Families Edinburgh Summer issue 2023

At Water Babies, we are proud to announce the arrival of our Oceans of Imagination!

There are few things in life more important that teaching little ones how to swim. Our Oceans of Imagination puts children at the heart to give a lifelong love of swimming. This immersive programme has been built around engaging water quests and missions for little ones between 0-5 years old, to learn core aquatic skills, water safety and swimming strokes. Each week you’ll visit a different island, and with the help of our Swimvincibles; learn key swimming skills to build your little ones confidence. Cloudfish Cove is where swimming strokes rule and home to Finn where you’ll perfect your swimming strokes. You’ll visit Sculli on Floating Forest to practice your core aquatic skills. On Lighthouse Lagoon, alongside Saffi, you’ll work on everything water safety. You’ll also take a trip to Mystery Island where legend says this remote island can become whatever you want it to be! To find out more about our lessons across Edinburgh and East Lothian get in touch today waterbabies.co.uk

An app to keep track of medical and health information for the whole family.

Have you ever been in an appointment and you can’t remember details of medications, vaccinations, conditions or allergies? Do you need to have an accurate record of your own or your children's symptoms to share with a healthcare professional? Keeping track of medical information for the whole family and having it easily available is hard. Where do you store this information? In red books, on paper, in a calendar, in a file somewhere?

To solve this problem, we designed an app called KeepTrackMed right here in Edinburgh. Our app puts YOU in control of important health and medical information for you, your children, and even your pets. No more forgetting details, or spending time looking for information.

KeepTrackMed is a personal medical record app where you can enter data from different providers including medical, dental, eye, hearing, physio and more, at any time, anywhere. And it has lots of reminders to help keep you on track. See how KeepTrackMed can help you and your family organize your medical and health information, and always have it at your fingertips. Try it out for FREE for 60 days! www.KeepTrackMed.com

Three Robins

Three Robins is a new oat milk brand for families, based in Edinburgh.

Our original oat milk is barista standard, low in sugar and fortified with key vitamins and minerals – a true all-rounder that can be used by the whole family from breakfast through to bedtime!

We have recently launched our new chocolate oat milk that contains half the sugar of leading competitor brands, and is also fully fortified and made with fair trade cocoa making it a healthier everyday alternative for kids and adults alike! We don’t think switching to plantbased should mean having to miss out on taste or nutrition, and we have formulated our range with this in mind. You can buy our oat milks online for home delivery anywhere in the UK, or check out our website to find one of our café or retail stockists near you.

www.threerobins.co.uk or @threerobinsoats

For good gut health it’s got to be Real Foods

WHAT SHALL WE DO TODAY

BORDER BERRIES

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. We are open from early July until mid-August. To plan your visit and check what’s ripe when, visit www.borderberries.co.uk

ENJOY DALKEITH DAYS THIS SUMMER – YOUR WAY!

At Dalkeith Country Park there really is something for everyone. Little adventurers will love to explore Fort Douglas, the most magical adventure playground. Slides, turreted treehouses, zip wires, rope bridges, jumping pillows and climbing walls are just waiting to be discovered. If you like your family fun further from the ground, you’ll find your thrills amongst the trees. Go Ape offers 3 treetop rope courses and a brand-new family logic-game, Stumped.

Fancy a less adrenalin filled day? Nature lovers can take to our waymarked trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the historic Park at a more leisurely pace. And if a Dalkeith Day isn’t complete without a caffeine fix and ice-creams for all, a warm welcome awaits at Restoration Yard where you can eat in The Kitchen, shop happy in The Store, or takeaway treats from The Larder.

Summer Camping

Book your pitch at the perfect family campsite near Edinburgh. Dog friendly & car-free summer campsite. Open from 14 July. www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk/stay/campsite

IT’S TIME TO SAY A GIANT FAREWELL TO THE UK’S ONLY GIANT PANDAS!

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo were thrilled to extend Yang Guang and Tian Tian’s stay until 2023.

The pair have been incredibly popular and have helped to connect hundreds of thousands of people with nature. They have engaged visitors to discover more about the threats animals face in the wild and the action they can take to help. There is still plenty of time to plan a visit to Yang Guang and Tian Tian before their return to China! Each visit to Edinburgh Zoo helps create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Book now at edinburghzoo.org.uk/tickets. As part of saying goodbye to our PAWsome pair, we are thrilled to offer an exclusive opportunity for one lucky winner and guest (aged 16 and over) to win an incredible Magic Moment to feed one of the giant pandas! You can enter from just £5 for your chance to win – your donation will help make a giant difference for animals in the wild. Enter now at: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/feed-a-giant-panda-june-draw.

© Dalkeith Country Park

With the end of term rushing towards us here’s some ideas of how to spend some fab family time together this summer! As always, check whether booking is required before setting out - just in case!

GABBY ON THE GO:

A Cat-tastic Gabby’s Dollhouse Interactive Experience, inspired by the hit DreamWorks Animation preschool series.

Grab your Cat Passport and join Gabby on an a-meow-zing adventure with GABBY ON THE GO, a new cat-tastic experience full of fun FREE activities inspired by the popular animated television series, now streaming on Netflix.

Travelling to six different locations across the UK every Saturday and Sunday from 13th May until 18th June, GABBY ON THE GO brings DreamWorks Animation’s beloved series to life, inviting fans to jump inside Gabby’s fantastical, animated world filled with adorable cat characters. Board DJ Catnip’s Music Bus and grab a photo at the bubble blowing SS Mercat as you take part in an array of creative and interactive activities, collecting stamps in your Cat Passport as you move through the experience.

