery by organising a minibeast hunt. Equip children with magnifying glasses, notebooks and a checklist of insects to find, such as ants, worms, spiders and centipedes. Look under logs, leaves and stones for hidden creatures, taking care to return everything to its original position. This activity teaches kids about the diversity of life and the importance of even the smallest creatures in the ecosystem. Encourage them to sketch their discoveries or write down fun facts about each species.
like thyme, mint and oregano are also excellent choices for window boxes or small spaces.
Create a butterfly garden Pollinators like butterflies are vital for the ecosystem and attracting them to your garden is easier than you might think. Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers such as lavender, marigolds and buddleia. Herbs 10 Families Edinburgh
Children can help plant and care for these flowers, learning about the life cycles of pollinators in the process. A butterfly-friendly garden can also include flat stones where butterflies can bask in the sun and shallow water dishes for drinking.
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SPRING
earning this spring
and singing birds are not just signs of life and new beginnings but also opportunities to explore, learn ox, there are plenty of ways to create a thriving mini ecosystem. Ellie Malt shares eight ideas to inspire a mix of hands-on creativity, learning and the joy of discovery.
Build a bird box and bird hide Spring is nesting season, making it the perfect time to install a bird box. Instead of using traditional wooden designs, try upcycling something from around your home to create a unique nesting spot. An old teapot, for example, can be securely mounted with the spout angled downward to keep it dry. An unused wooden drawer or even a sturdy cardboard box coated in weatherproof paint can also work well. Get creative, let your children decorate the bird box with non-toxic paints to make it truly one-of-a-kind. Position the box at least two metres above the ground in a sheltered spot, away from direct sunlight and predators. Monitor it discreetly: watching birds nest and raise their chicks is a magical experience for the whole family.
Explore the magic of window boxes and balconies Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still attract wildlife to your home with a well-planted window box or balcony. Choose a mix of flowering plants for pollinators and leafy greens for sheltering insects. Children can decorate pots and help with planting, fostering their creativity and nurturing skills. Add a small dish of water with stones for insects to drink from and hang tiny feeders or seed balls to attract birds. Observing wildlife at close range from your window can be just as rewarding as a garden safari.
To deepen your connection with the wildlife, consider setting up a small camera near the bird box to observe the activity inside without disturbing the birds. Alternatively, create a simple bird hide using branches, camouflage netting or an old blanket to watch birds from a distance. This can turn your garden into a mini wildlife observation station, sparking curiosity and teaching patience.
Feed the birds Birdwatching is a relaxing and educational activity that can be enjoyed year-round but spring is particularly vibrant as many birds prepare for nesting.
Start a compost heap Composting is an awesome way to teach children about the natural cycle of decomposition. A simple compost heap or bin can provide a habitat for worms, woodlice and other decomposers while producing nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Get children involved by letting them add fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells and garden clippings to the compost. Add torn up plain cardboard to provide carbon and recycle household packaging. Explain how the materials break down over time and why composting is essential for reducing waste. Checking the compost heap regularly can reveal fascinating insect activity and foster a deeper understanding of nature.
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Set up bird feeders with a mix of seeds, peanuts and suet balls to attract a variety of species. You can also make simple feeders using pinecones, peanut butter and birdseed or string apple slices and raisins onto garden twine. Consider adding a birdbath for drinking and bathing. Encourage your children to keep a bird journal, noting the species they spot and their behaviour. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (www.rspb.org.uk) can help with identification and provide tips for bird-friendly gardening. Warblr (www.warblr.co.uk) is an iPhone and Android app that automatically recognises British birds by their song.
Ellie Malt is a mum of two daughters living in Surrey.
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Families Edinburgh 11
Out & About
Your guide to family fun events in Edinburgh We love putting these listings together for you but please check relevant websites for times/dates/changes as these pages are put together weeks ahead of some events just in case! Daily Family Activity Area at Museum of Edinburgh Come and have fun in our family area in the heart of Museum of Edinburgh right next to Greyfriar Bobby’s gallery. Our activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets relating to our galleries and amazing objects relating to the history of Edinburgh. We offer a warm and welcoming space for family groups to work creatively together and to stay as long as you like. Open daily 10am-5pm. FREE. Daily Art Space at the City Arts Centre Come and have fun in our family area in the Lower Ground Floor at the City Art Centre. Our activity area is packed full of art materials and worksheets relating to our exhibitions. We offer a warm and welcoming space for family groups to work creatively together and to stay as long as you like. Open daily 10am-5pm. FREE.
