What's On in Edinburgh & The Lothians

Edinburgh Zoo Brick Safari

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/visit/brick-safari

Experience a fantastic new trail of toy bricks inspired by your favourite animals during your next unforgettable adventure to the zoo. The trail is included with your zoo admission ticket however, booking...

Play with Plants

Venue: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Website: www.rbge.org.uk/playwithplants

Discover the world of plants through play. This summer experience the joy of the botanical world at Play with Plants, RBGE’s hands on, play experience at the John Hope Gateway.

Marvellous Makers

Venue: Scottish Libraries

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/news/general/tbfr-scotland

The Summer Reading Challenge Scotland officially launches in Scottish libraries on 25 June. Borrow and read any six books from the library over the summer to collect limited edition rewards and a very...

Game On

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Address: Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Get set for Game On - the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming's rich history through over 100 playable games from...

Goals like Galbraith- Girls Only Camp

Venue: Spartans Community Foundation

Address: Ainslie Park

Website: https://scf.classforkids.io/camps

Fun-packed Girls only holiday programme. The emphasis is on developing girl's football skills and providing a thoroughly enjoyable week under the watchful eye of highly qualified Foundation coaches. It...

Spartans Holiday Hat-tricks: Soccer School

Venue: Spartans Community Foundation

Address: Ainslie Park

Website: https://scf.classforkids.io/camps

Hat-tricks is a fun-packed holiday programme. The emphasis is on developing children's football skills and providing a thoroughly enjoyable week under the watchful eye of highly qualified Foundation coaches....

Summer Adventures

Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Schools Out, it's time to kick back and enjoy the fun of the summer! Daily alpaca feeding, meet the Clydesdales, animal handling, train and tractor rides and den building. Visit the website for more information.

Summer Arts Activities

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/summer-arts

Musical Theatre, Drama, Dance and more at venues in Aberlady, Dunbar, Haddington, Musselburgh, North Berwick & Tranent. Join in and be creative this summer with holiday activities for ages 5 – 17, delivered...

Summer Cat

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Summer CAT is based out of Edinburgh Zoo’s Wildlife Garden where children spend all day outside getting mucky and getting hands on with conservation. The programme is for children entering school years...

Summer Family Fun

Venue: National Museum of Scotland

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Join NMS every Monday and Friday during the holidays for a range of fun drop-in activities for all the family. The friendly Enabler team will be bringing their favourite themes to life from dinosaurs to...

Summer School

Venue: Edinburgh Zoo

Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

During Summer School, children discover amazing animals and cultures from around the world and connect with nature. All this learning happens through a range of fun activities such as zoo trails, games,...

Second World War Satchels

Venue: National Museum of Flight

Website: www.nms.ac.uk

Pick up a summer activity satchel and delve deeper into the history of the Second World War. Separate satchels are available for adult and family visitors. Families can use their satchel to explore what...

Artist Weekends

Venue: National Galleries Scotland

Address: Modern One

Website: www.nationalgalleries.org/event/art-summer-artist-weekends

Every weekend during the school holidays the artist team will help your family create and connect outdoors with different themes and materials to play with. 2-4pm. Free, drop in.

Hands on History

Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Website: www.rct.uk

Visit the Family Room to get up close to some historical and replica objects. Handle these special pieces and see if you can guess what they were used for. Included with Palace ticket. 11am-3pm every Monday....

Summer Outdoor Club 2024

Venue: Dynamic Earth

Website: www.dynamicearth.org.uk

Children will explore Holyrood Park, with an exciting programme of activities designed for ages 7 to 12.Summer camp will run Monday – Friday for four weeks. Activities start at 10am with drop off from...

Midweek Makes: Collage Crowns

Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse

Website: www.rct.uk

Visit the Family Room to discover the stories behind some special crowns. Get creative by decorating your own crown to wear as you visit the rest of the Palace. Included with Palace ticket. 11am-3pm every...

The Big Butterfly Count

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. No green space is too small - a back garden, a small terrace...

Splash!

Venue: The Water of Leith Visitor Centre

Website: www.waterofleith.org.uk

Grab your wellies and make a splash in the river and hunt for the creatures who call it home. Suitable for ages 3-6. Accompanying adult free of charge book only for the child children – £5 per child....

