Families Edinburgh July/August 2015

Free ISSU July/ E 91 Aug 2015 ust

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Welcome to the July/August issue of Families Edinburgh!

We’re all about keeping you and your wee one/s busy and entertained this summer. There’s loads to choose from - family days out, summer camps and classes for the kids, festivals and fringe shows to pull just a few from a hat (oh yes, and magic too!)

Remember to keep an eye on our Facebook page and our Whats On calendar at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/whats-on as events and offers pop up all the time.

Happy Summer! Sarah

What’s inside...

3–7 8–9 10 – 15

News and Views Parent to Parent Summer Camps and Activities

16 – 19 20 – 33 34 – 39

Summer Days Out Fringe For Kids (and families!)

Out and About

Get in Touch editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk @FamiliesEdinbur www.Facebook.co.uk/FamiliesEdinburgh www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk or call us on 0131 622 0405 Families Edinburgh is designed by Kenny Dickson

On the Cover

Next Childrenswear Stockist Number : 0844 844 8939 or 0844 844 8000 www.next.co.uk

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Jan Hunter, Child Sleep Advisor If a child develops good sleeping habits the whole family benefits immensely and children who sleep soundly are calm and contented.

Jan is a qualified Nursery Nurse with a SNNEB in Education and Childcare with over 21 years of experience working in both Education and Healthcare settings.

This includes 10 years within a nursery environment, educating and meeting the care needs of children aged 3 to 5. For the last 11 years Jan has been working for the NHS in Scotland in the area of health and child development from birth to five years, with a particular focus on the challenges relating to the sleep patterns of babies and young children.

She is also a proud mum and grandmother.

“I can offer you a tailored approach on how to get your child to sleep in your own home”.

Initial home visit To establish a history of your child’s sleep pattern and routine. Jan will then develop a tailored sleep plan for you and your child.

Follow up phone call This usually happens after your child’s sleep plan is in place.

2nd home visit (Optional) Should you feel a follow up is required after your child's sleep plan has been established.

Email and telephone support Within the two week period, after the first initial visit.

Jan Hunter - Child Sleep Advisor Phone: 07875 038723 Email: jhunter1960@hotmail.co.uk

Ben and Holly

Next Issue: Back to School School News, Open Days and Children’s Health Booking deadline - July 27th 2015 Call to book your space - 0131 622 0405

Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom returns to the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July!

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live on stage!

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. www.edtheatres.co.uk/benandholly

Win a Family Ticket (4 tickets) on Saturday 11 July at 4pm plus the chance to meet Ben and Holly after the 4pm Performance - enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

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How to cope with first day nerves (yours and theirs).

By Liat Hughes-Joshi Reduce the chances of wobbles at the classroom door with our starting school tips.

Ease them into a ‘school compatible’ routine If you’ve been enjoying lazy summer holiday mornings and later nights, head towards more of a routine a few days in advance to lessen the shock.

Highlight the positives Read stories about school or recount tales of your own positive experiences. Remind them of the toys/ activities they enjoyed at any settling-in visits.

Pre-empt worries Your child could be feeling anxious but unable to articulate their concerns. Ask them questions, provide reassurance and tell them it’s absolutely fine to talk to the teacher if they’re scared or sad.

Swot up on the school run Make sure you know how long it might take to get there, where to park if you’ll drive and which door to pick up from, as well as drop off, if there are several.

Keep farewells short but sweet A quick hug will be more reassuring than a ten minute goodbye – this makes it seem a bigger deal than just a few hours apart. For especially nervous little ones, it works well to provide a kiss on their hand to ‘keep’ in their pocket during the day.

Skip the mascara but remember a tissue It’s normal for parents, not just kids, to feel emotional on day one. Try and hold back tears until you’re out of sight if possible so as not to worry your child.

But rest assured, if they do roll, you won’t be the only ones and we promise no-one will remember in years to come.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Oldfashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

We can help you get back to work after a career break.

The PCT Partnership’s highly successful course for Women Returning to Work gives you tuition and 1-1 feedback on writing your CV, completing application forms and preparing for job interviews, as well as making sure your IT skills are up to date. The 4 week part time course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

Our courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. Our next course starts in September 2015.

For information call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

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Back to School at Treeshouse Treehouse are running their fantastic promotion again this year to help make getting ready for the new school year easier for the whole family.

With every purchase of school shows you’ll get a professional haircut at Treehouse!

Their large shoe department stocks quality brands including Start-rite, Ricosta, Petasil, Noel and more.

All shoes at Treehouse look good and comply with school uniform regulations, as well as offering all these important features: Expertly trained hairdressers and professional shoe fitters are always on hand to • whole and half sizes up to assist you. Quality products at affordable prices with the best service imaginable! adult size 6 • Four width fittings from E to H They also stock lots of other school basics including socks, tights, lunch boxes, bags, name tags, shoe polish and school hair colour accessories to ensure you • All possible fastenings; don’t waste a second of those precious school holidays!

Velcro, laces and buckles Call to book you back to school appointment - 0131 225 1242 (offer runs throughout July and August) Treehouse, 10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbidge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

THINK BACK TO SCHOOL NOW!

By Clare Humphries I always think that I have plenty of time to sort out school labels before term starts.

And what happens?

I end up staying up the whole night before, labelling endless pieces of uniform, shoes, underwear, book bags, sports kit and lunch boxes.

Until last year, when I discovered Snappy Tags, which must be the quickest, easiest way of securely labelling soft and hard items on the planet.

A Snappy Tag is similar to a small button. Your child’s name is etched onto the tags before they are delivered to you, and names are guaranteed not to fade or wash off.

The process of putting a tag into the applicator is simple, even for a person like me who is useless at understanding instructions. All that remains is to put in a strip of backs and snap the tags, one by one, onto the items, taking just 40 seconds! There is NO sewing or ironing involved and plenty of time for a congratulatory glass of wine or two afterwards!

Snappy Tags also stock a Back to School Naming Kit comes in standard size (with 25 tags and a Snappy Stickers Starter Pack) or a bumper size (with 50 tags and the Snappy Stickers Starter Pack).

I opted for the standard kit and it was the best £20 I’d ever spent!

To view the full Snappy TagTM range, visit www.snappytags.co.uk

At Pyjama Drama we are passionate about educating children in a fun, memorable and child-led way.

Drama, pretending and role-play are some of the most instinctive things that children do.

They laugh, they play, they learn.

Why not come and join us for some singing, games and imaginative play as we discover the world around us? So far this term, we’ve discovered who lives in a castle, found out where the birds live and learnt how to do the Penguin Jive! For the rest of the term our theme is: ‘Magic & Mystery’ Weekly term-time classes are available on Wednesday mornings at St Giles’ Church, Marchmont.

Monthly Saturday ‘specials’ are available at North Merchiston Club, Watson Crescent.

(Classes suitable for children aged 2-5 years) To find out more information, or to make a booking, please email: louisek@pyjamadrama.com

How culturally aware is your child?

Prepare your child to thrive in our cosmopolitan society and you don’t even need to leave your house!

BBC news recently reported that 284 thousand people immigrated to the UK for work last year and that employment of non-EU nationals during January, February and March this year was significantly higher than 2014. With these staggering figures in mind, we must continue to teach our children how to appreciate, communicate and cooperate with different cultures, so that they can become the global workers that organisations demand. When our children then become adults, going off to university or into the work place, they can apply the skills they have learnt. They will be able to interpret tricky situations, whilst being compassionate and having cultural sensitivity when it comes to clients and colleagues.

Marcel Proust, the French novelist, observed that "the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new lands but in seeing with new eyes".

Hosting a foreign student could be the answer to developing cultural awareness in YOUR child.

By opening up your home to a foreign student, you are creating an opportunity, exposing them to a whole new culture and helping them to see the world through new eyes. Living with an international student is of the best ways to learn about other cultures and the skills that are connected with that. It can also provide a valuable extra income for you and your family.

“We hosted Sunny for a year during her short school holidays. My children very much enjoyed meeting a child from a foreign country and Sunny was a great addition to the family. Sunny would draw and sing with my daughter, Georgie. Georgie now studies Art at Vandean College in East Sussex.” Carol Gill, Host Family, Bright World Guardianships Get YOUR child practicing valuable skills such as listening carefully and observing new culture while increasing their confidence to talk to new people. You don’t even need to leave your house!

Article provided by Bright Word. For further information, or if you are interested in learning more about becoming a Host Family, please get in touch with Tammy Lindsay, Host Family Recruitment Manager, lindsay@brightworld.co.uk or complete the enquiry form on our website;

The Osteopathic Practice • Unsettled colicky babies, flat head syndrome • Growing pains, asthma, glue ear, autism • Sports injuries, stiff back and neck pain

Tom Kelman, BSc (Hons) Ost, DPO Registered Cranial and Paediatric Osteopath

1 Wester Coates Avenue, Edinburgh EH12

0131 346 0134 Natural relief from pain and discomfort

Edinburgh Leisure are looking for children to help train swim teachers!

They’re running courses for swim teachers over the summer and are looking for children aged 5yrs plus to come for between 3 – 7 consecutive days of swim lessons to help the coaches perfect their skills.

The children will get fantastic tuition from the teachers under the careful supervision of their highly qualified UKCC tutors, all for free as a thank you for helping us train the teachers.

The sessions are on 27th – 31st July (for either 3 or 4 consecutive days), 4th – 10th August (7 consecutive days), 13th – 15th August (3 consecutive days).

There are limited spaces available so for more information or to book onto a session go to edinburghleisure.co.uk.

Monkey Drama are delighted to have won a local award as the best class for 2-4 year olds in West Edinburgh. Why not book a free trial for one their weekly classes. Juniper Green Village Hall on a Monday, Jenn’s Den on a Tuesday and Liberton Kirk on a Thursday. The public classes are suitable for ages 2-5. “We also run awesome parties and can cater for up to age 7”. www.monkeydrama.co.uk

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diddi dance classes are designed to help your diddi ones enhance their co-ordination and rhythm.

Nurture their natural love of movement and build their confidence in a structured yet relaxed 45 minute class. Classes are suitable for both boys and girls ideally between 2-4 years, however they have had lots of children as young as 16 months join in.

Ribbons and hoops are used to help them get the most from each funky diddi dance track as well as other fun props which change with different dance themes. Themes change every half term exploring styles such as salsa, country and disco so they also learn about lots of music and dance styles as well as having lots of fun. Parents and carers are encouraged to join in and share the enjoyment with their diddi dancer every week and keep fit too!

Please contact Debbie on 07752209482 for more info on classes coming to Edinburgh from August! www.diddidance.com

Soccerstars Summer Skills School Moredunvale Bank Park (Behind Goodtree's Neighbourhood Centre).

The sessions will be 9.30am - 12.30 and will be £25 per week or if you sign up for the full 3 weeks it will be £60 in total.

The course will include: • Ball Mastery (Control & Technique) • Skills Practices Challenges & Competitions • Team Tournaments • Certificate for each players The Courses are for players 4 Years - 12 Years.

07923 005534 www.soccerstarts.co.uk TWITTER: @SoccerstartsEDI FACEBOOK: Soccerstarts Edinburgh

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Come and join us on a Wee Jaunt at Pedal for Scotland!

This year’s Pedal for Scotland, running across Scotland on 5th, 6th and 13th September, promises to be the biggest and best yet.

Events to suit all ages and abilities, including four fantastic Wee Jaunt rides, ideal for family groups from toddlers to teens.

So for a fantastic, fun filled family day out in the saddle, come on a Wee Jaunt with us.

Which ride will you choose?

Wee Jaunt Glasgow– 5 September- 6 miles Starting at Glasgow Green, the 6 mile ride follows a traffic free riverside route via the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Commonwealth village. Riders can then enjoy an array of entertainment at Glasgow Green. Entry £5 adult / £3 child Wee Jaunt Edinburgh- 6 September – 9 miles The ride starts from Kirkliston and follows an almost traffic free route to Murrayfield stadium, where our two biggest Pedal for Scotland rides- the Classic Challenge and the Big Belter also finish. Join them and soak up the atmosphere of the ride with thousands of others!

Entry £8 adult / £5 child Wee Jaunt Murrayfield- 6 September- 4 miles The Wee Jaunt Murrayfield is a 4 mile fully closed road route starting and finishing at Murrayfield Stadium. Ideal for families with young children, and those wishing to cheer on the Challenge and Big Belter riders arriving later that day!

Entry £8 adult / £5 child Wee Jaunt Aberdeen- 13th September- 6 miles The Wee Jaunt Aberdeen ride, now in its third year, offers a fantastic traffic free loop route route right through the heart of Aberdeen, starting and finishing at the picturesque Duthie Park. The 6 mile route is open for 3 hours, so you can do it once or as many times as you want! Riders can then enjoy entertainment on offer in the park. Entry £8 adult / £5 child For more details and to book visit pedalforscotland.org

Need school shoes – make it snappy!

The holidays are such a precious time and fly by far too quickly, so why waste time queuing when Maddie & Mark’s Shoes offer ‘back to school’ shoe appointments. There’s a fantastic range of school shoes available this season and with smart brands like Petasil, Ricosta and Start-rite, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The expertly trained staff are fully experienced in getting the right fit so there’s sure to be a style to suit. As an added bonus, you’ll also get a ‘Free Play’ voucher for the new and exciting Ocean Play at Ocean Terminal with every school shoe transaction (see voucher for T’s & C’s).

Of course, Maddie & Mark’s make shoe shopping a pleasure so you can simply pop in to peruse all the delightful shoes, clothes and accessories. Their shops are designed with kids in mind with clever play spaces like a mini pizza parlour to keep the kids amused (Portobello & Blackhall).

The Blackhall shop is also running a summer competition so you can snap up a £50 shoe voucher – pick up an entry form in-store (1 Craigcrook Place).

Don’t waste a minute and call for your school shoe appointment today! Blackhall 0131 315 3322, Bruntsfield 0131 447 9779 or Portobello 0131 657 6333. www.maddieandmarks.com.

To celebrate their expansion across Edinburgh and The Lothians, award-winning company, Step It Up Dance is offering FREE classes at all new venues during the first week of their Autumn term.

New classes are starting up in Balerno, Dunbar, Haddington, Morningside, Murrayfield, Penicuik, Portobello, South Queensferry and Trinity.

