Families Edinburgh July/August 2013

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ISSUE 79 July/August 2013

Progressive multi-sensory fun approach Beginners to advanced Mother & Toddler Holiday Clubs

Contact 0131 510 7101

www.mandco.com

www.spanishamigos.co.uk kirsty@spanishamigos.co.uk

Summer Programmes Available

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

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What’s inside...

3–5 6–7 8 9 10 11 12 – 15 16 – 21 22 – 32 33 – 39

News and Views Organising Your Summer Summer Away From The Screen Parent to Parent Travel Tips 10 New Skills to Learn in the Holidays Summer Days Out Summer Camps Fringe For Kids Out and About

Contact Editor: Sarah Adair editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405 Keep up to date online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Find us on Facebook Designer: kennydickson7@gmail.com

Next issue - September/October Back to School Clubs and Classes School News Booking deadline July 26th Call Now! 0131 622 0405

news and

views

Bridge 8 Hub

Bridge 8 Hub offers waterside and canal based outdoor activities. They want to engage participants in new experiences by exploring Edinburgh’s amazing waterways, cycle paths and hills and allow everyone to “Get Outdoors!”.

Their fundamental principle is that anyone wishing to access the outdoors should have the opportunity to do so.

As well as offering summer activities for kids including archery, canoeing, kaying, mountain biking and raft building (to name a few!) they are also offer the opportunity for families to enjoy activities together.

Family activities days are perfect way to give parent/s the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with their children, taking them away from the distractions of modern life and allowing them the time to reconnect and get outdoors. And it’s on your door step!! Bridge 8 Hub is a social enterprise and is currently in the process of developing Edinburgh’s first purpose built canal based outdoor activity hub occupying 4.6 acres in collaboration with Scottish Canals. Situated along the Union Canal at Calders Crescent, South West Edinburgh. www.bridge8hub.co.uk

A Performance of a Lifetime

Jack & Jill Market

Stagecoach Theatre Arts school in Edinburgh is delighted to welcome new principal, Tina Strong. Having been a franchisee for the last four years for Stagecoach schools in and

The Jack & Jill Market is Scotland’s quality nearly new Baby & Kids Market offering local families the opportunity to save and make money, buying and selling gently used gear for 0-9 year olds. Ever increasing in popularity, The Jack & Jill Markets are made up of a Large Items Gallery, where shoppers can easily select from the range of cots, car seats, buggies, bikes and high chairs and between 40 and 60 stalls. These are manned by parents delighted to pass their kids much loved clothes, books and toys on to good homes. And they are even more delighted to count their takings at the end of the day. Some savvy stallholders have made up to £800!

The team are in Heriot-Watt and Meadowbank Stadium on a Monthly basis. Greener guilt free shopping, what could be better?

To find out more about being a savvy seller or a smart money shopper visit the website www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk or find them on facebook.

All markets run from 10.30-1.30, Admission £1 per adult

On the Cover

M&Co

www.mandco.com

around London, Tina is very excited to be coming back home to Edinburgh and taking over the Stagecoach Edinburgh mantle. A firm believer in the important role the arts can play in helping children develop confidence and communication skills, Tina is keen to bring her passion for creating fun, energetic and stimulating environments for dance, drama and singing classes.

Children of all ages and backgrounds have always been drawn to the performing arts, and with good reason: acting, singing and dancing is fun. But what’s sometimes overlooked are the educational and developmental benefits that these activities can bring to young people; increased confidence, better communication and a strong sense of discipline and commitment.

Stagecoach offers a platform to help develop skills in drama, dance and singing. As principal, Tina has had a lot of experience getting children auditions in the West End and has had children in the Lion King Cub School as well as gaining lead roles in the National tour of Oliver and the Sound of Music.

For further information on how Stagecoach Edinburgh can help nurture your child's potential, please contact the principal Tina Strong, on 0131 610 0636 or visit the website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh

Concerned about you child not sleeping?

Friendly free advice and guidance from a qualified sleep counsellor for children from 1 to 16.

Contact Michael on 0131 226 5458 or email madair@epilepsyscotland.org.uk Advice and workshops on managing childhood behaviour also available.

