Families Edinburgh May/June 2016

Free ISSUE 96 May/June 2016 ÂŽ

ŠAnna Moffat Photography www.annamoffat.com

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

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

2 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

What’s inside...

3–5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 – 17 18 – 23

News and Views Clubs and Classes News Parent to Parent Family Festival Fun As easy as UV A, B, C Importance of Outdoor Play Competitions Summer Camps and Activities Out and About

Get in Touch Editor: Sarah Adair editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405 Keep up to date online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Find us on Facebook Designer: kennydickson7@gmail.com Cover Image: Anna Moffat Photography www.annamoffat.com 07813 179 715

news and

views

The Heriot's Centre for Sport and Exercise opened in March 2012 providing an excellent facility for George Heriot’s School and, outside school hours, for the wider public.

Spaces available are the Main Sports Hall, Dance studio, Activities room and Fitness Suite.

The Main Sports Hall is suitable for a variety of team based sports including badminton, netball and football. The smaller Dance Studio can host badminton, dance and many other fitness activities. External providers offer Dance, Adult Ballet or Yoga classes. We also offer space for children’s Birthday parties, charity events and more.

For a party you can choose either our Main Sports Hall or Dance studio for your chosen activities/entertainment and our Activities room for your party food. We will set up and decorate the room for you and clear up afterwards.

Please visit our website for more information: www.george-heriots.com/sports-centre

Have an Allergy Free Summer with Salt Therapy!

It’s important to give your child the best start in life especially as allergies are now on the rise.

Children are more prone to respiratory problems because they pick up more viruses as their lungs and immune system are not fully developed.

In addition, the environment is filled with pollutants, which children have a harder time keeping at bay and can have a lasting effect on their future health.

Why not help them avoid serious respiratory illnesses with the power of 100% natural Salt Therapy?

Asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing conditions such as lingering coughs are all caused by inflamed bronchial tubes (tubes in the lungs) and excess mucus. Allergies and blocked noses are caused by inflammation of the lining of the sinuses that surround the nose. Salt can help to treat all these conditions.

By inhaling dry, salt-enriched air deep into their lungs, this treatment clears the airways of mucus build up and makes their breathing easier after just a few sessions. It's simple, painless and effective, boosting their immune system to help protect against further respiratory problems.

The Salt Cave, Meadowbank, Edinburgh, is open Tuesday to Saturday and your first session is FREE! 0131 510 1091 www.saltcave.co.uk

The best dressed shoe shop!

This photo was taken during an outdoor family photography session on Portobello Beach. During an outdoor shoot with Anna there is no 'sit still and say cheese', just a lot of laughter resulting in beautiful, natural shots of your kids at their best.

Next issue: July/August Fringe For Kids • Summer Camps Summer Days Out Booking deadline May 31st 2016 Call: 0131 622 0405 Email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Maddie & Mark’s Shoes have excelled themselves again this season as not only have they got another stunning collection of children’s footwear (from the tiniest first walking shoes at size 17 and kids’ shoes up to adult size 7), they also have the cutest range clothes to go with it.

With adorable brands such as the outstanding organic Frugi and the award winning Lilly & Sid, you’ll find the selection simply irresistible. There are plenty of hot choices of clothing and accessories that will hopefully accompany an equally warm summer.

Maddie & Mark’s Shoes not only understand fashion, they also offer added ‘care’, with their ongoing scheme offering great discounts for loyal customers, plus 10% off for families with twins. They even recycle old shoes, helping people in other countries walk taller with your unwanted shoes.

Blackhall and Portobello also have fabulous, unique play areas to ensure a happy shopping environment for both parents and children alike.

Maddie & Mark’s Shoes, not only are they the best dressed, they’re the most well-mannered too! Take a peek online at what’s in-store: www.maddieandmarks.com.

3 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

news and

views

SP Coaching

Many people have read the book ‘How To Talk So Kids Will Listen And Listen So Kids Will Talk’ by Faber and Mazlish. Like me they’ve probably thought, that makes sense, I’ll try that. Then life gets in the way and it becomes one of those books you've read with great ideas, that you never get round to putting into practice. Here is a chance to learn all the skills in the book, step by step within a group of like minded people.

This interactive workshop series designed by award winning authors faber and Mazlish, offers timeless skills needed in all stages of parenting. Like the best things in life they are simple yet very effective.

“I’m consistently pleasantly surprised at how my child responds to engaging cooperation, I often think - wow!” (mum of 3 yr old) Parenting with respect, encouraging effective two-way communication and many other helpful skills are discussed and practiced over 7 sessions. Perfect for everyone that has (or works with) children of any age, for a less stressful and more rewarding experience.

“I've calmed down 100% and am much more in control of myself.” (mum of 2 and 5 yr old) Our children really know how to push our buttons and send us over the edge. The course helps us do things differently, replacing what doesn’t work with skills that do work. ”Having something that puts a step between me and anger I find enormously helpful.” (mum of 7 and 2 yr old) If this sounds like it could make a difference to you and your family, join the course. To take advantage of the 10% early bird offer book by 30th June 2016. Course takes place fortnightly for 7 sessions from September at the Edinburgh Steiner School.

For booking information visit www.spcoaching.co.uk/howtotalk.

Remember to like the facebook page www.facebook.com/howtotalkuk

Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Edinburgh Montessori Arts School’s popular parent and infant group is on hiatus this summer as Emma is on maternity leave. The group returns in the autumn term with weekly sessions for babies to 3’s with their carers. Come and observe your little one in our specialised environment, learn about Montessori, meet other parents Dates and sessions tba. For more information and to be added to our mailing list email office@emaschool.co.uk or give us a call on 0131 672 3851.

What does Edinburgh Montessori Arts School have to offer?

As a small school with a personalised approach to learning places are oversubscribed. Ensure your child has a place on our waiting list. Come and tour the school, speak with our Principal and find out how our unique approach could suit your family. Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10am throughout the holidays. Advance booking necessary 0131 672 3851 or office@emaschool.co.uk

7th Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Time For You

This summer lose yourself in magic with a secret magic workshops, shows that will rock your socks off and hilarious comedy conjuring at the 7th Edinburgh International Magic Festival.

The Festival opens with a brand new event - MagicFair on the 1st July at Summerhall where you jump into a carnival of live shows, magic and circus shops, a ribbon maze – plan your own adventure and chose from up to 10 different events. Under 6s go free to the morning session.

Later in the week attend the most mysterious school in the world - Magic School - and be taught by the magician who made JK Rowling disappear! (and then reappear again) The festival will come to a close with the spectacular MagicFest Gala on 8th July at Edinburgh’s iconic Festival Theatre. Enjoy a selection of the most mind-blowing illusionists and adventurous variety acts.

An extra matinee performance of the Gala Show has been added this year due to popular demand.

With more magicians than ever before, lose yourself in magic at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival from the 1st-8th July 2016

Time For You offers fully vetted, professional & experienced domestic cleaners local to you.

Covering all EH postcodes all cleaners are reference and ID checked in their own homes.

Costs are typically £11.95 per hour.

If you sign up for 2hrs a week or more they are giving away a free bottle of MPD cleaner.

Call on 0131 629 8610 and quote Families Edinburgh www.timeforyou.cleaning/f amilies

Smallprint specialises in capturing prints in pure silver from fingerprints to hand and footprints, even drawings and handwriting.

I make pendants, charms, keyrings and at this time of year lots and lots of cuff links and dog tags for some very special Fathers Day pressies. Fingerprints are all first hand prints so your jewellery has been touched by those precious little fingers whereas hand and footprints are sized down to fit the piece I'm making, so you have a miniature of the original. Every piece is hand engraved and unique. I have sessions at various venues across Edinburgh where you can see all my samples and have prints taken, just check out my Facebook page or website for the details. All you have to do is give me a call or message me to book in. I'm happy to offer Families Edinburgh readers £10 off any keepsake item when quoting Families10FathersDay until 9th June '16 Call Abi on 077477 07527 email on abi.green@smallprint.com

Does your child have autism or related difficulties?

Does your child engage in repetitive behaviours? Do they have meltdowns if they don’t get their own way? Do they find it difficult to play with their peers?

Do they find communicating with others hard?

At Keys For Learning we help parents teach their child to be effective listeners and communicators, to enable their child to function appropriately and as independently as possible. We can help with a wide range of skills from fussy eating, communication, toilet training to reading, writing and riding a bike. Typically developing children learn without intervention as the world around them provides the right conditions to learn language, play, and social skills. Children with autism and related difficulties find it more of a challenge to learn from the environment. They have the potential to learn, however, it takes a very structured environment, one where conditions are optimised for acquiring the same skills typical children learn “naturally.” At Keys For Learning we rely on evidence-based principles and procedures to provide you with the tools necessary to structure the environment and enable your child to learn. It is widely accepted that early intervention is paramount to achieve optimal outcomes.

Contact us for a free non-obligatory chat at enquiries@keysforlearning.co.uk.

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. We are currently recruiting for our next course due to start in May 2016 and for a further course which will start in September 2016.

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

4 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Calling all Childminders – Bright World Guardianships needs you!

Saturday 25th June: The Great Scottish Tattie Run A one mile endurance run, carrying a sack of tatties above your shoulders (20kg male & 10k female) Plus many other “tattie” themed races to suit all the family. £5 entry fee. All participants get to keep their tatties on completion, plus medal & goody bag.

Sunday 26th June: The Great Scottish Toddle is for children 6 or younger. Infants and toddlers in buggies are welcome. There will be children’s entertainment, medals, goody bags and a completion certificate. The Toddle course is approximately 400 metres in length. Mums, Dads, Grannies and Grandads etc can all escort their little one around the course. £5 entry fee.

Sign up at www.greatscottishevents.co.uk Holyrood Park Edinburgh

Scaling New Heights as Scotland’s First Clip ‘n Climb launches at EICA: Ratho

Activity Delivered Activity Delivered are excited to continue to deliver incredible Nerf Wars Parties to Edinburgh.

“We held our first ticketed event in Edinburgh over Easter and it was a huge success. Our next event is June 11th!!”

Check out the website for details.

“We have a whole host of new parties that we will be bringing you this year and we can not wait to share them with you!”

Find us on Facebook at ‘Activity Delivered’ to keep up to date with everything we have to offer you all soon!

Bookbug Week 2016

Clip ‘n Climb, offers a fun and accessible climbing experience for ages 4 and up 15 different climbing challenges with 20 climbing lines and a maximum capacity of 20 people at each hour’s session.

Harnessed into a hands-free automatic belay system specifically designed for the climbing industry, climbers have a safe controlled descent after scaling the heights, without the assistance of a partner.