The new term begins on Monday 17th August and costs £65 per term. To book your first class for free, email hello@stepitupdance.co.uk. Check out the website for more information at www.stepitupdance.co.uk

Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland – Record Breakers 20th June to 23rd August This year libraries have teamed up with Guinness World Records to celebrate some awesome achievements from all over the world. Children are asked to read 6 books over the summer holidays and in return receive incentives and small prizes along the way including a fold out collectors poster, stickers, bookmarks, certificates, gold medals and zip tags. In addition all Edinburgh libraries will be running fun events over the holidays to compliment the challenge. It’s all free, ask at your local library and get signed up for Record Breakers or visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/recordbreakers The Reading Agency is also working with SOLUS UK Ltd to add some “digital magic” to the 2015 Challenge. Families, libraries and schools will be able to download a free mobile App onto their devices which will recognize this year’s characters which will trigger audio visual content.

What’s more, teachers can often tell which children have taken part; research shows that children who take part in the Challenge return to school after the summer break as more fluent, confident and happy readers.

On days you can’t get to the library, there is still the Record Breakers website, with so much for children to discover and they can keep a record of their Challenge too. Children can also recommend books and decide what to read next using the Book Sorter.

Here are some ideas to help your child finish the Challenge.

• Visit the library as often as you can. There are all kinds of events going on, and children soon get caught up in the fun • Read yourself! Don’t feel guilty about sitting down with a book, newspaper or magazine. It sets a good example to kids – and they will copy you!

• Let children choose their own books. If they don’t like a book, just move on to the next one, or ask one of the library staff to recommend a read • Children don’t just have to read stories or novels. Fact books, audio books, poetry – they all count!

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Parent Parent Favourite shop: A favourite local shop is Clementine at Bruntsfield they always have nice gifts and the staff are friendly.

Favourite park: We use the park at Leith Links a lot - it has great equipment for younger children and Kit loves negotiating his way onto the slide there. We also visit Inverleith park a lot and Victoria park. Although Victoria can be difficult if you have an older child and a younger child as the two play areas are completely separate.

Favourite children’s club/class: Obviously it would have to be Stagecoach ;-) But for Kit it would have to be Turtle Tots. He started with them when he was 6 weeks old and has been there ever since. They have small classes, which I love and they are brilliant helping children feel confident in the water - even during submersions! We have some great underwater photos with them when Kit was about 4 months old. One of the classes I'm really keen to try with him is Tumble Tots - I think all the climbing and falling and scrambling around is great for kids. And Kit is particularly active so would suit him very well!

Favourite day out: We spend a lot of time at Lauriston Castle - and we are quite often the only ones there. The views are spectacular and there is a great open space for kids to run around in or chase a ball etc. We love exploring the Japanese garden there too. Being so close to the water, we also spend a lot of time on the beach and Kit loves taking a bucket and collecting shells. He hasn't got the sandcastle bug yet. Oh - and East Links! We bought a year pass for this and absolutely love it. Very easy to spend a day here - loads for children of all ages to do.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: Any of the Vittoria restaurants - they are very child friendly and dote on the little ones. We like going to the one of George IV Bridge.

The Pantry is Stockbridge is also a favourite - they have a nice kids area with toys and books and are really accommodating.

Proudest eco-friendly moment: Apart from the usual household recycling, I'm a big fan of freecycle. It's a website where you can post anything that you are willing to give away for free - it's great seeing so many people willing to take things second (or sometimes even third or fourth hand) rather than always buying new. We put lots of things on there from Baby pram to kids toys and bookshelves. You never know what someone else might need!

No parent should be without: Sticker books! So easy to carry around and keeps kids entertained for hours. And Bubabloons (from Bloonco) - these are fantastic balloon accessories that turn any normal balloon into a floating ball and keeps the balloons alive for about 3 months! Kit loves throwing these around and they look very pretty too.

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Parenting pet hates: Oh there are so many little things that seem big since I have become a parent. When you arrive at a restaurant /cafĂŠ with buggy, baby bag, baby and all other things and none of the staff offer to bring over a high chair. Or the fact that so few male toilets have a baby change facility. My other half can find it difficult to change a nappy when he has Kit out and about. And not to mention people who clearly are without children using the parent and child parking spaces.

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): That is so hard to pin down. Just everything. The cheeky grin. The cuddles. The first "love you" or "mummy" that is spoken. And just seeing this wee person grow into their own wee self.

Tina Strong is Principal of Stagecoach Theatre Arts in Edinburgh. She lives in Trinity (but is about to move to Haddington!) with her husband, Paul and her 18 month son, Kit.

Funniest comment (from child): Well, we are only at the beginning of the words, but when his grandfather accused Kit of causing a stink (which he had done himself!), I said "oh! how could you!" and Kit immediately looked at him and said "Ow Cood oo?". Very cute. And funny.

Favourite family holiday spot: Ooh we haven't been too many places yet - we did a couple of nights away in a hotel in the highlands. And this Easter we went to Australia to visit family. (And the plane journey was not as bad as expected!). We are off to Arran in August for a week with the extended family so I'm hoping for lots of outdoor playing time with the cousins.

Best children’s book: We read a lot of books. Some of them over and over and over and over again. At the moment Kit's favourite is "Mole and the baby bird" by Marjorie Newman. I would say anything by Oliver Jeffers (particularly "Heart in the Bottle" and "The Day the Crayons Quit" for older children). Another favourite is "Time for Bed, Fred" by Yasmeen Ismail - great illustrations and a very lively story.

Best DVD: Hmmm we are not quite at that point yet. But I can't wait until he is old enough for Pete's Dragon (and eventually Drop Dead Fred!).

Most played with toys: Kit loves his teepee from Just For Tiny People.

We read a lot of stories in there - and it is great for Hide and Seek. He also plays with his toy kitchen a lot and his push along cart. Things get wheeled around the house and deposited in weird and wonderful places.

Biggest waste of money: Hmmm, i'm one of the last in my family to have kids so most things have been passed down to us - or we have been lucky enough to try something before we bought it.

Why you like living where you do: Trinity is great for getting into town quickly - we like going to the museum. But it's also walking distance to the Botanics and the water. Lots of great softplays around - and we often meet friends at Jenn's Den. But we are excited to be moving to East Lothian and seeing what Haddington has to offer! (any suggestions welcome!).

As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge - if you would like to share your favorite bits of being a parent and living in our beautiful city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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Summer Camps Classes and activities Image Courtesy of

Summer Fun WiTH edinBurgH leiSure Ainslie Park Leisure Centre– Aquavator Camp with lots of water based fun and games all through the week Call 0131 551 2400.

Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre – As you’d expect we’ve tennis lessons and camps galore for all ages from P1 – S6. Call 0131 443 0101.

Drumbrae Leisure Cenre – not only a summer of top class intensive swimming lessons, we’re also running Rookie Lifeguarding for budding lifeguards aged 8 – 13yrs. Call 0131 312 7957.

EICA:Ratho – our Holiday Heights summer fun has adventures for children from 4 – 14yrs old. For those aged 8yrs+ they can come and climb just for fun, or they can go through the nationally recognised NICAS awards and get some abseiling fun too. Have a look at eica-ratho.co.uk or call us on 0131 333 6333 Meadowbank Sports Centre: football, gymnastics, trampolining and of course, athletics for a range of ages from 18 months – 14 yrs. Call 0131 661 5351 The Royal Commonwealth Pool – we’re running a brilliant new week-long Aquatics camp where children aged 8 – 14 can have an amazing time working towards Scottish Swimming and Royal Society of Lifeguards qualifications.

Call 0131 667 7211 Tumbles at Portobello – all through the summer there’s gymnastics galore for boys and girls including the fantastic freestyle gymnastics with its mix of parkour, free running, break dancing and urban gymnastics. We’ve also got lots of trampolining fun too. Call 0131 669 0878 www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

CulTure CluB Culture Club is aimed at children aged 5 to 12 yrs.

Our experienced and fully trained staff provide a safe and fun enviroment for your children to thrive and develop new skills and make long lasting friendships, through being part of a small group. During the holiday periods through out the year.

We support and nourish all new skills gained through our activites and excursions listed below: • Golf • Horseriding • Martial arts • Museum & art galleries • Art & crafts work shops • Team building activies & nature walks Book early to avoid disappointment, limited spaces and sibling discount £100 per week. Full days Mon-Fri 8.30am till 5.30pm For further details contact: Michelle Redmond on 0333 577 7076 missredmond@tkdbroxburn.co.uk Broxburn Black Belt Academy, Unit 6, Thistle Business Park, Broxburn, EH52 5BB

THiS year dynam-niC danCe are running TWo FanTaSTiC Summer SCHoolS Monday 6th July - Friday 10th July MUSICAL MASH UP Monday 3rd Aug - Friday 7th Aug CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Perfect for working parents, our doors open at 9am and close again at 5pm. No need to worry.

Throughout the week we have classes in Singing, Dancing and Acting along with arts and crafts to design our very own set for our FINALE MINI SHOW! The Mini Show performance is on the Friday afternoons at 3.30pm for all parents and friends to watch.

Costs: 1 week £145 - 2 weeks just £250, this includes a Summer School T-shirt (sibling discounts also offered) Location: StudioD, The Basement @ 4 Hutchison Terrace, Edinburgh. EH14 1QB Limited places remaining - book now by contacting Nicky on 0754555127 / 0131 4430753 / nicky@dndance.co.uk

I’ve just counted the days between breaking up to returning to school again - and in our home that means there are over 50 school-less days to fill.

That should be just enough time to fit in one or two of these...

CraFTy CookS Summer Holiday CluB Monday 27th to Friday 31st July from 11.15am to 12.45pm each day.

Book in for the week (£60) or individual days (£13).

Learn to cook a selection of recipes - each day we will do a sweet and a savoury recipe that the children can then eat for their lunch. Children that book for the full week will get a free Crafty Cooks bag and recipe book!

Email Judith@craftycooks.co.uk or phone 07891 743684. www.craftycooks.co.uk

Join TaTTy and BaBy BumPkin on THeir Summer advenTureS! Babies and children (0 – 7 yrs) bend, stretch, run, jump, wriggle and giggle in these fun, active, yoga- inspired stories with music. The yoga aspects include postures where children explore the different shapes their body can make, relaxation and breath awareness. They encourage confidence, balance and co-ordination such important foundations for achievements in other activities like dance, tennis, football and more. Classes (£6 per session) will take place as follows (each is around 40 minutes).

Parents are expected at all classes (and encouraged to join in!) except the 5 to 7 year old classes.

Venue: Morningside United Church.

Friday 17th July and Friday 7th August: 9.30am: crawlers and toddlers, 10.25am: 2 to 5 year olds, 11.20am: babies.

Tuesday 28th July, 10am: 2 - 5 yrs, 10.55am: 5 -7 yrs, 11.50am: babies.

Venue: Church of the Good Shepherd, Murrayfield.

Thursday 23rd July, Thursday 6 and Wednesday 12 August: 10am: 2 - 5 yrs, 10.55am: 5 -7 yrs, 11.50am babies.

Booking essential!

Email edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com or call 07411 571001 to book. www.tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest

The Springboard to confidence for your child Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play Programme for children from 6 months to 7 yrs

pa We rti d es o to o!

Morningside, Joppa, Fairmilehead, Haddington and Marchmont contact Jo – 01875 819966

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Helen o’grady drama aCademy Summer SCHool Monday 6th- Friday 10th of July Reid Memorial Church West Savile Terrace EH9 3HY Do you want to have fun, meet new friends, perform in a play? Then BOOK NOW! Our acclaimed curriculum achieves outstanding results.

• Teaches self-control, discipline, tolerance & empathy • Develops confidence, public speaking & communication skills • Deals with conflict resolution in real life situations & an understanding of how we react • Develops creativity by exploring emotions and thoughts Full Day: 9.30-3.30, fee £115, Monday- Friday (finish at 1.00 on the Friday) Mornings: 9.30-1.00, fee £65, Monday-Friday.

Afternoons: 1.00-3.30, fee £45, Monday-Thursday (drop in sessions can be booked on a daily basis) Children attending for full days and morning only sessions will be involved in the show on the Friday.

Call 0131 667 0939/ 07701 333476 or e mail midscot@helenogrady.co.uk to book a place or for more information about our weekly classes.

SaSCS Summer SCHemeS Monday 29th June to Wednesday 12th August 8.30am -5.30pm Sciennes Primary School 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. Sports Camp – for children who have completed P4 and up!

Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: football, basketball, volleyball, badminton. Full Day - £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00 Holiday Care – for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily 4.5 -8 years) Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2015. Full Day £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff. Both age groups will also have the opportunity to take part in full day trips; we are exploring a whole range of new venues this year!

Activity programmes and booking forms are available on SASCS website – www.sascs.org.uk.

For more information phone SASCS office, 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia / Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com.

Summer SeSSionS aT rugByToTS Our popular Summer camp for 5-7 year olds runs from 20th-24th July from 9.30am until 1.00pm at Holyrood High School, Duddingston. £75 for the week. The camp is high energy and fun and structured to ensure that your child's technical understanding and development of skill’s improve, as well as inspiring confidence in their own ability. We aim to improve your child’s passing, catching and kicking through numerous drills and games.

Our outdoor Summer holiday term is also back at Roseburn Park, Murrayfield running every Saturday morning from 6th July – 9th August. 9.00am Junior, 9.35am Senior and 10.35am Advanced. You can book either 4 or 6 weeks.

Contact Sandra on 0845 313 3252 or Sandra@rugbytots.co.uk. To book a place visit www.rugbytots.co.uk

Summer Holiday CluB aT BrigHT HorizonS We believe every child’s potential is endless and the holidays are a perfect opportunity to continue your child’s ongoing development and support their magical learning journey.

We offer safe environments, highly-trained staff and fun-filled, themed activities, including art, science, literacy, mathematics and sports. Our club is aimed at children aged 3 to 5 years.

Monday to Friday. Come along and join our holiday club.

For more information call 0800 085 4074, email enquiries@brighthorizons.com or visit our website www.brighthorizons.com

danCe : CirCuS : animaTion Ages 7 – 9 and 10 – 12 from Monday 6 July – Fri 10 July 10.00 – 17.00 £125 (£100 for additional children from the same family) This is a summer camp like no other. Dance Base have teamed up again with Circus Alba and Animation jam to bring you a fantastic start to your summer. Over the week groups will work with our dance teachers and circus specialists (enjoying Acrobalance, hula hoop, juggling and poi) and round it all off by creating and starring in a short film. They get to keep their short film and show off the result to their friends when they go back to school. To book, call 0131 225 5525 or go to dancebase.co.uk.

aCTing ouT uk Drama Summer Holiday Camp 2015 Four Days of Fun from only £95!

