Families Edinburgh July/August 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

Fringe for Kids!

Summer Camps & Classes What’s On

Linlithgow Corstorphine Edinburgh South Musselburgh Bonnyrigg Livingston Broxburn Leith City Centre Tel: 0131 667 0939 web www.helenogrady.co.uk email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HelenOGradyMidScotland

Issue 115 July / August 2019

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s ’ t a h W side...

In

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

A Family Friendly Dentist

4–5 6 7–9 10 – 14 15 – 26 27 – 31

Local News and Views Clubs & Classes Summer Clubs, Classes & Activities What Shall We Do Today?

Fringe For Kids Out and About

Due to an exciting expansion NHS Spaces are available at Southside Dental Care.

Get in Touch T

0131 622 0405

E

editor@familiesedinburgh.com

To make an appointment please call our friendly team on 0131 667 5656

@FamiliesEdinburghMagazine @Familiesedinbur

For more information see our website www.southsidedental.co.uk.

e u s s I Next chool 2019

s lasse o S t C k d c an Ba s Clubs f o l New o ms r o e h T c t S New nden e p e Days n Ind e p O and 's On W hat Bookings taken now. 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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news

and

views

Used by parents across the UK, the Snappy Tag system is a ‘one click’ method for securely & quickly labelling multiple garments with your child’s name. Parents or children can tag their uniforms quickly using the hand held applicator – push, click, snapped on.

Enjoy the sunshine this Summer!

The Snappy Tags system is a secure, quick and easy way of labelling your children’s personal items; saving unnecessary expenditure along with reducing lost property in schools. The tags are re-usable as they can be removed with our special applicator, simply buy more backs and reattach.

Our laser-etched tags are guaranteed not to fade or come off in the wash or tumble dryer. The tags are about the size of a small button and are available in 25’s or 50’s, in black or white.

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 TueSat. Please call 0131 297 5555 or email info@edinburghsaltrooms.co.uk for any enquiries or bookings (Previously known as The Salt Cave) ©Rimbaud Patron

Snappy Tags work closely with PTA’s and schools in the UK and offer a 10% commission scheme to schools who sign up to the scheme. www.snappytags.co.uk for details.

Drive for More Men in Childcare More men will be encouraged to undertake qualifications in early learning and childcare, through a new government fund dedicated to increasing their numbers.

Colleges across Scotland will have the opportunity to bid for two funding awards to run pilot projects which support men in childcare with the aim of increasing the number of men enrolling in Childhood Practice courses.

Currently, around 4% of the workforce providing day care for children is male.

Colleges across Scotland can bid for a share of the £50,000 Men in Early Years Challenge Fund to run pilot projects aimed at increasing the number of men enrolling on NC (National Certificate) and HNC (Higher National Certificate) Childhood Practice courses.

The government hopes that increasing the number of men in childcare means children will benefit from different perspectives and have more male role models to look up to. More info at www.meninchildcare.co.uk

Scottish Ballet Scottish Ballet is set to tour its wee version of a big ballet, Wee Hansel & Gretel, to Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre in September as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations. A family favourite, this 50-minute fairytale is the perfect introduction for children aged 3–8 years (and their grown ups!) to discover the magic of ballet.

Join Hansel & Gretel as they go on an adventure deep into the woods… Along the way you’ll meet a rather beguiling Witch and her mysterious raven, before arriving in an enchanted gingerbread house filled with dancing sweet treats and toys that come to life.

The performance will be adapted by keeping the auditorium lighting on to make for a welcoming and relaxed production for all the family to enjoy.

For more information and to book tickets visit: scottishballet.co.uk/event/wee-hansel-gretel

Win!

We have four tickets to be won for the 2.30pm performance on Saturday September 13th. Just email us at editor@familiesedinburgh.com telling her who Hansel & Gretel meet along the way.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019 Prepare for lift off as we travel across the galaxy on a very special reading mission: it’s the Summer Reading Challenge 2019.

Meet the Rockets! This super cool family lives on a satellite station in space. They love spending time at their local library on the Moon. The Rockets are going on a very important mission to save the missing books from these alien bandits, and they need your help!

Taking part in the Challenge is simple – when the summer holidays start, you can sign up for free at your local library.

Grab your space suit and take a giant leap into the library this summer!

Sign up at your local library. To find out more check out www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

4 Families Edinburgh

Spare Snacks Spare Snacks (www.sparesnacks.com), a start-up brand (run by a dad whose kids are big fans/taste testers!) on a mission to take unloved wonky fruit and veg and turn them into delicious, healthy snacks that are great for people, producers and the planet.

Spare want to perfect the way healthy snacks are created and consumed.

Key to the crunch, taste and health profile of the premium tasting snacks, all of Spare’s crisps are air-dried, not fried. Spare only use fruit and veg that is going spare – wonky misshapen or otherwise unloved, surplus produce, to support farmers and to make the best of ALL fresh, tasty produce; Spare want to spread the word that oddly shaped, discoloured or blemished produce has real value by creating amazing award-winning products.

Under 80Kcals per bag they are just pearfect for anytime healthy snacking, indulgent dipping or adding crunch to salads, cereals or lunch boxes.

We can vouch for their deliciousness!

email editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Sounds Like Friday and Saturday The Youth Music Initiative

(YMI), run by City of Edinburgh Council, funds free, term-time, group music tuition on Friday afternoons in six venues across the city, and on Saturday mornings at Broughton High School.

Look out for details and an application form on the council website in August under ‘Music in Spare Time’.

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Southside Dental Care

Could your family be entitled to more money?

Until I had kids, I had no idea how much they would cost. At each stage, I thought our outgoings would start to reduce but then another expense reared its head like them growing out of their clothes at an alarming rate. Thank goodness for hand-me-downs!

Our food bills have also gone up - it seemed like overnight my 14 month old went from eating scraps from my plate to eating more than my very hungry toddler.

When my eldest turned three, all her activities suddenly seemed to cost the earth.

She also started becoming aware of what others have and was soon telling me, in no uncertain terms, what she wanted.

And all of that is before trying to work out whether it is even worth returning to work while paying for two at nursery.

So I was really pleased to hear about the funded early learning and childcare when they turn three, which will double in 2020; not a moment too soon! I’ve also found out that around a quarter of two year olds can access funded childcare too – that’s the type of information that is really helpful for families like mine with young children.

There are other things that we can do to increase our income, or reduce what we pay in bills, but it can be hard to know where to start.

There are so many additional money pressures when having a family, it can be hard to understand exactly what we’re entitled to or how we might save money on bills. Citizens Advice Network in Scotland offer free, confidential advice for families – chatting to them can help you find out if you are entitled to additional benefits, council tax reductions or even cheaper energy deals.

Parents can access a financial health check by calling 0800 085 7145, 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday, or contacting their local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can find out more about how to maximise your income at: www.financialhealthcheck.scot The Financial Health Check service is funded by the Scottish Government.

Rachel Goater, Mum of two and Assistant Project Manager on Financial Health Project at Citizens Advice Scotland

Southside Dental Care situated on Mayfield Road in Edinburgh is undergoing exciting building works to expand their current 3 surgery NHS practice into a 6 surgery state of the art dental practice. With the expansion comes the launch of Southside Orthodontic Clinic a NHS & Private referral clinic under the care of Dr Josh Rowley.

Owner Dr Leanne Branton opened Southside Dental Care 11 years ago with the aim to provide NHS services to everyone and one day have the facilities to provide all manner of dental care under one roof which is what this expansion will allow. “The easier we can make it for patients to care for their smiles the better”. Southside Dental Care has always been a family friendly practice encouraging Oral Health Education to start as young as possible and really focusing on preventative care from the earliest of ages.

Call 0131 667 5656

Enqui now f re summ or e space r s

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Families Edinburgh 5

CLUBS&CLASSES HELEN O’GRADY DRAMA ACADEMY

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy prides itself on being a wide community-based drama school.

With our unique curriculum, the Academy aims to develop confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.

Lower Primary Classes (P1-P4) Highly active lessons, using a wide range of creative exercises such as speech, movement, Mimes to Music, improvisation, develop children’s social skills. Through this, students are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers and share information with others.

Upper Primary Classes (P5-P7) Students are given many opportunities to act out a great variety of situations in a fun- filled atmosphere.

They are encouraged to quickly learn how to accept new challenges and explore new directions. All these aspects contribute to their personal growth as they learn to take on and enact convincing characters, sustain believable plots and express themselves appropriately and confidently.

Youth Theatre (S1-S6) The Youth Theatre covers a dynamic and comprehensive theatre-arts programme. It attracts a wide range of young people, from those seeking to increase their confidence and speaking ability, to those hoping to pursue acting as a career.