Remko Plooij, Director of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “It offers the challenge of climbing in a safe, accessible environment and it really does appeal to everyone from 4 to 84 years and beyond – something the whole family can participate in. The introduction of Clip ‘n Climb at Ratho compliments all the other activities we have on offer: soft play, climbing in the amazing arena, a fantastic gym and let’s not forget the cafe and guarantees a great day out for the whole family.”

Opening times vary depending on school holidays and term time so check the EICA:Ratho website. To book: www.eica-ratho.co.uk

Bookbug Week 2016 will take place between 16 and 22 May, with hundreds of free story, song and rhyme events for families with babies and young children. Introducing children to books at an early age has many wonderful benefits including building up their confidence and social skills, and giving their speech and language development a real boost! Bookbug Week is the perfect chance to find out more about the Bookbug programme, get involved, meet other families and get ideas to make sharing books, songs and rhymes with children a fun part of each day. For more info about Bookbug week visit www.scottishbooktrust.com or pop into your local library.

Bright World Guardianships takes care of young international students in boarding schools across the UK. Our role as guardian includes taking care of students when schools close at half terms and on occasional weekends.

Our students often do not fly home and so a very important part of our role is in finding good host families for them during short weekends and half terms.

Scottish Care Inspectorate guidelines state that any host family taking care of children who are 15 or younger must be registered as a Childminder. Rather than recruit families and then ask them to register, we hope that existing and established childminders in Scotland would be willing to host our students especially as times required are weekends and half term holidays which we assume may be quieter times for them. A nightly fee is paid for each student you host.

If you have a spare room and would like to provide a haven and a home from home for one of our students then do get in touch today for more information by emailing lindsay@brightworld.co.uk

Optimise Weight Loss is an Edinburgh based weight loss service which aims to provide each client with significant and sustainable weight loss.

We recognise that losing weight can be a real challenge and also know that it is often very difficult to keep the weight off once lost. Our holistic programme will help you lose weight, quickly and safely under full medical supervision and the behavioural interventions will help you change the way you feel and think about food in order to enable you to keep the weight off long term.

For more information call: 0131 2352363 www.optimiseweightloss.co.uk.

24 (F1) Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3LH

Snappy Tags are the fastest, most cost-effective way to label clothing.

They take seconds to apply, are secure and can be reused.

Snappy Tags are a small button with your child’s name etched on, which is applied, with the use of an applicator, to a care label on your child’s uniform.

Snappy Tags are a quick, simple and cost-effective solution for school uniforms, PE kits and other school equipment. You let us know the name you would like etched into the tags and we will send you the Snappy Tags and applicator, together with simple instructions. We guarantee the name won’t fade or wash off. The tags are easily attached to the care label of school uniforms – one click and it’s done! For further information and to purchase Snappy Tags visit www.snappytags.co.uk.

Celebrate at Heriot’s Centre for Sport & Exercise Choose either our Main Hall or Dance Studio for your activities/entertainment and Activities room for the Party food.

Central location - Hunters Close, Grassmarket, EH1 2HJ More information www.george-heriots.com/sports-centre Facebook page: Heriot’s Centre for Sport & Exercise Ltd Email: sportscentre@george-heriots.com Tel: 0131 221 6720

5 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

MONKEy MuSiC

PAT'S TUTORING Personal Affordable Tutoring Maths/English P1 - P7 & S1 - S3

One to One 0131 449 5521 patstutoring.co.uk

Award Winning Preschool Weekly music activities for children from 3 months – 5 years old Now is the time to come and book a free trial with Monkey Music, where all our children learn in age specific curricula based classes, in a really fun environment under the guidance of Monkey and his friends.

There are lots of games and laughter, music and singing and fun with over 15 different percussion instruments each term. Each class is tailored to the children attending, so that everyone can get the maximum out of each session. Each child is nurtured and encouraged to learn at their own pace in a safe and caring teaching environment with highly experienced guidance from Rachel and Monkey. The progressive curricula challenges, encourages and allows creative flow as the children learn through play.

To arrange to have a have a free trial class in Stockbridge, Cramond, Murrayfield or Comely Bank contact Rachel on comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk or check out the website www.monkeymusic.co.uk. You can join Monkey Music at any point in the term and should you ever miss a class we offer a free catch up class. We look forward to welcoming you to Monkey Music.

BABy SENSOry When parents come to a Baby Sensory class, they discover a myriad of ways in which they can interact and have fun with their babies. Our babies are remarkably clever and everything that they see, touch, hear, taste or smell increases the number of connections between the brain cells. Each Baby Sensory class is different and takes you and your baby on a wonderful sensory journey with puppet and light shows, singing and signing, patting and clapping, playing and hiding the list is endless!

For details of Baby Sensory classes in Edinburgh East please contact Helen Laidlaw on 07771 924928; email edinburgheast@babysensory.co.uk and in Edinburgh Central please contact Hayley Robertson on 07985166192 email edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk or visit www.babysensory.com

yOuNg DANCErS – SuMMEr tErM CLASSES At DANCE BASE This term you can choose from a range of fun classes for Young Dancers to liven up their summer. Dance Base offers drop-in classes for you and you toddler or pre-schooler to enjoy fun, sensory, confidence-building movement sessions in a social setting with other parents, as well as 12-week courses for P1 – P7 + aged children who want to explore Contemporary, Street & Hip Hop or Aerial on their own.

Why not have a browse through our website? See our Young Dancers section on dancebase.co.uk. You can book online or call 0131 225 5525.

NEW SAturDAy LittLESpArKS (ages 7-10) Jupiter Artland’s new Littlesparks for ages 7-10 follows on from our popular courses for pre-schoolers and similar to our hugely popular Artsparks workshops for older children. This 6 week pilot course will examine a specific art making process each week to challenge those older creative minds.

21 May - 25 June, Sat 10am-12pm, ages 7-10, £66 for 6 week block Booking essential www.jupiterartland.org/whats-on

6 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

BEESpANiSh

pAt'S tutOriNg

BeeSpanish is an early stimulation programme whose mission statement is to teach Spanish to children under six as they play and sing.

One recurring question is, why learn a foreign language at such an early age?

Research carried out both in the UK and the USA has shown that the maximum absorbing capacity of a new language occurs up to the age of seven.

BeeSpanish provides a unique space where children can learn Spanish through movement, music and interactive activities. Music and sound form a core part of our sessions prepared by professionals with a native Spanish speaking tutor and a qualified educational psychologist.

We currently offer Sessions in Stockbridge (Saturdays), Morningside (Thursdays), Portobello (Thursdays) and Murrayfield (Wednesday).

For more information contact us www.beespanish.co.uk info@beespanish.co.uk 07576 032079

Fully qualified Professional Teacher with over 10 Years experience as a highly recommended tutor.

My relaxed, caring approach has enabled pupils to grow into successful learners.

“I am passionate about every child achieving success and having positive self-esteem and I believe my tuition services provide the individual help your child needs to progress”.

Registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland with full PVG Disclosure.

Each tutoring session offers your child 60 minutes individual teaching with a very experienced, fully qualified professional teacher who has extensive knowledge of a range of learning difficulties and barriers to learning. www.patstutoring.co.uk

2

Parent Parent Caroline Clayton is a part time Primary Teacher and School Assessor at ESMS. She lives in Craiglockhart with her 7 year old son Christopher, 4 year son old Tom, 18 months old daughter Maggie, and her husband Steve.

Favorite shop: I love to trawl the numerous charity shops. We begin in South Morningside and climb up the hill into Bruntsfield and onto Tollcross grabbing some terrific bargains along the way. Our kids enjoy buying preloved toys with their pocket money. It's a feel good shopping trip for all involved!

Favourite park: Harrison park. We live a short walk away from this real gem.

Not only has it got the canal path where we feed the ducks and ride our bikes and scooters, but the play park is great for all ages and it's always full of friendly faces. There's lots of space for a family football match as well as being host to various great events from community kite making to bulb planting.

Favourite day out: The Meadows play park or a hike up Arthur's Seat on a sunny day. The National Museum on a rainy day along with the rest of Edinburgh! Hillend Snow Sports Centre where the boys love skiing and tubing with their friends.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: Pizza Express Morningside, although I always find myself under the table frantically picking up do balls, olives and bits of pizza crust before we leave! Archerfield walled garden in East Lothian.

Terrific burgers and a super outdoor play area for the kids.

Most successful recipe/food: Carrot and apple muffins, great healthy snack for my fruit dodging son. Jamie Oliver's fish pie-family favourite.

Why you like living where you do: Our garden backs onto the union canal.

We wake up to the noise of rowers training, ducks quacking and bicycle bells ringing. There is a real sense of community amongst the Craiglockhart / Shandon families. My children are always telling me off for stopping to chat so much but it's impossible to nip to the corner shop without bumping into a friendly face. We've made so many good friends in this area and the mums here certainly know how to enjoy a night out!

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 fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Proudest eco-friendly moment: My eldest son is on the School Eco committee at Craiglockhart Primary. They introduced the concept of package free playtime snacks. This was to help reduce the rubbish in the School playgrounds. It's really helped us rethink how we can reduce the use of packaging and use alternative ways to store our lunches and snacks.

No parent should be without: Baby wipes, a packet of top trumps and a chilled bottle of wine at home in the fridge!

Parenting pet hates: Not enough child friendly cafes/restaurant in Edinburgh.

The amount of pink found in girls toys and clothes!

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): Watching them sing or dance in nativity plays and school performances, I always end up in tears.

Most embarrassing moment (with child): A few years ago my son Tom (aged 3 at the time) and I attended Sparkle Arts classes. A puppet was introduced to the circle of children who were asked to suggest food for the puppets lunch.

Various suggestions of cucumber, ham sandwiches, carrots, soup, pitta bread were made by the group of 3 year olds. Tom screwed up his face and suggested donuts and super noodles!

Funniest comment (from child): When I came home from hospital after just having baby Tom, my elder son Christopher asked if I'd been to Asda to get that!

Favourite family holiday spot: The Lake District. We love going on group holidays to the Windermere area of the lakes. If the weather is good then it's a great place for forest walks, boating, and cycling. We also enjoy getting some autumnal sunshine in the Canaries in October. We keep returning to the same Villa in Playa Blanca in order to try and relax as much as our 3 children will allow!

Best children’s book: I probably read 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' at least 5 times a day to my daughter Maggie. She just loves it. Toms favourites include 'The Disgusting Sandwich' and 'Wheres Wally!' My eldest, Christopher has just discovered David Walliams and can't get enough of these terrific novels.

Best DVD: Paddington, great for all the family. Lego Ninjago series- boys love it, mum glazes over. Tractor Ted was watched a lot when they were younger.

