Families Edinburgh May/June 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

Outside Play Summer Camps and Classes What’s On

Asthma • Eczema Coughs • Colds?

Salt Therapy can help!

Some of the benefits that your child can experience after 100% natural salt Recommended from 6 months therapy treatments are: • Breathe easier.

• Alleviate sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

• Improved ability to cope with triggers that provoke respiratory illnesses.

0131 297 5555 33-35 Marionville Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5UD

www.edinburghsaltrooms.co.uk

Issue 114 May / June 2019

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What’s inside ....................

Get in Touch T

0131 622 0405

E

editor@familiesedinburgh.com

Pages 3 - 5 Local News and Views

@FamiliesEdinburghMagazine

Page 6 How to Sleep Better

@Familiesedinbur

Page 7 THE RULES for Becoming a Happy, Healthy Pre-Teen

by Dr Andy Cope

Pages 8 - 9 Gibson Kerr Power of Attorney

Pages 10 - 11 Outside Play

Pages 12 - 17 Summer Camps Classes & Workshops

NEXT ISSUE JULY/AUGUST 2019 • Fringe For Kids • Summer Camps • Days Out

BOOK NOW! 2 Families Edinburgh

Pages 18 - 23 Out and About

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news

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Free Healthy Meal and Outdoor Play on the Way A free healthy meal will be given to all children who attend a funded early learning and childcare session, the Scottish Government has announced.

The new scheme will also mean that, from 2020, children in funded childcare will also be guaranteed outdoor play sessions – regardless of where they live. These initiatives are part of the government’s plans to almost double the provision of early learning and childcare from 600 hours per year to 1,140 hours by 2020.

Announcing the changes, the Minister of Children and Young People, Maree Todd said “This is a unique opportunity to transform the way we deliver early learning and childcare, which is why we are using the National Standard to ensure no child in ELC goes hungry or misses out on the benefits of outdoor learning, exercise and play.”

Singing with babies and toddlers is known to stimulate development and Song Circle in Skylark Cafe, Stockbridge provides a warm welcome, fresh brewed coffee and pots of tea with plenty of chocolate biscuits in the break.

You and your wee one will learn a whole lot of songs, poems and action songs and enjoy the benefits of releasing feel good endorphins and meeting new friends. The groups are small and the room bright and cheery and Scottish folk singer and songwriter Gill Bowman has structured her classes to include some dancing and percussion. MON -FRI 9.10am &10.30am (must be booked) Also Monday 3.10pm and Saturday 10.30am (drop in) Text 07973 493933 or email songcircle.gill@gmail.com

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Enjoy the sunshine this Summer!

Do you or your child have a constant cough/cold or suffer from asthma, eczema or allergies including hay fever? Why not give Edinburgh’s only Salt Room a try this year. It’s simple, effective and best of all drug free! Salt kills bacteria, it’s anti-inflammatory and helps break up mucus. It also removes airborne particles and toxins to improve the ability to cope with allergic reactions.

Kids can have fun without even realising they are having any treatment!

Whilst playing, they inhale dry, salt-enriched air deep into their lungs, clearing the airways and making breathing easier after just a few sessions. It can have a lasting effect on their health, boosting their immune system to prevent the frequent recurrence of their symptoms. Salt Therapy is definitely becoming a preferred method to treat many conditions so come along and take advantage of our Salt Therapy packages.

Edinburgh Salt Rooms, Meadowbank, is open Tue-Sat. Please call 0131 297 5555 or email info@edinburghsaltrooms.co.uk for any enquiries or bookings (Previously known as The Salt Cave)

Beach Wheelchairs

Wake Up To Organic

Beach Wheelchairs is a local charity that hires specialist equipment for free to let people with disabilities get onto the beach.

A range of wheelchairs to suit your needs at North Berwick, Portobello and at Haven in Seton Sands. Hoists are available at both North Berwick and Portobello.

Beach Wheelchairs is delighted to be able to include all the family in trips to seaside to make special memories and share the fun of the beach.

All wheelchairs should be booked in advance. More details and how to book can be found on the website www.beachwheelchairs.org.uk

On Wednesday June 12 to celebrate the delicious taste of organic, Organic UK is inviting people up and down the nation into local stores for the most important meal of the day - a free organic mini breakfast!

Edinburgh will see a number of stores dish up free breakfast tasters to show how easy it is to go organic and encourage people to make the simple switch and celebrate food as it should be – full of goodness!

There are many shops taking part including Real Foods on both Broughton and Brougham Street.

JULY / AUGUST 2019 • Fringe For Kids • Summer Camps • Days Out

Book now - 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Stagecoach are World Record Holders Stagecoach Edinburgh students are now world record holders with the title of "The largest simultaneous performance of one show across multiple locations" after their performance of Beauty and the Beast Jr. We are so thrilled that over 300 of our students were able to take part in this fantastic opportunity and we couldn't be prouder. Creative risk taking, confidence and courageous performances were highlighted in this production.

Well done everyone - what a brilliant achievement.

See the Difference the Montessori Approach Makes This May and June, come and visit The Montessori Nursery School in leafy Murrayfield to find out more about the Montessori experience. Prospective parents are invited to join a personalised tour, see the classroom in action and meet the staff. This hidden gem has been providing outstanding Montessori education for 27 years, offering a warm and engaging learning environment for children aged 2.5 - 6.

Curious young minds are nurtured, inspired and guided in exploring their own interests by highly qualified and experienced staff as well as able to choose from a range of sensorial, practical, cultural, language and maths activities. Music, drama, cooking and nature activities, and opportunities to begin French and Spanish are also included and take place in our spacious indoor and outdoor classrooms and gardens. With a focus on developing skills at the right pace for each individual child, teachers help build confidence, focus and resilience that is of lifelong benefit. www.themontessorinurseryschool.com

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Family Fun with National Children’s Gardening Week Happening from 25 May to 2 June, this weeklong event sees garden centres around the country providing activities and resources that offer parents a great opportunity to get children outside enjoying nature, plants and wildlife.

Gardening can play a huge part in a child’s health and wellbeing with over 1.5 million children gardening at school in the UK. As well as simply good outdoor fun, school gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing. These include being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

Visit www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk for DIY project ideas and details of local events.

Monkey Music continues to thrill Little Monkeys from 3 months to Preschool in their award winning highly sort after music classes.

Offered across the City, Monkey Music captures the balance of fun, education, entertainment and MUSIC! The 4 stage curricula encourages and support each child, as they learn in a safe, educational and creative environment. “ A wonderful class to share precious time together never dull, always fun and it is the highlight of our week” – Granny to Thomas age 18 months For a free trial class please book through www.monkeymusic.co.uk by typing in your postcode to find your nearest class. Mornings, afternoon and Saturday classes are on offer

Gymnastics classes now available at Tumbles!

Develop skills, have fun, build confidence and make friends at our fantastic gymnastics classes at Tumbles at Portobello.

The custom-built arena has a wide variety of gymnastics apparatus, a dedicated boys area, increased spaces and a new and improved structure within the coaching programme, Tumbles offers gymnastics classes for girls and boys aged 18 months – 14 years, catering for all ages and stages and offering the opportunity for thousands of people around the city to stay active. With 87 classes, running 7 days a week and training over 2,000 gymnasts, Tumbles gymnastics programme is a fantastic way for your children to develop physically and socially.

Book a space today by visiting us at Tumbles or giving us a call today! www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

It’s Official - Our Readers Prefer Families Magazine to the Internet!

Enqui now f re summ or e space r s

4 Families Edinburgh

Last year, we conducted a survey across the UK asking readers to tell us what they find useful about our magazine and how likely they would be to respond to advertising in it.

More than 70% of our readers said they were highly likely to respond to advertising in our magazine or had already done so. That’s fabulous news for our advertisers and for our readers, because it means we can carry on making the magazine better and better!

A whopping 79% of readers told us that they use the magazine to research ideas for local family activities or classes and clubs for children and an equally impressive 74% said they use it to plan family life.

Many of you also told us that you find easier to plan family activities and entertainment using Families Magazine than using the internet. You told us that using the internet to research and plan can be time consuming and confusing. A common complaint seems to be the “endless trawling” that digital research involves.

Readers also told us that they really value having a physical magazine in their hands in which all the information relevant to family life has already been collated and is presented to them in an easy-to-digest format.

“Rarely an issue goes by where we haven’t added something fun to our family calendar.”

“Having the information in print rather than online also allows our 6 year old daughter to get ideas of what she would like to do more easily than searching online.”

We were also really happy that large numbers of you reported that Families Magazine makes your lives easier and less stressful and saves you time.