BOOK A FREE TRIAL LESSON 0131 667 0939 / 07701 333476 or midscot@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk

EDA, recently voted highest ranked dance school in the UK and Ireland offers classes and exams in RAD Ballet, the faculty being led by RAD Ballet examiner Julie Mitchell. We also offer classes in Commercial, Pre School Dance (for those little movers!), Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acro, Turns and Limbering, Progressing Ballet Technique, Contemporary (led by i-D Company examiner Jenni Inglis), Competition and much more! (Including performing each year at the King's Panto, look out for us in Goldilocks and the Three Bears this year!). The start of 2019 has been a busy one with EDA pupil Ellie Fregusson being crowned the first winner of BBC 1’s The Greatest Dancer!

We pride ourselves on our high standards and constantly apply ourselves to be the best but the most important thing is that all of our pupils are cared for, nurtured and have FUN!!

WATCH YOUR CHILD SHINE WITH LA BELLE PERFORMING ARTS! Term time classes across Edinburgh in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Street Dance and Acro-Dance for ages 4 to 18 years, and our much loved preschool classes for little ones aged 2 - 4 years.

Book your Free Trial Class and Join our LBA Family this Autumn Term christie@labellearts.co.uk www.labellearts.co.uk 07848 692424

MONKEY MUSIC Join Monkey Music award winning music classes, suitable for babies from 3 months to 4 year old, and share precious time together with your little one.

A number of special Summer Workshops in July and August are running with regular classes starting back on Tuesday 20th August. A free trial is offered for the regular classes. Visit www.monkeymusic.co.uk and type in your postcode to find your nearest class or workshop

EDINBURGH BALLET New classes at Murrayfield Branch starting in August!

Edinburgh Ballet offers fun, family friendly dance classes to children and adults of all ages.

Specialising in classical ballet, RAD Vocational and Graded ballet, non-syllabus ballet, pointe, jazz, commercial, contemporary, competition and adult ballet.

The school has been running for just over ten years and is proud to have achieved excellent results with RAD examinations, and a 100% pass rate.

We also offer annual performances for all to take part in, as well as theatre outings.

All teachers are fully qualified RAD registered teachers. www.edinburgh-ballet.co.uk

DN ACADEMIES DN Academies offers fresh, fun and engaging performing arts classes and workshops in central Edinburgh, Corstorphine and Musselburgh. If you’d love to step up on stage and sing, dance or act your heart out, these academies are for you!

A new addition to the Academies programme is set be a huge hit with dancers from across the city. The Acro Academy is a fun-filled, focused 4 hour workshop-style class for students aged from 7 – 16 to help develop acro skills – a combination of dance technique with precise acrobatic elements.

Over the course of the academy workshop, we’ll cover stretch and strength; trick and skill drills; jazz technique; and choreography, bringing together all of the core jazz and acro skills while experienced dancers will develop increased flexibility, strength and technique. The DN Acro Academy will take place on Sunday 1st September, at Telford College. No experience necessary; students from any local dance school are welcome, with permission from their school principal. dnacademies.co.uk

Training opportunity for women looking to return to work Is it your time? Are you keen to get back to work?

Not sure where to start and need some direction?

If so, this training opportunity is designed to offer a supportive service for women looking to return to work.

We will help you: • identify what employers are looking for; • prepare a CV you are happy with; • help you to write successful applications; and • prepare for the interview process The next course starts in September 2019.

It is supported by Skills Development Scotland and may be available to you at no cost.

You can find out more by visiting www.thepctpartnership.co.uk or contact us at training@thepctpartnership.co.uk.

6 Families Edinburgh

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SUMMER CAMPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Picture Courtesy Scottish Seabird Centre

Here's our updated round-up of all the amazing camps and activities on offer for our kids this summer!

Spaces are filling up so get in touch soon - and when you book remember to tell them you found them in Families Edinburgh.

SUMMER ‘NOT’ SCHOOL IS BACK FOR 2019!

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 (last few spaces!)

Outdoor Academy (ages 10-13 years) 22/07/19 to 26/07/19 www.dynamicearth.co.uk

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.

WEEK 5 SOLD OUT. Art, Athletics, ComputerXplorers, Football, Dance, Drama, Gymnastics, Jedi Knight School, High Performance Training (for 1217 year olds) 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.

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SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE HOLIDAY CLUB For Summer 2019, the Scottish Seabird Centre are offering a holiday club for primary school pupils (age 5 to 12).

This will run from Monday 8 to Thursday 11 July and Monday 15 to Thursday 18 July 2019.

Week 1: 8 - 11 July: The holiday club will run for children aged 5 to 8.

Week 2: 15 - 18 July: The holiday club will run for children aged 8 to 12.

We have a whole host of fun indoor and outdoor activities planned for the two weeks.

Booking is essential as places are limited. More details can be found on our website www.seabird.org or call 01620 890202.

ROWANBERRY MINIKINDY Rowanberry Minikindy is very excited to be hosting a fun packed nature inspired summer holiday club!

For ages 4 - 12 years old. Gilmerton area.

There will be a wide variety of outdoor and indoor (for rainy days!) activities offered including waterslide in the park, forest adventures, tie dye, basic wood working, felting, candle dipping, fairy house building, baking, stories and songs around the fire, etc... Sarah Ann and Louise can't wait to welcome your children and for the summer fun to begin! Offered in July. Book one day or a whole week! Get on our mailing list for future creativity camps! e: rowanberrymk@gmail.com t: 07879 403214

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.

For more local news for your family like us on Facebook @FamiliesEdinburghMag

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SUMMER CAMPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS FILM ACADEMY EDINBURGH

Principal Ms. Sara J. Wood BA (HONS), RAD RTS Licentiate of the RAD

Dance classes for all ages and abilities

Enroling now

Edinburgh College Sighthill EH11 4DE Ratho Community Centre EH28 8TT Murrayfield Parish Church EH12 6EQ

07723-589-280

info@edinburgh-ballet.co.uk edinburgh-ballet.co.uk

Love movies? Want a summer with a difference?

At The Film Academy Edinburgh, we love them so much we make movies. And teach young people how to make movies, in our fun and exciting 5-day film making adventure.

The Film Academy invites young people ages 13 to 18 and 9 to 12, from 5th to 9th August, to unlock the mystery behind how movies are made by making your own with professional filmmakers!

During the 5 days our students learn the art and craft of filmmaking, with workshops in acting for camera, using camera and sound equipment, screenwriting and editing.

Explore your creativity and see the results on the big screen at the end of the week. Join us at The Film Academy Edinburgh this summer and explore the magic of movie making.

Getting enrolled is easy: visit our website at FilmAcademyEdinburgh.com and go to the Summer School page.

DOODLES SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 2019 Summer Blockbusters movie theme Monday 15th - Friday 20th July & Monday 5th - Friday 9th August 10:30 till 12:30 each day £85 for the Week or £20 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, £15 Friday (includes drink & snack each day) Suitable for ages 7+ Have fun making and painting some fun and creative ceramic projects.

Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place.

EDINBURGH LEISURE

Watch your child shine with La Belle Performing Arts!

For more information on our classes and Summer Schools - get in touch: christie@labellearts.co.uk www.labellearts.co.uk 07848 692424

Classes across Edinburgh in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Street Dance and Acro-Dance for ages 4 to 18 years, and our much loved pre-school classes for little ones aged 2 - 4 years.

We're committed to inspiring confidence and a passion for performing in each and every one of our students, and providing a nurturing environment for our LBA stars to flourish.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS AND JOIN OUR LBA FAMILY THIS AUTUMN TERM

8 Families Edinburgh

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

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!

email editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

WATCH YOUR CHILD SHINE WITH LA BELLE PERFORMING ARTS! ‘Born to Perform’ Summer Schools at La Belle Arts 2019: AUCHENDINNY: 2nd-4th July STOCKBRIDGE: 3rd-5th of July CORSTORPHINE: 6th-8th of August Ages : P1-P7 • Learn musical numbers straight from the stage • Create an end of week show for friends and family • Enjoy crafts and activities including making your own props and set • Meet new friends and create fantastic memories "AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR MY LITTLE STAR!" - Julia For more information and booking: christie@labellearts.co.uk www.labellearts.co.uk 07848 692424

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ALSO RUNNING Full details of the following camps, clubs and workshops are in our May/June issue which is available to read online.

3 CAMPS IN ONE! GAMES AT THE GATE Hours 8.30am - 5.30pm. Running all Summer! gamesatthegate@hotmail.com or call 07515 633386 www.facebook.com/gamesatgate55

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

DN DANCE 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 August DN Dance Chesser & DN Dance Crewe Toll: Mamma Mia - 5th - 9th August For more information or to book: dndance.co.uk/summer

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MONKEY DRAMA SUMMER CAMP 29 July - 2 August To find out more get in touch with alana@monkeydrama.co.uk, call 07736 298013 or visit www.monkeydrama.co.uk DANCEBASE SUMMER SCHOOL 8 - 12 July dancebase.co.uk/classes/holiday-schools DRAMA STUDIO SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS 15th - 19th July Liberton Kirk Halls 22nd - 26th July Fairmilehead Church halls 29th July - 2nd August Wardie Church Halls Go to www.thedramastudio.com to HOLIDAY CLUB DANCE FOR ALL Dance For All's popular Summer School is back this August.

