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Prewired – Coding sessions 

A relaxed coding club for children and young people under the age of 19 years. play around with whatever technologies and programming languages you wish. Sessions run every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at 

For more information and to book visit or email  

My Pet Pals Workshops 

These fun workshops work focus on the five needs of animal welfare, with a different theme each week of the holidays. Learn how to care for a range of pets, take part in activities, and meet the store pets. The workshops are running between Saturday 5 July and Sunday 31 August at 2.45pm.  

To book a workshop at a nearby store, visit

Free summer fun days 

Enjoy face painting, a toddler sand pit and different activities each week including slime making, bracelet making, summer crafts and more. No need to book, just drop in any Thursday during the holidays between 10am and 1pm at  

£1 Family Films 

Treat the whole family to a visit to the cinema for only £1 per ticket. Whether you missed the film in the cinema or wish to experience them all over again.  

For more information on films showing and to book visit the  

Playful Summer at Newhailes  

Get ready for a summer packed with traditional fun at Newhailes! Bringing play back to basics across five fantastic zones for children (and grown-ups!) to explore: 

• Sport Zone– Run, jump and play classic games 
• Nature Zone – Discover, build and get hands-on with the outdoors 
• Imagination Zone – Get creative and run wild with dress-up and make-believe 
• Beach Zone– Sand, water and seaside vibes 
• Chill Out Zone – Wind down in the hay bale maze and quiet corners 

Tickets include entry to Weehailes playpark. Sessions run from 10am to 5pm between Saturday 28 June and Monday 25 August at 

Newhailes House & Garden 
Newhailes Road
Musselburgh 

Child tickets cost £4 with under twos for free and adult tickets cost £1 (free for National Trust of Scotland Members).

To book visit the

SLCo’s Edinburgh Chill Youth Club 

The Chill Youth Club supports 16 to 25 year olds with lifelong speech, language and/or communication difficulties.  There is a specific focus on the young people/young adults building connections and friendships with each other as well as improving social confidence, resilience and self-esteem.  Many young people feel isolated due to their communication difficulties and require support for developing independence and their social skills.  Therefore, SLCo provide a trusted and safe space where they can enjoy a wide range of fun activities which have been driven by their input and interests.   

The club runs on weekly on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm at  

To find out more visit the

Buggy walks

Walks are for parents with babies and wee ones. Babies in buggies, slings, and carriers are all welcome along with toddlers if they wish to join in. All the walks are free to attend, and no block booking is required. Booking can be made via a meetup page.  

Contact for more information.

Kids for a Quid on Scotrail 

Up to four children can travel for £1.00 return with most adult ticket types. Available every day, all year around. 

For more information visit the

Save on Family days out with Scotrail 

Get one free child entry when you purchase a full price, standard entry adult ticket to an attraction when you travel on with a Kids for a Quid ticket. Conditions apply.  

For more information and a list of available attractions, visit the

Edinburgh Zoo – Reduced tickets 

Reduced priced tickets are available to book online for anyone in receipt of benefits. A maximum of 6 tickets per household can be booked. Proof of benefits and ID will be required upon arrival.  

For more information and a list of eligible benefits, visit

Library Summer Reading Challenge  

The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge is called “Story Garden – Adventures in nature and the great outdoors”. Children will need a library card to take part, register online or at your local library for free all you need is ID. Children are challenged to read books over the summer, they will collect stickers for each book they finish, and when completed they will get a medal and certificate. 

or ask at your local library.

Spring at your local library 

Many libraries have a host of summer activities for children and families throughout the holidays. To see what’s going on visit your libraries website or Facebook page.  

To find your local library visit Â鶹ӳ»­'s Library webpage 

Explore the Museum  

Collect a pencil and activity trail from the reception desk and follow the activity trail to explore the museum at St Cecilia’s Hall. Discover the hidden wonders of eight instruments across the galleries and collect a stamp at the end of the trail. Available Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm at 

St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum
50 Niddry Street
EH1 1LG 

Fore more information visit the

Summer Family Trail 

Find all eight buckets and spades around the galleries and answer questions about the museum and its collection and collect a summer sticker at the end. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm at  

St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum
50 Niddry Street
EH1 1LG 

