Families Edinburgh issue 73 July/August 2012

ISSUE 73 July/August 2012

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Childcare Agency YOU CAN PAY OUR FEES IN CHILDCARE VOUCHERS • Sleep Consultancy • Postnatal Depression

www.welovefrugi.com

Our Services Include • Maternity Night/Day Care • Au pairs

• Nannies • Babysitters

Tax credit and Childcare Voucher Registration

0131 659 5065

leigh@butterflypersonnel.co.uk

www.butterflypersonnel.co.uk

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

I hope you’ve got a quiet moment and a comfy seat because this is your

Bumper Summer Issue!

I’m constantly amazed by how much our vibrant city has going on and this summer doesn’t look like letting us down. Obviously a bit more of that lovely sunshine would top it off nicely but maybe that’s just me being greedy and wanting it all!

Happy Summer everyone.

Sarah

Editor and local mum!

Whats Inside 4–9 10

News and Views Thoughts from an Ex-Teenager

By Eilidh Macdonald-Harte

11

Debunking Myths for New Parents

By Sarah Hulme

12

Will Your Child Be Climbing Trees?

By Jane Oliver

13 – 33 A – Z of Summer 13 – 18 Activities: Summer Camps, Clubs and Classes 21 – 27 Fringe for Kids!

34 – 39 Out & About Contact Information: 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk twitter: @familiesedinbur facebook: FamiliesEdinburgh

Next issue: Back to School Booking deadline July 23rd

Cover Information Funny Fish T-Shirt This top is awesome! With this amazing fish appliqué, kids will really stand out from the crowd- it's cool, bright and lots of fun! £19 Indigo Stripe Towelling Shorts £18 Reversible Indigo Stripe Sunhat £16 www.welovefrugi.com 01326 572 828 Photography is by Adam Gibbard www.adamgibbard.co.uk

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news&views Win an Aquabeat MP3 player with New Metanium Everyday Exercising with your baby can be a great way to get and stay in shape, and listening to music can be just the motivator you need to get out there every day. New Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment is giving away 2 colourful Aquabeat MP3 players (RRP around £70) which can store 1000 of your favourite tracks. It’s waterproof so you can even use it while swimming.

To enter go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers. 5 runners up will receive a specially designed purple Metanium changing bag (RRP £30) – ideal for all those on-the-go baby essentials. Winners and runners up will also receive a tube of Metanium Everyday.

Protection for your baby and motivation for you – Every day!

Metanium Everyday RRP £2-99 for 40g and £5-49 for 80g is available from Boots, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, leading pharmacies and at www.boots.com Visit: www.metanium.co.uk to join the Metanium Baby & Toddler Club

Blossom Tree Children's Nursery 1 year anniversary!

Blossom Tree Children's Nursery opened last June and since then has grown in every which way, holding the children, families and staff at the heart of everything we do - it has truly been a fantastic journey so far. In December we gained our Edinburgh Council partnership funding for children 3 years +, this was a great achievement having only be open for 6 months and gives parents both financial support with their child's Nursery place, as well as peace of mind that Blossom Tree is implementing a child centred and educational curriculum, preparing their children for Primary 1.

"The atmosphere and ethos at Blossom Tree is friendly, welcoming, relaxing and fun" "We love the fact that the nursery is small and homely.

The staff are excellent and show such care and interest in our son" Parent Feedback Coming Soon... our 7:30am Children's Breakfast Club!

For more information call 0131 664 4944 or visit www.blossomtree.org.uk

BabyCalm & ToddlerCalm Edinburgh

Workshops and Classes

Sarah Hulme MA MSc PhD CPsychol Mobile: 07717 040 821 Email: sarahhulme@babycalm.co.uk

Anne Young BSc RN CBMI MIFPA Mobile: 07811 073 202 Email: anne@babycalm.co.uk www.facebook.com/BabyCalmEdinburgh

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Talking Tots' Autumn term starts week commencing 20th August. For details of class times, days and venues call Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or email jen@talkingtots.info They also have a facebook page under 'Talking Tots Edinburgh' why not pop by and 'like' them?

Skylark Cafe A new place to check out is Skylark Cafe on Hamilton Place in Stockbridge. Run by Mother and daughter team Gill Bowman and Sandie Briggs, this family friendly venue is bright and cheery out front with a cosy room behind it where Gill now hosts Song Circle, the very popular singing sessions for parents and small children which have outgrown her sitting room.

Sandie's cafe serves excellent fair trade, organic coffee, homemade cakes and treats (both healthy and naughty) and with room for parking buggies and toys and games on hand for children of all ages, it's a haven for families.

The back room is also used for a programme of children's activities, stories, music groups and dancing.

The guys at Simplyfixit have come up with some very good advice for the owners of iPhones. If you, or your younger one, ever drop the phone in water or gets it wet to the point that it is dead. Take it into one of their shops immediately. Don’t try to dry it out in the airing cupboard. It may come on after a few days, but it WILL die again within months. They tell me that if you act quickly there is an 80% chance of your phone being brought back to life and your contacts and photographs recovered. Now that’s great advice. They also have good success with water damaged laptops and macs too. So, don’t waste any time. ACT IMMEDIATELY and your photos can be saved. Now that’s what I call simply fixed. Tel: 0131 549 8820 or go to www.simplyfixit.co.uk

Capture up £50 worth of new shoes with your Summer photo!

Snap up some family fun with Maddie & Mark’s Shoes Summer photo competition. For a chance to win, simply take a photo of your child in their Maddie & Mark’s sandals during your Summer holidays and email it to info@maddieandmarks.co.uk (or hand it in at one of their stores) by Friday 27th July. The photo can be taken on a wild adventure, down at the beach, in the back garden, in fact, absolutely anywhere!

The shot that is judged the best will capture the winner a new pair of Maddie & Mark’s Shoes (Autumn/Winter collection) up to the value of £50. The winning photo will be revealed by Friday 3rd August and displayed in Maddie & Mark’s Shoes shop windows after that. Make sure your entry is clearly marked with your name, address and telephone number. Enjoy your holidays and happy snapping!

Maddie & Mark’s Shoes have a fantastic range of quality footwear for every season. They make shopping for kid’s shoes a pleasure with spacious shops, expertly trained, friendly staff and they even have appointment slots available over the holidays, so you don’t have to miss a minute of Summer queuing for ‘back to school’ shoes.

You’ll find them in Blackhall, Bruntsfield, Buckstone and Silverburn. www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

news&views Gyrotonic at Edinburgh Body Tonic You may not have heard of Gyrotonic but apparently the likes of Madonna, Liv Tyler and Julianna Moore are all big fans.

Rhona Maclean is the founder of Edinburgh Body Tonic and a qualified GYROTONIC ® instructor. As a former ballet dancer, Rhona has an in-depth understanding of the body.

So, what is Gyrotonic?

Gyrotonic exercise combines aspects of yoga, swimming, ballet, tai chi and gymnastics in a complete body conditioning class that is taught on The Gyrotonic Expansion System. The sessions are taught one-to-one and can be tailored to suit the needs of every individual.

Uniquely, this innovative piece of equipment creates an even resistance for the body to move through and counterbalances the individual’s own weight, creating a similar feeling to being in water.

Unlike most conventional exercise equipment, it allows the individual’s full and complete range of movements to be explored.

Who can do Gyrotonic sessions?

The beauty of the Gyrotonic system is that it can be tailored to suit the needs of every individual. It works as well for athletes and dancers as for those who just want general fitness and to tone up.

Benefits: Develops deep muscle control whilst increasing range of movement Creates long, lean muscle tone Can be very effective as part of a weight-loss programme Improves posture Aids relaxation Promotes alignment and symmetry of the joints, essential for injury prevention

Meadows Nursery The Meadows is a small eco nursery run by a primary school teacher situated in the heart of the Meadows.

We care for children from 3 months to 5 years and we are in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council for the provision of funded places.

We’re right behind Sciennes School next to the Sick Kids Hospital. If you would like to visit us please contact us on:

0131 667 5316 Meadows Nursery 5 Millerfield Place, EH9 1LW www.meadowsnursery.ik.org meadowsnursery@gmail.com

What can I expect from Gyrotonic sessions?

Many clients experience changes even within the first hour-long session. It’s not uncommon to leave the studio feeling taller and more relaxed. For long-term results, however, regular sessions would be recommended and the cumulative effect of those sessions tends to make very real changes to the body.

5-19 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB T: 07810 234 618 E: info@edinburghbodytonic.co.uk www.edinburghbodytonic.co.uk

Haven in the City Tucked away, at the foot of Calton Hill, is a gorgeous new clinic offering a range of therapeutic and pampering treatments.

The KnotStressed Clinic opened in May and can be found within a unique A-listed building at 10a Blenheim Place, EH7 5JH. It is a lovely, peaceful venue with two treatment rooms - one with a sea meadow feel and the other with a sumptuous Eastern feel, a very mellow group room, and a calming Relaxation Room. The whole clinic feels very light, homely and welcoming.

Onie and Frances, Co-Directors of KnotStressed, say, "We love the Eastern attitude towards massage where it is a part of every day life, intrinsic in holistic health care systems. It is not unusual in India or China, for example, for a doctor in a hospital to offer you massage as part of your treatment, or even to be able to spend a whole day at a massage clinic. Longer treatments can be so much more rewarding to receive and really allow the therapist to work at a wonderful pace, connecting completely to each individual's needs."

KnotStressed offer up to 3 hour treatments but even if you book in for an hour you are still encouraged to rest in their Relaxation Room after the treatment - with a cup of tea, a book, or just the sound of the birds outside.

The therapists at KnotStressed have three areas they feel very passionate about: • Helping to relieve tension, stress and ongoing chronic issues.

• Supporting pregnant women, their partners and families through pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period with Massage, Birth Preparation Workshops, HypnoBirthing, and fun, informal Parent-Baby activities.

• Ayurveda and Eastern-style treatments.

To celebrate the opening of their new clinic, KnotStressed are offering an exclusive £15 off to all

Families Edinburgh readers

during the School Holidays. Don't miss out on this pampering experience!

Contact KnotStressed at: relax@knotstressed.com, 07717 783 230, www.KnotStressed.com

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news&views Zumba Class

Trudi Scrumptious Photography Trudi Butler from Trudi Scrumptious Photography has worked with children all her life and happily uses that experience in her photography. Trudi worked in childcare and then as a parent coach for 9 years before turning her passion for photography into a career. An expert at soothing newborns to sleep and positioning them safely for photographs, even past the standard two weeks, new parents can enjoy fine art newborn photography up to 5 weeks after birth. Older babies, children and families also benefit from Trudi's experience as she coaxes giggles out of toddlers and puts parents at ease. With the option of studio, location or at home photo shoots, parents can enjoy the look they love.

Trudi Scrumptious Photography, your sweetest moments deliciously captured www.trudiscrumptiousphotography.com 07767802376

Tumble Tots are excited to announce new classes at the Stockbridge lifecare centre from August 2012!

Starting with Gymbabes classes from six months old children can learn from experience how to trust their bodies, gaining confidence in the things they can do.

With parent involvement Gymbabes helps to stimulate and encourage babies to use all their senses gently and without pressure. Playing, exploring, crawling and learning together in a fun, relaxed environment.

From when they are walking children can begin the first of our Tumble Tots classes. Climbing, running, jumping, moving and grooving their way to confidence, coordination, fitness and fun! All through a programme planned by developmental and educational specialists with a low child to staff ratio making sure your child gets caring and knowledgable attention. Our special, climbing, balancing and gymnastics equipment is specially designed and scaled to be the right size for children. Tumbles Tots age groups are: Walking to 2 years, 2-3 years and 3-5 years. To book classes at Stockbridge, or a trial at any of our centres visit our webpage at www.tumbletots.com/edinburgh-west, email on april.wallace@tumbletots.com or phone on 336 1234.

A New music hub opened it’s doors in Haddington earlier this year. The former red-brick Victorian railway building, The Lamp House in Station Yard Industrial Estate, off Hospital Road, Haddington contains two professionally equipped and acoustically engineered rehearsal rooms, available for hire by the hour seven days a week for professional and amateur musicians. In addition, Lamp House Music offers music classes for all ages and abilities as well as Saturday Morning Guitar Club, Summer School 2012 and special workshops.

More information can be found on their website www.lamphousemusic.co.uk or for booking and enquiries info@lamphousemusic.co.uk / 01620 825630

Help for parents to protect children from cigarette smoke A new website has been set up to provide information and guidance for smoking parents, helping them to protect their children from the effects of tobacco smoke in the home. Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to suffer from a range of illnesses, from asthma and glue ear to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In response ASH Scotland and the Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh have set up the Refresh partnership, with funding from Big Lottery Scotland.

The Refresh project is committed to working with parents, but has found that while parents want to protect their children they often don’t know enough about the harm caused by tobacco smoke, or what they can do to avoid it.

Rather than challenge parents to quit smoking the approach is to help them to change their behaviour, for example by smoking in the garden or on the balcony rather than in the house The Refresh team has now launched a website which provides information on the health effects of tobacco smoke, along with hints and tips from parents themselves as to how to reduce the risks to children.

Other tips include getting the kids to make “no-smoking” signs for the house and keeping an ashtray (and an umbrella!) outside. Visit the Refresh website at www.refreshproject.org.uk

Help your child succeed with Kumon Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes which are tailored to your child’s age and ability. The unique Kumon Method can help your child to excel academically, develop their capacity for learning independently and boost their all-round confidence.

Angus Wilson began studying the Kumon maths programme when he was in P2. His mum explains: “Before enrolling Angus on the Kumon programme he wasn’t happy at school and would screw up his work when he was stuck. Kumon has helped him to apply himself, experience success through hard work and persistence and taught him how to make gradual progress towards what seemed an impossible goal. It’s not always easy but the rewards are outstanding.”

See page 37 for details of how to contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment. 0800 854 714 www.kumon.co.uk

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Open to all, fantastic and unique Zumba Class that includes a supervised play for under 5’s.Tuesday’s 11.30am12.30pm at Lifecare Centre, Stockbridge Cost; £4 per class (without supervised play), £6 per class (+ 1 Child). £1 extra (each additional child).

Get fitter & raise funds for a local charity! All proceeds from the class are reinvested into services provided by Pilton Community Health Project in North Edinburgh.

Childcare workers provided through Supermums. Limited spaces available- to book, or for more information please contact; Lianne Pipskyj on 0131 551 1671.

Email; liannepipskyj@pchp.org.uk www.pchp.org.uk

Aikido Aikido is a nonviolent, non-competitive martial art based on the principle of harmony created by Japanese, Morihei Ueshiba. In addition to a host of other benefits, aikido is a good way for children to develop confidence and learn discipline. Our kid’s class has been running at Morningside on Sunday mornings under Eric Archer (ricarche@yahoo.fr). A new beginners’ class for children has started at Stockbridge on Tuesdays with Naoko Ueda (naokoueda7@hotmail.com). Furthermore, another new class will start in the Inch area with James Prowse (big_james36@hotmail.com) from the new school term. Classes are suitable for boys and girls from the age of five. Come along and enjoy practising aikido with us!

news&views Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa

The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick is renowned for its beautiful coastal location and 19th century Victorian architecture. It is also one Macdonald Hotels’ newly unveiled “Spa Collection” hotels.

Each hotel in the collection has individual charm and character, offering guests a complete break, coupled with the chance to revitalise, rejuvenate and relax at Spa Harmony & Serenity.

The spa at the hotel offers a full range of massage therapies, steam rooms, saunas & pool providing the perfect setting for relaxation. In addition, the spa is now offering its new paradise escape treatment by Decleor. The treatment includes a full body exfoliation using the seeds from the Madagascan fruit known as a Boabab. This powerful fruit has six times more vitamin C than one orange and is grown from trees that are 80% water and live for over 100 years.

When applied topically, its intense properties smooth and rejuvenate tired skin.

North Berwick is close enough to Edinburgh to nip off to treat yourself for the day but as the hotel has beautiful rooms and an award winning restaurant that uses only the finest local ingredients you could easily talk yourself into a night away!

Go to www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/marine for more information and the latest special hotel and spa offers.

Monkey Music Monkey Music is the award winning preschool music class which operates throughout Edinburgh. With a progressive curriculum for children from 3 months - 5 years Monkey Music has been the backbone of many children's start in music education.

The age specific classes are full of fun, with teachers who inspire and help the children's confidence to grow.

Monkey Music opens new venues from September We are now delighted to be opening classes in North Merchiston on a Monday morning, Cramond on a Thursday morning as well as additional classes at Comely Bank on a Thursday morning (Tel: 0131 260 9667 or comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk) and Marchmont on a Friday morning (Tel: 0131 669 6004 or morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk).

Full timetables are available on the website www.monkeymusic.co.uk.

Open Days at Monkey Music Come and find out more about Monkey Music at our Open Mornings on Friday 24th August in Marchmont St Giles Church and Monday 27th August in North Merchiston Club.

There will be a variety of taster sessions available, colouring in and a balloon for each child as well as special offers available to everyone on the day.

To book a place contact: Alison Tel: 669 6004 or morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk for Marchmont St Giles and Rachel Tel: 260 9667 or comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk for North Merchiston Club.

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news&views “It is nothing less than lunacy to set a child to study a musical instrument before he has been trained to appreciate rhythm and distinguish sounds.” So said musician, composer and teacher Emile Jacques-Dalcroze (1865-1950) who developed a method of music education that incorporates movement, aural training (singing and hearing) and improvisation.