Mon 5th - Fri 9th Aug, 9.30-3.30pm; £150 with 10% off per sibling. www.danceforall.co.uk or call 0131 226 5533 MIX UP THEATRE FRINGE FESTIVAL SUMMER CAMP Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August 9am/10am - 4pm/5pm www.mixuptheatre.com 07720861796 info@mixuptheatre.com MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS 8 - 12, 15 - 19, 22 - 26 July & 5 - 9 August Forms available from mortonhalltennis.org.uk STAGECOACH EDINBURGH 1 - 5th July 5th - 9th August Stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh THE INSTITUT FRANÇAIS D'ECOSSE SUMMER CAMPS www.ifecosse.org.uk 01312856030 or email frenchclasses@ifecosse.org.uk.

SUMMER RUGBY COACHING CAMPS 5 day camps – weeks commencing Monday 22nd; Monday 29th July and Monday 5th August 2019 For more information visit www.totalrugby.org or contact us at info@totalrugby.org SUMMER SINGERS 2019 8th-12th July hanahmackmusic@gmail.com ANIMATION COURSE @ STUDIO 48 29 July - 2 August, 5 - 9 August www.sallyannjohns.com/artclasses RUGBYTOTS SUMMER CAMP 15- 19 July Book online www.rugbytots.co.uk or email sandra@rugbytots.co.uk STEP IT UP DANCE www.stepitupdance.co.uk

Call us on 0131 622 0405

Families Edinburgh 9

What Shall We Do Today?

Moaning that they’re bored won’t be an option for kids if you keep this issue of Families Edinburgh close by all through the summer holidays!

© Woodland Trust Jill Jennings

SHARE A STEAM TRAIN ADVENTURE

KEEP A SUMMER JOURNAL With all the fun things going on this summer encourage your child to document it all with pictures and writing. Collect things to stick in - like bus tickets, fringe flyers or admission tickets.

If they like computers, you could get them to create a digital journal with written entries, video diaries, and photos. If you’re too busy to fill it in regularly this would still be a great thing to top and tail the holidays with so you can look back on what a busy summer you’d had!

Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland's largest railway museum. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins. Buy a snack from our buffet car then sit back and wave to the people you pass as the train travels through the Scottish countryside to Manuel via Kinneil Halt and Birkhill.

Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our new Visitor Trail. Learn why the Fish Van has a sloping floor, come faceto-face with a mechanical horse and much more.

You’ll find homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop both at Bo’ness Station.

Visit our website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway.co.uk.

EPIC SUMMER DAYS AT DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK

ENJOY FANTASTIC DAYS OUT AT THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND’S EDINBURGH ZOO THIS SUMMER. See giant pandas Yang Guang and Tian Tian in their new home in July. Visit more than 1,000 wonderful animals, including our new rhino Sanjay and tiger Dharma.

Be amazed by our world exclusive BRICKLIVE Ocean display at the Zoo from 6 July to 8 September. A killer whale, hammerhead shark, giant squid and an octopus will be among over 30 life-sized marine sculptures made from more than a million LEGO® bricks.

At our Highland Wildlife Park, just seven miles from Aviemore, you can visit our polar bear Hamish, as well as snow leopards, tigers, lynx, wildcats and more. It’s a real adventure!

Become a member and access both parks as often as you like – all while helping to save endangered species.

Members also receive free entry to 13 other zoos in UK and Europe.

10 Families Edinburgh

Don’t miss out on a visit to Fort Douglas this summer. The adventure park is full of fun for young adventurers and their adults (yes, you can play too). Scale the NEW Sky Maze with its treehouses and sky-high walkways through the trees. Climb up rope bridges, brave the invisible floor and whoosh along zip lines.

For a quieter moment, have a go at one of our additional activities which are FREE with entry! You’ll find card making, face stencilling, wand making, clay creatures and more. PLUS we have The Three Inch Fools visiting on 11th July with an open-air performance of Macbeth.

What’s more, Restoration Yard is on hand for summer holiday sustenance whether that’s breakfast, lunch, coffee, cake or a spot of retail therapy. And it’s all just a few miles from Edinburgh with free car parking and 1,000 acres of waymarked walks to explore. Epic. Visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

DEN BUILDING ADVENTURES SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT ALMOND VALLEY HERITAGE CENTRE 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.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston Admission charges apply.

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THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL – A FUN FAMILY DAY OUT

© Rob McDougall

SUMMER FUN AT THE SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE Enjoy great days out at the seaside with the five-star Scottish Seabird Centre.

There is plenty to keep the little ones entertained in the Discovery Centre, with wildlife trails, 3D films, kids-zone and fun, family-focussed daily science shows. Zoom in on amazing local wildlife with the remote viewing cameras and you can even have a sneak peek at the new exhibits planned for later in the year.

Kids will love meeting Percy the puffin in Escape!, a new puppet for kids age 2+. Older children (6+) can join Professor Egghead in his fantastic marine themed science shows, ‘Ro-bish Removals’ and ‘Medi-sea-n’.

Summer events run from 1 July to 31 August, tickets are included with admission and are free for Seabird Centre Members. Find out more about what’s on this summer on the website www.seabird.org.

Every August, the Edinburgh International Book Festival welcomes visitors to Charlotte Square Gardens and George Street, in an enchanting village of tents and walkways, theatres, cafés and bookshops.

There are hundreds of interactive events on offer for children of all ages, including hands-on workshops, fun performances and fascinating debates with authors and illustrators from around the world. Famous names this year include Julia Donaldson, Harry Hill and Malorie Blackman. There are lots of free things to do too, with daily drop-in arts and craft activities, storytelling and sing-along sessions.

The fun doesn’t stop there - you can get your books signed by your favourite authors, browse the bookshop, share some stories in the reading area, or maybe even bump in to some of your favourite book characters. Admission to the Book Festival Village is free!

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, or grab a treat from one of the cafés, bars or the famous ice-cream trike. There’s plenty on offer at the Book Festival to create a memorable day out for families.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes places this year from 10 to 26 August. You can find full details of the programme at edbookfest.co.uk/families

HAVE A BERRY MERRY SUMMER

ROBINSON CRUSOE ADVENTURES Voted as the Best Visitor Attraction in Fife and awarded Scotland's Best Family Holiday Park runner up, Elie Holiday Park is the ideal spot for a fun family day out.

Just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh the holiday park is open for day visitors too and there’s no entry charge. The fantastic Robinson Crusoe Adventure Park is the main attraction and it’s where kids can let their imaginations run wild for hours on end as they create their own castaway experiences. Surrounded by palm trees the adventure playground takes the form of a pirate ship set just a stone’s throw away from the sandy beach at Shell Bay – ideal for rock pool safaris and wildlife walks.

For grown-ups there’s a fantastic bar, family friendly restaurant and Mirador Café serving top notch classics, takeaway favourites and some of the best barista coffee in the East Neuk, plus Janettas world-famous gelato too!

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NEW FAMILY ROOM AT THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE OPENS IN JULY 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! Get your ticket stamped on your first visit and come back as many times as you like in a year at no extra cost. A great way to fill the school holidays!

Let your kids run rampant this summer in the bountiful fields of Border Berries. A family-run PYO farm full of fresh, juicy Scottish strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, red and blackcurrants which are naturally ripened in the open air. Great for tasting right away, whisking home for baking, puddings or jam – berry picking is one of life’s simple pleasures for little foragers. A picnic area and café with split-fresh baking, smoothies and homemade ice-cream, serves hungry pickers. No entry charges, just get picking!

Find us down in the Scottish Borders near St Boswells, approximately 45 miles or 1hr from Edinburgh.

Open from July until mid-August.

To plan your visit and check what’s ripe when, visit www.borderberries.co.uk

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What Shall We Do Today?

CALLING ALL MUMS AND DADS! Relish in a Sunday afternoon at One Square without having to worry about the little ones getting up to mischief.

We have partnered with Sparkle Arts to bring you a one-of-akind Sunday lunch experience which promises to keep the little ones entertained by qualified teachers in our dedicated Kids Only Zone. Sparkle Arts make learning fun with educational activities for children.

One Square is a Bar & Brasserie located in the heart of Edinburgh and well known amongst locals for offering only the freshest and most seasonal Scottish produce.

Our Kids Club will run every Sunday from 12:30pm until 3pm with a new theme every week.

Adults: £29 | Children (4 – 12yrs): £14.50 | Children 3 and under eat for free Advanced booking required. Spaces are limited. Max. 2 kids per adult. Minimum age: 3 years.

