July 2025
Family Art Baskets
Sessions will encourage families to explore and create together in the grounds of the gallery and in nature. The activity invites families to collaborate, experiment, and explore their creativity while building a deeper connection to nature and discover new ways to transform the outdoors into their own art studio. The sessions will run every Wednesday to Friday between 2 July and 8 August from 2pm to 4pm at
For more information visit
Holyrood family adventure
Discover more about Holyrood's wildlife, history and volcanic landscape with these fun, family-friendly activities for children aged five years and above. Please note the route is graded as easy but warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear with good grips are required. The event will run on Wednesday 9 July from 1pm and 3pm at
Broad Pavement Car Park
Holyrood Car Park
EH8 8AZ
To book a free space, visit the
Dr Bell's Family Centre - Preparing for Baby
4-week antenatal course for expectant parents (from 16 weeks+). Topics covered include getting to know your baby and how to care for them, becoming a parent and support networks, early brain development and attachment and the fourth trimester (what do the first three months look like for you and baby. It is encouraged to bring someone with you - this can be a partner, a friend, a family member, anyone that will be supporting you. The course will run over a four-week period, starting Tuesday 8 July until Tuesday 29 July from 5.30pm to 7pm at
To book visit the Participants must commit to attend all four sessions
Queensferry Parish Church Summer cafe and crafts
Drop in to the Connections Café for free summer craft activities, perfect for children and even adults who want to get crafty too! The café will also be open for refreshments and snack during the sessions. No booking required. The event will run on Wednesday 9 July, Monday 28 July and Wednesday 30 July from 10am to 2pm at
To find out more visit the
Summer Storytime
Stories to share, crafts to prepare, all about bears! We will have stories and crafts to help with nursery/P1 transition. Perfect for nursery children about to start school, but ages three to six years may also enjoy. Adults should Accompany children. The session is on Wednesday 9 July and Wednesday 30 July from 3pm at
Summer Fun – Bingham Community Centre
Join Bingham Community for ‘Summer Fun’ starting in July with daytime groups on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays! Groups begin on the 9 of July and run for 5 weeks. Group 1 is for P1 to P3 running from 10:30am to 12:15pm and Group 2 is for P4 to S2 and runs from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Both groups are running at
To sign up visit the
Celebrating Carnival: Collective costume making
Help create a Carnival costume from donated and recycled material. Design and decorate a strip of fabric that we will add to the collective costume. Discover some of the history behind the colourful Carnival costumes. The session will run on Thursday 10 July from 1.30pm to 4pm at
To find out more visit the
Children’s book reading and craft with Fiona Lowry
Children’s author Fiona Lowry will read her book ‘Mousey Mornings’ and host a craft event afterwards. Perfect for ages three to seven but similarly aged children and families will enjoy. The session is on Thursday 10 July from 11am at
To find out more visit the
Big 10 Art Club
Explore Creativity. Boost your Mood. Connect with Others. The Big 10 Art Club will be a weekly space over the summer where you can unwind, connect, learn, access support and contribute to U-evolves art exhibition to celebrate 10 years of supporting young people’s mental health. All materials provided. Open to anyone age 11 to 21 years. The club will be running weekly on Friday’s starting on Friday 11 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To find out more
Summer at Craigmillar Castle
Join Craigmillar Castle for a summertime of fun activities. All activities are free and open to everyone.
- Woodland Walk - A weekly, friendly and welcoming gentle exercise group on Mondays from 10am to 11am (Booking required)
- Nature Walk Grasses - An introduction to the most common kinds of grasses and how to identify them on Friday 11 July from 2pm to 3.30pm
- Family Festival - Music making, creative workshops and fun family activities on Saturday 26 July from 1pm to 3pm
- Nature Walk Late Summer Flowers - An introduction to identifying the plants flowering in late summer on Friday 22 August from 2pm to 3.30pm at
For more information or to book email
Inch House Summer Fair
Enjoy market stalls, children’s activities, the café, a bouncy castle and a visit from a fire engine (as long as they are not called out) on Saturday 12 July from 10.30am to 3pm at
Edinburgh Festival Carnival
A celebration of costumes, dance and music. A variety of performances are played in the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens on Sunday 13th July from 1pm to 6.30pm.
For more information visit the on the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival website.
Kids VR Session
Ride an epic roller coaster, chase dinosaurs, defuse bombs and feel the rhythm in Beat Saber! Come along to this drop-in-session and have a shot of a Virtual Reality headset with games and experiences. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 8 years plus. The sessions run on Monday 14 July from 4pm to 5.30pm at
Summer family fun
Get crafty, curious, and up-close with a variety of drop-in activities for the whole family. Every Monday and Friday will explore a new theme - from Scottish stories to around-the-world adventures. Sessions from 14 July until 1 August from 10.30am to 3.30pm at
To find out more visit the
Community Mushroom Farming
Community Mushroom Farming with Mario is a hands-on learning experience. In these two-hour workshops, gain an understanding of the different aspects of community mushroom farming. Learn which seasonal native fungi you can grow outdoors for food and soil restoration. Sessions run on Monday 14 and Saturday 26 July from 1pm to 3pm at
To book a place email
Green Space
Wellbeing gardening group for 13 to 18 year olds. Come and give gardening a go and spend time outside in nature with U-evolve, no experience necessary. The sessions are running weekly on Monday’s starting on Monday 14 July from 11am to 12.30pm at
To find out more and to make a referral email
Gilmerton Community Centre – Family Crafts
Free crafts for children of primary age and their families on Mondays from 10am to 12.30pm. a healthy snack is available for children. No booking required.
