What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians

Bikeability Scotland

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.cycling.scot/bikeability-scotland

Free, in-school programme that is supported by a network of qualified instructors, who are often teachers, parents, and members of the local community. You can check to see if your child’s school currently...

Code Ninjas

Venue: Code Ninjas Edinburgh

Website: www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk

Code Ninjas' innovative programme enables young minds to develop crucial skills in coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking through a fun, game-based curriculum. Engaging in such dynamic learning...

Crafternoons

Venue: Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament

Website: www.parliament.scot

Looking for something fun to do with the kids on the weekend? Crafternoons offer a range of activities for all ages. There's no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions taking place between 11am...

Doodles Ceramics

Venue: Doodles Ceramics

Website: www.doodlesscotland.co.uk

Doodles Ceramics are very excited to be celebrating 25 years of business in 2025. Visit the Doodles Ceramics workshop in Edinburgh with your little one or with a school or community group. They have hundreds...

Eye Spy Edinburgh

Venue: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Website: www.camera-obscura.co.uk

With five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits there's something fun to entertain all ages. Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Test your brain against mind-bending illusions. Take...

Family Print Club

Venue: Edinburgh Printmakers

Website: www.edinburghprintmakers.online.red61.co.uk

These Sunday Funday sessions are designed for different generations to share an experience, explore some printmaking techniques, and have some fun! This course runs on Sundays, twice a month 10.15-12/.15pm...

Family Robotics Play

Venue: Little Plaza

Website: www.littleplaza.co.uk/kidsrobotics

Introduce your child to the world of robotics through hands-on exploration of robotics parts. It's a chance for them to engage in creative learning while allowing the expert instructor to assess if they...

Find Out Fridays

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Exploring a different theme each week and join the Engagement team to learn some of the fascinating facts and surprising stories behind the collections. Get hands on with real museum objects, take part...

First Class Learning

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.firstclasslearning.co.uk

FCL Centres offer Maths, English, and science tuition, fully aligned with the national curriculum. Each child benefits from a personalised study plan, closely monitoring progress to ensure they achieve...

George Heriot's School

Venue: George Heriot's School

Website: www.george-heriots.com

Heriot’s is Scotland’s leading independent school. Pupils aged 4 to 18 learn side by side, as part of one big Heriot’s family. Visit the website to see the open morning films 2021 which will give...

Inverleith Junior Parkrun

Venue: Inverleith Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/inverleith-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in...

Join Cub Club

Venue: Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Website: www.scottishspca.org/cub-club

Join Cub Club - the new kids membership at the Scottish SPCA! Every Cub Club member gets a super welcome pack with cuddly toy, activities and more! Little animal-lovers are in for a treat when they become...

Keeper days

Venue: Five Sisters Zoo

Website: www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk

Spend time with the Zoo Keepers, help make up animal feeds, changing their bedding and see behind the scenes, visit some of the animal residents like (wallabies, giant rabbits, lemurs, pygmy goats, birds,...

Lyceum Youth Theatre

Venue: The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh

Website: www.lyceum.org.uk/take-part/young-people/lyt

Lyceum Youth Theatre offer classes a range of classes; Play (ages 5-7), Mini's (ages 8-10), Juniors (ages 11-13) and Seniors (ages 14-18). Each session challenges members to become strong performers whilst...

Nature Quest

Venue: RSPB Loch Leven

Website: www.rspb.org.uk

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Nature Quest—your all-in-one outdoor exploration kit. Perfect for families and groups, this adventure in a bag lets you team up, choose your nature scientist...

Ninja Warrior UK Edinburgh

Venue: Ninja Warrior UK Edinburgh

Website: www.ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/edinburgh

With obstacles for all ages and over 20 obstacles taken straight from the hit ITV show Ninja Warrior UK. Bounce around on the massive Airpark, featuring a ninja challenge area and twin lane race course....

Princes Street Gardens Treasure Hunt

Venue: West Princes St Gardens

Website: https://terribletales.co.uk

Welcome to Edinburgh’s “Monument-al Treasure Hunt” in West Princes St Gardens, a cultural and historical exploration for children and adults of all ages to enjoy. Explore the three audiobooks e-books...

The Meadows Junior Parkrun

Venue: The Meadows

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/themeadows-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9.30am. Free to join but register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun. Go along and join in...

Great Big School Clean 2025

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.keepbritaintidy.org

Join the Great Big School Clean this spring and be part of the #BigBagChallenge - make a big difference to care for the places and the planet we love. Pledge as a school and you’ll receive a...