Monica Wilkinson, known to many in Edinburgh for her commitment to and enthusiasm for the benefits of music education says, “When I saw what could be achieved by teaching using Dalcroze methods, I immediately began training to be a Dalcroze teacher. “ Monica now leads workshops around the country. In Edinburgh, she runs classes for children aged 4-7, and for adults who are keen to develop their own musicianship and teaching skills, under the name move2music. Dalcroze believed that people learn most when they are enjoying themselves, something which Monica wholeheartedly agrees with. To join in the fun, take a look at www.move2music.c.uk

The popular football programme for children Ages 6 months - 5 years Venues in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Book your free trial and/or block booking now!

SOCATOTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR AGES 1-5

call Socatots on 07923 005534 or www.socatots.com/edinburgh&elothian j.smith@socatots.com

Childcare Connections has been operating afterschool and holiday clubs for over 12 years providing subsidised, affordable quality, flexible childcare in South Edinburgh for parents in work, education or training. Three of our playrooms are based within primary schools.

However where a playroom is located outwith a school the children are collected by qualified playcare staff who escort them via our free minibus /taxi service. Within each of our playrooms we offer a wide range of exciting activities and healthy snacks for children from primary 1 to S2 in a safe secure and stimulating play care environment where children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff. The after School clubs are available from school finish until 5.45pm and the holiday club is available from 8am to 5.45pm. If you require more information about the childcare we offer please call 0131 6641111 or visit us at www.childcareconnections.co.uk.

“This is not just Swimming Lessons……………this is SwimEasy Swimming Lessons” Book Now for Autumn 2012 Term!

Choose to be taught by the best teachers who know everything there is to know about swimming.

Parents recognise the need to ensure that their child can swim for safety, fun and fitness! SwimEasy’s teachers are trained to the highest standards and deliver well structured, skill based swimming lessons incorporating all four strokes enabling each child to become a strong competent swimmer.

We offer specialist One-to-Two and Small Group Classes for children of all abilities at venues throughout Edinburgh and Forth Valley seven days a week with free unlimited parking.

Parents who wish to give their child the best opportunity to develop their swimming for safety, fitness and fun should contact us now on 0131 466 0764 or 01506 205778 to discuss their child’s needs. www.swimeasy.co.uk Learn the SwimEasy Way - Nobody Does it Better!

Play, listen and learn at Mini Music Makers Families across Edinburgh and the Lothians can join in the fun as Mini Music Makers begins a brand new block in August.

Each 40-minute session will explore rhythm and song through interactive singing games and rhymes, using puppets and simple percussion instruments to bring the music to life. Research has shown that engaging children with music at this early stage can aid child development in areas such as numeracy, speech and language and concentration.

These weekly interactive musical sessions for 0 – 5 year olds and their parents/carers will run from August to October 2012 and are available in Bathgate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh (Central), Edinburgh (Leith), Mid Calder, Lamancha and Linlithgow. Places in all classes are allocated on a first come first served basis. Book your place by calling Catherine Williams on 0141 287 2943 or email her at catherine.williams@nycos.co.uk. Find out more about Mini Music Makers at www.nycos.co.uk.

Explore Learning is a network of learning centres for children aged 4-14, where children become members and attend regularly once or twice a week. Explore tutors create individual courses to inspire children to develop into confident, successful individuals with the knowledge and skills to succeed in life. Over 500 children regularly attend our Edinburgh centres to gain knowledge and enthusiasm from our team of fantastic tutors. Explore Learning regularly work with schools in the local community. The courses children complete in the centres support them with their work at school and complement the Curriculum for Excellence. As well as offering families a free trial session at one of our centres, we are also excited to announce the launch of our Entrance Exam course, which is designed to build children’s confidence and skills in advance of their entrance exams. Each summer, Explore Learning offers many exciting workshops throughout the summer, for children of all ages and abilities. Please contact the centre to arrange your visit or to find out more. 0131 332 3300 or 0131 337 7401

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Thoughts from an Ex-Teenager Solution Orientated Thinking

By Eilidh Macdonald-Harte

As retired teenagers, we parents can all remember that being a teenager is not easy. There can be anxieties, frustrations and conflicts with friends. Mix these with hormones and the roller coaster of parenting teenagers begins.

As parents we provide boundaries, values and principles. However, do we also help our children develop their own sense of self, to confidently meet challenges, and feel good about being themselves?

Often behind problem teenage behaviours such as moodiness, laziness or underperformance, we can identify genuine reasons such as fear of failure, fear of looking silly or being left out and these can have a real impact on confidence and self esteem. Traditional problem solving as a parent would have us look at what is causing a low mood then move to fixing the problem from the parental perspective, not the child’s. This often results in conflict between parent and child.

Rule number one is “see the child not the behaviour” because they are so much more than their behaviour. It is a good place from which to start listening to them. The key to listening is letting go of the need to have the answers and solutions to their problems. Suspending judgement can be tough as a parent, because our children’s lives are at the heart of us. There are moments when we have to put our feelings aside so that we can listen with the quality of attention they need. Listening in this way and not always having the answers, just letting them talk opens them up to finding their own pathway through problems and the gift is that they begin to learn and recognise their strengths and capacity to problem solve at an emotional level.

They have been taught to learn academically, now it is time to learn about themselves. The key lesson is to remind them that these are learning experiences not failures. When we permit our children to believe they have failed at something, they learn to put the lid on that experience. When we encourage them to look at a situation that didn’t go well in order to reveal the learnings, we

empower them to do it different next time. It sounds simple and it is. When we permit our children to view thing this way, they can feel motivated to do better.

Moving them towards solution focused thinking gives our children the opportunity to feel confident and in control of their choices. Contrast this with them feeling bad about failure, which can channel their energy into self doubt and fear.

As parents we feel so strongly about getting the best outcome for our children and that can result in us getting in the way of their learning. Usually a pragmatic common sense approach is best. Help them listen to themselves, notice their behaviour and support their ability to change.

Solution focused coaching helps them find their own answers that fit their model of the world. It helps to imagine what you would do at their age, how you would feel, how would you like an adult to help. Often the answer is to listen. Listening, empathising and helping our children explore their options and emotions with a focus on the solutions, can help them feel more hopeful, encouraged and most importantly that they can come to you without fear of your judgement and talk openly about their concerns.

Eilidh is an NLP Coach and Trainer, with experience in supporting teenagers and young adults. For details on courses and coaching visit www.weightshedinternational.com or call her on 07968 260282.

Greenhill Montessori Nursery • Bilingual - Spanish • Full Sessions, AM or PM • Parents and Toddlers Groups • Gardening, Movement, Music • Extracurricular Spanish Lessons

0131 629 0787 www.greenhillmontessori.co.uk 10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 73

Taking the Weight off Your Mind, Creating Space for Your Solutions

For Teenagers • Solution Focused Coaching Empowering teens to grow their emotional strength, maturity and resilience. Helping them manage stress, growing confidence and self esteem.

For Adults • NLP Diploma for Personal and Professional Development NLP is the Technology of Achievement, Evidence based training to empower you with the tools you need. www.weightshedinternational.com eilidh@weightshedinternational.com 07968 260282

Debunking some of the myths for new parents

By Sarah Hulme I have never in my life been so swamped with advice than when I became a new parent. Some of it was good sound advice. Some of it was rubbish. And some of it was downright ridiculous. As a psychologist and a (mostly) rational person, what surprised me the most was how little of this advice was based in any scientific fact.

Some of the books that I came across contained advice that was so lacking in any evidence base that there is no clear picture as to what the long term effects of some of the advice could lead to. Here are some of the top myths that parents are bombarded with and a bit of the science that goes along with them.

1. There is something wrong with your baby if he/she is waking up 3/4/5 times in the night.

Night time wakenings are an entirely normal part of infant sleep. Baby sleep is different from adult sleep, their circadian rhythms are not developed at birth so they don’t actually know what is night and what is day until they are a few months old. Advice around getting them to sleep through the night, letting them cry, weaning them early etc. often doesn’t take into account normal infant sleep patterns. There are good reasons why babies need to wake frequently. Sleep training methods work on modifying the environment (behavioural techniques) without necessarily taking account of the function of the internal mechanisms that regulate infant sleep.

2. Let them cry, it wont hurt them.

Babies left alone to cry will experience panic and stress. They will be flooded with adrenaline and cortisol stress hormones. When infant brains are developing, excessive crying could actually affect the neurological connections that the brain is making. There is a growing body of neuropsychological research that is painting a clearer picture of the damaging effects of leaving a baby to cry alone and unattended. There is good reason why it is so difficult for parents to hear their babies crying, we have a powerful instinct to sooth and comfort them.

3. Don’t pick your baby up so often, you will spoil him/her.

Human babies are more helpless at birth than other primates who naturally cling to their mothers for their survival. They need to be able to feed frequently and maintain proximity to their mothers to regulate their physiology. Babies (unlike other primates) cannot do this themselves and need their mothers to do it for them. Ethnographic studies from around the world show that mothers are in almost constant contact with their babies by carrying them strapped to their bodies, sleeping with them and feeding on demand. Western practices of putting babies down frequently are recently evolved cultural practices that do not support evolved human biology. Keeping your baby in close physical contact with you makes sense.

As a new mum and a psychologist, I want to support parents to parent in a way that feels instinctively right to them and is also backed up by evidence of what we know works. For support and/or help in any aspect of parenting for your baby and toddler, contact me at sarahhulme@thebabypsychologist.com. I can help with sleep, crying, designing a workshop specifically tailored to suit your needs.

I also offer BabyCalm classes around Edinburgh along with Anne Young (BabyCalm and ToddlerCalm Edinburgh).

Sarah Hulme MA MSc PhD CPsychol Mobile: 07717 040 821 Email: sarahhulme@babycalm.co.uk

Anne Young BSc RN CBMI MIFPA Mobile: 07811 073 202 Email: anne@babycalm.co.uk

Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,

Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr

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Sandpit–Soft Play – Go-Karts An adventure play centre for children and young people with additional support needs and their families.

Build • Slide • Climb • Whizz around – Have Fun Open 6 days a week during the holidays

Visit us soon www.theyardscotland.org.uk

0131 476 4506

A course for women returning to work Are you looking to return to work after a break?

If you want to feel confident about relaunching your career, develop your computer skills and update your CV and interview technique, then The PCT Partnership's 'Women Returning to Work' course, starting in September 2012, is for you. The 10 week course is funded by Skills Development Scotland and is free if you live in Edinburgh/Lothians.

Call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

Will your children be Tree Climbing this summer?

Jane W Oliver, a learning differences therapist, recommends it!

Physical ability continues to be researched as having a correlation with academic ability. The great outdoors is a playground for learning, developing our physical abilities and our academic skills.

To climb a tree involves balance, focus and attention skills, confidence, visual ability and selfdiscipline. Are these not attributes that our children require to achieve success in academics?

With all the advances in technology being readily available our children are developing more quickly and exposure to so many stimuli can develop one-sided learning. What is important here is that our children are developing without possessing the necessary skills to help them achieve and reach their true potential both physically and academically.

In almost every classroom there will be a child who has difficulty with co-ordination, balance and movement; this is known as Dyspraxia or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder. Dyspraxia affects around 10% of the population (Dyspraxia Foundation). For the majority of those with Dyspraxia there is no known cause. Up to date research suggests that it is due to an immaturity of neurone development in the brain.

How do I recognise if my child has Dyspraxia?

Overcome Learning Difficulties

Does your child need help with: Reading - Dyslexia Co-ordination/Movement - Dyspraxia Writing - Dysgraphia Mathematics - Dyscalculia Memory & Organisational skills Self - Esteem At Ravivworks we provide practical help to overcome learning difficulties with targeted, challenging and fun based exercises using the Raviv Method and Bal-A-Vis-X, Rythmic, BALance, Auditory, VISion, eXercises.

For more information or to book your FREE 1 hour consultation contact: Jane W Oliver 07512311317 | jane.wexo@virgin.net

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• Late at reaching milestones – rolling, sitting, standing, walking, speaking • Unable to run, hop, skip, jump, catch or kick a ball • Difficulty with zips/buttons/getting dressed • Falls over frequently • Poor pencil grip • Avoids PE and games at school • Attention /memory difficulties • Writing and copying from the board is a challenge • Unable to remember and /or follow instructions • Poor organisational skills • Language skills – difficulty pronouncing words and may stutter.

These are some of the signs that may be associated with Dyspraxia, if you think your child falls into these areas, it is important to take action and discuss this with nursery/playgroup or your child’s school. Your school or Doctor can put you in touch with an occupational therapist, and the OT can assess your child and provide therapy to help your child succeed.

How can you help your child?

• With dressing – buy clothes with elastic waist bands, trousers/skirts with a distinguishing pattern or pleat to easily identify the right way round. Tops with wide neck holes, baggy t-shirts and shorts that are easy and comfy to wear.

• With eating – only fill cups half way – avoiding spills. Sit down when eating • Organisation – keep to a daily routine, use only one instruction at a time. The use of visual aids as a reminder of daily activities posted in rooms is really useful.

• Give clear instructions, you may need to teach your child how to start an activity over and over.

• Catch and throw balls, use rhythm – counting or song to reinforce movement patterns • Encourage your child to self-challenge – did you beat your record?

• Focus on teaching your child the skills that will lead to taking part in team sports • Positive praise, rewards and encouragement in abundance.

Jane W Oliver is a learning differences practitioner in Edinburgh and helps students to overcome learning difficulties such as dyslexia,dyspraxia,ADHD,and ASD. Jane focuses on movement based programmes the Raviv Method and Bal-A-Vis-X, BALance/Auditory/VISion/eXercises which addresses rhythm ,balance, focus, vision tracking deficiencies, midline crossings in three dimensions, and FUN – in essence the building blocks of physical, academic and social learning.

For more information contact Jane W Oliver T:07512311317 E: jane.wexo@virgin.net www.ravivworks.co.uk

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Amazing activities –

r e m Sum

There’s no getting away from it – the school holidays are long and they need filling (preferably with fun!) so we’ve put together an A - Z of summer which begins with….

Fun, funky and educational arts & crafts classes for children.

Painting, drawing, sculpture, model making and much more!

Arty parties and holiday workshops also available 0131 553 6798 / 07931 513 815 www.artroom32.co.uk

summer camps and classes.

Artroom32 summer holiday workshops:

Doodles Children's Summer Workshops

Wed 18th, 19th and 20th July - 3 day mosaic workshops. Make your own funky mosaic using your own unique design - mosaic moshi monster, mario...anything goes! (aged 6+) Wed 25th, 26th and 27th July - 3 day sculpture workshops . Go LARGE!! We'll be making BIG sculptures using armatures, papier mache and paper clay. (aged 6+) Wed 1st, Thurs 2nd and Friday 3 August - 1 day workshops. A variety of arts and crafts of offer - clay model-making, printing, painting and lots more....(aged 5+) 10.30am-12pm each day. Children can be dropped off if they are happy to be left. £7.50 per session, 20% discount for siblings attending same workshops (= £6.00 per session per child). If the weather's nice enough we will can make our masterpieces in the garden.

For more info contact Louise T: 0131 553 6798 / 07931 513 815, www.artroom32.co.uk info@artroom32.co.uk

All workshops: Mon - Friday 10.30 -12pm. £50 for the week! Includes juice and mid morning snack.

Week 1: 9th-13th July, Week 2 :16th - 20th July, Week 3: 6th - 10th August Mon Play with clay: Make and paint some garden/ window box ornaments or plant lables.

Tues Olympic fun: Paint your own sporty plate to mark the 2012 games Wed Bubbletastic fun: paint your own soap dispenser blowing bubbles!

Thurs Crazy Crystals: Monster V Aliens use crystal paints to create your own monster bowl.

Fri Play with clay: Make and paint your own joke cookies to amuse family and friends!

Doodles Ceramics Workshop, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ. 0131 229 1399

Give your children something special to do this summer! Book them in to Focus on Language classes this July in Inverleith. We teach French, German and Spanish to children aged from 3 to 18 in small, activityfilled classes, combining a light touch with a focused environment. Children enjoy learning, and making new friends at the same time, in a happy atmosphere.

All classes taught by qualified, GTCS registered teachers.

Exam preparation classes also available.

Classes continue in term-time after school and on Saturdays. Cost: £8.50 per one hour lesson. Discount for block of 5. To book or to discuss your requirements, contact: wordcache@aol.com 07790 239324 www.focusonlanguage.co.uk

Talking Tots. After a successful first term, Talking Tots are running a Summer programme throughout July - if you're quick there may be a few spaces left! The classes help develop good communication and social skills in 1-5 year olds. Through a range of games, activities, songs, rhymes and stories (originally developed by speech and language therapists) they encourage good listening, sharing and attention. Talking Tots' Autumn term starts week commencing 20th August. For details of class times, days and venues call Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or email jen@talkingtots.info They also have a facebook page under 'Talking Tots Edinburgh' - why not pop by and 'like' them?

Spanish Amigos Summer Holiday Club.

Imaginary trip to Latin countries experiencing culture & language. We will visit Spain and México and learn from the arrival at the airport, on the plane, restaurants, beach, buy and pay in foreign currency, etc. And just to mention one surprise we will learn how to make a piñata!