Mesmerised by farm machinery and animals!

Most played with toys: 1. Lego. 2. Bag of old sheets for building dens. 3.

Scalextric 7 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Easy steps to make your kids’ first festival a breeze By Sally J. Hall

©Eden Festival

Many of the UK’s festivals have plenty to do for the whole family and with some careful planning and by packing a few essentials, you’ll all have a great time.

Where to stay If you have a tent, this can be the most cost-effective way of attending a festival.

Check the tent before you go, to ensure it has all its poles and pins. A good ground sheet is a must, as are camp beds or self-inflating air beds. A playpen is great for babies and small children to sleep in at night and play in the day.

Alternatively, other options, from pre-erected tents to Yurts and teepees may be provided. Take a look at the festival’s website to see what’s suitable.

If you can’t face roughing it, book a local hotel or bed & breakfast. You’ll have a bolthole should the weather turn nasty and somewhere to wash properly!

What to eat If you want to do your own cooking, invest in a camp stove. Easy, one pot meals are best, like soups, stews, rice or pasta, Freeze some home made meals, then just before you leave, put them in a cool box together with drinks and milk.

Site Map

Take lots of snacks too, in case cooking or queuing for meals takes longer than you think!

Take time to orient yourself around the site, find where your favourite bands will be and most importantly, check out where the loos and showers are. These can get very busy and there are often long queues. For small kids, take a travel potty, as kids often need to ‘go’ quite suddenly. Most festivals have a craft and activities area for kids too.

Pushchairs can be tricky to use if the ground is muddy. Carriers are more portable and take up less space.

With small kids, try to camp in the family or quiet areas so that you won’t all be kept awake by people coming back to their tents through the small hours.

Safety

Setting up

Don’t take valuables and keep things you can’t leave behind, such as phone, keys, your purse and credit cards, with you in a day pack all day. Never leave them in your tent.

Car parks can be quite a way from camps, so try to ensure that all gear can be put into a couple of backpacks for you and your partner to carry – and still have a hand free for the kids. Some festivals rent a wagon to transport your stuff, which you can then use to pull the kids around in.

Kids should have your name (not theirs) and number on them in case you get separated.

Write it on their arm, or buy luggage tags and attach them to their clothes and bags. Talk to them about how to behave should they get lost. Make sure your phone is charged, so if your kids do get separated, you are able to be contacted.

Dress your kids in bright clothes so you can spot them and take a photo of them each morning, so if they go wandering, you can remember how they were dressed and show others.

Fancy dress Many festivals now have a fancy dress parade as part of the fun, so take costumes. Some things can be made on-site at a craft stall. Face paints are great to pack, as are glow sticks and bubbles.

Packing list • Waterproofs and wellies, comfy shoes • Toiletries in small packs, a hang-up sponge bag you can take to the shower • Toothbrushes and paste.

• Lots of changes of clothing • Warm jumpers and socks • Sun screen and hats • A baby carrier • Torch and batteries • Phone and charger

• • • • • • •

Ear defenders Toilet rolls, tissues and wipes Insect repellent First aid kit Comfy clothes Flasks, camping cutlery and crockery Small backpacks for all, with a change of clothes, loo paper, wipes and snack in each, plus drinks • Camera

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Whether you’re a seasoned festival go-er or wanting to try for the first time a great one next month is the Eden Festival which was nominated for Best Family Festival last year. About an hour and a half from Edinburgh not too far from home (just in case!)

Eden Festival will be transporting you back in time, into a land of dragons and dreams, with this years fancy dress theme Myth’s and Legends. The Kidz Arena will take you to middle earth and beyond; to a world full of serpents, dragons, elves and fairies.

9 - 12 June Raehills Meadow near Moffat www.edenfestival.co.uk for more information and tickets.

For your chance to win a family ticket see our competition on page 11.

8 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN’S EYES –

as easy as UV A, B, C. Clare Downes, Optometrist at Downes Opticians, Leith warns us of the damage sunshine has on our eyes.

I’ve recently been noticing a huge increase of Patients in their early 40’s showing early signs of cataracts (more commonly found in your 60’s and 70’s). This got me to thinking why? - It came to me that most of the UV damage to the lens in our eye occurs in childhood.

Us lovely parents fast approaching, and in, our 40’s were the first generation who went on ‘package holidays’ or spent hours and hours outside in the sunshine, in those days the damages of UV weren’t well documented - anyone else remember being slathered in chamomile lotion after a day in the sun?!

Why sunglasses for children are a must:

Here are a few handy hints when considering sunglasses for your children.

UVA, B, C

•

UV light is more damaging for children than adults: we all know how easily their delicate skin can burn but how can UV damage your children’s eyes?

(Here comes the science bit)

•

UVA rays cause skin ageing and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma.

•

UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburn (there is an association between sunburn under the age of 20 and melanoma), cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye), and effects on the immune system. The ozone layer helps by reducing the amount of rays getting through.

•

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

• • • •

Always buy sunglasses that block the maximum amount (99 to 100%) of both types of UV-A and UV-B rays, fit closely to the face and have larger lenses for more coverage.

Not just any sunglasses will do. Putting low-quality sunglasses on your child is worse than wearing no glasses at all. This is because poor-quality sunglasses can cause your child's pupils to dilate - therefore letting more UVA and UVB rays into the eyes without offering the protection.

Many people like polarized lenses, which reduce glare and surface reflections. Snow reflections increase UV by 80%, water reflections increase UV by 25%, and sand 15%.

Choosing polycarbonate lenses can provide extra impact resistance, if your child will be wearing them for sports/outdoor activities.

Remember to replace sunglasses once the lenses become scratched as the UV filter may be compromised.

In addition to sunglasses, wear a hat to reduce overall exposure to UV rays.

Don't look directly at the sun and teach your children not to as well.

For very young children limit the amount of time spent outside during the peak hours of sunshine (11am to 2pm).

What are the effects of UV radiation on the eye?

• •

• •

Cataract: an eye disease where the lens becomes increasingly opaque, resulting in impaired vision and eventual blindness.

Pterygium: a white or creamy fleshy growth on the surface of the eye. Often seen in our patients who have spent a lot of time outdoors especially in their childhood.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the cornea or conjunctiva: thankfully a rare tumour of the surface of the eye.

Snow blindness is effectively sunburn of the eyes often occurring when skiing or playing in the snow.

We will have been exposed to 50% of our lifetime’s sunshine by the time we are 18 years old therefore it is critical that we start protecting our eyes from day one.

Choosing sunglasses can be difficult as not all children enjoy wearing them, especially the first few times. To encourage them to wear them, let your child select a style they like — whether it is footballs, butterflies or even Peppa Pig. And don't forget that kids want to be like grown-ups. If you wear sunglasses regularly, your kids may be willing to follow your example. With the bonus of keeping those pesky cataracts at bay.

At Downes Opticians we are at the forefront of providing comprehensive eye care and education for all the family. We provide a great range of children’s sunglasses which are all 100% UVA and UVB protected.

It is the perfect time to take advantage of our ongoing Kids 2 for 1 offer, with the bonus of free sunglasses as the second pair for the months of May and June. We provide both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses starting from £20. As we are always bang on trend, we even have children’s RayBans, which are ever so cool and adorable. (Not forgetting RayBan, Prada, Tom Ford and our unique Face a Face and Etnia Barcelona ranges and many more for the Mummies and Daddies)

We look forward to helping you with any questions or concerns you have, please contact us on 0131 553 5358 or alternatively through our website www.downesopticians.com.

9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk 7 week course created by award winning authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish Book by 30th June for 10% early bird discount Learn communication skills that make life with children easier and more satisfying Visit www.spcoaching.co.uk/howtotalk for details.

Just how important is outdoor play and why does it matter?

By Georgina Rodgers Can your child tell you where conkers come from?

Decipher a Blue Tit from a Bullfinch?

Do they know what leaf will calm a nettle sting?

Lost in a world of phones, tablets and technology, our children are playing and learning outside less than every before. Many of us believe in an idyllic childhood, where our children run around outdoors with their friends digging, exploring and climbing but recent surveys paint a very different story. One recent government study showed 12% of children have not visited a natural environment in the previous year. Most of our children spend half as much time outside compared to a generation ago.

More children are now admitted to hospitals for injuries resulting from falling out of bed, rather than falling out of trees. The reasons for this are complex but include commercialisation of play, limited time perhaps because children have more out-of-school activities, parents’ concerns about safety and lack of green space on our doorsteps.

Smarter, healthier and happier children Children are naturally drawn to playing outside and there are countless benefits to outdoor play. It’s not only about learning about our natural environments and the creatures and plants that inhabit it; it is about what happens when children are in nature that really counts. Everyone from respectable teachers and educationalists, to doctors and mental health experts agree that nature is important to children’s development in every major way – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically.

Being in the natural world allows children to develop their strength and coordination and gain self-confidence.

They also have a great need for physical exercise and going to the park or exploring the local woods is a chance to use different muscles to swing, slide, skate, scoot or ride a bike. The increase in obesity is the most visible symptom of the lack of outdoor play with the number of obese children tripling over the past 25 years. Even for the youngest children being pushed on a swing means they need to engaged their muscles to hold on and balance and co-ordinate their bodies to the rhythm of going back and forwards. This has a knock on effect on sleep and eating habits. The Play Strategy for Scotland 2013 says: “Open space allows children to be physically active and challenge themselves so they sleep and eat well and form healthy habits that will stay with them for life.”

There are a number of other benefits, from learning about risk assessment and problem solving to improving their eyesight, with one study showing that just 40 minutes outside a day reduces school children’s chances of becoming shortsighted by 23 per cent. There is also a marked improvement in mental health, which is particularly important given the current rise in rates of mental health problems among young people and a number of studies have shown also shown a reduction in problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Forest schools and outdoor classrooms Studies have also shown as well as free play where children learn, learning outside the classroom significantly raised standards and improves pupil’s personal, social and emotional development, with growth in forest schools – a Scandinavian import that is becoming increasingly widespread in primary schools across the UK. Nature is not just good for our children – it is good for us too and undoubtedly has a healing effect on the body. When you spend a few hours walking in the woods or camping by a lake with our children, we breath in fresh air and phytoncides, an airborne substance released by plants, which experts say appear to boost our immune systems and lower blood pressure and stress levels.

So next time you feel you need a boost or your child says they are bored, look to nature.

Georgina Rodgers is a journalist and author of new book and journal, Peace of Mind: A Book of Calm for Busy Mums, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Edinburgh Playing Out are a group of parents who would like to apply for regular temporary road closures so that children/residents can play, interact and socialise safely. Find them on Facebook to find out more.