Thank you to everyone that volunteered their comments.

If you are interested in taking part in one of our Reader Forums, please email info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your name, phone number and post code.

Kids Stop is a family hairdressers. While they cater for everyone they specialise in children's haircuts.

The salon is equipped with T.V's and special chairs for the children.

If you follow Kids Stop on Facebook (@kidstop36) you’ll have seen exciting updates - the latest being a Spiderman chair!

They also have a range of different films to choose from and books to hold to distract children while they’re getting their hair cut. First Haircut Certificates available.

There is also a separate area for big kids and adults.

36 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DA, UK naomi@kidsstophair.co.uk 0131 446 0123

email editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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Loretto opens a new Pre-School

Play Together On Pedals is a family cycling project, enabling pre-school children and their families to pedal together in Edinburgh.

The partnership between Cycling UK, Play Scotland and Cycling Scotland enables us to offer a range of support to engage early years staff, community organisations and families in activities that can help everyone pedal together!

On offer:• Free drop in sessions for pre-schoolers to learn to cycle • Free Play on Pedals training for early years practitioners, in both public and private nurseries, including curriculum linked teaching resources with games and activities that can be delivered in the nursery setting • Small grants for education and community organisations to purchase bicycles (balance bikes and pedal cycles) • Small grants for community organisations to run family cycling activities in the local area or for their community • Activities, training and drop-in events for families to share experience, equipment and routes that everyone can use To find out more go to playonpedals.scot

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A structured, teacher-led, educational provision for children aged 3 to 5.

Loretto School is set to expand its already thriving provision at the start of the 2019/20 Academic Year.

Selected, qualified teaching staff will welcome the first intake of children aged 3 to 5 in September 2019.

Headmaster, Dr. Graham R. W. Hawley commented: ‘Loretto’s aim is to know and nurture children. With young children, especially, it is vital that a close bond is built between families and the school, to give children the confidence to establish their character as individuals. Our new Pre-School environment presents and promotes this personalised approach to learning. We are a small school, and our new Pre-School will be true to our ethos; with small class sizes, and high quality, qualified teachers, we are able to facilitate learning and teaching in creative and engaging ways.’

Head of the Junior School, Mr. Andrew L. Dickenson remarked: ‘Our new Pre-School is a natural extension of the approach we take to learning at Loretto. We believe that a structured, teacher-led, Pre-School provision can translate children’s natural curiosity into valuable learning and skills development from an early age. This will inspire in them a lifelong love of challenge and achievement. Safe within the school’s grounds, and with a wide range of bespoke facilities, the education provided by the Pre-School is the perfect introduction to the rich curriculum offered by the school from Year 1 and beyond’ Loretto Pre-School will enjoy a dedicated facility and places are limited – enquire now at admissions@loretto.com or on 0131 653 4455. Your family will be warmly welcomed for a guided tour.

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival returns from 25 May to 2 June with an exciting programme of theatre and dance for children and young people.

This year, the Festival celebrates its 30th birthday and the line-up promises to challenge and inspire in equal measures!

One of the highlights is the site-specific show Small Wonders – an extraordinary production for 5-11 year olds set in a warehouse in Leith. Created by legendary Londonbased company Punchdrunk, the show invites children into the home of a miniaturist for an awe-inspiring journey into her world. The show is showing exceptionally from 14 May with performances throughout the day and at the weekend.

The Festival opens on Saturday 25 May with a Family Day at the National Museum of Scotland, with free drop-in events and activities. For more detail on the rest of the programme and to book tickets: www.imaginate.org.uk/festival or call box office on 0131 228 1404.

Call us on 0131 622 0405

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Educational Singing Sessions for preschoolers at Skylark Cafe.

40 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge songcircle.gill@gmail.com 07973 493933

Unique • Fun • Educational

How to Sleep Better

By Dr. Neil Stanley

If you are a sleep deprived parent, it’s most likely because you have a child who is not sleeping well. Of course, there are things that you can do to help your child get a better night’s sleep, which will hopefully result in improved sleep for you but it is also important that parents seek to improve their own sleep.

The key to a well slept household is to put in place whatever sleep arrangements are right for you, your partner and your children - not what your friends, neighbours, mother-in-law, sleep experts or self-help parenting books tell you.

Firstly, take control of the situation and agree the ‘sleep rules’ that work for you, your partner and child. How will you react to your child crying in the night or wanting to get into bed with you? How will you handle their resistance to going to sleep at a set bed-time? What is the right bed time? Once agreed, you need to stick to these rules and, if they are working, don’t change them.

How do you know whether it’s working? Simply, if your child is happy, healthy and well behaved and you and your partner feel awake, alert and focused during the day, don’t worry. If any of you are sleepy, moody and prone to temper tantrums, then your sleeping habits need improvement.

Here are some of my tips on how parents can sleep better:

Avoid an Overloaded Schedule

Get Up and Do Something Relaxing

If your child does not have the time they need to sleep, then it’s likely you won’t either. Identify and prioritise activities that allow for relaxation and sufficient sleep time for yourselves and your children.

If you are disturbed during the night and find it hard to go back to sleep, it is best to get up and do something relaxing, only going to bed again when you feel sleepy. Lying in bed feeling frustrated that you are not sleeping is counterproductive.

Take a Nap, Don’t Resort to Stimulants If you feel sleepy during the day, your body wants sleep - it does not want to be stimulated by caffeine or anything else! A 20 minute power nap will boost your mental performance and that improvement will last for a few hours. Napping for more than 20 minutes means that you risk waking in the deepest stage of sleep and will feel worse when you wake than you did before your nap.

Rationalise Sleeping Arrangements If children feel scared, insecure or lonely, they generally want to be comforted and reassured by a parent. The most natural thing in the world if they are sleeping in a separate room is to come to into your room, and perhaps get into the bed. The way you deal with this is down to you, but if your child is going to sleep with a parent, it would probably be far easier for you or your partner to relocate to the child’s room or another bedroom, if available.

Outdoor Exercise Works

Alternate Night Time Parenting

Dr Neil Stanley is an independent sleep expert and the author of How to Sleep Well: The Science of Sleeping Smarter, Living Better and Being Productive (Capstone, July 2018). For more information, visit www.thesleepconsultancy.com

Rather than sharing the parenting duties every night, which just means that you are both disturbed, you can alternate duties so one partner gets a good night sleep every other night. It is even better, if you have the space, to have a ‘sleep’ bedroom and a ‘parent’ room, so your children genuinely do disturb only one of you every night.

6 Families Edinburgh

Don’t Get Uptight about Not Sleeping The reality is that you will survive a bad night’s sleep and cope okay the next day. Getting over anxious about not sleeping will only compound the problem. Remember that your children will not always need you during the night – all these things shall eventually pass!

Getting exercise outside during the day is an ideal way to improve both your physical and mental health and aiding good sleep. You don’t have to jog or go to the gym - just a walk in the park will be beneficial.

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THE RULES for Becoming a Happy, Healthy Pre-Teen

By Dr Andy Cope If you’ve got a child between 6 and 12, print these rules off and read them as a bedtime story – over and over again! Explain that the rules are not to be questioned: they’re like gravity. You don’t need to understand them. They just work.

Rule One You will Receive a Body and a Colour They’re yours for life, so accept them. Look after your body by eating good food (most of the time) and sleeping well (always). Exercise every day. It’s the only body you’ll ever have. Revel in whatever colour you are. Unless you’re green in which case, wrong planet dude!

Rule Two Love is All Around The world is full of lovely people but there are a few haters, who make a lot of noise. Social media makes it easier than ever to spread bad stuff. If someone says something nasty take a step back and think it through. Yes, it’ll hurt. But is it really that bad? Being hated by a hater? It’s what they do.

They do it to loads of people. They do it because, deep down, they actually hate themselves. Rise above it. Stay nice. Yes, even to the haters. It’s hard but they actually need to be loved!

Rule Three You Are Made of Actual Magic You possess what’s called ‘ordinary magic.’ It’s your in-built ability to be super-resilient. Ordinary magic isn’t about forcing yourself to be positive or pretending the negative isn’t there. It’s about allowing yourself to be upset, and bouncing back stronger. We all possess this magic, otherwise known as ‘time.’ Time magically changes things. Eventually.

Rule Four Be Kind Always. It’s a happiness superpower and it’s free.

Rule Five Be a good friend. To Yourself.