One Square, 1 Festival Square EH3 9SR T. 0131 221 6422 E. info@onesquareedinburgh.co.uk www.onesquareedinburgh.co.uk

SUMMER SPACES NOW AVAILABLE AT CLIP N CLIMB! Clip n Climb is a thrilling adventure in a vertical playground at Europe’s largest climbing arena, EICA: Ratho.

Challenge yourself with our exciting and colourful 15 climbing challenges for all abilities and ages. Whether you are 4 or 84 there’s a fun challenge awaiting all the family at Clip n Climb.

Take it easy or choose a harder route if you’re up for a challenge. Test your resolve and determination on Twister, climb against the clock on the Speed Climb, step up on the Stairway to Heaven, light up the board on the Checkerplate or take a ride on the Vertical Drop Slide.There’s no climbing experience necessary, just clip in and you are ready to climb. Reaching new heights never looked so good.

To book visit our website www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/clipnclimb

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC AT DYNAMIC EARTH ©Andy Catlin

HEAD TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND FOR THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMME 8 Jul - 2 August 12:00–16:00. Free, drop-in Join us this summer holiday for themed daily activities at the National Museum of Scotland.

Be transported to ancient Egypt and East Asia and all the way back to the moon and back as the themes change from week to week.

Saturday 29th June – Monday 26th August Join us to explore life in the Atlantic.

Play with some real and virtual underwater robots (ROV’S) and get hands-on with watery experiments!

And from 19th - 22 July you can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings at Dynamic Earth. Join us to learn the epic story of humanity’s first voyage to another world through fun, family activities and demos. Watch explosive rocket launches, zoom across the lunar surface on a VR moon buggy and even create your own astronaut mission patch badge to take home. Top off your day by heading down to our ShowDome cinema to experience the moon landings in spectacular 360 with our new movie CapCom Go!

SUMMER FUN AT CONIFOX Make some family memories at Conifox this Summer with a 9-hole Footgolf course, Pedal Go-Karts, Off-Road Pedal Tractors, Giant Jump Pillow, Trampolines, Giant Sand Pit and much more, there's something for the whole family.

And after building up an appetite come into the Stables Bistro and enjoy our delicious new menu or visit at the weekends to eat a sizzling BBQ (weather dependent).

On Saturday 17th August have an outing with a difference and come join us for a charity vintage car show boasting some unforgettable classics.

To find out more call 07968 746355 or to keep updated with all their latest event news visit: www.conifox.co.uk or on Facebook: @conifoxadventurepark

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GET HANDS ON AT THE FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

GET READY FOR AN OUT OF THIS WORLD ADVENTURE WITH SPACE CHASE

The Festival of Archaeology is a fortnight long festival which runs from 13 to 28 July 2019 and will provide opportunities for families to discover archaeology in their local area.

Events will be held across the UK at sites of archaeological and historical interest. You will be able to watch experts at work or get ‘hands-on’ by experiencing the excitement of an archaeology dig, including having a go at geophysical and topographic surveys, or taking part in actual excavations.

The festival is co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and aims to showcase the very best of archaeology for everyone.

To find events visit www.festival.archaeologyuk.org

Prepare for lift off as we travel across the galaxy on a very special reading mission: it’s the Summer Reading Challenge 2019.

Meet the Rockets! This super cool family lives on a satellite station in space. They love spending time at their local library on the Moon. The Rockets are going on a very important mission to save the missing books from these alien bandits, and they need your help!

Taking part in the Challenge is simple – when the summer holidays start, you can sign up for free at your local library.

You’ll receive your very own Space Chase mission folder to get you started.

Read six library books (or more!) over the holidays to collect special stickers to add to your folder.

Collect all the stickers to find the aliens, save the missing books and complete the Challenge.

Grab your space suit and take a giant leap into the library this summer!

Sign up at your local library. To find out more check out www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 7 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children & play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children’s play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

Anyone can organise a Playday event, whether it’s a large community-wide event or a get-together with friends and family.

Find out more information on events around Edinburgh or how to plan your own event at playday.org.uk or have a look on playscotland.org

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©Jane Miller

CELEBRATE PLAY ON PLAYDAY UK

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Families Edinburgh 13

What Shall We Do Today?

IF YOU’RE HEADING DOWN TO LONDON TAKE ADVANTAGE OF KIDS WEEK. Kids Week, the annual London theatre initiative run by Society of London Theatre (SOLT), returns in August 2019, with hit shows in the West End and beyond offering free tickets for children throughout the month. Tickets for performances throughout August were released on 11 June.

The scheme, founded to encourage more young people and families to experience the magic of live theatre, offers a free ticket to every child aged 16 or under accompanied by a full paying adult. Half price tickets can also be purchased for two additional children in the same group. There are no booking, postage or transaction fees.

Alongside the performances, children are given the chance to get involved in free workshops and activities, with participating shows offering everything from choreography and magic workshops to cast Q&As and backstage tours. Kids Week ticket holders can also take advantage of ‘Kids Go Free’ deals on dining and hotels.

For more information on tickets, activities and offers, visit officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

GO AND SEE A SHOW OR TWO! Our amazing FRINGE FOR KIDS feature begins on the next page!

FREE AND FUN ACTIVITIES IN NATURE THIS SUMMER Families magazine asked the Woodland Trust for its top pick of holiday adventures to get children active outdoors.

Create a Fairy Garden Use your imagination to design a fantastic fairy garden! You can do this indoors if it’s raining.

You will need: • A container, such as a plastic box or old washing up bowl • Earth • A collection of natural materials: small stones or pebbles, sticks, moss, leaves, and perhaps some small flowering plants.

Fill your container with earth (if you’re using living plants, put some stones in the bottom for drainage).

Use some leafy twigs to make trees.

Build a fence or little seat with sticks.

You could even make a pond by sinking a plastic cup or another small container into the earth and filling it with water.

You’re bound to think of lots more ideas once you get started…

Embark upon a Woodland Challenge Set up challenges to complete on a day out in the woods and have a competition with your family and friends. Remember to decide how many points each challenge is worth. Here are some challenge ideas: • Climb a tree (make sure there’s an adult around though!)

• Balance on a fallen tree trunk and walk along • Find three types of flower • Cross a stream without getting your feet wet • Identify three different tree species • Find some wild animal evidence – tracks, a fox or rabbit hole, some fur caught on a bush.

Tip: you can use the downloadable summer flowers ID sheet at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ for this challenge

14 Families Edinburgh

©Woodland Trust Michael Heffernman

Go on a Butterfly Hunt Summer brings with it throngs of colourful butterflies. You will find a downloadable butterfly caterpillars ID sheet at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ which you can use to hunt fluttery butterflies in woodland clearings.

If it’s too wet to go outside, why not cheer yourself up with a gorgeous butterfly mobile instead?

You will need: • several sticks of similar length • string or wire • paper – coloured, patterned, or white if you want to colour the butterflies yourself • colouring pens, glitter (optional) • a needle and some strong thread Cross the sticks over in the middle and fasten them with string or wire to make the frame.

Fold a piece of paper in two and draw half a butterfly along the folded edge. Cut around it and open it out. Repeat for lots more butterflies. Decorate them if you wish.

Attach a thread to each butterfly using the needle and tie the other end to a stick. Hang up your mobile and admire your cloud of colourful butterflies!

The Woodland Trust charity runs its Nature Detectives family offering with lots of idea to get busy and out in nature. You can post pictures on Twitter or Instagram using #NatureDetectives too or visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/ for more activity ideas. You can also find your local Woodland Trust wood at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods

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s d i K r Fo

August.

Edinburgh.

You know the drill.

Dust off your preferred method of accepting flyers, give yourself twice as long as usual to get anywhere and don’t even think about taking a buggy even slightly close to the Royal Mile!

The circus rolls into town along with theatre, and comedy, and music, and puppetry, and dance and daftness.

We will laugh, we will cry, we will gasp and we will try to pack too many shows into not enough hours.

Bring it on!

Remember to follow us on Facebook (@FamiliesEdinburghMagazine) for ticket offers and reviews during the fringe.

The Showstoppers’ Kids Show

Fringe favourites and Olivier Award-winning improvisers, The Showstoppers, take your kids' ideas and transform them on the spot into interactive musical adventures. Captain Underpants underwater? Done! SpongeBob and the Gruffalo on the moon? No worries! Kids (and only kids!) decide who we meet and where we go to create a show tailor-made to their imaginations.

'Unbelievably good' (Families Edinburgh Magazine).

'Make sure you see this show. And then go again' (BroadwayBaby.com).

'A sell out show and it's clear to see why... grab your tickets and prepare to be (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com). enthralled!'

‘Terrific, an absolute delight’ (One4Review.co.uk) 10 stars out of 5! (Rosie aged 9) 31 July – 18 August, 12noon Pleasance Courtyard www.pleasance.co.uk 0131 556 6550

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Children are Stinky Children are Stinky is an exciting award-winning children’s comedy from Australia. High calibre circus, a rocking soundtrack and genuine belly laughs have propelled this Australian made show to receive 5 star reviews and Sell-Out seasons across the world.