The Osteopathic Practice • Unsettled colicky babies, flat head syndrome • Growing pains, asthma, glue ear, autism • Sports injuries, stiff back and neck pain

Tom Kelman, BSc (Hons) Ost, DPO Registered Cranial and Paediatric Osteopath

1 Wester Coates Avenue, Edinburgh EH12

0131 346 0134 Natural relief from pain and discomfort

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news and

views

Water Babies in Scotland are celebrating 10 years of swimming and are now teaching over 2000 babies per week, 7 days a week in over 25 venues.

In that time they have raised over £750,000 nationally and £23,000 locally for Tommy’s the baby charity as well as being awarded 6 national awards, saving 10 babies’ lives and training hundreds of the country’s most highly qualified baby swimming teachers.

And in this special anniversary year, they will once again be asking all their mini swimmers to take part in Tommy’s sponsored Splashathon to try to raise even more than last time and take the Water Babies’ UK total raised for Tommy’s over the £1million mark! The Splashathon activities will take place in every Water Babies class with babies and children from 1 month to 8 years’ old splashing for cash.

The next Water Babies term will begin in midAugust so if you’d like to be part of the next 10 years of splashing, call them on 0131 554 6682 or send them an email to woggle@waterbabies.co.uk

Mikes Military Mayhem Mikes Military Mayhem is a fun packed outdoor activity party for everyone from age 6 to 60! Have a blast on the obstacle course, work in teams to ward off the enemy, carry out a secret mission all with limitless water, mud and FUN. Each party or group booking is tailored to suit the age and ability of recruits. Encouragement is limitless and everyone leaves as a hero. We provide invitation/camouflage face paint/a certificate for every recruit/birthday card/juice and an energy snack. All activities are under strict adult supervision.

Mikes Military Mayhem is run by Mike & Jane Oliver and their two children. Mike is an ex Royal Engineer and fitness manager. Jane runs her own business Brightbrain-Scotland helping children and adults overcome learning difficulties. MMM is only 50 minutes from central Edinburgh in the beautiful Scottish Borders.

W: www.mikesmilitarymayhem.co.uk E: mikesmilitarymayhem@hotmail.co.uk M: 07810562543

New Parent, Baby and Toddler Groups You and your little ones are invited to come along and join us at these relaxed, informal groups to enjoy the company of other parents, babies and toddlers in a friendly environment with time for informal chat - and of course tea, coffee and cake for the grownups!

Each session will finish with a sing-along and story time for the little ones. The cost to dropin is £5 which helps to cover the cost of the room and refreshments.

Parents & Baby Group all parents with babies from birth to 1 year Tuesday mornings from 11:15 -12:15 Parents & Toddler Group all parents with children from 1 - 3 years Tuesday mornings from 10:00 -11:00 The groups are facilitated by Anne Young who has many years’ experience working with mums, dads and little ones.

As well as being a mum herself she regularly runs baby massage classes and BabyCalm & ToddlerCalm classes and workshops in Edinburgh. For further information please contact Anne 07811 073 202 or The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, 25 Palmerston Place 0131 625 0700

Dance Base

Knotstressed Parent and Baby Classes are now running in Cramond!

Frances from KnotStressed Therapies is offering these fun, stimulating activity sessions on Fridays at Cramond Kirk Hall from Friday 5th July.

From 10-11am each week will be our Baby Signing with Happy Ears course. Baby Signing is a fabulous way to communicate with your little one before they can talk.

From 11.30-12.30 each week will be our Relax and Sing Baby Massage and Yoga course for parents and their wee ones. This is a powerful combination of baby massage, baby yoga, sensory stimulation, acupressure, relaxation and singing and is a really joyful way to spent time. Frances says, “Babies are sociable, fun loving, conscious beings and so we developed these lovely sociable groups to offer a wonderful bonding experience for parents and babies.”

KnotStressed also offer these courses at the Calton Centre, 121 Montgomery Street, Edinburgh on Wednesday mornings. For more information, please contact KnotStressed on: relax@knotstressed.com, 07717 783 230 or visit: www.knotstressed.com

Spanish Tuition Clubs The best way to learn a language is to immerse ourselves in it. Introduce your child to the fun of learning Spanish with two native speakers creating a dynamic and vibrant learning environment. Build vocabulary, listening skills and understanding through games, music and art activities.

