NEWS & VIEWS
Editor Sarah Adair
editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405
Next issue: Summer 2026
Fringe for kids, Summer camps, Days out, What’s On Edinburgh
At Loretto, our commitment is to support your child to create their exceptional life, whatever that means for them. As Scotland’s oldest boarding school, we deliver a rounded curriculum in all of the ways you might expect – through our diverse curriculum, expansive extracurricular programme, and outstanding facilities.
However, what sets Loretto apart is our close-knit community. Loretto is a place where relationships between staff, pupils, and parents flourish, where every child is known and nurtured, and where your child will find both the inspiration and encouragement they need to discover their unique talents and passions.
Strong foundations for a lifetime of learning are laid in Junior School, where dedicated teachers and subject specialists in art, drama, French, music, and PE deliver a broad curriculum and inspire pupils. Time spent outdoors 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.
The journey continues in Senior School, where the English examination system of GCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs is followed. Cohorts consistently achieve excellent results, with pupils progressing to a variety of exciting destinations after school. Beyond the classroom, an extracurricular programme of more than 80 activities and a comprehensive sports programme - including access to the world-class Loretto Golf Academy - allows pupils to broaden their horizons and develop their talents.
Ultimately, to really understand what makes Loretto so special, you have to experience the school in person. We would be delighted to welcome you to an upcoming Open Event:
Senior School Open Morning: Saturday 2 May
Junior School Open Afternoon: Friday 8 May
To RSVP, or to arrange a visit at an alternative time, contact the Admissions Team on 0131 653 4455 or at admissions@loretto.com
Support your child’s school learning at home, with Leckie’s Primary Success Practice Workbooks. Each book contains more than 100 pages of colourful, topic-based practice designed to help reinforce the topics taught at primary school.
Questions are split into three levels of increasing difficulty to support every child, and progress tests are included to help parents monitor achievements and identify areas for improvement. Each book contains clear answers so older children can study independently.
Search for Primary Success at www.leckiescotland. co.uk and save 30% using the code FAMILIESMAG30 at checkout before 30th June 2026.
Water Babies teachers undergo rigorous training to provide the highest standard for teaching babies and toddlers. Training covers lesson planning, safety and practical skills through residential courses, online learning and mentored teaching. Our teacher’s training emphasizes understanding early brain development, attachment and pre-verbal communication, allowing teachers to support babies’ learning in critical early stages.
There are so many benefits to attending baby swimming and helping them to learn a skill for life. Not only does it teach them key water safety skills, but it helps to build their confidence, in and out of the water. As your little one is going through key developmental stages, the physical, emotional, psychological, and cognitive benefits of baby swimming can also support them as they continue to grow.
Join us at Water Babies Today! Call 0131 554 6682, email woggle@waterbabies.co.uk or visit waterbabies.co.uk
J is for junior. J is for joy. That sums up life in the Junior School at George Watson’s College and it is both their duty and pleasure to instil a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
From the first days of Preschool to the final moments of Primary 7, Watson’s carefully designed approach meets pupils’ needs at every stage. Playful, nurturing learning builds confidence, independence and joy, supported by specialist teachers and well-designed spaces.
Childhood is never rushed. Instead, it is honoured, allowing pupils to bounce into school, return home full of stories and grow with kindness, curiosity and confidence.
Every day is an adventure, in the classroom and beyond, guided by the insatiable curiosity of childhood.
Find out more at www.gwc.org.uk
EVERY DAY IS AN ADVENTURE
George Heriot’s is Scotland’s leading independent school, welcoming all children from 4 to 18 to flourish in our happy, caring and stimulating environment. Pupils learn side by side, with both Junior and Senior School located on our landmark Edinburgh campus.
Care and respect for others sit at the heart of the Heriot’s community. Founder George Heriot established the school in 1628 to educate Edinburgh’s ‘faitherless bairns’. In creating Scotland’s oldest Trust, Heriot set in place a story of philanthropy which continues today. The Foundation has provided over 5,700 pupils who have lost a parent with specialist bereavement guidance and financial support.
At Heriot’s, every child is seen and heard, and the relatively small size of school means that no pupil is overlooked. Familiarity among pupils and staff and across year groups, ensures that we look out for one another. Relationships are invested with warmth and trust – creating a real family community. The school values of Work Hard, Be Kind, Be Yourself are prevalent amongst pupils and staff.