Nessie

Venue: The Studio

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

On the scenic banks of Loch Ness lies the town of Bruachness, a place steeped in mystery and folklore, where the local residents live in cautious awe of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, believed to bring...

Schools Football Week 2025

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.schoolsfootball.org/campaigns-and-events/schools-football-week

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this fantastic campaign celebrating the importance of schools’ football, competitive or otherwise, to pupils across England and provides teachers and coaches...

Beauty and the Beast

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.churchhilltheatre.co.uk

Witness the timeless tale of Belle, a spirited young woman, and the Beast, a prince trapped under a magical spell. Featuring dazzling choreography and unforgettable songs like "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty...

Pond Dipping

Venue: RSPB Loch Leven

Website: www.rspb.org.uk

Try Pond Dipping to discover what lives beneath the water! Hire a pond dipping kit that provides you with everything you need to explore the ponds. Pond dipping is fun for everyone! They have three ponds...

Curiouser and Curiouser

Venue: Almond Valley

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Step into a world of fun, fantasy, and adventure. Enjoy a trip on a vintage tractor and train while saying hello to a few of the rare breeds in a small animal handing session. Explore Almond Valley's Wonderland,...

Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets

Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre

Website: www.eastgatearts.com

Angelica Sprocket lives next door. Her overcoat has pockets galore! You’ll never believe the wonders hidden within. Get ready to be amazed, entertained, and enchanted by Angelica’s never-ending pockets,...

Butterfly Wings Suncatcher Activity

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Creative Workshop with Artist, Illustrator, and Graphic Designer Ida Ramic! Let your creativity soar as Ida guides you step by step in making your very own Butterfly Wings Suncatcher – completely from...

Easter Trail

Venue: RSPB Loch Leven

Website: www.rspb.org.uk

Enjoy a fun self-guided Easter trail. Head out and explore, finding fun activities to complete as you go. Once you've found them all, head back to the Visitor Centre to create the perfect nest, and claim...

Edinburgh Science Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.edinburghfestivalcity.com

Children (and grown-ups too) will love the interactive exhibitions and workshops where they can get their hands dirty while learning about the science behind spaceships, weather, dinosaurs, the human body...

Edinburgh Science Festival 2025

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Outdoor family workshops, coding sessions and sensory storytelling for kids plus a spring trail through the galleries, where you’ll find clues and learn more about baby animals along the way! Visit the...

Egg-stravaganza Easter Trail

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Visit Highland Wildlife Park this April to egg-splore their family friendly Easter trail. Complete the trail and win a prize! Trail sheets at £2 per person.

Walk Like an Astronaut

Venue: Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre, University of Edinburgh

Website: www.edinburghscience.co.uk

Learn how Dr Kathy Sullivan is the first American woman to walk in space, and the first woman to visit the deepest spot in Earth’s oceans, and hear what it’s like to launch a space telescope so powerful...

Easter at Craigies

Venue: Craigies Farm

Website: https://craigies.co.uk/events-activities

Easter holidays activities includes Storytime with Farmer Barley and Millie Hopwell, Egg painting, Seed planting activity (take home & watch grow), Egg hunt around playbarn, entry to indoor and outdoor...

Relaxed Morning

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems,...

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems,...

Andy and the Odd Socks

Venue: Assembly Rooms

Website: www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk

Join the ‘Odd Socks’ as they bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick comedy and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages. It’s THE show that everyone wants to...

Spring Explorers

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2025, join the Discovery and Learning team in an active and engaging 3-hour session that aims to deepen nature connections for younger audiences through visiting the...

Easter Drop-in Crafts

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

Get creative with the National Mining Museum. From ceramics painting to mask making, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Pay What You Can Just drop in and pay what you can at reception. 10am-1pm.No...

Space Day / Into Infinity and Beyond

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Blast off and discover what life is like in space. Find out more about the incredible astronauts who seek adventure and look to go where no one has gone before. All pre-booked family craft workshops are...

The Sorcerer

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.churchhilltheatre.co.uk

A magical chance to experience one of Gilbert and Sullivan's lesser-known gems, "The Sorcerer" is sure to conjure up enjoyment for all the family!

Wildlife Adventurers - Edinburgh Science Festival

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Discover the wildlife garden at Edinburgh Zoo where children can participate in experimental play and a range of fun engaging activities while learning how to use the natural resources around them.Please...

Junior Highland Keeper

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

For children aged 8–15, the Junior Highland Keepers will get hands-on opportunities to care for the animals, learn about their habitats and understand the importance of wildlife conservation. Each slot...