Don’t miss your chance to join GABBY ON THE GO on June 10 & 11 in Glasgow! For full location and times, check www.gabbysdollhouse.com/gabbyonthego Suitable for ages 3+

VISIT DYNAMIC EARTH, EDINBURGH’S WORLD CLASS SCIENCE CENTRE AND PLANETARIUM

Come and experience ‘Our world from space’ and journey through space and time to witness the story of planet Earth from beginning to mend.

Visit our galleries and explore a series of interactive exhibits and activities via state-of-the-art technology where you will feel the ground shudder as a molten lava flows straight towards your feet, face the chill of the polar ice, and fly across the globe before crash landing in a tropical rainforest.

Take part in our family drop-in activities and visit our incredible 360-degree planetarium, which has between 11 and 15 shows running daily.

You don’t need to buy a ticket for the gallery exhibitions to enjoy the café (perfect to re-charge and refuel) and don’t forget to get your picture taken at Gaia - a spectacular floating sculpture of the earth. Find out more and book tickets at www.dynamicearth.org.uk

LAURISTON CASTLE

Lauriston Castle has a summer of amazing events planned!

Make sure you book ahead. All pre-booked family craft workshops are family learning experiences and designed around the whole family working together. Price is per person and a snack is provided for everyone at pre-booked paying workshops. Why not make a day of it at Lauriston and have some lunch at Mimi’s café on site. For all events visit edinburghmuseums.org.uk for more info or for booking structured events or ring Lauriston Castle on 0131 336 2060.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

4 - 28 August

One of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet! For three weeks Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Sit down with the kids and take a look through our FRINGE FOR KIDS feature to find out about some AMAZING family friendly shows coming to Edinburgh this year.

SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES

These are a great opportunity for children to try out new activities or spend more time doing ones they already love.

Not to mention a chance to meet new friends!

Check our our SUMMER CAMPS pages later in the magazine.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

Taking place from 12-28 August 2023. Programme will be available from 14 June. Find out everything that’s going on at edbookfest.co.uk

F.A.B: FAMILY ART BASKETS

Mon 3 Jul– Sun 13 Aug, 2-4pm. Modern One. Free but ticketed.

The theme for this year is Ready, Set, Read! and is being delivered in partnership with national children's charity the Youth Sport Trust and public libraries.

This year, the Challenge aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

TAKE NATURE'S PULSEJOIN THE BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed which helps to assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies we see.

This year, the world’s biggest survey of butterflies will take place from Friday, 14 July until Sunday, 6 August.

Wee creators at the ready! Let their imaginations roam free this summer in the inspiring grounds of the Modern. We’ve got everything your little artists will need for a F.A.B day full of art. Explore, play, and make using a Family Art Basket which are FREE to use every afternoon during the school holidays. In each basket you’ll find lots of creative, fun ideas and materials to help your family create and connect together. Join us at the weekend for some extra F.A.B fun with our artist team!

There’s lots to see inside too – visit our website to plan your visit - and don’t worry if it’s not ‘picnic’ weather – we have a rainy-day art and snacks space inside.

Booking recommended to guarantee a basket – there will be some available on the day, subject to availability.

Whizzkids Computer Learning Centre

Summer Computer Courses

Summer Holiday Computer Courses

Touch-typing Scratch coding

Computer Art Raspberry Pi

Dates: 3-7 July, 10-14 July, 17-21 July 24-28 July, 31 July-4 August.

19 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh 0131 447 5893 www.whizzkids.uk.com gillian@whizzkids.uk.com

Everyone can take part. All you have to do is spend fifteen minutes in an outdoor space (including anywhere urban, not just green places and gardens) on a sunny day. Count the types and the number of butterflies, as well as some day-flying moths that you can see.

The results will help to identify where conservation action is needed most. The data is used to identify important trends in species that assists in planning how to protect butterflies from extinction and understand the effect of climate change on wildlife.

More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org

SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS,

CLUBS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

These are a great opportunity for children to try out new activities or spend more time doing ones they already love. Not to mention a chance to meet new friends!

FORTH SCHOOL OF MUSIC

We are proud to have a highly-qualified and enthusiastic team who deliver the majority of our individual lessons and group classes from our very own studio space on Newhaven Road. We offer 1:1 lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, trumpet and music theory and run a range of group classes throughout the week for both piano and singing -

Mini Musicians (age 3-4) Little Keynotes (age 4-5) Storytellers (age 6-10) Solfa (age 5-8)

We are also very excited to be offering a range of summer clubs throughout July which will take place in our studio. These include Disney, pop music and musical theatre themed singing clubs, piano parties and our Solfa classes. forthschoolofmusic.co.uk forthschoolofmusic.class4kids.co.uk

HOUSE OF JACK HOLIDAY DAY CAMPS

Ocean Terminal Centre, Leith

A fun-filled way to spend some of the summer holidays. Budding dancers and artists will explore and expand their creativity with our highly qualified teachers - with two sessions per day devoted to each of dance and art, plus plenty of games, the children will learn choreography, as well as enjoying craft projects. Lunch and snacks are included, plus a mini-show each day for parents, guardians & family!

Head to www.houseofjackedinburgh.com for more details and booking.