April Dawson and Kyle Raftery deliver a powerhouse of circus talent. Expect daredevil stunts, incredible acrobatics, lighting fast hula hoops, and loads of laughs. Innovative stagecraft combined with mischievous fun leave adults and children with their jaws on the floor hooting for more.

“S club 7 turned up to eleven buffoonery that makes this show stand out from the crowd.”

The Hook (NZ) “There is a genuine warmth and real care in their approach to involving the youngsters.”

Fringe Review (UK) Assembly George Square 1 - 26 August

Hey Diddle Diddle When the full moon shines bright there's magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play. Stay up late with flying cows, jazzy cats, laughing dogs, runaway crockery, farting sandwiches and dancing sausages as we jump and jive to the music in a brilliant new take on the classic nursery rhyme. Ever wondered how a cow jumped over the moon? Or why the dish ran away with the spoon? With original music, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration of nonsense. Hey Diddle Diddle will be on in the Piccolo Tent in Assembly George Square Gardens, which has a great play area for families.

For more info and to hear songs from the show please visit www.goblintheatre.co.uk 1 – 14 August, 10.45am (45 mins long) Assembly George Square Gardens, Piccolo, EH8 9JZ Bookings: assemblyfestival.com 0131 623 3030

SUNSHINE The inexplicable friendship of Mr.Sea & Mr.Sand A small adventure with a huge heart!

All Mr Sand wanted to do was relax and enjoy the breeze of the sea air on his skin and the sunshine on his face. Simple pleasures. However, he did not know that he would have to share the beach with someone else. Let's just say Mr Sand's day was about to be turned upside down and inside out.

Award winning Stickyback Theatre presents Sunshine: “superbly fun” (The Upcoming), “Brilliantly bonkers” (Ash Perrin) 5 star, Super silly, highly interactive, heart warming, belly laughing, joy gathering spectacular Sunshine for everyone to enjoy 1 - 25 AUG (not 12) - Underbelly Cowgate, Delhi belly 11:00am Tickets can be purchased on the Underbelly website

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I Believe in Unicorns

by Michael Morpurgo Olivier Award nominated Wizard Presents brings Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life.

This intimate five star show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books, and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas.

Tomas hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library...

An enchanting and interactive production, I Believe in Unicorns sparks imagination in both young and old.

‘Danyah’s performance is a tour de force.

The show is moving and memorable, a glorious example of the magic of storytelling. I didn’t like it, I loved it!’

Michael Morpurgo For ages 6+ 31 July – 26 August (not 14 or 19), 10.30am Pleasance Courtyard (v33) 0131 556 6550 www.pleasance.co.uk

One Duck Down

Shark in the Park Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope – but wait, is that a Shark, in the Park!? From the creative team behind ‘The Hairy Maclary show’ - see all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on Stage!

Featuring all 3 of the ‘Shark in the Park’ Series – Shark in the Park, Shark in the Dark and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day – this fin-tastic, family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on 3 exciting adventures…

George Square Theatre: 31st July - 18th August (not 14th) 10.30am www.assemblyfestival.com

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7000 rubber ducks.

Seven Seas.

One big adventure!

Inspired by a true tale (featured on Blue Planet II) that saw 7000 rubber ducks cast adrift in a mighty storm, jam packed with music, clowning and puppetry and with a set and props which are recycled from the lost and found of rubbish both on land and at sea, join us on an ocean clearup adventure that would make David Attenborough proud.

Winner of Family Show of the Year at Vault Festival 2018 (WestEndWilma.com).

31st July, 1st-26th August (Not 20th) 10:30am Pleasance Courtyard - Pleasance Above @hellofaceplant #OneDuckDown

Families Edinburgh 17

Advertorial

For Starcatchers’ and Curious Seed’s MamaBabaMe

Little Top, a magical first circus experience for babies aged 0-18 months, is at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019!

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.

Be transported into a joyous, topsy-turvy world where patterns fill the air and anything is possible.

Developed by Starcatchers (sell-out show Fringe 2018) and SUPERFAN. Audience feedback from the Little Top Spring Tour “The reaction on my “I personally felt moved to tears son’s face is a special when the lights cascaded around memory that I’ll the space while the dancer in blue treasure for life” danced… my baby’s face was beautiful – full of “A true tour wonder!” de force for this age group”

Little Top is at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019, showing 1st – 18th August, Pleasance at EICC. www.starcatchers.org.uk/little-top Part of the Made In Scotland showcase.

The Tale of Hamlet the Viking Ghosts! Murder! Betrayal!

Revenge! A treacherous uncle and mad son.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and these vikings will show you what. Horatio hires a group of viking players who, with wicked speed and foul play, enact the events that lead to the death of his dear friend and prince, Hamlet.

Little Shakespeare Company returns to the Fringe to tell the tale of a noble heart cracked, whose story must be told.

'They did a splendid job and gave an exceptionally exuberant performance' (Scotsman).

(ThreeWeeks).

For tickets please go to tickets.edfringe.com

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This year, the Pleasance Kidzone is celebrating its 10th birthday at the Edinburgh Festival!

That's 10 years of providing the best family entertainment on the Fringe, in a dedicated kid-friendly area within the famous Pleasance Courtyard.

To mark the occasion, we've got 20+ brilliant new kids shows, as well as all the usual arts and crafts on offer, plus a brand new Kidzone Cafe! Dinosaurs, dragons, unicorns, pirates, and even a bit of Shakespeare, we've got it all.

The Showstoppers are back with their completely improvised musical kids show, taking your ideas and turning them into songs. Screen favourites Wallace & Gromit will be taking over the EICC for two days only, with an extra-special film screening, accompanied by a full orchestra, as well as offering model making workshops throughout the month.

On top of that, we’ve got Michael Morpurgo’s classic tale I Believe in Unicorns, the return of last year’s hit Beetlemania, Kafka for Kids and renowned theatre company Complicite are bringing their very first family show I’ll Take You to Mrs Cole! to the Fringe for its debut outing!

Alongside our programme of dedicated kids shows, our 2019 programme is packed full of family-friendly shows throughout the day. These include astonishing circus acts from the internationally renowned Cirque Berserk, breath-taking skateboarding, breakdancing and BMX stunts from Elements of Freestyle, not forgetting an exciting new magic show from family-favourite magician Tom Brace.

Pick up one of our Pleasance Kidzone Passports to see everything on offer! We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Pleasance, the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe.

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Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science Unbelievable Science is an interactive science show for everyone aged 5+, where experiments take place right before your eyes.

Magicians, time-travellers and spiffing chaps Morgan & West have a secret past – they are legitimately qualified scientists and are bringing their knowledge to the stage for an afternoon of scientific fun!

Expect explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills, all backed up by the daring duo’s trademark wit, charm and detailed knowledge of the scientific method. Leave your lab coats at the door it’s time for Unbelievable Science!

See Morgan and West live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 4.30pm from 31st July until 25th August, at Assembly George Square Gardens. assemblyfestival.com

Cirque Berserk Britain's biggest theatre-circus spectacular returns following its smash hit sell-out Fringe debut in 2018 – book now! Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over 30 acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil stuntmen. Featuring the world's most hair-raising circus act, the legendary motorcycle Globe of Death.

'Fearless... you'll believe pretty much anything is possible' (Scotsman).

‘Insanely thrilling, happy-making entertainment' (List).

2 – 25 Aug, 1:30pm & 6:30pm most days, check website Pleasance at the EICC www.pleasance.co.uk 0131 556 6550

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Microbodyssey The hidden world of microbes come to life in an interactive tour featuring puppetry, visual theatre and original music, for ages 5+. Please keep all arms and legs inside the viewing platform and whatever you do, don’t feed the microbes!

Tatwood Puppets will take you on an unforgettable journey into the microscope to unearth the miniature monsters and curious creatures that shape our planet. Come on board the Microbodyssey voyager with your larger-than-life tour guide Brenda and friendly and forgetful lab assistant Charles, to discover multiplying bacteria, escaping viruses and dancing tardigrades.

70s sci-fi meets Jurrasic Park, Microbodyssey is an interactive, playful adventure where science is made captivating and fun.

Venue: theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall 2-24 August (not 13) at 10:00 (0hr50) Ticket prices: £9.50 / concessions £7.50 / Family £6.50.

Venue box office: 0131 510 2384 / boxoffice.surgeons@thespaceuk.com Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com Suitable for ages 5+

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike. Explore the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and howling jelly babies!

Sell-out shows in 2016-2018 and awarded one of the “Top 20 Shows to See”

by The List “The Spectacular Science Show is certainly spectacular! The hour-long show blends perfectly the balance of an educational display with entertainment and Families Edinburgh 2018 amazement.”