July 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th 2012 10.30 to 13.30 Calton Centre, 122 Montgomery St £75 per child sibling discounts available 10% for 2 and 15% for 3 children. 0131 510 0328 www.spanishamigos.co.uk/clubs/edinburgh

Little Ninjas 2nd – 6th July and 23rd – 27th July (9.30 – 12.30) This years summer camp will be another fantastic opportunity for your children to escape the boredom of the summer holiday house. Get them off the xbox and have them out of the house learning and enjoying themselves.

The children will learn specific martial arts skill, enhance their fitness, concentration and discipline. Children will be organized specifically by age and work on fun and challenging martial arts games and drills.

Each child will receive a certificate of achievement for the task s they undertake with special credit certificates for children who exceed. For ages 4 – 13.

Book now by calling 0800 028 9320.

Rugbytots are pleased to announce that they will be launching two fantastic summer camps this year for 5 to 7 year olds, to cater for all those aspiring young rugby players out there that want to develop their skills in a fun and caring environment.

The camps are a fantastic opportunity for children to learn more skills, or develop the skills they already have, than they normally would in their Rugbytot classes or at their rugby club. This camp is open to all.

Get in touch for more details or visit our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RugbytotsSEScotland) We will have a maximum of seven children to one coach, to ensure all the children get one-on-one with a coach. All of our coaches have a minimum of Level 1 Rugby Coaching Qualification, are Paediatric first aiders, and have been checked through Disclosure Scotland.

Camps will run on the weeks commencing: • 16th July 10:00am - 12:00pm • 30th July 10:00am - 12:00pm Holyrood High School (Duddingston Road West, Edinburgh, EH15 1ST). Weather permitting - we hope to be outdoors but can use the school sports hall if required).

Cost: £62.50 for the week. For further information please phone 0845 313 3252/07739874565. To book a place, visit View/Book Classes at www.rugbytots.co.ukand go to Edinburgh/Summer Camp 2012

Pottery Painting & Craft Studio

Come and try your hand at jewellery, glass and clay making, general crafts and pottery painting Bring your imagination and we’ll have the rest!

Available for parties, schools, playgroups and after school clubs See website for details on clubs & classes

Tel: 01506 238961 Email: chat@potteraround.co.uk or visit www.potteraround.co.uk

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SwimEasy's Summer ”RapidTrack”

SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes again this year, 8.30am - 5.30pm in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road, EH9 1LG.

The Imagination Workshop. Drop into The

Monday 2nd July to Friday 10th August 2012 Sports Camp – for children aged 8 -12+years

Imagination Workshop during the school summer holidays.

Keep checking their website for more information www.theimaginationworkshop.co.uk 136 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1AQ 0131 466 0148

Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including; swimming, golf, tennis, badminton, etc and will also use sporting venues through out Edinburgh.

Full Day - £25.50; Half Day - £12.50; Trip - £28.50

Monday 2nd July to Friday 10th August 2012 Holiday Care – for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -7years whilst Sports Camp is operating). Holiday Care offers a wide range of activities including; art and craft, dance, drama, music, baking, sport and outdoor games.

Full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

For more information and booking forms phone 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

Focus on Language July in Inverleith French, German and Spanish classes for children aged 3-11

www.focusonlanguage.co.uk

Classes from 18 months upwards.

Ballet • Tap Modern • Jazz

SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer Canoe Courses for 8-12 year old boys and girls. 2-6 July, 9-13 July, 16-20 July, 23-27 July, 30 July-3 Aug, 6-10 Aug 10-12am or 12-2pm or 3-5pm £35 for 5 days of canoeing During a 5 day course you will have the opportunity to try plastic boats, slalom boats and sprint boats. After the course you can join the club and have coach lead regular sessions for fun and self improvement in slalom, sprint or recreational paddling What to bring – a full change of clothes, a towel and a drink.

Where to go - Forth Canoe Club, based at Harrison Road Bridge, is the oldest active canoe club in Scotland having been founded in 1934. It has weekly club sessions and caters for various canoeing disciplines including slalom, sprint racing, down river racing, etc.

For more details look at www.forthcc.com Bookings And More Information: Kristina : kristina.medovcikova@canoescotland.org or 07946 975462 Westwoods Superstars is a daytime activities camp for children aged 5-12 years old based at Westwoods Health Club. The health club is situated within the stunning grounds of Fettes College ensuring your child can enjoy exciting activities in a fun and safe environment. Activities during the day include swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, traditional games, trips to local attractions and much, much more!!! The Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm – but you can drop your children off from 8.30am and pick up until 5.30pm. (16th – 20th July, 23rd – 27th July, 30th July – 3rd August, 6th – 10th August). 3-4 Day packages are now available. For more information or to request an information pack, please call Westwoods on 0131 332 5777 or visit our website: www.westwoodshealthclub.com or e-mail westwoods@fettes.com Mortonhall Tennis Club Summer Camps

Join us on our fun packed week of dancing, crafts, games and cake making!

Ages 2 - 12 years (times vary) Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August

Craiglockhart Parish Church Limited places-book now!

Edinburgh: Craigroyston High School, Edinburgh commencing Monday 9, 16 & 23 July, 2012.

Forrester High School, Edinburgh commencing Monday 2, 9, & 16 July, 2012.

Royal Blind School, Edinburgh commencing 23, 30 July and 6 August 2012.

Forth Valley: Donaldson’s School, Linlithgow commencing Monday 9, 16 & 23 July, 2012 Our specialist One-to-Two Holiday Classes, for children or adults, can be booked a week at a time, from Monday to Friday. Five consecutive lessons can improve any weakness rapidly and any technical correction, or specific area of improvement required, can be dealt with much more easily.

The confidence gained from individual attention significantly speeds up the learning process and develops better selfassurance. This allows the learner to discover for themselves just what can be achieved, and the process of enjoying being in the water is greatly enhanced. These smaller classes are especially useful when an individual has a particular fear of the water. RapidTrack Courses also available during the October Holiday Break. Parents who wish to give their child the best opportunity to develop their swimming for safety, fitness and fun should contact us now on 0131 466 0764 or 01506 205778 to discuss their child’s needs. www.swimeasy.co.uk

FREEL

Call Nicky 07545 551271

TRIA CLASS

nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

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9th - 13th July, 16th – 20th July, 30th July – 3rd August and 6th – 10th August 2012. The camps will be run by Dan Murray (CCA Qualified Coach) & his team. Each week is broken down into 2 groups: 10am – 11.55am Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) - £35/£45 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) £55/£65. (10% off on 3 or more bookings from the same family). If you have any queries please contact Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk

Kiss the Fish Studios. Here at Kiss the Fish Studios we’ve got a packed programme of craft activities with something to suit all ages. Don’t forget that you can also just drop in anytime and select something to decorate with our amazing decopatch papers, paints, glitters and sparkles.

We’ve got a huge range of animals, boxes, picture frames and letters to choose from. Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.kissthefishstudios.com to stay up to date with what’s new. 9 Dean Park Street, Stockbridge. 0131 332 8918 Drop in Holiday Workshops at Jupiter Artland Friday 6th July to Friday 24th August Every Friday throughout the summer holidays Jupiter is offering drop in workshops. The two hour sessions will take their inspiration from the work of the Jupiter artists and will involve fun and inspiring outdoor activities. 10am to 12 noon or 1pm to 3pm £6 6th July: Transient objects – looking at the work of Cornelia Parker we will drape cutlery and utensils from trees to create group sculptures with a difference.

13th July: Spirals in Nature - Landscaping our own life mounds in the Jupiter Garden - watch out your gardens at home may never look the same again!

20th July: Digging for Britain! Looking at the practise of our new artist Henry Castle we will dig for objects in the woods and then recreate them in various mediums.

27th July: Love Bomb: with a focus on the Quinn orchid we will sculpt orchids and make orchid masks.

3rd August: Anya Gallaccio – Flower Power! Inspired by Anya Gallaccio the group will create flower installations.

10th August: Watershed: a workshop based on our Festival Artist Tania Kovats – we will create water themed sculpture.

17th August: Out and about! Create your own beautiful and ephemeral natural works in the woods like Andy Goldsworthy.

24th August: Whose your hero? Create your own tribute to your favourite person! Based on the work of Ian Hamilton Finlay at Jupiter.

July Artsparks: Tuesday 24th to Wednesday 25th July A 2 day workshop inspired by Anya Gallaccio’s new work at Jupiter. The children will get involved with lots of fun arty activities out and indoors based on Anya’s floor of roses in the gallery and her crystal “cave” in the woods. It is being led

by Izzie Chappell who is running our very popular Littlesparks courses. Suitable for 5 to 14 year olds who will be grouped by age. £40 per day 10am-3.30pm.

For more information go to www.jupiterartland.org Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House steading, Nr Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB

Dynam-nic Dance Summer School After a success week last year, Dynam-nic are once again hosting a fun packed week of Dance, Games, Crafts and cake making! Get a taste of our fun and energetic approach and meet all our fabulous teachers! Something for children age 2 - 12 years. Fun dance routines and games to all the latest music plus summer related crafts!! It's going to be fun fun fun!

WHERE: Craiglockhart Parish Church.

WHEN: Monday 30th July - Friday 3rd August.

TIME: age 2-4 years 10am - 12pm. Age 5 - 12 years 9am - 5pm.

COST: age 2-4 £40. Age 5-12 £150.

Limited places, contact Nicky now to book.

07545551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk

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Childcare Connections has been operating afterschool and holiday clubs for over 12 years providing subsidised, affordable quality, flexible childcare in South Edinburgh for parents in work, education or training. Three of our playrooms are based within primary schools. However where a playroom is located outwith a school the children are collected by qualified playcare staff who escort them via our free minibus /taxi service. Within each of our playrooms we offer a wide range of exciting activities and healthy snacks for children from primary 1 to S2 in a safe secure and stimulating play care environment where children are cared for by qualified and experienced staff. The after School clubs are available from school finish until 5.45pm and the holiday club is available from 8am to 5.45pm. If you require more information about the childcare we offer please call 0131 6641111 or visit us at www.childcareconnections.co.uk.

Jo Jingles summer sessions are running in July and August in Stockbridge, Cramond, Corstorphine, Morningside, Murrayfield Craiglockhart and Trinity. Summer sessions only £6 for 45 minutes of musical fun or book 3 sessions for £15. Contact Joanne on 443 4196 or email jojingles@godoall5.co.uk for booking or more information. Rebooking for the autumn term also open now.

Do you like adventure? Monday 16th - Friday 20th July | 10.15am - 3.45pm | £120. Garden Gnome Club is a holiday activity group focused on creative outdoor play for 8 - 12 year olds. There will be a range of group activities with an artistic and environmental focus such as treasure hunts, storytelling, drama games and digital photography.

It’s a chance to explore the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh thoroughly with a range of fun and imaginative activities.

What do the garden gnomes do when you’re not looking? There’s only one way to find out! Call 0131 248 1040 to book now!

Summer tutoring at Kip McGrath Edinburgh Central. Give your child’s brain a boost and prevent the summer learning loss. Research shows that an average student may lose up to two and a half months of learning during the summer. This is especially noticeable in maths and English. During the summer holidays, we are running weekly sessions delivered by qualified teachers. Our individualised programmes make maths and English learning fun. We provide specialised support for a range of needs including for those that have dyslexia, dyscalculia, are very able, and those that are preparing for various exams i.e. SQA, G.C.S.E, A level or entrance exams. To find out more or book a FREE assessment call Indy (Centre Director) on 01316106110.

Kip McGrath Edinburgh (Central), Morningside, Inverleith, Willowbrae. 1 Huntly Street, Edinburgh EH3 5HB

Enjoy sport for life – A Star Sports. We offer inclusive, developmental multi-sports coaching for children aged 2-10 years. Building on a fun ABC-based foundation (agility, balance and co-ordination), your child will be introduced to and develop the skills for ten core sports: Basketball, Cricket, Dodgeball, Football, Handball, Hockey, Rounders, Rugby, Tennis and Volleyball.

Weekly classes: Small classes provide encouragement and support for your child to build the confidence, motivation and skills to enjoy sport in a number of ways. Successful learning opens up new ideas for longer term engagement in: • Individual sports activities • Games and sports with a partner • Playing in teams These practical, fun learning experiences and positive challenges provide the foundation for your child to develop physically, socially and emotionally.

Holiday Clubs: A-Star holiday clubs offer a high-energy combination of games, sports and all-round active entertainment for your child. Holiday clubs are run at various times throughout the year. 07762224534 or, 08454592210 www.a-starsports.co.uk www.facebook.com/AStarSports.Edinburgh @AStarSports_UK

Monkey Music is the award winning preschool music class which operates throughout Edinburgh. With a progressive curriculum for children from 3 months - 5 years Monkey Music has been the backbone of many children's start in music education. The age specific classes are full of fun, with teachers who inspire and help the children's confidence to grow.

Monkey Music Summer Workshops. We're taking a break from the Pleasance this year and are very excited to announce that we will be running a variety of 1 hour long workshops all over North Edinburgh. Come and join Monkey, for fun and frolicks as we play games, get busy with a range of percussion instruments and perhaps run a race or two to keep the sporting theme running through the summer.

Check out the website for information on the age specific workshops sessions, www.monkeymusic.co.uk. Workshops will be priced at £8 per child and tickets are available through comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk or 0131 260 9667 booking is essential for this event as tickets will not be available from the venue.

Workshops Dates: 6th, 8th, 10th, 13th, 17th August - Lifecare 17th August - Cramond 20th August - Murrayfield 27th August – Corstorphine

Excel really is excellent fun! In addition to MultiSports, Tennis, Football, Dance, Canoeing, Horse Riding, Rock Climbing, Computer Xplorers, Edinburgh School Rock, Summer Science from the folks at the Edinburgh International Science Festival and Young Sports Leaders, Excel welcomes a Fun French immersion week with classroom, workshops and playing sports, and for those dreaming of becoming a Wizard or Wizardess, MagicFest are running a Magic School workshop, created, designed and taught by professional magicians! Excel is for 5 – 16 year olds, and childcare vouchers are welcome. For more information visit www.excel-sports.co.uk or call 07970 514 514.

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Summer fun at Potter Around. Our regular summer workshops will run every weekday throughout the holidays 10.30-12noon. Everything from fabric painting to jewellery, canvasses to glass painting, clay to paper craft. £10 a session including all materials, drinks and a snack.

Play with clay: We will be running regular sessions on our Potter’s Wheels and playing with clay so you can come and try your hand at being a real potter for the day.

Art classes: Are you a Picasso in the making or do you have designs on being the next JoLoMo? We will be running children’s art classes weekly.

Warhammer: And for all you Warhammer fans - we stock Warhammer models and paints and are running a painting club with sessions throughout the summer holidays. Once you have built up an army we will begin gaming sessions.

Find out more on our face book page. £4.50 includes use of all the paints, instruction, juice and a snack.

Craft ‘n’ a Story: Story time on Monday morning (10.3011.30am) for pre-schoolers. Lots of fun and mess for wee ones. £4.50 with tea/coffee for mum, dad or carer.

Drop in: Come anytime to paint pottery, decopatch, make jewellery or decorate a canvas. We are based on a working farm so you can wander outside and take in the lambs or enjoy some nature.

Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian, 01506 238961. chat@potteraround.co.uk www.facebook.com/potteraround www.potteraround.co.uk

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Music Bugs Summer Sessions. We will be running fun, themed sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers during the summer holidays. Our summer class schedule is as follows: “Teddy Bear’s Summer Party” will be running on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of July and “Seaside Sing Songs”will be running on 9th, 10th and 11th July. Classes will follow our usual weekly schedule and cost £5.50 per child. Please check out www.musicbugs.co.uk/classes/edinburgheast for more details. Contact Hilary on 0844 822 1156 or hilary@musicbugs.co.uk to reserve a space. Early booking is advisable.

Merchiston is one of the UK’s leading cricket schools having produced 23 cricket internationalists over the years, most recently Oliver Hairs who achieved the first of his five international caps whilst still at the School.

We are expanding our cricket camp programme to be available to all potential cricketers between the ages of 7 and 15. The aim of the programme is to give players an all-round and fun education in cricket including technical, tactical, physical and mental skills sessions appropriate to age and experience. The course will be coached by Merchiston’s Head of Cricket and a team of UKCC qualified coaches. We expect this new offering to be popular and encourage you to book now to avoid disappointment. For more information, email Carol atactivitycamps@merchiston.co.uk or call 0131 312 2237.

Loanhead After School Club and Community Nursery. During school holidays we offer a hugely popular holiday club where we have an action packed programme of events, which the children help to choose. Our childcare service is focussed encouraging children to play out doors, which is self directed play and freely chosen. We provide a wide variety of activities, including craft, baking, outdoor play, trips to local parks and swimming, is offered daily. Full day trips are provided regularly. Loanhead After School Club, 5 Mayburn Walk, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9HG, 0131 448 0103

Transgression Park. Throughout the summer we will be running classes and events perfect for under 16's, We will have our normal weekend classes in BMX, Skateboard and Scooting as well as some of the UK's best pro BMX riders and skateboarders who will be teaching in our Progression Summer Camps (See website for full details – www.trangressionpark.com).

The holidays will be kicked off with events over the 29th June-2nd July weekend with a free gig on Friday 29th by "Too Many T's" (London rap group) then an under 16's Skateboard Comp on Sunday 1st July the "Tech Deck/Vans Young Guns" comp will see some of Scotland's finest young skaters competing for great prizes and potential sponsorship.

Join us on facebook.com/transgressionedinburgh or Twitter.com/transgressioned for all the latest events and news.