WHIZZKIDS

This summer, Whizzkids will be offering its four favourite computer courses for children: Touch-typing, Computer Art, Scratch coding and Raspberry Pi (Python coding). These fun and educational computer courses will run from the week commencing 3rd July to the week commencing 31st July inclusive. Children can learn useful keyboard skills using a fun and motivating program on the touchtyping course or create keyrings, cards, t-shirts, stickers and gift boxes on the computer art course. For those with an interest in coding, the Scratch course offers a great introduction with its userfriendly format and the Raspberry Pi course offers a more advanced level of coding using the Python programming language. For further information, please visit www.whizzkids.uk.com email gillian@whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

YOUNG ENGINEERS IS A LEGO CLUB SPECIALISING IN MAKING STEM EDUCATION FUN

Young Engineer summer camps take place throughout Edinburgh & West Lothian in July and August

Venues: Cramond, Meggetland, Edinburgh Academy, Musselburgh and Juniper Green. Running from 9am - 3pm, Monday - Friday. the camps are suited for children aged 6-9 years old. Your child will take part in 2 brand new Lego builds each day as well as carry out hands-on STEM experiments, play games and make crafts. Bookings can be made for the whole week or for a single day. Head to our website www.edinburgh.young-engineers.co.uk for more information about our holiday camps and after-school clubs.

© Whizzkids

SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS, CLUBS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

RUGBY TOTS

Rugby Tots Summer Camps are now available to book at our website www.rugbytots.co.uk:

Trinity Scout Hall - July 3rd to 7th and North Merchiston Club, PolwarthAugust 7th to 11th

10.00am until 2.00pm with drop off from 9.45am and pick up no later than 2.15pm

Cost is £125 for the week. Part week is also available by contacting sandra@rugbytots.co.uk

MIGHTY OAKS HOLIDAY CLUBS AT THE BOTANICS

Will your child be going into Primary 4, 5, 6 or 7 in August 2023? If so, then prepare them for a week with nature like they’ve never experienced before!

They can join our Mighty Oaks team this summer for five action packed days and explore the world of plants through trails, challenges, games, crafts and other activities – all based in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. They will learn about the plants of the Botanic Garden whilst growing new skills, having fun and making new friends. There are four weeks to choose from and the cost is £225 per child: 10th to 14th, 17th to 21st, 24 to 28 July and 31st July to 4th August For more details visit https://www.rbge.org.uk/holidayclubs

BOOKING NOW Summer Holiday Clubs

DRAMA STUDIO SUMMER CLUBS AND TERM-TIME CLASSES

At our popular Summer Clubs students will meet new friends doing drama, art and craft, puppets, performing, costumes, ball and parachute games, and outside activities. Term classes are at Fairmilehead, Liberton, Bruntsfield, Wardie and Stockbridge for creative students who love to express themselves.

Go to www.thedramastudio.com  for more info and to register for HOLIDAY CLUB or CLASSES Or call 07702 869 514 e-mail info@thedramastudio.com

A great time guaranteed!

Inspired by the Descendants 24 July – 28 July 2023

DN Studios, South Gyle, EH12 9EB

Inspired by Mary Poppins 31 July – 4 August 2023

DN Studios, South Gyle, EH12 9EB

31 July – 4 August 2023

Dalmeny Church Centre, EH30 9TT

Inspired by Mary Poppins

SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS, CLUBS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

DN DANCE SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS

Welcoming boys and girls from 5-12 years old, our Summer Holiday Clubs at DN Studios in South Gyle and South Queensferry are inspired by Descendants the Movie and Mary Poppins the Musical. Running from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, our holiday club weeks are filled with acting, singing, craft, dance and games. Everything we do throughout the week goes towards a fabulous musical theatre performance for parents to watch on the last day.

A rewarding week not to be missed. www.dndance.co.uk

MIX UP THEATRE

Mix Up Theatre provides an amazing opportunity for children and young people to have a packed week of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival experience.

A weeklong adventure of drama skills workshops from clowning, comedy, dancing, puppetry, circus and acting!

The students get the opportunity to meet and work with special guests and theatre companies from the festival. There are several theatre trips throughout the week also.

Based on the Pleasance, our Fringe Festival Summer Camp week runs Monday 31st July – Friday 4th August. Mornings / Afternoons / Full Days available. Ages 5-16.

To register and for more information visit: www.mixuptheatre.com mail: info@mixuptheatre.com or call: 07720861796

We sell out quick so register your interest soon and get ready for a packed fun week of Mix Up Theatre!

DOODLES

July workshops at Doodles 3pm till 5pm. 8+ need participating adult, 12+ can stay alone.

Monday 3rd pinched plant pot £30pp.

Friday 7th round mirror £30 pp

Monday 10th coil pot £30pp

Friday 14th pinched mug £30

Please call 0131 229 1399 to book and check website for more information

www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

DISCOVER RUGBYTOTS

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. For more details, just call or email: 0345 313 3252

kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk

THE EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY

The Edinburgh Dance Academy Summer School will run from Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August 2023 from 9.00am - 2.00pm daily. EDA Summer Schools have been running for over 13 years and 2022 was just fantastic with over 100 dancers in attendance.

There was so much laughter, great friendships forged, fabulous choreography and lasting memories made. So many HAPPY dancers at the end of each day. The week is jam packed with workshops in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Commercial, Acro and Musical Theatre all finishing with a fabulous showcase of all the children have learned during their week with us. The EDA Summer School is split into 4 groups by age: P1 - P3, P4 - P7, S1 & S2, S3+ and is open to everyone and to all dance abilities. Please call 0131 3344299 or email hello@eda.scot to book!