Here’s a new word for you: sonder – it means that everyone [and I mean EVERYONE] has the same insecure thoughts as you do. Everyone [and I mean EVERYONE] is riddled with self-doubt. Everyone [and I mean EVERYONE] has a nagging inner voice that keeps telling them they’re a bit of an idiot.

Notice the inner critic and start to challenge it. Notice when things go well. Recognise when you’ve achieved something.

Pat yourself on the back.

Rule Seven Listen to the Right People Criticism and harsh words can really sting. And there are plenty of people who stand on the edges of life, throwing negativity around. When it happens to you (which it will), rise above it. The trick is to ignore the criticism, unless it’s delivered by someone you truly respect and care for. And who cares for you too. In which case the criticism will be well intended.

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Rule Eight Life is a Rollercoaster There are highs and lows. When you’re up, your friends know who you are. When you’re down, you know who your friends are. That’s how it works. Just because one person doesn’t seem to care for you, doesn’t mean you should forget about everyone else who does.

Rule Nine Breathe My research has uncovered an amazing statistic, something the media fails to report. The biggest killer in the UK, bigger than road accidents, cancer, heart attacks, falling off ladders and tripping over squirrels is ‘Not breathing’. It’s literally the biggest cause of death across the world. It’s a scandal.

So breathe. And keep breathing. It’s quite important.

My advice: Spend 3 minutes breathing well, 5 times a day.

Sit with feet on ground and straight back. Wear a small smile (and your clothes, obviously. Meditating while naked still works, but it’s embarrassing if your mum comes in). Close your eyes. It’s quick and easy, just three good, long breaths.

Big slow breath in.

First, breathe out while you consider how you feel right now.

Big slow breath in again.

Second out-breath is gratitude, what have you got to be grateful for right now?

Big slow breath in again.

And your 3rd breath out is how do you want to feel?

Consider and choose an attitude that will work for you going forward.

BOOM! You’re back in the game.

Rule Ten You will Forget All these Rules at Birth This last rule is a real bummer! You literally forget that love is all around. You actually forget how to breathe properly. If someone has taken time to print these rules off and read them to you, they love you. LOADS! Dr Andy Cope is a positive psychologist and bestselling author. His latest book Diary of a Brilliant Kid, a personal development book for 812s, is available on Amazon. Find out more at www.artofbrilliance.co.uk

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Are you avoiding difficult conversations Young or old, we all find some things hard to discuss with our parents.

Whether it’s homework, boyfriends, dubious style choices or admitting that you don’t really like their ‘special casserole’, sometimes the most difficult conversations to have are necessary.

Many grown-up children don’t feel it’s their place to meddle in their parents’ financial business. And probably quite rightly. The majority of us trust that our mum and dad will have their affairs in order.

It’s good to talk.

“But there’s nothing wrong with me!”

As a family, planning for the future is something you really should discuss together, however briefly. Of course, most parents are aware of the need to have a will in place, to make sure their family are taken care of should the worst happen.

But what if something were to happen and you, or your parents suddenly found yourself unable to speak for yourselves or make decisions? It’s not a nice thought and not an easy conversation to have.

But by naming a power of attorney – someone you trust to handle your affairs and make the right decisions if you’re unable to – you are taking away some of the uncertainty.

Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

Naming a power of attorney means you take the decision to appoint someone else to act on your behalf if you are no longer capable of doing so.

It’s always better to put this in place before you need it. This means that if you ever become incapacitated – whether through age, illness or injury – your chosen person can step in straight away.

These kind of situations – although thankfully rare – can happen to anyone at any time of their lives, and planning ahead can mean reassurance that someone you trust is responsible for decisions about you and your lifestyle.

If you have older family members, they may need a little encouragement to create a power of attorney. It’s not something we like to think about, let alone talk about, but it could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Appointing power of attorney can help make tough decisions easier at a difficult time for your family and can avoid family arguments and disputes.

While you’re encouraging your parents to think about it, it could also be a good time to think about who you would trust to represent you as well!

“I want to decide for myself.”

Everyone wants the freedom to make their own choices and decisions throughout their lives and appointing a power of attorney does not take that freedom away. In fact it helps ensure that decisions are being made by someone you have appointed, should that be needed.

If you, or your relatives end up suffering from dementia or otherwise lose the ability to communicate, it will be too late to decide who you want to act on your behalf. It is a common misconception that a trusted family member or friend could simply go ahead and make decisions for you. Unfortunately this is not the case.

Without a power of attorney the only way to achieve this would be through an application for a guardianship order. This takes all the decision making away from you. You would have no choice in who was appointed or what powers they might have; the decisions are made by the court. The process to apply for guardianship can be time consuming and expensive.

All this can be avoided by putting a power of attorney in place.

“I value my independence.”

“Are you saying I’m old?”

The most common reason why people haven’t considered appointing power of attorney is that they’re not old. While power of attorney is most often needed when you are elderly, you certainly don’t need to be elderly to put one in place.

In fact, the earlier you set this up, the sooner you will have peace of mind that your future is in safe hands, whatever might occur..

8 Families Edinburgh

Similarly, you don’t need to be ill to start thinking about it. You and your parents may be in perfect health, but no one can predict the future.

You could lose capacity in many ways. It could be through a diminishing illness like dementia or it could be sudden, for example through an accident or a stroke.

And, unfortunately, if you suddenly lose your capacity without a power of attorney in place, you will have lost your opportunity to choose someone you trust to act in your best interests.

The right to make independent decisions is important at any age, and especially as we get older; we don’t want to feel this is being taken away from us.

Having a power of attorney in place does not take away your independence. On the contrary, it ensures that you get to make the decision about who you would like to act on your behalf and what that person could specifically do.

Powers of attorney are regulated by the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland and can be legally enforceable.

email editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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with your parents?

“Maybe I do need a power of attorney.”

So you’ve had the conversation and agreed it’s a good idea. What’s next? The first step is arranging an appointment with a solicitor. This could be at their office or, if you or your parents need it, the solicitor could make a home/hospital visit.

Your solicitors can talk you through the process, answer any questions you have and then take your instructions and provide you with further information and guidance, if needed.

At Gibson Kerr, personal law solicitors have been helping and advising families on personal law in Scotland for over 100 years. We are a small family-run firm and our clients’ satisfaction is paramount to us. If you have any questions about power of attorney, will planning or any other personal law matter, please get in touch and we will be happy to talk to you.

lindsay.maclean@gibsonkerr.co.uk 0131 208 2260

www.gibsonkerr.co.uk

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Getting Back to Basics with Outdoor Play Modern life means that children are increasingly spending less time outside.

Claire Winter looks at what we can do to inject play back into our children’s lives.

A recent report by The Children’s Play Policy Forum (CPPF) says there is a modern crisis in childhood and they are calling for children to be given more play opportunities. Increased time spent on screens and the cancellation of public liability insurance for children’s playgrounds means that kids are spending less and less time outdoors playing.

It also warns that the cost to society of allowing these trends to continue is significant including the human cost of physical and mental ill-health, and the financial cost of increased demand on public services.

The CPPF also points out that the mental health of a generation is at risk. Just last year the NHS released figures saying that one in eight children have a mental health issue, which is a shocking statistic. Childhood obesity is also on the rise.

We need to start making changes now.

Robin Sutcliffe, Chair of the CPPF says: “Lack of play leaves children mentally and physically unprepared to cope with life. This affects them in childhood and throughout the rest of their lives. There are huge benefits to be gained when we make sufficient time and space for children to play every day. These benefits contribute to the prevention of the prime issues of health, mental health, obesity and school exclusion – key issues in need of urgent resolution.

Play builds happy, healthy children.”

Playing outdoors allows children to learn new skills in a fun environment. It also helps enhance creativity and boosts wellbeing, It makes kids more sociable and the health benefits are numerous. They get stronger bones and better fitness levels and that all important Vitamin D. They learn how to take risks and become more independent too.

So what can we do get our children outside?

Re-introduce Traditional Childhood Games Go back to the ones that you remember like hopscotch and skipping. You could also get them to invent new games like building a real-life Minecraft shelter or devising a Scavenger Hunt with a theme. Balls, chalk, and buckets are all fun to have outside too.

Plan Outdoor Activities and Trips with the Family Plan a trip to the sea or some mountains. In the holidays, get your child to research local wildlife centres, farms or parks you can visit and explore.

Grow Something

Limit Screen Time Decide what a reasonable time is for your child/children to spend on electrical gadgets and stick to it. Get them to agree to your time limits. You could even create a printed contract that you can both sign! There are also some great apps that you can use to restrict time on devices too.