10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Competitions

celebrating the great outdoors

Win a 2 night family break in a luxury wigwam!

Mains Farm wigwams are made in Scotland with wood from sustainable forests and are the ultimate in deluxe eco camping. With an ensuite shower room, heating, double glazing, mini kitchen and dining area, the wigwams combine the benefits of being in the great outdoors with home comforts. Their airy open plan layout, with Velux roof lights and French doors leading onto a south facing deck, make them perfect for families looking for a short escape from the city.

Just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Mains Farm is situated on the outskirts of the tranquil village of Thornhill with its stunning panoramic view over the Carse of Stirling to the Fintry Hills. The local area offers a wealth of activities for families of all ages to enjoy from woodland walks and loch cruises, to safari trips and tree top adventures.

The campsite itself boasts its own off road bike track, Mains Farm Trails, and little explorers will enjoy running off some energy in the play park and playing fields which surround the site. A wooded area also provides the ideal spot for a family bug hunt or pine cone collecting. When the sun goes down, there’s even a cowboy themed kitchen for a real Wild West dining experience and each wigwam has its own campfire, perfect for toasting marshmallows under the stars.

Mains Farm Wigwams is run by Louise and Martyn Steedman together with their two sons Josh (13) and Harry (9). Don’t forget to say hello to their Highland cows Monica, Lillias and Martha during your stay.

If you’re not lucky enough to win then why not take advantage of this fantastic offer.

Mains Farm Wigwams in Thornhill, Stirlingshire are offering Families Edinburgh readers a special promotional rate of £99 for 2 nights for a family of four in a luxury wigwam – a saving of £76. The offer applies from Sunday to Thursday until 23 June 2016. Simply quote promotional code ED16 when you call to book to qualify for this offer.

Mains Farm Wigwams, Thornhill, Stirling, FK8 3QR 01786 850735 http://www.mainsfarmwigwams.com/ info@mainsfarmwigwams.com

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Win a day out for all the family!

Win tickets to Puffin Fest AND Big Nature Fest May is a brilliant month to explore the great outdoors, so the Scottish Seabird Centre and RSPB Scotland have joined forces to offer four families the chance to experience two great nature festivals taking place at this time.

Puffin Fest is Scotland’s festival for puffins! This 10-day celebration is puffintastic fun for the whole family from 20 to 30 May. There will be parties with Forth 1, art workshops with the Edinburgh Sketcher, photography workshops, plus art workshops, science shows, puffin spotting boat trips and the chance to zoom in on the live puffin action with the interactive live cameras in the Discovery Centre. Check out www.seabird.org Scotland’s Big Nature Festival takes place on 21 and 22 May and is ideal for those who love the great outdoors. Join RSPB Scotland and friends for a wild weekend at the beautiful Levenhall Links in Musselburgh. They have an extensive range of family workshops, talks and activities such as pond dipping and bug hunting and will be joined throughout the weekend by children’s TV presenters Rory Crawford and Leah Boleto.

Find out more at bignaturefestival.org.uk To get your hands on family passes for BOTH events simply go to

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Win a family ticket to Eden Festival

Every year, Gardening Scotland welcomes those from the ages of 0 to 100 through the gates, offering something for everyone. Whether a great day out means getting your face painted, marvelling at some of the most stunning floral displays, enjoying some locally produced artisan food or sipping a glass of champagne whilst you plan your shopping, Gardening Scotland is for you!

This year, miniature and fairy gardens provide a magical theme, as do fashion and design. Children will enjoy a host of activities in the Big Back Garden and non-gardeners can browse BBQs, garden furniture, crafts or the famous Food Fayre.

You could win one of ten pairs to Scotland’s Garden Festival, which takes place from Friday 3rd June to Sunday 5th June 2016. go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win and tell us what is the name of the kids activity area at gardening Scotland?

Eden Festival will be transporting you back in time, into a land of dragons and dreams, with this years fancy dress theme Myth’s and Legends. The Kidz Arena will take you to middle earth and beyond, to a world full of serpents, dragons, elves and fairies.

The area will be awash with colour, beautiful giant flora, and other mythical creatures. Most of the craft workshops will follow the same theme and children will be able to make their own elfish flags, creature masks, carnival birds and time travelling backpacks, culminating in a festival parade across the site on Sunday afternoon.

There’s so many workshops to keep them occupied with the craft marquee, forest skills tipi, little ones dome, arts yurt, and a story telling and a puppetry marquee. If that wasn’t enough to keep them entertained they can learn new skills such as circus tricks, carpentry, stone masonry, ironmongery and more. Plus they can take part in the dance offs, the annual paint fight, be motivated

by Mr Motivator, and dazzled by the fire show and firework display.

Producing the Kidz Arena is Maggie March ‘We hope to inspire new generations by providing a range of workshops and entertainment whilst being as sustainable as possible and promoting environmentally friendly arts and crafts in a natural setting, at no extra charge to the parents. They can feel assured as the area is managed by a dedicated team of staff, performers and volunteers all working together to create a happy environment.”

Eden Festival is on from the 9th-12th June in the Raehill Meadows of Dumfries. Over 250 acts performing over 11 stages, there’s something for everyone. Headliners this year include Skye and Ross from Morcheeba, Andreya Triana, King Charles, Gentlemans Dub Club and the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show.

Tickets start from £105 for adults, teenagers £80 and under 12’s are free.

Visit Eden Festival’s website for more information www.edenfestival.co.uk.

Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Terms and conditions apply to all competitions and can be viewed online when entering.

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

The Edinburgh school summer holidays are six long weeks. For some of us this is a fantastic chance to spend many quality hours with our kids, for others it’s the nightmare of trying to juggle work and childcare, and for a few it means trying to retain a modicum of sanity while children bounce off the walls around us.

Whichever camp you fall into we thought you might find this round up of summer holiday camps and activities useful. There are so many new skills for your kids to learn, so much fun to be had and so many new friends to be made!

You’re welcome.

Summer Camps & Activities EDiNBurgh DANCE ACADEMy ArE vEry ExCitED ABOut SuMMEr SChOOL 2016 This will be our fifth year running the Summer School and each year just keeps getting better and better!

Our Summer School will run at the purpose built dance studios at Broughton High School from 25 July 30 July 2016, 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 30 July.

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.

12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

SuMMEr ADvENturES FrOM thE grEEN tEAM, WhAtEvEr thE WEAthEr! The Green Team has been delivering environmental and conservation activities for young people for over 20 years. As winners of the RSPB Nature of Scotland Youth and Education Award in 2014, the Edinburgh charity, based at Tynecastle High School, creates special and memorable experiences for the children taking part. This summer they are running 2, week-long Environmental Activity Weeks for children aged 9 and over. The programmes give children the opportunity to explore the natural world, make new friends and learn new skills in some of Edinburgh and the Lothians most amazing wild places. Over the 5 day experience children will enjoy a host of outdoor activities including fire lighting, outdoor cooking, shelter-building, environmental art, geo-caching, stealth and woodland skills, pond-dipping and of course, a visit to the beach! The sessions run from 9am to 5pm each day.

For more information or to book your child’s place visit www.greenteam.org.uk.

WhizzKiDS Whizzkids is offering a range of computer courses this Summer for children aged 5 and up. The new course, Raspberry Pi for Beginners, has been particularly popular. Learn the basics of the pocket-sized computer including programming Minecraft through the Python language, setting up LEDs and buzzers using the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins and creating fun games. Not yet ready for Raspberry Pi? Then the Scratch course might be just the thing! Children can make fun games and animations using the Scratch programming language (www.scratch.mit.edu). If coding’s not your thing then there’s desktop publishing, project creation, PowerPoint, touch-typing, computer art, educational games and a general computing skills course and for the more advanced there’s the OCR ITQ course which leads to a computing qualification (see www.ocr.org.uk). For further details on any of the courses, or to book a place, please e-mail gillian@whizzkids.uk.com, check out the website at www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

Summer Camps & Activities BEE SpANiSh SuMMEr COurSE One to one or group sessions, music sessions for adults, kids and families.

In grammar, children’s minds must sort the sounds they hear into words, phrases and sentences and the rhythm of speech helps them to do so. In music, rhythmic sequences give structure to musical phrases and help listeners figure out how to move to the beat. info@beespanish.co.uk

Say You Saw it in

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 18th July and ending on 12th August (18th – 22nd July, 25th – 29th July, 1st – 5th August, 8th – 12th 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

SuMMEr ACtivitiES At JupitEr ArtLAND Festival Artsparks (ages 5-12) Our first ever week long Festival Artsparks, inspired by the Edinburgh Art Festival exhibitions, with a focus on our new installation by Christian Boltanski. Over the 5 days we will experiment with different processes and mediums working towards an exhibition of the children’s artworks, open for public viewing for the first time.

1-5 August, 9am-5pm, ages 5-12, £185 Booking essential.

Artsparks (ages 5-12) 1/2 day outdoor Artsparks courses, inspired by our temporary exhibition programme. New for 2016 we are offering extended drop off times with supervised outdoor play and art activity.

1 day courses, ages 5-12, 10am-4pm £80 or 9am-5pm £100, Booking essential 2 day courses, ages 5-12, 10am-4pm £40 or 9am-5pm £50, Booking essential July 6 Ditte Gantris Artsparks: Weaving oversized and undersized objects with a surreal twist. Design and weave your own contemporary sculptures.

July 13/14 Céleste Boursier – Mougenot Artsparks: A 2 day course combining visual art and sound making - create sonic experiences from handmade musical instruments and woodland sculptures.

July 20 Helen Chadwick Artsparks Create your own Chadwick inspired sculptural collages developing shapes, collaging technique combined with dance.

Trace and calculate your movements.

Aug 10/11 Caroline Mesquita Artsparks Large sculptural concoctions and impassioned creations are the inspiration for a two day art course about materials, form and playing with structure.

Aug 17 Hayley Tompkins Artsparks Using the medium of paint to transform everyday objects from digital and popular cultures and create largescale floor based watercolours.

Artsparks Fridays (ages 3-5) Fun and messy art and craft activities and plenty of outdoor play in the wonderful Jupiter environment.

Every Friday from 8 July- 26 Aug, and Sat 9 + 16 July, 6-27 Aug, 10am12pm Sessions can be purchased in blocks with a discount: 1 session £10, 3 sessions £27, 8 sessions £64 Artsparks Fridays (ages 5-12) Every Friday afternoon over the summer holidays for ages 5-12. These 2 hour sessions are packed full of messy indoor and outdoor art activities taking on a different artwork theme each week.