SUMMER OUTDOOR CLUB AT DYNAMIC EARTH

Does your child love to be outdoors, exploring the natural world? Then they’ll love the jam-packed programme of adventure, learning and games at the Summer Outdoor Club at Dynamic Earth. Children will explore Holyrood Park with our team of scientists, with an exciting programme of activities designed for ages 7 to 12. They’ll spot local wildlife while learning about habitats, investigate weather conditions, and identify ecosystems. They’ll get hands-on and crafty too, as they learn about sustainability and conservation. Each day will be themed around a different topic in Earth, environmental science and sustainability. Summer camp will run Monday –Friday for four weeks. Activities start at 10am with drop off from 8.30am. Pick up is between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. £200 per child, for five days.

Week one:

Monday 10 – Friday 14 July

Week two: SOLD OUT

Week three:

Monday 24 July –

Friday 28 July

Week four:

Monday 31 July –

Friday 04 August

Book now at www.dynamicearth.org.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme rugbytots.co.uk

SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS, CLUBS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

DANCE FOR ALL

Dance For All’s popular Summer School is a fun-packed week of dance and musical theatre.

“DFA has helped my daughter’s self-confidence enormously.” –Sophie, mum to 11yr old pupil.

Dance For All, nurtures pupils aged 3 - 18yrs to enjoy and excel in the finest dance genres, including RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern, SDS Flamenco, Jazz, Contemporary and Acrobatic dance. Principal, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of expert staff in delivering professional dance training and over 70 weekly child, teen and adult classes (beginners to advanced).

Book DFA’s Summer School on danceforall.co.uk or call 0131 226 5533.

SUMMER CAMPS AT LORETTO

Our popular Summer Camps are back in 2023. Rock and roll or pop ‘til you drop in our Rock and Pop Camp where at the end of the week, our future musical superstars will have the opportunity to perform to parents and guardians. Or, let those creative minds run free at our Junior School Art Studio where using a range of materials and techniques, our budding artists will make art they are truly proud of.

For children who love sport, join our Hockey Camp led by former Scotland player Rory Kerr. This jam-packed and high energy hockey camp is for children of all abilities. Alternatively, kickstart the rugby season at our highly rated rugby camp designed and led by ex-Scotland Captain, Jason White, and Cyprus International Coach, Andrew Binikos.

Visit our website to book your place and dive into the range of sports and activities we have on offer. All are welcome.

www.loretto.com | camps@loretto.com | 0131 653 4409

fringe for kids

Not long to wait until Edinburgh explodes into the annual August ball of creative energy! Sit down with the kids and take a look through the next few pages and choose which AMAZING family friendly shows you’re going to go to this year!

Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants TerriblesA Gameshow For Awful Children

Winner: Best Kids Show 2022 – UK Kids Comedy Festival / Leicester Comedy Festival.

Top 10 Children's Fringe Shows (Scotsman).

Top 5 Kids Shows 2022 (Fest magazine)

The wild interactive game show returns, where kids get to be pests, politicians and petomanes to be crowned the most awful child. See what happens when international insouciance meets infantile exuberance.

'Fresh, accessible and hilarious' (The Guardian).

'Very funny, quick-witted and exceedingly sharp' (British Comedy Guide).

'A real highlight of Edinburgh Fringe for the whole Horne family. Très funny' (Alex Horne of Taskmaster).

Assembly George Square - Piccolo Tent

Aug 2 - 21, 14:55

Chevalier - Hobbyhorse Circus

Chevalier - Hobbyhorse Circus is an irresistibly charming homage to the circus horses and the silent movie era. Inspired by the history of traditional horse circuses, the skillful ringmaster performs acrobatics and juggling with a magnificent cast of hobby horses.

As the horses take centre stage on the small manege, part of the story is told in short silent movies. The artist’s innovative and playful work with the hobby horses brings the magic of circus alive!

The show won the Finnish Children’s and Youth’s Theatre Award in 2021. RHC’s Super Sunday was a Total Theatre Award nominee of 2019 EdFringe.

Assembly George Square Studios, Studio One 03-27 Aug | 12:00

rhc.fi/chevalier assemblyfestival.com

fringe for kids

Who Stole My Hammer?

Who were the vikings? Where did they come from? And most importantly… what stories did they like at bedtime? Explore the wacky and wonderful world of viking legends in this storytelling adventure!

Join Myth-fits for a mischievous tale and help Thor, the god of thunder, on a quest to retrieve his stolen hammer from a mysterious villain. Will Thor and his friends find it before the hammer can be used for evil? Or will their elaborate plan fail? This lively and engaging show introduces norse mythology to children (and grown-ups) through imaginative, playful performance. It is a comedic and informative journey through history with colourful props and costume to spark young imaginations.

Myth-Fits specialise in storytelling theatre for families. All are welcome to join their unique, light-hearted and playful exploration through mythology.

Expect fun facts, audience interaction and plenty of magical mayhem for families to enjoy.

Underbelly Bristo Square

2 - 28 August (not 14) 11.30am

Tales from a Haunted Bookshop

A spooky show of terrible tales, bothersome books and gruesome goings on!