Let them Get Messy Get them outside in their old clothes, wellies or trainers. Tell them it's fine to get wet and dirty. Let them explore and enjoy being in the elements! One of my favourite memories is digging a huge mud pit in my garden with my cousins.

Squidging in the mud was, and still is, glorious.

Get some seeds and plant up some pots to grow on your windowsill, kitchen or back garden. It’s always magical watching those first shoots appear.

Sometimes simple advice is needed in a complicated world. We are all spending much more time sitting down and on devices than we did twenty years ago. I have visited so many beautiful places and watched both parents AND children glued to a phone or device. I am also guilty of this, I often use working for myself as an excuse, but we don’t have to be contactable all the time.

Disconnecting from gadgets is vital to feel connected to the world and the people that live in it. If we model the behaviour we want to see from our kids, take a break from our laptop and mobile phone and play outside too, hopefully, they will be inspired to do the same.

Summer Holiday Pop Choir For Ages 6 - 14 8th-12th July

9am - 5pm

LifeCare Edinburgh, 2 Cheyne Street EH4 1JB • Learn your favourite Pop Songs • Vocal & Physical Warm Ups • Explore Musical Styles • Friday Showcase for Friends & Family • Arts & Crafts • Games • & Lots More!

Book for the week, a day or just a morning!

Get in touch for booking and prices hanahmackmusic@gmail.com

10 Families Edinburgh

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Walk to School Week 2019 Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during national Walk to School Week from 20 to 24 May. Families will be encouraged to walk to school for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps: from healthier and happier children, to fewer cars outside the school gates.

Walking to school is an easy way for children to fit more activity into their day whilst also helping them to develop vital road safety skills.

As awareness grows of the dangers of air pollution on our health, walking to school is a positive action people can take to help clean up our air.

Special Walk to School Week classroom packs are available for school pupils containing wallcharts, stickers, diaries and fun walking journey activities.

For more about Walk to School Week, visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw

Family Fun with National Children’s Gardening Week This summer, why not get involved in National Children’s Gardening week?

Happening from 25 May to 2 June, this week-long event sees garden centres around the country providing activities and resources that offer parents a great opportunity to get children outside enjoying nature, plants and wildlife.

Gardening can play a huge part in a child’s health and wellbeing with over 1.5 million children gardening at school in the UK. As well as simply good outdoor fun, school gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing. These include being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s Gardening Week from DIY activities at home to attending an event at a garden centre.

Visit www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk for DIY project ideas and details of local events.

Beach Wheelchairs Beach Wheelchairs is a local charity that hires specialist equipment for free to let people with disabilities to get onto the beach. We have a range of wheelchairs to suit your needs at our 3 locations. You can find us at North Berwick, Portobello and at Haven in Seton Sands. We have a hoist at both North Berwick and Portobello.

We are volunteer run and all wheelchairs should be booked in advance. More details and how to book can be found on our website www.beachwheelchairs.org.uk or find our projects on Facebook.

Beach Wheelchairs is delighted to be able to include all the family in trips to seaside to make special memories and share the fun of the beach.

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful afternoon we had such fun. Without the wheelchair I would never have experienced being so close to the sea, and able to look at shells and crabs in the little pools by myself it was fantastic”.

“A chance to have her feet in the water, first ever time on the beach!”

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Play Together On Pedals Play Together On Pedals is a family cycling project, enabling pre-school children and their families to pedal together in Edinburgh.

The partnership between Cycling UK, Play Scotland and Cycling Scotland enables us to offer a range of support to engage early years staff, community organisations and families in activities that can help everyone pedal together!

To find out more go to playonpedals.scot

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SUMMER CAMPS

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS In the rosy recesses of my memory the summer holidays were endless days of sunshine, with no shortage of playmates or places to explore. Occasionally I would return home, utter no words other than “I’m hungry”, and then be back out again until either it was too dark to see or my tummy was rumbling again.

Picture Courtesy of Dancebase

Now I’m a mum I can’t imagine my kids leaving our home in the morning and me not knowing exactly where they were going, who they were going to be with or how long until they came home/I had to pick them up again. Possibly I’m overestimating my own mother’s laissez faire attitude to my whereabouts but I’m pretty sure she didn’t have a clue where I was (other than “out”!)

However, while it can be argued that our kids have less freedom that we had - the flip side is that they have WAY more choice on offer to them for how to fill school holidays! Here’s our round up of amazing summer camps and activities for our lucky kids. Spaces are filling up so get in touch soon - and when you book remember to tell them you found them in Families Edinburgh.

EXCEL SPORTS Excel Sports 2019 will run 5 weeks of camps from 1 July until 2 August.

We run All Sports & Excel+ Activity camps at St Georges School for ages 5-15 years from 8am with pick up until 6pm. Day places available for All Sports Camp.

Art, Athletics, ComputerXplorers, Football, Sports Leaders Level 5, Dance, Drama, Gymnastics, Horse Riding, Jedi Knight School, High Performance Training (for 12-17 year olds) Canoeing, Life Guard Academy, Tennis and Swimming/Diving. Details available on the Camp Calendar. Book online at www.excel-sports.co.uk.

A fun packed week with a dressing up day, film making, tournaments, water fights and end of week ceremony and BBQ. CHILDCARE VOUCHERS accepted.

Den Building Adventures Summer Holidays at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston Saturday 29th June – Tuesday 20th August Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp and keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour.

STEP IT UP DANCE

EDINBURGH LEISURE Not sorted your holiday childcare? Sign up your children to the ‘biggest holiday club in town’ at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s seven venues across the city this summer.

They’ll be getting active and having fun in a reliable, safe setting.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm, it has early drop offs at 8am and late pick ups at 6pm. Every day is packed full of games, sports, arts, crafts, drama, challenges and educational activities. Kids can try a wide range of sports camps including gymnastics, tennis, diving, climbing, and much more. Full week or daily bookings available for kids from P1-P7. Special NRG Zone sessions are available at select venues to keep S1-S5 pupils active and get accredited for our gyms.

Book before the end of May for summer and save 10%. We will also be Edinburgh Leisure runs Holiday Clubs during the Easter, Summer, and October breaks. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

12 Families Edinburgh

ALMOND VALLEY HERITAGE CENTRE

Step It Up Dance run award-winning holiday camps that are completely geared around fun!

Kids have an absolute ball each day and love learning dance moves and routines alongside arts & crafts, face painting, outdoor play, performing and team games.

Every year we love welcoming back familiar faces and meeting new ones and parents love being able to relax safe in the knowledge that their kids are safe and happy in the hands of our nurturing, fun team. Check out footage & photographs from our latest camps on social and book your child in for their best summer yet at www.stepitupdance.co.uk

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RUGBYTOTS Were you gripped by Six Nations fever? Try out rugby at our camp this summer!

Have fun and make new friends at the annual Rugbytots summer camp at Trinity Scout Hall from Monday 15th to Friday 19th July this year.

Kids should be prepared to run across the jungle, wade through the quicksand or sprint through Rugbytots Valley avoiding all the smoking boulders. Get ready to protect your egg, launch a missile or attack the pirates and seize the ship, all of this of course, whilst trying to avoid the evil side lines. Games galore and loads of fun. You don’t even need to come to our regular classes to take part in summer camp.

Book online www.rugbytots.co.uk or email sandra@rugbytots.co.uk for more info. Part week available.

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SUMMER CAMPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS DN DANCE Holiday Club application forms now available!

Little Monkeys Cramond House Our holiday club runs from 8th July – 2nd August For children in P1-P7

Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm A variety of fun activities and outings to choose from!

No need to worry about meal times – all our meals are home cooked and included in the daily cost!

Please email cramond@littlemonkeysnursery.com for more information and to request an application form.

Ready to release your inner dancing queen or take a magic carpet ride? Booking now open for DN Dance summer schools!

Looking for a fun, energetic holiday activity?

Each summer DN Dance runs fantastic summer schools, which will run across all three branches for the first time this year.

We choose a popular musical as the basis for each week’s activity - this year we've opted for Aladdin and Mamma Mia. Each day we cover a range of activities, looking at everything we need to put on a show, from singing, drama and dance right through to props and set-making. At the end of the week we perform the musical as a fabulous finale to an unforgettable week!

Summer school is suitable for all ages from 5 - 12 years, split into groups according to age.

It’s always an incredibly popular offering so early booking is advised.

DN Dance Chesser & DN Dance Kirkliston: Aladdin 29th Jul - 2nd Aug DN Dance Chesser & DN Dance Crewe Toll: Mamma Mia - 5th - 9th Aug For more information or to book: dndance.co.uk/summer

TOTAL RUGBY Summer Rugby Coaching Camps

Keep the kids active during the Summer break, whilst improving their rugby skills and techniques. Our structured programmes will engage and educate in a fun and safe learning environment.