Distribute chearfullie is the school motto and is based on the founder’s philanthropic vision. Within school there is a focus on kindness and giving back, with a broad voluntary service programme and charitable activities across year groups.
Heriot’s unique offering in the Junior School, Learning Enhancement (LE), is a Sapere gold award-winning programme. The LE team of qualified and experienced primary teachers delivers learning covering Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Philosophical Enquiry, Thinking Skills and Diversity, setting up good habits for life and enabling each child’s inner voice to thrive. All pupils from Nursery to Primary 7 take part in a varied and innovative curriculum; these skills are developed in Senior School with the Citizenship and Critical Thinking programmes and Philosophy lessons taught to examination levels.
To find out more, or arrange a visit, contact the Admissions team on 0131 221 6709, admissions@george-heriots.com www.george-heriots.com
Work hard, be kind, be yourself.
At George Heriot’s School, our values matter.
We deliver a sector-leading education, one which creates kind young people who think independently, work hard, and discover their full potential in an inclusive environment.
Visit george-heriots.com and apply for a place for your child today.
Inspiring maths and English tuition for 4-16 year olds - Explore Learning is a trusted partner for parents, schools and charities. We are committed to delivering outstanding maths and English tuition for every child that we meet. Meeting their individual needs whilst building a life-long love of learning!
At the heart of Explore Learning is a powerful combination: inspiring educators using innovative, adaptive technology. Our technology doesn’t replace tutors; it empowers them.
Our incredible staff deliver more than just maths and English by providing children with the skills they need to thrive at school and in life. Our tutors coach, motivate and inspire our members because we believe that every child deserves to say ‘Yes, I can!’ and believe it. Book a free trial today.
explorelearning.co.uk
Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale is a volunteer-run sale offering 5000+ pre-loved items for children and babies. It provides a 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. The next sale is 25 April, 11am-1pm at Polwarth Parish Church. Visit www.polwarthprelovedsale.com for information.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s
St George’s Junior School – where your daughter is known by name and by nature.
With over 130 years of experience educating girls, we understand how singlesex education empowers girls to choose freely, lead with confidence and succeed without limits.
“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 sense of what they love. With access to outstanding facilities, specialist teaching, and activities like Junior Duke and Mathletics, they thrive in an environment that is both inspiring and challenging.” - Lisa Nettleton, Head of Junior School and Nursery
Running for over 30 years in the heart of the village, the Corstorphine Village Playgroup is the ideal steppingstone for children not yet in nursery or school.
Experienced, caring staff support child-led learning through arts and crafts, imaginative play, loose parts, and active fun on trikes, wobbel boards, and the climbing frame. Open to children aged between 2-5, it offers valuable mixed-age play, which helps to support children’s social, cognitive and motor development in a natural, nurturing setting. Plus, it’s a lovely way for parents to meet local friends and join a trusted community. Find out more at www.corstorphinevillageplaygroup.co.uk
After delighting audiences across the country, the smash-hit, joyful play The Boy at the Back of the Class, based on the bestselling novel is back with a celebration of friendship, kindness and compassion.
There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!
After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist.
Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of good friends and courage in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
Catch the show Broadway world called “Beautifully moving... an incredibly striking piece of theatre” Thu 19-Sat 21 Mar 2026 at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh.
Book now at capitaltheatres.com
Legal expertise with a human touch
Karen Phillips, Partner in Blackadders’ Private Client Team
My son’s favourite song at the moment is Count on Me by Bruno Mars. One of the lines says: “If you ever forget how much you mean to me, every day, I will remind you!”
You are living with your partner, but you are not married. Imagine (or don’t) a situation when you are reminded of your partner because they failed to draft a Will resulting in their estate being distributed in ways neither of you had intended. The consequence of their death meant not only the loss of your best friend but also potential financial insecurity.
Instead of being reminded of what they should have done, maybe the most romantic gesture is to draft a Will so that if you ever find yourself “lost in the dark and you can’t see, [your partner’s Will] would be the light to guide you”.
Many couples assume, wrongly, that if you have been cohabiting, the law will automatically recognise that you were in a committed relationship. With around 3.5 million cohabiting couples in the UK, you may think that the law would better provides for cohabitees. Sadly, this is not the case.
In 2006, legislation was introduced to offer limited protection to those cohabiting (where a couple is living as husband/ wife/civil partners). This protection is not the same as the law governing marriage/ civil partnership.