Monday 20th July 2015 - Thursday 23rd July 2015 Times: 10am - 2pm Venue: Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL Price: £110 The camp is open to all pupils aged between 7-19.

We will cover a variety of performing arts including Acting, Singing, Dancing, Improvisation, Script work and Devising.

We will aim to keep the Child and Teen ages separate.

There will also be a big performance at the end of the week (on the Thursday) for family and friends in the theatre.

Special deal: Quote “FamilieS” and pay only £95 for the week, saving £15!

To book please contact us: 07704 714 607 hello@actingoutuk.com/www.actingoutuk.com/www.facebook.com/actingoutuk.com

kidSCene Holiday CluB and aFTer SCHool CluB Places are available at Kidscene, our integrated after school and holiday club which benefits from a mix of children with and without additional support needs.

We are open weekdays from Monday 6 July – Friday 31 July, 8.30am – 5.30pm Full and half days available Holiday Club activities will include themed weeks; Minions, Summer, Storybook, Well Being, as well as swimming, soft play, outings and cookery.

Our facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory garden, enclosed indoor and outdoor play areas, soft play and multisensory plays rooms.

Payment can be made by cash, bank transfer, cheque or online. Full details are available at www.royalblind.org/child-care/fees.

PyJama drama The fun continues through the summer with Pyjama Drama; creative and imaginative play sessions. Through songs, games and drama – children will enjoy and explore a variety of themed sessions.

Classes available for: Raindrops & Rainbows (children aged 2-5 years) Sunbeams (children aged 5-7 years) Throughout July at: Calton Centre (EH7 5EP) Pentland Community Centre (EH13 9LS) North Merchiston Club (EH11 1EP) To find out more information or to book a class, please contact Louise on 0131 516 3099 or email: louisek@pyjamadrama.com Booking is essential.

‘Sing, dance, pretend, play: where will our imagination take us today?’

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Summer Camps Classes and activities

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Drama & Weekly ses Available Cour Holiday

THe aCTing SCene Summer drama CourSeS 27th - 31st July, 3rd - 7th August, 11th - 15th August Make the summer holiday’s fun with a performance experience from The Acting Scene. Brand new drama courses Harry Potter, Jedi Knight Academy, Musical Theatre and Directing/Acting courses available. Five days of drama, theatre games, art, movement and music. Whether you’re child is an experienced performer or new to drama, we aim to facilitate the creative ideas of every child irrespective of ability.

Our aim is to encourage course participants to work together in small friendly groups, developing their confidence, self-expression, communication skills, and imagination. Exact content may differ depending on students’ needs.

All courses taught by industry professionals. PVG checked. Places are limited.

P1-P7 (5-12yrs) or S1-S3 (12-15yrs) 9.00-1.00pm, 9.30-4.30pm Venue: Mary Erskine School, Ravelston, Edinburgh For more information & to book head to: info@theactingscene.co.uk www.theactingscene.co.uk 07542 191 495

JuPiTer arTland

emaS July SeSSionS

Our busy summer programme continues with Fun Fridays - Summer Holiday Littlesparks for ages 35 and Artsparks Fridays for ages 5-14. Running every Friday from July 4th-August 22nd. Sessions are creative, messy and as much outdoors as possible.

Bookable in single slots or discounted blocks.

On Saturdays we launch Create and Make Family drop ins every morning and Creative Families workshops every afternoon. Creative Families workshops will include den building, creative writing, casting and stop animation – something for everyone.

During the summer weeks we are running several 2 day Artsparks courses for ages 5-14, inspired by our summer sculpture programme, as well as our brand new Forest School inspired Woodland Artsparks course.

For more details and booking go to www.jupiterartland.org/whats-on

Montessori Parent and child group – under 3’s. Mon – Thur 9.30am-11.30am. £5 per session. Come along with your little one and get a taste of our beautiful Montessori environment, watch your child explore and find out more about our philosophy. Advance booking is recommended.

Bumps and Babies Yoga with Heini. Bring your little one and let your practice fit round their needs at our relaxing small group sessions.

Everybody Dance Now! Fun active dance sessions for your little movers with our professional dance teacher.

Morning and afternoon 1 hour sessions. Ages 3 - 5.

Active Afternoons – Nature Explorers Outdoor fun for 3-6 year olds. Children explore our garden, paddocks and hillsides discovering an exciting array of wildlife from the tiniest creatures that live below our feet to the majestic birds that fly above us. Activities include den building, nature art, mud kitchen creations and imaginative play.

Mon-Fri 1pm- 3.30pm.

0131 672 3851 www.emaschool.co.uk

edinBurgH danCe aCademy Summer SCHool This will be our fourth year running the Summer School and each year just keeps getting better and better!

Our Summer School will run from 27 July - 1 August 2015 from 9.30am - 2.00pm daily. There will be workshops in Ballet, Commercial Jazz, and Musical Theatre. We have three fantastic state of the art studios running at the same time each day and the groups (split by age) will go between them all on rotation. We finish the week with a fabulous show on the morning of Saturday 1 August. The Summer School is open to anyone from age 5yrs with lots or no experience of dance. We can guarantee that everyone will have lots and lots of fun!!

Please email edinburghdance@aol.com or call Suzie on 0131 3373402 to book.

PenTlandS aCTiviTy CamPS Pentlands Activity Camps (PAC) has been offering healthy, fun-filled multiactivity day camps for children and young teenagers during school holidays since 2005. PAC is based in the beautiful Peeblesshire countryside at Netherurd House, Blyth Bridge and at the Newlands Centre, Romanno Bridge, only 30 minutes south of the Edinburgh city bypass.

Netherurd ‘s natural woodlands, stream and wide-open fields create a wonderful playground, ideal for all our PAC activities. This summer we will again be running our ever-popular specialist camps: cooking, drama, bushcraft and football!

PAC welcomes all school-age children. Our website gives you more information and a flavour of who we are and what we do: www.pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk Call Lindsay on 07718 933725 or email: info@pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk

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Summer SPorT aT SaugHTon For Free New this summer! If you’re aged between 5 and 16 get along to Saughton Sports Centre on Monday afternoons. Come and meet our football and athletics coaches and get a taste of what happens at Saughton all year round. Run by qualified coaches from Edinburgh Leisure these sessions are running every Monday from 2pm – 4pm on 29th July until 10th August. Just drop in – there’s no need to book.

WeSTWoodS SuPerSTarS Westwoods Superstars – Multi Activity Camp for Children Westwoods Superstars is a daytime activities camp for children aged 5-12 years old based at Westwoods Health Club. The club is situated within the stunning grounds of Fettes College ensuring your child can enjoy exciting activities in a fun and safe environment. Activities include swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, traditional games, trips to local attractions and much more!!! The Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm – and you can drop your children off from 8.30am and pick up until 5.30pm. Our summer camp commences on 13th July and ending on 7th August (13th – 17th July, 20th – 24th July, 27th July – 31st July, 3rd – 7th August).

3-4 Day packages are also available. For more information or to make a booking, please call Westwoods on 0131 332 5777 or visit our website: www.westwoodshealthclub.com or e-mail westwoods@fettes.com

SPoTliTeS Drama Workshops for 5 - 12 year olds.

Different each day, including Minecraft, Star Wars: Rebels, Yoda Jedi School, Jedi vs Sith, Force Awakens, Frozen, Harry Potter: Wizard School, Minions, Jurassic World, Avengers/DC, Doctor Who, Horrible Histories, Zombies, Boy in a Dress, Dahl, Pirates.

Create your own stories and plays with costumes, face-painting, scriptwriting, puppetry, stage combat or song-and-dance! DBS-checked staff. Drop-and-collect: children only, parents do not stay!

'Wow-tastic' ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). 'As a parent I like that these workshops get children involved in theatre, whatever their experience and are a nice antedote to the very busy Fringe' ***** (FringeReview.co.uk).

9.30 am(1 hour) 4-8, 10-18, 22-23, 29-30 August. www.spotlites.co.uk www.edfringe.com

doodleS Summer Holiday WorkSHoPS 2015 Week 1: Mon 20th - Fri 24th July Week 2: Mon 3rd - Fri 7th August 10:30 til 12:30 each day. It costs £55 for the week, including a mid morning snack and juice. Suitable for age 7 and up, children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday - Garden Shed Plaques: model a clay plaque in a garden theme.

Tuesday - Sunflower Plant Tags: model in clay a flower tag for your flower pot.

Wednesday - Flower Pots: paint and plant your own pot with etching techniques.

Thursday - Paint Your Plaque: paint your garden plaque that you made on Monday.

Friday - Delightful Decopatch: Paint and patch a garden Animal.

Call us to book your child a place! 0131 229 1399 Doodles 29 Marchmont Cresent Edinburgh EH9 1HQ

danCe For all Dance For All are running their popular Summer School from 10th - 14th August 2015: a fun-packed week of dance, musical theatre and choreography for enthusiastic young dancers from 6yrs and up.

Established in 1985, Dance For All, nurtures pupils aged 2½ - 18yrs to enjoy and excel in the finest dance genres, including RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, SDS Flamenco, Jazz and Contemporary. Principal, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of staff in delivering professional dance training and over 70 weekly child, teen & adult classes (beginners advanced), such as their popular DROP-IN Ballet and their Professional Dance Performance & Teacher Training Course (the longest running course of its kind in Scotland). Don't miss their Student Showcase in June!

Browse testimonials, timetables, photo galleries & much more on www.danceforall.co.uk or call 0131 226 5533.

THe green Team – Summer ouTdoor aCTiviTy Programme Summer Programme runs from 20th-24th July for children aged 10+ and consists of a full week of outdoor environmental activities, games and bush craft survival skills. It affords the opportunity to meet new friends, explore some of Edinburgh and The Lothian’s most amazing wild places, learn new skills and have fun.

This summer they will be visiting some very special places including a trip to Springfield Mill, Harlaw Reservoir and of course, the beaches of East Lothian, for a spot of rockpooling. Parents can book their children for the whole week or individual days. The cost is £30 per day, with the option to extend the day with breakfast and chill out sessions.

Further information and booking forms can be found at www.greenteam.org.uk or by email to admin@greenteam.org.uk

Summer CamP 2015 @ PlaneT CamP 13-17 July 2015 9am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday Includes a fun filled week: • Dance, singing, drama, dance show • Cinema • Day trips • Arts and crafts • Games & activities. Cost £25 per child per day includes breakfast, snack and lunch Qualified child carers, Fully disclosed staff 4 years plus+ Book now limited places only £25 per child discounts for siblings Planet Café, 39 Baileyfield Road, Edinburgh EH15 1NA. Tel: 0131 669 1231 Email: hello@planetcafeedin.co.uk http://www.planetcafeedin.co.uk

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Summer Camps Classes and activities magiC SCHool WorkSHoPS

STageCoaCH edinBurgH Summer Holiday WorkSHoPS

SaSCS Summer Schemes Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh EH9 1LG.

Monday 29th June to Wednesday 12th August 2015, 8.30am - 5.30pm Sports Camp - for children who have completed P4 and up! Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports. Plus outings to local venues such as: Commonwealth Pool, Meadows Tennis Court, etc

Holiday Care - for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -8years). Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings.

Activity programmes and booking forms are available on SASCS website – www.sascs.org.uk.

For more information phone SASCS office, 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

Stagecoach workshops are open to every child - all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to work as part of a team. Come and join us for a fun packed, whirlwind week filled with drama, dance and singing. The children work alongside our fantastic team of staff to put on a show for family and friends in just a few days. This is a great way to help develop their skills, build their confidence and help them form new friendships. We provide the costumes, the lights and the sound - and you get to see your child shine.

Dancebase, 14 - 16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh.13 - 17 July.

4-6 years 9.30 - 12.30 (£110/£90 for sibling) 6-18 years 9.30 - 4pm. (£150/£125 for sibling) www.stagecoach.co.uk/Edinburgh

exCel-SPorTS Excel-Sports are looking forward to another fun packed summer at the fab facilities of St George's School For Girls in Murrayfield. Open to everyone from 5-15yrs we have the largest selection of activities. New this year is Basketball Camp and our pro footballer Matt Lockwood Football Academy. From 8am-9pm you can either select a specialist camp or our multi sports camp.

Everyone works as part of a team with lots of tournaments, film making and silly events leading to a prize giving where parents are invited to see your progress throughout the week and talk to staff at our Friday end of week show. Find out why we are full each year and give your children their best week of the summer. Childcare vouchers accepted. www.excel-sports.co.uk

drama STudio Summer Holiday CluBS Booking noW! Age specific football training for children at walking age - 7 years.

For more info contact: 07923 005534 Email: j.smith@soccerstarts.co.uk www.soccerstarts.co.uk

The Drama Studio's very popular Summer Holiday Clubs for students aged 5-14 are running as follows: 13th-17th July AND 20th-24th July Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirkgate, Liberton 27th-31st July Wardie Church Halls, Primrose Bank Road Fantastic weeks meeting new friends doing Arts activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song, dance, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games and performing and outside activities weather permitting.

Different afternoon activities for every age group and Senior Drama Performance Courses for age 10 + Go to www.thedramastudio.com to HOLIDAY CLUB or call 0131-453-3284 or e-mail info@thedramastudio.com for reviews, full details and to register.

Weekly rates will be Full Days £125, Mornings £75, Afternoons £60, Over 10's Afternoon Senior Courses £65, Drop In Afternoons £12 A great week guaranteed!

(for 7-10 year olds) What would it be like to perform real magic? How would it feel to receive an invitation to a secret Magic School to develop those skills?

Back for an amazing sixth year Magic School is a unique opportunity to learn to perform exciting magic, and make new wizard friends.

Join us for a 2.5 hour session or attend a 5-day course with a fun show for parents on the final day.

Become a graduate of the most mysterious school in the world - Magic School. This summer. Only at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival Magic Newbies Welcome!