TotalRugby is open to players of all abilities, providing a great introduction to rugby, or an opportunity for skill development, but most importantly a fun way to spend the holidays with friends or make some new ones.

5 day Summer camps – weeks commencing Monday 22nd July; Monday 29th July and Monday 5th August 2019 10am to 3.30pm - £150 for 5 days Fettes College Playing Fields, Edinburgh, EH4 1QX (indoor facilities available if required) For more information visit www.totalrugby.org or contact us at info@totalrugby.org

3 CAMPS IN ONE! GAMES AT THE GATE We at Games at the Gate believe that variety is the spice of life. Our Camp combines lots of different sports and activities with a fun-filled blend of dance, drama, arts and crafts and games - all of which are inspired by the kids who attend each day.

This camp is ideal if playing just one sport or activity for a week isn’t your thing and you would like a real pick and mix of fabulous activities to try. Our unique programmes have been specifically designed to ensure that we activate your body and inspire your mind, whilst having lots of fun and making new friends along the way.

We have everything from exploring the great outdoors and fun/fair access to a whole range of Sports, right through to Hair Braiding, Mask making and Face painting, Foam Dart Tag, Treasure Hunts and Drama Games, Go Karting, Crazy Olympics, Parachute Games, Kite Flying, Building and Construction, and much, much more... Phew!

Hours 8.30am - 5.30pm. Running all Summer!

Flexible option of early drop off/late pick up (additional cost) £18 full day/ £9.50 half day Refer a friend price £14 per day To find out more please get in touch or visit the website. gamesatthegate@hotmail.com or call 07515 633386 www.facebook.com/gamesatgate55

DYNAMIC EARTH Summer ‘not’ School is back for 2019!

And this year we have a brand new digital learning programme for all budding environmental scientists. Join our Learning Team for an outdoor summer adventure not to be missed. Young people aged 7 to 13 are invited to come explore with us during our exciting week long programmes. Discover the wonders of Holyrood Park, a unique wild space in the heart of Edinburgh. The week long programmes offer participants the chance to learn all about the parks past, present and future through an engaging mix of outdoor activities, scientific investigation, practical conservation, team games and more. The core activities will run between the hours of 10:00 and 16:30 and cost £185 for the 5 days.

Young Explorers (ages 7-9 years) Week one: 8 -12 July Week two: 15 - 19 July Week three: 29 July to 2 August Outdoor Academy (ages 10-13 years) 22/07/19 to 26/07/19 Digital Outdoors (ages 9-13 years) BRAND NEW! 22/07/19 to 26/07/19 www.dynamicearth.co.uk

14 Families Edinburgh

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MONKEY DRAMA Monkey Drama classes allow children to Learn, Imagine and Explore through drama, role play, music, props and characterisation. Each week is a different theme. A fantastic way for children to build their confidence, social skills and have fun!

We will be having our fantastic summer camp again this year from 29th July – 2nd August, for children age 3 up to P3. Spaces are limited and go quickly so make sure you book online via our website now!

We also have spaces in most of our public classes which we run on most days of the week, with a new class at 11am on a Tue. As well as our classes, uur very own Monkey Drama venue means we can offer even more parties, offering full use of the premises and a full on Monkey Drama experience from beginning to end with no stress and lots of fun…packages start at £160.

BOOK NOW to join one of our many classes. Places are limited. To find out more get in touch with alana@monkeydrama.co.uk, call 07736298013 or visit www.monkeydrama.co.uk Make sure to “like” our facebook/monkeydrama page for all the latest updates!

DANCE FOR ALL Dance For All's popular Summer School and Summer Intensive are back this August.

Summer School: Mon 5th - Fri 9th Aug, 9.30-3.30pm; £150 with 10% off per sibling. An energy-filled, funpacked week of dance, choreography & musical theatre for enthusiastic young dancers (6 to 16yrs), culminating in an exciting studio performance.

Summer Intensive: Sat 10th & Sun 11th Aug, 10am 3.30pm, £90. Exhilarating college-level workshops for experienced and serious young dancers 14yrs+ in Commercial, Contemporary & Jazz dance.

“My daughter has been attending for 7 years and has never once grumbled about it. It has helped her self-confidence enormously.” ~ Sophie, mum to 11yr old pupil.

Established in 1985, Dance For All, nurtures pupils aged 2½ - 18yrs to enjoy and excel in the finest dance genres - RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, SDA Spanish, Contemporary, Modern Jazz and Acrobatic dance classes available. Principal, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of staff in delivering professional dance training and over 70 weekly child, teen & adult classes (beginners to advanced). Browse testimonials, timetables, photos & more on www.danceforall.co.uk or call 0131 226 5533.

SUMMER CHILDREN'S CLAY WORKSHOPS AT DOODLES Week 1 from Monday 15th July - Friday 19th July Week 2 from Monday 5th August - Friday 9th August Suitable for ages 7 years and up, running 10.30am 12.30pm each day and includes juice and a mid-morning snack. Costs £20 per day or £85 for the week.

Doodles, Marchmont Crescent

DRAMA STUDIO SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS BOOKING NOW The Drama Studio's very popular Summer Holiday Club for students aged 5-15 are running as follows: 15th - 19th July Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirkgate, Liberton 22nd - 26th July Fairmilehead Church halls, Frogston Road West 29th July - 2nd August Wardie Church Halls, Primrose Bank Road Fantastic weeks meeting new friends, doing activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song, dance, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games, performing and outside activities weather permitting.

Different afternoon activities for every age group and a Afternoon Courses for age 10+.

Go to www.thedramastudio.com to HOLIDAY CLUB and read excellent Parent Reviews, more details and to register. 0131-453-3284 or e-mail info@thedramastudio.com Early Bird Weekly Fees (add £10 after May 1st) - £138 Full days, £82.50 Mornings, £66-£77 Afternoons (drop-in afternoons available). Sibling Discounts also available. A great week guaranteed!

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LITTLE MONKEYS CRAMOND HOUSE Holiday Club application forms now available!

Our holiday club runs from 8th July 2019 – 2nd August 2019 inclusive for children in P1-P7 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and a variety of fun activities and outings to choose from!

No need to worry about meal times – all our meals are home cooked and included in the daily cost!

Please email cramond@littlemonkeysnursery .com for more information and to request an application form.

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SUMMER CAMPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FIRE TECH

DANCE BASE Dance Base is a brilliant resource for families in and around Edinburgh, looking to stay busy and keep healthy. Scotland’s National Centre for Dance has four studios like no other dance studios in Scotland – one even has a glass roof looking up to Edinburgh Castle.

Dance is fun and it’s incredibly good for you, and Dance Base is all about making it accessible for everyone.

This Summer, they’re running a Summer School; it’s a fabulous way to keep the kids (ages 7 – 9 and 10 – 12) entertained over the Summer break. From Monday 8 July to Friday 12 July, Dance Base will provide a funfilled week of energy, acrobatics and imagination, as they learn all about dance, puppetry, and stage combat.

Then they’ll end the week with a performance, showing off everything they’ve learned to family and friends.

It’s a brilliant way to ensure they have an exciting, energetic time over the holidays. dancebase.co.uk/classes/holiday-schools

Wondering about robots? These kids are building them.

In the world-class Imperial College London, Cory, a 13-year-old boy, is on his third Python course at Fire Tech. He says "I used to think coding was bland and boring, but one-day robots will control the stock market and I want to learn how to code them now."

They're at Fire Tech, a tech camp for 9-17-year-olds, led by Jill Hodges and her team. Fire Tech has now delivered over 12,000 tech learning experiences to young people in the UK, Australia, and the Middle East.

But what are they doing to solve the gender gap in STEM careers?

Their founder and CEO, Jill Hodges, said: "As the head of Fire Tech, I see how much girls enjoy tech and coding when they come to our classes.

We have one of the highest girl participation rates around. But I also know that we get a lot of calls from girls or their mums who are concerned about being the sole girl in a class.

We don’t think tech needs to go “pink” to attract girls, but we do think that more girls will feel excited about coming to a course where they know they'll meet women studying STEAM subjects, and build their projects alongside likeminded young women. That's why this year we launched some All-Girls classes that allow young women to work together to problem solve, create, communicate, and build a community of tech-enabled young women."

MIX UP THEATRE

MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS

Mix Up Theatre offer a variety of theatrical experiences for our students. Our Fringe Festival Summer Camp will have special guests from the festival working with the students on a variety of skills including: clowning, puppetry, comedy, improvisation, circus skills, movement. We will also be taking the students on theatre trips to see shows at the festival.