This means you are not treated the same as a spouse/civil partner. You do not have automatic rights of succession. You must apply to the court for financial provision and to do so, you must be able to prove your relationship ‘status’ (such as the length of your relationship, nature of it and that you were indeed living as man and wife).
Let’s consider this case study…
Jo has a will
Jo has been in a relationship with Alex for 10 years and they have two small children,
Grace (6) and Max (3). Jo had a Will which he prepared when he bought his first flat 20 years ago as a young, single man. He leaves everything to his parents. As Alex has not been named in the Will, they receive nothing and no claim can be made to the court. The children have also not been named but they have rights of succession as you are unable to disinherit your children.
As there is a Will, Alex is unable to apply to the court for financial provision.
Jo did not leave a Will?
If Jo did not leave a will, while the rules of succession do not automatically provide for a cohabitee, Alex can apply for financial provision from the court within six months of their partner’s death (hopefully this will soon be raised to 12 months) to get a sum equivalent to what a spouse/civil partner receive. This is often a mixture of cash and transfer of assets (such as a house).
Before such an award is made, as noted previously, the court must be sure they are living as a couple and will consider the size of the estate, how it is made up and if the surviving partner has received any other benefits as a result of their partner’s death such as pension payments, death in service, life assurance etc.
This means that such payments could already exceed what a spouse/ civil partner would have received under the rules of intestacy.
What should you do?
When you prepare a Will, it might not seem the most romantic gesture but what you are purchasing is certainty (what goes where, to who and when), protection for those you love (children, vulnerable relatives, partner), fairness (looking after
everyone who you feel you have financial obligations too) and have the satisfaction of ticking off one of those “adulting tasks” from your list.
I promise we will make it easy for you, but I can’t promise it will be fun. I might even have to advise you of inheritance tax consequences that you may not even have realised would result from death. (Children can receive £500k tax free (if all allowances are available) with the remainder will be taxed at 40%, cohabitees can only receive £325,00 tax free.) However, I can promise it will be informative.
As the song goes, “you can count on me like one, two, three, I’ll be there”.
Maybe we will speak soon. Blackadders LLP 40 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh
0131 222 8000 blackadders.co.uk
Easter Days Out
Spring always feels optimistic - the skies are (hopefully) brightening, flowers are appearing and days out require slightly less knitwear (again, hopefully!)
Easter EGGstravaganza
Discover the Mad Hatter’s World of Wonder from 27 March-14 April at Almond Valley Heritage Centre.
Throughout the Easter holidays, families can experience a world of creative mischief and outdoor adventure. Enjoy a packed programme of Wonderland-inspired fun!
From the Mad Hatter’s Trail of Wonder to adventure zones, craftivities, den building, animal encounters and train/tractor rides, Easter family fun with a Mad Hatter Twist Awaits!
Easter Weekend Highlight:
The Legendary Duck Race returns – a quacking good tradition and a firm family favourite!
With acres of outdoor space, friendly animals and hands-on activities included with admission, Almond Valley is the perfect place to make unforgettable Easter memories. www.almondvalley.co.uk
NTS Easter Trails
3-5 April
Find out more and book via eventbrite.
Whizzkids
Computer Courses for Children
Small group computer holiday courses for children aged 7 and up. Touch-typing, Computer Art, Scratch, Python Coding & more! 6th to 10th April and 13th to 17th April
Looking for a FREE family day outing?
Then come discover the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, based in Leith, Edinburgh - and attached to the McDonald Road Fire Station.
Families can dive into Scotland’s firefighting story through handson fun for all ages. Our galleries feature vintage fire engines, digital displays and a chance to dress up as a firefighter in the popular Being a Firefighter gallery. Kids can grab search & explore bags, challenge sheets, or wee ones can relax in cosy reading and mini play areas. You can even look out over the drill yard and spot real firefighters in action! We host regular family events, many of which are free or low-cost - check out MOSFH.org/whats-on for details. Don’t just take our word for it - read a glowing review on The Bear & The Fox blog and come see for yourself!
Edinburgh Science Festival
With half of the Festival programme devoted to young sci-curious minds, exploring everything from coding and recording your own podcast through to the magic of science and creating your own stage show with the help of AI, to astronaut training and one-of-a-kind cinema experience at a planetarium – there truly is something for the whole family to enjoy! Venues around Edinburgh. See programme for more info.
An Egg Hunt Across the Ages
This spring, add a fun extra adventure to your visit to Dynamic Earth with our Egg Hunt Across the Ages, a FREE family trail.