Every Friday from 8 July- 26 Aug , and Sat 9 + 16 July, 1.30-3.30pm Sessions can be purchased in blocks with a discount: 1 session £10, 3 sessions £27, 8 sessions £64 www.jupiterartland.org/whats-on

13 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Summer Camps & Activities DNDANCE

D RD AR ZA W WIIZ F O OF

Z O OZ

D Da

an nc ce e book M ovies now

1st - 5th august open to ages 5 - 13 yrs.

8th - 12th august doors open 9am - 5pm

fantastic weekly rate and sibling discount offered.

Jam packed week of dance, song, scenes and Crafts.

Mini show friday afTernoon

studiod, The basement, 4 hutchison Terrace eh14 1Qb

www.dndance.co.uk 0131 4430753 nicky@dndance.co.uk 07545 551271

DNDance are running two consecutive Summer Schools this year!

Due to popularity last year we just couldn’t resist.

THE WIZARD OF OZ, 1st - 5th August.

DANCE MOVIES, 8th - 12th August.

Open to students age 5 - 13, doors open 9am 5pm, T-shirt included. Each week is jam packed full of fun, with a mini show performed on the Friday afternoon. Wizard of Oz week is a journey of song, dance, scenes & craft making. Dance Movie week is more focused on different dance styles, perfect for any budding dancer.

Held at our studios: StudioD, The Basement, 4 Hutchison Terrace Edinburgh EH14 1QB. Fantastic weekly cost and sibling discount offered, contact us for costs and how to snap up your space fast! nicky@dndance.co.uk 07545551271

MAgiC SChOOL WOrKShOpS The hugely popular Magic School is back this summer with a brand new programme as part of Edinburgh International Magic Festival 2016.

From startling levitations and crazy card tricks to making objects disappear, Magic School will teach you everything you need to know to impress your friends and family with real magic! Children, aged 7 to 10 years, will have the amazing opportunity to learn spellbinding tricks and mesmerising illusions at a 2.5 hour Magic School Workshop or the 4-day Magic School course, which ends with a fun show for parents on the last day. Last year was a complete sell out so book tickets early to avoid disappointment. Magic newbies welcome!

One-off Magic School Workshop • £18 4-Day Magic School • £80 For further details and bookings please visit www.magicfest.co.uk or call box office 0131 226 0006

iNtErNAtiONAL SpOrtS ACADEMy SuMMEr CAMp

TOP CLASS SUMMER SPORTS CAMP FOR 9-16 YEAR OLDS 16TH – 23RD JULY MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL International Sports Academy offer a diverse range of sports including ball sports, water sports, racquet sports, track & field and outdoor adventure.

Various packages available.

www.internationalsportsacademy.org admin@internationalsportsacademy.org Tel - 07783 426 906

THeaTRe PeRFORMaNCe

suMMeR sCHOOl A 5 DAY IMMERSIVE COURSE GIVING CHILDREN AN OPPORTUNITY T0: Learn about, and contribute towards, devising, rehearsing ad presenting a drama production Experience the exciting process of being part of a theatre cast Develop skills in communication and working as part of a company

PORTObellO TOWN Hall 5 Days - July 11th - 15th, ages 12-16 - £100!

4 Days - July 18th - 21st, ages 8-11 - £80!

Each student will also receive a professionally edited video of their final performance, included in the course fee.

For bookings and enquiries, contact Lucie Yavruturk: Email: lucie_yavruturk@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07873 445 590

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Following a successful Easter Sports Academy in Villars, Switzerland, our Summer Academy will be here in Edinburgh. The Academy will be based at Merchiston Castle School during the week of 16th – 23rd July 2016.

Aimed at students aged 9-16 coaching clinics will include football, rugby, tennis, basketball, lacrosse and hockey amongst other great sports and activities.

Sports Package – Students will engage in sports coaching clinics in the morning and afternoon. Mon-Fri from 0800-1530, includes lunch & snacks- £235.

Day Package – Students engage in sports coaching clinics in the morning and sporting & cultural trips in the afternoon. Mon-Fri from 0800-1800 includes transport, fees, lunch & snacks- £395.

Residential Package – Living in the Academy this all-inclusive package offers coaching clinics, seminars, sports & cultural trips - an unrivalled ISA experience- £895.

Check out the website at www.internationalsportsacademy.org for full details and online bookings.

thEAtrE pErFOrMANCE SuMMEr SChOOL Theatre Performance Summer School courses are specifically designed to get children working closely and comfortably together whilst gaining experience in devising, rehearsing and performing in their very own, small scale Drama Production.

During each week-long course, students will take part in practical, fun and engaging activities which will teach them all about the Drama process, whilst developing skills in confidence, communication, problem solving and working as part of a creative team.

Classes run from 10am to 4pm although pre and after class supervision can be arranged (starting at 9am) 11th - 15th July (5 days) - ages 12 - 16 18th - 21st July (4 days) - ages 8 - 11 Not only will classes be filled to the brim with energy and be a wonderful way for children to spend some of their summer holidays, **each student will also receive a professionally edited DVD recording of their final performance!

Lucie is a first class honours Degree graduate in Musical Theatre. She also holds a PGDE in Secondary Drama Education. She is a fully qualified drama teacher with a deep understanding of the Creative Arts industry in Scotland. For bookings and enquiries please contact: lucie_yavruturk@hotmail.co.uk or call 08773 445 590 **subject to parental consent

DANCE FOr ALL Looking for a fun Summer School for your young performer?

Dance For All's popular Summer School is back this August!

Enthusiastic young dancers, from 6 to 16yrs, will experience an energy filled, fun-packed week of dance (including jazz, street & flamenco), choreography and musical theatre, culminating in an exciting studio performance at the end of the week.

Monday 8th - Friday 12th Aug 9.30-3.30pm. £130 with 10% off per sibling.

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

Established in 1985, Dance For All, nurtures pupils aged 2½ - 18yrs to enjoy and excel in the finest dance genres, 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.

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

rugBy tOtS SuMMEr CAMp The worlds favourite play programme are holding another fantastic summer camps for 4 to 7 year olds!

Our camps will improve your child’s passing, catching, kicking and decision making through numerous drills and games. The sessions will be high tempo, enthusiastic and most importantly, fun and it would not be complete without the kids learning a Haka! We will also emphasise teamwork, respect of others, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. Rugbytot’s believe these are important skills to take through life on and off the sporting field.

The camps will provide the correct balance of skills and games, to ensure that they have a fun time to remember.

Camps will run on the weeks: 11th to 15th July 2016 - 9.30am – 1:30pm Holyrood High School, Duddingston Road West, Edinburgh, EH15 Cost: £75 for the week For further information please phone 07739874565.

Summer Camps & Activities MiDLOthiAN SNOWSpOrtS CENtrE Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing are all available at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Britain’s largest artificial slope.

Escape the city and visit the stunning hillside of the Pentlands Hills Regional Park. Our 5 day junior summer ski and snowboard camps are running weekly from 11th July – 12th August.

We offer a range of ski and snowboard lessons for all ages from beginners to advanced and everything in between... and there’s no need to worry about equipment as we supply it all, even down to poles and helmets.

For an exhilarating ride down the hill, slide down our purpose built tubing runs in an inflatable doughnut ring, fun for all the family!

Open every day during the summer holidays.

Fancy a party with a difference? Why not try a Tubing party? Enjoy an hour of tubing and a party meal in cafe 360. We even supply a free party bag! Bigger Road, Edinburgh. Call: 0131 445 4433

DANCEBASE Dance: Music: Animation, Ages 7 – 9 & 10 – 12 Monday 11th - Friday 15th July 10.00 – 17.00 £125 (£100 for additional children from the same family) Bring the noise for these fun-filled sessions of dance, percussion and animation. Young dancers will shake, rattle and roll while making friends and learning new skills, before sharing their work in front of family and friends at the end of the week. Dance Base have teamed up again with Animation Jam to bring you a fantastic start to your summer.

To book, call 0131 225 5525 or go to dancebase.co.uk.

SASCS WiLL BE ruNNiNg 2 SuMMEr SChEMES AgAiN thiS yEAr. Monday 6th July to Friday 29th July 2016, 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. As well as involving outings to local venues such as: Commonwealth Pool, Meadows Tennis Court, etc Full Day - £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00 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 to Musselburgh Beach, Dalkeith Country Park, Clambers Soft Play, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2016.

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 to venues such as: Scottish Deer Centre; Scone Palace; etc. Watch out for our activity programme for details!!!

Online booking ONLY, via our website (www.sascs.org.uk) is available until 27th June 2016 (midnight). Please be advised no bookings will be accepted following the closing date.

SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme, Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891.

g in d r a o b w o n S g Skiin Tubing nning snowboard camps ru d an i sk er m m su y da 5 ly – 12th August 2016 weekly from 11th Ju

pAt’S hOLiDAy tutOriNg Personal & Affordable Maths/English P1 – P7 & S1 – S3 One to One Fully Qualified Professional Teacher who has extensive knowledge of a range of learning difficulties. Each session is tailored to suit your child’s individual needs and learning style. Tutoring takes place at Pat’s home address in a quiet, relaxed environment.

One hour sessions available Monday – Sunday. Morning / Afternoon / Evening sessions available. Discount offered for multiple bookings.

Holiday Tutoring Benefits Will provide the essential practice of skills required to maintain your child’s progress.

Refresher sessions which build confidence are available before the start of term.

Transition support from P.7 - S1.

Provides additional practice of English Language Skills for pupils who do not speak English as their first language.

0131 449 5521 patstutoring.co.uk

s g the school holiday rin du y da y er ev en Tubing runs op over ll and 4 years and All tubers must be

at least 1 metre ta

Call: 0131 445 4433 to book your party or group. http://ski.midlothian.gov.uk • Email:ski.midlothian.gov.uk Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend, Biggar Road, Edinburgh EH10 7DU

15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Summer Camps & Activities COME ExpLOrE With DyNAMiC EArth’S SuMMEr (NOt) SChOOL Young people aged 7 to 13 are invited to come explore with us during two exciting week long programs. Come and discover the wonders of Holyrood park, a unique wild space in the heart of Edinburgh.

Furthermore we have teamed up with the John Muir Trust, with activities supporting their aim of protecting wild places and reconnecting people with nature. By taking part in our program young people will have the opportunity to participate in the John Muir Award, taking on the 4 challenges this encompasses; discovering a wild place, exploring its wildness, doing something to Conserve it and, sharing experiences. As part of the summer program participants will have the chance to achieve an Award at Discovery level.

The week long programs offer participants the chance to learn all about the parks past, present and future through an engaging mix of outdoor activities, scientific investigation, practical conservation, team games and more.

