Âé¶¹Ó³»­

Family holiday activities

August 2025

Fringe by the Sea 

With free circus skills drop-in sessions, clay play, sandcastle competitions, natural art sculpture sessions, story play trays, seaside science and more. Enjoy a day out at the North Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea from Friday 1 August to Sunday 10 August. 

For the full line up and more information visit the

Gilmerton Community Centre – Summer fair 

Interact with live animals, face painting, inflatables, mascots, crafts, outdoor games and more at the summer fair on Saturday 2 August from 12pm to 3pm at  

Gilmerton Community Centre
4 Drum Street
EH17 8QG 

For more information visit the

Scottish History Storytelling with Nicola Wright 

Join storyteller Nicola Wright at Corstorphine Library for a Horrible Histories-style journey through Scotland's past. There will be tales of spiders, poo, plague and a cursed family! This session will be time well-spent for young families. The event is free but please do book in advance. The session is on Saturday 2 August from 1pm to 2pm at 

Corstorphine Library 
12 Kirk Loan Corstorphine  
EH12 7HD 

To book your ticket visit the C

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.  

  • 4 August – paper cacti and make your own photo booth props 
  • 11 August -candle making, confetti candles and sea glass pictures 
  • Resin jewellery and 3D quilling pictures  
Gilmerton Community Centre 
4 Drum Street 
EH17 8QG 

Dalmeny Kirk Cafe 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 Tuesday 5 August and Friday 8 August from 10am to 2pm at 

Dalmeny Hall 
Main Street 
Dalmeny 
EH30 9TT 

To find out more 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.  

  • Almond Valley – Saturday 2 August from 9.30am to 12.30pm 
  • Fringe fun – Saturday 9 August  

For more information contact the centre on the

Kingsknowe Pub Community Fun Day 

There will be outdoor games, ice cream van, BBQ, outdoor games, tombola’s and stalls for the whole family. Saturday 2 August from 12.30pm at  

193 – 195 Kingsknowe Road North 
EH14 2ED 

Katie’s Collage Club 

Let’s get creative with cutting and glueing! Using coloured paper, old newspapers, maps and more to create pictures using different shapes and textures. The session is on Saturday 2 August and Saturday 9 August from 10am to 11.30am at  

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Rd 
Edinburgh 
EH16 4DS 

Making Stories fun for Everyone 

Ailie from My Kind of Book will join the Graigmillar Libary community for a gentle session of sensory storytelling. She'll share lots of ideas for exploring stories with children, including those with additional needs. The session is on Tuesday 5 August from 11am to 12pm at  

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Rd 
Edinburgh 
EH16 4DS 

Sighthill Summer Fun 

Free event with lunch, bouncy castle and other fun activities on Wednesday 6 August from 12pm to 2pm at  

St Nicholas Parish Church 
124 Sighthill Loan 
EH11 4NT 

Booking is essential. For more information and to book a space email 

Broomhouse Street Party  

A free community day filled with food, music, fringe acts, entertainment for all ages, community information stalls and more from 12pm to 4pm on Thursday 7 August at  

Space @ The Broomhouse Hub
79-89 Broomhouse Crescent
EH11 3RH 

For more information visit the or contact 07732 044 578

20 years of Hamish McHaggis: A special storytime with Linda Strachan  

Enjoy a special storytime and some fun activities. There may be a visit from Hamish himself. Hear all about his adventures with Jeanie the Osprey, Angus the Pine Marten and Rupert the hedgehog. This event is free, however, booking is required. Thursday 7 August from 9.30am to 10.15am at  

The Edinburgh Bookshop 
176 Bruntsfield Place 
EH10 4DF 

To book visit  

Morag Hood – Dig Dig Digger 

Author and illustrator Morag promises construction vehicles, lots of laughs, live drawing, craft and plenty of chances to ask questions or share your story ideas! The session is on Friday 8 August from 11am to 12pm at  

Craigmillar Library 
101 Niddrie Mains Rd 
Edinburgh 
EH16 4DS 

Dandelions and other lost words: Family Storytelling 

Imagine a world without dandelions or acorns or heather. Once upon a time a well-known Junior Dictionary lost a lot of nature words and storyteller Jane Mather has been searching for them ever since! Help Jane on her quest to rewild the dictionary in this storytelling event packed with magical nature stories inspired by the Museum of Childhood's wonderful collection of books and make a story wand to conjure the words and the worlds they describe whenever you want. This event is free, however, booking is essential. Running on Saturday 9 August at 2pm at 

Museum of Edinburgh 
142-146 Canongate 
EH8 8DD 

For more information and to book visit

Adoption UK in Scotland Family Event 

A great opportunity for families to meet, chat and have fun. Remember to bring your food for the barbeque, something to sit on and dress appropriate for the weather. There will be outdoor games and activities on Sunday 10 August from 11am to 2pm at 

Vogrie Country Park
Gorebridge
Midlothian
EH23 4NU 

For more information and to book visit

Make Mess Matter  

Whilst under the supervision of their accompanying adult children can enjoy all manner of messy matter in a controlled and safe environment. Matter can include Sand, Water, Dough, Foam, Bubbles, Chalk, Paint and Edible items All designed to enhance a child's creative learning experience. The session will run on Tuesday 12 August from 11am to 12pm on Tuesday 12 August at  

Customer Restaurant 
Ikea
Costkea Way
Loanhead
EH20 9BY 

For more information visit the

British Sign Language tour of The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage 

Join BSL guide Babs Brown for a free guided tour of the collections, exploring the story of Scottish Fire Heritage on Wednesday 13 August from 11am to 12pm at 

The Gallery
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
1A Dryden Terrace
EH7 4NB 

For more information visit the

Edinburgh Fringe Festival  

A range of free shows is available across the city to suit all the family or take a walk up the Royal Mile and enjoy the street performers. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs from Friday 1 August until Monday 25 August. 

For more information visit the

Edinburgh International Book Festival  

Activities for all of the family. With book signings, cafes and bars, a festival bookshop, and a children’s play area. The full programme is available on the Book Festival website. The festival runs from Sunday 9 August to Sunday 24 August. Some events are free.