The age 5 - 16 students will be working towards a showcase of the skills they have been learning over the week to perform on the Friday morning. While our 10-16s group will be devising a play over the week to perform on the Friday afternoon. This is sure to be a fun packed week of activities and creative drama.

Be sure to have a look at our Facebook to see the range of fun activities we provide at our weekly drama classes on Saturdays in Edinburgh: www.facebook.com/MixUpTheatre or our website: www.mixuptheatre.com – Book online or call: 07720861796 and e-mail for FREE TRIAL CLASS: info@mixuptheatre.com Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August 9am/10am 4pm/5pm

8 - 12, 15 - 19, 22 - 26 July & 5 - 9 August Camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach) and his team.

10am – 12noon Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) Aimed at children of primary school age playing with soft/ low compression tennis balls 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) Aimed at children 10 years +. The level covers beginners right up to junior team players. Open also to under 10’s who are already playing to a certain level.

The camp is designed to give the players the chance to improve on their technical and tactical skills, enjoy multi-sports, and take part in competitions for prizes.

A wet weather programme will operate in the event of bad weather; the club house will be used for indoor games and quizzes.

10% off on 3 or more bookings from the same family Call Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk Forms available from mortonhalltennis.org.uk

KIDSCENE AFTER SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUB Kidscene provides after school and holiday care to children aged 4-16, with and without disabilities. We especially welcome children with a vision impairment and we reserve a number of spaces for partially sighted and blind children.

Our premises are within the Royal Blind School campus in Morningside, Edinburgh.

Our facilities are furnished to a high standard and include a messy room, a playroom and a kitchen, all with full disabled access.

Our playroom includes a chill out zone, imagination area, construction area, computer and console games, board games and puzzles, and a sensory area. We also have access to the Royal Blind School’s facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory garden, soft play area and outdoor multi-use games area.

Please visit www.royalblind.org/child-care for fees and more information.

RED THREAD STUDIO Red Thread Studio Edinburgh provides sewing classes, dressmaking courses and Learn to Sew classes in Edinburgh from their beautiful studio in Newington.

Kids Holiday Club running this summer Sew Your Own Wardrobe - Dresses & Pj Bottoms 1-5 July, 10am-12noon Sew Your Own Costume - Super Hero Capes 1-5 July, 1.30pm-3.30pm Sew Your Own Beachwear - Hooded Animal Towels 15-19 July, 10am-12noon Sew Your Own Wardrobe - Skirts & Shorts 15-19 July, 1.30pm-3.30pm Teens Holiday Club - Brand New!!!

Sew Your Own Wardrobe - Boxer shorts, Scrunchies & Headbands 22-26 July, 10.30-12 Sew Your Own Accessories - Drawstring Backpack with Buttonholes 29 July - 2 Aug, 11am-12.30 www.redthreadstudio.co.uk or email info@redthreadstudio.co.uk

Fringe Festival

Summer Camp Ages 5 - 16 A week of drama workshops & activities Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August 9am/10am - 4pm/5pm Pleasance - Edinburgh EH8 9TF

For info call us: 07720 861796 www.mixuptheatre.com info@mixuptheatre.com

16 Families Edinburgh

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STAGECOACH EDINBURGH 1 - 5th July, 5th - 9th August Everyone is invited to join us on our holiday workshops - you don't need to be a current Stagecoach student - we just require lots of enthusiasm and energy.

Working alongside industry professionals to create a fantastic show, our friendly and professional staff will encourage your child to shine whilst developing their skills in acting, singing and dancing. Stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh

THE INSTITUT FRANÇAIS D'ECOSSE The Institut français d'Ecosse is currently filling up its Summer Camps for kids which start on July 1st as well as its Kids and Teens French classes for the autumn term, starting on September 23rd. During the school year, we offer weekly classes for children and teens at all levels of French mastery, in addition to after school clubs and holiday exam preparation (all levels, Scottish and English exams). We also offer a broad selection of courses for adults. Book at least three weeks before the beginning of a term to benefit from early bird rates. Learn more at www.ifecosse.org.uk and book now by calling 01312856030 or writing us at frenchclasses@ifecosse.org.uk.

MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS 8th - 12th July, 15th - 19th July 22nd - 26th July and 5th - 9th August The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach) & his team.

10am – 12noon Mini Tennis Camp For Primary school age playing with soft/ low compression tennis balls 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp For ages 10+. Beginners right up to junior team players.

Forms available from mortonhalltennis.org.uk

Contact Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY EDA are delighted to be running our 10th Summer School! Last year was just fantastic with over 100 students attending. There was much laughter, great friendships forged, fabulous choreography, lasting memories made and a lot of fun had! Lots of tired, happy dancers at the end of each day. This year we already have some amazing plans in place and we can't wait to see everyone there.

The summer school will be held in the purpose built dance studios at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus from Monday 29 July - Saturday 3 August from 9.30am - (early drop off can be arranged) 2.00pm daily. The week is jam packed with activity with workshops in Ballet, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Commercial Jazz and Musical Theatre all finishing with a fabulous event showcasing all the summer school pupils hard work and learnings during their week with us.

Please email hello@eda.scot or call 0131 3344299 for further information!

Running All Summer Long!

SUMMER SINGERS 2019

8th-12th July LifeCare Edinburgh, 2 Cheyne Street EH4 1JB Summer Singers is a summer holiday pop choir for children aged 6-14 years.

At Summer Singers we offer vocal and physical warm ups, games, arts & crafts and movement and most importantly an opportunity to learn your favourite pop songs, whilst working towards a Friday showcase for friends and family.

There will be opportunities for the children to perform solos or smaller group songs and explore a variety of musical styles such as a capella. There will also be a chance to learn the basics of piano, play percussion instruments and much more. An option to just attend these morning pop choir sessions is also available.

For more information on times, prices and booking please email hanahmackmusic@gmail.com

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ANIMATION COURSE @ STUDIO 48 model-making * story-boarding *fun and supportive class * learn new skills * gain confidence *artist's studio setting In this week-long course, we will create our own stock-frame animation. By the end of the week, the children will have created a short animation feature with their own characters. We will learn storyboarding, character creation, clay techniques, and about the animation software necessary to bring their figures to life.

For ages 6 + Week 1 - Monday to Friday 09:30 – 14:00 29 July - 2 August Week 2 - Monday to Friday 09:30 – 14:00 5 - 9 August Week 3 - Monday to Friday 09:30 – 14:00 14 to 18 October The week costs £125. Please bring a packed lunch.

Term time classes also run from Aril 24th 9 or 10 weeks long for £140/£126 www.sallyannjohns.com/artclasses

Call us on 0131 622 0405

Families Edinburgh 17

Out&About While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of some of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

MAY 3 - 7 May A Brilliant Beltane Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston

A special long weekend of family fun when we can all wish each other a Brilliant Beltane. We’re celebrating happier, simpler days when life was closer to nature, and ancient traditions marked the passage of the seasons.

There is a daily programme of lighthearted family activities that delight in the mysteries and wonders of a traditional springtime. Around the old buildings and watercourses of Livingston Mill there are mischievous sprites who will reveal secrets of fire and flowing water. Children can create masks that will change them into green boys and girls, with mystical wands that have the power to surprise. Scribble down your secret hopes for the year to come, tie these with wool, ribbon or slices of fabric to decorate our clootie tree.

Out in the gardens, craft a living bower to take home and nurture, while on the farm, the animals will be in their springtime finery. Admission charges apply.

18 Families Edinburgh

3 May Wee Creatives capitaltheatres.com Creative antics for 2-5 year olds and their adults! Join us to explore multiple art forms at weekly workshops this spring.

Book for one, several, or all ten sessions! Wee Creatives gives you the chance to work alongside artists from a range of disciplines, exploring some of the children’s shows in the spring season. It’s all about first steps in the arts, plus ideas and inspiration for continuing creativity at home.

Previous sessions have included making alien hand puppets, creating under the sea umbrella, making up our own cat in the hats songs and learning our first few ballet steps!

3 May Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1.

National Museum of Scotland. Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. Ages 0 to 2 years. Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio 4 May Science Saturday National Museum of Scotland 12:00–16:00. Free, drop-in As the Robots exhibition draws to a close, on this very special day for sci-fi film fans, we will be exploring robots in popular culture. Discover robots used in real-life research and get hands-on with some tiny robot friends. Learn how science fiction has influenced science reality and hear special guests discuss everything from sound to the special effects in some of our film favourites.