The core program will run between the hours of 10:00 and 16:30. Early drop off can be made from 8:30 and participants must be picked up by 17:30. Cost: £165 for the 5 days.

Young Explorers; 18th—22nd July 2016 7—9 yrs • Adventure up Arthur’s seat • Become a geological detective • Discover bugs, beasties and butterflies • Take part in practical conservation

Outdoor Academy; 1st—5th August 2016 10—13 yrs • Try your hand at citizen science • Take on our navigation challenge • Investigate habitats and discover who lives where • Take part in practical conservation

Participants will need to have appropriate clothing and footwear to keep them warm and dry in all weathers. Drinks and snacks provided.

Only 20 available per week. To book a place download and complete the booking form on the website, confirmation of a place will be made once this along with a non-refundable £40 deposit has been received.

For more information or to book a place please contact: Anna Danby on 0131 523 1207 or anna.danby@dynamicearth.co.uk

pENtLANDS ACtivity CAMpS (pAC) Pentlands Activity Camps (PAC) offers outdoor adventure and healthy, fun-filled multi-activity day camps for children during school holidays.

This Summer PAC is back at Netherurd House in Blyth Bridge, in the beautiful Scottish Borders, only 30 minutes south of the Edinburgh city bypass.

Netherurd is perfect for PAC – its natural woodlands, stream and wide- open fields create a wonderful playground where children can enjoy ‘good oldfashioned fun’ – den-building, pond-dipping, treeclimbing, hide and seek...and much more!

PAC welcomes all school-age children and we now offer Specialist PAC Camps including: Cooking Camp at Newlands Centre this Summer Football Camp at Newlands Centre this Summer BushCraft Camp at Netherurd this Summer Drama Camp at Netherurd this Summer Our website gives you more information on dates and prices and a flavour of who we are and what we do. www.pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk Or call Lindsay on 07718 933725 or email: info@pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk

DOODLES SuMMEr hOLiDAy WOrKShOpS

EDiNBurgh MONtESSOri ArtS SChOOL SuMMEr CLuB

11th – 29th July Dance and Nature club for 4-7s.

Come and join Heini, our dance and activity specialist for active, creative dance filled mornings and outdoor exploration afternoons.

Daily and weekly bookings available. £95 for full week or pro rata.

11am – 3.30pm.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

0131 672 3851 office@emaschool.co.uk

Week 1: Monday 18th Friday 22nd July Week 2: Monday 1st - Friday 5th August 10.30am - 12 noon each day, costing £55 for the week ( includes juice and snack) and is suitable for age 7 and up.

Monday - Make your own two tier cake stand in clay.

Tuesday - Make and paint your own clay sweet shop plaque.

Wednesday - Decorate your own candy bowl.

Thursday - Paint the cake stand you made on Monday.

Friday - Decorate your own decopatch mini popcorn bucket Call us to book your child a place!

0131 229 1399. 29 Marchmont Crescent, EH9 1HQ

Summer Holidays at SASCS Sciennes Primary School 10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LG

Monday 6th July to Friday 29th July 2016, 8.30am - 5.30pm

Next issue July/August

• Summer Camps part 2 • Summer Day Out • Fringe For Kids Book Now!

0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

16 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Sports Camp is for children who have completed P4+ / age 9 years+. Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports.

Holiday Care for ages 4.5 - 12+ Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings.

Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

Both age groups will also have the opportunity to take part in full day trips to venues such as: Scottish Deer Centre; Scone Palace; etc.

Watch out for our activity programme for details!!!

Online booking ONLY at www.sascs.org.uk Friday 24th June 2016 (midnight) Please be advised no bookings will be accepted following the closing date.

SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

Summer Camps & Activities EDiNBurgh LEiSurE 20% off Activator holiday camps Running all over the city all through the summer! Our popular Activator Holiday Camps have been designed to keep primary school kids happy and active throughout their time with us. With sports, games, arts, crafts and more kids have a fantastic time with us. Book for a day or for a week and get 20% off if you book before the end of May. Go to edinburghleisure.co.uk for more information.

Aquatics Activity Camp at the Royal Commonwealth Pool This exciting water-based holiday camp for children aged 9 – 14 years is running again at the Royal Commonwealth Pool this summer. Focusing on aquatics but with some land based fun as well, everyone will have an amazing time whilst working towards recognised Scottish Swimming and Royal Life Saving Society awards. Contact the Royal Commonwealth Pool on 0131 667 7211 or go to edinburghleisure.co.uk for more information. Children must be able to swim 25m in deep water.

Tennis Coaching in the Holidays Over the summer we’ve tennis classes and camps for tots to teens, delivered by our fully qualified coaches. We've got some great tennis classes and camps lined up at Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre and at The Meadows this Summer.

Contact Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre on 0131 4430101 or go to edinburghleisure.co.uk for more information.

Holiday Heights at EICA:Ratho We don't mind kids climbing the walls in the holidays! Our Holiday Heights programme is based around all things fun and led by fully qualified, experienced staff. We’re running our week long Rockport Adventure Camp for 8 – 17 year olds throughout the summer where kids can get a real taste of adventure outdoors and indoors. And if a week is too long, we’re running day-long Multi-Activity camps for 8 – 14 years where kids can get a taster of some of the adventures available at EICA:Ratho. And for littler ones aged 5 – 7years there’s our very special week-long Gecko sessions where they can have fun learning all about climbing in sessions specially designed for them every day for an hour and a half. And there’s much more! Contact EICA:Ratho on 0131 333 6333 or go to eica-ratho.co.uk to find out.

DrAMA StuDiO SuMMEr hOLiDAy CLuBS BOOKiNg NOW! The Drama Studio's very popular Summer Holiday Clubs for students aged 5-15 are running as follows: 18-22nd July Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirkgate, Liberton 25-29th July Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirkgate, Liberton 1-5 Aug Wardie Church Halls, Primrose Bank Road Fantastic weeks meeting new friends, doing activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song, dance, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games, performing and outside activities weather permitting.

Morning Performance Courses For All, Different Afternoon Activities for Juniors and Senior Afternoon Drama Performance Courses Go to www.thedramastudio.com to HOLIDAY CLUB and read excellent Parent Reviews, more details and to register. 0131-453-3284 or e-mail info@thedramastudio.com Early Bird Weekly Fees (add £10 after June 1st) - £125 Full days, £75 Mornings, £60-£70 Afternoons (drop-in afternoons also available).

Sibling Discounts also until June 1st.

StEp it up DANCE

ExCEL SpOrtS CAMpS

Step It Up Dance summer camps are back and the team are determined to make your children's summer fantastic and filled with great fun activities … and of course, a whole lot of dancing!

This year our camps are supported by Active Schools, meaning that we can offer the same fantastic fun as usual, but at a fraction of the price!

We are running two camps at Broughton High Schools, for children currently in P1 – 7, for the full weeks of 18th – 22nd July and 1st – 5th August from 9.30am - 3.30pm each day.

Each day will involved lots of urban dance, team games, creative tasks and active fun so expect to see lots of smiling faces at pick up time (and lots of early bedtimes!)

The price for each week-long camp is £75, or grab an early bird space for just £65 if you book before 20th June and use code GZG716. Spaces a strictly limited and we expect demand to be high so don't dely, confirm your child's summer fun today!

Booking details: www.stepitupdance.co.uk (don't forget to use early bird code GZG716 before 20th June) For more info email hello@stepitupdance.co.uk or call 07428 110 135 Dates: 18th – 22nd July and 1st – 5th August Times: 9.30am - 3.30pm Venue: Broughton High School Age: P1 – 7 Cost: £65 before 20th June (£75 after)

Excel Sports Camps at St Georges School for Girls are open to all children who attend any school.

We offer a variety of organised activities for children aged 5-15 years to suit each age group. Children follow a structured timetable each day led by our friendly fully qualified staff and sports coaches. They will ensure your children have fun, learn new skills and enjoy the Excel experience. It’s a great chance for them to make new friends.

The Excel+ Camps include canoeing, dance, art, football and basketball. Why not come along and try something new. We also run Sport Leaders courses, which lead to a SCQF qualification.

This summer each week will have a variety of sporting activities, tournaments, team games and film making. With an end of week show on Friday at 4.30pm for parents to watch the highlights of the week, film making on the big screen and the prize giving. And finally the end of week Excel BBQ. 4th July - 12th August. Multisports Camp cost: £188 Open 8am - 6pm. Packed day of activities - 9am - 5pm 16 different Excel+ options available.

Excel is fully booked each year. Please book your place online now at www.excel-sports.co.uk

17 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

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 4 May Magic Carpet Every Wednesday in term time.

10.30 - 10.55 and 11.30 - 11.55

MAY Until 21 May Mary poppins The Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT www.edtheatres.com/marypoppins Disney and Cameron Mackintosh present the multi awardwinning musical Mary Poppins. The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

See website for times and prices 1 May Art Explorers The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR

Drop in. For age 5+. Real Life Science Studio. An afternoon of creative fun with Greengage Arts. 1 - 4pm. £3 on the door 1 May 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 1 May Sunday Funday The Yard, 22 Eyre Place Lane, Edinburgh, EH3 5EH Looking for something different to do with the kids on a Sunday? Then pop down to The Yard and play in our fantastic adventure playground, get messy in our art room, roll about on the soft play, build a castle in the sandpit or just get outside and run around. Check website for times / £5 2 May ByOB - Bring your Own Baby The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Join us for a fun, relaxed morning planned especially with parents and carers of young children in mind. Enjoy special offers and family-friendly facilities in the café and sign up for one of our short buggy/baby-friendly art tours for adults.

Gurgling, laughing, crying or screaming welcome as well as lots of informal chat. We’ll even bring some spare nappies!

Places for tours limited, sign-up on the day. Tour: Bridget Riley 9.30am - 12pm

Free. Limited spaces available, sign up on the day at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall. Suitable for ages 2-4 (and accompanying adult).

Take a trip on the Magic Carpet to explore the fantastic things in the National Museum of Scotland through stories, songs and activities.

4 - 7 May horrible histories - groovy greeks The Edinburgh Playhouse, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage. Using actors and 3D special effects, these two world premieres are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips. From savage Sparta to angry Athens, discover the truth about growing up in Greece. Take on the Trojans and pummel the Persians. Compete in the first ever Olympic Games and appear in the very first play! Meet your match with the Minotaur and be zapped by Zeus. Hold on tight as you gatecrash the Groovy Greeks!

4 - 7 May horrible histories - incredible invaders The Edinburgh Playhouse, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.The Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invade Britain. Can crazy Caratacus save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s Wall. See the Savage Saxons smash their way in. Find out who’s at Sutton Hoo. Will you survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail into the audience? Stop King Alfred burning his buns. It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders!