From 3 April to 3 May, you’ll explore the exhibition while hunting for eggs hidden throughout the galleries.
Along the way, you’ll discover the amazing variety of eggs found in nature, past and present, from tiny coral eggs to enormous dinosaur nests. Each stop is designed to be simple, engaging, and full of surprising facts!
Pick up your FREE trail map, which is included in your admission, then set off at your own pace on a light-hearted journey through Earth’s history.
It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that adds a little extra discovery to your day, and a perfect way to make the most of your visit this April to Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s only Science Centre and Planetarium. www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Easter Outdoor Fun at Lauriston Castle
3-6 April between 11am and 3pm. No need to book.
Join the Palace of Holyroodhouse for an exciting Easter activity day on 4 April with crafts for the whole family to enjoy. Every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the Easter Holidays make a paper bouquet.
Take inspiration from the royal gardens and make your own bunch of paper flowers to take home. An Easter crown hunt will round throughout the Easter holidays for families to enjoy. Will you find all the crowns hidden in the Palace?
Don’t forget you can come back again for FREE by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass!
For full details of upcoming events visit www.rct.uk/whatson
Botanics Easter Trail
This Easter, explore our vibrant Edinburgh Garden at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, as it bursts into life!
Discover the beauty of our flowering plants and learn fun facts about nature along the way. Follow the map and help Botanics Bunny search for the perfect decoration for their Easter Bonnet. Complete the activity booklet to earn an edible sweet surprise at the end of the trail.
From 3-12 April you can pick up a trail booklet from the West Gate entrance. £3 per child.
Find out more at rbge.co.uk
Holiday Camps and Activities
Read on and take your pick of awesome Easter camps. For the really organised amongst you we’ve also popped some summer holiday options in here too!
Rugby Tots Summer Camps
Rugbytots camps for children aged 4–7, are high-energy, fun and fully structured, designed to develop your child’s rugby skills, coordination and confidence. Through games and drills, children will improve their passing, catching and kicking in a safe, supportive environment.
Trinity Scout Hall: 29 June–3 July £175
North Merchiston Club, Polwarth: 3-6 August £140 (daily rate also available) 10.00am–3.00pm daily
Drop-off from 9.45am I Pick-up until 3.15pm
Outdoor Summer Term
We’re also running our 6-week outdoor summer holiday programme at the following locations with classes for the 2-3.5, 3.5-5 and 5-7 age groups.
Enjoy a fun, high-energy start to their weekend, filled with fresh air and smiles.
4 July-8 August
Inverleith Park Colinton Green
5 July-9 August
Inverleith Park Roseburn Park
Email: Sandra@rugbytots.co.uk Book online: www.rugbytots.co.uk
Children’s Art Classes at Studio 48
This spring, Studio 48 (Newhaven Road) is bursting with creativity for all ages! Our term-time classes and Easter Art camps inspire young artists (ages 6–16) with hands-on projects in painting, drawing, 3D craft and digital animation.
Join us for weekday classes or our Easter Camps: Digital Animation Adventures (6-7 April), a fun twoday dive into digital animation and Easter Art Extravaganza (13-16 April) featuring clay, painting, watercolour, art games, slime and more. Book full weeks or individual sessions, flexible options to suit every schedule!
Don’t forget to say you saw these listed in Families Magazine!
We also offer a full adult programme plus creative children’s and adult parties along with family-friendly workshops, so the whole family can get involved.
Detailed class and camp itineraries are available at studio48art. com - pick the activities your child (or you!) will love most and make this spring a season of creativity, fun and unforgettable artistic adventures.
Simon Says Dance Easter Camp
Simon Says Dance offers immersive holiday camps for those in P1-7 here in Edinburgh, with almost 15 years’ experience offering activities for children and young people.
Easter Camp (for P1-7s) runs from Monday 13 to Friday 17 April from 9am-4pm at Simon Says Dance HQ in Longstone (EH14 2ER). £35 per day or discounted rate of £165 for all 5 days. Book a space and pay later - with camps available throughout the year.
Find out more about Easter and Summer Camps at www.simonsaysdance.com
The Edinburgh Academy Easter Holiday Camps
Our fun, inclusive programme from 3-20 April gives children the chance to try exciting activities, build confidence and make new friends.
From bouncing on our obstacle bouncy castle course to dancing, football, golf, climbing, and crafting, there is something for everyone. Each day is packed with physical and creative sessions that encourage teamwork, boost wellbeing, and support personal development.