Summerhall One-off Magic School Workshop • £18 Sat 27 June - Sun 28 June 10.00am OR 1.30pm 5-Day Magic School • £90 Mon 29 June - Fri 3 July 10.00am OR 1.30pm For more info and bookings visit www.magicfest.co.uk

TumBle ToTS Tumble Tots are running Summer Play Schemes for children from 3 to 7 years at Cluny Centre, Morningside.

The children can be left in our care for the two and a half hours. They will play for an hour on the equipment, and will enjoy a healthy snack. Then they will spend time playing with arts and crafts, brio, jigsaws and play dough, finishing off with the parachute. All for £11.

Morning sessions 10am to 12.30pm. Friday 10th, Friday 24th July, Monday 3rd and Friday 7th August.

Afternoon session 1.30pm to 4pm on Tuesday 4th and Friday 7th August.

Summer Classes running for children from 6 months to 5 years on 5 of the 7 Tuesdays during the summer holidays in the morning from Tuesday 7th July.

Please call Jo on 01875 819966 for more information and to book your child a place, or email Jo on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net

STeP iT uP danCe - For HealTHy, HaPPy HolidayS! Kids booked into ‘The Creative Crew’ will create their own Edinburgh Festival Dance Show performed to friends and family at the end of the camp. Artistic skills will also be honed making costumes, tickets and posters to advertise their spectacular performance.

If performing is not your child’s thing, how about ‘The Games Gang’ a camp filled with unique challenges & puzzles as well a whole variety of sports to try.

Children will work closely in teams, solving tricky puzzles and challenges with plenty of motivational rewards to keep them happy.

Week, day and half day spaces available.

Saturday Sessions For families with younger kids, the very popular Family Hip Hop sessions are running every Saturday morning. These classes are suitable for families with kids aged 18m – 5 & younger siblings are welcome to join the fun for free). Book or drop in weekly. www.stepitupdance.co.uk, or email hello@stepitupdance.co.uk for further information.

monkey drama Monkey Drama are delighted to be running a summer club this year for children aged 3-6 on Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th August, running from 9.45 – 11.45am each day. All 3 days must be booked and these are drop off sessions so parents are not required to stay, the cost is £36. Each day we will make some props to take on our Monkey Drama adventures. It is going to be lots of fun! If you would like to book, please get in touch asap as places are filling fast.

If you can’t make our Summer Club, then why not book a free trial for one our weekly classes.

We run in Juniper Green Village Hall on a Monday, Jenn’s Den on a Tuesday and Liberton Kirk on a Thursday.

The public classes are suitable for ages 2-5. We also run awesome parties and can cater for up to age 7. www.monkeydrama.co.uk alana@monkeydrama.co.uk 07736298013

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Image Courtesy of

Summer Days Out

Whatever the weather* there’s plenty of fun to be had around Edinburgh this summer.

Dinosaurs Return!

Dinosaurs Return! is a seven-month long dinosaur exhibit at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, running until 1 November 2015. The attraction features 14 life-size animatronic dinosaurs who all move and make realistic dinosaur calls. The exhibition is a wonderful experience for both adults and children alike, with plenty to keep the children entertained, with a dinosaur detective trail and a dinosaur fossil dig.

Daily Talks RZSS Edinburgh Zoo hosts daily talks and events throughout the Zoo: Lost Links Walkabout Tour – 9:30am at the Flamingo enclosure. Informative walkabout tour of the lower section of the Zoo with a keeper.

Meet the Reptiles – 11:15am at the Budongo Trail. Get up close and personal with some of the reptile collection. Visitors have the opportunity to handle and interact with some of the animals in the talk.

Animal Antics – 12:15pm daily at the hilltop arena. Presenters showcase a variety of different animals’ natural abilities, with informative talks and audience participation.

Penguin parade – 14.15pm. Join the fun as the penguins take a stroll outside Penguin Rock.

For a full list of all the daily talks at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, please visit: http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/plan-your-visit/day-planner/daily-talks/

Traquair Fair - August 1st & 2nd Traquair Fair is returning this year with a spectacular Americana theme. Following on from a 1960’s theme in 2013 this year will highlight all things American. With a great line up of Music including Country, Bluegrass, Folk and Roots as well as workshops in Jive Dance and Line Dancing the Fair will be jumpin’ and jivin’ through the day.

Wild West Entertainments, high quality street theatre and shows will take place in front of the house while by the Maze the Children’s Area promises to be a mix of theatre, workshops and activities with an American theme.

A grand display of classic American cars and bikes will be on show and enthusiasts invited to bring their vehicles along.

In the house, there will be live showings of classic American movies throughout the weekend from James Dean to Classic Westerns.

On the avenue and in the garden there will be Teepees and therapies, Food, Crafts, Vintage Clothing and Accessories.

Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW 01896 830323 www.traquair.co.uk

30 July - 30 August - Explorers Throughout Edinburgh Art Festival, Explorers offers a number of fun activities that are suitable for children and families to enjoy, including a free activity trail through the festival.

Explorers is developed by Alchemy Arts, working to create workshops for local community groups in galleries during Edinburgh Art Festival. www.edinburghartfestival.com

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A summer of Seabird fun!

©Rob McDougall

This summer, the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick, is calling on visitors to help battle against the invasion of alien species!

Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion is taking place from 4 July to 30 August, 14:00 daily, with a whole host of interactive activities.

There are different activities to join in throughout the week: Monday - Biosecurity Agents Bioblitz - using clever apps and games, would-be Agents will be sent on a mission to track down and identify invasive species.

Tuesday - Biosecurity Agents Explore - aspiring Biosecurity Agents will go with Professor Egghead on a rockpool ramble looking for invasive suspects.

Wednesday - Biosecurity Agents go Active - tasked with building a biosecurity stronghold, Agents will go on search of items on the beach which will help them make this secure.

Thursday - Biosecurity Agents Survival - this mission looks at how alien species survive and conquer native species. Agents will find out it’s not that easy to survive against the odds.

Friday - Biosecurity Agents Design - working with Professor Egghead and Alchemy Arts, Agents will design their own alien species. A collection of these alien specimens will be displayed at the Centre.

Saturday and Sunday - Professor Egghead and the Alien Invasion - an interactive science show in the Wildlife Theatre. Learn how to become a Biosecurity Agent and, with a mixture of games and challenges, help Professor Egghead in the battle against alien intruders.

Included with admission to the Discovery Centre: adults £8.95/ kids £4.95/ families £25. Free for Scottish Seabird Centre Members. Request your tickets for the events on arrival at the Centre. Each activity will last approx.

50 minutes. For further information visit: www.seabird.org or call 01620 890202.

Summer Days Out The Edinburgh International Book Festival The Edinburgh International Book Festival believes that books and storytelling play a crucial role in the lives of children, opening up opportunities and creating worlds that give children a thirst for life.

Charlotte Square Gardens, a familyfriendly space in the heart of Edinburgh, will come alive this August with over 200 events in the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme featuring authors such as Catherine Rayner, Julia Donaldson, Eoin Colfer, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Jacqueline Wilson and Francesca Simon as well as the best writers for young adults including Matt Haig, Marcus Sedgwick, Sally Gardner and David Levithan.

With readings, workshops, debates and discussions featuring stories, pictures, and real life adventure, the Book Festival feeds the imagination of children of all ages from toddlers to young adults. There are daily free readings, storytelling, bookshops, cafes and a range of fun activities in the Baillie Gifford Story Box – just drop by and get stuck in.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from Saturday 15 August to Monday 31 August. Entrance to Charlotte Square Gardens is free. For tickets and full details of all events go to www.edbookfest.co.uk or call 0845 373 5888.

Almond Valley - a wonderful day of adventure and play All the family will enjoy a wonderful day out at Almond Valley Heritage Centre.

Nestled in a pleasant riverside site with woods and green spaces that extend for almost a mile, there's so much to do and see. The picturesque buildings and paddocks of Mill Farm are home to many friendly farm animals, including Highland cattle, rare breed sheep, goats, ponies, horses, and some very inquisitive ducks.

There's always something happening, with milking, feeding, talks and handling sessions throughout much of the year, and a programme of seasonal crafts, games and activities for children during the school holidays. Kids can let off steam and engage their imagination in a range of unique play facilities including a simulated archaeological dig, a play mine, toy tractors, pedal carts and trampolines. Even if the sun isn't shining there are indoor play areas for all ages, and secrets to be discovered in the museum.

Dibbles and Nibbles - Garden and food related special activities for the school holidays. 27th June - 18th August. See website for more information: www.almondvalley.co.uk Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR

The Museum of Childhood The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. Entry to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Schools Poster Competition exhibition is free of charge.

For more information please visit edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venues/museum-ofchildhood. 42 High Street, Edinburgh. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am - 5pm and Sundays from 12pm - 5pm. ©Andy McGregor

Ages 4-12. Free, drop-in. Drop into our studio this summer and you’ll have so much fun it’ll make your head spin!

Inspired by an amazing variety of artworks from across the National Galleries, come and explore the theme of heads and faces.

See what happens when you take a face apart and put it back together in new ways, experiment with the idea of what a portrait can be, try your hand at being a sculptor extraordinaire and produce your own ‘headshot’ by styling and starring in your own studio photoshoot. Simply pick up your ID pass and begin your journey of discovery.

From 20th June - 16th August at 2 - 4.30pm The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL

Summer at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Take our summer quiz, enjoy a range of craft activities and dress up like royalty with new costumes added for 2015. You can also pick up a family activity trail as you explore the Abbey and Palace gardens. Opening times 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30). Monday 6 July to Sunday 30 August Hands on History Every Tuesday at 11:00 and 15:00 What is the Royal Collection? Get up close and find out about the weird and wonderful objects collected by royalty over the last 500 years.

Secret Stairs and Corridors Every Thursday at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00 A sneak peak behind the ropes and through secret passages. Walk the servants' corridor and explore a selection of rooms. Handle some objects used in the past – from strange smelling candles and children's games to chamber pots. Sessions last 45 minutes.

Family Event Day; Jacobite Family Fun Sunday 12 July 2015 A day of Jacobite themed activities. See where Bonnie Prince Charlie held a wonderful ball and handle models of the prince's shield, sword, maps and more.

Make your own blue ribbon and garter star and have your face painted in the style of the 1700s complete with wigs and beauty spots. Storytelling in the Great Gallery will transport you back to the Jacobite times. Themed tours give families the opportunity to delve deeper into the prince's infamous time at the Palace. A fun day out for all the family!

COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year! A great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost! Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

Making Faces! at the Scottish National Gallery

Enid Blyton Summer of Adventure Inspired by the imaginative play found in the Famous Five and the Adventure Series, the Enid Blyton Estate has partnered with The National Trust and is launching the Enid Blyton Summer of Adventure, which includes a programme of events and activity.

These can be found at www.enidblytonadventureday.co.uk, a new website offering tips, advice and downloads to help families be more adventurous this summer. You can find a great download on how to build a den on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/Family-Life

Jacobite Family Fun The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Join us for a special family fun day on Sunday 12 July 2015 Jacobite themed family tours • Storytelling Make and take Jacobite craft • Object handling Palace Family Room with games, activities & costumes Face Painting • Family Activity Trails • and much more!

For full details of events and dates visit Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2015.

Photographer David Cheskins

www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson

COME BACK FOR FREE! Get your ticket stamped on your first visit and come back as many times as you like at no extra cost!

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Summer Days Out

Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,

Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr

RZSS Highland Wildlife Park RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, set against the scenic backdrop of the Cairngorms mountains, is home to both native Scottish wildlife as well as endangered animals from around the world, including polar bears and tigers.

Families can choose to spend the day investigating the walk-around area of the Park on foot, as well as driving or taking a guided Land Rover tour of the main reserve, getting close to the European bison, red deer, Przewalski’s horses, vicuna and others. The Park also offer exciting daily keeper-led feeding talks, where ©Alex Riddell visitors can watch as some of the animals are fed whilst listening to interesting information about the animals. For the budding photographers, the Park does photography tours, twice a month on Saturdays, with an experienced guide, who will accompany visitors around the park, helping them to get the perfect shots. For dates and to book a place on the photography tours please visit: http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/events. Children are also able to celebrate their birthday party at RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, with a special party package including entry into the park, a reserved area where the kids can enjoy party boxes as well as the chance to meet a keeper and watch as they feed the snow monkeys.

For more information and to plan your trip please visit our website at: http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/

Clown Around Summer Pass £30 will get 1 child 1 hour of play at Clown Around every day during the city of Edinburgh council school summer holidays! T & C apply.

Soft Play, Trampolines and Sensory Room all under one roof! Clownaround is a family run venue where Julie and her team welcome you all year round.

A wide range of fresh delicious food and drink options are available throughout the day, including 'healthy choices'.

Unit 2 & 3 109 Restalrig Road, Edinburgh, EH6 7NY

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 7 - 30th August The World’s largest arts festival!

See pages 20 - 33 for some amazing shows to take the kids to!

The National Mining Museum Scotland A 5 Star visitor attraction and winner of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions "Best Visitor Experience" Award in 2009 and 2013. The museum provides a great day out for all ages.

Based at one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in Europe, the Lady Victoria Colliery at Newtongrange is just nine miles south of Edinburgh. Visitors to the museum will marvel at the sheer size of the place, be astounded by the engineering brilliance behind all the machinery and retrace the footsteps and struggles of the thousands of miners and their families before them.

The museum also has an indoor soft play as well as fantastic outdoor play area. Picnic tables are situated alongside the play area and more can be found at the front entrance to the museum. www.nationalminingmuseum.com Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange Midlothian, EH22 4QN

Deep Sea World Dive into the deep this Summer at Deep Sea World, Scotland’s National Aquarium! Located beneath the world-famous 125 year old Forth Rail Bridge and home to over 2,000 creatures an exciting adventure awaits you at this unique visitor’s attraction.

Step aboard the 112 metre long Underwater Safari, the longest moving walkway in Europe to come face to face with Deep Sea World’s seven Sand Tiger Sharks. The largest known as Tinkerbell is a huge 10 foot long and will be celebrating her 31st birthday this Summer.

She is joined this year by our new aquarium residents our Brazilian Seahorses, two lively seal pups from Tynemouth and a quartet of giant spider species.

A family fun day out not to missed with free parking, an enjoyable cafeteria, and gift shop for you to delight in and this Summer Monster Creepy Crawlies have taken over….eeek! For further details log on to www.deepseaworld.com and remember to like us on facebook for regular updates on events or pop by our website www.deepseaworld.com.