Summer Activity Programme at Westerhailes Education Centre. Multi-activity Sports Club Monday to Friday. 09.00 – 15.30. Sessions daily throughout the summer holiday period starting on Monday 2 July for children 5 – 12 years of age.

Activities available throughout the summer: Bouncy Castle, Swimming, Gymnastics, Football, Basketball, Badminton, Short Tennis, Rounders, Games, Bikes, Scooters, Space Hoppers and much, much more! Call for various price options.

Bounce into the summer! Fun packed energetic coached Trampolining classes from beginner levels to the more experienced. If you would like to learn new skills such as seat drops, tucks, somersaults and twist moves or just bounce around this is the class for you.

Monday 9 July – Friday 13 July 9am – 11am Monday 23 July – Friday 27 July 9am – 11am Monday 6 August – Friday 10 August 9am – 11am £33 per week Dive camps Beginner and Advanced levels. Call for times and dates. Cost: £35.00. Wester Hailes Education Centre, 5 Murrayburn Drive, Edinburgh, EH14 2SU. 0131 621 8303

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'Magic School' workshops. Aged 7-10? This summer you have the opportunity to learn, create and perform your own magic at very hands-on and all-new, 'Magic School' workshops.

This year in addition to our one-off workshops we introduce an amazing, all-new 5-day course for young magicians! Each of the 5 daily sessions is themed so that you learn in depth a new area of magic, from startling levitations to crazy card tricks. Kids attending the 5-day course will be taught for a day by a special celebrity guest from BBC "Help my supply teacher is Magic" – John the Magician!

So come learn how to make your friends float, make everyday objects appear and disappear and meet some of the coolest magicians in Scotland!

5-Day Magic School • £75 Mon 2 July - Fri 6 July 10.00am OR 1.30pm One-off Magic School Workshop • £15 Sat 30 June - Sun 1 July 10.00am OR 1.30pm. For further details and bookings please visit www.magicfest.co.uk or call box office 0131 473 2000 Edinburgh Dance Academy. are very excited to be running a week long Summer School this year. We will be teaching Ballet, Jazz and Musical Theatre every day for the week of 30 July - 4 August 2012. The school will take place in Broughton High School's state of the art dance studios. Classes will be taught by Julie Mitchell, Jenni Inglis and Charley Jarvis.

We will finish off the week with a funtastic dance show! To book a place please call Suzie on 0131 3373402.

The Drama Studio Summer Holiday Clubs We are running our very popular Summer Holiday Clubs at Wardie Church Hall, Primrose Bank Road Edinburgh from 16-20 July and also at Fairmilehead from 23-27 July and from 30 July-3 Aug, suitable for students aged 4-14 years.

These are real fun weeks meeting new friends, doing all kinds of Arts activities like Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song and dance,Tai Ch'i, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games and performing if you attend in the morning. We also have access to gardens for outdoor activities. A different activity takes place each afternoon for younger children and the over 10's have their own Afternoon Programme and show.

Go to www.thedramastudio.com and look in HOLIDAY CLUB or call 0131-453-3284 for full details and to register

enjoyleisure promises to deliver an action packed summer for families in East Lothian. The summer programme includes a variety of activities for children aged 18 months right up to 16 years. Courses include football, judo, gymnastics, trampolining, mini-tennis, multi-sports, street dance and rookie lifeguard to name a few!

PLUS! Families can create a splash and save money; as children up to 16 years can SWIM FOR FREE at any of the East Lothian swimming pools throughout the Summer Holidays!

This includes some kids’ aqua-fun sessions too! Time restrictions apply, so please check with the Sports Centres before visiting.

Don’t forget you can also enjoy the numerous outdoor leisure activities across the county including pitch n putt, grass bowls, golf courses, putting greens and tennis courts. For more information on all of our summer activities visit www.enjoyleisure.com.

A-STAR SPORTS SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB 2012 ALL DAYS MON – FRI 9AM – 1PM W/C 16 JULY NORTH MERCHISTON CLUB POLWORTH (EH11) W/C 23 & 30 JULY REID MEMORIAL CHURCH, NEWINGTON (EH9) W/C 16, 23 & 30 JULY 4th LEITH SCOUT HALL, TRINITY (EH5) W/C 6 AUGUST NORTH MERCHISTON CLUB POLWORTH (EH11) 10 CORE SPORTS + MORE SMALL GROUP SIZES

SASCS will also be running 2 Summer Schemes again this year, 8.30am -5.30pm in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. Monday 2nd to Friday 10th August - Sports Camp for children aged 8 -12+years Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including; swimming, golf, tennis, badminton, etc and will also use sporting venues through out Edinburgh.

Full Day - £25.50; Half Day - £12.50; Trip - £28.50 Monday 2nd July to Friday 10th August Holiday Care – for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -7years whilst Sports Camp is operating) Holiday Care offers a wide range of activities including; art and craft, dance, drama, music, baking, sport and outdoor games.

Full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

For more information and booking forms phone 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com

*Age restrictions apply

For more information and to book your place, contact: Brian (07876021073) & Alister (07762224534) e: brian.droudge@a-starsports.co.uk / alister.ramm@a-starsports.co.uk TAKING BOOKINGS NOW!!!!! facebook.com/AStarSports.Edinburgh @AStarSports_UK www.a-starsports.co.uk

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Edinburgh Montessori Arts School – Summer School Weekly clubs for 4 – 7 year olds. Monday – Friday 9 – 1 2nd July – 10th August Come and join us for a summer of fun!

• Stories in Action with Books Alive : Drama games and art activities to create the characters and experience a favourite story or picture book.

• Nature School : A host of outdoor activities for all to explore – from the young gardener to the budding artist – play, plant, paint and learn in our spacious garden and paddocks.

• Continents and Cultures – People and places, plants and animals – learn as you play with our inspiring project based arts and culture weeks. www.emaschool.co.uk 0131 446 0777

Artistic Director Julie Mitchell, LRAD, ARAD, AISTD Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Branches throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Edinburgh's Premier Dance School * Ballet * Jazz * Modern * Tap * Drama * Singing A caring environment where pupils achieve their highest potential.

See us in the Pantomime at The Kings Theatre.

EXAM RESULTS 100% PASS RATE

0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk 4-6 Coltbridge Ave, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH

Canoeing at Forth Canoe Club Summer Courses for 8-12 year old boys and girls 2-6 July, 9-13 July, 16-20 July, 23-27 July, 30 July - 3 Aug, 6-10 Aug 10-12, 12-2 and 3-5pm

£35 for 5 days of canoeing WANT TO TRY IT? Join-in, develop the skills, enjoy!

BOOKINGS and MORE INFORMATION at: Kristina : kristina.medovcikova@canoescotland.org or 07946 975462

Whizzkids is offering a range of computer courses this summer for children aged 5 and up. With stimulating educational games, including the award-winning Nessy Learning Programme and now Nessy Numbers too, children will have great fun whilst brushing up on literacy and numeracy skills. If you’d rather focus on computer skills there’s desktop publishing, PowerPoint, touch-typing, computer art and a general computing skills course and for the more advanced there’s the OCR ITQ course which leads to a computing qualification (see www.ocr.org.uk). If you’d like to reinforce the importance of online safety to your children the Superclubs Plus course is the one for you. For further details on any of the courses or to book a place please e-mail gillian@whizzkids.uk.com, check out the website at www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

Dance For All. This summer, Dance For All are running two exciting clubs: the DFA Summer School and the DFA Summer Intensive. The Summer School is for 6-16yrs, Mon 6th- Fri 10th August and will be a fun spectrum of dance and musical theatre, priced £130. The Summer Intensive is an inspiring course for older pupils aged 1320yrs with some dance experience and runs from Sat 11th – Tues 14th August, priced £140.

Autumn term begins on the 18th August with weekly child & teen classes from 2 ½ years upwards in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, ISTD Modern, Jazz, Contemporary and SDS Spanish dance. These are joined by numerous adult classes, including the popular Drop-In Ballet from beginner to advanced levels and the full-time Professional Stage Dance & Dance Teacher Training Course which is unique to Scotland. For timetables, booking forms, photo galleries and more, log onto www.danceforall.co.uk or call the office on 0131 226 5533.

South Morningside after school care club 2nd July to 14th August. We provide special activities each morning and afternoon, these include arts and crafts activities, plenty of outdoor activities and indoor games.

We also provide one full day trip a week for example to Blair Drummond safari park, Dalkeith country park, East Links family park, and one half day trip for example to the cinema, swimming, ice-skating as well as outings to local parks.

We are open to children of all primary schools.

Contact – 0131 447 6800 or email – manager@smascc.org.uk Summer Hip Hop Schools’ at Dance Base

Summer Holiday Club 2nd July to 14th August

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Mon 9 Jul- Fri 13 Jul & Mon 16 Jul – Fri 20 Jul 09.30-15.30 Open to Children 7-9 and 10-12 We all love holidays and we all love to dance! Dance Base has brought the two together for you to come and enjoy. You will be in the best place to learn dance styles from our experienced tutors such as breakdance, street dance, poppin, lockin and house with one or two others in the mix as well. There will be a chance to show off all the new moves to parents and family members on the Friday afternoon at the end of week show. Quick, places do sell out, so book A.S.A.P online at dancebase.co.uk, over the phone on 0131 225 5525 or at 14- 16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU. £97.50 per week or £87.50 each child for more than 1 child from the same family

Edinburgh Leisure offers the largest coaching programme in the capital offering kids from 8 weeks to 16 years a wide range of activities seven days a week throughout the holiday season. With the return of some popular choices for the youngest customers, including Mini Kickers, Tots Tennis and Ball Kids as well as the more challenging courses for older children, such as Basketball, Streetdance and Climbing courses, there is an Edinburgh Leisure coaching programme for everyone this summer. For more information please visit edinburghleisure.co.uk or email mail@edinburghleisure.co.uk Please note bookings will be available for new customers from the 25th June 2012 Tumbletots are running Summer Playschemes for children from 3 to 7 years at Cluny Centre, Morningside. The children can be left in our care for the two and a half hours.

They will play for an hour on the equipment, and will enjoy a healthy snack. They will then spend about an hour on the arts and crafts, brio, jigsaws and playdough, finishing off with the parachute. All for £10.50 per child.

Morning sessions: 10am to 12.30pm, Afternoon sessions: 1.30pm to 4pm (Tuesdays only) Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Friday 20th, Monday 30th, Tuesday 31st July and Friday 3rd August 2012.

We shall also be running Summer Classes for children from 6 months to 5 years on 4 of the 6 Tuesdays during the summer holidays in the morning at Cluny Centre, Morningside from Tuesday 10th July Please call Jo on 01875 819966 for more information and to book your child a place for either the Playschemes or the Summer Classes, or email Jo on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net Enjoy-a-Ball super active multi-sports camps for children aged 3-9. Children will have the opportunity to take part in 10 ball sports - including dodgeball, football, baseball, rugby, handball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, cricket and hockey. Children are divided into narrow age group range so that they may feel confident and get the most from the sports coaching. We will provide a healthy snack of fruit and water to keep the kids going ‘til home time! Our camps always book up very quickly so please reserve your place ASAP to avoid disappointment. To book or for more information call 07921333050 or visit www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Summer Holiday Activities at Honeypot Ceramics Clay Course for Children Over the summer holidays we will be running a clay course especially for children.

We are running three weeks and children can book in for a week or for individual days from 10.30-12 noon.

On the course children will be taught a range of handbuilding techniques and will learn how to glaze and finish their own pieces as well as having a go at throwing on our potters wheel. Activities will include, learning how to make a clay hedgehog, door plaques, animal trinket boxes, frogs, vehicles and lots of fun on the wheel!

For children aged 5-12. Weeks commencing July 9, July 23 and August 6. Single days are available M-Th for £15/class, or a full week (recommended) for £60.

Messy Play Sessions from Pre-School Children Our popular messy play sessions will continue to run over the summer holidays with lots of wonderful themes for children to have fun with. For more details of all of our activities and workshops available for children and adults please visit: www.honeypotceramics.com or 'like' and follow us on facebook

Summer Festival Performance Courses at Festival Theatre from Scottish Youth Theatre The Junior Course for 8-11 years from 2 – 7 July (£120 + £10 booking fee) is the ideal introduction to the world of theatre and performance whilst the Foundation course for12-15 years from 23 July – 4 August ( £300 +£20 booking fee), is a good base to build on existing knowledge.

Booking info – both courses can be booked online at https://www.scottishyouththeatre.org/shop/ For further information and all other enquiries, please contact info@scottishyouththeatre.org or call 0141 552 3988

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Bowling Offer for

Families Edinburgh readers!

One hour of bowling for up to six people plus a pizza to share for only

£10!

World of Bowling at the Corn Exchange offers 12 state of the art AMF tenpin bowling lanes and younger bowlers can enjoy all the fun, with lighter balls, lane bumpers and ball ramps.

After 5pm every evening the lanes take on a neon glow for Glow Bowling, The World of Bowling is fully accessible.

Go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers to print out your voucher.

Terms and conditions apply.

World of Bowling 11 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ 0131 443 0404

Climb and swing through the trees!

Go Ape popularity spreads further across the UK with a new site opening at Peebles The tree-top adventure swings into Glentress Forest this Summer!

As popular demand to swing through the trees Tarzan-style continues to grow, Go Ape is set to open a brand new tree-top adventures in Peebles (open to the public mid July).

Tribes of families and friends are invited to embrace their spirit of adventure and unleash their inner ape as they get to the grips with a giant tree-top obstacle course of ladders, bridges, tunnels, walkways and speedy zip wires.

Since 2002, more than two million adventure-seeking fans have visited Go Ape in search of their inner Tarzan and with 13 new course openings in the last three years alone, the nation continues to be charmed by the wonder of tree-time injected with natural forest beauty, inspiring adventure, breath-taking views, natural highs and plenty of laughs.

Chief Gorilla Tristram Mayhew comments on the new course openings, “We are very excited about bringing the Go Ape experience to even more people in Peebles.

At Go Ape, we’re all about encouraging people to live adventurously, step out of their comfort zone and most importantly, have some fun”.

To find out more go to www.goape.co.uk/days-out/peebles

Workshops during the Fringe Drama for 5 – 12 year olds.

Spotlites Theatre Productions will once again be running their fantastic drama themed workshops at The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street. Workshops are at 9.30am from 31st July.

This years themes include: Star Wars: Jedi Knight Academy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, Tangled & Snow White, Horrible Histories, Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Part II, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift, Harry Potter: Wizard School, Narnia: Knights & Princesses, Shrek & Tinker Bell, Roald Dahl’s Matilda & BFG and Jedi & Time Lords.

Check out their website for full listings and dates. £6 per child. Group discount of 10% for groups of 10+ Box office: 0131 2205911 www.spotlites.co.uk office@spotlites.co.uk

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E yes – Sun, Fun and Protection

By Julie Smart, Dispenser at Downes Opticians As soon as the sun starts shining, rest assured, like all good parents we will cover our children head to toe in sunscreen.

But just how many of us will remember protection for their eyes?

We are all aware of the dangers of sun damage and eyes react in exactly the same way as skin to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. “Photokeratitis” is sunburn of the eye and whilst not permanent, eyes will become red, sore and sensitive to light. These uncomfortable symptoms do clear fairly quickly, but continued unprotected exposure, over long periods of time will affect the eyes with more long term and significant problems.

Here at Downes Opticians, because we recognise the very real concerns regarding sun damage, our children’s’ prescription sunspecs are all parent-pocket friendly. The very real worry of long and short term damage to your child’s eyes are abated with one small step. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all health concerns were so easily remedied?

Over exposure can greatly increase the chances of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Both conditions seriously impair vision. It is rare to be able to reverse macular degeneration and cataracts require surgical removal.

The effects of UV rays are cumulative.

Coming from one who should know better….

By the age of 18 most of us have amassed 80% of our total lifetime exposure to the sun.

This teamed with the fact that children’s eyes are not as efficient at blocking UV as adults, it makes for worrying reading. However, the upside is that protection is simple.

Sunglasses It’s gratifying to know that the simple act of putting your child in sunspecs will give 100% protection. All sunglasses now sold in the UK, by law will have the necessary UVA and UVB inhibitors, even children’s sunspecs.

And if your child wears prescription spectacles don’t forget that prescription sunglasses are also available and probably a lot less expensive than you may have anticipated.

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Swimming Goggles I recently took my son to the Commonwealth pool and as we carved our lengths out in the pool, I gasped in amazement at the wonderful divers in training. I couldn’t understand how my son appeared relatively unmoved by these amazing feats, only to be told that he couldn’t see them!

My son wears spectacles normally. Not a particularly strong prescription, but they make all the difference. Why had I forgotten that same rules apply in the pool? Nothing more to be said here other than…..

Prescription swimming goggles available for children from £33.00 at Downes Opticians.

Downes Opticians, 2 North Junction Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6HN, 0131 553 5358 www.downesopticians.com

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F

FOR KIDS (big and small!)

I love finding out about all the shows coming to Edinburgh for the Fringe. The thrill of exploring the programme is right up there with childhood memories of the Christmas Radio Times (please don’t let it just be me that found that exciting!)

This year there are a whopping 2695 shows at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe! August in Edinburgh will once again be jam packed with colour, noise, silliness, fun and fantastic shows for kids and families and I can’t wait!

Purves Puppets Purves Puppets are back in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival performing in their unique style of glow- in -the-dark large scale puppets. Celebrating 42 years of successful shows performed all over the world.