5 May Babies First The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Free. Book online limited spaces available, book online or sign up on the day at the Information Desk. A Magic Carpet session exclusively for first-time parents, grandparents and carers and their little one (up to 18 months). Enjoy some quality social time exploring the museum through songs, rhymes, actions and play. Supported by players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery. 11.30 - 11.55

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP AT THE QUEEN'S GALLERY Inspired by Dutch art in the exhibition, drop into the gallery and take part in a watercolour master class led by a local artist.

Suitable for all ages.

SATURDAY 7 MAY, 11:00 – 15:00 www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson 18 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

5 May poggle The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, EH21 6AA www.thebrunton.co.uk The story of Vince, who wants to explore the forest but is too scared, until one day he meets Poggle, a friendly creature.

Together they go on an adventure through the forest where they discover the magical musical tree. Warm hearted, sensory dance theatre, with live music, clapping rhythms and comedy throughout. Set in an imaginatively changing world that the children have the chance to explore. For ages 6 months to 4 years. 11am & 2pm / £5.75 (£5.25 ELC) Nurseries & Schools, £7.50, £28 Family of 4

6 May Nappuccino Pregnancy and Parent Centre, 10 Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY www.changeworks.org.uk/news-and-events/events 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 May Family Ceilidh The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

Come with the whole family and friends to dance wellknown Scottish dances. All the dances will be called and there will be easier circles for the littler ones. A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music! Part of TradFest Edinburgh 2016. 3pm / £6 (£4) (£16 Family of 4)

Out&About

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

7, 14 & 28 May Magical Cities The City Arts Centre 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/City-Art-Centre You will have the chance to build models of fantastic buildings using a variety of exciting materials and textures.

Come along on the dates below and work with artists and architects to build a new fantasy city in the gallery representing a new vision of Edinburgh. We encourage your design to be as off-the-wall as possible, and the emphasis is on creativity. You will also get the opportunity to create a diorama of our present day city of Edinburgh to celebrate the heritage of existing buildings. Suitable for all ages. No booking required. 2 - 4pm

©royal collection image : Photographer David Cheskins

7 May Watercolour Workshop The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Family friendly workshop inspired by our latest exhibition Masters of the Everyday: Dutch Artists in the Age of Vermeer. Explore the exhibition with a family activity trail then create your own masterpiece in a watercolour workshop led by local artist Gemma Coyle. This drop in activity will run from 11:00 – 15:00 and is free with your exhibition ticket or 1- Year Pass.

The workshop is suitable for all ages and ART SPY family activity bags will also be available during your visit.1 YEAR PASS! Enjoy free re-admission for a year if you buy your tickets directly from us. Simply ask us to stamp your ticket on your first visit – a great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost! 11.00 - 15.00 10 May tiny tales: Creature Feature The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street Edinburgh, EH1 1SR Join Daniel Allison for stories about strange and magical creatures, and some strange and magical music too. Please book in advance. For ages 1 - 3yrs. 10am & 11.30am (40mins). £5 per child 12 May Magic Carpet Minis Every Thursday in term time. 10.30 - 10.50 and 11.30 -11.50. Free. Limited spaces available, book online at www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland.

Suitable for ages 0-2 (and accompanying adult).

Take a trip on the Magic Carpet, especially for very little ones, to explore the fantastic things in the National Museum of Scotland through stories, songs and activities.

©Solen Collet

12 May pedigree tales The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR For everyone with a love, fascination or curiosity about dogs, this is the show for you. A fun, audience participatory event venturing into a world seen through the eyes of dogs. Utterly barking stories to lift the heart, make you laugh out loud and reconsider the value of man and woman’s best friend.

Written and performed by Lea Taylor who is joined by storyteller Nicola Wright. 7.30pm. £8 (£6) 14th May Balgreen playgroup Summer Fair Scottish Charity 043734 Balgreen Bowling Club, Pansy Walk, EH11 3AT. www.balgreenplaygroup.com Teas, coffees, homebaking, Facepainting, Bouncy Castle, Raffle, Tombola, Bottle stall and many more stalls selling toys, books, clothes and crafts.

11am - 2pm. Entry by donation, £2.00 adult or £1.00 child.

13 - 15 May Festival of Museums This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual festival, which started life as Show Scotland in 2006. Ten years on, the programme features over 100 day and night events creatively curated to help visitors engage with museums in unique and hands on ways, while spotlighting the variety of events and the wealth of culture in Scotland’s best loved attractions.

Full programme at www.festivalofmuseums.co.uk

14 May A Magical Fancy Dress party Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TG Museum of Childhood is a magical and lively museum, full of very cool toys. We invite local families to come to the museum in creative fancy dress, with a theme of toys through the ages. Join us for an afternoon of fun activities – there will be games, a storyteller, a magician, art activities and cakes and jelly. Many of the games and stories will be specially designed to bring the toys in the museum alive for children. Come and explore our most popular museum, and there will also be some party treats for you! 1 - 3.30pm / Free but small donations welcome 14 - 15 May Magical Cities The City Arts Centre 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE We welcome you to the City Art Centre to our drop-in family sessions to celebrate the Festival of Architecture. You will get the chance to build models of fantastic buildings using a variety of exciting materials and textures. Come along and work with artists and real architects to build a new fantasy city in the gallery. We encourage your design to be as offthe-wall as possible. The emphasis is on creativity. You will also get the opportunity to create a diorama of our present day city to celebrate the heritage of existing buildings.

Suitable for all ages.2 - 4pm. Free but small donations welcome.

14 May the Story Kist: inclusive Storytelling The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR Kettles and candle sticks!

Wooden spoons and jelly!

Come and hear some funny stories of everyday objects and what they get up to when we're not looking... Multisensory adventures with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Stories, games and songs and lots of intriguing props to squish and rattle. Lots of fun for everyone, but particularly for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. 11am (1hr) / £5 per child 14 - 15 May terrible Consequences Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR Some special performances as part of the 2016 Festival of Museums. Firefly Theatre tell tales of the terrible consequences of accidents with oil lamps, while Dr. Bunhead ensures that the show will really goes with a bang.

Also crafts and demonstrations that throw further light on the murky world of the paraffin lamp. Free with admission, see website for more information

19 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Out&About 14 May vintage tea Dance The Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD This year we completed a beautiful exterior courtyard space in the museum and this event is a perfect chance to showcase this very unique and special space for a summer party. Our courtyard will be beautifully decorated for a summer’s day, evoking old fashioned parties on the lawn.

Join us for a live jazz band playing retro music, enjoy vintage afternoon tea and some interactive teaching of old time dances with our two trusty dance teachers. A perfect chance to remember some of these long forgotten old time favourites. The entire family is welcome to this fun event.

Remember to wear your fanciest dress and something special in your hair! 2 - 4pm. Free although small donations welcome.

14 May Wee treasures The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Join us for storytelling for early years children and their families inspired by a different portrait each month, and delve into our magic treasure chest to find out what the story will be.Places limited, sign up on the day. For ages 2 4. 10.30am & 11.30am / Free. Drop in.

15 May 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

15 May the Secret garden Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD Come and join us for a day of creative events around the theme of gardens and woodland and all things magical. We will have a children’s animal handling session and craft workshop from Zoo Lab, storytelling, a magician, a woodland trail, face painting and circus performers who will not only be performing but will also teach visitors some basic circus skills on a drop-in basis. There will also be a brass band and ukulele band from Edinburgh University to create the feel of an old fashioned family gala day. Bring a picnic and we will provide cakes, strawberries and squash and lots of other delicious summer picnic treats. 11am 2pm / Free event but small donations welcome

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesedinburgh 21 - 22 May Magic Carpet Weekenders 11 - 11.25 am. Free. Limited spaces available, sign up and meet at the green fountain, Grand Gallery, Level 1. Join us for our monthly special weekend story activity sessions as we explore different objects on the Magic Carpet through stories, songs and activities. National Museum of Scotland

©Steve Cox

20 - 30 May puffin Fest The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS During the 10-day festival, the award-winning visitor attraction will host a family-friendly programme of activities, aimed at inspiring locals and visitors alike to learn more about the ‘clowns of the sea’, while also highlighting the importance of conserving and protecting Scotland’s seabirds for future generations. See website for more information.

21 May Fleeting Monument The City Arts Centre 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE We welcome you drop into our creative family sessions in the gallery.Inspired by Fleeting Monument, a sculpture by Cornelia Parker, make a quirky 3D collage inspired by our very own Scott Monument in Edinburgh. 2 - 4pm. Booking essential.

21- 22 May Scotland’s Big Nature Festival Levenhall Links, Musselburgh, Musselburgh, EH21 7PY www.bignaturefestival.org.uk Interested in wildlife? Love the outdoors? Then join RSPB Scotland and friends for a wild weekend at the beautiful Levenhall Links in Musselburgh! With an extensive range of wildlife talks, workshops and activities such as bird ringing and pond dipping the festival has something for everyone, from keen birders to family adventurers. 10am - 5.30pm /

Ticket prices: £12 adults, £10 concessions, £2 children, under 5’s go free. Members discount.

22 May Kings and Queens of the Castle Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD usherhall.co.uk/ Go back in time at Lauriston Castle and hear stories about the Kings and Queens of old and create your very own jewel-encrusted crown and goblet. With Mike Durnan.

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

24 - 27 May James and the giant peach Kings Theatre, Edinburgh Roald Dahl’s classic tale follows the adventurous, young James and his friends - Miss Spider, Old-GreenGrasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm.

Beginning at the end of the story, like all great tales do, James and his friends are living in the giant peach stone in Central Park, New York, but the real story lies in how they got there, all the way from the White Cliffs of Dover. Join James and his new found insect friends on their extraordinary journey fraught with enemies, dangers and excitement, which will take them halfway around the world in a giant peach full of friends, music and laughter.

For your chance to win a family ticket to the 7pm performance on 24th May 2016 go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win 26 May 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

The Queen's 90th Birthday The Palace of Holyroodhouse Join us for a special day of family fun on Saturday 18 June 2016 Storytelling • Live Music • take crafts • Family Audio Guide • MakeFamilyandRoom Palace activities & costumes • Face Paintingwith games, Family Activity Trails • •

For full details of events and dates visit © Royal Collection Trust/ copyright Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2016.

Photographer David Cheskins

20 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

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!

Out&About

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

28 May holy Corner playgroup Family Fun Day Families across the city are invited to come along on the day donning their favourite, fancy dress outfits and to join in the fun at Polworth Parish Church.