Linlithgow Family Adventure

Venue: Linlithgow Palace

Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on

Discover more about Linlithgow's wildlife, history and landscape with fun filled sessions featuring many hands-on actives. Also 9 August.

Extreme River Dipping

Venue: The Water of Leith Visitor Centre

Website: www.waterofleith.org.uk

Discover the creatures who live in the river, and try out new dipping spots. Adventurous afternoon in the river suitable for 8 to 12 year olds, drop off event, no need for parents / guardians to stay.

A.L.Ex and The ImpRobots Present: An AI Show for Kids!

Venue: Gilded Balloon Patter House

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Mixing slapstick and improv comedy with provocative questions about human and artificial intelligence, kids big and small will have an opportunity to interact with A.L.Ex through improv games, dance, and...

Aha! Doggy Poo

Venue: Bedlam Theatre

Website: www.edfringe.com

Reimagined from a beloved Korean tale by Jung-saeng Kwon, this heartwarming show incorporates dance, magic and Korean music to embody the philosophy that nothing in the world is useless. Since 1989, Modl...

Arturo Brachetti: SOLO

Venue: Pleasance at EICC

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

This jam-packed visual feast sees the Guinness World Record-holder bring over 50 characters to life in front of your eyes; expect astonishing illusions, mind-boggling transformations, sand painting, shadow...

Assembly Festival

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

Returning to Edinburgh Fringe this August with a programme of 220+ shows featuring circus, theatre, magic, children's shows and much more! Don't miss the opening of George Square Gardens on July 12th,...

Blue Badge Bunch

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Riotous and hazardous, Aussie comedy duo The Listies return to the Fringe with a new show. ROFL addresses bedtime chaos as Rich tries to sleep while Matt employs every trick to stay awake. Packed with...

Breathe

Venue: Pleasance Dome

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Breathe explores the inner workings of trees, beautifully realised with a combination of stunning puppetry, breathtakingly detailed sets and groundbreaking live camera work. Underscored through a truly...

Captain Zak's Space Pirate Problems

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Captain Zak: Space Pirate has crash landed his ship back at the Pleasance, and he needs your help! He's stuck with his broken-down spaceship but with your help answering questions, solving puzzles, and...

Circus - The Show

Venue: Underbelly, George Square

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Roll up! Roll up! Prepare to enter a world of whimsy, wonder and amazement where your imagination will soar like never before, in this completely re-imagined family circus spectacular coming to Edinburgh...

Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science!

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Doktor Kaboom! The good Doktor’s newest show fuses astonishing live science experiments, stand-up comedy, and lessons in empowerment, for an hour of ‘perfect family...

How To Catch a Book Witch

Venue: Underbelly, Bristo Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Join Kira and Barry the Bookworm on this heartwarming adventure to save the day. An open-hearted show aimed at children ages 4+ exploring the importance of libraries and sharing stories. Featuring live...

Lost in the Woods

Venue: Gilded Balloon Patter House

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Once upon a time, a little girl and a little boy were lost in the woods... That is usually how these things start. Only this time they are not only lost in the woods, but within their own story! Suitable...

Mojo and Jimmy: The Comedy Magic Spectacular

Venue: Assembly George Square Studios

Website: www.edfringe.com

A magic show meets a Pixar movie! The annual comedy-magic extravaganza in Happyvale takes an unexpected turn into a thrilling adventure to rescue the forest! Experience awe, laughter and tears of joy as...

Monkeys Everywhere

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Join award-winning Garry Starr as he tries to find calm amongst the mayhem that fills his monkey mind. Monkeys Everywhere is a show for all ages – but especially for those who can’t always keep their...

Rosie and Hugh's Great Big Adventure

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Join Rosie, Hugh, a squirrel with a wobbly tooth, a little lizard and one very rusty robot on a great, big, heart-warming adventure. Jam-packed with songs from CBeebies' Nick Cope, this show is for 3-8...

The Alphabet of Awesome Science

Venue: Underbelly, George Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Join Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where fascinating words inspire spectacular science! It's a tongue-twisting...

The Kids Always Win

Venue: Gilded Balloon Patter House

Website: www.edfringe.com

Tired of grown-ups being know-it-alls? Do you want to win prizes? Kids Always Win is a game show where the kids always win. A brand-new game show where grown-ups compete against kids in a series of stacked...