All this and more online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk 18 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 91

Summer Holiday: Light! Camera! Action!

Summer ‘In the Meadows’ for free

Monday 29 June–Sunday 9 August between 12:00–16:00 The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street has a six week daily summer programme has a spot of science, a hint of history, a dollop of drama and a ton of fun! Explore photographic processes and make a simple camera, experiment with light and heat, relive the Battle of Waterloo in miniature and meet some competitive Victorian photographers in our new Macastory family show.

Don’t forget to pop into the Victorian photographer’s studio to pose for a souvenir family portrait! For the full programme visit www.nms.ac.uk/families Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

FREE

If you’re aged between 5 and 16 get along this summer to the Meadows to try a huge range of activities including football, boccia, athletics, gymnastics, tennis and lots more fun and games.

These free fun sessions from Edinburgh Leisure run every Wednesday and Friday from 2pm to 4pm next to the Pavilion Café at Middle Meadow Walk right through the summer holidays.

Sessions are run by qualified coaches from Edinburgh Leisure and local clubs starting Wednesday 1st July until Friday 14th August.

Just drop in – there’s no need to book

Summer Days Out Edinburgh Mela 2015

Jupiter Artland

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August 2015 Edinburgh Mela celebrates its 21st birthday with its biggest and brightest event yet. Join the buzzing crowds at Leith Links for two days of fantastic live music and dance across three stages plus the irresistible tastes and smells of the Global Food Village.

One of the most family-friendly events in the city, don't miss your chance to Go Bananas! at this year's vibrant and active Mela Kidzone. Every year, the innovative Mela Kidzone uses interactive performance and crafting workshops to engage and inspire kids in an interactive multi-sensory journey round the world.

This year, a diverse range of visual artists, dancers, musicians, storytellers and craftspeople will deliver a fantastic range of workshops and life shows guaranteed to delight all ages.

The Mela Kidzone is open noon - 6pm both days and day passes to the Edinburgh Mela are FREE for kids aged 12 and under / £4 for adults if pre-booked by Friday 28th August (£5 on the door).

To pre-book your tickets, visit www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk.

Jupiter Artland is a magical place (my daughter found the only 4 leaf clover I’ve ever seen in my life there so it must be!)

Visitors to Jupiter Artland are given a map indicating the location of the artworks within the grounds. But there's no set route.

Clockwise or anticlockwise is your choice. As is a left turn here or a right turn there; or the retracing of steps for a second look.

This summer they are launching Creative Families - a packed programme including den building, creative writing, dowsing and photo animation, all inspired by the magical Jupiter environment and summer programme. There is sure to be something for everyone and every age.

Every Saturday from 4 July-22 August, 2-5pm Adult £15, Child (under 16s) £10, Family discount (2 adults/2 children) £45 Every Saturday morning for the same period they are also running Families Saturdays - Create and Make drop ins between 10am - 1pm. £2.50 per person.

Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB

A Week of Free Fun ‘On the Beach’ From 3rd – 7th August Edinburgh Leisure in partnership with Community Learning and Development are hosting a week of fun sports taster sessions and fun games on Portobello Beach (opposite the Swim Centre).

If you’re 5 – 16 years old you can have a whole week of having fun keeping active from 2pm – 4pm. Or just come and join in for an afternoon.

Just drop in – there’s no need to book.

Kids Week Obviously we’re spoilt in August with shows to take our kids to but if you happen to be in London during the month you can take advantage of Kids Week.

The annual London theatre initiative returns this summer from 1 to 31 August 2015 with an exciting line-up of more than 40 top London shows offering free tickets for children.

Kids Week is all about encouraging young people and their families to experience the magic of live theatre. During Kids Week a child aged 16 or under can go free to participating shows when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Up to two extra children’s tickets can also be purchased at half price, per transaction.

Kids Week also has a fantastic range of free activities and events – many new ones and others that are back by popular demand!

Children can take a Billy Elliot The Musical ballet class, or take part in a storytelling workshop for I Believe In Unicorns. Under 5s are invited to meet The Gruffalo or enjoy fun activities with Aliens Love Underpants and, for older children, there’s the chance to perform the choreographic moves from the hit musical Jersey Boys, go backstage with The Mousetrap to meet the current cast of the longest-running play in the world, learn some of Wicked’s secrets or discover the art of improvisation from The Play That Goes Wrong. www.kidsweek.co.uk

*fingers firmly crossed for sunshine!

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love it or hate it (how could you not love it?!?) the Fringe is back in town from 7 - 31st august.

s d i K r fo

The kids and family shows offer something that will appeal to everyone from babies to grandparents. There’s horses and tigers and cats (oh my!), comedy, circus and ceilidhs, singing, Shakespeare and silliness - and possibly someone, somewhere in Edinburgh on a unicycle juggling* *nope, actually there’s no “possibly” about it - that’s definitely happening!

Congratulations to seven year old John Imray who has been named as the winner of the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Schools Poster Competition, supported

by Virgin Money.

John’s design was chosen from over 5,300 entries received from 171 schools across Scotland. His artwork will become the official poster for the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

His winning piece of artwork will be displayed at a special exhibition open to the public at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh until 31 August 2015, along with other regional prize-winners and shortlisted designs.

Krazy Kat Theatre Company Krazy Kat Theatre Company creates unique visual theatre experiences whilst travelling the world. This vibrant new 45 minute ‘Cinder-Ella’ uses Clown, Vaudeville and Music Hall devices with musical themes from LA CENERENTOLA by Rossini re-arranged for a clown-like sound. Lost memories of the puppet shows one never saw as a child are evoked. Kinny Gardner did his first version of ‘Cinderella’ with a Pollocks Model Theatre in the 60’s. It’s been Operas, it’s been Pantomimes, and now it bursts out of a pram…

As a child, it was a puppet show that first fired Edinburgh-born Kinny Gardner's love of theatre. Now he runs the acclaimed Krazy Kat children's theatre company, and the 56-year-old recalls that a glimpse backstage was a life- changing experience, and one that introduced him to the world of the Arts. But his creations bear one striking difference to any other children's theatre company in the UK today – his productions use Sign Language in all their shows, making them fully accessible for ALL 3-7 year olds!

“Krazy Kat Theatre show the value of inclusion and celebrate, in their excellent, deceptively simple and delightfully surreal shows, the joys of difference and the need for diversity.”

THE INDEPENDENT

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©Chris de Wilde

Carnival of the Animals An Edinburgh Festival Fringe family show Stockbridge Church, 10.45am, 6th to 19th August Roar with the lion, dance with the elephant, glide with the swan, flutter with the birds, swim with the fishes, but beware the shark!

Join the zany zoologist and Aire Ensemble to take part in a joyful interactive musical extravaganza.

Carnival of the Animals is an hour long quick change performance with plenty to enchant and entertain the whole family.

Described as “A delightful re-creation of The Carnival... guaranteed to appeal to the imagination... The Naturalist, an extremely versatile Paul Ratcliffe not only introduced the animals he became them. Amusing poetry added tremendously to the impact... an entertaining way to spend an hour with the children.”

(Craven Herald) Carnival of the Animals is devised by Michael Charlton weaving together Saint-Saens' music, specially arranged by Deborah Pennington, with Jan Holdstock's poetry.

Tickets available www.edfringe.com or from www.aire-ensemble.co.uk

Jazzamatazz!

Highly acclaimed Australian opera singer turned cabaret sensation, Ali McGregor returns to Edinburgh with her show for the whole family with her jumping’ jiving jazz extravaganza This hour of jazzy beats and early 90’s references will get the kids singing and prancing, twisting and dancing. Relatives and friends are welcome to join in or grab a drink and watch as their young ones tire themselves out on the dance floor.

A set list that includes Who Let The Dogs Out, A-Tisket, A-Tasket and Single Ladies is guaranteed to get everybody shufflin’ to a host of bebop beats and hep-cat treats. Ali and her band are joined by two dancers who rock n roll, swing and jive with the kids, teach them some moves to create a world of unadulterated fun!

"McGregor’s vocal range and quality of sound is extraordinary, as is the energy she exudes" - Edinburgh Guide ★ ★ ★ ★ "This show was filled with screeching, giggling, running and dancing children all having a great time and thoroughly enjoying themselves" Broadway Baby ★★★★ Assembly George Square Gardens at 11.10am 6 - 30 August (not 10th, 17, 18th, 24th or 25th) www.edfringe.com

The Cat in the Hat From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+.

Expect towering hats, mischief and fun that is funny!

“Triumphs as the maestro of mischief” ★★★★ The Stage “A sharp, vibrant and deliciously daft story told beautifully and perfectly for children... brimming with energy and childish laughs.” ★★★★ Broadway Baby Play originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain. Adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell. Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

5th – 30th August 2015 at 11.30 am at Pleasance Courtyard.

Geometric City The world sneezed and everything fell to pieces…

Come and join Bridget and Cindy as they discover the hidden land of Geometric City.

The quirky duo embark on an adventure, quickly realising that it is full of creatures only some of whom are friendly! Undeterred, they travel through a variety of landscapes including a forest, a spooky tunnel, the city itself, along a choppy river and into a smelly swamp - but how will they get home?

Told through a combination of physical theatre, storytelling and puppetry, Geometric City is pure fuel for the imagination. With a variety of characters, an action packed narrative complete with audience participation, this is a family show with something for everyone.

The Green, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 24th - 31st August 2015 at 12:15pm (1:15pm) Box Office: 0131 556 6550 www.pleasance.co.uk www.edfringe.co.uk www.mouldedtheatre.com @mouldedtheatre

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for Kid

Pleasance Kidzone Since its creation in 2009, the Pleasance Kidzone has grown from strength to strength and six years on remains the only venue in Edinburgh to offer a completely dedicated child-friendly area.

Located on The Green, in the heart of the Courtyard, the Kidzone has taken the form of a gigantic tepee, a floating ark, and for the past few years, a giant inflatable igloo!

As well as the varied and largely interactive theatre programme, there is a cafe selling child-friendly food, a nappy change, pram shelter and weather-proof art pods where children (and adults) can engage in imaginative and fun arts and crafts activities. They can also enjoy storytelling sessions, face painting, music, author book signings and regular visits from all the Pleasance performers. It's certainly the best place to pick up essential word-of-mouth show suggestions!

It's our mission is to provide a fun, creative space where under 10s and their families can stop for a while and relax within the hubbub of the bustling Courtyard; a space where they don't feel like they're getting in the way! The Pleasance Kidzone has become a regular Fringe Festival destination for families who return year after year because they know that their kids will be properly entertained. There really is something for everyone!

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for Kid Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made Despite the name this is a hilariously optimistic, one-man comedy show for kids aged 8+ based on the best-selling children’s book by Stephan Pastis.

Timmy Failure and his polar bear sidekick, Total, have brought their world class (nearly) detective agency TOTAL FAILURE INC. to the Edinburgh Fringe, and they can solve crimes and mysteries, big and small.

Timmy has plans for world domination. Plans that will make his mother rich and unpaid bills a thing of the past, but Timmy needs you and your unsolved mysteries. What better way to get to know Timmy than by hearing about his brilliant detective talents and witnessing his amazing professionalism in this home-made, hilarious presentation by the man himself?

Like the title suggests, of course mistakes were made, but always remember; Failure is an option! 11.15am at Box, Assembly George Square, 6 – 31 August.

CeilidhKids at the Fringe – Free!

Fun Scottish Dancing for all the family Venue 272 - Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters (Gothic Room) Saturday 1st to Wednesday 5th Aug 12:00 and 13:00 (Space very limited) Venue 170 - Laughing Horse @ The Counting House (Ballroom) 10:00 6-16 Aug only, 11:00 6th-30th Aug (except 18,20,25,27) Venue 292 - Laughing Horse @ Gorgie City Farm Outdoors, Sundays only 9, 16,23 & 30 Aug at 15:00 Weather permitting #jigswithpigs Family workshop suitable for children aged 3-7 years with parents or carers. 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. All children must be accompanied by an adult willing to join in. See you soon for a dance!

Funz and Gamez Tooz Phil Ellis returns with a brand new hour of family fun and a new, much better girlfriend.

He's joined by all the gang: Bonzo the Dog, Jim the Elf, but not Uncle Mick because he's dead. His brother, Uncle Rick, fills that void. Winning the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Panel Prize, FAGZ was the undisputed anarchic cult hit of 2014.

'Delighting both children and (on a rather different level) adults alike' **** (Telegraph).

'Completely bonkers... comedy gold, for all ages' **** (Independent).

'The antihero of kids' shows which is one of the funniest, buzziest hours' **** (Times).

Assembly George Square Gardens, Bosco Theatre 15:20 (16:20), 6th -31st August Age guideline 5+ Tickets: www.assemblyfestival.com or 0131 623 3030

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Goblin presents Mr Tiger Goes Wild at Pleasance Courtyard Meet the tiger who came to party!

A show for ages 3+ that’s a little bit rock and roll, adapted from the bestselling picture book by Peter Brown.

Mr. Tiger lived a perfectly proper life in a perfectly proper city and everything was perfectly fine . . . until the day he had a wonderfully WILD idea! Join Mr Tiger on a musical adventure full of fun and laughter as he journeys from the city to the jungle.

Mr Tiger Goes Wild is a story about being yourself and features original music played live on stage, hilarious characters and lots of imagination that will have children ages 3+ enthralled from start to finish (and roaring like tigers).

For a video trailer, pictures and more info visit www.goblintheatre.co.uk Mr Tiger Goes Wild is on at Pleasance Two in the Pleasance Courtyard every day at 11.10am from 5 - 31 August. Prices vary. Tickets can be booked at www.pleasance.co.uk or by calling 0131 556 6550

Rosie's Magic Horse This August Peaceful Lion Productions are set to bring their smash hit show 'Rosie's Magic Horse' based on the book by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Quentin Blake to the Edinburgh Fringe. The story follows little Rosie, who, worried about how her parents will afford to pay the ©www.pamelaraith.com bills, finds herself whisked off on an adventure with Stickerino, a horse that's transformed himself from the iced-lolly stick collection that Rosie keeps in a box that used to belong to her grandfather.