The Haunted Bookshop has a story for everyone. Everyone, that is, with an appetite for the ghastly, the ghostly and the down right grizzly. Miss Cordelia Hemlock has tasked her assistant, Ransome Squelch, with traveling the world and snatching despicable stories to be lovingly bound into books. If you're lucky, the frankly frightening pair might even share some of them with you. It'd be their pleasure... or perhaps their curse.

A weird and wonderfully dark show for horrid children and irresponsible adults.

Gilded Balloon - Teviot

2 - 20 August (not 16) 11am

The Alphabet of Awesome Science

Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet — where sesquipedalian words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises! It's a tongue-twisting race from A to Z that's equal parts explosive, messy, hilarious, fascinating and gross. Brace yourself for an hour of carefully crafted alphabetical, scientifical (award-winning!) chaos — that floats, flies, squirts, sprays, ignites and erupts!

“It’s a fast-paced, entertaining and eye-opening show that left the kids and I looking at each other in disbelief and clapping with joy after nearly every letter reveal. ***** See-Do-Eat-Review

“If I could give it six stars I would.” ***** The Advertiser

Winner: Science at the Fringe Award 2021, Best Kids and Family 2021 & 2019 — Adelaide Fringe Festival

Underbelly — George Square 2nd — 28th August (not 14th, 21st) 14:15 0131 510 0395 underbellyedinburgh.co.uk

Madame Chandelier's Opera Party for Kids

Dazzling divas!

Dramatic death scenes!

Hilarious high notes!

Experience opera's greatest hits and learn about the characters, in this interactive introduction with Madame Chandelier. Will you meet an evil queen who sings way too high, a princess who can't stop crying, or a priestess who's always on fire? Anything could happen at the opera party and you're invited.

Praise for previous work: **** Observer **** Scotsman **** North West End ***** Musical Theatre Review

Pleasance Courtyard - The Green

2 - 15 August 2.30pm

The Pleasance Kidzone is back for Fringe 2023

Celebrating twelve years at the Pleasance Courtyard, with a venue specifically designed to house a huge range of exciting new shows. Plus we've got all the usual arts and crafts activities available in our weather-proof pods, and delicious food and drink from the Kidzone Cafe on the Green!

Our Kidzone is your one-stop-shop for family entertainment on the Fringe this summer, with a whole load of brilliant kid-friendly shows to discover.

Find out what else is going on at Pleasance.co.uk. Tickets on sale now!

fringe for kids

PG Hits

The perfect way to bring the whole family together at the Fringe!

PG Hits is a professional stand-up comedy club that has entertained audiences in Edinburgh Fringe, the Australian comedy festivals, and the Brighton Fringe to rave reviews.

Four top comedians who usually perform at comedy clubs up and down the country perform the same sets that they'd usually do - with just one difference - no rude bits!

A perfect way for children aged 8+ to experience the thrill of live stand-up comedy, and an opportunity to bring family members of all sensibilities together for a relaxed, friendly and wholesome lunchtime performance. Guaranteed laughs, and a great opportunity to discover your new favourite comedian.

PG Hits is an accessible Fringe institution. Tickets are £12.50, but audience members are welcome to pay a lower price if this is not affordable.

Laughing Horse - Bar 50 Garden Room

3 - 27 August

Brotipo

Two clown friends plan to put on a show but Dede goes off the idea – can Tibeh get him to change his mind?

Canadian “masters of slapstick” (The Scotsman) and multiple international award-winners Les Foutoukours make a welcome return to the Edinburgh Fringe with Brotipo.

It’s a hit show packed with comedy, fabulous tricks and superb acrobatics – plus singing, dancing and bright costumes.

Non-stop entertainment for children and families, it’s a fast-paced colourful show about the value of friendship and the importance of learning to work together.

There’s lots of laughter as the audience follows the clowns through the ups and downs of their relationship –and the even bigger ups and downs of their acrobatics, handstands, diabolo displays and balancing acts.

Assembly George Square – Piccolo

13:30 Aug 3-13, 15-20, 22-27

fringe for kids

FailFailFailFailWin

Family comic theatre and circus show... for humans. Mark and Loz are circus performers. But circus is really hard. FailFailFailFailWin is about not hiding all the "try"s you did that didn't work.

A cast of puppet friends: Professor Steven Chimpington – scientist, raconteur, critic; Colin the Crab – anarchist, physical theatre practitioner (Lecoq trained); oh, and of course El Diablo – Mexican wrestler and CBT coach. Featuring such fails and possibly wins in diabolo, juggling, hula hoop, skipping rope and an attempt to spin eight real Verdagen IKEA plates, retail value £2. Total economic jeopardy = £16. Plus shipping. Assembly Checkpoint 03-15 Aug 13:20

Science Adventures: Deep Sea

Head to the bottom of the sea for a dramatic aquatic adventure!

Join Professor Flotsam and Dr Wright in their brand new submarine as they look for the strangest creatures in the deep, learn about looking after the oceans and hear some of their favourite sea stories!

The show explores the importance of protecting our coast and oceans through puppetry, animation and storytelling whilst fostering a love of science and literature.

Pleasance Courtyard - The Green

2 - 20 August (not 16) Midday

fringe for kids

The Greatest Magic Show

This multi-award-winning, sell-out sensation of the past four years is headed back to Edinburgh for the Fringe this Summer - with more whimsical wonders than ever before!  Having garnered international acclaim with sell-out seasons in Perth, Adelaide, Edinburgh and New Zealand, the stars Sam and Justin will be once again hitting the stage with brand-new illusions direct from a Las Vegas stage!