1 March Crafternoons - Decision Makers Looking for something fun to do with the kids on the weekend? Crafternoons offer a range of activities for all ages. There’s no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions taking place between 11am and 4pm. This schedule might change at short notice. For more information about our Crafternoons, you can contact us at visit@parliament.scot.
3 March Royal Rhyme Time feat. Recitals for Wrigglers at Palace of Holyroodhouse Royal Rhyme Time is an interactive toddler storytelling session designed for children ages 2-4, occurring on the first Monday of every month. 11-11:45am. 1 March Art Stomps at Modern One Gallery Feel good artmaking for families with children aged 2–5. These sessions are based on the five ways for wellbeing; Connect, Take notice, Be active, Keep learning and Give. They are packed full of tips and tricks to help your family get the most from a visit to the gallery - and have fun together. We’ll be outside as much as possible, weather permitting! So, pack your wellies and get ready for some seasonal art stomping! 10:30am-12pm. FREE, drop-in. No booking required. 3 March Bring Your Own Baby/Bump at the Portrait Gallery Babes-in-arms gallery tours for new, and expectant, parents/ carers. This month we will explore 40 Years of Photography. You can join us for a free cuppa in the Farmer Learning Space before or after a no-pressure tour in the gallery. There will be lots of time, and space, for you to chat and meet other families - or just explore the exhibition in your own time. 10:15am, 11am and 11.30am. FREE, drop-in. No booking required.
7 March Family Fridays at National Gallery On Fridays, during term-time, we dedicate our Scottish gallery to families! Friday mornings are for our littlest art-lovers. Expect interesting textures, lights, sounds, sensory art-fun … and a cuppa for the parents/carers. The afternoons are for the big kids! We’ve got trails, new play activities and hands-on making with artists. 10am-12pm ages 0-2. 2-4pm ages 2+. FREE, drop-in. No booking required. 7 March Find Out Fridays at National Museum of Scotland Every Friday during term-time. Exploring a different theme each week, join our Engagement team to learn some of the fascinating facts and surprising stories behind
our collections. Get hands-on with real museum objects, take part in a practical demonstration, or have a go at a quick craft activity.The location of Find Out Friday activities changes each week according to the theme – ask a member of staff for more information on the day. 1.30-4pm. 8 March Crafternoons - Badges Looking for something fun to do with the kids on the weekend? Then come along to these FREE arts and crafts sessions every Saturday at the Scottish Parliament. There’s no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions taking place between 11am and 4pm every Saturday. This schedule might change at short notice. For more information email visit@parliament.scot. 8 March Children Come And Sing at St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh Calling all children in P3-7 who love to sing! Enjoy an afternoon of singing songs from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’! Doors will be open from 1:30pm on the day, with the singing starting at 2pm. The afternoon will include a break for juice and a biscuit, and children will be fully supervised by Cathedral staff for the duration of the workshop. The afternoon will end with a short, informal performance including songs from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Parents and families are warmly invited to join us for this - please note that no tickets are necessary to attend the performance. Book via the website.
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OUT & ABOUT 28 March-5 April Nessie at The Studio, Edinburgh Nessie is a captivating Scottish musical that celebrates bravery, the strength of friendship and the courage to follow one’s own heart.
15 March Out of this World at Usher Hall Soar ‘Out of this World’ with Children’s Classic Concerts and their very own 20-piece Essential Orchestra. Boldly going where no orchestra has been before, the CCC Enterprise will take you on an orchestral odyssey exploring musical galaxies far, far away - and perhaps meeting some instrument-playing aliens along the way! Ideal for children ages 4-12 and their families, this is perfect entertainment for the whole family and a cosmic introduction to the orchestra. 3pm. www.usherhall.co.uk/ whats-on/childrens-classicconcerts-out-world 23 March Sensory-friendly Sunday mornings for families (autism and learning disability friendly) at Portrait Gallery Meet other families, explore the galleries and take part in creative activities. 10:30am-12pm. FREE, booking required.