“Experiments that will blow your mind!”

Dark Chat 2017 Gilded Balloon at the Museum. 2 - 25 August (not 13th) 4.30pm (not 14th) 10.30am www.assemblyfestival.com

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Ogg ’n’ Ugg “n’ Dogg Winner of the coveted Primary Times Children’s Choice best play award in 2018, Theatre Fideri Fidera is back on the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new comedy.

A long time ago there were no dogs for us to be best friends with – there were wolves – but we didn’t like them and they didn’t like us. But then, in a place we now call Yorkshire, along came hunter gatherers Ogg ‘n’ Ugg to save us from doglessness. Expect rapping wolves, time travelling sticks, sabretoothed tigers and maybe – if you’re lucky – even a pat of Dogg, as our heroes pall up with the wolves and together invent the dog. Perfect festival entertainment for kids, big kids, and dog lovers of all ages, don’t miss this mind-boggling comic take on the amazing evolutionary process that transformed the wolf into man’s best friend, and all the dogs we see in the world today.

Gilded Balloon Teviot - Dining Room. 12.30 31 July - 26 August. gildedballoon.co.uk

Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids at Edinburgh Fringe This summer, record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo returns to the Edinburgh Festival with his sell-out family show celebrating the joy of creating music with the human voice.

“Beatboxers can create the sound of a full orchestra or electronic track - the drums, the instruments, the basslines and sound FX, all performed with just the voice” says Shlomo. “In the show, I teach everyone how to become a superstar beatboxer”.

Shlomo’s breathtaking vocal skills gained him international recognition as a pioneering beatboxer, plus a Guiness World Record, and the chance to work with famous musicians like Bjork, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and Lily Allen.

Join this sonic superhero at Edinburgh’s Underbelly Cowgate from July 31 Aug 18th and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged 1 or 101!

Book now & watch the amazing beatbox video: skshlomo.com/kids

Ceilidh Kids at the Fringe - Free!

Family workshop suitable for children aged 3-7 years with parents or carers, but everyone welcome, regardless of age or ability. We involve everyone: skip, clap and march together to traditional Scottish music. Enjoy discovering very simple (often simplified) dances that you might find at a ceilidh or Scottish country dance, celebrating the social aspects of dancing with a partner. CeilidhKids is all about fun for all generations. Hugely popular with local families, now it's your turn.

Bring Mum or Dad along to partner you under the chandeliers! One adult can dance with two children.

Laughing Horse at The Counting House 10:15am 1st - 13th Aug only, 11:15am 1st - 25th Aug (except 15, 20, 22) Times vary.

Aug 3-7, 9-11, 14-18 For ages 3 +

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JARRED CHRISTMAS & HOBBIT: The MIGHTY KIDS Beatbox Comedy Show Calling kids aged 5 to 100, join our MIGHTY gang! A sensational interactive show, where the worlds of comedy and beatboxing collide with electrifying results. Pick-up beatboxing tips to impress your friends, make mindblowing music, win prizes and laugh through your pantaloons!

Fantastic family fun and silliness galore, with award-winning comedian Jarred Christmas (as seen on CBBC’s Joke Machine and The Dog Ate My Homework) and world champion beatboxer & UK Loopstation Champion, Hobbit.

Nominated for ‘Best Kids Show’ - Leicester Comedy Festival.

“UTTERLY HILARIOUS” Time Out “BREATH-TAKING VOCAL PERCUSSION” Stage “ROBUSTLY FUNNY…NOT TO BE MISSED” List “ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!” Paul O’Grady Assembly Rooms - Front Room Aug 1 - 11, 13 - 24 at 3.50pm

Ned and the Whale The magical tail of Ned and the Whale begins a little like this...

With buckles and swash, this story’s awash with a mysterious odour of fish.

Though sharp as a pin, Ned’s courage was thin, for his sister was terribly mean.

She spouted great lies: 'A Kingdom of Spies will steal you and harvest your spleen!'

A fishy tail of magic and adventure. Sail away on a quest to help Ned find his courage and discover the truth behind the mysterious Kingdom of Spies. Flossy and Boo bring you their curiously spellbinding brand of storytelling. “…These women are smart, with enough observational wit and charm to cater for the whole family” Three Weeks Review theSpace @ Symposium Hall - Hill Square Gardens Times vary. Aug 3-7, 9-11, 14-18 For ages 3 +

Elements of Freestyle

An adrenaline-fuelled explosion of extreme sports, music, dance and theatre, ISH create breathtaking poetry with every movement in this spectacular show.

Elements of Freestyle is about those redeeming seconds that make a complicated trick ultimately succeed. About the freestyler's total focus, ecstasy and feeling of freedom.

In a succession of breakdance, inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, BMX and free running, the audience discovers the art behind the trick. Director Marco Gerris' (So You Think You Can Dance) show packs a wallop, making you think,

'Wow, what did I just see?' 'Sparkles with pleasure' (Theaterkrant.nl).

3 – 25 Aug, 4pm Pleasance at the EICC www.pleasance.co.uk 0131 556 6550

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Rubbish Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream Runaways. Fairies. Goblins. WATER PISTOLS!?! Look out, it’s Rubbish Shakespeare!

Following last year’s national sell-out smash, Romeo and Juliet, the madcap quartet return to Edfringe with their fresh take on the Bard’s impish tale of forbidden love and cheeky pixies: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Their plan, to stage the greatest Dream ever seen. Will they? Of course not - they’re ‘Rubbish!’ Sit back and giggle along, as these four hapless idiots fail spectacularly for an hour for your amusement.

Full of high-octane slapstick action and mischievous storytelling, this vibrant reimagining promises belly laughs for all ages - from 4 to 104! Expect a trail of wigs, bubble guns, lifesize cardboard cutouts, and a pitiful attempt at roller skating.

Praise for RubSC: “Rubbish is certainly not a word that will be uttered when the audience leave the theatre” (Families Edinburgh) (Daily Record) (North West End) (Buxton Festival Fringe)

Mr Men and Little Miss On Stage

For the very first time, join your favourite Mr. Men and Little Miss characters as they leap off the page and onto the stage – as puppets - in this beautifully crafted and hilarious live stage show!

For almost 50 years, Mr. Men and Little Misses have brought joy to millions of children all over the world through self-expression, colour, simplicity and humour.

Featuring Mr Bump, Little Miss Sunshine, Mr Tickle, Little Miss Inventor and many more, Happyland bursts to life in a series of hilarious and colourful stories told through puppetry and music.

Underbelly, George Square - Udderbelly August 1-11, 13-26 11am

Beetlemania – Kafka for Kids The smash hit of last year’s festival is back! Join the Kafkateers for their “riotously cheerful” (Chortle) show packed with stories, songs, puppets and laughter for all ages.

Join Karter, Karl, Kat and Kevin the Beetle for “An hour of sheer joy” (Scotsman) for adults and children alike. Who knew that a show about Kafka could be so much fun?

Or that a show this silly could actually be educational! No prior knowledge or interest in Kafka needed. For adults and kids alike.

“Wonderfully funny” Times “truly inspired” The List, “an hour of sheer joy” The Scotsman 31st July – 25th August (not 14), 11.45am Pleasance Courtyard, www.pleasance.co.uk Tickets £8-£12, 2-4-1 5th & 6th August, Family tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) £32/40

24 Families Edinburgh

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Little Baby Bum Join Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends at the world premiere of a brand new LIVE show.

An online and digital TV sensation, Little Baby Bum is the world’s largest educational YouTube channel with over 21 million subscribers and 20 billion views.

Combining puppetry, live action and digital animation, it’s time for families to join in the fun, sing along and dance to favourites OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM, WHEELS ON THE BUS, TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR, INCY WINCY SPIDER, THE MUFFIN MAN and loads more!

Assembly George Square - Gordon Aikman Theatre 12pm 5 - 18 August www.assemblyfestival.com

Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall Why toddle when you can dance?!

Selling out shows around the world; come find out why. DJ Monski Mouse is a hit with the under fives and their parents/carers. Expect to do some highenergy smiling to retro hits, pop favourites and thumping nursery rhymes.

'The best dance party with your under five-year-old that you've ever had... absolutely joyous' (Families Edinburgh).

'Tune after tune perfectly chosen for the youngsters... It's surely the best baby dance party in the city' (Edinburgh Evening News).

Assembly George Square Gardens - Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete 11:00am 2 - 25 Aug

Monski Mouse's Baby Cabaret Join Monski Mouse and friends: Richard Crawley, Amy Gwilliam and cabaret superstar Dusty Limits for a live musical cabaret of nursery classics, reworked song, puppetry and fun for 0-5s and parents / carers. Come ready to sing along! All the big topics covered: elephants, fish, wiggly worms, transport and the existential ways of the toddler.

Scotland premiere.