Ollie Fielding, Artistic Director of Peaceful Lion commented “The book is wonderful and really embellishes the zany world Hoban is so fantastic at creating and it is brought to life beautifully by Blake's illustrations. It is likely that some of our audience members might be dealing with situations similar to that of Rosie and her family. I hope that the show is able to reach out and remind people that real wealth is in the relationships we have with other people.” http://PeacefulLion.com Pleasance Above, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ 5th Aug 2015 - 31st August 2015 at 10am (not 19th) Tickets: Previews £6, Monday – Thursday £9.00/£8.00 concession Friday – Sunday £10/£9 concession Online: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/rosies-magic-horse Phone: 0131 556 6550

Alfie White: Space Explorer IT’S 1967 AND THE SPACE RACE IS ON...

Alfie White is crazy about space. And his dad is training to be the first man on the moon. At least that’s what Alfie tells his schoolmates. In fact, Alfie’s dad has disappeared without trace – as if swallowed up by a black hole…

Together with his best friend Meg, Alfie sets out on a daring mission to find his dad. But where on earth – or in space – is he?

A cosmic tale of adventure and discovery for everyone aged five and up in the latest show from Fringe favourites Tall Stories, the company behind 2014’s sell-out success EMILY BROWN AND THE THING: Based on an original concept by Tall Stories co-directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell, ALFIE WHITE: SPACE EXPLORER is set in 1967, at the height of worldwide excitement about the space race.

Mixing space fact and fiction with a soundtrack of 50s and 60s jazz, the story is inspired by co-writer Toby’s own childhood. As a child Toby had no idea that his father had once been a famous jazz musician...

“Vibrant, fun and poignant” ***** The List 5 to 30 August (not 19th) at 2.05pm (duration 50 minutes) Tickets: £6–£10 Venue: Pleasance Two (Pleasance Courtyard) Venue box office: 0131 556 6550 / www.pleasance.co.uk Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

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for Kid Step It Up Dance Thursday 6th - Monday 10th August 9.30am - 10.15am daily For kids aged 2 - 8 and their families Sweet International Venue (Apex International, Grassmarket) Step It Up Dance return following two sellout years with another high energy, interactive family Breakdance show! The breakdancing robots (B-bots) have landed in Edinburgh and they're being chased all over town! Can the Bboys and B-girls of Edinburgh use their breakdancing skills to help the B-bots escape before they crash and burn? This family dance show explores basic breakdance moves, tricks and flips with loads of fun, laughs and praise along the way. Adults £8, Kids £6

Trash Test Dummies Circus Hub – The Beauty, Middle Meadow Walk, The Meadows, Edinburgh EH9 9EX Friday 7th – Saturday 29th August (not 17th and 24th) at 12.25pm (60 mins) Winners of the best children’s presentation at the Adelaide fringe festival 2015, the TRASH TEST DUMMIES can be seen in The Beauty. As full of laughs as their bins are full of surprises, these nominees of the 2015 Perth Fringe World Circus Award, and winners of the gas works circus showdown 2014, present a family friendly show like no other.

With rave reviews and sell out shows, this award winning, sidesplitting slapstick comedy routine takes the household wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump truck full of hilarity!

Jamie Bretman, Jack Coleman and Simon Wright are highly skilled circus performers from Australia that can trash talk with the best of them, showcasing a stunning array of the highest jaw dropping acrobatics, juggling and stunt work, these dexterous dummies take the audience on a journey into their playful imagination.

“A near-perfect, laugh-out-loud blend of physical comedy, old-fashioned vaudeville slapstick, mime, dance, juggling, clown capers and circus performance.”

Herald Sun, ★★★★1⁄2 Tickets: From £9.00 (includes £1 online booking fee) Box Office: www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/circushub and www.edfringe.com

You Look Tasty!

(A Play By A. Tiger) A carnivorous new comedy for brave children and their families!

The London Zoo Players are staging a play. But with a tiger on the loose and their dedicated/delicious cast missing, will the show still go on?

When Aloysius Tiger had an idea for a play, he never dreamed of coming to the Edinburgh Festival - but with a little help from some captive zookeepers he's finally here. YOU LOOK TASTY! tells his story from captivity to freedom, promising comedy, adventure, songs, on-stage interaction and a formidable backstage feline!

Playwright Stewart Pringle has been hotly tipped, with WhatsOnStage recently raving 'We can expect to see Pringle writing Doctor Who and Sherlock well before the end of the decade' - making this clever little show an Edinburgh must-see for brave children and their families.

7-31 August, 11.45am. Tickets £5-£10.

Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ Box office: 0131 556 6550 / www.pleasance.co.uk.

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Annabelle’s Skirting Board Adventure Annabelle is the world's smallest elephant, and her friend Icarus is a moth who loves bright lights and woolly jumpers. They become friends with Arthur (who is, disappointingly, just a normal-sized human man) and together they go on an adventure beyond all imaginings.

Three to seven-year-olds average three to four hours a day in front of a screen (UK Ofcom) As parents we are torn between wanting to keep the children entertained while we get on with things and the guilt that being plugged into a screen may be having a detrimental effect on their health and behaviour. But technology is a part of our lives and shows no sign of slowing down so how do we make it work for our families?

Howard Read (Little Howard’s Big Question) has developed a new show that combines a big screen and tiny cameras with live theatre and music. By mixing these magically before your eyes this show will inspire the imagination of the Minecraft generation - your child will never look at a screen in the same way again.

Annabelle’s Skirting Board Adventures Just the Tonic at The Community Project (Venue 27) 11:30am Aug 6-17, 19-30.

The Hunting of the Snark Enter the imaginative world of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, in this brand new, highly original adaptation of his beloved classic, The Hunting of the Snark.

A musical comedy adventure for the whole family featuring puppetry, lashings of daft humour and an original soundtrack of witty songs that will delight, excite and entertain.

A riotous ragtag band of bold adventurers including the Banker, the Boy, the Butcher, the Baker, Mr Bellman and his knitting Beaver set off on a quest to catch the Snark. Can a Snark be caught with soap? Will the Beaver keep out of the hungry Butcher’s way? Will the Baker remember his name? Does anyone know what a Snark actually looks like?

Conceived and directed by Gemma Colclough (NewsRevue, Associate Director Rose Theatre), written

by Annabel Wigoder (Buckland Films, Royal Court Young Writer) and with music and lyrics written by Edinburgh veteran comedian Gareth Cooper (Delete The Banjax, BBC Radio 4's Sketchorama).

5th – 31st August (not Mon 17th), 11am at The Green, Pleasance Courtyard, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh. To book tickets call 0131 556 6550 or visit www.pleasance.co.uk

Theatre Fideri Fidera in association with Komedia

Pitschi, the Kitten with Dreams Edinburgh's favourite kitten is back!

Little Swiss cat Pitschi doesn't like the rough and tumble and mischievous fun of kitten play. She would rather be any other animal in the world, a chicken, a goat, a duck... anything, as long as it isn't a cat! Come and enjoy this funny, touching tale that has delighted children all over the world.

Full of song, music and adventure, this is a perfect play for young children and their families.

“Charming and with accomplished design, strong writing and delivery Komedia have created 45 minutes of pure magic for young children.” Paul Levy, Fringe Review “Wide-eyed and constantly smiling Natasha Granger cleverly turns the space into a warm inviting space that kids will enjoy.” Lauren Paxman, The Stage Age guidance: 2 - 7 year olds and their families.

Gilded Balloon Teviot 5 - 23 August (Not 17 Aug) 10.15am £5 – £8.50 Family tickets available BOOK NOW www.gildedballoon.co.uk 0131 622 6552

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for Kid “If you're tired of that ''Once upon a time'' same old, same old, you should visit Manhattan Children's Theatre for ''The Last of the Dragons,’' New York Times

Edinburgh's favourite kitten is back!

The Last of the Dragons

the Kitten with Dreams

Children’s Theatre A wonderful story of princesses, dragons and handsome princes but not as you know it. In E Nesbit’s (The Railway Children) story the prince is too afraid to fight, the princess “wields a mean sword and quick wit” (New York Times) and wants to do the rescuing herself, and what she loves about the prince is his brain and not his muscle. And the dragon is nowhere to be found… This is a tale of bravery, intelligence and unexpected NEW traditions. Beautifully set for the stage, and directed by Laura Stevens co-founder of Manhattan Children’s theatre, with an all Edinburgh cast, this show will delight young and old - suitable from age 3.

“The Last of the Dragons is a wonderful production of an amusing and entertaining play. It is sure to delight children and parents alike.” Off Off Broadway Review Venue 33 The Pleasance (Beneath) Box Office: 0131 556 6550 www.pleasance.co.uk from 5 - 31 August 12 noon daily Prices from £6, group discount, 2 for 1 and preview rates available.

Twiter @NYdragonsinEdin

Pitschi,

**** "A heart-warming children's show" The Stage "45 minutes of pure magic" Fringe Review 10.15am • 5 – 23 August • Gilded Balloon

James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids

BOOK NOW

13/14/15/16 August 2015 - 5:00pm (60 mins) The Famous Spiegeltent - St Andrew Square Tickets: £7.50 Box Office: 08446 933008 Stories old and new for anyone over six who enjoys stand-up comedy without rude words from the man who invented the genre.

“James Campbell pioneered the idea of stand-up for children, and it is still genuinely impressive to watch him hold the attention of a theatre full of six- to 11-year-olds for an hour with nothing but a microphone.” Stephanie Merritt, The Guardian Edinburgh and UK Tours aside, James has performed his unique stand up for children all over the world. James first book "Boyface and the Quantum Chromatic Disruption Machine" was published by Hodder Children's Books in June of last year.

The series of four books is now complete with "Boyface and the Tartan Badger", "Boyface and the Uncertain Ponies" and "Boyface and the Power of Three and a Half". www.thejamescampbell.com

www.gildedballoon.co.uk 0131 622 6552

Mrs Mash the Storytelling Cook Mrs Mash the Storytelling Cook can often be found popping up at festivals, parties, schools and nurseries with her unique recipe for food themed joining in fun.

This summer Mrs Mash has teamed up with musician Barry (the banana) Wright to she bring her favourite stories and songs to the Edinburgh Fringe 2015.

There will be tales of runaway oatcakes, a village transformed by the magic of soup and everyone can get moving with the fitness fruit salad song… Ideal for ages 3 and up.

Special show for teeny wee ones Monday 17th.

The show runs from Monday 17th until Saturday 22nd August at 11am. Venue 241 The Royal Scots Club 29-31 Abercromby Place. Tickets £6 for adults £4 children Family Ticket £15 After the Fringe Mrs Mash will be available for visits to schools and nurseries.

To find out where else Mrs Mash might be popping up visit www.mrsmash.com

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Direct from a SMASH-HIT WEST END season!

The Tiger Who Came To Tea The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be?

What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Following a smash-hit West End season, the teaguzzling tiger is in Edinburgh in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos!

A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem...,expect to be surprised!

David Wood OBE is undisputedly the country’s leading writer and director of plays and musicals for children. His many successes include Fantastic Mr Fox, The Gingerbread Man, BFG, The Witches, Meg and Mog, Spot and Babe the Sheep Pig. This Tiger is the cat’s meow”★★★★ The Times “A rare and grrreat achievement” ★★★★ Mail on Sunday For children aged 3+ www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com Listing information The Grand, Pleasance Courtyard Wed 5 – Mon 31 Aug 2015 Performance times: 10am (exc Sat 8 Aug) Box office: 0131 556 6550 Website: www.pleasance.co.uk Tickets: £7-£11

Mirror Me "Mirror Mirror 1-2-3, I'm going to be you and you're going to be me."

What if you could swap places with the person in the mirror? Join Ani and her talking Parrot on an adventure full of mischief, music and mayhem as they find out what happens when you do.

It's a splenditickletacious world where you can do anything you want and never be told off. But is it really as fun as it seems? And what happens when you want to go home?

Come and see! “it’s everything you can really ask of a piece of children’s theatre: fun and engaging for both polars of the age scale.”

Grumpy Gay Critic.

For ages 3+ 5th-23rd August 2pm The Green – Pleasance Courtyard www.pleasance.co.uk | 0131 556 6550

An Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker Production; originally co-produced with the Unicorn Theatre

The Secret Life of Suitcases

By Lewis Hetherington and Ailie Cohen Sat 8 - Sun 23 Aug (not 12, 17) 3pm (45 mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30) £9 / £7 conc www.edfringe.com / 0131 226 0000 An enchanting puppet show about travel, adventure and the joy of coming home again for ages 5+ Larry works in an office and he likes it very much. He likes sorting and tidying and generally putting things in order. Everything in its place, a place for everything. But one day, a suitcase suddenly appears at his door. A suitcase with a tiny label. A tiny label with Larry's name on it. And this suitcase has a mission... Join Larry as his world gets turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase in this funny and enchanting new collaboration nominated for a Critics' Award for Theatre in Scotland, with renowned Scottish puppeteer, Ailie Cohen (Cloud Man, The Man Who Planted Trees).

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Fairly Tales 'AndOn Theatre may have been creating theatre for a comparatively short time, but co-artistic directors Ray and Joshua have been making memories for twenty years.

As cousins and friends, the two set out with the aim to devise original work that epitomises their ideal of theatre as something best kept simple. No fuss.

Just stories.

Fairly Tales, 'AndOn's second family show after the success of their first (Bits & Box), is an exciting blend of devised theatre and live illustration, of original story and a twist of those fairy tale characters we all know and love (or love to hate). Aiming to inspire the artists of tomorrow, Fairly Tales is fast-paced 50mins, which takes theatre back to the beautiful basics of telling (or drawing) a story.

Fairly Tales is touring alongside 'AndOn Theatre's Young Artists Programme, supported

by Arts Council England, working with young creatives.

For more information, visit andontheatre.com.

Pleasance Courtyard (venue 33) 11.30am 6th - 27th August (not 16th)

©Antoine Siggen

Beano Beano perfoms a show on the Street Theatre. After two amazing tricks, he gets tiedup in a straight-jacket and a long and heavy chain, and escapes with plenty of help and comedy from his audience. He is available throughout the Fringe for children parties, as a red nose clown. beano.theclown.free.fr

Shakespeare Untold Romeo and Juliet (The Party Planner’s Tale) Titus Andronicus (The Piemaker’s Tale)

By Harper Ray and Adam Sibbald.

Based on the plays of William Shakespeare.