Open to all children aged five and over, our Easter Camps provide the perfect balance of fun, movement and learning in a safe, welcoming environment. Early drop-off and late collection included (8am–6pm).
The Edinburgh Academy Junior School, Edinburgh, EH3 5PL
Multi-Activity Camp: (9am–5pm)
We Are Fun Scientists Camp: 6–10 April (9am–12:45pm)
Early drop-off included (8am).
Book now: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk
Whizzkids
This Easter, Whizzkids will be offering its favourite fun and educational computer courses, running from Monday 6 to Friday 10 April and Monday 13 to Friday 17 April.
Children aged 7 and up can learn useful keyboard skills using a fun and engaging program on the touch-typing course or create keyrings, cards, t-shirts, stickers and gift boxes on the computer art course. For those with an interest in coding, the Scratch course offers a great introduction with its user-friendly format and the Raspberry Pi course offers a more advanced level of coding using the Python programming language.
All lessons take place in small and friendly groups with a maximum of 5 children.
For further information visit www.whizzkids.uk.com, email gillian@whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.
TotalRugby Easter & Summer Camps
TotalRugby has been running school holiday rugby camps in Edinburgh since 2009. Our camps are suitable 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, we offer a fun and safe learning environment to do so.
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 new ones.
Don’t just take our word for it though, one mum said: “we’ve done lots of summer camps over the years with all the kids and none have impressed like TotalRugby”.
6 to 10 April I 27 to 31 August I 3 to 7 August (10am-3.30pm) £200 for 5 days
Fettes College Playing Fields, Edinburgh, EH4 1QX (indoor facilities available if very wet).
For more information visit www.totalrugby.org or contact us at info@totalrugby.org
Out & About
Your guide to family fun events in Edinburgh
Find Out Fridays
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
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 ago at a quick craft activity. Find
our Spark Cart in the Grand Gallery Fridays during school term-time. 1.30pm-4pm. Free. Drop-in.
Family Fridays
National Gallery, National Galleries Scotland
Friday mornings are for our littlest art-lovers. Expect interesting textures, lights, sounds,sensory artfun … and a cuppa for the parents/ carers. The afternoons are for the bigkids! We’ve got trails, new play activities and of course, hands-on making with artists.10am-12noon ages (0-3); 2-4pm (ages 3+). Free, drop-in.
Saturdays Crafternoons
Main Hall, Scottish Parliament
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Crafternoons offer a range of FREE activities for all ages! These run on Saturdays between 11am and 4pm. There’s no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions at a time that suits you. For more information about our Crafternoons, you can contact us at visit@parliament.scot.
Sundays Wee Filmhouse Weekly films for a younger audience. These screenings are aimed at children and theirfamilies,
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!
but everyone is welcome! Showing a mix of older titles and newer releases each Sunday morning. Please keep in mind there may be some noise and movement from wee ones in theaudience. £6.
2 March
Royal Rhyme Time Palace of Holyroodhouse Sessions full of music stories and song. Don’t forget you can come back again for free by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass! 1111.45am For full details of upcoming events visit www.rct.uk/whatson
7 March Commonwealth Activity Day
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Celebrate Commonwealth Day and join us for a special activity day with live musical performances and
Don’t forget to follow us on social media Courage to
succeed Freedom to flourish
At St George’s school, we get your daughter. Really get her. We see her spark, fuel her
Empowering
crafts to enjoy! Don’t forget you can come back again for free by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass! 10am-3pm For details of events visit www.rct.uk/whatson
8 March Schoolage Family Fundraising Ceilidh St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 287 Portobello High St, EH15 2AR Unlike most of our events, this one is aimed at families with schoolage children. Dances will be danced as at regular ceilidhs so you may have to hold hands with people you don’t know. 2-4pm.
13 March
St George’s School in Action Morning
St George’s Junior School - where your daughter is known by name and by nature.