4 May Open Studio: Make an Impression 10.30am-12.30pm Scottish National Portrait Gallery Messy, open, art-making mornings in the Studio. Bring a change of clothes! For ages 1 - 3

4 May Wee Treasures 10.30am & 11.30am Scottish National Portrait Gallery Multi-sensory storytelling in the gallery, inspired by a different painting each month. For ages 2 - 5 ©Andy McGregor

5 May Art Explorers – Weave a wonder 1pm to 4pm (drop in), Real Life Science Studio, RBGE Join Greengage Arts for an afternoon of creative fun, inspired by the Fourth Cordis Prize for Tapestry exhibition at Inverleith House. Help create a simple and playful wall hanging using natural and upcycled materials. £3.

7 May Tiny Tales 10am & 11.30am (40mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh £5 per child for ages 1-3yrs Warm woodland tales and tunes with Renita Boyle. Meet Moth, shake your squirrely tail, sing with skunk, paddle your little canoe and wish upon an acorn.

Tiny Tales is the perfect introduction to storytelling and the Centre for your wee ones. A different storyteller each month will share stories, songs and rhymes, with plenty of space for buggies and roaming around!

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Out&About

12 May It’s Spring at the Castle Lauriston Castle With the Japanese Garden full of blossom and the castle gardens full of colour we will explore a variety of spring projects. With Erik Petrie.

Our family workshops are designed to be family learning experiences and the price is £6 per person. Tea/coffee cake for parents and snack for children provided halfway through the workshop Booking via eventbrite.co.uk

10 May Magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. National Museum of Scotland Take a trip on our Magic Carpet! Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. For ages 2 to 4 years Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio.

12 May Postcard Portraits 2-4pm Scottish National Portrait Gallery Pick up your postcard pack, find your portraits and create your own personal masterpieces! For ages 6+

11 May Archaeologists for a Day Lauriston Castle Free drop-in sessions with Archaeology Scotland – just drop-in anytime between 2pm and 4pm.

Stop by for our family archaeological dig with Archaeology Scotland. Have a go at finding artefacts from different periods in Scotland's past. See what it is like to be an archaeologist. A great event for families.

12 May Wildlife Explorers – Nests: From Egg to Fledge 1pm to 3pm. All ages. Free. Terrace Café, RBGE Meet the team from Edinburgh RSPB to explore the wildlife of the Garden as it changes through the seasons. How easy is it to make a nest? Could you do it? Try your hand at making nests and learning just how hard it is to raise a brood of hungry chicks.

13 May BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby/Bump) 10.15am, 11am & 11.30am Venue changes, see website National Galleries of Scotland Monthly informal gallery chats for grown-ups with their wee-est ones. (Ages 0 - 1)

17 May Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1.

National Museum of Scotland. Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. Ages 0 to 2 years. Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio 18 May Walk, Talk, Make 11am-12.30pm Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Modern One Outdoor explorations in the grassy grounds of Modern One and Two. Dress for the weather! For ages 2 - 5 21 & 22 May Little Top The Studio, www.capitaltheatres.com Welcome to Little Top, a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months and their adults. At a time in their development when young children are discovering their own physicality, and the pleasures and perils of gravity, Little Top invites babies to experience all the fun of the circus. Roll up for a gently thrilling performance which includes spectacular balances, astonishing tumbles and inventive juggling. Little Top will transport you to a playful, joyous, upside down, topsy-turvy world where people can fly, patterns fill the air and anything is possible.

23 May Tidy Up The Studio. 11am and 1.30pm, www.capitaltheatres.com When it starts out ship-shape, there’s only one way for it to go… this dance-theatre show gets all messed up! As we wriggle our way through the muddle of life we often discover things anew. So why can’t tidiness be exciting for children or chaos joyful for adults?

Who said there’s a ‘right way’ anyway? The production by Peut-Etre Theatre was developed in partnership with GOSH Arts, children, families and the Psychological Services Department at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

We d d i n g We e ke n d Palace of Holyroodhouse 15 & 16 June, 10:30 – 16:00 Join us for a weekend of live music performances, fun art activities, special family trails and talks inspired by the new exhibition of outfits worn at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

COME BACK FOR FREE! Don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1-Year Pass.You can enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking us to treat your ticket purchase as a donation.

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Out&About 24 May Magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. National Museum of Scotland Take a trip on our Magic Carpet! Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. For ages 2 to 4 years Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio.

25 May Agria Dog Walk Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home edch.org.uk/events Join in one of the biggest dog walks in the world! The Agria Dog Walk is one major event being held in six cities across Europe – Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Paris and Edinburgh. Our aim is to highlight the importance of pet healthcare and the positive impact pets make to people’s lives, along with the importance of regular exercise to slow the growing trend of obesity in pets.

Come along for a walk with your dog to raise vital funds for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, while having a fun family day out! After the walk, we will have food, stalls and entertainment at the Home, including dog competitions.

Children ages 16 and under are welcome to take part free of charge.

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25 May Traquair Medieval Fayre Traquair House, Innerleithen The Traquair Medieval Fayre is Scotland’s only authentic Medieval Fayre and is an unbeatable mix of medieval entertainment from jousting to jesters in the grounds of Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House.

This is truly a family event with Jousting down the great grassed avenue of Traquair as well as a cannon firing display to start the event, archery, military drills and the occasional skirmish throughout the weekend.

Walk into the old walled garden and be transported back 500 years with medieval traders, wandering minstrels, jester shows, a gruesome exhibit of an executioners’ instruments of torture and even a chance to put yourself in the stocks if you dare!

You can learn some green working skills, try your hand at willow weaving or have-a- go at Longbow archery. There are many other demonstrations of ancient crafts such as a medieval forge, wool carding and dyeing, chain mail making and tapestry. For children there is a wonderful sword and shield making workshop.

Delicious food will be on offer with a hog roast, wood fired pizza from our own oven, buffalo burgers and a scrumptious Fayre Ale brewed on the premises in our 300 year old brew house.

Ticket price includes all entertainment and entry to house.

Dogs welcome on leads.

25 May Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Launch National Museum of Scotland 10:00-17:00. Free, drop-in Celebrate the launch of the Edinburgh International Children's Festival with a special family day at the National Museum of Scotland. A day featuring free, drop-in performances, pop-up installations and arts activities for all ages.

25 May - 2 June The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival An exciting programme of theatre and dance for children and young people. This year, the Festival celebrates its 30th birthday and the line-up promises to challenge and inspire in equal measures!

25 May Family Art Tours Venue changes, see website.

Scottish National Galleries 11-11.40am Designed to boost confidence in looking and chatting about art; these short, interactive, creative tours are the perfect introduction to art for your whole family. This tour will also be BSL interpreted.

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Out&About One of the highlights is the site-specific show Small Wonders – an extraordinary production for 5-11 year olds set in a warehouse in Leith. Created by legendary Londonbased company Punchdrunk, the show invites children into the home of a miniaturist for an awe-inspiring journey into her world.

Three Legs is a humorous and touching performance about balance, holding and supporting each other. Filled with playful balancing games, dance movements and handstands, and accompanied by a gorgeous contemporary soundtrack.

Nero is a dance performance about darkness. This unusual dark environment creates a space to dive into and let imagination run free.

Valentina’s Galaxy is an intergalactic adventure for starryeyed children!

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The Last Great Hunt. The multi-award winning makers of The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik return with a moving tale of loss and new hope.

I Wish I Was a Mountain uses rhyme, live music, and just a smattering of metaphysical philosophy to boldly reimagine Herman Hesse’s classic fairytale.

Mappamondo is an imaginary journey across the earth with music and dance. The richness of the soil is revealed in the wide variety of colors, materials, smells and sounds used in the performance.

The Little Bath. It’s the story of a man who takes a bath.

Actually, it’s a dancer sculpting clouds. Or is it a cloud cradling a dancer in its arms? Or maybe it’s something else entirely…

The Invisible Man. Mixing ingenious tricks and anarchic theatre, this unpredictable and unruly show explores the border between fiction and non-fiction.

And if I were me In a giant transformable cube, three creature-dancers emerge, grow and unfold. They slither, squirm, jump and evolve, becoming unique beings, each with their own personalities.

Call us on 0131 622 0405

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing.

A contemporary fairytale about determination and friendship that will encourage us to follow our dreams.

Playful Tiger is a highly physical, interactive dance performance, specially created for children and young people who are profoundly autistic and mainly non-verbal.

Super Human Heroes is a comical and musical dance with darkness, exploring the ways we are, fail and try to be super human heroes.