WINNER Best Children's Show 2019 Sydney Fringe, 2020 Fringe World Weeklies, 2022 Melbourne Magic Festival AND 2023 Adelaide Fringe Weeklies.

Joining them will be the enchanting Ringmaster, who after searching far and wide, has finally found The Greatest Magic Show – and will do everything he can to keep it on track!

As an added bonus, every child who attends the show will receive a FREE MAGIC WAND on entry and have their chance to take a photo with the stars of the show after the performance!

'A rollicking roller-coaster

Australian

'This was the best show ever!’ ***** Glam Adelaide 'There was a smile on every face, adult and child!’ **** Perth School Holidays

This show will sell out, so book early!

‘Raucous, Energetic and Entertaining!’ **** Theatre Weekly

‘This is the show to see!’ **** Entertainment Now ‘There are very few shows today with this level of production and genuine, vested interested in teaching positive life lessons’ **** Entertainment Now

Assembly George Square Gardens - Palais du Variete 2 - 28 August (not 16 or 21) 14.30

The Dark Room For Kids!

You and your family are stuck inside a live-action videogame! How will you escape?!

Will you:

A) Find the light switch?

B) Go north?

C) Explode in a shower of stinking guts?

The Dark Room for Kids is an interactive adventure, featuring terrible prizes and total mayhem!

Hosted by improv overlord Mr John Robertson, The Dark Room for Kids takes John’s successful, sell-out and award-winning adult game show The Dark Room, cleans up the language a little, and lets the whole family enjoy a wild, anarchic, bean-flinging game show – And the spectacle of a grown man in a silly costume screaming at your kids. This show is recommended for 11+ but younger kids are welcome. There may be some mild language but it's more like Roald Dahl than YouTube. Gilded Balloon Teviot 02-27 August17:30 Find out more and book tickets at gildedballoon.co.uk

ride!’ ****½ The West

fringe for kids

Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret

Join Monski Mouse and her super talented friends, for a live musical sing-a-long cabaret of nursery classics, song, puppetry and bonkers fun for 0-5s and their parents. All the big topics covered: elephants, fish, wiggly worms, transport and the existential ways of the toddler.

'Moments of utter beauty' ***** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine).

'A delightful way to spend an hour' **** (Edinburgh Families Magazine).

'We love baby cabaret' (Bubbles the Mermaid, CBeebies). 'At the #Fringe with a toddler?

Recommend Monski Mouse Baby Cabaret' (Al Murray, Twitter).

Assembly George Square Gardens - Palais du Variete 8 - 11, 15 - 18 and 22 - 25 August 10.40am

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall

Why toddle when you can dance? Join DJ Monski Mouse and her dancers for this multi award-nominated, epic session of bopping, bonkers, beautiful fun. Expect high-energy smiling to retro beats and thumping nursery rhymes. Get your discodancing booties on!

Best of Kids Award Sydney Fringe nominee, 2022.

Best Family Entertainment nominee, Hoop Award Edinburgh. *****

'Best. Time. Ever' (Edinburgh Families Magazine). *****

'If you have a kid under five, get them to this show. Now' (KidsinAdelaide.com.au).

Assembly George Square Gardens - Palais du Variete 5 - 6, 12 - 13, 19 - 20 and 26 - 27 August 10.40am

Inside the Robot: Kids vs Chaos!

The world's only theatrical escape room! You are crew on a giant robot that’s helping to save the Earth…but everything has gone wrong! Help! The show’s stunning visual effects and immersive interactive technology mean kids aged 5 to 95 will be enthralled in this thrilling, educational and hilarious spectacular! With entertaining STEM based challenges and a big new story for 2023 – fans of puzzles, games and silly dances can't miss this unique Fringe experience. The robot and Earth need your help so come see us in the iconic Big Caves venue like you have never seen it before!

Just the Tonic at the Caves 13:30 August 3rd - 20th (not 14th) https://insidetherobot.show

We LOVE sharing everything that is going on in and around Edinburgh with you every issue but please remember to check with the venue before setting out just in case anything has changed. All details are correct at the time of going to print but as we've all learnt over the last couple of years - things can change!

JUNE

Feel the wow-factor at the UK’s only 360degree, 6K Planetarium. Join us to experience an awe-inspiring variety of shows, exploring everything from the big bang, to super volcanoes and to the deepest depths of our sea-beds. www.dynamicearth.org.uk

3 June A Day with the Trust Newhailes

Join us at Newhailes to find out about all the amazing work that the NTS do!

We have a whole day planned for you, learn from our experts, from our conservators and archaeologists to our gardeners and curators. You will have the opportunity to see first-hand to see what goes into caring for our buildings and landscapes with a variety of workshops and talks for children and adults.  You can even take part in an archaeological dig! Book tickets via Eventbrite

4 June Sensory Friendly Sundays for Families (autism and learning disability friendly) Portrait Gallery, 10.30-11.30am

Regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly mornings for children with additional support needs, including autistic children and those with learning disabilities. Come along to make art and play together. Free but ticketed.

4 June World Environment Day - Minibeasts. Lauriston Castle, 10.00am – 15.00pm

Meet in our castle courtyard by Mimi’s café. Go on a minibeast hunt in the grounds of Lauriston and find out why these tiny creatures are so important to our environment. Meet in castle courtyard by Mimi’s café. With Lauriston Castle Staff. Free and drop-in.