The Smeds and The Smoos

Venue: Pleasance Courtyard

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Soar into space with this Olivier Award-nominated adaptation of the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.  A joyful tale of star-crossed aliens for everyone aged 3 and up with music,...

1001 Space Adventures: Breadlove and Poophead - Interactive Children Show

Venue: Laughing Horse@ Bar 50

Website: www.edfringe.com

Join Breadlove and Poophead in a cosmic journey where your child isn't just an audience member – they're the hero of their own interstellar adventure! Mixing puppets, sound effects, painting and many...

101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents and Other Really Old People

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

Title says it all! *Evil laugh*. Don't worry, They'll also teach the parents how to annoy their kids as well. From multi award-winning kids comedian Matty Grey. Laugh your guts out of your butthole as...

All-New Crazy Puppet Magic Show

Venue: Frankenstein Pub

Website: www.edfringe.com

Last year's sell-out show returns with more magic, more puppets and even more laughter! A great show for all the family to start your festival day! Advance booking advised. Featuring crazy puppets, lots...

Amazing Bubble Man

Venue: Underbelly, Bristo Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. From square bubbles, to rocket bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of...

Best of Edinburgh Fringe for Kids

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

A friendly fun-filled afternoon show with a revolving line-up of the best children's and family-friendly performers from around the Fringe, for all the family to enjoy together.

CeilidhKids at the Fringe

Venue: Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Family ceilidh for children aged 3-9 years with parents or carers, but all welcome. Skip, clap and march together to traditional Scottish music. Enjoy very simple, often simplified, dances that you might...

Children Are Stinky

Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.edfringe.com

Award-winning, five-star sell-out Fringe sensation! Book your tickets in advance for high-caliber circus, a rocking soundtrack, and genuine belly laughs. Expect daredevil stunts, incredible aerials, lightning-fast...

Children's Underground Ghost Show

Venue: City of Edinburgh Tours@ Old Post Box

Website: www.edfringe.com

Who haunts our world-famous vaults? Join Mingin' Annie from Edinburgh's past and explore what it's like being trapped beneath the city streets for 400 years. Ghostly fun for everyone in the underground....

Circus Sonas Famiy Show

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

All the way from Northern Ireland, Martin Mor and Logy Logan take the traditional circus double act and give it a unique and modern twist. This family-friendly show contains some of their most popular...

ComedySportz

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

Two teams. One winner. No script. Don't miss the festival's funniest fixture as teams go for gold with quick-witted gags and games inspired by your suggestions. This award-winning competitive comedy show...

Comics Vs Kids

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

Beloved UK comic and kids comedian Nik Coppin returns to the Fringe with his show full of jokes, interaction, chaos, mayhem, his own hand-drawn cartoons and special guests. Have a laugh with him, win some...

Dragonory: Magic and Music at Edinburgh Fringe!

Venue: Hootenannies@ The Apex

Website: www.edfringe.com

Dive into Dragonory, the captivating family show hosted by the charismatic George. Featuring stories by Scottish icon Alan Cumming, this performance blends imaginative tales with exhilarating lip-sync...

Fairy Folk

Venue: The Water of Leith Visitor Centre

Website: www.waterofleith.org.uk

Join the ‘wee folk’ in the Dells and discover the history of fairies and do some magical crafts. Accompanying adult free of charge, book only for the child / children. Suitable for ages 3-8.

Game On 4 – Boss Level

Venue: Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Matty Grey is heading back to Game Land one final time. Matty and the audience must battle their way through five boss levels to get to the mega boss of all video games. Boss Level pits the best video-game...

Kids Can Heckle!

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Three Sisters

Website: www.edfringe.com

Fun for the whole family, but especially fun for the little ones! Top UK stand-up Ollie Horn attempts to tell the same clean stand-up that he does around the world. The only thing that can stop him is...

Magic and Crazy Stunts with Frisco Fred

Venue: Laughing Horse@ Home Bar

Website: www.edfringe.com

Fred brings his A-game to give you a fun-filled show with comedy, magic, juggling (and maybe some video stunts...) See – a near-sighted guy juggle knives. Hear – the laughter. Wonder – is that really...