Emil and the Detectives is told by two skilled actors immersed in smoke and mirrors, miniature worlds and a cinematic score. Expect dark and light, intrigue and delight.

Us/Them is a theatre production about the entirely individual way children cope with extreme situations. With humour, a matter-of-fact approach and dynamic physical storytelling.

For more detail of dates, times and to book tickets go to www.imaginate.org.uk/festival or call box office on 0131 228 1404.

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Out&About 25 May Jack & Jill Edinburgh Kids Event Edinburgh College, West Granton Road, EH5 1QE. 10:30am to 1pm.

Up to 40 stalls with amazing offers on Affordable Good Quality Kids Goods suitable for 0-9 yrs. Everything you can think of and so much more If you would like to sell book your stall at www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

26 May Princess Party Conifox Adventure Park, Foxhole, Kirkliston For full information, times and booking go to conifox.co.uk 26 May Autism-Friendly Early Openings 9-10am Scottish National Portrait Gallery All families affected by Autism are invited to explore the Portrait Gallery before the doors open to the public and take part in creative, sensory activities. Booking essential: 0131 624 6428 or education@nationalgalleries.org 31 May Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. National Museum of Scotland.

Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun preschool sessions. Ages 0 to 2 years. Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio

4 June Open Studio: Make an Impression 10.30am-12.30pm Scottish National Portrait Gallery Messy, open, art-making mornings in the Studio. Bring a change of clothes! For ages 1 - 3

2 June Glorious Gardening Lauriston Castle This is National Children’s Gardening Week! To celebrate this, we have a special gardening workshop. Summer is here and it’s time to get green fingered. Decorate some terracotta pots and sow some seeds for your garden or windowsill. Create some fun labels to remind you what you planted and watch them grow. With Mike Durnan.

Our family workshops are designed to be family learning experiences and the price is £6 per person.

Booking via eventbrite.co.uk 3 June BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby/Bump) 10.15am, 11am & 11.30am National Galleries of Scotland. Venue changes, see website Monthly informal gallery chats for grown-ups with their wee-est ones (ages 0 - 1)

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9 June Postcard Portraits 2-4pm Scottish National Portrait Gallery Pick up your postcard pack, find your portraits and create your own personal masterpieces! For ages 6+

7 June Magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30.

Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. National Museum of Scotland Take a trip on our Magic Carpet! Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. For ages 2 to 4 years Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio.

JUNE 1 June Wee Treasures 10.30am & 11.30am Scottish National Portrait Gallery Multi-sensory storytelling in the gallery, inspired by a different painting each month. For ages 2 - 5

9 June Summer Meadow Mobile Lauriston Castle We love summer here at Lauriston Castle, our grounds look beautiful. Capture the magic of a bright and sunny summer’s day and create a beautiful handcrafted mobile using textured paper and natural materials. AGES 4+. With Erik Petrie.

Our family workshops are designed to be family learning experiences and the price is £6 per person. We provide tea/coffee cake for parents and snack for children halfway through the workshop. Booking via eventbrite.co.uk

8 June Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels A Cracking Live Orchestral Tour!

Join everyone’s favourite dynamic duo as Wallace prepares to perform his musical masterpiece ‘My Concerto in Ee Lad’ with help from his faithful canine companion Gromit…what could possibly go wrong?

This interactive experience features specially created animations as well as live orchestral accompaniment and escapades from some of the UK’s top musicians and presenter Matthew Sharp.

Followed by a screening of the Academy Award winning ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers’ with the soundtrack performed by the orchestra live on stage, it’s set to be a grand day out for the whole family.

PLUS there’s a Gromit Model Making Workshop, offering a rare chance to learn the tricks of the trade from an Aardman expert, providing a creative, fun and hands-on activity for all ages. 2pm & 6pm For your chance to win a Family Ticket (4) to the performance at Usher Hall on 8th June head over to our Facebook page.

To Book tickets at www.usherhall.co.uk or call 0131 228 1155

11 June Tiny Tales 10am & 11.30am. £5 per child for ages 1 - 3 years Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Tiptoe and stomp with Scots children’s book author of Nip Nebs, Susi Briggs, as she takes you on an enchanting trail through the world of pixies and giants. Sway and play with her puppet friends Betsy Tinkle and Angus the Craw!

Tiny Tales is the perfect introduction to storytelling and the Centre for your wee ones. A different storyteller each month will share stories, songs and rhymes, with plenty of space for buggies and roaming around!

13 - 16 June Horrible Histories King’s Theatre www.capitaltheatres.com We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children.

Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

14 June Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1.

National Museum of Scotland. Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. Ages 0 to 2 years. Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio

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Out&About

15 & 16 June Wedding Weekend The Palace of Holyroodhouse 10:30 – 16:30 Come along to our fantastic weekend of events inspired by the wedding outfits of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex which will be on display at the Palace. Listen to live performances of music from the Royal Wedding, enjoy short talks, and discover the flowers of the Commonwealth in a family fun art piece with award-winning artist Gemma Coyle.

During your visit take our new Family Multimedia Guide.

Meet our Palace Wardens Holly and Rudy and train to be become a Junior Warden. Learn about the Palace and its most famous residents by taking part in interactive games and completing tasks to earn your very own Junior Warden badge to take home.

15 June Walk, Talk, Make 11am-12.30pm Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Modern One Outdoor explorations in the grassy grounds of Modern One and Two. Dress for the weather! For ages 2 - 5 15 June Pinkie's Den (11am & 2pm) £5 per child for ages 3-8yrs Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh In honour of Autistic Pride Day (18 Jun), Beth HamiltonCardus presents a new storytelling-based performance celebrating diversity for children and families, including those with additional support needs. Meet Pinkie, a hero who is a wee bit different – help her on her adventures and see what we can build by celebrating our strengths. A thoroughly interactive experience, with audience members getting involved in puppetry, den building and creating a tale together. Developed through the Andy Hunter Storytelling Bursary, with support from Puppet Animation Scotland's Testroom and Learning Differently Theatre.

Join Holly and Rudy in the new look Family Room while you uncover more about life at the Palace past and present.

Dress up like royalty in historical costume and get hands on with new interactives and games. Learn more about Her Majesty The Queen’s official duties and see if you can spot the hidden corgi. Find out what happens at the Palace when Her Majesty The Queen visits during royal week with our new family trail.

Come back for free! Don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket to convert it into a 1-Year Pass. You can enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking us to treat your ticket purchase as a donation.

15 & 16 June Kids Go Free Weekend at Jupiter Artland (Adults £9 / Concession £8 / Disabled £5) Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston, EH27 8BY Enjoy a family day out at Jupiter Artland on this special weekend when all under 16s can visit for free. Simply enjoy time together exploring the Artland, or take part in some activities throughout the day.

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16 June Father’s Day Doodles, Marchmont Crescent We have some great gift ideas to paint in advance for Fathers Day or why not bring him along on the day?

On Sunday 16th Dads get a complimentary glass of fizz and a sweet treat while they paint.

16 June Father’s Day at Conifox Free entry for Dads on Father’s Day with every child ticket purchased. For opening times, prices and any t & c go to www.conifox.co.uk 21 June Magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. National Museum of Scotland Take a trip on our Magic Carpet! Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun pre-school sessions. For ages 2 to 4 years Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio.

28 June Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 and 11:30. Free but booking required.

Meet at the Green Fountain in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. National Museum of Scotland.

Explore the fantastic things in our collection in these fun preschool sessions. Ages 0 to 2 years. Sessions are for individual families with a minimum of 1 adult to 2 children ratio 29 June Family Art Tours Venue changes, see website.

Scottish National Galleries. 11-11.40am Designed to boost confidence in looking and chatting about art; these short, interactive, creative tours are the perfect introduction to art for your whole family. This tour will also be BSL interpreted.

29 June Jack & Jill Edinburgh Kids Event Edinburgh College, West Granton Road, EH5 1QE. 10:30am to 1pm Up to 40 stalls with amazing offers on Affordable Good Quality Kids Goods suitable for 0-9 yrs. Everything you can think of and so much more.

If you would like to sell book your stall at www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 30 June Autism-Friendly Early Openings 9-10am. Scottish National Portrait Gallery All families affected by Autism are invited to explore the Portrait Gallery before the doors open to the public and take part in creative, sensory activities.

Booking essential: 0131 624 6428 or education@nationalgalleries.org 30 June American Independence Day Car Show and BBQ Conifox, Foxhall, Kirkliston For full details, times and prices go to www.conifox.co.uk

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Families Edinburgh is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Edinburgh are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Edinburgh. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.