5 June BYOB

(Bring your own baby/bump)

Modern One, 10.15am, 11am and 11.30am. Babes in arms gallery tours for new, and expectant, parents/carers. Join us for informal art chats in the gallery. This month, we will explore the grounds of the Modern and discuss our wonderful sculptures. Stay for a free tea or coffee in our learning space and a play for your wee one. Suitable for ages 0-1. Free, drop-in.

4 June World Environment Day –Castle Bug Day

Lauriston Castle, 13.30pm & 15.00pm

£8 Adult/£6 Concessions

Join one of our Castle Tours and complete a special trail about some of the bugs inside the castle and find out why some are more welcome than others. With Lauriston Castle Staff. Booking required.

Year round Planetarium Dynamic Earth

OUT&ABOUT

10 June Art Stomps  Modern One, 11am-12:30pm. Outdoor art stories and feel-good art-making for wee ones aged 2-5 and their grown-ups. Free but ticketed.

17-18 June, Awesome Bricks

National Museum of Flight 10.00-17.00pm Ticketed. Advance booking required.

Our hands-on celebration of all things LEGO is back with a wealth of things to see and do. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO constructions, including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in our blue brick build zone.

24 June International Fairy Day

Lauriston Castle, 10.00 – 12.00pm

£5 per person

10 June Clay Wildlife Tiles and Pots of Sun Lauriston Castle, 11.00 – 13.00pm £5 per person.

Come along and make a clay tile inspired by our gorgeous gardens. You can depict wildlife, trees, leaves, or the seashore. Plant a terracotta pot with a sunflower seed and watch it grow! Booking required.

18 June Father’s Day at the Castle

Lauriston Castle, 11.00am & 13.30pm & 15.00pm

£8 per family

Make a Father’s Day card to surprise Dad, who will be whisked off on a tour of the castle while you create your masterpiece.

19 June & 21 June Buzz! Flutter! Click! National Museum of Scotland, 10:30am & 14:00pm (30 mins)

Adventure Planet Level 5 Free, limited numbers: sign up on the day. 2 – 4-year-olds plus accompanying adult. Bring your little one along for an interactive session all about insects.

Come (in costume if you like) to our special grotto and listen to stories while making a natural fairy wand then do a fairy trail around the grounds. If you could cast any spell, what would it be? With Lauriston Castle Staff.

10 & 11 June, GABBY ON THE GO

A Cat-tastic Gabby’s Dollhouse Interactive Experience, inspired by the hit DreamWorks Animation preschool series.

Grab your Cat Passport and join Gabby on an a-meow-zing adventure with GABBY ON THE GO, a new cat-tastic experience full of fun FREE activities inspired by the popular animated television series, now streaming on Netflix. Don’t miss your chance to join GABBY ON THE GO when it comes to Glasgow!

For full location and times, check www.gabbysdollhouse.com/gabbyonthego

23 & 24 June Brilliant Bugs

National Museum of Scotland, 13:30 – 16:00pm (23rd) 11:00 – 15:00pm (24th)

Free Drop-in. All ages

Get close-up to inspect some incredible insects and learn more about our crawly, buzzy, fluttery friends at our Spark Carts in the Grand Gallery.

24 June Your Art World Modern One, 11am-12.30pm.

Free but ticketed.  Ages 6 - 12

Keen to get creative? Our artist duo have some creative games up their sleeves to encourage your family to experiment, play with ideas and materials in the gallery.

24 June A Bug’s Life film screening

National Museum of Scotland, 11.00am

£3. Enjoy a family friendly screening of A Bug’s Life at 11:00 with a special pre-recorded introduction by Entomology Curator

Ashleigh Whiffin, looking at the real lives of bugs and what the film gets right and what it doesn’t.

call us on 0131 229 1399 FESTIVAL SUMMER CAMP

to book your painting session

FRINGE

A week of drama workshops & theatre trips

www.doodlescotland.co.uk

27-29 Marchmont Cres EH9 £20 deposit required

Ages 5-6

Ages 5-16

Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August

Mornings / Afternoons / Full Days

Pleasance – Edinburgh EH8 9TF

Tel: 07720 861796

Email: info@mixuptheatre.com

www.mixuptheatre.com

3 July – 13 August

F.A.B: Family Art Baskets

Modern One, 13.00 – 16.00pm.

Free but ticketed.

Wee creators at the ready! Let their imaginations roam free this summer in the inspiring grounds of the Modern. We’ve got everything your little artists will need for a F.A.B day full of art. Explore, play, and make using a Family Art Basket which are FREE to use every afternoon during the school holidays. Booking recommended to guarantee a basket – there will be some available on the day, subject to availability.

3 – 31 July Family Bonus Boxes!

National Museum of Scotland

10:00-16:30pm Free, drop-in

We’re trying out some new sensory and play boxes to add to the family experience in some of our galleries. Explore as many as you can and let us know what you think! Visit the Grand Gallery on the day for more information on where to find them.

4 July Fairy Training at Lauriston Castle Lauriston Castle, 11.00am, 12.00pm & 14.00pm. Booking Required.

The Fairy Godmother needs some boys and girls help to enchant the grounds at Lauriston Castle! In these magical, interactive, 45 minute sessions, Children will be welcomed into the beautiful Willow Fairy Den by the Fairy Godmother who uses storytelling, rhyme and creative activities to encourage imagination, kindness and a whole lot of fun.

6 – 8 July Join-in Jellyfish

National Museum of Scotland, 14:00 – 16:00pm. Learning Centre Level 4. Free, drop-in.