Piping Live! Bagpipe Pop-Up

Piping Live! Bagpipe Pop Up - Castlemilk Friday 11th April @ Netherholm Community Centre (Castlemilk) 12pm - 4pm Free to attend Address: Netherholm Community Hall, 4 Holmbyre Terrace, Glasgow G45 9PY As...

The Unbelievably Creative AI Show

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2025, join Dynamic Earth and Digital Skills Scotland as they ask can Artificial Intelligence be creative? In this interactive family show, you’re the judge. Learn...

Artie’s Singing Kettle Scotland

Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre

Website: www.eastgatearts.com

Experience the magic of Artie’s Singing Kettle in Scotland! Join them as they return to the original, beloved Singing Kettle repertoire that has captivated audiences over the years. Enjoy timeless favourites...

Planetarium Screening: Wall-E

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Join Dynamic Earth in the Planetarium for this family-favourite sci-fi film with an introduction from our astronomers. A chance for a little cosmic perspective on our small world in a big Universe. Booking...

Step to Sustainability – Edinburgh Science Festival

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

An exclusive guided tour of the zoo after closing led by a Discovery and Learning ranger followed by a talk up at the new solar meadow. Enjoy an early evening tour as you learn amazing new facts about...

Sustainable Skies

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Family activities across five days at the National Museum of Flight, as part of Edinburgh Science Festival. As well as family-friendly fun, you'll also learn about the future challenges faced by flight...

Dog Man (U)

Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre

Website: www.eastgatearts.com

Based on the beloved graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man follows the adventures of a heroic half-dog, half-human police officer with a nose for justice and a heart of gold. Packed with action,...

AirHop Edinburgh Easterfest

Venue: AirHop Edinburgh

Address: Unit 11, Newhailes Industrial Estate, Newhailes Rd, Musselburgh

Website: www.airhop.co.uk/adventure-trampoline-park-edinburgh

Make Easter the bounciest ever by joining AirHop’s Easterfest! Their first hoppy Easter celebration during the Toddler Takeover session 9-10am all of Easter weekend (18th-21st April). Expect hoppy music...

Easter Egg Trail at the House of the Binns

Venue: House of the Binns

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow the clues, unscramble the secret word and win a yummy prize! Fun for the whole family. There will be two trails on offer, one easily accessible trail all on the flat grassy areas and a more adventurous...

Easter Egg Trails at Newhailes 2025

Venue: Newhailes House and Garden

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Join Newhailes this Easter for a fun filled trail, magical fun, games, face painting, workshops and more. Trail Tickets are in hourly slots with last entry at 3pm.Only book a ticket for those that want...

Easter Magic Workshop at Newhailes

Venue: Newhailes House and Garden

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Be entertained by the fabulous magician, and then learn some amazing tricks to take home with you. Shows start at 10am, and go on throughout the day, each workshop lasts approx 30 minutes.Admission £8...

Mat Hatter's Tea Party

Venue: Almond Valley

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Indulge in sweet treats, meet larger-than-life characters, and keep your own tea party going by taking home your very own decorated teacup! Includes trailer rides (£1 per person), railway rides (£2 per...

Bunnies and Buns

Venue: Highland Wildlife Park

Website: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Join Highland Wildlife Park for a special pastry breakfast this Easter weekend with arts, crafts and activities for all the family to enjoy. Peter Rabbit™ will also be making an appearance for families...

Easter Saturday Raceday

Venue: Musselburgh Racecourse

Website: www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Kick-start your Easter weekend at the Easter Saturday Raceday featuring the £100,000 Queen's Cup! There's also the Corgi Derby, Mini Queen's Cup, plus free activities for children including fairground...

Newhailes Easter Sunflower workshop

Venue: Newhailes House and Garden

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Learn how to pot and grow a sunflower from scratch. The gardener will take your little one through the stages of how to pot and look after your plant and you will take your pot home, with instructions,...

Snow White

Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre

Website: www.eastgatearts.com

Step into a timeless fairy tale with Snow White, a dazzling reimagining of the beloved classic. With breathtaking visuals, enchanting music, and a fresh twist on the story you know and love, Snow White...

Kidz Club Party

Venue: Assembly Rooms

Website: www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk

Kidz Club Party is coming to Edinburgh, with Joey, Bruno Britney Jesy and the funniest of them all our amazing host with more fun and games, singing and dancing, so get your glitzy and glamorous outfits...