We are appearing at Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall from 4 – 18 Aug (not Sundays) with “Pips and Panda meet the Three Bears” a fun adventure for ages 1 – 7 about a cheeky monkey and a Panda’s adventures! This time Panda is flying through the air on Goldilocks’ kite and Pips has to rescue Panda with the help of the Three Bears. Lots of songs and audience participation to keep the little ones amused!

The other play is “Nessie the Loch Ness Monster” - a truly Scottish story for ages 5 – adult. Our production combines humour, dance and exciting traditional Scottish music.

It tells of a boy called Hughie McDhui and a girl called Mairi Glengarry. She's running away from her wicked uncle, Naggie McCraggie! Along the way they are caught up in the world of Spike the hedgehog, where animals talk and even form rock-groups! They make friends with Nessie, the famous monster from the Loch, who talks with a Scottish upper-class accent and is an expert at dodging research submarines! Our production of Nessie has travelled worldwide including Malta, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Poland!

This year Purves Puppets performed “The Firebird” in Hong Kong where the puppets were speaking Cantonese! The company are taking “The Firebird” production to Orkney in October! Don’t miss your chance to see our spectacular shows - once seen never forgotten.... Box Office TEL: 01899 220631 or buy tickets from www.edfringe.com

Smash Productions “The Maroon Balloon” The heart-warming story of a small boy who befriends a red balloon with a mind of its own in the streets of Paris. Follow them on their adventures as they get to know each other, helping and protecting one another through laughter and danger, running from bullies, going to school, and meeting other balloons.

Inspired by Albert Lamorisse’s film The Red Balloon of 1956, and performed through song, dance, clowning, and with almost no dialogue. The story will delight children and adults and make you think twice before popping a balloon ever again.

Playing daily at 12.40pm at the Pleasance Courtyard (Below) 4th to 12th August: £7 children £8 adults. 6th and 7th : 2 for 1: £7. Previews 1st to 3rd : all tickets £5 Venue box office: 0131 556 6550 / www.pleasance.co.uk Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

Andy and Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine Andy Day from CBeebies’ Andy's Wild Adventures stars alongside Mike James.

Following their smash-hit show, Andy and Mike's... Big Box of Bananas they bring you another adventure - this time they have a time machine! They're sent on a quest to collect things from the past and the future. Will they make it back to 2012 or be trapped in the mists of time forever?

One thing's for sure, they haven't a chance without your help -What's kept you - it's been 3 years since you were in Edinburgh?

Andy: After our first show in Edinburgh and then a tour I started filming a TV show 'Andy's wild adventures'. Now we have a new live show, and what better place to bring it then back to Edinburgh? We love the place!

-What can we look forward to in your new show?

Andy: Even more mayhem, songs interaction and laughs... oh and a few 'Back to the Future' references for the mums and dads!

-If you had a time machine when would you travel to?

Andy: I’d go back to just before facebook was created and create it myself! I’d call it 'bookface' Where/when/how much? Pleasance courtyard/11.00am/from £6 'If I could go back in time and watch it all over again I would' (Justin Fletcher).

Venue box office: 0131 556 6550 / www.pleasance.co.uk Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

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Music Bugs presents “It’s Carvnival Time…”

After enjoying sell-out success at 2011's Fringe, awardwinning Music Bugs are back this year with another fantastic show for the under fives. We guarantee you and your little ones will be dancing in the streets after our fun-filled, family-friendly, musical fiesta. Join us for lots of instrument bashing, puppets, fun props, singing, dancing and carnival capers.

Get your whistles ready ... here we go ... it's carnival time!

Tickets cost £8 per child – Adults do not require a ticket.

Date and Time: 6th -10th August 2012, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Venue: Dancemaster Studios Tickets available here: www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/musicbugs-presents-it-s-carnival-time

CIRCUS FOR SUCCESS For the 16th year the Fringe's favourite Youth Circus provides a special day out for children and young people with some really cool circus skills: aerial, tight wire, unicycle, walking globe, stilt walking, juggling, rolla rolla, hula-hoop and lots more.

The training team have all been with Albert & Friends Instant Circus since they were children themselves and have experienced the benefits of building self-confidence, courage and team skills through participation in an intelligent, physical arts activity.

Set in a venue at the foot of the Pentlands. Lunch is included too!

Albert & Friends Instant Circus. Venue: Bonaly Outdoor Centre www.edfringe.com/venues/bonaly-outdoor-centre www.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk 12-19 August Time: 10:30 (5 hours). Cost: £40. Suitability PG (5-14) Warnings: Workshop is for children only. Children may be dropped off and picked up later. All physical activities carry an element of risk.

Ace – A Circus Extravaganza A story of a woe-begotten maid dreaming of becoming a pop star! Circus fun for all the family brought to you by talented youth circus artists from A&FIC and UK Youth Circus Network Albert & Friends Instant Circus at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Off Inverleith House Lawn. 12 – 19 August 1pm (1 hour) free www.albertandfriendsinstantcircus.co.uk

Once Upon A... is an

imaginative, interactive story where the characters literally jump off the page!

Enter a world where books come to life at the turn of every page. Come and enjoy a fun, enchanting story with loveable characters and some naughty ones too.

Once Upon A... is an interactive, storytelling children’s show which gives its audience the opportunity to get involved with the way the story unfolds.

Join Sunny and Wendy on their whirl wind adventure into the wonderful world of the imagination. Meet some loveable characters and naughty ones too but how the story unfolds is up to you. Remember, your imagination can take you anywhere... so let's go! The space @ Sugeons Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW 0845 5088515

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Marvelous Medicine Medicine is Marvelous! It makes us feel better and live longer, but how does it actually work? Come along and let Dr Kate Cross and Discovery Channel presenter Alistair Linsell show you how you can beat pain, blast bacteria and stop some diseases before you've even caught them. Featuring baseball bats, free sweets and huge amounts of audience interaction!

Kate Cross is a Research Fellow in the School of Biology at St Andrews University and a Famelab Scottish runner-up in 2012. She has participated in public engagement activities with school children for six years and performed in comedy shows both as a stand-up and as part of an Improvised comedy troupe.

Alistair Linsell is a chemist and Famelab UK runnerup 2009. He has performed family-friendly comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for three years with the ‘Shellshock!’ improvised comedy troupe, filmed a documentary on the lost world in Venezuela and has presented science for Channel 4 and Discovery Channel.

Marvelous medicine is supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust.

Start at 10.25 (45 mins) Tickets £6/£4 Concs (£15 Family Ticket). Surgeons Hall, Venue 53, 4th August - 18th August excluding Sundays. Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW Box office 0845 508 8515.

Box office 0845 508 8515.

3 - 18 August at 10.30 (45mins) for ages 3+

The Snail and the Whale Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler ‘An exquisite piece of theatre... that leaves you smiling’ (The Stage 16/4/12) Tall Stories (creators of the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows) are proud to present their latest exciting collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, experiencing sharks and penguins, icebergs and volcanoes. But when the whale gets beached, how will the tiny snail save him?

Tall Stories’ adaptation is inspired by the work of Storybook Soldiers, who help British military personnel abroad to record bedtime story CDs for their children back home. The amazing journey of the tiny snail is seen through the eyes of a very adventurous young girl – who’d love to be going round the world with her seafaring father...

Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs, in a show for everyone aged 4 and up.

‘Interactive, moving, fun and captivating... fantastic’ (Stockton Evening Gazette 3/4/12) 1-26 August (not 15th) 3pm (duration 45 minutes) £5-£9.50. Pleasance Beyond (Pleasance Courtyard) Venue box office: 0131 556 6550 / www.pleasance.co.uk Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

Pleasance KidZone 1 – 27th August The Pleasance Kidzone is back this year, bigger than ever with snow and a giant igloo theatre hosting delights to keep children entertained. There will also be exciting events and activities on The Green for the whole family.

Aside from all the exciting shows on The Green this year, there will also be a large number of additional (and some free) activities and events for the whole family.

If you require good, fully registered childcare or babysitting services during this Festival, then we suggest Super Mums – Tel 0131 225 1744 or go to www.supermums.co.uk and quote Pleasance Kids for special Festival rates.

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The Red Bus This year The Red Bus returns to the Fringe Festival from August 6 to 15. Puppet shows from 10am each day. Perfect for under 6 year olds. Come on up to the top deck of our shiny red double decker bus parked in the Meadows next to the Cricket Pavilion cafe to see the shows.

Beside the bus we have face painting, a bubble machine and free bus pictures to colour in. Plus a child friendly cafe. Three different playparks nearby. It all adds up to a great place to bring young children this August.

And both young and old can jump on board our twin bus for hourly round trips... Tickets available on board from the conductor. Ding ding and we're off!

Details at www.theredbus.co.uk or www.facebook.com/theredbusedinburgh

Comedy Club 4 Kids

© Isabelle Adam

A firm favourite at the Festival, Comedy Club 4 Kids is back at the Bongo Club, even more splendiferous than before. Loved by children, parents and comics alike, the show presents the best comedians around doing what they do best but without the rude bits!

Comedy Club 4 Kids has been delighting audiences since 2006, featuring three top acts from the international circuit at every show, plus special performances from youngsters from the Comedy Academy 4 Kids. Josie Long, Brendon Burns and Robin Ince are among our gig veterans, alongside sketch whizzes Pappy’s and Jigsaw, and cabaret aces The Horne Section and Frisky & Mannish. It’s exactly like a normal comedy club, but on in daylight hours, and with higher chance of heckles of “why is that your face?”

Regular host Tiernan Douieb can’t wait to get the show started, saying: "Comedy Club 4 Kids is consistently the most enjoyable gig I get to do. The enthusiasm of an audience of 7-11 year olds is equal to none, and getting to see brilliant circuit acts cater

material for children is always exciting. The sheer enjoyment of getting answers from the audience is ten times better than that of an adult crowd.

How often do you ask at a normal gig 'What do you want to be when you grow-up?' and then received the reply 'someone with really long legs.'" comedyclub4kids.com VENUE: Bongo Club (37 Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8BA), 0131 557 2827 WHEN: 17:30-18:30, 4-26 August © Isabelle Adam

James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids For children over 6, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words, a show which might or might not discuss scooters, Scottish country dancing and what we’ll do with all these gregarious giraffes.

"Has achieved almost holy status - don't miss," The Sunday Times Since last Edinburgh, James has taught Helen Skelton on Blue Peter to do stand up and is currently hosting his own TV show called The Big Book Babble which makes children’s authors more interesting.

"He belongs on stage," The New York Times Edinburgh and UK Tours aside, James has performed his unique stand up for children all over the world including runs at the New Victory on Broadway NYC, the Chicago Humanities Festival, Just for Laughs in Montreal, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Adelaide Fringe, The Perth Literary Festival, The Southbank Imagine Festival and The Hay Festival.

"My seven-year-old howled with laughter and so did I," The Daily Mail "Absurdist Genius." The Guardian 9/10/11/12 August 2012 - 14.00 (1hr). Assembly George Square Gardens – Salon Elegance. £7.50.

0131 623 3030

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Lapin wants Ice Cream A children’s show by Le Petit Monde (Scotland/ France) A unique puppet show bringing bite-size French to all!

Lapin, the thirsty French rabbit, only wants one thing to quench his thirst. Find out what in this fun, interactive puppet show in English, with carefully chosen and repeated French keywords.

• Story, designs and puppets created by Tania Czajka • No knowledge of French needed • Supported by Puppet Animation Scotland • Links to the Curriculum for Excellence Since its creation in 2008, Le Petit Monde has introduced many children to French language throughout the UK, with performances in schools, nurseries and theatres (as part of various festivals including Edinburgh Fringe 11 and Brighton Fringe this year).

After a great success with the Brighton Fringe 12 audiences and critics alike, the lovely rabbit returns to Edinburgh!

‘The children learn new French words not through being told or taught, but by watching and entering Lapin’s world. It’s clever conceived, designed, scripted & realised in performance.’ *** Fringe Review 3 August, 10.00 am (£5) August 4-11, 13-18, 20-25, 27, 10.00 am (40 mins). £7 (£5) / group discounts available. 0131 226 5366 Institut français d’Ecosse/ Venue 134 – 13 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 7TT. Box Office: 0131 225 53 66 Mon - Fri 9.30 am – 10.00 pm/ Saturday 9/30 am – 1.00 pm. Venue not accessible.

Nonsense Room Productions

Hairy Maclary and Friends

“Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.”

Join Hairy Maclary and Friends, for canine capers and animal adventures, in this hugely popular stage adaptation of Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary books.

Meet much-loved characters such as Hercules Morse, as big as a horse; Bottomley Potts, covered in spots; Schnitzel von Krumm, with the very low tum and Scarface Claw, the toughest tomcat in town.

This family Fringe show treat is packed with live music, singing, colourful costumes and your favourite Hairy Maclary stories. Sing along and do the actions with all the characters - you’d be barking mad to miss it!

Every child should see this - One 4 Review***** Assembly George Square Theatre. 12 – 22 August. No show Friday 17 August.

10.30am (Ends 11.30am). Tickets: £10 (£8) Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030

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Spotlites Theatre Productions Merlin’s Dragon

Magic Porridge Pot

Vanquish evil knights with real battleaxes!

Shoot fire bolts with the dragon! Joust with Sir Lancelot, the White Knight! Professional interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit still and watch! The Lady of the Lake weaves enchantments to drown Avalon! Help Merlin and his dragon battle to overcome her evil spells! From the team behind 2009/10 sell-out Sleeping Beauty and the Time Lords, ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). ***** ‘Take, make, bend time to see this show!’

(BroadwayBaby.com). 2010/11 sell-out Robinson Crusoe the Lost Jedi Knight, 'totally unlike anything I've ever seen elsewhere ... powerful’ (Stage). ThreeWeeks award winners!

Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street Tues 31st - Sun 19th Aug. 1.30pm (1hr 45 mins) £7 / £6 concs (£24 Family of 4). Adults must be accompanied by a child!

Group discount: 10% off for groups of 10+ 0131 220 5911. www.spotlites.co.uk.

Help Boy cook magic porridge! Splat porridge in a magic food fight! Jump in the huge sea of porridge! Professional interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit still and watch! Little'uns come onstage throughout! Join Boy as he ventures into the woods to find food for his sick Dad. He meets an old woman who gives him a magic porridge pot and the secret words: 'Cook little pot, cook!' But a greedy thief spots them and sets out to steal the pot! 2009 and 2010 Fringe sellout!

'A great introduction to theatre' **** (Herald) Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street Fri 3rd, Sun 5th, Tues 7th, Thurs 9th, Sat 11th, Mon 13th, Wed 15th, Fri 17th, Sun 19th Aug. 4.10pm (45 mins). £7 / £6 concs (£24 Family of 4). Adults must be accompanied by a child!

Group discount: 10% off for groups of 10+ 0131 220 5911. www.spotlites.co.uk

Peter Pan on Dinosaur Island

The Enormous Turnip

Defeat the T-Rex with Peter and real swords!

Fly with the Pterodactyl! Bombard Captain Hook with dinosaur droppings! Professional interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit still and watch! This is an immersive new adventure set ten Neverland years after the classic tale finishes but eighty London years! 'An audience adventure' (Stage). From the team behind 2009/2010 sell-out 'Sleeping Beauty and the Time Lords': ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info); ‘Take, make, bend time to see this show!’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com) and 2010 sell-out ‘Robinson Crusoe the Lost Jedi Knight’: 'Almost a new art form…Powerful lump-inthe-throat theatre’ (Stage) Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street Tues 31st - Sun 19th Aug. 10.45am (1hr 35 mins) £7 / £6 concs (£24 Family of 4). Adults must be accompanied by a child!.

Group discount: 10% off for groups of 10+ 0131 220 5911. www.spotlites.co.uk

Spotlites Theatre Productions

Help Grandad plant the tiny seed! Slide in the snail slime! Blow up the enormous turnip!

Professional interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit still and watch! Little'uns come onstage throughout! Join Boy and Grandad as they tend the seeds! The family is hungry; what will grow? Will the birds steal the seeds? Will the slugs and snails munch the leaves? Will there be enough for tea? Will this plant ever stop growing? Pop! Kapow! From the team behind 2009 and 2010 Fringe sell-out ‘Magic Porridge Pot' 'A great introduction to theatre' **** (Herald) Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street Sat 4th, Mon 6th, Wed 8th, Fri 10th, Sun 12th, Tues 14th, Thurs 16th, Sat 18th Aug. 4.10pm (45 mins) £7 / £6 concs (£24 Family of 4). Adults must be accompanied by a child!

Group discount: 10% off for groups of 10+ 0131 220 5911. www.spotlites.co.uk

will once again be running their fantastic drama themed workshops at The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street. Workshops are at 9.30am from 31st July.

This years themes include: Star Wars: Jedi Knight Academy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, Tangled & Snow White, Horrible Histories, Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Part II, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift, Harry Potter: Wizard School, Narnia: Knights & Princesses, Shrek & Tinker Bell, Roald Dahl’s Matilda & BFG and Jedi & Time Lords. Check out their website for full listings and dates. £6 per child. Group discount of 10% for groups of 10+ Box office: 0131 2205911 www.spotlites.co.uk office@spotlites.co.uk

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Jo Jingles Gets Fit For the Olympics

Kipper Tie Theatre in Association with New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

– sing, shake along and boogie your way to a gold medal with Big Jo! Fun for the whole family in Jo’s latest musical extravaganza. Previous shows sold out so get your tickets quick from the Fringe Box Office.