5 - 31 August 2015 (previews 5 - 7 August; no shows 12, 19 & 26 August) Pleasance Courtyard, Romeo: 12:30 (50 mins) / Titus: 13:40 (50 mins) London’s world-renowned venue Shakespeare’s Globe makes its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut with two shows from the acclaimed family-friendly series Shakespeare Untold.

The Untold shows are “stories you know from characters you don’t”, bringing Shakespeare’s plays to family audiences in an accessible way – seamlessly blending modern language with the original text.

In The Party Planner’s Tale, the story of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet is retold through the eyes of the Capulet Ball's party planner.

The Piemaker’s Tale retells Shakespeare’s goriest tragedy, Titus Andronicus, as seen from the kitchen of Titus’ piemaker.

‘Bringing a fun twist to Shakespeare. An unforgettable experience for young and old.’

Metro London See both shows for £15 or individual productions for £10 (£9 concessions) Suitable for 5+ Tickets: 0131 556 6550 / www.pleasance.co.uk or Fringe: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

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Katie and the Mona Lisa Katie and the Mona Lisa, a new musical based on James Mayhew’s best-selling book, will be at Pleasance One, Pleasance Courtyard from Wednesday 5 to Monday 31 August 2015 at 12.50pm.

Katie and the Mona Lisa follows Katie’s extraordinary adventures inside famous paintings.

Katie and her Gran visit the National Gallery to see the famous painting of the Mona Lisa. Katie wonders why the Mona Lisa is smiling and, to her delight, she comes to life! Katie discovers that Mona Lisa is lonely and her smile is starting to fade. Their magical adventure runs through a series of famous paintings, searching for someone who can restore Mona Lisa’s smile. They visit Raphael’s St George, helping him biff a HUGE hungry dragon, they dance with gods and goddesses in Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’, and fly over Venice on Carpaccio’s winged lion.

Katie and The Mona Lisa is adapted for the stage by Planet Theatre Productions Ltd. The Book and Lyrics are by Adrian Brown with Music by Robert Hainault. It is produced

by Sean Garvey. There will be a cast of 6.

Perfs 12.50 Running time 60 minutes. Tickets: £12.50, Concs £8.00-£11.50, www.pleasance.co.uk

CIRCUS FOR SUCCESS – Circus Workshops for Children Albert & Friends Instant Circus, London’s Premier Youth Circus, celebrate its 20th year at the Fringe offering a special day out for children with some incredible circus skills. Come and learn aerial, tightrope, unicycle, stilts, juggling and lots more.

A&FIC’s expert training team will be there to help build self-confidence, courage and team skills as well as making sure you enjoy an action packed fun day out.

Experience the joys of the circus with lunch included.

Venue: Bonaly Outdoor Centre 9th – 16th August 10.30am - 3.30pm Cost: £45 Age: 5 – 14 Please note: Workshop is for children only. Children may be dropped off and picked up later. Parents are welcome back from 3pm to watch the participants perform their new skills.

‘Albertious Conundrum II’ The Albert & Friends Instant Circus troupe of highly skilled young performers bring a riotously fun filled circus show to this year’s Fringe. Family entertainment at its best!

Venue: Royal Botanic Garden – off Inverleith House Lawn.

9th– 16th August 1pm (1 Hour) Free

Albee Vector The Sound Collector Albee's back! And he's still everything that children’s theatre should be. An epic tale of love, adventure and a soundhoover called Mustard.

Find out how Albee and his love Andromeda survived kings, curses and cruelty on their quest for beautiful sound in the world. Sounds are running low so Albee will need a few more noises to tell this particular story... Can you help him? He'll need you to make popping, fizzing, hissing, clopping, whizzing, whooshing, banging, crashing, and probably a fart noise or two!

Pleasance Courtyard at 11.10am for ages 4+ (50 mins) 5th - 31st August (not 18th)

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Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie

Pleasance Beyond – 11am 5th to 31st August (not 18th) Tickets: £9.50 - £13.00 / Conc £8 - £12.50 Box Office: 0131 556 6550 Roll up, roll up, for the most ‘magnifical’, ‘tremendible’ and ‘fantasticulous’ experience in ©Paul Blakemore town!

Ever wanted to count a Decapus’s, legs? Or wondered what a Whistling Pank eats?

Would you like to catch a glimpse of the fabled ‘Massive Paw’, or lick a Tresillian Toad?

Or perhaps see a cow that looks like Brian May? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Dr Longitude and his team of “experts” are here to guide you through a puppet-packed, ludicrously lyrical and magically musical tour of the Imaginary Menagerie’s finest exhibits.

From the acclaimed, award winning creators of The Terrible Infants, Alice’s Adventures Underground and The Trench, Les Enfants Terribles return to Edinburgh with their most silliest, fun and entertaining family shows to date suitable for big kids and small grownups. Featuring puppetry, music, comedy and physical theatre The Menagerie is not to be missed!

“If Roald Dahl and Tim Burton had ever met and decided to open a travelling circus, the result might have been something close to Les Enfants Terribles’ superb storybook world.” - Edinburgh Spotlight “Better than any family show has a right to be.” - The List Scamp Theatre presents

THE SCARECROWS’ WEDDING Scamp Theatre are proud to present a truly heart-warming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hotly anticipated new book ‘The Scarecrows’ Wedding’.

Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows (they scare a lot of crows). Harry loves Betty, and Betty loves Harry - so they decide to get married.

Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials including a dress of feathers, a bunch of flowers and a necklace made from shells.

However, when the farmer notices he is missing a scarecrow, he replaces Harry with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake. Dashing, daring and ever so cool, can Reginald persuade Betty that he is the scarecrow for her? Will Harry make it back in the nick of time before Reginald ruins their special day?

Bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style (Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales, and Pirate Gran) this epic love story promises wit, drama, and wedding bells! Suitable for ages 3+ ‘Scamp Theatre send shivers down my spine. They are so lively and innovative’ Julia Donaldson, author and former Children’s Laureate Thursday 6 August – Monday 31 August Udderbelly, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Performances: 2.50pm daily (except Wed 19 Aug) Tickets: £16 (Sirloin Seats) £11 (Full Price) £10 (Concessions) Box Office: 0844 545 8252 www.underbelly.co.uk

Morgan & West's Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids (and Childish Grown-ups!)

Only very rarely does a show come along that is equally loved by adults and children alike. But as time travelling magicians born in 1865, Morgan & West have had more than enough time to perfect this art.

And so in their new show, our favourite Victorian magic duo set out to provide entertainment that really is thrilling for anyone - of any age, from any time period, and any level of maturity - as they unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility.

Witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality, and, of course, a truck-full of tricks and tea. Mixing brain busting illusion and good old fashioned tomfoolery, Morgan & West present a show for all the family, where magic and silliness abound!

Best Family Show Adelaide Fringe 2013 Nominee. ***** 'Brilliantly funny' (ThreeWeeks) **** 'Hugely talented' (Daily Mirror).

Underbelly Med Quad (venue 302) August 5 - 23, 25th - 31st at 14.15 For ages 4 - 13

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Comedy Club 4 Kids Comedy Club 4 Kids has stand-up from grown-up, high-quality acts like John Robins, Stu Goldsmith and Nish Kumar, who perform their usual sets, just without the swearing or rude bits."

(The Independent) True.

Our gigs are BOSS. We've spent ten years persuading the international circuit's best stand-ups and sketch acts to perform for family audiences, at shows that are "sterling" (The Guardian), "great" (The Scotsman), and "just right" (Daily Telegraph). Gig veterans include James Acaster, Tiernan Douieb, Jay Foreman, Tim Fitzhigham, Ivo Graham, Bec Hill, Jonny & The Baptists, Andrew O'Neill, Sara Pascoe, Howard Read, Iain Stirling, Luke Toulson and ace improvisers Noise Next Door.

Just cos you're a kid doesn't mean you should miss out on the best stand-ups and sketch acts of the Fringe! And just cos you're an adult at a kids' show doesn't mean you can't also have the best time!

Check www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk for line-ups; happiness.

Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh EH8 9SU August 6-30th 4.15-5.15pm Prices: £10 (£9) Fri-Sun, £9 (£8) Mon-Thurs, £8 (£7) Aug 6-7, 2 for £10 on Aug 10-11

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Children live their dreams at Spotlites this EdFringe!

Spotlites are renowned for their unique programme of interactive adventure plays for children. Their special interactive theatre style sees children coming onstage for adventures throughout or joining in from their seats for shyer ones!

In ‘Peter Pan on Dinosaur Island’ children aged 5-12, can defeat the T-rex with Peter and real swords! Fly with the Pterodactyl! Bombard Captain Hook with dinosaur droppings! 2011/12 Edfringe sell-out: ‘Exactly what every show for kids should be like’ ***** ThreeWeeks August 4 - 18th, 21st - 23rd, 28th - 30th. 1.30pm (1 hour 45)

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The Enormous Turnip for 3-7s, is back after its fourth sell-out Edfringe runs 2011-14, where little ‘uns get to slide in the snail slime or heave up the enormous turnip! ‘So perfect’ ThreeWeeks (Aug 17th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 31st) (45mins)

Dive into a sea of porridge for 2-6 year olds with Magic Porridge Pot, a phenomenal show for 2-6 year olds, that has sold out at every EdFringe since 2009. (Aug 19th, 20th and 31st) (45mins) Little ‘uns come onstage throughout for adventures!

Swashbuckling Oz and the Sith Pirates for 7-12 year olds (winner of the DEREK People’s Choice Award for Best Children's Show). Children will battle Sith Pirates with real lightsabres! Engage hyperdrive: navigate Sith space!

Awaken the Force to blast the CyberWitch! Catapulted into Sith Space, fugitive Oz becomes locked in a fierce battle with Sith Pirates, when the CyberWitch captures them all! Can they escape to the Emerald Planet? ‘It’s cracking!’ **** Daily Record. August 4th - 18th, 22nd - 23rd, 29th - 30th. 11am (1hr 30)

Puss In Boots for 2-6 year olds is back after last year’s sell-out run when it received ‘Outstanding Show’ from FringeReview.

Children can help Puss storm the Ogre's bouncy castle and splat magic mud pies! Join Puss as he tries on his magic boots! Will the Ogre eat Puss? Will Puss trick the Ogre? Will Boy ever get rich? August 11th, 19th, 20th and 31st. (45 mins)

Have fun with Spotlites' popular 'Drama

Workshops for 5-12s', an 8 year sell-out and one of the festival’s best loved treats! Drama fun and games on themes including Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen, Harry Potter, Minions, Avengers/DC, Doctor Who, Horrible Histories and more! August 4 - 8th, 10th - 18th, 22nd - 23rd, 29th – 30th £8 (Schools £7.50 each)

Tickets for shows: £9/ £8 kids/ £32 family (Schools £7.50 each. Group Discount: 10% off for groups of 10+) Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street, Edinburgh Full dates and times available at www.spotlites.co.uk. Box office: 0131 220 5911

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Out&About

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh

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

JUNE Until October 27th Tesco Bank art Competition for Schools 2015 IT Gallery, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound.

Come and see this year's 53 winning artworks selected from thousands of entries received from all over Scotland.

Themes include: Shoes; Fabulous Food; Flight; Shelter; Wind. From Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Special Education Schools, these are the artists to watch out for in the future.

21 June Bags of art The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks.

Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00 21 June Father's day Doodles Ceramic Workshop, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ. 0131 229 1399 We have some great gift ideas to paint in advance for Father's Day presents from tiny fingerprint cuff links to huge plant pots for hand prints! Mugs, cereal bowls and cookie jars are alway a popular choice and always well recieved by Dads and grandpas! On the day itself we will be giving out a sweet treat and glass of fizz for all dads. We will be open 10 am -6pm and booking is recommended. 10am - 6pm / Prices vary.

21 June Father’s day Family Takeover

20 June dads’ day The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre Join storytellers and musicians in the Storytelling Bothy for a positive celebration of fatherhood on the day before Father’s Day. A great opportunity for Dads to enjoy time with their children, tell stories and listen to tales that promote the importance and joys of active fatherhood. 11am - 2pm 20 June mattress! mattress! The Story of the Princess & The Pea The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR. 0131 556 9579 For 3-8 years. Set in an ‘awfy drafty’ castle in the remote Scottish Highlands, this classic tale is re-told by two bemused actors, some tartan ‘troos’ and an extravaganza of exquisite puppet figures. This fast and funny family show features sign language, ‘dancing aboot’ and big laughs...

Suitable for all audiences, deaf and hearing, this latest production showcases Krazy Kat’s mastery of visual storytelling and bristles with creativity, humour and ingenuity. “Exquisite and highly imaginative, engaging, entertaining, funny and moving” The Stage 11am & 2pm (50mins) / £8 (£6)

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26 June Free sports party at the meadows with edinburgh leisure Calling all primary school kids. Come and celebrate the start of the summer holidays with Edinburgh Leisure in the Meadows from 1pm – 4pm. There’ll be lots of games and sports to try including athletics, cycling, football, gymnastics, tennis and much more. No need to book, we’ll be by the tennis courts so just come along to try a huge variety of sports and have a huge amount of fun at the start of your summer.

27 & 28 June magic Quest Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.magicfest.co.uk/event-item/magic-quest/ Fight a dragon, solve mysteries and thwart peril at every turn in Magic Quest! Test your memory, agility, sixth sense and card throwing skills with six devious challenges. You’ll need to work together in your team of five to prevail in a fast moving, magical ‘crystal maze’ environment.The family version of the popular ‘Tower of Illusion’ event. Can you complete all of the quests? 2pm (plus 10.30am on Sunday) / £4 27 & 28 June magic School one off Workshop Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.magicfest.co.uk/event-item/magic-school-oneoff-workshop/ What would it be like to perform real magic?How would it feel to receive an invitation to a secret Magic School to develop those skills? 10am or 1.30pm (2 hrs 30 mins) / £18

11:00–16:00. Free, drop-in (some activities sign-up on the day). Dads Rock and friends are taking over the Museum again for a fun afternoon of time-travel! There are loads of free activities including music, dance, science, storytelling, drawing, crafts, costumed characters and more! For the full programme visit www.nms.ac.uk/families In partnership with Dads Rock

28 June Storytelling - Tales of magic and mystery The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Join leading storyteller and musician Marion Kenny for tales and tunes inspired by the Portrait Gallery murals. Hear how a man called Thomas the Rhymer met the Queen of the Fairies and what happened when a Scandinavian King encountered Pirates! Ages 7+. 2pm and 3pm

25 June nappuccino Pilrig St Paul's Church Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5AH Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs.

Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit.

Parents will also be able to: Buy great value second hand nappies.Drop off second hand nappy donations.

A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. 10.00 - 11.30am

©PeterDibdim

Out&About

h.co.uk/whats-on including any contact or further booking information.

28 June Teddy Bears Picnic Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk A special family day at the Castle. Bring your teddy bear along and have a picnic with us in our enchanting garden.

There will be crafts and woodland trails. A special cartoonist will be there to draw a portrait of your bear. Remember to bring a picnic. We will provide cake, strawberries and ginger beer! With the Lauriston team and a few special guests. 11am - 2pm / £6 per person. Booking essential.

29 June - 9 August Summer Holiday: light!

Camera! action! The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Our six week daily summer programme has a spot of science, a hint of history, a dollop of drama and a ton of fun!

Explore photographic processes and make a simple camera, experiment with light and heat, relive the Battle of Waterloo in miniature and meet some competitive Victorian photographers in our new Macastory family show. Don’t forget to pop into our Victorian photographer’s studio to pose for a souvenir family portrait! Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 12 - 4pm

JULY 3 July nappuccino Pregnancy and Parent Centre, 10 Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY Come along to one of our Nappuccino coffee mornings, an informal, friendly ‘one stop’ event which will meet all of your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. You can also buy great value good quality second hand nappies. Any income generated is ploughed back into the Real Nappy Project to continue providing services such as the lending kits. 10 - 11.30am

30 June - 2 July morgan and West's utterly Spiffing Spectacular Show For kids (and Childish grown-ups) Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.magicfest.co.uk/event-item/morganwest-morgan-wests-utterly-spiffing-spectacularshow-for-kids-and-childish-grown-ups-morgan-west/

4 July - 22 August (Saturday afternoons) Creative Families Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB www.jupiterartland.org/whats-on/creative-families

Family workshops every Saturday afternoon between 25pm. See website for programme. Between 2 - 5pm. Adult £15 Child £10, Family discount (2 adults/2 children) £45 All prices are inclusive of entry to Jupiter Artland

©Andy McGregor

Time travelling Victorian magic duo Morgan & West unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility. Witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality, and of course a truck full of tricks and tea. (Sadly there are no actual mountains or trucks on stage during the show, Mr West simply would not have them.)Mixing brain busting illusion and good old fashioned tom-foolery, Morgan & West present a show for all the family, where magic and silliness abound!For ages 5+ 4pm / 11/£9 conc/£6 child £28 family ticket (2 adults and 2 children)

3 & 4 July Wonder Worlds! The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Drop in and take part in a range of activities inspired by the amazing world of M.C. Escher. Explore how the artist used repeating patterns and decorate a special creation to take home using your own unique stamp design; create peculiar portraits and make the impossible possible by designing your own fantastical world-in-a-box to add to our weird and wonderful wall of worlds - it will blow your mind! Free exhibition entry for participating families. For ages 4 - 12.

2 - 4pm

4 July - 29 August Family Saturdays - Create and make drop ins Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB www.jupiterartland.org/whats-on/create-and-make-dropins Every Saturday morning in July and August we will be running drop in sessions based in the Arthut for all ages.

Come along and create your own work of art inspired by the Jupiter sculpture. Between 10am - 1pm (max stay per person is 1 hour) / £2.50 per person

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Out&About

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh 5 July - 9 August (every Sunday) meet the expert The National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. Explore Your Universe by meeting real scientists. Get handson and find out about their important work. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 14:00–16:00

4 July it’s in the Bag: down on the Farm The Scottish Storytelling Centre 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR Join puppets Sam & Rosie as they head off to Granny & Grandad's farm on the Outer Hebrides. Help them pack their suitcases and then go with them on the very long journey.

It's in the Bag are an award-winning company who delight in taking children's imaginations on a storytelling adventure.

Rhymes, drama, creative games and puppets bring the story to life, with lots of well-loved Scottish songs throughout! For 0 - 2yrs. 10am & 2.15pm (45mins) / £6 (per Child)

7 July Tiny Tales The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

5 July Pinocchio Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ www.filmhousecinema.com A screening of the classic Disney film, in which the puppet Pinocchio must earn the right to become a real boy by proving that he is brave, truthful, and unselfish.

Filmhouse offers families and young people the best yearround selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays. Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events. 11am / £4

4 July it’s in the Bag: knights and Princesses The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR Oh No! 'Snake Boy' has kidnapped Princess Rosie and there is only one person who can save her... 'Bug Boy (and his side kick Bert the bug)'! A roller coaster of an adventure around the Magic Kingdom with lots of riddles to solve and a final showdown! It's in the Bag are an award-winning company who delight in taking children's imaginations on a storytelling adventure. Rhymes, drama, creative games and puppets bring the story to life, with lots of well-loved Scottish songs throughout! for ages 3 - 6. 11.15am & 1pm (45mins) / £6 (per Child) 4 July magic and variety gala Show Summerhall, 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL www.magicfest.co.uk/event-item/closing-gala/ In a world where mystery doesn’t exist, where every question can be answered with a couple of swipes and a click, come enjoy a live experience that will bring back that childhood sense of wonder at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival Closing Gala this summer. Featuring a selection of the most incredible, wonderful and quite simply strange magic acts from around the world this is a fast paced, cutting-edge show teasing you at the brink of what is possible, before pushing you over the edge. 7pm / £16 £32

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The Centre’s monthly sessions for toddlers to get interactive with stories. Lots of fun for little ones, with tales, tunes and nursery rhymes. For ages 1 - 3yrs. 10am & 11.30am (40mins) / £5 per child

©Andy McGregor

5 July art maker The Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL Join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. For ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00 5 July Croquet Tea Party! Lauriston Castle 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Lauriston-Castle Inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, enjoy a game of “Queen of Hearts” croquet on the lawns of Lauriston. Then decorate some spectacular cakes and biscuits for a special tea party in the Glasshouse. With Mike Durnan. 10.30am - 12.30pm / £4 per person. Booking essential.

11 & 12 July Family garden Party The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Demonstration Garden, No booking required, Take part in fun activities including vegetable printing and seed sowing and find out more about our Edible Garden and School Garden areas. The team will be on hand with friendly advice and garden produce tasters. 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm 11 July to 12 July Forth under Threat The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR The Firth of Forth has outstanding wildlife and great opportunities to see it up close in boats and at the beach.

Marine Conservation Society is working to turn the tide on the threats our oceans face. Come and find out how you could help. With Marine Conservation Society. 1.00 pm 4.00 pm

Out&About

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11 & 12 July Ben & Holly's little kingdom The King's Theatre, 2 Leven St, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ www.edtheatres.com/benandholly

The hugely popular Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom theatre production takes to the road again for a second UK & Ireland tour this year. A BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom comes from the makers of Peppa Pig. The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood. Sat 1pm & 4pm | Sun 10am & 1pm / See website for more information

12 July enchanted Filmhouse 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ The animated Princess Giselle is thrust into the heart of New York City by an evil queen. But, soon after her arrival, her views on life and love begin to change....

Filmhouse offers families and young people the best yearround selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays. Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events. 11am / £4

12 July Portrait detectives The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. For ages 4 - 12. 14.00 - 16.00

15 July marvellous messy monoprints Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Lauriston-Castle The grounds at Lauriston Castle are teeming with wildlife.

Taking this as our inspiration, we’ll get messy with a variety of monoprinting techniques, materials and stamps to create a colourful woodland masterpiece. With Michael Craik.

10.30am - 12.30pm / £4 per person. Booking essential.

18 & 19 July Teddy Bears Picnic Cruise Build your own teddy bear whilst cruising along the Union Canal and then stop off at the park for a picnic.

For more information about times and prices go to www.re-union.org.uk/events

Sunday 19 July edinburgh Festival Carnival Music, dance, costumes, circus acrobats, puppetry from all over the world. Colour, costumes and exotic sound; giant puppets, drum groups and street performers of every description, making Carnival in the centre of Edinburgh.

For times and locations go to www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

37 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 91

Out&About 19 July moon man Filmhouse 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh

26 July labyrinth Filmhouse 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ The much-beloved '80s classic, featuring a young and courageous Jennifer Connelly, a singing Goblin King played

by David Bowie, a wildly witty script from Monty Python's Terry Jones, and the wide-eyed wonders of Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

Filmhouse offers families and young people the best yearround selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays. Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events. 11am / £4

A delightfully charming animation, in which the man on the moon hitches a ride to Earth on the tail of a passing comet and starts to explore the fantastical creatures and sights of a new planet. Filmhouse offers families and young people the best year-round selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays.

Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events. 11am / £4

2 August moomins on the riviera Filmhouse 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ

30 July - 30 August edinburgh art Festival The UK's largest annual celebration of visual art, attracting over 250,000 visitors each year, Edinburgh Art Festival brings together the capital’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces, alongside new public art commissions by established and emerging artists and an innovative programme of special events. www.edinburghartfestival.com

©Andy McGregor

22 July Bug Hunt Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Lauriston-Castle The grounds of Lauriston are perfect for hunting mini beasties. Find all sorts of wonderful bugs hidden within the woods and grasses, then create your favourite colourful giant bug using natural willow and paper. With Mike Durnan. 10.30am - 12.30pm / £4 per person. Booking essential.

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1 & 2 August Traquair Fair Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW 01896 830323 www.traquair.co.uk/traquair-fair-2015

Traquair Fair will be returning in 2015 with a spectacular Americana theme. 11am - 6pm (music until 8pm) / see website for more information

30 July nappuccino Pilrig St Paul's Church Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5AH Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit.

Parents will also be able to: Buy great value second hand nappies. Drop off second hand nappy donations.

A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. 10.00 - 11.30am

20 July - 16 August making Faces The Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL Drop into our studio this summer and you’ll have so much fun it’ll make your head spin!

Inspired by an amazing variety of artworks from across the National Galleries, come and explore the theme of heads and faces. See what happens when you take a face apart and put it back together in new ways, experiment with the idea of what a portrait can be, try your hand at being a sculptor extraordinaire and produce your own ‘headshot’ by styling and starring in your own studio photoshoot. Simply pick up your ID pass and begin your journey of discovery.

For ages 4 - 12. 2 - 4.30pm

AUGUST

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Tove Jansson's timeless characters set sail in this beautiful animated adventure. Arriving on the French Riviera, the family's unity is threatened as Moominpappa's attempts to adopt an aristocratic 'de Moomin' persona have unforeseen consequences....

Filmhouse offers families and young people the best yearround selection of films from around the world, as well as filmmaking workshops during the school holidays. Every Sunday at 11am, Filmhouse screens great family films rated U or PG as part of Filmhouse Junior, with tickets only £4 (£5 for 3D). Filmhouse is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, which offers family galas, education screenings and youth events. 11am / £4 6 August There’s a dragon in the Castle!

Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South Edinburgh, EH4 6AD www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Lauriston-Castle Did you know we had a secret dragon? Come along and make an amazing dragon and hear all about dragons. Bring your imagination and unleash your inner monster! With Mike Durnan. 10.30am - 12.30pm / £4 per person.

Booking essential.

7 August nappuccino Pregnancy and Parent Centre, 10 Lower Gilmore Place,, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY Come along to one of our Nappuccino coffee mornings, an informal, friendly ‘one stop’ event which will meet all of your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. You can also buy great value good quality second hand nappies. Any income generated is ploughed back into the Real Nappy Project to continue providing services such as the lending kits. 10 - 11.30am 7 - 31 August The edinburgh Festival Fringe The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world.

See pages 20 - 33 for loads of amazing shows for kids and families! www.edfringe.com

Out&About

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15 - 31 August The edinburgh international Book Festival

22 & 23 August greengage arts The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, £3 (Tickets on the door)Join Greengage Arts for a hands-on craft workshop inspired by nature. 1 - 4pm / £3

27 August Teddy Bears Picnic nappuccino in Pilrig Park, near the gates just off Pilrig Street.

Come along anytime between 10 and 11.30am – bring a teddy bear! 10 - 11.30am 29th - 30th August edinburgh mela

23 August Storytelling - Scottish Superheroes The Scottish National Portrait Gallery 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD ©Alicia Bruce

Charlotte Square Gardens, a family-friendly space in the heart of Edinburgh, will come alive with over 200 events in the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme featuring authors such as Catherine Rayner, Julia Donaldson, Eoin Colfer, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Jacqueline Wilson and Francesca Simon as well as the best writers for young adults including Matt Haig, Marcus Sedgwick, Sally Gardner and David Levithan. With readings, workshops, debates and discussions featuring stories, pictures, and real life adventure, the Book Festival feeds the imagination of children of all ages from toddlers to young adults. There are daily free readings, storytelling, bookshops, cafes and a range of fun activities in the Baillie Gifford Story Box – just drop by and get stuck in. Entrance to Charlotte Square Gardens is free. For tickets and full details of all events go to www.edbookfest.co.uk or call 0845 373 5888.

16 August art Workshops for Children The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 8-12, Informal drop-in art workshops for children inspired by the current exhibition at Inverleith House. 2 4.30pm

The Edinburgh Mela is Scotland’s biggest and best celebration of world music and dance. The Mela Kidzone uses interactive performance and crafting workshops to engage and inspire kids in an interactive multi-sensory journey round the world. Leith Links. www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk Join us at the Portrait Gallery, home to heroes and heroines.

Superman? Wonder Woman? Spiderman? They were nothing compared to the original Scottish Superheroes. KAPOW! Prepare for battle in the sky with Angus Og God of Summer . . . SWOOSH! Learn how to take fly over mountains with Scaith The Warrior Queen . . . BAM! Take on the worlds largest giant Finn McCool and his band of seven heroes. Superhuman adventures with the Ancient Avengers in this participative family storytelling with Ron and Fergus of Macastory. for ages 4 - 12. 2pm and 3pm

30 August Festival Colombiano The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, A Festival of Colombian delights to celebrate the plants and culture of Colombia! Enjoy a fantastic range of free activities including music, dance, food and children's activities PLUS find out about the important work that RBGE are doing there. With University of Strathclyde, Sabedores - Sabedores and Tambora Foundation for Children 12 - 7pm

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Families Edinburgh is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families 速 is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple 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 the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.