Taylor 22 Tour

Venue: Assembly Rooms

Website: www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk

The ultimate Tribute to the Queen of country “Taylor 22” is coming to Edinburgh so let’s “shake it off”, a night full of your favourite Taylor hits from start to finish and be the “Lover”...

The McDougalls: Pirate Adventure

Venue: Church Hill Theatre

Website: www.churchhilltheatre.co.uk

Ahoy, mateys! Everyone’s favourite children’s theatre company presents a brand new swashbuckling singalong show for 2025. Join Auntie Aggie, Max and Morag the Rabbit as they set sail on a musical treasure...

Loretto School Open Afternoon

Venue: Loretto School

Website: www.loretto.com

Loretto was founded on the principle that every child has talents that should be developed. No matter their interests or passions, the potential of every child is realised at Loretto. Register for the...

Dino's: Dinosaur Detectives

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Join Saturday Science Sessions with Dino’s (Ages 6-12), enjoy a variety of hands on activities and a take home craft. This week step into the shoes of a Palaeontologist investigating the dinosaurs that...

EdinBrick

Venue: Meadowbank Sports Centre

Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinbrick

Edinbrick will again be raising money for Fairybricks.org, the LEGO Charity in the UK that donates LEGO to children in hospital to use. With new models on display, the ever popular everyone’s a winner...

Edinburgh Tartan Parade

Venue: Edinburgh Town

Website: https://handupevents.co.uk/tartan-parade-scotland

This exciting event will bring together tartans, pipe bands, dancers, musicians, organisations, and individuals from Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, and beyond - to celebrate the country's rich...

Festhailes 25

Venue: Newhailes House and Garden

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Newhailes is once again hosting its family friendly music festival in the grounds of Newhailes House with a fabulous line up of musical acts and much more! Includes fair rides, Weehailes Playpark Open...

A Minecraft Movie

Venue: Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre

Website: www.eastgatearts.com

Embark on an epic adventure in A Minecraft Movie, where the limitless world of blocks, creativity, and survival comes to life like never before! Packed with humour, heart, and plenty of pixelated action,...

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

Venue: Festival Theatre

Website: www.capitaltheatres.com

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage,...

Children's Classic Concerts - Peter and The Wolf

Venue: Corn Exchange, Haddington

Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk

This unique theatrical concert presentation of the much-loved music by Prokofiev has been arranged for wind quintet, representing Peter and his four brave animal friends as they battle the sly wolf. Peter...

North Edinburgh Community Festival

Venue: West Pilton Park

Website: www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk

The North Edinburgh Community Festival is a free, family friendly and community-led event which will feature a vibrant mix of activities, live music, workshops, food stalls, a community parade, sports,...

Shrek The Musical

Venue: Howden Park Centre

Website: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…" And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess...

Edinburgh International Children's Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.edinburghfestivalcity.com

The Festival celebrates the best of children’s theatre and dance from around the world, showcasing high quality, distinctive Scottish and international performances to an audience of children, their...

Teddy Bear Adventure

Venue: The Edinburgh Academy

Website: www.edinburghacademy.org.uk

Visit for a morning of fun, adventure, and creativity at their annual Teddy Bear Adventure with activities designed for children aged 2–7 years. No matter what sparks your child’s imagination, this...

Artie's Singing Kettle - Scotland

Venue: Corn Exchange, Haddington

Website: www.thebrunton.co.uk

Experience the magic of Artie's Singing Kettle and enjoy much loved songs like Aiken Drum, Three Craws, and The Train to Glasgow. Relive the original repertoire that made the show famous. And as a special...

Dizzy Dinosaurs

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Join Dizzy the Dinosaur to find out how we know so much about creatures who roamed our lands more than 65 million years ago. What are fossils and how are they made? What finally killed all the dinosaurs,...

Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience

Venue: Usher Hall

Website: www.usherhall.co.uk

Revisit the earliest days of Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor as they discover their place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – each accompanied by their own unforgettable heroic music. Recapture the...

Knights of Newhailes

Venue: Newhailes House and Garden

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Witness live-action jousts and gallant medieval knights battle it out to be crowned champion. See what life was like at the medieval encampment where you could even catch a falconry display or learn a...

Summer Panto - Snow White

Venue: National Mining Museum

Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com

When the vain Wicked Queen realises that she is no longer the fairest in the land, she seeks revenge against her beautiful stepdaughter Snow White. With the help of her new found panto pals can Snow White...

Edinburgh Pretty Muddy 5k

Venue: The Meadows, Melville Drive

Website: www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...