Shows at Craiglockhart Parish Church at 9.30am and 10.45am on the 10th of August and at 10am, 11.15am and 1pm on the 11th of August. Suitable for all ages up to 5 years.

The Ugly Duckling A quacking good time! Fresh from a sell out UK tour

Byrnes and Fowler adapt Hans Christian Andersen's tale of the unhappy duckling who grows into a beautiful swan, and discovers that true beauty always lies within - told in the unique Kipper Tie style with lashings of catchy tunes, magical story telling and a whole heap of farmyard fun!

Inspired by the wonderful work of the National Deaf Children’s Society we have incorporated Sign Assisted English into the production as an intrinsic part of the physicality of the performance. Helen Keller said 'Blindness cuts us off from things but deafness cuts us off from people’. Kipper Tie’s The Ugly Duckling gently addresses, in a child-friendly way, this important issue of social inclusion/exclusion.

Suitable for the whole family. Theatre to enchant and delight all ages.

What the critics say: ‘Perfectly Pitched’ Guardian ‘Everything successful children’s theatre should be’ Sunday Herald ‘Kipper Tie clearly have bags of talent’ The Scotsman ‘Perfect children’s entertainment’ Ely Standard ***** Edinburgh Evening News ‘Other theatre companies take note…Kipper Tie have found the recipe for success.’ Fest 2011 C Venue 34 (Adam House, Chambers Street) 0845 260 1234. 1 – 27 Aug (not 14, 21) 10.00am (0hr50). Tickets £7.50 – £9.50

Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales Brand new show from award-winning Scamp Theatre (Stick Man).

Adapted from the bestselling books by Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler (creators of The Gruffalo). A magical collection of Julia Donaldson’s most popular titles including Tiddler, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze, brought to the stage spectacularly by the team that brought you Aesop’s Fables, Stick Man and Private Peaceful.

Under sea, over land, on the farm and in the jungle, these tales are woven together with music, songs, puppets and a delightful host of colourful characters.

“Wonderfully exuberant and imaginative (Stick Man) *****Time Out Critics Choice E4 UDDERBELLY, Bristo Square 2-27 Aug (not 9th) 11.15am. Underbelly.co.uk 0844 545 8252

CeilidhKids at the Fringe – FREE! Laughing Horse@ The Counting House, Venue 170, 38 West Nicolson Street 12.10 every day 2nd – 11th Aug for 45 minutes.

Scottish dancing for all the family! Aimed at families with 3-7 year olds, but all welcome; preschoolers will need an older partner. Jump, skip, clap and twirl to traditional Scottish music, with very simple child-friendly ceilidh dances. If you haven’t danced with CeilidhKids before, now is your chance - see you there!

Dr Bunhead's Blast Off! Rocket ride into space as TV scientist Dr Bunhead (Brainiac) unravels the science of space travel. Get as close to a live rocket blast-off without actually blowing up. Featuring: the first hamster into space, exploding brains, stunt bananas and loads more. Blow your mind, pop your eyeballs and poop your pants as Dr Bunhead joyrides through 100% pure, live, scary science for kids.

Bring your own ear-defenders and extra strong underpants - umbrellas advisable! "silly, crazy, dirty, dangerous and magnificent" DAILY TELEGRAPH "a pyrotechnic extravaganza" DAILY MAIL Assembly George Square. Tickets :0131 226 0000 Website: www.assemblyfestival.com

www.edfringe.com for full programme and booking information.

Keep checking our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk for reviews and ticket offers. If you go and see any of these shows we’d love to hear from you! Email us at fringe@familiesedinburgh.co.uk and we’ll share your reviews too!

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er m m u of S Make sure

Museums G lasgow are part of your summer!

Glasgow Museums venues are all across the city, including: The Burrell Collection Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) Glasgow Museums Resource Centre Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum People’s Palace Provand’s Lordship Riverside Museum The mini-museum at Scotland Street School Museum Kelvingrove is great St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art fun for younger kids!

To keep everyone entertained and inspired over the holidays, we’ve got a fantastic programme of activities and events, including a medieval summer school for ages 7+ at The Burrell Collection, GoMA Art Sessions for ages 3-11 and drop in craft activities for ages 5-12 at St Mungo Museum, plus much more.

Our museums also offer a great experience for kids of all ages through the permanent collection displays. At Kelvingrove, we have dinosaurs, an Egyptian mummy and Sir Roger the Elephant and friends, plus the mini-museum for the youngest ones, with all sorts of funny things to try out or try on!

At Riverside, there’s the locomotives, the trams, the Subway and Main Street, plus much more to explore. The displays have lots of interactive features to inspire young minds and if it’s a nice day, a trip on the Govan Ferry can be a great way to make a fun day out for all the family.

You can get up to date information on what’s on at any of our museums from our website – glasgowmuseums.com – where you can download our current What’s On brochure or check our searchable events database.

All of our museums can be easily reached by train, bus or subway – check out our website for details on all the transport options.

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Hostelling

- Affordable family fun

These days a family holiday is not a cheap option – and the bigger the family, the greater the cost. But hostelling offers families a way to have a holiday without blowing the budget.

With SYHA Hostelling Many families travel to Lochranza Youth Hostel by Scotland, affordable public transport accommodation doesn’t mean compromising on location. Our Youth Hostels are found in unbeatable places, whether you’re looking for a budget city break or a traditional bucket and spade holiday.

As well as being situated in some of Scotland’s most stunning locations, Youth Hostels are relaxed, welcoming and a lot of fun.

They offer great value and with the added bonus of self-catering facilities it’s easier to cope with faddy eaters and children with food allergies. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in preparing their meals too, often while making friends with other youngsters. But if you don’t want to cook for yourself many SYHA hostels offer a café or licensed restaurant.

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Insects, Snakes And Butterflies at Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World

Enter the tropical rainforest paradise and discover…

Rowardennan Youth Hostel

All Youth Hostels welcome children and many offer family rooms, most en suite, with a good range of facilities including laundry rooms, internet access and grounds for the kids to explore. Most have a games room and TV lounge where you can chill out after a busy day.

After visiting Lochranza Youth Hostel on the Isle of Arran, mum of twins Ellen says: “It’s great for those with young families. We have three-year-old twins and the facilities were just right. We had a private family room and there were games and videos in the communal room. Great location too, with a beach Children love visiting Tobermory … and and ruined castle in Mums and Dads will love the gorgeous bakwalking distance for little ers, tearoom and handmade chocolate shop. legs, as well as deerwatching. They loved it.”

SYHA’s top family locations include Tobermory on the isle of Mull, the setting of the kids TV show Balamory. Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel is in an idyllic setting, with Loch Lomond on the door step and Ben Lomond in the back garden. Set in the beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village, New Lanark Youth Hostel is New Lanark is a world heritage site with its very own close to the falls of Clyde and only cosy Youth Hostel, which offers so much for families to an hour away from Glasgow and see and do.

Edinburgh. Further north, Glenshee Ski Centre and the Lecht are both within range of Braemar Youth Hostel, and the hostel at Cairngorm Lodge is just two miles from the Cairngorm mountain railway.

Wherever you choose, hostelling offers affordable adventures, wonderful memories and experiences for life.

For details of all SYHA Youth Hostels visit: www.hostellingscotland.co.uk All SYHA Youth Hostels provide high quality, affordable accommodation with a friendly welcome for anyone travelling around our beautiful country.

Special offer for

Families Edinburgh readers

25% off your accommodation when you book a

two night stay before 31st August! This offer applies to stays taken 1 July – 31 December 2012.

Booking at www.hostellingscotland.com quoting SYHA/FAM

Terms and conditions: Dates above are inclusive. This offer does not include RentaHostel, private hire, catering or SYHA Affiliate Hostels. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Promotional code applies to new bookings only and is exclusive to Families Edinburgh readers.

Tropical Rainstorm: Experience what a tropical rainstorm is like 1st hand Fish Feeding Animal Handling: Join our experts and get the chance to handle tarantulas, snakes and millipedes PLUS many other fascinating daily occurrences such as: • Snake Feeding • Glowing Scorpion Display • Tropical Gardens As well as seeing all of these incredible creatures and having an unforgettable time, you'll also be helping to support the conservation of threatened species and habitats throughout the world. Take along the voucher on page 39 for £1.50 off the price of an adult ticket. Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk Jupiter Artland is an awardwinning contemporary sculpture garden, just outside Edinburgh.

Home to very special works by many leading artists and sculptors.

The cafe at Jupiter Artland is perhaps a work of art in it's own right a 1950's silver streak caravan serving fantastic artisan roast coffee and home baking, soups, gourmet salads, chef's specials, hearty open sandwiches and bruschettas, all food is home made and uses fresh seasonal produce only, also a small childrens menu.

Every Friday throughout the summer holidays Jupiter is offering drop in workshops. The two hour sessions will take their inspiration from the work of the Jupiter artists and will involve fun and inspiring outdoor activities. 10am to 12 noon or 1pm to 3pm £6.

Children's Guided Tour of Jupiter Artland Sunday 26th August Come and join this hunt for art - we will have a walk around and explore the amazing sculpture dotted around the woods and meadows of Jupiter Artland. Please book in at reception from 10am on the day this event is FREE with entrance ticket 1.30 - 3.30pm.

For aged 5 upwards. Check out their website for full event listings, as well as opening times and prices www.jupiterartland.org

J upiter Artland

happens to your waste?

KnowFindwhat out more about waste and composting at the family event at the Waste education cabin on Seafield Road on Monday 13 August.

Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.

Explore: • What happens to your waste • The amazing beasties that live in your compost heap • Fun arts and crafts you can make from recycled materials and much more.

Seafield Community Recycling Centre, Fillyside Road, Edinburgh

Love Dance?

The Big Dance

Bring your kids along to The Big Dance on Sat 30 Jun and Sun 1 July for a fantastic free day out, full of dance performances, tasters, a world record attempt and much, much, more. Dance schools from all over Edinburgh will showcase styles from ballet to flamenco, street dance to aerial on stages in Castle Street, St Andrews Square, and the Grassmarket. With events also taking place in Rose Street, the National Museum for Scotland, Dance Base and Harvey Nichols. There is something for everyone, so come along and be part of The Big Dance 2012!

Head to dancebase.co.uk/bigdance for more information

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M useum of Scotland

Summer at the National Museum of Scotland

Monday 2 July – Sunday 12 August 12:30 – 16:30 Their six-week programme features regular drop-in object handling, craft and science sessions as well as gallery safaris and trails. Join Mac-a-story for an Olympic Gamesthemed storytelling show and every Saturday take part in special guest events featuring the Japanese Star Festival, Big Top Glasgow traditional games, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Pathology activities, A Slice of Life gallery character encounters and Royal Observatory space activities. For more information visit www.nms.ac.uk Chambers Street, Edinburgh

N ational Mining Museum

Portrait Gallery Olympics Crazy atOnthe your marks, get set, go! Every day in August, the Portrait Gallery will be inviting children and families to go Olympics crazy!

Pick up your sporting passport, try your hand at our alternative Olympic events and go for gold!

From Mondays to Saturdays, choose your team captain from our line-up and compete to win a medal by taking part in a range of hands-on art events, including photography, print-making, claymodelling, puppet-making and animation.

Complete four events and you can declare yourself a champion!

On Sundays, join in with the Portrait Detectives’ special sporty investigations or experience a new sportstastic storytelling show by Macastory!

The fun kicks off on Sunday 29 July with Mischief La-Bas for THE Olympic opening ceremony of the year. Come dressed up if you like – not to be missed!

Scottish National Portait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD

of Holyroodhouse and P alace The Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh Behind the Ropes Palace tours.

At the National Mining Museum you see what life was like working in a cramped, dark and cold pit. Just be glad you weren’t born a couple of hundred years ago – in the 1800s children as young as five worked down the mines!

Here are just a few things you must do when you visit: • Squeeze through a tight, dark tunnel in A Race Apart Exhibition and find out if you would have made it as a miner!

• Experience “wash day”, back-breaking work for the wives of the miners • Build a bridge, find out about friction and learn about levers in the hands-on Operations Centre • Drive Scotland’s largest winding engine • Ask at reception for one of the “back packs” which contains lots of activities to help you make the most of your stay.

Special events through the summer: 29th July 11am-4pm Family Fun Day Bouncy Castle Sessions 2nd-8th July 10am-4pm Tipper Trucks Workshop 14th July 11.30-12.30 Robot Arm Workshop 21st July 11.30-12.30 Electric Buzzer Workshop 28th July 11.30-12.30 Wacky Racer Workshop 4th August 11.30-12.30 Wii Olympics Tournament 4th/5th August 10am-5pm Gear Driven Roadster Workshop 11th August 11.30-12.30 National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN 0131 663 7519

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Saturdays in July (14, 21, 28) 11:00 – 15:00.

Families have a chance to explore the Palace and step beyond the ropes to investigate amazing décor, furniture and replica objects up close with a member of the learning team

Storytelling at the Palace 4 & 5 August 11:00-12:00 or 13:00-14:00 Listen to tales about past Royal residents from our expert storyteller. Explore the Palace in the footsteps of characters like Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie and discover some of the myths, magic and facts about their lives Places are limited and pre-booking is advised – please call 0131 524 1000

The Victorians – Hands on history. Wednesdays in August (11, 18, 25) 10:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 15:00 From ink pots to candle stick holders! Families can explore some of our Victorian objects in this ‘hands on history’ drop-in session and discover what life was like for people who worked and lived at the Palace 150 years ago All family activities are free with standard admission to the Palace/Gallery or a valid 1 Year Pass. Adult: £10.75 / Over 60/Student (with valid ID): £9.80 / Under 17: £6.50 / Under 5: Free / Family (2 Adults and 3 under 17s): £28.60 1 YEAR PASS! Enjoy free re-admission for a year if you buy your tickets directly from us. Simply ask us to stamp your ticket on your first visit – a great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost! Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

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Quaint fisherman’s cottages

to chic barn conversions -

Coastal Retreats know a thing or two about family holidays.

Once the design - savvy directors of the company had had their own young children and struggled to find a kind of holiday accommodation that could keep them and their children all happy, they realised that there was a huge gap in the market for stylish and well thought-out self catering accommodation which not only allowed, but also embraced, children by catering to their holiday needs too – after all, if children are happy, so are the parents!

It started when they bought their own holiday home in the Northumberland coastalvillage of Beadnell, which they kitted out with dressing up boxes and toys right alongside the bespoke kitchen and designer fabrics! That was 15 years ago and the family’s children are still road testing gardens and interiors to make sure that the company stays on the right track to keep thousands of holidaying families happy time and time again.

Fully equipped kitchens, top notch bed linen and complimentary toiletries are standard and most of the cottages include complimentary guest membership to a private local leisure club, so rainy days can be covered too. Throughout the houses, junior guests are catered for with baby equipment available free on request, but many cottages having play equipment in the gardens, some with games rooms or dedicated children’s bedrooms.

The websites are designed to inform and not to fool. Lots of photography, floor plans and full HD video tours along will make holiday makers as familiar as possible with a property before they book and there’s even a ‘Candid Comments’ section to make guests aware of any potential shortcomings.

The company has carefully grown its portfolio of design-led boltholes along the Northumberland coastline and by popular demand has set up a sister collection, Country Retreats, to offer a similar holiday ethos in inland and rural locations from the Scottish borders down to North Yorkshire.

The collections range from chic barn conversions to quaint fisherman’s cottages and properties are graded with a child-friendly rating to enable families to make the right choice for their age of children and, of course, personal advice is always available by email or on the end of the phone.

So it only remains for you to pack your bucket and spade (some of our cottages even supply them!) and make an all-year round holiday choice that suits you…and your children. www.coastalretreats.co.uk

0191 285 1272

www.countryretreatsuk.com 0191 284 0134

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Challenge Reading Step into Story Lab, and you’re off on

an imaginative adventure that knows no bounds. The brainchild of Prof Cortex, the Story Lab’s on board computer, Story Lab is a five-sided hi-tech HQ that attracts stories from all over the world and sends them spinning throughout Edinburgh – and beyond! Here you can read, collect, share, create, transmit and broadcast stories.

Story Lab is this year's Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge in Scotland and celebrates the power of stories and the imagination. There are great books to read and stickers, a bookmark, a door hanger and a wristband to collect along the way.

If you read six books to complete all three stages of your challenge, you will be awarded a special medal and certificate.

Join in the fun at all Edinburgh City Libraries from Monday 25 June to Sunday 26 August and it's absolutely free to take part!

Libraries will be organising special Story Lab events and activities throughout the summer holidays. Follow Edinburgh’s Story Lab programme at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/storylab

Scottish Seabird Centre

©Rob McDougali

All day, every day embark on a Sea Quest! This is a trail around the Discovery Centre where you can select your own journey around the sea, helping creatures along the way. Your ultimate aim is to collect all the creatures and fill in a food web!

Professor Egghead’s Aqua Adventures is back by popular demand! On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 join the Professor who will help you uncover the most dangerous place to live in the ocean.

On Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays the Professor will host a game show with interactive voting pads - don’t miss Professor Egghead’s Seashore Showtime, 14:00.

There’s Scrambled Egghead on Fridays! Every week there will be a different activity from 14:00 including challenges, rock pooling and much more!

Don’t forget Mini Makers is on daily from 12:00 to 13:00 with arty antics and crafty fun!

All included with admission to the Discovery Centre. Adults £7.95 / children £4.95.