23 March Hansel and Gretel at Festival Theatre Northern Ballet’s magical ballets for children bring much-loved fairy tales to life with bold sets, bright costumes and brilliant live music and dance - the perfect way for you and your child to experience the wonder of ballet together.
4-22 April Mad Hatters Tea Party at Almond Valley Heritage Centre This April, join us for a whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Almond Valley! From Friday 4 to Tuesday 22April, step into a world of fun, fantasy, and adventure. Bring your biggest hat and sense of curiosity as you explore our very own Wonderland, packed with games, laughter and delightful surprises. Savour high tea, indulge in sweet treats, and meet larger-thanlife characters – whether you’re chasing the White Rabbit or sharing tea with the Mad Hatter, there’s magic around every corner. To guarantee your a truly enchanting Easter experience book your tickets in advance and mark your calendars with your very important date! 01506 414957. www.almondvalley.co.uk 4 April Family Fridays at National Gallery On Fridays, during term-time, we dedicate our Scottish gallery to families! Friday mornings are for our littlest art-lovers. Expect interesting textures, lights, sounds, sensory art-fun … and a cuppa for the parents/carers. The afternoons are for the big kids! We’ve got
of baby
possible, weather permitting! So, pack your wellies and get ready for some seasonal art stomping! 10:30am-12pm. FREE, drop-in. No booking required. 7 April Royal Rhyme Time at Palace of Holyroodhouse Royal Rhyme Time is an interactive toddler storytelling session designed for children ages 2-4, occurring on the first Monday of every month. 11-11:45am.
29 March Family Studio Saturdays at Palace of Holyroodhouse On the last Saturday of each month, with artistic workshops for families with children ages 7-12, interested in exploring their creative sides. 1-3pm.
Benefits
5-20 April Edinburgh International Science Festival This year’s festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, with the theme Spaceship Earth. DiscoveryLab at the City Art Centre has five floors of immersive workshops and activities for children between 3 and 12 years-old to explore. From making your own slime, to becoming an animal conservationist, investigating a crime scene, or programming your own robot there’s plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning! www.edinburghscience. co.uk/festival
5 April Art Stomps at Modern One Gallery Feel good art-making for families with children aged 2–5. These sessions are based on the five ways for wellbeing; Connect, Take notice, Be active, Keep learning and Give. They are packed full of tips and tricks to help your family get the most from a visit to the gallery and have fun together. We’ll be outside as much as
7 April Bring Your Own Baby/Bump at Modern One Gallery Babes-in-arms gallery tours for new, and expectant, parents/ carers. This month we will explore Bruce McLean, I Want My Crown. You can join us for a free cuppa in Art Space 1 before or after a no-pressure tour in the gallery. There will be lots of time, and space, for you to chat and meet other families - or just explore the exhibition in your own time. 10.15, 11 and 11.30am. FREE, drop-in. No booking required.
7-20 April Celebrate Easter at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stop by the Palace of Holyroodhouse during the Easter holiday and take part in our Extravagant Egg Hunt! Search for eggs throughout the Palace to help you solve a special riddle and take home a prize. www.rct.uk/visit/palace-ofholyroodhouse
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trails, new play activities and, of course, hands-on making with artists. 10am-12pm ages 0-2. 2-4pm ages 2+. Free, drop-in. No booking required.
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OUT & ABOUT
9 April Botanics Lab at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Botanics Lab is a fun handson workshop, where kids will explore how scientists at the Botanics use plant DNA in the quest to understand plants and their potential. Tickets are £15 each. Part of Edinburgh International Science Festival. Suitable for ages 10-16. 2-4pm. www.rbge.org.uk 9 &16 April Midweek Makes in The King’s Gallery Edinburgh Visit our new Royal Portraits exhibition in The King’s Gallery and stop in on Wednesdays during the Easter holiday to learn about the photography process with Midweek Makes.