We need to make 120 jellyfish from waste plastic bottles. Can you help? Your jellyfish will become part of Bottled Ocean, an amazing art installation on show at the Museum from 12 August.

8 July Wellness at Newhailes

Are you ready for the most relaxing, inspiring, fulfilling day of the year?

Newhailes bring you this wonderful event in partnership with the amazing team at East Lothian Wellbeing Collaborative. In the privacy of the back lawn of Newhailes House. We have gathered some of the best Wellbeing practitioners in East Lothian and Edinburgh to bring you a day of Talks, Workshops, Meditation, Yoga, Pilates, Stalls, Food and more. Your General Admission ticket includes all the fabulous talks and workshops, access to the relaxation area, stalls, food and drink.

15 July – 1 August Curiosity Club

National Museum of Scotland

10:30 – 12:00pm & 14:00 – 15:30pm

Age 7 – 11. £10/£9. Booking required

Exciting, hands-on sessions for curious kids aged 7 – 11.

22 July International Moon Day

Lauriston Castle, 10.00am – 12.30pm

Meet in our castle courtyard by Mimi’s café. Free and drop-in.

Celebrate International Moon Day with us. Make your own puffy painted moon complete with craters, and some glittery moon rocks to display with it. With Lauriston Castle Staff.

29 July Repair Café

National Museum of Scotland, 10:30-13:00

Seminar Room, Level 4. Free drop-in – first come first served.

Bring along your damaged or broken clothing and textile items to be mended by the experienced sewers from the Edinburgh Remakery and get some sustainability tips.

8 July

The Lauriston Castle Teddy Bear’s Picnic Lauriston Castle, 10.00am – 13.00pm. £7 per person

Our teddies have been holidaying for a few years, but they are back! Join us for a morning of teddy bear themed fun including stories, games and art! Remember to bring a picnic.

9 July, Sensory Friendly Sundays for Families (autism and learning disability friendly) . Portrait Gallery, 10.30-11.30am.  Free but ticketed.

Regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly mornings for children with additional support needs, including autistic children and those with learning disabilities. Come along to make art and play together.

11– 12 July Just Sew You Know

National Museum of Scotland, 10:15 – 13:15pm Age 8 – 13. £30/£27. Booking required. Learn the basics of hand and machine sewing with the Edinburgh Remakery in this hands-on workshop.

10 – 14 July What, wear, when?

National Museum of Scotland, 11:00 – 15:00pm Grand Gallery Level 1. Free, drop-in Join our Engagement team for some drop-in activities exploring clothing and sustainability.

NEXT ISSUE: BACK TO

29 June – 27 August

Our World From Space Dynamic Earth

Come and experience ‘Our World from Space’ with a variety of fun, family drop-in activities. Learn all about satellites, and how we use them for conservation, from tagging whales to tracking penguin poo! You’ll explore with virtual reality and get crafty, building your very own satellites – all for free!

29 June – 27 August, Earth’s Epic Journey from Beginning to Mend

Dynamic Earth. Year-round experience. Visit our galleries and explore our interactive exhibits, where you will feel the ground shudder as lava flows towards your feet, face the chill of the polar ice, and fly across the globe before crash landing in a tropical rainforest.

www.dynamicearth.org.uk

OUT&ABOUT

30 July International Friendship Day

Lauriston Castle, 11.00am, 13.30pm or 15.00pm

Celebrate International Friendship Day with us. Everyone who buys a Family Tour Ticket for £20 (2 adults and up to 3 Children) or £12 (1 Adult and up to 3 Children) will be able to bring along a friend for free! Let’s spread a little joy! Booking required.

30 July Doghailes Newhailes.

Doghailes is back, our fun dog event for all the family! Enjoy some welldeserved family time together and bring your four legged friend along. With fun competitions, shopping, food & drink, and lots of have-a-go activities for your dog…don't miss a great day out! Book your categories online.

AUGUST

2 – 28 August The Greatest Magic Show!

Assembly George Square - Palais du Variete

Returning to Edinburgh with more whimsical wonders than ever before! Join Sam, Justin and The Ringmaster in this family friendly spectacle filled with side-splitting comedy and incredible illusions! Plus a FREE MAGIC WAND on entry!

4 – 28 August The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

One of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet! For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe.

6 August Sensory Friendly Sundays for Families (autism and learning disability friendly).

Portrait Gallery 10.30-11.30am. Free but ticketed. Regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly mornings for children with additional support needs, including autistic children and those with learning disabilities. Come along to make art and play together.

12 – 28 August, The Edinburgh International Book Festival Programme will be available from 14 June. Find out everything that’s going on at edbookfest.co.uk

15 August Back to School

Lauriston Castle, 10.30am - 12.30pm or 13.30pm - 15.30pm

£5 Each, just drop-in. Meet in our castle courtyard by Mimi’s café. Pop in to decorate a cute tote bag to carry your sandwiches, indoor shoes or anything else you might need for the new school year. Decorate it yourself to guarantee no-one in your class will have the same one! With Lauriston Castle staff.

27 August Carhailes 2023 is here

Once again, all your favourite cars, old and new, will be gracing Newhailes estate. A day for the whole family. We will have the Fire Brigade, Police and RNLI all visiting. As well as car clubs with their amazing selection of classics. And again, there will be judging on the vehicles with rosettes for the best.

With excitement from Clan Stunt, with their awe-inspiring bike displays throughout the day.