With over 130 years of experience educating girls, we understand how single-sex education empowers girls to choose freely, lead with confidence and succeed without limits. Our community is built on compassion, respect and strong, close-knit relationships between pupils and teachers. Intimate class sizes ensure every girl feels truly known, heard and supported to thrive from day one. Specialist teaching in art, sport, music and drama benefits children at our 5* rated co-ed nursery and the bespoke girls-only Junior and Middle Schools. To us, a well-rounded education means nurturing every aspect of a child’s development - academic, creative, social and personal - within a supportive and inclusive environment. This holistic approach allows us to meet each child’s individual needs with tailored learning strategies that balance support with challenge. Girls are encouraged to explore their interests, whether through academic pursuits, co-curricular activities, or creative expression, helping them flourish in all areas of school life. The stunning 15-acre parkland single-site campus, located in central Edinburgh, provides a safe, spacious environment and includes excellent sports facilities for all ages. Register at stge.org.uk
8 March
Sunday Family Circus North Merchiston club!
All ages are welcome, and admission is free. Just drop in and enjoy the circus fun. 12:30-2:30pm
13-15 March
Horrible Histories – The Concert Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from the CBBC TV series are appearing live on stage! capitaltheatres.com
19-21 March
The Boy at the Back of the Class Festival Theatre Edinburgh
This smash-hit, joyful play based on the best-selling novel celebrates friendship, kindness and compassion.
The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of good friends and courage in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
Catch the show Broadway called “Beautifully moving... an incredibly striking piece of theatre” at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh. Book online at capitaltheatres.com
20 March
P4-P7 Taster Afternoon
George Watson’s College
From the first days of Preschool to the final moments of Primary 7, Watson’s carefully designed approach meets pupils’ needs at every stage. Register at gwc.org.uk
21 March
Paws Up!
Institut Francois d’Ecosse, West Parliament Square
This English adaptation of the famous children’s book by Catharina Valckx ‘PAWS UP!’ is a poetic, interactive and funny show. It is performed in French and English and is suitable for an audience who doesn’t speak any French! Booking info at www.ifecosse.org.uk
27 March–14 April
Easter EGGstravaganza
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Enjoy an EASTER EGGstravaganza at Almond Valley Heritage Centre and discover Mad Hatter’s World of Wonder. Throughout the Easter holidays, families can experience a world of creative mischief and outdoor adventure. Enjoy a packed programme of Wonderland-inspired fun! With acres of outdoor space, friendly animals and hands-on activities included with admission. www.almondvalley.co.uk
29 March
Family Ceilidh
Reid Memorial Church, West Savile Terrace, EH9 3HY
Aimed at families with children aged 3-9 years, but everyone is welcome - the dances will be simplified and non-scary. A choice of 2-3pm or 3.15-4.15pm. Email ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com to book your place, letting us know how many people and for which session. Please bring your own refreshments; a donation of £5 per family welcome.
2, 9 & 16 April
Haud a Helmet/Thursday Treasures Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh EH7 4NB
Get hands-on with history. On Thursdays during the Easter holidays, you can handle historic
Live on Stage
OUT & ABOUT
firefighter helmets, chat with our team about how helmet design has evolved over time and even try on a few pieces from our wearable handling collection. Come along, explore, and touch history for yourself! museumofscottishfireheritage.org 10am-4pm. Free, donations welcome.
3-12 April
Botanics Easter Trail
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Pick up a trail booklet from the West Gate entrance. £3 per child. Find out more at rbge.co.uk
3 April-3 May
An Egg Hunt Across the Ages Dynamic Earth
This spring, add a fun extra adventure to your visit to Dynamic Earth with our Egg Hunt Across the Ages, a free family trail. Explore the exhibition while hunting for eggs hidden throughout the galleries.
4 April
Easter Activity Day Palace of Holyroodhouse Crafts for the whole family to enjoy. 10am-3pm.
4 April
Mesmerising Mechanisms
Water of Leith Visitor Centre.
A free, hands-on exhibition featuring a collection of hand-made machines that demonstrate the fascinating action of mechanisms. You’ll operate Drawing Machines, to produce your own unique elaborate pattern and Ball Runner Machines, which propel their set of balls around in complicated circuits. With the assistance (or possibly interference) of Hedgehog Automata! 10am-3:30pm.
4-19 April
Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
4-20 April
Easter Crown Hunt
Palace of Holyroodhouse
An Easter crown hunt will run throughout the Easter holidays for families to enjoy. Will you find all the crowns hidden in the Palace? For full details of visit www.rct.uk/ whatson
6 April
Royal Rhyme Time
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Sessions full of music stories and song. Don’t forget you can come back again for free by converting your ticket to a 1-Year Pass! 11-11.45am. For full details of visit www.rct.uk/whatson
6-20 April
Paper Flower making Palace of Holyroodhouse
Every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the Easter Holidays make a paper bouquet. Take inspiration from the royal gardens and make your own bunch of paper flowers to take home.