10 April Brick Botanics at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Using LEGO® bricks, join our scientists to construct the city of the future where plants make a better place for us all. Build a wall of plants, a rain garden or even better, something that no one has invented yet. Speak to our scientists and find out what they are doing to make our cities better. Sign up for FREE in person on the day for a 30min place. Suitable for ages 3+. 12-4pm. www.rbge.org.uk 12 April Easter Family Activity Day at Palace of Holyroodhouse Join us for an Easter Family Activity Day hunting for eggs and making themed crafts. 10a -3pm
12-13 April Botanical Frontiers at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Get ready for your 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 3 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 ages 5+. 12-4pm. www.rbge.org.uk 12-13 April Planet Botanics at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 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 3+. 12-4pm www.rbge.org.uk 15-21 April Botanics Easter Trail at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 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. Trail costs £3 per child. www.rbge.org.uk
18, 19 & 21 April Easter Outdoor Fun at Lauriston Castle 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! 11am-4pm. FREE and drop-in events all day. 18-20 April Easter Egg Trails at NTS Newhailes Join us this Easter for a fun filled trail and lots of other surprises
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too! Magical fun, games, face painting, workshops and more. Trail Tickets are in hourly slots with last entry at 3pm. More information and booking via eventbrite. 18-20 April Easter Sunflower Workshop at Newhailes There is a certain type of magic with growing a sunflower. How something from such a small seed can end up as a plant that can be up to 3 metres tall! Our gardener will take your little one through the stages of how to pot and look after your plant and you will take your pot home, with instructions, and watch it flourish. Suitable for ages 6 and over. More information and booking via eventbrite. 26 April Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale For Edinburgh Families by Edinburgh Families Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale is an entirely volunteer-run sale offering 5000+ pre-loved items for children and babies, including clothing, toys and equipment. It provides a great way to reduce waste and beat cost-of-living increases. Sellers can declutter and make some cash; buyers are guaranteed a great selection of bargains across all areas. Proceeds from the sale go directly to our chosen charity, currently Richmond Hope who support bereaved children across the Lothians in a variety of ways. Kids Love Clothes will also be collecting any donations of clothes and toys. The next sale is 26th April 2025, 11am-1pm at Polwarth Parish Church. Email polwarthprelovedsale@gmail.com for more information or to sign up as a seller. 26 April Family Studio Saturdays at Palace of Holyroodhouse On the last Saturday of each month, with artistic workshops for families with children ages 7-12, interested in exploring their creative sides. 1-3pm. 2 May Family Fridays at National Gallery On Fridays, during term-time, we dedicate our Scottish gallery to families! Friday mornings are for our littlest art-lovers. Expect interesting textures, lights, sounds, sensory art-fun… and a cuppa for
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the parents/carers. The afternoons are for the big kids! We’ve got trails, new play activities and, of course, hands-on making with artists. 10am-12pm ages 0-2. 2-4pm ages 2+. FREE, drop in. No booking required. 10 May Festhailes at Newhailes Once again, Newhailes will host this fantastic family friendly music festival. With a fabulous lineup of musical acts, fair rides, play park, street food vans, prosecco bar face painting and much more! Stage in front of Newhailes House. Booking and more info via eventbrite.
BOOK NOW
17 May Peter and the Wolf at Children’s Classic Concerts’ Wind Ensemble is coming to Haddington’s Corn Exchange this May for some wind-tastic family fun! ‘Peter and the Wolf on Tour’ is an action-packed, interactive concert with some of the best and silliest(!) musicians in Scotland. This unique theatrical concert presentation of the muchloved music by Prokofiev has been arranged for wind quintet, representing Peter and his four brave animal friends as they battle the sly wolf. CCC’s team of musical animals, led by Owen Gunnell, will move effortlessly from madcap mayhem to virtuousic performances – with plenty of audience participation along the way. This concert is perfect for children aged 4-12 and their families and is a brilliant introduction to the wind family www.thebrunton.co.uk/ whats-on/peter-the-wolf
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A place for all
Enjoy an amazing view with a cup of tea and cake, take a wander through woodlands and along the wetland or join in with one of our wild events.
Plan your visit today
Loch Leven rspb.org.uk/lochleven The RSPB is a registered charity in Scotland: SC037654; and in England and Wales: 207076. Photo: Red Squirrel – Drew Buckley rspb-images.com
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CRACK OPEN EARTH’S EXTRAORDINARY STORY THIS SPRING Join us this spring for a cracking trail! Learn fun facts about baby animals and collect a cuddly surprise at the end. Hop into an Edinburgh Science Festival activity or watch a family film in our 360° Planetarium.
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE. DYNAMICEARTH. ORG.UK
Registered Scottish Charity N° SC020363
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