Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians
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Giants
31st January-14th September 2026
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive,...
School of Rock - Livingston Players
2nd-5th September 2026
Venue: Reconnect Theatres
Website: www.reconnecttheatres.com
School of Rock is a two hour, two act musical (plus interval), based on the hit movie. The show follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight A students into a guitar shredding,...
Inflatable 5k
5th September 2026
Venue: Abercorn School House
Website: www.hopetoun.co.uk
Packed with giant inflatable obstacles, slides and tunnels, this is the ultimate challenge. Choose from 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 15k routes. Each lap includes a variety of fun inflatables, making it ideal for...
Relaxed Morning
6th September 2026
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
This Relaxed Morning is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum...
Sensory Sunday
6th September 2026
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families are invited to join this programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families....
The Gruffalo
10th-13th September 2026
Venue: The Royal Lyceum
Website: www.lyceum.org.uk
Tall Stories’ much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler returns by popular demand, celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. A mouse took...
Artie's Singing Kettle - Live!
12th September 2026
Venue: Church Hill Theatre
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
Join Artie for a sing-along spectacular as he takes you on a musical journey through the magical world of The Singing Kettle. Packed with fun, laughter, and loads of audience participation, this is the...
Bluey and Bingo at Landmark Forest Adventure Park
12th-13th September 2026
Venue: Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Website: www.landmarkpark.co.uk
Visitors to the park will have the chance to see Bluey and her sister Bingo who will be meeting fans at intervals throughout both days and will be available for photos. Visitors are encouraged to take...
Ocean Explorers Breakfast Event
12th September 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Enjoy a paw-some breakfast with a special appearance from Captain Barnacles and Kwazzi Kitten at this themed breakfast event. As well as a delicious breakfast, there will be arts and crafts for...
Octonauts are coming to Edinburgh Zoo
12th September 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Sound the Octo-alert, Captain Barnacles and Kwazzi Kitten are visiting Edinburgh Zoo. Join them as the duo appear at intervals throughout the day. Don’t forget your camera! 11am and 2pm meet and greet,...
The Edinburgh Academy Open Day
12th September 2026
Venue: The Edinburgh Academy
Website: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk
The Edinburgh Academy focus on Character Education – nurturing kind, confident and resilient young people. From Nursery to the Senior Years, learning extends beyond the classroom through Art, Music,...
Edinburgh Kiltwalk
13th September 2026
Venue: Various venues around Edinburgh
Website: www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
Every step you take helps raise funds for a charity close to your heart with 100% of donations going directly to your chosen charity. Perfect for the whole family, the Wee Wander experience in Dundee is...
Annie
15th September 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse
Website: www.atgtickets.com
The smash-hit West End production of ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, is on UK tour! With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock...
SIX the Musical
15th-26th September 2026
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century...
Erskine Stewart Melville Open Day
19th September 2026
Venue: Erskine Stewart Melville
Website: www.erskinestewartmelville.com
At Erskine Stewart Melville, they blend strong academics with curiosity and confidence, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities ahead. With 110 clubs, 48 trips, and 46 sports teams in the...
Shiver Me Timbers! Lauriston Castle Family Workshops
19th September 2026
Venue: Lauriston Castle and Gardens
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
Learn about the most fearsome individuals on the water and get equipped with everything you need to become a pirate. This family workshop involves a treasure hunt and a variety of crafts.This workshop...
Wild Discovery Days
19th September 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
On selected dates, Edinburgh Zoo host celebration days with themed talks, pop-up engagement activities and crafts relating to different zoo topics. Free with zoo entry or RZSS membership. Also 20, 26 and...
Relaxed Day
20th September 2026
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
Dynamic Earth’s Relaxed Days aim to provide a calm and inclusive environment for visitors, designed for those who would benefit from a more relaxed visit, but open to everyone. These sessions prioritise...
RSNO Season 26-27: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
25th September 2026
Venue: Usher Hall
Website: www.cultureedinburgh.com
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…. and now the adventure is right here, live and larger than life in this extraordinary screening of Return of the Jedi. And with Scotland’s National Orchestra...
Doors Open Days
26th-27th September 2026
Venue: National Museum of Flight
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Visit the museum for free Doors Open Days East Lothian weekend and learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Immerse yourself in interactive galleries, supersonic...
George Heriot’s School Open Morning
26th September 2026
Venue: George Heriot’s School
Address: Lauriston Place
Website: www.george-heriots.com
Heriot’s Open Morning is for prospective parents of any year group. The day will consist of a Presentation in the School Hall, pupil or self-led tours of the campus and a wide range of activities, experiments...
End of Season Family Event – Scottish Myths
27th September 2026
Venue: Hopetoun House
Website: www.hopetoun.co.uk
As part of the Family Discovery Days, families are invited to step into a world of storytelling, imagination and outdoor exploration. Follow themed trails through the grounds, enjoy engaging storytelling...
McDougalls: Farmyard Fun
27th September 2026
Venue: Reconnect Regal Theatre
Website: www.reconnecttheatres.com
Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit are trotting down to the farm for the Big Barn Dance. But before the dancing begins, the animals need YOUR help! Sing along with farmyard favourites like Old MacDonald...
Loretto School Open Day
2nd October 2026
Venue: 1-7 Linkfield Rd, Musselburgh
Website: www.loretto.com
Lorettonians enjoy a holistic education from ages 3-18, ensuring they develop in mind, body, and spirit. This, coupled with a warm and nurturing environment, means that every pupil thrives. They would...
Pumpkins at the Park
3rd October-1st November 2026
Venue: Highland Wildlife Park
Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk
Don’t miss Pumpkins at the Park, where families can enjoy pumpkin picking, seasonal activities and Halloween fun on selected dates from 3 October until 1 November. Check out the park website and book...
St George’s Junior School Open Days
3rd October 2026
Venue: St George's Edinburgh
Website: www.stge.org.uk
With 130+ years of expertise, St George's is Edinburgh's only all-through girls' school, where girls thrive without compromise and grow into confident young women. Student-led tours run year-round, the...
Barnum
6th-10th October 2026
Venue: Festival Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
West End star Matt Rawle will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum. This spectacular production will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians,...
Junior Highland Keeper
15th-16th October 2026
Venue: Highland Wildlife Park
Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk
Junior Highland Keepers will get hands-on opportunities to care for the animals, learn about their habitats and understand the importance of wildlife conservation.Children will assist with feeding, cleaning...
Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns
13th November-21st February 2027
Venue: Edinburgh Zoo
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns
This year’s trail takes you on a glowing journey through space, where you'll encounter cosmic creatures, radiant planets and interstellar installations that will capture imaginations of all ages. Early...
Polar Protectors
5th-23rd December 2026
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
This winter, join the Polar Protectors for a festive adventure and help the resident elves find Santa and guide a lost animal safely home in time for Christmas.Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Christmas...