- 14 July – vynal printing bags, mugs, t-shirts, water bottles, paper craft colouring books
- 21 July – Paper chain wall hanging, bracelet making
- 28 July – soap making and origami bookmarks
- Resin jewellery and 3D quilling pictures
Free Football Sessions
No need to book, just join friends for some fun football sessions for Young people aged 11 to 18 years every Tuesday and Thursday between 15 July and 7 August from 1.30pm to 3pm at
Cooking and Creating
Join the team at Edinburgh Food Social’s Kitchen for some tasting and making for children aged eight to 12 years. Have a chat about cookbooks and recipes then a chance to invent your own dressing or sauce. Places are limited therefore booking is essential. Cooking and creating will run on Wednesday 16 July from 2pm to 4pm at
To book a space email
Bookbinding with Cass
Cass loves making books. She’ll teach some bookbinding skills then the group will make notebooks with recycled and reused materials to take home and fill with drawings or story ideas. Booking is essential. The session is on Thursday 17 July from 1pm to 3pm at
To book email
Open Kindergarten South East Edinburgh
A free non-structured group for parents, carers and parents to be. For children under five years of age (older siblings are welcome during the holidays). A chance to connect with others, share experiences, and build friendships. Sessions are shaped around any concerns, interests and ideas brought up in the conversation. Sessions run on Thursdays from 1.15pm to 2.30pm between 26 June and 17 July at
For more information and to book a space visit the or contact
Butterfly count
The鈥疊ig Butterfly Count鈥痠s a nationwide citizen science survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment. Your input will help build the interactive map which provides data for conservation science and research. Register for free from Tuesday 1 July 2025 to take part in the count between Friday 18 July and Sunday 10 August.
For more information on how to take part visit the
Edinburgh Menagerie
A chance to meet a variety of friendly animals. Get up close with animals and enjoy a relaxed morning in the garden. This event has a suggested cost of £5.00 with a £2.00 minimum cost. Friday 18 July from 10.30am to 11.15am at
To book tickets visit
Summer baby event
Join Crossreach Perinatal Hub for baby and pregnancy stalls, bake sales, tombola’s, arts and crafts, raffles, a play area, refreshments and pre-loved toys and clothes. Tickets cost £2.00 on the door. Money being raised goes towards their perinatal creche. The event is on Friday 18 July from 10.30am to 1pm at
Tawona Sithole – A Place of Gathering
Storyteller & musician Tawona invites you to gather and greet each other. He'll share folklore from his Zimbabwean heritage, talk about the many languages in the community and become part of the stories! The session is on Saturday 19 July from 11am to 12pm at
LIFT Fest 2025
An epic family friendly community festival with a DJ and live music, face painting, tabletop sales, carnival games, food stalls, mascot meet and greets and more from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday 19 July at
Family Fun Day
Hosted by Currie Bowling Club there will be bouncy castles, target bowls, pétanque, face painting food and drink and more; there is lots for the whole family to enjoy. The event is cash only and will run on Saturday 19 July from 12pm to 5pm at
Strawberry Tea
Join for live music, petting zoo, face painting, raffles, tombola’s, garden games, Barbeque, and more. The event costs £4.00 entry for adults and is cash only. Saturday 19 July from 2pm to 4pm at
How to draw your dragon
Discover a wealth of dragons from around the world with this family workshop. Beginning with some dragon stories to get imaginations firing. Then have fun creating your very own dragon. The event is suitable for families aged six years and over, with all children accompanied by an adult and will run on Saturday 19 July from 11am to 12.30pm at
This is a ticketed event which costs £5.00 per child with accompanying adults going free.
For more information and to book visit the
Summer family fun day at the Old Colliery
Enjoy a free Summer family fun day with bouncy castle, outdoor games, stalls, face painting, music, meet and greets with the local fire department and police officers characters and a bingo hour. On Saturday 19 July from 12pm to 6pm at
Monkey Business
Join for four days of monkeying around with fun, family activities for all ages. Visit the craft tables, get hands-on with fascinating objects and more. Then discover the world of primates in the new exhibition. The sessions are running Saturday 19 and Saturday 26 July from 10.30am to 4pm at
To find out more visit the
John Lewis’ baby and toddler café
A monthly gathering where new parents and carers can meet each other and build connections over coffee. Preschool siblings are welcome to come along and play with the sensory toys or enjoy the colouring station. A complimentary hot drink for adults and glass of juice for any preschool sibling is available and you can buy extra food or drinks from the café. The baby and toddler café will run on Tuesday 22 July from 10am to 11am at
For more information and to book visit the .