The action-packed afternoon will feature an award-winning and spellbinding performance by Tricky Ricky the Magician, Stina Sparkles bouncy castle and face painting, disco, sausage sizzle and various activities including arts and crafts and stalls.

Tickets can be purchased at Maddie & Mark’s in Bruntsfield and Babies and Bumps Cafe in Morningside, £5 per ticket, with all proceeds going to Holy Corner Playgroup.

29 May Storytelling - Macastory italiano The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD

Imaginate is Edinburgh’s international children’s festival, showcasing some of the best theatre and dance from Scotland and across the world.

28 - 29 May Family Fringe Weekend The National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF ©Kat Gollock

©Alicia Bruce

Pack your bag, grab your passport and join storytelling duo Macastory on a trip to sunny Italy! Discover why Scottish artists were so enchanted by the Italian way of life, and explore our new display Scots in Italy through the stories of Italo Calvino. You can even tell you friends and family all about your adventure by sending them a handmade postcard! Sun 29 May, 2pm and 3pm. Ages 4 - 12. 2pm and 3pm Get a taste of Imaginate Festival at our opening weekend.

There will be lots of free drop-in events and activities throughout the two days, including storytelling, live music, walk-about with performers, hands on arts activities, workshops and more. If you’ve never been to the festival, the Family Fringe is the perfect way to give it a try. Performances and free activities all day. 10am - 5pm.

28 May to 29 May traquair Medieval Fair Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW 01896 830323 www.traquair.co.uk/events A superb weekend that will transport you back to ancient times. Medieval Tournament, deerhound drag coursing, falconry, archery, equestrian displays, living history, early music, jesters and children’s entertainment. See website for more information on times and prices.

29 May Wild About Scotland The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Drop in. Real Life Science Studio,Celebrate Scotland’s Nature Festival and do some hands-on exploration of the wonderful world of Scotland’s plants and fungi. Join Botanics’ staff who study and protect Scotland’s nature, including our very own rainforest and some internationally important species. 1 - 4pm

All shows add their own wonderful character and zest and have been specifically created for children to give the perfect mix of excitement, innovation and fun. A friendly forest creature going on an adventure, a lonely man who befriends a dog, stunning dancers on stilt with enormous wings, a retelling of Scotland’s history, a magic show with a twist… there’ll be something for every taste.

This truly magical festival will delight and inspire the young and young-at-heart and it’s happening right here in Edinburgh!

• 14 shows from 9 different countries • Exciting programme for all ages • Family tickets @ £8 per person • The little jewel in Edinburgh festivals’ crown And don’t miss the Family Fringe opening weekend at the National Museum of Scotland with performances and FREE activities all day incl. live music, walk-about with performers, storytelling, craft and more – perfect for 0-12 year olds.

If you've never been to the festival, the Family Fringe is the perfect way to give it a try.

Nothing beats the magic of a live experience – give your child something they’ll never forget!

More information at www.imaginate.org.uk 30 May the Cottage garden gala The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Celebrate the Botanic Cottage at our Georgian jamboree.

It’s time to party like it’s 1766 as we celebrate the relocation of the original Botanic Cottage from its Leith Walk site.

Bring along a picnic and join us for an afternoon of free music, creative activities, demonstrations, dancing, storytelling and much more. Part of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. Supported by Event Scotland. 12 - 4pm

21 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

Out&About JUNE 2 - 4 June polar Bears go up!

The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

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

4 June Clay Sculptures The City Arts Centre 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE We welcome you drop into our creative family sessions in the gallery. Inspired by the bronze Head looking Up by Eduardo Paolozzi create your own 3D sculpture. Have fun with this very tactile form of art unleashing weird and wonderful shapes. 2 - 4pm 4 June young Leaves: Writing out of Doors Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD usherhall.co.uk/ Come and write haiku in the beautiful setting of a Japanese garden overlooking the Firth of Forth. Just 3 lines long, haiku are simple to write, but capable of great variety – humour, emotion, even storytelling. Suitable for all ages (under 12s if accompanied by an adult). Please dress for the weather.

1.30 - 3.30pm / £5 per person. Booking essential. ©Lisa Feming

11 June Activity Morning Mania - Nerf Wars!

George Watson's College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5EG After the success of the Activity Morning Mania, we are excited to announce a second Nerf activity morning! We had such a great time and want to invite you back to experience new games and more NERF fun!! We welcome children aged 6-11 years old! Its first come first served for tickets so make sure to get your tickets now to avoid disappointment 10am - 1pm / £15 (until 14 May) then £20. www.activitydelivered.com ©Alicia Bruce

The Polar Bears are moving up in the world. They’ve lost their balloon and they need to get it back.It’s time to get up, step up, climb up, jump up. One thing’s for sure, the only way is Up! These two lovable Polar Bears are intrepid explorers, famous for their wild expeditions. This time they’ll be climbing trees, jumping on clouds and reaching for the stars as they race all the way up to space. Of course, they’ll stop for sandwiches on the way! This show is suitable for deaf audiences. 11am (Fri- Sat) & 2.30pm (Thurs - Sat) / £8 (£6) - £24 for family of 4 3 - 5 June gardening Scotland

Gardens have always been a place for children to play, and explore the world of nature, at Gardening Scotland they get the chance to do both. The Big Back Garden area is dedicated to children featuring play equipment, bouncy castles, outdoor games, creativity tent and lots of other hands on activities.

Gardening Scotland’s charity partner for 2016 is NSPCC Scotland, make sure you visit them in the Big Back Garden and maybe you will find some treasure along the way.

Don't forget that Gardening Scotland caters for parents too.

With Champagne and Pimms bars, exciting floral exhibits, herbs, local produce, healthy eating and so much more, there really is something for everyone.

Children under 16 go free. Book your tickets online at www.gardeningscotland.com or call 0131 333 095 to find out more about our afternoon tea packages.

3 June 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

22 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

5 June 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 6 June ByOB - Bring your Own Baby The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Join us for a fun, relaxed morning planned especially with parents and carers of young children in mind. Enjoy special offers and family-friendly facilities in the café and sign up for one of our short buggy/baby-friendly art tours for adults.

Gurgling, laughing, crying or screaming welcome as well as lots of informal chat. We’ll even bring some spare nappies!

Places for tours limited, sign-up on the day. Tour: Surreal Encounters 9.30am - 12pm 11 June Wee treasures The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD ©Andy McGregor

12 June 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 14 June A giggle in your Story pocket The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR "Jeannie caught a giggle just between her toes, she gave a little wiggle and up her leg it rose . . ." Find out what happened to Jeannie's giggle and other wriggly creatures in this session of rhymes, songs and simple stories with storyteller Beth Cross. The session includes a chance to make a story pocket to put your own story creatures in. If you already have a story pocket please bring it along! Please book in advance. For ages 1 - 3yrs. 10am & 11.30am (40mins) / £5 per child Saturday 18 June the Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrate this occasion with a very special family event day of storytelling, dancing, crafts and face painting at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Take part in the spot the crown treasure hunt and don't miss a musical performance in the Great Gallery. Pick up a family activity trail and explore the Abbey and Palace gardens. A fun day out for all the family! Opening times 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry 16:30).

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! ©David Cheskins

Join us for storytelling for early years children and their families inspired by a different portrait each month, and delve into our magic treasure chest to find out what the story will be. Places limited, sign up on the day. For ages 2 - 4.

10.30am & 11.30am / Free. Drop in.

Out&About

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

19 June Bags of Art The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR

Booking Now For July

1 - 3 July MagicFair

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 AsquithLamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Ages 4 - 12.

14.00 - 16.00

19 June Father's Day Doodles Ceramic Workshop 29 Marchmont Crescent Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ0131 229 1399 We have lots great ideas for gifts to paint in advance or bring Dad along on the day and he gets a complimentary glass of fizz and a sweet treat.We are open 10am - 6pm, call us today to book on 0131 229 1399. 10am - 6pm / Prices vary.

19 June Father's Day at the Castle Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD usherhall.co.uk/ A special tour and afternoon tea for familiesCome along to Lauriston Castle and spend Father’s Day as a family. We will give you a special tour and you can all have fun in our historic kitchen making some cakes with our historical cook. Enjoy Afternoon Tea afterwards. 3pm / £5 per person.

Dads and Granddads go free! Booking essential.

19 June Father’s Day takeover The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR Dads Rock and friends are taking over the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this year for a free family fun day on Father's Day. Come and explore the Garden and join them from 11am until 4 pm for a day of free creative activities, dancing, photos, play, storytelling, songs, theatre, yoga and much more.

25 June Sushi School Lauriston Castle 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD usherhall.co.uk/ Join us in celebrating the return of the blossom to our beautiful Japanese garden by making a traditional koinobori carp windsock. Try your hand at origami and create some not-so-fishy candy sushi, yum! Ages 5-9. 10.30am - 12.30pm / £4 per person. Booking essential.

A hidden magician’s workshop, illusions that will rock your socks off, hilarious comedy conjuring and freaky mind reading.

Lose yourself in the full spectrum of magic performances in a brand new multi-space experience, in the maze-like venue of Summerhall.

Live magic shows, magic and circus shop, ribbon maze, workshops, open air courtyard with close-up magic, comedy, illusions, sleight of hand… all with one ticket for up to 4 hours.

Entry to MagicFair will allow you to plan your own magic adventure, meaning you can pack more magic into your day or just rock up and see where your mood takes you.

Under 6s go free to the family orientated morning session featuring Magic School taster workshops, crafts, treasure hunts, and six different live shows happening in every crook and cranny around the site.

Family friendly session 10am – 2pm. Tickets £12/£10 cons £7 child/under 6s go free For tickets and full programme of events go to www.magicfest.co.uk or call 0131 226 0006 8th July MagicFest gala

The best magicians from around the globe, mind-blowing illusionists and adventurous variety acts will take to the stage in Edinburgh’s iconic Festival Theatre to amaze and inspire you for two and a half hours for the close of MagicFest on the 8th July.

There's nothing quite like seeing magic live, close up, with no screens, Hollywood effects or fancy TV editing getting in the way of something beautifully impossible. Get swept away in a world of magnificent magic tricks and let the mystery and wonder wash over you.

An extra matinee performance has been added this year in addition to the evening show due to popular demand.

Korea, Germany, Spain, Scotland – the Gala features the world’s most creative and imaginative magical talent mixing funny and heartwarming acts with thrilling and skilful tricks, always performed with forensic attention to detail.

2.30pm (matinee) & 7.30pm at The Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Ages 5+ .Tickets £14 - £33 For tickets and full programme of events go to www.magicfest.co.uk or call 0131 226 0006

23 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 96

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, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Edinburgh are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of 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.