For more information and to book a free space visit the

Granton Castle Walled Garden  

Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, with free entry. The walled garden is open Friday to Sunday between April and October from 2pm to 4pm   

23 West Shore Road
EH5 1QB   

For more information visit the

Dads Rock Free Playgroup  

Drop in to Dad’s Rock free indoors and outdoors playgroup which is open to all dads with children aged nought to five years. Have a snack and finish with stories. The groups run weekly on Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 11.30am at 

Gorgie Memorial Hall
338 Gorgie Road
EH11 2QU 

For more information visit the

Tik Tok Trail 

Time-keeping is at the centre of Calton Hill and the City Observatory’s history. Explore Calton Hill and the histories of time and timekeeping present here. Follow the map around the hill like you are following the hands of a clock. (Please note, this is not connected with the popular video streaming app) 

For more information and to download the map visit the

Ocean Terminal – Wee play hub 

The Wee Play Hub is a community space offering an area for play with toys for children to play with for free plus board games, Xbox and books. In the Wee Hub Lounge play records, tapes and musical instruments. There's also Leith Goad maps and a Leith jigsaw you can help complete. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm 

1st Floor (opposite Superdry)
Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive
EH6 6JJ

Forth Bridges Trail   

The five-mile circular trail can be started at any of the 10 stops in and around South Queensferry, be submerged in history, heritage, wildlife, nature and beauty and some pretty impressive views of the bridges. 

To find out more visit the

National Library of Scotland   

Enjoy a free tour of the Visitor Centre of National Library of Scotland at George IV Bridge, where you'll discover some of the treasures that make The National Library of Scotland a cornerstone of Scotland's cultural heritage. The Guides will introduce you to the story of the library’s building and history, and you will learn about the library's role in preserving the nation's history.  

National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge 
EH1 1EW 

To book tickets in advance visit the

Edinburgh Association of Ukranians of Great Britain (AUGB) - Coffee at the Club 

Enjoy meeting others and enjoying a cup of tea at the coffee morning at the Ukranian Cultural Centre. Volunteers will be on hand to support and answer questions. Coffee at the club runs every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm at 

Ukranian Community Centre (AUGB Edinburgh)
14 Royal Terrace
EH7 5AB

for more information visit the

Monument-al Treasure Hunt 

The Monument-al Treasure Hunt in West Princes Street Gardens will take participants on a cultural and historical exploration for children and ages of all ages to enjoy. Play at your own pace, on your phone or on a printed version. The treasure hunt Is free to play and there is a free audiobook or e-book narrated by the actors of Game of Thrones, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Bravehart and Dr Who.  

To access the hunt and to play, visit the

Dobbie’s Garden Centre Soft Play  

Enjoy a 60-minute soft play session at Dobbie’s Garden Centre. Bookings must be made at least one day in advance. Booking is recommended, though walk ins are welcomed depending on spaces available.  

Adults are free, children cost £3.00. 

Dobbie’s Garden Centre
Melville Nursery
Lasswade
Midlothian
EH18 1AZ 

To book visit the

Drop in cafe at Granton Parish Church  

Join Granton Parish Church’s Cafe for free tea, coffee, juice, cold filled rolls, crisps, fruit and snacks. Whether looking for a dry space on any rainy days or an outdoor space to enjoy the sunshine, the children can play in the gated gardens while parents/carers have a cuppa and blether. The cafe is open every Friday from 11am to 1pm at  

Granton Parish Church
55 Boswall Pkwy
EH5 2DA

Meadows junior park run  

Join a free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors aged four to 14 years every Sunday from 9.30am at 

The Meadows
Melville Drive
EH9 9EX 

To find out more visit

Crafternoon 

Come along to our weekly children’s craft session. Materials will be provided, just bring your creativity! For children ages five plus. Younger children may require adult help. The sessions are occurring ever Friday throughout the holidays from 2pm at  

Nature Garden Craft 

As part of our Story Garden theme, attend a series of different crafts for objects to help local wildlife and learn about nature. For children aged five plus. Younger children will need help. The session is running every Tuesday throughout the holidays from 2pm at 

Build Yourself Up – Lego Club 

Come hang out, build cool stuff with LEGO, grab some snacks, and take a breather. Guided group chats about things you need to talk through with a mental health practitoner (but not group therapy). No pressure, no judgement — just a safe space to be yourself. Talk about what's next, get guidance, or just enjoy the vibe. For ages 11 to 18 years. The club is running every Tuesday throughout the holidays from 3pm to 4.30pm at  

To find out more email

Tailor ED ASN Summer Guide  

Take a look at Tailor ED’s ASN Activities Guide 2025 to learn about some of the fun activities on offer in and around Edinburgh and East Lothian this summer. 