'Monski Mouse has the midas touch to create just the right atmosphere' (FamiliesOnline.co.uk, Edinburgh).

'Monski Mouse is just glorious and bright. The babies and toddlers instantly warm to her and start having fun' (Adelaide Baby and Toddler Destinations, Facebook).

Assembly George Square Gardens - Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete 11:00, 5 - 15 Aug

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Moon Dragon for Babies

The Listies: Ickypedia Australia's kidult comedians are back with a new show filled with trademark bottom-waggling anarchy! Based on The Listies best-smelling book, Ickypedia aims to answer all of life's unimportant questions, like: How do you take a smellfie? What are udderpants?* How many bubble machines are too many? What's the Snot Ness Monster? What happens if you never ever clean your room? 'If the Wiggles are the Eagles, the Listies are the Sex Pistols' (Age). Fringe total sell-outs 2016, 2017. *Pants for cows.

(Fest).

(List).

(ThreeWeeks).

(FringeReview.co.uk).

(BroadwayBaby.com). ½ (Age).

Pleasance Courtyard July 31 Aug 1-18 at 1.30. For ages 4+

This interactive show, written especially for babies aged one and under, tells the story of Bertie the Moon Dragon who misses his cue to send the Moon up into the night sky. With the help of our young audience, some very chatty owls and the most magnificent unicorn ever to have been seen on the Edinburgh Fringe, can we all pull together to save the night? This show is perfectly interactive for this age group with all senses being explored. Audience will play a range of percussion instruments and with lots of sensory materials.

Jul 31 Aug 1-13, 15-20, 22-26 Pleasance Courtyard - The Green

Moon Dragon for 5 and under Bertie the Moon Dragon is having a terrible day! Nothing is as it should be.

However, all is not yet lost, as with the help of the audience and some wonderful characters along the way to help him, Bertie can ensure that the night will be saved, and all can return just as it should be. This original preschool production aimed at under 5s is a must for families this Fringe. The audience interacts throughout the show with lights, dressing up and lots of percussion to add to the magic of the story.

Jul 31 Aug 1-13, 15-20, 22-26 Pleasance Courtyard - The Green

Captain Flinn is ready for an adventure!

Les Petits theatre company return to the high seas after their hugely successful shows David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon and Adventures in Wonderland.

The Magic Cutlass is the highly anticipated sequel based on the award-winning book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto.

When Flinn, Pearl and Tom are in the middle of their school play their old nemesis, Mr T the T-Rex, appears and kidnaps the children forcing them to hunt for the secretive Magic Cutlass; a sword that grants the holder any wish! The children are whisked away for another fantastic adventure to a world of devious dinosaurs, deep sea dangers and smelly sausages! It's all aboard, me hearties, for a real live pirate adventure!

Brought to life by Les Petits; the exciting children’s theatre company from the team behind internationally acclaimed theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles (Alice’s Adventures Underground). Jul 31 Aug 1-12, 14-19, Pleasance Courtyard

Next Issue Back to School 2019 New Terms of Clubs and Classes Independent School News and Open Days What's On

Bookings taken now. 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 26 Families Edinburgh

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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 29 June -26 August Explore Life in the Atlantic Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Join us to explore life in the Atlantic.

Play with some real and virtual underwater robots (ROV’S) and get hands-on with watery experiments!

JUNE

JULY 1 July BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby/Bump) 10.15am, 11am & 11:30am.

Venue changes: visit nationalgalleries.org Ages 0-1. Monthly informal gallery chats for grown-ups with their wee-est ones. Free, no booking.

1 - 26 July Wee Summer Mornings 10:30 – 10:55. National Museum of Scotland Throughout the galleries, Free, sign up on the day These short sessions explore themes in the museum through stories, songs, objects and simple activities.

Suitable for under 5s and their accompanying adult.

29 June – 18 August Fort Douglas Summer Holiday Activities FREE with Fort Douglas entry Get the kids outdoors this summer with a visit to Fort Douglas adventure park. Not only can you all let off some steam climbing, swinging, sliding and hiding in this magical woodland playground, this summer you’ll also find extra FREE activities in your entry fee. Have a go at wand making, card crafting, face stencilling, pebble painting and more. Each session is designed for kids with some adult help so be prepared to get (a little) messy. Most of all, HAVE FUN! More details at dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/events

29 June - 20 August Den Building Adventures Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston 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.

30 June Family Fun Day St Bride’s Centre, 2pm - 4pm, Tickets: Adults: £3, Under 16: £1 www.edinburghcarnival.co.uk A fun filled afternoon for all the family. Join in with a host of Carnival activities, including dancing, drumming, wearing spectacular costumes, making head dresses, or enjoy storytelling; finding out about traditional African instruments from South African and Zambia, performances of capoiera, contortionists and drumming.

4 July River Dipping Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

Book on 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

Let’s Travel through time!

Summer family fun at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Summer Saturdays: Hands on history Every Saturday in July and August step back to the 16th century with costumes to try on, objects to handle and fun activities inspired by the Stuart dynasty.

Interactive experiences every day Explore the Palace with our new interactive family multimedia guides, try our trails for children, and have fun inside our transformed Family Room.

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. www.rct.uk/whatson familiesonline.co.uk

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Out&About 5 July A Riot of Colour 11am - 1pm. £6 per person www.edinburghmuseums.org Create bold and beautiful pictures inspired by Lauriston’s beautiful Japanese gardens. Express yourself like you never have before. Messy results guaranteed! ALL AGES.

12 & 13 July RSPB Scotland at Lauriston Castle Free drop-in activities from 10 am - 4pm

6 July Jazzy Tiles 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Drop-in tile painting. Make your own colourful tile inspired by the vivid colours and textures in Victoria Crowe’s work.

Little perfect paintings that are fun and easy to make to brighten up your room. These are free drop-in sessions so no need to book - just come along.

14 July – 11 August Kids Cut it Out! Summer at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 2-4pm every day!

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

6 July - 8 September BRICKLIVE Ocean display Edinburgh Zoo Be amazed by our world exclusive BRICKLIVE Ocean display at the Zoo. A killer whale, hammerhead shark, giant squid and an octopus will be among over 30 life-sized marine sculptures made from more than a million LEGO® bricks.

6 July Hands on History The Palace of Holyroodhouse Also 6, 13, 20, 27 July (every Saturday) 1pm - 4pm

RSPB Scotland love nature - they're passionate about wildlife and wild places. Come along to Lauriston Castle to take part in some wildlife themed activities with RSPB Scotland and see how you can be part of saving nature!

©Andy Catlin

All ages. Artists on-hand every day to help you make your own collaged-creations, inside and out.

Free, drop-in

7 July Tanabata: Japanese Star Festival 11:00–16:00. National Museum of Scotland Free, drop-in

14 July Floral and Leaf Print Family Workshop 1.30pm - 3.30pm City Arts Centre, Edinburgh

Celebrate Tanabata with a magical family afternoon at National Museum of Scotland. Discover fascinating objects in our East Asia gallery and don't forget to make a wish and tie it to our bamboo tree. Activities feature Japanese music, storytelling, costume, performance and craft.

Inspired by Victoria Crowe’s use of floral motifs in works such as Artefacts and Magical Texts and Lilium Canidum I and her interest in botany this drop-in session will give visitors the opportunity to make their own work of art using natural materials such as flowers and leaves and paint to create botanical inspired prints. These are free drop-in sessions so no need to book - just come along.

9 July Bugs Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Track down the mini creatures and create your own 'extreme' bug £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

14 July Summer Family Day 12-4pm. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art This summer families can delve deeper into life at the 16th century Royal Court every Saturday.

Get hands-on with our replica objects, dress up as a Stuart monarch and discover fun facts about Palace life during the Renaissance.

7 July Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book www.edinburghmuseums.org 2pm, (Age 6 plus) £5 per person, with some jungle snacks included!

Come round to Lauriston Castle to go with Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on some of their greatest adventures! (Please note that, although this show is entirely family-friendly, the source material contains violent animal behaviour which might upset very small children.)

7 July Art Explorers: A Garden That Moves 1pm to 4pm (drop in). All ages.

Botanic Cottage. £3. With Greengage Arts.

Enjoy an afternoon of creative fun at the Botanics. Learn how to make a simple sculpture inspired by the Garden in summer with bees, butterflies and birds that move. You will use up-cycled materials.

28 Families Edinburgh

11 July The Three Inch Fools Present Macbeth Dalkeith Country Park FREE for 0-9 year olds. Child aged 10-18 £8, Adult £16 or Family (2+2) £40. 7pm Five actors, with all manner of musical instruments, present an inventive take on Shakespeare’s infamous Scottish play, Macbeth. The Fools do Shakespeare differently – a fastpaced, musically-driven style, using all sorts of different instruments, plenty of multi-roling and many a quick costume change along the way. They will perform on the Orangerie lawn, providing an exceptional backdrop for this special event. More details and ticket booking at dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/events 11 July River Dipping Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

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All ages. Face-painting, performances and plenty more to keep the whole family entertained. Help us kick off the summer in style!