Jack Kane Centre – Family group summer sessions
Free sessions tailored for families with a child with additional support need/s. All families this applies to are welcome. If coming along for the first time, it is recommended families get in touch prior with staff so they can ensure a welcome and induction can be carried out.
- Colour bomb – Saturday 19 July from 10am to 12pm
- Newhailes park – Saturday 26 July from 10am to 12pm
For more information contact the centre on the
Manjeet Mann – Big Dreams, Big Feelings
Award-winning writer Manjeet will share her two picture books: Small’s Big Dream and Whirly Twirly Me, and the group will do some drawing too! The session is on Thursday 24 July from 11am to 12pm at
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Entry to the Museum is free and there will be a variety of activities available through the holidays.
- Crafternoons – drop-in craft activities for all - every Tuesday in July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- Bookbug on Wednesdays from 9.30am
- Friday Lego Club on Friday 25 July from 2.45pm to 3.45pm
- Meet the Fire dogs on Wednesday 6 August from 11am to 3pm
For more information visit the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Join Craigmillar Library’s lovely garden for a teddy bears’ picnic! There will be lots of stories, songs and rhymes. For babies and children under 4 and their parents and carers. Older siblings welcome! The picnic is on Saturday 26 July from 11am to 12pm at
Music Encounters
Enjoy an afternoon of musical tunes. From classical, to folk and trad, to more groovy tunes, you can expect different music genres to meet on stage as you enjoy great local bands. This event is a free drop in on Saturday 26 July from 1pm to 4pm at
Sandy’s Mini Festival
Enjoy Tombola’s, multicultural food tasting, live music, bouncy castle, table sales and more on Saturday 26 July from 11am to 2pm at
Family Fun Day - Trade Unions in Communities (TUIC)
TUIC family fun day and big giveaway. A day of free stalls, free food, bike repairs, music, face and nail painting, a bouncy castle and much more! The session is on Saturday 26 July from 11am to 4pm at
For more information, please contact
Balance & play for neurodivergents and pals
Mixed class for children aged seven years and above along with their adults. Balancing the mind through balance and movement games on Saturday 26th July and Saturday 16th August 2025 from 10am at
Ticket cost is donation based and can be purchased on the
Crime Squirrel Investigators with Emily Dodd
The Wonder Zone Holiday Club
Join in on the wonder with Cornerstone Church for bible stories, games and crafts for primary school aged children. The club is running on Monday 28 July to Wednesday 30 July from 10am to 12pm at
To register complete the
A week in the life
Join The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television for an introduction to sessions which will cover a range of techniques in acting, dance and musical theatre. Participants will work towards a performance for friends and family at the end of the week. The free course is available for young people aged 12 years and above. The sessions will run from Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August from 9am to 5pm at
To book visit the
Sensory Art Club
This is a fully inclusive art club for people of all ages with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families, friends and supporters. Explore the gallery with a sensory-friendly tour and take part in creative activities in the learning room with friendly artists. Booking is essential. The session will be fun and relaxed with an opportunity for families to enjoy a chance to meet and socialise. The session is on Tuesday 29 July from 10.30am to 12.30pm at
To book visit the
PCHP’S Six Weeks of Summer
Try something new this summer with PCHP! A mix of drop-in and bookable groups to keep you active throughout the summer holidays.
- M Club - Friendly wellbeing support for all stages of the menopause journey on Monday 21 July and Monday 18 August from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
- M Club – Friendly wellbeing support for all stages of the menopause journey on Wednesday 30 July from 9.30am to 11.30am
To find out more information and book email
CeilidhKids at the Fringe
Family workshop suitable for children aged three to seven years with parents or carers. Enjoy simple dances that you might find at a ceilidh or Scottish country dance. Children should be accompanied by an adult who is willing to join in; one adult can dance with two children.
Tickets start from £2.50 per person.
The Ceilidh is being held on Thursday 31 July and Tuesday 12 August from 10am at
For more information visit the
Lauriston Castle - Sports day
Enjoy a variety of different sports as part of the countdown to next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and make your own medal to take home. The event provides a light snack and costs £5.00 per person. The event will run on Thursday 31 July from 10am at
To book tickets visit
Scottish Parliament
Explores the Scottish Parliament independently or with a free guided tour. Guided tours look at the inner workings of Parliament and award-winning architecture. The tour is suitable for visitors of all ages and free to attend and is available Monday to Thursday throughout July at
Horse Wynd
EH99 1SP
To book tickets visit
Nature Play Summer Sessions
Storytelling, messy play, loose parts play, mud kitchen, arts and crafts, imaginative play, bug hunting and more for children aged six years and under with their parent/carer. Activities are free for families living in EH16 and EH17 every Thursday in July from 10am to 12pm at
To book visit the
Forest Friday
Mixture of child-led free play and pre-planned activities, these are often planned from previous sessions or on the walk to our sites. Den building, natural art and crafts, swings and hammocks, tool use, bush-craft skills, campfire cooking, nature ID and foraging. For children aged Six to Twelve years old. The sessions are on Fridays in July from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at
To find out more visit the