5-8 year olds Wednesdays 3.45-4.45pm 9-12 year olds Thursdays 4.30-5.30pm To book call: 0131 446 0777 Edinburgh Montessori Arts School One-to-one and pairs lessons available by arrangement.

Cosy Cottage Nursery School

Autumn Term Booking Now Open! Bookings are now open for a whole range of fantastic autumn term dance courses at Dance Bace. Whether your child fancies learning some super cool street moves or whether you fancy doing one of the many adult courses, there is something for everyone from wee babies to 60+! From Ballroom, Salsa, Tango and Le Roc to Contemporary, Yoga, Pilates, Jazz, Hip hop, Breakdance, Ceilidh, Highland and Belly dance there’s plenty to choose from. Classes are available at our Grassmarket Studio. Check out the website at dancebase.co.uk, call 0131 255 5525 or pop into Dance Base, 14-16 Grassmarket for more information. We look forward to dancing with you soon!

Cosy Cottage Nursery School will be opening its doors for the time in August 2013!

It will have a homely and nurturing environment where children are supported by caring and dedicated staff, additionally they will have an experienced and qualified teacher working with ALL of the children. They ensure to provide the best resources to help stimulate and engage children. The fees are all inclusive and offer lots of benefits to the little ones. The nursery also benefits from a large outdoor area for children to enjoy. Cosy Cottage Nursery School prides itself on an open-door policy where parents will feel confident that there children are having fun and reaching developmental milestones.

Keep an eye on the website to find out about open days! www.cosycottagenurseryschool.co.uk/

Turtle Tots

HOST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Turtle Tots baby and toddler swimming classes are nearing the end of their first fantastic year in Edinburgh, having taught over 200 babies some of the amazing Turtle Tots swimming programme. Mums and Dads have had a fantastic time splashing about with their wee ones teaching them water safety skills and water confidence, through fun activities, songs and games. There have been extra classes added at the end of the summer term in July to keep the babies swimming away happily, and after the summer holidays the Turtle Tots team are already looking forward to welcoming everyone to new classes at four venues across the city in late August/Early September. For more information on new classes visit www.turtletots.com, or email or call Karina on Edinburgh@turtletots.com or 07964840049.

Regent Scotland, a boutique English language school in Edinburgh, is seeking new families to host international students over the summer.

Hosting students is a wonderful opportunity to engage with people from all over the world and be introduced to a different culture in an entirely authentic way. To host students all you need is at least one unoccupied bedroom and to live within a 30 minute bus ride from the city centre. Host families cook dinner for the student and use this time to get to know them. This is also a great opportunity for the student to practise his or her English! Regent Scotland offers competitive rates of pay and a full time Accommodation Officer to support you.

If this is something you might be interested in please contact Regent Scotland for more information on: 0131 225 9888 or scotland@regent.org.uk.

Have a Happy Birthday with Tumble Tots!

We'll take the stress out of your child's party and give them a fantastic day they'll never forget! We provide a wonderful circuit of amazing and unique climbing, balancing and tumbling equipment and activities, all fully run and supervised by us. This is followed by parachute games and activities. We've had great feedback about our birthday parties and also can do entertaining for other events like playgroup parties, fun days and even children's entertainment for weddings! To book or for more information please contact April on 0131 336 1234.

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Helen O’Grady

Salt Therapy could be the natural answer to your child’s woes.

In these days of social networking, texts and emails, children and young people are more likely to connect with each other electronically. Helen O’Grady drama classes help students enjoy the ability to communicate verbally.

Encouraging them to have something to say, and ensuring they can put their case over effectively can only lead to increased self esteem. In the competitive world we live in, it is vital children have the confidence to present themselves well and become valuable members of the community. Students can attend our classes from starting school and continue until leaving school, they will gain a sound foundation for life.