Free, drop-in 14 July Edinburgh Festival Carnival!

Edinburgh’s city centre will be awash with music, dance and colour as the Carnival spirit arrives in town to mark the opening of the 2019 Summer Festival season.

From 2pm to 5pm, the Edinburgh Festival Carnival will present more than 800 international and local performers, taking residents and visitors to the city on a vibrant global musical journey. There will be fun and entertainment for the family throughout the afternoon, providing a free day out, thanks to the support of City of Edinburgh Council.

116 July River Dipping Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.6

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Out&About 18 July Stick Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ 101 things to do with a stick, they are awesome £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

20 July Make a Masterpiece: Fabulous Fabergé 1.30 - 3pm The Queen’s Gallery Take inspiration from one of the greatest craftsmen in Russian history – Carl Fabergé – and make your own masterpiece to take home in this special family workshop.

Parents, carers and children will work with artist Gemma Coyle. Refreshments will be included. Booking essential. © Royal Collection Trust/copyright Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2018. Photographer Jane Massey

18 July Known and Imagined World 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Be inspired by Victoria Crowe’s stunning artworks to create your own masterpiece using a variety of textures. Head out into the Princes Street gardens then spend time in the galleries sketching before making your own piece inspired by nature to take home. These are free drop-in sessions so no need to book - just come along.

19 - 22 July Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings at Dynamic Earth

July Tiny Tales Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com 0131 556 9579. £5 per child We Must Go Down to the Sea Again with Aiken Drum, with Tony Bonning. Tiny Tales is the perfect introduction to storytelling and the Centre for your wee ones. A different storyteller each month shares stories, songs and rhymes, with plenty of space for buggies and roaming around!

Ages 1-3.

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Join us to learn the epic story of humanity’s first voyage to another world through fun, family activities and demos.

Watch explosive rocket launches, zoom across the lunar surface on a VR moon buggy and even create your own astronaut mission patch badge to take home. Top off your day by heading down to our ShowDome cinema to experience the moon landings in spectacular 360 with our new movie CapCom Go! 20 July Science Saturday - Celebrate the moon landing 12:00–16:00. National Museum of Scotland.

Free, drop-ins Join us for a day of space-themed fun at the Museum. This will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969.

Call us on 0131 622 0405

21 July The Lauriston Castle Teddy Bear’s Picnic www.edinburghmuseums.org 10am - 1pm. £7 person Our teddies have been holidaying for a few years but they are back! Join us for a morning of teddy bear themed fun!

Remember to bring a picnic. We will also provide some teddy approved snacks over the morning.

Families Edinburgh 29

Out&About 23 July Fairies Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Join the 'wee folk' in the Dells as we discover the history of fairies & do some magical crafts – wings optional £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

AUGUST 1 August Survive Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Build a shelter, forage for food and learn to create fire. £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk. Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

6 August Wild Art Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Get creative with natural material & take inspiration from wild. . £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

8 August Clay Landscape Tiles 1.30 - 3pm. City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Come along to make a little clay tile inspired by the beautiful paintings of Victoria Crowe. You can add some colour when you get home. This is a free drop-in session so no need to book - just come along.

2 - 26 August Edinburgh Festival Fringe www.edfringe.com 3 weeks of arts and culture from around the world!

25 July River Dipping Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event. £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

28 July Floral and Leaf Print Family Workshop 1.30pm - 3.30pm. City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Inspired by Victoria Crowe’s use of floral motifs and her interest in botany this drop-in session will give visitors the opportunity to make their own work of art using natural materials such as flowers and leaves and paint to create botanical inspired prints. Free drop-in sessions.

3 August Hands-on History The Palace of Holyroodhouse Also 10, 17, 24, 31 August (every Saturday) 1pm - 4pm This summer families can delve deeper into life at the 16th century Royal Court every Saturday.

Get hands-on with our replica objects, dress up as a Stuart monarch and discover fun facts about Palace life during the Renaissance.

3 August Summer Magic Workshop with Edinburgh International Magic Festival www.edinburghmuseums.org 10.30am - 12pm. £7 per child, Ages 7-11 What would it be like to perform real magic? Find out this summer as you learn, create and perform your own magic at a whirlwind workshop.

4 August Art Explorers: Weave a Wonder 1pm to 4pm. All ages. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. £3 Weave a beautiful picture to show the beauty of Blanket Bogs using natural and up-cycled materials. With Greengage Arts.

Today is National Tree Day! Discover the trees of Lauriston on a magical art trail through the woods. Inspired by your discoveries, create a tree sculpture to adorn your home or garden.

9 August Sketchy Scrapbooks 10.30am - 12.30pm or 2pm - 4pm. £6 per person. www.edinburghmuseums.org

30 July River Dipping Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ

30 Families Edinburgh

Join Edinburgh Leisure for two hours of all the fun of a summer fair plus soft play at Clambers, where little ones can climb their walls and burn off all the pent-up energy, plus a disco plus a free healthy slush to keep cool.

As well as the usual fun, there’ll be all the summer fair favourites including hook a duck; coconut shy; wet sponge throwing and much more.

8 August River Dipping Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event. £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

28 July Tree Sculpture 10:30am - 12:30pm. £6 per person. www.edinburghmuseums.org

Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event. £5 per child & start at 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

8 August Summer Fair Party Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. 4 - 6pm To book: call 0131 667 7211 or in person at the venue Cost: Non-members - £10; Soft play members £7.50; 0-11 months - £5.00

Never forget your visit to Lauriston Castle! Spend time sketching our magical castle and our beautiful grounds then seal your memories in a handmade scrapbook. AGES 4+.

5 August BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby/Bump) 10.15am, 11am & 11:30am.

Venue changes, visit nationalgalleries.org Ages 0-1. Monthly informal gallery chats for grown-ups with their wee-est ones. Free, no booking.

10 August Colouring-in with Words 1.30pm - 3.30pm. City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Drop-in creative writing fun for families. Inspired by Victoria Crowe's landscapes and portraits, join poet Katy Hastie to cut and make-up poems and stories about colour. This is a free drop-in session so no need to book - just come along.

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Out&About 10 August Forces on the Forth 10am - 4pm. Free costumed re-enactment, just drop-in

11 August An Underwater World www.edinburghmuseums.org 10.30 - 12.30pm or 1.30 - 3.30pm. £6 per person

With the Great War just six days old, the men of the Forth and Tay Defences of the Territorial Force are assembling at their mobilisation bases and heading to Lauriston Castle to prevent a possible German invasion! Join Scots at War to learn about the roles part-time soldiers played in defending

Discover what lives in our wonderful pond in Lauriston’s Japanese Garden and like a scientist record what you have found in a special little book. Create your very own sailing boat to sail in the pond.

11 August Exploring Portraiture 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Make your own self-portrait using symbols, objects and colours to resemble a face or figure with individual expression inspired by looking at the Victoria Crowe exhibition. These are free drop-in sessions so no need to book - just come along.

11 August Summer Family Day 12-4pm. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art All ages Join us for one final day of art-making, music, dancing, face-painting and much more before we say goodbye to the summer!

Free, drop-in

10 - 26 August The Edinburgh International Book Festival Hundreds of interactive events on offer for children of all ages, including hands-on workshops, fun performances and fascinating debates with authors and illustrators from around the world. Famous names this year include Julia Donaldson, Harry Hill and Malorie Blackman. There are lots of free things to do too, with daily drop-in arts and craft activities, storytelling and sing-along sessions.

You can find full details of the programme at edbookfest.co.uk/families

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15 August Known and Imagined World 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Be inspired by Victoria Crowe’s stunning artworks to create your own masterpiece using a variety of textures. Head out into the Princes Street gardens then spend time in the galleries sketching before making your own piece inspired by nature to take home. These are free drop-in sessions so no need to book - just come along.

17 August SCRAN Summer Street Food Party 12noon – 6pm. See website for prices.

Dalkeith Country Park Attention all food lovers! SCRAN is a family friendly street food party. Expect a variety of amazing food from top traders, a fun party atmosphere, live music, lots of activities for the kids and a selection of market stalls. Tickets available from caimevents.com.

17 August British/Vintage Car Show Conifer Adventure Park Take a trip down memory lane and join us for a charity vintage car show boasting some unforgettable classics.

18 August The Language of Flowers 1.30pm - 3.30pm City Arts Centre, Edinburgh Make your own paper mosaics inspired by nature exploring the symbolism of flowers. These are free drop-in sessions so no need to book - just come along.

18 August Pinhole Cameras either 10am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 4pm.

Lauriston Castle £6 per session per person. Back to basics workshop where you will experiment with pinhole cameras made from whisky tubes and card. All materials provided, but if you have a cardboard whisky tube box with lid, bring it! We will be working outdoors for some of the time.

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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.