Family tickets available. www.seabird.org Facebook.com/ScottishSeabirdCentre Twitter @SeabirdCentre

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Treat yourself this summer …naturally Prepare for summer picnics, barbecues, holidays and days out with the help of Real Foods. Edinburgh's original health food shop stocks a wide range of organic, freefrom, raw and whole foods plus natural healthcare products for all the family. Here's their pick of summertime saviours for maximum family fun and no fuss.

Enjoy healthy summer food and drink Big dipper Raw Lisa makes the most moreish Tomato Breadsticks. Gluten-free and baked below 42 degrees for maximum nutritional value, these handy snacks are perfect picnic food.

Try with a fresh and tasty dip.

Fruit full Ella's Kitchen Organic Fruit Smoothies for kids are packed with goodness. A variety of blends are available. The Yellow One is perfect for summertime, with puréed banana, apple, mango, apricot and nothing else. Sold in a handy multi-pack of five, the smoothies are great for families on the go.

Barbecue bliss Tiptree Barbecue Sauce, a tasty blend of peppers, tomatoes and onions with honey and spices, is a welcome addition to any barbecue. Try it with tofu, tempeh or bean burgers for a vegetarian take on traditional barbecue fare.

A traditional treat With a twist! Old-fashioned lemonade, the classic taste of summertime, is mixed with pure pressed apple to make this refreshing juice by Cawston Press. Serve from a large pitcher with clinking ice cubes for a sight that will make everyone's mouth water after a day in the sun.

Keep these healthcare heroes to hand Sticky fingers A must-have for car journeys and outdoor eating, Earth Friendly Kids Gentle Wipes are a quick fix for sticky hands and faces. Their mild lotion with organic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free aloe vera makes the wipes ideal for young or sensitive skin. They are 100% biodegradable too, so kind to the environment.

Buzz off Bioforce Neem Insect Repellent helps keep mozzies, midges and flies at bay.

Suitable for the whole family, Indian neem oil is combined with uplifting bergamot, rosemary and eucalyptus to ward off pesky insects naturally.

Ray of sunshine Green People Organic Sun Care Lotion for Kids offers natural protection from UVA and UVB rays. Its non-greasy, water resistant formula is practical as well as effective, with SPF 25 and a host of antioxidants working to prevent cell damage. Moisturising, soothing, and free from artificial scent, parabens, lanolin and petrochemicals, this lotion is ideal for sensitive skin of all ages.

Visit Real Foods at 37 Broughton Street and 8 Brougham Street, Tollcross, or shop online at www.realfoods.co.uk

Uniform Some of your summer will undoubtedly be spent back to school shopping. Children aren’t always as careful as they might be with their shiny new school uniform. Things get lost or muddled with other children’s belongings. It’s a simple fact - you have more chance of re-uniting your child with their uniform if it’s got their name in/on it! www.labels4kids.com

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Egarés – an unavoidable trip into an imaginary world Voyageurs Saturday 30th June, 2.30pm Two characters, who meet by sheer chance on a deserted railway platform, unexpectedly discover a strange key. They now have a first class ticket for an unavoidable trip into another world; an imaginary place where everything is possible... Sometimes clowns, sometimes magicians and sometimes jugglers. One is rather crazy, the other rational, a bit melancholy but often humorous, the two men improvise and weave the fabric of a show which at the heart remains circus, fairground arts, the illusion of shadow theatre... and absurdity!

A completely visual show with no talking whatsoever - the artists create the comic escapades of their fantasy with consummate skill - to the delight of young and old - aboard a train, a boat, an aircraft, even a rocket ... So ‘all aboard’ for a trip with Voyageurs Egarés! Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX. 2.30pm • £15 adults, £12 conc, £5 child. Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk or our Box Office 0131 473 2000. Ages 5+. This is just one of the many amazing shows at the 3rd Edinburgh International Magic Festival! 29th June – 6th July

Wild Adventures

Daily from Saturday 30th June until Sunday 19th August Go wild in the great outdoors in a summer-long programme of activities recreating the lives of our prehistoric ancestors.

Every day, children and their families can all lend a hand in constructing a prehistoric encampment and learn skills essential for prehistoric living. There's a shelter and fences to be build, crops to plant, and livestock to tend. And between all of this hard work there's need to make fire, prepare food, make clothing and bedding, and even go hunting.

Nestled in a pleasant riverside site with woods and green spaces that extend for almost a mile, there's so much to do and see. The picturesque buildings and paddocks of Mill Farm are home to many friendly farm animals, including Highland cattle, rare breed sheep, goats, ponies, horses, and some very inquisitive ducks.

There's always something happening, with milking, feeding, talks and handling sessions throughout much of the year. Kids can let off steam and engage their imagination in a range of unique play facilities including a simulated archaeological dig, a play mine, toy tractors, pedal carts and trampolines. Even if the sun isn't shining there are indoor play areas for all ages, and secrets to be discovered in the museum. Almond Valley Heritage Trust, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 7AR. www.almondvalley.co.uk

the spot X marks Win a huntfun treasure hunt Not sure what to do with bored kids over the holidays? With 240 treasure hunts across the country, huntfun has a solution that the whole family will love. With clues, directions and a map, the hunts encourage families to explore a local area, unearthing hidden historical gems you might normally walk right past. And starting at just £4.99 plus postage, they are affordable fun for all ages. The hunts can also be personalised and make great birthday parties too.

To win one of three personalised huntfun treasure hunts valued at £24.99, answer the question: who is the founder of huntfun?

(Answer available on www.huntfun.co.uk).

Go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers to enter.

The

– THE place to play YardThe Yard is an adventure playground with a difference. Not only does it have a big bright indoor play area but it also has a purpose built outdoor playground where you can climb, hide, be with others or be on your own.

Over the summer holidays we are open to children and young people with additional support needs and their families 6 days a week from 10am to 3.30pm.

For children who love the outdoors, there is a huge sand play area, a water-pump and a stream, a sensory garden, go-karts, hand-operated bikes and trikes, a bed-swing, ball cone, and loads of tyres, cones, buckets, pipes and other things for building, digging, sliding and whizzing around.

Indoors there is a soft-play area for leaping and jumping, costumes of all shapes and sizes for dressing-up, a well-stocked art room where you can paint, draw, make models and props, a sensory room where you can just relax and have a moment of calm, and a separate room for babies and toddlers. There is also a fully equipped kitchen area for families to use.

During term time we are open on Friday afternoons and Saturdays to families and run a variety of evening and after-school clubs for pre-school children aged 3-8, young adults and teenagers.

Come and visit us soon www.theyardscotland.org.uk The Yard, 22 Eyre Place Lane, Edinburgh EH3 5EH, 0131 476 4506 Set in 82 acres of sloping parkland, the Zoo offers the chance to get close to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals, plus you can experience a busy programme of educational events and activities. There are several play areas, a fantastic gift shop, free hilltop safari rides and plenty of places to stop for a snack or lunch.

Enrichment Event, Saturday 14th July, Budongo Lecture Theatre Why not come along to Edinburgh Zoo and take part in our animal enrichment event. The Zoo is home to some famous animal faces, such as our male koala duo, Yabbra and Goonaroo, our troop of Chimpanzees, and our rhinos Bertus and Samir. Not forgetting our giant panda pair, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, as well as many more exciting and exotic animals.

On the 14th of July you’ll have the opportunity to take part in our fantastic enrichment event at Edinburgh Zoo. You will have the chance to have a go at making animal enrichment for some of our animals and learn all about enrichment and how it can benefit our animals and encourage natural behaviours. Even better still, you’ll get to see how the animals interact with your handmade enrichment objects during a series of displays around the park, later in the day.

Edinburgh Zoo’s exciting enrichment day event is free with Zoo admission. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS

Z is for Zoo!

All of this and more online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Twitter too!

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Next issue: Back to School Booking deadline: July 20th

Call 0131 622 0405 sales@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 33 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 73

& About

All these events and more can be found on All these events and more can be found on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk June 21 - 24th - The Royal Highland Show. For four days the country comes to the city to show what our countryside has to offer. Food, shopping, entertainment, demonstrations and the finest farmyard animals.

Tickets £25 with children under 16 go free.

Visit royalhighlandshow.org

29th June – 6th July 3rd Edinburgh International Magic Festival. Go to www.magicfest.co.uk for full programme of amazing shows for all ages.

Saturday 23 June Drop-in drawing Sessions with Ruby Tulloch. Visitor Assistant Ruby Tulloch will run drop in sessions during 1 pm – 2.30 pm in the galleries for families. City Arts Centre Saturday 23rd June Midsummer Picnic in the park.

Following on from last year’s very successful evening picnic at Jupiter this one is again on the nearest Saturday to midsummer’s eve. We will supply a picnic including pasta salad, summer fruits and wine. Please bring your own rug and chairs and choose your favorite spot in the Artland to enjoy your picnic. 6pm to 9pm - £25 a head. Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House steading, Nr Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB www.jupiterartland.org Sunday 24th June The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston, EH54 7EP www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Wednesday 27th June Herbal First Aid for the Holidays. 7–9.30pm. Real Foods Ltd, 37 Broughton Street.

Join medical herbalist Fiona Morris as she unlocks the secrets of everyday herbs, explains how to create a powerful herbal first aid kit for the holiday and shows you how to make (and take home) your own essential herbal remedies. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from our Broughton Street store or reserved by emailing ben@realfoods.co.uk Thursday 28 June New, Improved Duncan Place Nappuccinos. 10am - 11.30am, Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just off Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW Friday 29th June Magic and Variety Gala Show .

Edinburgh International Magic Festival returns for its third year starting with the spectacular Opening Gala at the Lyceum Theatre. Come see modern magicians and performers stretch YOUR imagination, working at the extreme end of visual theatre to offer you a unique and spellbinding experience impossible to find at any other theatre in Scotland. Magic is at its best when seen live on stage with your own eyes. Only then can you let yourself slip into a magical world and experience wonder. So be amazed, see things differently and ‘unbelieve it’ at the Magic and Variety Gala Show. 2.30pm (Preview) • All tickets £10 7pm • £20/£16 adults, £16/£12 conc, £10 child Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk or our Box Office 0131 473 2000 Ages 5+

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Daily from Saturday 30th June until Sunday 19th August Wild Adventures. Go wild in the great outdoors in a summer-long programme of activities recreating the lives of our prehistoric ancestors. Every day, children and their families can all lend a hand in constructing a prehistoric encampment and learn skills essential for prehistoric living.

There's a shelter and fences to be build, crops to plant, and livestock to tend. And between all of this hard work there's need to make fire, prepare food, make clothing and bedding, and even go hunting. Almond Valley Heritage Trust, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 7AR. www.almondvalley.co.uk 30 June-26 August Seaside Science – Summer Scrambled Egghead! Opening times, included with entry into the Discovery Centre. Daily activities with our favourite Professor Egghead! Join in a Sea Quest, take part in our game show, discover the most dangerous place to live in the ocean and get arty. Different activities on different days – check out our website for more info.

Mini Makers Weekends, 12:00-13:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Fun ‘make and do’ sessions for kids age 4 to 8.

All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for non- members, unless otherwise stated. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890202 Saturday 30 June Pirate’s Treasure Challenge. 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Ahoy there! Are you brave enough to attempt our treasure challenge in the Castle grounds? Using a secret pirate map, navigate the Pool of Doom and the Ghost of Pirates Past Forest, to find yourself a hidden mini treasure chest, then return to the glasshouse to decorate it using jewels, papers and paints. With Lauriston Castle staff. Lauriston Castle. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

Saturday 30th June Voyageurs Egarés – an unavoidable trip into an imaginary world Two characters, who meet by sheer chance on a deserted railway platform, unexpectedly discover a strange key. They now have a first class ticket for an unavoidable trip into another world; an imaginary place where everything is possible. Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX. 2.30pm • £15 adults, £12 conc, £5 child.

Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk or our Box Office 0131 473 2000 Ages 5+ Sat 30 June and Sunday 1 July Edinburgh’s Big Dance. A fantastic free day out, full of dance performances, tasters, a world record attempt and much, much, more.

Dance schools from all over Edinburgh will showcase styles from ballet to flamenco, street dance to aerial on stages in Castle Street, St Andrews Square, and the Grassmarket.

With events also taking place in Rose Street, the National Museum for Scotland, Dance Base and Harvey Nichols.

There is something for everyone, so come along and be part of The Big Dance 2012! Full programme available at www.dancebase.co.uk/bigdance Sat 30 June — Sun 1 July Dragonflies from Scratch.

1.00 pm — 4.00 pm. Spend time with Ruary MackenzieDodds, BBC Springwatch's 'Dragonfly Geek' and learn a few really useful tips - life-cycle, behaviour, identification - and learn what to watch out for in the dragonfly world when you are out and about this summer. With The Dragonfly Project.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. Free. 8+. No booking required

Sunday 1st July Dobbies Little Seedlings Club – Grow Your Own lunch box. Green fingered seedlings can find out how fun it is to grow your own windowsill salad and end up with armfuls of tasty pickings that you can add to your own lunchbox. For full details about Events at Dobbies Garden World Edinburgh or information about how to join the Little Seedlings Club please contact 0131 663 1941 or visit www.dobbies.com

& About

our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Sunday 1 July, 2-4pm Art Cart (Ages 4-12). Free dropin art activities for all the family led by artists Tessa AsquithLamb and Louise Fraser. Each month, there's something new to create inspired by different works from the collection or exhibitions. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery

Sunday 8 July Nonsense! 1pm & 3pm (1hr).1pm (5-7yrs).3pm (8+) £5/£3 per session. A fun-filled afternoon of poems, crafts and fun with storyteller Senga Munro, celebrating the bi-centennial of the poet Edward Lear. Fun for all the family. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR

2 July – 12 August Summer at the National Museum of Scotland. 12:30 – 16:30. Six-week programme features regular drop-in object handling, craft and science sessions as well as gallery safaris and trails. For more information visit www.nms.ac.uk. Chambers Street, Edinburgh

Sunday 8th July, 10am-1pm. Visit from Ice Age’s Scrat. We are delighted to announce that Edinburgh Zoo will receive a very special visitor on 8th July. Scrat, the prehistoric accident prone squirrel, from Ice Age will be joining us! He will be about around the park greeting visitors.

Be sure to pop along and say hello! Free with Zoo admission. Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS

Tuesday 3 July, Driftwood Treasure Box. either 10.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Make you very own little treasure box to keep summer memories. Made from wood and decorated with driftwood and shells. With artist Stephanie Walker.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Venue: Lauriston Castle 4 July Wild About Art. 12:00-14:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre. Join in the Wild About Art fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something amazing from recycled, scrap and natural material. All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for non- members, unless otherwise stated. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890202 Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 July Sparrowhawk Weekend.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, 1pm-4pm. All ages. Free.

Come and learn about these fascinating birds which live throughout Edinburgh. Find out how the RBGE sparrowhawk family is doing this year. Join in lots of fun activities for all the family.

©Alicia Bruce

Sunday 8 July, 2-4pm Portrait Detectives! (Ages 412). Become a Portrait Detective for the afternoon! Collect your kit, follow clues and help solve mysteries involving characters from Scottish history. Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

9 July Storytime 11:00-11:30, included with entry into the Discovery Centre. Snuggle down for stories by the sea for kids aged 2 to 5. All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for nonmembers, unless otherwise stated. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890202 Tuesday 10 July, Magical Fairy Dust Wings. 10.30 am - 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Discover the enchanted Victorian secrets of fairies in stories, and then create your own unique fairy wings made of natural willow and colourful papers. With Lauriston Castle staff. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. Venue: Lauriston Castle Tuesday 10 July Tiny Tales: Royal Tales. 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child. Who's been visiting the Queen down at Holyrood palace?! Find out with storyteller Sheila Kinninmonth. An opportunity for little ones aged 6 months to 2 years to get interactive with stories! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR Thursday 12 July Edinburgh Olympians. 11am (1hr) £6 per child 7-13yrs. Inspired by both Ancient Greek and modern day athletes, compete in events like the hippodrome chariot races, horse jumping and Torch relay races! Underpinning the Olympic ethos; its motto, creed and movement, Edinburgh Olympians includes a peppering of Olympic anecdotes and facts, literacy skills and refers to social attitudes and sportsmanship themes. Not that the children will notice - they will be too busy having fun! A 'Words and Action' event: www.wordsandaction.co.uk.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR

Saturday 14 July Garden pots and seed bombs.

Taking inspiration from the new gardens you will paint your own pots and learn how to make seed bombs! 10.30pm 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Free. With Morag Macdonald. Suitable for ages 5+. Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh. Advance booking is essential.

For further information and to book, contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963/2 or 529 5212.

Saturday 14 July Behind the Ropes Palace tours (also 21st and 18th) 11:00 – 15:00. Families have a chance to explore the Palace and step beyond the ropes to investigate amazing décor, furniture and replica objects up close with a member of the learning team. All family activities are free with standard admission to the Palace/Gallery or a valid 1 Year Pass. Adult: £10.75 / Over 60/Student (with valid ID): £9.80 / Under 17: £6.50 / Under 5: Free / Family (2 Adults and 3 under 17s): £28.60 Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Saturday 14th July, Enrichment Event, Budongo Lecture Theatre. Come along to Edinburgh Zoo on 14th July and take part in our fantastic enrichment event! See how our animals interact with the enrichment you have made during a series of displays around the park later in the day. Free with Zoo admission, please check our website for event times www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/whatson/ Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS Saturday 14th July, Craft & Gift Markets 10.00 – 4.00 pm. £1 entry which includes entry to raffle and the first 50 people through the door will receive am eco-friendly bag.