Our well thought out, structured drama programme allows each student to be involved in something positive and successful. The varied curriculum, which includes speech, movement, script work, improvisations and theatre productions, is constantly revised and updated. Classes are great fun and non-competitive ensuring each child is a ‘star’. With the older age groups, drama allows students to express their own ideas and share these with their peers. To gain further information about our unique programme or to book a FREE TRIAL call: 0131 667 0939. Please note that due to popular demand we are opening a Saturday class in Edinburgh. Email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk

If something could help boost your child’s immune system, strengthen their resistance and increase their energy levels, all 100% natural and drug free, would you think “too good to be true”? Well, it really is true and it’s called Salt Therapy. “ When I first read about the Salt Cave it all made sense. Still, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the minute you walk in the door everything is just lovely. No hassles at all – just wear comfortable clothes, sit down, relax to soft music and breathe in the saline air. After an hour, I felt like I’d been away on holidays, and after 2 or 3 sessions I actually felt energised…that this was all around Christmas time has to say something.

So I took my 3-year-old daughter as she picks up every cough and cold going (and then I get them). She loved playing with the toys in the sand like salt of the dedicated Children’s Room and the hour flew by.

We went probably 6 times in all over the winter and it was only in April that I realised we had got through the worst of the weather in great shape!” Edinburgh mum, Susan.

The Salt Cave, Meadowbank, Edinburgh, is open 7 days a week, and your first session is free!

0131 5101091 www.saltcave.co.uk

Mini Music Makers Mini Music Makers in Edinburgh (Leith) is 1 of 15 groups across Scotland, which have been specially developed to give babies and children, aged 05 years, an engaging introduction to music making. Weekly 40-minute sessions give you and your child the opportunity to make and enjoy music together in a fun and friendly setting. Your child is sure to enjoy participating in circle games with parachutes, singing songs with puppets, tapping drums and shaking shakers with the group. You and your child will learn a range of new bouncing and tickling songs, nursery rhymes and circle games that you can take away and enjoy at home too. The structured NYCoS method offers your child a progressive journey through musical learning. Research in this area has shown that early musical activity can have huge benefits in many areas of child development including language, motor skills, memory and concentration. At Mini Music Makers your child will be given access to these benefits whilst having fun and interacting with other children.To book a place a the classes the contact is Claire McBride on 0141 287 2943 or claire.mcbride@nycos.co.uk.

New Circuit Fun Class!

Tumble Tots Edinburgh West is now offering a new multi-age class in addition to our regular programmes. This class is for ages walking to five years and is ideal for siblings, friends with children of different ages, someone who would like to add a second Tumble Tots class during the week or anyone who likes the format! The class includes all the normal benefits of Tumble Tots in a laid back, flexible environment suitable for many ages and stages. As usual we have a very high staff to child ratio making sure your child gets lots of attention.

Bring your child to climb, run, tumble, move and groove on our specialist equipment and they'll learn Skills For Life in a fun and caring environment. Contact April on 0131 336 1234 or email april.wallace@tumbletots.com to book a trial.

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0rganised How to keep the school holidays simple and fun

• Plan - add any planned holidays and activities to the calendar and see where your gaps are - you should have a variety of home and away options and some wet weather ones too!

• Chillax - planning is all well and good but adults and children alike need some down time. Don’t be scared to leave time for chilling out and doing ‘nothing’, it can be alot of fun too.

• Pack early - get your bags out a week or two before a trip and get the whole family involved. That way you pack smarter, have time to buy what you need and everyone gets excited early.

• Keep it tidy - the house can be a challenge during the school term but it’s even more difficult in the holidays! Set a good routine for tidying so it doesn’t get out of control - give everyone a weekly task or two and motivate them with an activity of choice when they’re done.

• Let things go - if you’ve got more time at home then it’s a great time to have a clear out! Pick a shelf, worktop, table or toy box and if it doesn’t have a use, donate it to your local charity shop.

• Time for school - have a list handy where you can note down school needs as you think of them - new shirts, shoes, bags etc. and avoid the stress of last minute shopping. Aim to have everything a week or two before school starts and relax knowing you’re all ready for another school year!

‘Simple Living’ provides bespoke practical support and advice in all areas of your home from tidying, de-cluttering and storage solutions to planning and managing projects including redecoration, renovation, the arrival of a new baby, selling or moving house.