Mr Sleepybum

Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.edfringe.com

Do you have stupid and silly dreams at night? Well, Mr Sleepybum does, and he's going to re-enact them all for you in this high-energy, interactive, multi award-nominated comedy show for the whole family.

NoVa

Venue: Assembly Roxy

Website: www.edfringe.com

Nova rediscovers the magic of circus, where dreams take flight and anything is possible. It marries clowning with a celebration of childhood creativity, set in an enchanting attic with towers of books...

Olaf Falafel's Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far

Venue: Laughing Horse@ The Counting House

Website: www.edfringe.com

Join comedian and children's author Olaf Falafel for his stupidest hour of kids' comedy to date. There will be jokes, songs, audience participation and some (very stupid) drawing - five star family friendly...

Rik Carranza Presents: Marvel vs DC

Venue: Laughing Horse @ The Counting House

Website: www.edfringe.com

Which is the true home of heroes – Marvel or DC? In this interactive show, kids battle it out on behalf of their heroes in games and challenges to decide which franchise has the best heroes. Dressing...

The Black Blues Brothers

Venue: Assembly Rooms: Music Hall

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

After thrilling over 600,000 spectators worldwide, the Black Blues Brothers returns for its farewell season! Don't miss this acrobatic celebration of African energy and R'n'B sound, featuring a comedy...

The Bubble Show

Venue: Assembly George Square

Website: www.edfringe.com

Actor, storyteller and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker is one of the top bubble artists in the world. He is returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with his international award-winning...

The Greatest Magic Show

Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Having garnered international acclaim performing at the biggest arts festivals across the globe, stars Sam, Justin and the enchanting Ringmaster are returning once again to the Edinburgh Fringe with brand-new...

A Bee Story

Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bee-story

A Bee Story is an Australian physical theatre show for families, blending circus, acrobatics, dance, and live music. It follows Queen Bee and Worker Bee rebuilding their hive after a bushfire, emphasizing...

Best of Kids Comedy: The Big Show!

Venue: Hootenannies@ The Apex

Website: www.edfringe.com

The biggest laughs from the biggest little-person-friendly comedy stars! We drove our clown car around town and picked up the funniest in family-friendly comedy to make one enormous show! We'll be playing...

Billy Banana's Brilliant Bingo - Kids Show

Venue: Hootenannies@ The Apex

Website: www.edfringe.com

Billy Banana's Brilliant Bingo, the interactive extravaganza event of the Fringe. Fun for all the family, expect lots of laughter with your host, the ever-popular Billy Banana. Bringing plenty of prizes...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens

Website: www.edfringe.com

Since 2005, Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families......

Foodies Festival

Venue: Inverleith Park

Website: www.foodiesfestival.com/events/edinburgh-2

Join the biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music with Peter Andre, Blue and Symphonic Ibiza. Meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions...

Once Upon a Time

Venue: theSpace@ Surgeons' Hall

Website: www.edfringe.com

Sing along to the most acclaimed Disney songs and you’ll discover a world of magic unfold in front of your eyes and ears. This Edinburgh Fringe debut show is certainly the best way for the whole family...

Plague Poo n' Punishment

Venue: Greenside@ Riddles Court

Website: www.edfringe.com

Back by popular demand after last year’s sell-out success. Edinburgh’s gruesome past is brought to life by two performers (as seen on CBBC’s Saturday Mash Up) in this hilarious and outrageously horrible...

The Comedy Games with Coach Mon

Venue: theSpace@ Niddry St

Website: www.edfringe.com

Skate on over to this Olympic-inspired kid's clown show filled with music and sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow-motion running race. Your little ones will move, groove and dream, plus...

The Listies ROFL

Venue: Assembly George Square Studios

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Riotous, gratuitous and possibly hazardous, Aussie kids comedy duo The Listies return to the Fringe for the eleventeenth time with a new show. ROFL tackles the most dramatic family situation of all time:...

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Venue: Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Website: www.edintattoo.co.uk/tickets/tickets-2024

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was originally born out of the Second World War with the aims of raising morale after dark times, entertaining and bringing people together and the Charity will continue...

A Magic Morning!

Venue: PBH's Free Fringe @ Little Plaza

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Bring the kids for magical mischief with one of Edinburgh’s favourite magicians! Tim Licata astounds audiences throughout Scotland with his brand of delightful deception. Great humour and classic trickery,...