Come and meet the carefully selected stall holders and pursue the wears of some of Scotland’s finest crafters.

Market Tree Events at Café Camino, Little King Street (behind John Lewis), Edinburgh, EH1 3JR for more information please check out www.MarketTreeEvents.com

©Louise Fraser

Thursday 12 July and Thursday 26 July RBGE Show and Tell. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Atrium, John Hope Gateway. 1.30pm -3.30pm. Ages 8+. Free. Dropin to find out more about the work of the Garden’s scientific and horticultural staff.

Sunday 15 July, 2-4pm Bags of Art (Ages 4-12) Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks.

Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

13 July Design and make a crest using air dry clay.

10.30am - 12.30pm. Free. What best describes your family? Put it in a crest. Drop in session with our Visitor Assistants Linzi Bootman and Ruby Tulloch.

Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh

Sunday 15 July Talking Trees Storytelling. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, 2pm-3.30pm. Ages 5+. Free Let the Talking Trees storytellers transport you to another place with their stories from around the world. Free

Behind the Ropes Palace Tours Saturdays in July (14, 21, 28) 11:00–15:00 A chance to explore the Palace and step beyond the ropes

Storytelling at the Palace 4 & 5 August 11:00-12:00 or 13:00-14:00 Discover the Palace in the company of an expert storyteller!

Places are limited and pre-booking is advised – please call 0131 524 1000

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All these events and more can be found on All these events and more can be found on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Sunday 15th July The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 60 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs).

Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 15 July Storytelling with Alastair McIver Storyship | 1pm (6+) £5/£3. A Storyship is a magical ship made of pure imagination that can take you all over the world without ever leaving the room. All aboard the Storyship to explore the stories of the world! Story-building | 3pm (All Ages). Story-building for all ages! An opportunity for children and adults alike to use a variety of story-building techniques to create brand new stories.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR Monday 16 July Jungle Junk Jewellery either 10.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Dazzle your friends with colourful fun accessories. From elephant pendants to exotic bird key rings. Recycled materials used, so friendly to the earth. With artist Stephanie Walker. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. Venue: Lauriston Castle Tuesday 17 July Sunny Summer Scenes 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Make your very own special plaster-cast picture inspired by summer at Lauriston. After fun and games in the grounds return to the Glasshouse Studio to make a mould for a special keepsake from clay, press daisies, grasses and other natural materials found in the grounds. With Lauriston Castle staff. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk . Venue: Lauriston Castle

Tuesday 17 July Tiny Tales: The Mini-Beastie Maloo 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £6 per child. Come and join the mini-beastie maloo with storyteller Maria Cairnie! An opportunity for little ones aged 6 months to 2 years to get interactive with stories! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR Wednesday 18 July More than mashed potato Potato printing at its best! 10.30am - 12.30pm. Free. Make a potato stencil of your favourite animal, car or flower and use it to decorate your postcard to send to a friend. Take inspiration from the objects in the museum. Drop in sessions with our Visitor Assistants Linzi Bootman and Ruby Tulloch.

Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh

Sat 21 - Sun 22 July 2012 Nature's Nests Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, 1pm-4pm. Free. If you lived in a nest what would it feel like? This creative workshop, inspired by the exhibition 'Locating the Nest', will let you find out by making your very own nest.

Saturday 21 July, Mrs Doig's City of Genius 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm (30 mins) (Ages 4-12). Hear all the Enlightenment gossip from Georgian housewife Mrs Doig.

Supported by Edinburgh World Heritage. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Thursday 19 July The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling 11am (1hr) £5/£3 All Ages. We're off to the enchanted forest where we’ll meet Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a fox, some birds and a bug! Come and enjoy some magical, multi-sensory stories and games for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. Lots of fun for everyone with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane!

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR 21 July RSPB – Sparrowhawk Talk, 19:30-20:30, tickets free but must be reserved in advance at 01620 890202. Come and learn about these fascinating birds which live throughout Edinburgh and find out how the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh sparrowhawk family have done this year. Watch the sparrowhawks progress live on camera at the Scottish Seabird Centre throughout the summer. All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for non- members, unless otherwise stated. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890202

©Andy McGregor

Sunday 22 July, Meet the Ancestors 2pm & 3pm (45 mins) (Ages 4-12). Meet members of Alan Brecks Volunteer Regiment - find out why they fought on the side of the Jacobites and what life was really like for a soldier during the 1745 rebellion. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Lothian Dance Academy 2 Rosefield Ave Lane, Portobello EH15 1AX

and also Gracemount Leisure Centre

Principal: Miss M.Phillips Diploma:Royal Academy of Dance Pre-school Ballet & Tap Modern Jazz & Tap Boogie Kids Streetdance/Hip Hop Musical Theatre Song & Dance RAD Ballet Grades to Advanced

2YRS - ADULT

Sprung floors, Ballet Barres & Mirrors NEW TERM ENROLLING NOW Tel: 0131 669 9073 or Email

contact@lothiandance.com 36 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 73

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our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Tuesday 24 July Tiny Tales: Animal Antics. 10am & 11.30am (40mins). Can Giraffes dance?! Come along and find out from acclaimed storyteller Anne Pitcher, along with many other tales of animal antics. An opportunity for little ones aged 6 months to 2 years to get interactive with stories! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR

21 & 22 July Big Tent Festival. Scotland’s leading environmental and music festival with top music acts, kids’ performers, great food and environmental workshops and demonstrations all set to make the event one of Scotland’s best value festivals of the year.

For more information on our family friendly ticket prices visit our website: www.bigtentfestival.co.uk Monday 23 July Castles, Knights and Dragons. 10.30 am– 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child. Go back to the Knights of old to create your personal Coat-of-Arms, sword, shield and helmet, ready to take on any dragon! With Lauriston Castle staff.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Venue: Lauriston Castle Tuesday 24 July Nature’s Orchestra either 10.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm. £4 per adult/child.

Recreate the soothing sounds of Lauriston woodland by making your own wooden wind chime. Some use of tools.

Suitable for age 8 plus. With artist Stephanie Walker.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk .

Venue: Lauriston Castle

Sunday 29th July The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston, EH54 7EP www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Saturday 28 July Come and Meet the Illustrators.

2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm (Ages 5+). A chance to meet in person, the children's illustrators represented in the exhibition Take Five Illustrators. Hear some stories, do some drawing or play some games. You can even get your book signed. 28 July (Cate James); 25 August (Barroux). Clore Education Centre, National Gallery Complex Saturday 28 July 7pm Quantum Theatre: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. In The Lodge Gardens, North Berwick. Tickets £9 (£6). With live music and all your favourite characters, Quantum Theatre’s delightful new outdoor production promises a magical and enchanting experience for young and old alike. Please bring low backed chairs / rugs if you wish, and dress for the weather. Book now! 0131 665 2240 or www.bruntontheatre.co.uk Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 July Green Crags Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh . Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, 1pm-4pm. Free.

Edinburgh's crags and rocky places are home to some special plants. Come and discover the rock whitebeam and sticky catchfly, and other botanical delights, with games and activities.

28th & 29th July Gillespie Macandrew Hopetoun Horse Trials. For lovers of horses, shopping, children's' entertainment and food. Advance tickets £10 / £15 on the day children under 14 go free www.hopetoun.co.uk/Horse-Trials.html

Every weekend from 28th July – 12th August between 11am and 2pm Dobbies Garden Grow-How, Gardening with Children. Gardening is one of the best activities you can do with your children, whatever their age.

Come along to find out some fun projects to keep your children entertained over the school holidays. For full details about Events at Dobbies Garden World Edinburgh or information about how to join the Little Seedlings Club please contact 0131 663 1941 or visit www.dobbies.com 29th July Family Fun Day 11am-4pm National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN 0131 663 7519

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All these events and more can be found on All these events and more can be found on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Wednesday 1 August Chinking chimes Make a themed wind chime out of wooden shapes or lovely beads.10.30am - 12.30pm. Free Sail your ships in the sky with a beautiful sailboat wind chime that you design, or make rainbows with colourful beads that dance in the light. Be inspired by the shapes in the museum. Drop in session with our Visitor Assistants Linzi Bootman and Ruby Tulloch. Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh 3 – 27 August Edinburgh Festival Fringe Full listings at www.edfringe.com

©Andy McGregor

Sunday 29 July, 2-4pm Portrait Gallery Olympics Opening Ceremony with Mischief La-Bas (All ages).

Join our alternative Portrait Gallery Olympic Team for THE Olympic opening ceremony of the year! Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD 30 July-31 Aug: 2-4.30pm Portrait Gallery Olympics (Ages 4-12). On your marks . . . pick up your sporting passport. Get set . . . try your hand at our alternative Olympic events. Go . . . compete to win a gold medal! Every day in August, the Portrait Gallery will be inviting children and families to go Olympics crazy! From Mondays to Saturdays, choose your team captain from our line-up and compete to win a medal by taking part in a range of hands-on art events, including photography, print-making, clay-modelling, puppet-making and animation. Complete four events and you can declare yourself a champion! Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Wednesday 1 August Furry Foxes and Fluffy Rabbits.

10.30 am -12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child Create wonderful animal hand and finger puppets, taking inspiration from Lauriston’s wild residents, using felt, pompoms and other materials to make something truly unique.

With Lauriston Castle staff.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Venue: Lauriston Castle 1 August, Wild About Art. 12:00-14:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre. Join in the Wild About Art fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something amazing from recycled, scrap and natural material. All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for non- members, unless otherwise stated. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890202

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Friday 3rd August,“Lost at the Zoo” activities 11am-3pm. We are delighted to announce that we will be joined by Gill Arbuthnott, author of the fantastic children’s book “Lost at the Zoo” and illustrator Joanne Nethercott. Gill will be performing readings of her book and Joanne will be hosting some fun arts and crafts activities based on her illustrations. Free with Zoo admission. Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS 4 & 5 August Storytelling at the Palace 11:00-12:00 or 13:00-14:00. Listen to tales about past Royal residents from our expert storyteller. Explore the Palace in the footsteps of characters like Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie and discover some of the myths, magic and facts about their lives. Places are limited and pre-booking is advised – please call 0131 524 1000. All family activities are free with standard admission to the Palace/Gallery or a valid 1 Year Pass.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Sunday 5th August Dobbies Little Seedlings Club – Butterflies, Bees & Bugs. Come along to find out the importance of attracting butterflies, bees and bugs to your garden all year round. Children will go on a scent trail throughout Dobbies and make lavender bags to take away.

For full details about Events at Dobbies Garden World Edinburgh or information about how to join the Little Seedlings Club please contact 0131 663 1941 or visit www.dobbies.com

Sunday 5 August PG Olympics Special Events - Meet the Ancestors 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm (30 mins). (Ages 4-12). Join storytellers Macastory for madcap sporting tales, songs and fun inspired by our Playing for Scotland exhibition!

Scottish National Portrait Gallery Sunday 5 August Pirate Ship Bunting 10.30 am -12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child Ahoy there! Are you brave enough to attempt our Treasure challenge in the castle grounds? Using a secret pirate map, navigate the Pool of Doom and the Ghost of Pirates Past Forest! With Lauriston Castle staff.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Venue: Lauriston Castle Tuesday 7 August Fun with Felt 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. £4 per adult/child Enjoy a summer’s day at Lauriston creating felt flowers, birds and bees from beautifully coloured merino wool. With LauristonCastle staff.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Venue: Lauriston Castle Thursday 9 August & Thursday 23 August RBGE Show and Tell. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Atrium, John Hope Gateway. 1.30pm – 3pm. Ages 8+.

Free. Drop-in to find out more about the work of the Garden’s scientific and horticultural staff.

Wednesday 11 August The Victorians – Hands on history (and 18th and 25th) 10:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 15:00. From ink pots to candle stick holders! Families can explore some of our Victorian objects in this ‘hands on history’ drop-in session and discover what life was like for people who worked and lived at the Palace 150 years ago.

All family activities are free with standard admission to the Palace/Gallery or a valid 1 Year Pass. Adult: £10.75 / Over 60/Student (with valid ID): £9.80 / Under 17: £6.50 / Under 5: Free / Family (2 Adults and 3 under 17s): £28.60. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Saturday 11 August Snails and puppy dog tails. At this workshop you will make a length of French knitting and use it (and other pieces of fibre) to create a hedgehog, a dog, a snail. 10.30am - 12.30pm Be inspired by the animal images in the museum. Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh 11 – 27 August Edinburgh International Book Festival. The largest public celebration of the written word in the world. www.edbookfest.co.uk Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 August Festival Colombiano.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, 1pm-4pm. All ages. Free. A mini festival of Colombian delights to celebrate the plants and culture of Colombia! Share the important work that RBGE are doing there and enjoy a fantastic range of free activities including dance, music, food and children’s activities.

& About

our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 18 August My Village Help build a model village. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm Free. The museum has some beautiful old plans showing different designs for Edinburgh's New Town. If you were to design a village, what buildings would you want in it and what would they look like? It's not just houses we need what else might you like in your village? A park, a swimming pool, a school or a library? Come along and make something to add to our model. Drop in session with our Visitor Assistants Linzi Bootman and Ruby Tulloch.

Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh Sunday 19th August The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 60 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Sunday 12 August 2 - 4pm Portrait Gallery Olympics Special Events - Portrait Detectives (Ages 4-12). Join Detectives Raeburn and Rothko as they limber up for some special sporty investigations! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Sunday 12 August The Last Day of Summer 10.30 am – 12.30 pm £4 per adult/child Decorate your own Kitbags & Pencil Cases. Make going back to school fun, decorate your own unique pencil case and kitbag to take back to school and be the envy of all your classmates. With Lauriston Castle staff. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131-529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Venue: Lauriston Castle

August 19th Tour de Forth. The family ride launches from Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal from between 10.30-12.30 am. This 22 mile circular route will take participants from Ocean Terminal out to the beautiful Craigies Farm where they will stop off to enjoy the surroundings and some family orientated entertainment. They will then head back, at their leisure, round through South Queensferry where there is a refreshment stop which will provide water and refreshments, strawberries and cream and a photo opportunity. The family ride costs £12 per adult and £8 per child to enter, and we would hope for participants to fundraise or pledge around £1 per mile for Edinburgh’s international aid charity- Mercy Corps. There will be goodies for every rider and fundraising prizes to be won.

For more information and to sign up go to www.tourdeforth.com.

Monday 13 August Waste Education Family Event.

Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.

Explore: What happens to your waste. The amazing beasties that live in your compost heap. Fun arts and crafts you can make from recycled materials and much more. Seafield Community Recycling Centre, Fillyside Road, Edinburgh

Sunday 19 August, 2-4pm Portrait Gallery Olympics Special Events - Portrait Detectives (Ages 4-12) Join Detectives Raeburn and Rothko as they limber up for some special sporty investigations! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Saturday 25 August Come and Meet the Illustrators 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm (Ages 5+) A chance to meet in person, the children's illustrators represented in the exhibition Take Five Illustrators. Hear some stories, do some drawing or play some games. You can even get your book signed. 30 June (Alice Melvin); 28 July (Cate James); 25 August (Barroux). Clore Education Centre, National Gallery Complex Sunday 26 August Portrait Gallery Olympics Special Events - Meet the Ancestors (Ages 4-12) 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm (30 mins). Join storytellers Macastory for madcap sporting tales, songs and fun inspired by our Playing for Scotland exhibition! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 August A Treasured Paradise.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, 1pm-4pm. Ages 5+. Free Working with an Iranian Artist you will create a piece of visual art that captures a piece of paradise inspired by South-West Asian landscapes. The work then transforms into a small scented treasure box.

Sunday 26th August The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearlynew baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston, EH54 7EP www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Mon 13 August, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm Illustrated Storytelling with James Mayhew (Ages 5+) James Mayhew, author and illustrator of the Katie books, returns once again to enthral both children and adults alike with his ability to tell a tale whilst drawing upside down.

Scottish National Gallery 15 August Wild About Art. 12:00-14:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre. Join in the Wild About Art fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something amazing from recycled, scrap and natural material. All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for non- members, unless otherwise stated. Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. 01620 890202

Sunday 19 August Castle Dreams 10.30 - 12.30 £4 per adult/child. Imagine that Lauriston Castle was yours. What would you fill it with, hidden doors, secret rooms, stairs that lead nowhere? Enjoy a special tour of the castle to discover the secrets that lie within. Sketch ideas in a special book to use as inspiration for your own castle design made using card, special papers and paints. With Lauriston Castle staff.

To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Venue: Lauriston Castle

Sunday 26 August Woodland Cushions. 11 am – 3 pm £6 per adult/child. Make a stunning cushion inspired by the creatures that live in our ancient woodland. With Margaret Findlay. To secure your place, call Margaret Findlay on 0131529-3963 or margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Venue: Lauriston Castle

Sunday 19 August Talking Trees Storytelling Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh , Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, 2pm-3.30pm. Ages 5+.

Free. Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world.

Friday 31st August Blue Moon Picnic To celebrate the Blue Moon this year and the opening of Tania Kovats "Rivers" we invite you to a Blue Moon picnic.

We will supply the picnic, all you need is your own rug or chair. Spend your evening by the pond surrounded by the new planting. 6pm - 9pm £25. Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House steading, Nr Wilkieston Edinburgh, EH27 8BB www.jupiterartland.org/

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