7, 14 & 21 April
Helmet Heroes
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh EH7 4NB
Join us on Tuesdays this Easter holidays for a fun, hands-on craft session! Get creative as you design and decorate your very own mini firefighter helmet to take home. Try your hand at painting a mini helmet, making a paper version, or even designing a helmet of the future - all inspired by Scotland’s real firefighting heroes. 10am-12pm. Free, donations welcome. museumofscottishfireheritage. org
The UK’s largest Science Festival for two weeks each year - centred around the Easter break - offers a range of amazing experiences for all ages from coding and recording a podcast to the magic of science and creating your own stage show with the help of AI. Venues around Edinburgh. www.edinburghscience.co.uk
NOURISH ENERGISE THRIVE
Real Foods for plant foods and Fibermaxxing your way to health & vitality.
37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH www.realfoods.co.uk
11 April
Spring Party in the Park
Egg hunts, games, crafts and more! 1-3pm Craigmillar Castle Park.
11, 12, 18 & 19 April
Planetarium Family Films
Dynamic Earth
Get ready for a series of prehistoric, animated adventures as our 6K Planetarium transforms into the ultimate family film destination beneath a dazzling dome of stars.
This Easter, families are invited to journey back to the age of the dinosaurs with a special programme of classic animated films.
The Land Before Time
The Good Dinosaur Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Dinosaur
All films will begin at 10am. £8. Book early to secure your place. www.dynamicearth.org.uk
15 April
Fire Investigation Workshop Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh EH7 4NB
25 April
Polwarth Pre-Loved Sale Polwarth Parish Church 5000+ pre-loved items for children and babies. It provides a way to reduce waste and beat costof-living increases. Sellers can declutter and make some cash; buyers are guaranteed a great selection of bargains across all areas. 11am-1pm. For information or to sign up as a seller/volunteer, visit www.polwarthprelovedsale.com
26 April
Family Ceilidh
The Counting House Ballroom (above the Pear Tree) 34 West Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DD
Aimed at families with children aged 3-9 years, but everyone is welcome. The dances will be simplified and non-scary. Please email ceilidhkids@ceilidhkids.com to book your place, letting us know how many people and for which session. Please bring your own refreshments; a donation of £5 per family would be welcome. A choice of 10.15-11.15 am or 11.30-12.30pm.
Join specialist Fire Investigators from the SFRS for a hands-on detective challenge! Step into the role of a Junior Fire Investigator as you explore a realistic fire scene, gather clues, carry out simple experiments, and work as a team to uncover how the fire began. This interactive workshop blends real investigative techniques with fun, safe science activities - perfect for curious minds who love solving mysteries. 11am & 2pm, Ages 8-12. Free, sign-up required. museumofscottishfireheritage.org
24 April
Friday LEGO Club
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh EH7 4NB
Whether you’re a LEGO pro or a first-time builder, join in the fun for Friday LEGO Club. For ages 5 and up, this free, drop-in session is perfect for families. No booking required. Adults must stay with their children during the activity. 2:45pm-3:45pm.
2 May
Loretto Senior School Open
Morning
To RSVP, or to arrange a visit at an alternative time, contact the Admissions Team on 0131 653 4455 or admissions@loretto.com.
8 May Loretto Junior School Open
Afternoon
To RSVP, or to arrange a visit at an alternative time, contact the Admissions Team on 0131 653 4455 or at admissions@loretto.com.
9 May
Pre-school - P3 Play date
George Watson’s College
Find out more about us and tour the facilities. Register your interest at gwc.org.uk
19 May
Bookbug’s Big Quest Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh EH7 4NB
Join us for a very special Bookbug session as part of Bookbug Week 2026. Enjoy stories about how a fire engine works, sing some themed songs, and then head over to the fire station to see a real fire engine up close! 9:30am to 10:15am Under 5s. Free, sign-up required. museumofscottishfireheritage. org
29 May Friday LEGO Club Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh EH7 4NB
Whether you’re a LEGO pro or a first-time builder, join us at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage for Friday LEGO Club. Open to ages 5 and up, this free, drop-in session is perfect for families. No booking required - just come along and get creative! Adults must stay with their children during the activity. Free Drop-in fun! 2:45pm-3:45pm.
Please say you saw these events listed in Families Edinburgh Magazine Edinburgh
Tuesday to Saturday, 10AM - 4PM
