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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Cook Stars
22nd September-15th November 2026
Venue: Christ Church, McLarens on the Corner and St Ninians Church
Website: www.cookstars.co.uk
Weekly term time cooking classes for boys and girls from ages 4+ plus birthday parties available at home or a venue of your choice. Cook stars class sizes are small to tailor support and encourage individuals...
The Enchanted Forest
8th October-8th November 2026
Venue: Loch Dunmore Faskally Wood
Website: www.enchantedforest.org.uk
Celebrating 25 Years of Scotland’s Favourite Sound and Light Show. Expect spectacular light installations, immersive soundscapes and moments of wonder woven throughout Faskally Wood, all inspired by...
Operation Mincemeat
2nd-7th November 2026
Venue: King's Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
The year is 1943 and right now we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat...
Junior School Taster Afternoon
6th November 2026
Venue: George Watson's College
Website: www.gwc.org.uk
GWC encourage pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be...
Dino's: Super Solar Systems
7th November 2026
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
This week blast off into space to learn about the solar system we live in and about our celestial neighbours.It’s not just for science experts, it’s for anyone who loves to explore, craft, and discover...
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...
Dino's: When Disaster Strikes
14th November 2026
Venue: Dynamic Earth
Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk
This week you will be facing four natural disasters, so hold on tight! Investigate some of the main hazards and disasters that happen on planet Earth, and watch out for falling meteors at craft time.
The Beatles Marathon
14th November 2026
Venue: Portobello Town Hall
Website: www.beatlesmarathon.com
A 12-hour, family-friendly charity event bringing together local musicians and volunteer bands to perform songs from across the entire Beatles catalogue. From 12–5pm, there will be activities and games...
Edinburgh Diwali
15th November 2026
Venue: Princes Street Gardens
Website: www.edinburghdiwali.co.uk
The South Asian festival of Diwali, which is celebrated by different cultures and religions all over the world, returns to Edinburgh with a multi-cultural feast of light, music and dance! Join this unforgettable...
Edinburgh Gang Show 2026
17th-21st November 2026
Venue: King's Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
With powerful music, hilarious comedy, dramatic moments and incredible choreography the Edinburgh Gang Show has to be seen to be believed. This gang of Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Explorers and Rangers...
The Polar Express™
27th November-30th December 2026
Venue: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Website: www.edinburghthepolarexpressride.com
The Polar Express™ train ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the...
The Wee Mermaid - Pantomime
27th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: Reconnect Howden Park
Website: www.reconnecttheatres.com
Sam Stuart Fraser (Smee – Peter Pan, Scarecrow – Wizard of Oz) returns to the Howden stage as Sebastian and Reece McInroy (Tinkerbell – Peter Pan, The Wicked Witch – Wizard of Oz) returns as Queen...
A Christmas Carol
28th November-3rd January 2027
Venue: The Royal Lyceum
Website: www.lyceum.org.uk
Chill winds sweep through the gas-lit streets of Victorian Edinburgh as Dickens’ beloved classic comes to life. On Christmas Eve, three mysterious spirits whisk Ebenezer Scrooge on a whirlwind journey...
The Adventures of Pinocchio
28th November-17th January 2027
Venue: King's Theatre
Website: www.capitaltheatres.com
Join Pinocchio on a spectacular pantomime adventure as he dreams of becoming a real boy, with plenty of laughs, magic, music and family-friendly fun along the way.Get ready for a Christmas pantomime packed...
Peter Pans - Panto
3rd-27th December 2026
Venue: Corn Exchange, Haddington
Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk
Soar to Neverland for a swashbuckling adventure packed with laughter, favourite songs and magical panto mischief. Led by Graham Crammond, the much-loved panto dame and comic genius, alongside a talented...
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...