To find out more 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. 

• Pause and Pour - Guided relaxation and an optional cuppa (women only) on Monday’s from 10am to 11am 
• Knit and Natter - Love knitting, crocheting, or chatting? All welcome on Monday’s from 1pm to 3pm 
• Cooking and Healthy Eating Course – Improve health and reduce shopping bills (women only) Booking is essential. On Tuesdays from 10.30am to 1.30pm 
• Men’s Wellbeing in Nature – Get out and about in the local area, fishing, wild swimming, walks and more on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm 
• Volunteer Edinburgh Information Drop in – Meet Natalie and find out how to volunteer locally on Wednesdays from 1pm to 3pm 
• Yoga Taster with Jules – Short seasonal yoga practice for men and women. Booking is essential. On Wednesdays from 3pm to 3.45pm 
• Gentle Exercise with Ann – Easy chair-supported exercises for all ages and abilities. Booking is essential. On Thursdays from 10am to 11am.  

To find out more information and book email

Crafternoons at the Scottish Parliament 

Looking for something fun to do with the Kids? Crafternoons offer a range of free activities for all ages! There’s no need to book, just walk in and join the sessions! The sessions will be themed, and the duration varies based on activity from 15 minutes to 45 minutes 

• Mondays - Parliament Papers 
• Tuesdays - Badges 
• Wednesdays - Sun Catchers 
• Thursdays – Make a Mace 
• Fridays - Origami 
• Saturdays - Paper Puppets 

The sessions are running from July throughout the summer holidays from 2pm to 4.30pm at 

To find out more visit the

Fun activities to do at home 

Activities do not need to cost a lot of money (or sometimes any money at all) to be meaningful and memorable. Some of the best memories are made by doing simple things at home or around the community. Enjoying the time, you have together is what is most important. Below are some very low-cost or free activities that require no/minimal resources, most of which you will have around the house already. Enjoy!

Making music

Household objects like pots, pans, tins, wooden spoons or plastic bottles filled with rice can be the perfect kit for starting a musical rock band.

Floor is lava

A great way for children of all ages to stay physically active indoors. Gather up your cushions and pillows and let your child’s imagination go wild as they hop, jump and climb their way around your home.

Host a talent show

Choreographing a dance routine to a favourite song, becoming a teddy ventriloquist, performing a magic trick, and hosting a talent show can be a great way to interact as a family, boost children’s confidence and have fun.  

Make use of everyday items

Children have such rich imaginations- a box of everyday household items can unlock a whole world of play. A kitchen roll tube can become a telescope for gazing at the stars, and a bedsheet can become a tent. Letting children play freely with household objects is a great way to encourage their creativity.

Potato/sponge Stamping

Cut designs into potatoes or sponges, dip them in paint and create some exciting potato stamp pictures.

Scavenger hunts

From collecting leaves and twigs in a forest, spotting birds, or counting different colour cars in your local area- a family walk can turn into a fun challenge and a great way to motivate children to spend time outdoors.

Water play

Water fights, slip ’n slides, running through sprinklers, painting with wet brushes/sponges, making perfumes, outdoor kitchen play and even washing the car, children are drawn to water-based activities that are also great for cooling down on a hot summer’s day.

Mini Olympics

Making obstacle courses and having races with friends is a great way to hang out and stay active. You can use play equipment like hula hoops and skipping ropes, or everyday objects like cardboard boxes, brushes or chairs.

Den building

Household items such as old blankets, chairs and laundry rails can make the perfect hiding place for play. Supermarkets and hardware shops are also good places to gather up free items such as cardboard boxes for your child to expand their den building.

Shadow drawing

Sit beside a light or window, place an item at the side of a piece of paper, a shadow will be cast onto the paper. Trace around the shadow then your imagination can run free. You can create a scene around your item or add in other objects.