Abracadabra Family Friendly Magic Show

Venue: PBH's Free Fringe @ CC Blooms

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Join Alex the Magician for an exciting children's magic show, back for its fourth year at the Edinburgh Fringe. Laughter, participation, fun, and of course, magic await! Suitable for ages 5+.

Truckfest

Venue: Royal Highland Centre

Website: www.truckfest.co.uk/truckfest-scotland

Monster Truck Car Crushing Action, Broke FMX, Slingshot Ride Truck and lots of trucks on display including incredible trucks of all shapes and sizes including American rigs, customised trucks, emergency...

Amazing Prize Family Comedy Bingo

Venue: Royal College of Physicians

Website: www.edfringe.com

It's bingo with loads and loads of prizes. You get two bingo cards as part of your entry. If you bring a wrapped prize, you get another card. Take your seats, get your dabber ready and let the winning...

Big Bad Wolf

Venue: theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

Follow the story of the often misunderstood Big Bad Wolf and see how he ended up being the villain of so many fairytales throughout the years. Featuring Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and...

Hamlet Hears a Who

Venue: theSpace@ Niddy St

Website: www.edfringe.com

I will not, shall not, cannot say / That Hamlet’s tale has had it’s day / At breakneck speed we will provide / Laughter, love and homicide / Hamlet as per is overwrought / But not quite as you would've...

Inside The Robot: Kids in Control!

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Caves

Website: www.edfringe.com

The world's only theatrical escape room! You are the crew of a time-travelling robot and everything has gone wrong. Help! Stunning visual effects and immersive interactive technology mean kids aged 5 to...

The Fantastical World of My Uncle Arly

Venue: Paradise in Augustines

Website: www.edfringe.com

Abandon all common sense and go on a voyage through the absurd world of Edward Lear. Best known for his nonsense stories, letters and verse, Lear led a fascinating life of adventure which, Fringe favourites,...

Fernando and His Llama Friend

Venue: Zoo Southside

Website: www.edfringe.com

It's tough being a deaf kid. Why can't he speak or hear properly? The story of a Deaf Colombian boy who moves to Canada. Upon meeting a deaf Llama, they bond instantly, embarking on a quest to reunite...

Water Force

Venue: The Water of Leith Visitor Centre

Website: www.waterofleith.org.uk

A great afternoon at the river discovering the wonderful world of water and the force behind it. Suitable for 5 to 10 year olds, accompanying adult free of charge book only for the child / children. Wear...

Fever Pitch Academy Showcase 2024

Venue: theSpace @Venue45

Website: www.edfringe.com

A musical revue, featuring music from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, SpongeBob, Legally Blonde, Grease and loads more! For the students at FPA, it's their Edinburgh Fringe debut and they couldn't be...

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Venue: Edinburgh Futures Institute

Website: www.edbookfest.co.uk

The world's leading public celebration of books where authors and illustrators from across the globe share their latest stories and adventures with children and families. Includes a children's play area...

FlamenKids

Venue: Edinburgh New Town Church

Website: www.edfringe.com

If your child loves music or dance, introduce them to a fun and visual way to learn about Spanish culture and flamenco art: rhythms, dance movements, clapping, guitar, singing, castanets, percussion and...

A Cinderella Panto

Venue: theSpace on the Mile

Website: www.edfringe.com

Previous Cinderella stories? They’re behind you! In this unique fairy-tale twist, Bristol’s Pantomime Society cordially invites you on a magical journey, guaranteed to be an absolute ball for princesses,...

Chicken Little

Venue: theSpace on the Mile

Website: www.tickets.edfringe.com

While walking through the park one day, Chicken Little is hit on the head! She decides to tell the Prime Minister the sky is falling, and so begins a perilous journey: travelling through a dark and scary...

A View from my Window

Venue: City Art Centre

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Taking inspiration from the Adam Bruce Thomson exhibition create a magical window view using creative ideas and mixed media. Imagine the perfect scene that you would love to see from your windows. Go...

Nature Prints

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

To Celebrate World Photography Day (19 August) make your own version of a photographic image with special photographic paper. Lay items out to make pictures and watch them develop in the sun. Free family...