Please contact Jane-Marie Smith at Simple Living for more information on 0131 563 7557 or jane@simplelivingedinburgh.com.

©www.thestudioagency.co.uk

o t k c a B Jump theShoe Queues School

Maddie & Mark’s Shoes are keeping one step ahead again this Summer.

They’re offering ‘back to school’ appointments so you can make the most of your holidays. Of course if you don’t want to book, you can simply pop in and browse their outstanding range of girls and boys shoes, (they’ve sizes right up to 41 - UK 7).

Aside from a great range of school shoes to please both parent and child alike, Maddie & Mark’s are offering their seasonal favourites such as Lelli Kelly, Crocs, Start-rite, Ecco and Geox as well as a fabulous range of clothes and accessories.

Their staff are as friendly as ever and really seem to know their stuff. And to top it off, they’re in locations all over Edinburgh - why look further for your shoes!

Don’t miss a moment of your Summer by booking a ‘back to school’ appointment now Blackhall: 0131 315 3322, Bruntsfield: 0131 447 9779 or Buckstone: 0131 445 4425. www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

Relove & The Buggy Repair Centre We recommend you have your buggy service every couple of years as it picks up any faults before they become expensive to repair. A buggy service costs £20.

The buggy we repair and service the most is the Bugaboo Cameleon. Not because it’s a bad buggy but because it’s built to last and has been used for two or more babies.

Our Bugaboo Cameleon service has over 20 checks; breaks, chassis, wheels, cable, bearings, clips and buttons. We can also disassemble, clean, lubricate and reassemble the central locking mechanisms.

The most common Bugaboo Cameleon repairs are: · The chassis not folding or jamming or not locking · The handle height adjust has become loose · Breaks not locking · Break cable replacement · The tilt buttons on the seat/cot frame are jamming · Screws or rivets missing 17 St Stephen St, EH3 5AN. 0131 226 4141. Tue-Sat 10-5pm. www.buggyrepaircentre.co.uk

Edinburgh Libraries Summer Reading Challenge 2013 This year’s Summer Reading Challenge takes place in all Edinburgh City Libraries from Monday 24 June to Sunday 25 August.

A creepy house provides the backdrop for a spine-tingling new theme for this year, daring readers to explore the property created by double Kate Greenaway medal-winner Chris Riddell, children’s book illustrator. Children, aged from 4 to 11 years old are invited to read six titles from a selection of must have creepy reads.

The theme ties in with publishing trends for books that thrill children without being too scary. It is also a theme which will appeal to a wide age range and to both genders.

Visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/creepyhouse to find out what’s happening in your library

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summer

0rganised Top Tips For Labelling Labels4Kids new website launched mid-May after a major investment to make it easier for you to find your way to the right products. High quality labels can prevent lost property and wasted time and money investing in new uniform! Take a look around with 10% discount using the code “families” at the checkout. Stirling mum and founder Ann-Maree was recently invited to be a member of No10 Downing Street EU E-Commerce task force along with ASOS to give her advice on e-commerce so she knows what it’s like to make the site clear and easy to use.

Ann-Maree’s tips: 1 Label EVERYTHING from hair bands to swimming goggles… BECAUSE KIDS LOSE STUFF! 2 Better still, label it TWICE, once inside a pocket or on the care label, and once on the collar so there is NO DOUBT who things belong to.

3 There are brilliant stick on clothing labels, easy to use iron on labels and woven iron on labels from our range. See our Selection Packs for these combined with vinyl labels for hard surfaces, especially shoes, and bag tags too. Remember that not all labels marketed as “vinyl labels” are the same and not all “shoe labels” are the same. Labels4Kids are particularly high quality and work.

4 Cheap name tape just will not live up to the wash and either to marker pens which fade.

Belongings are too expensive to replace compared to the cost of good labels.

5 ORDER EARLY, waiting until August just ads to your stress and the kids don’t grow out of name labels in the sun like sunflowers! www.labels4kids.com

Back to School With Treehouse Before you know it, it’s that time again to get the children kitted out for back to school. To facilitate this Treehouse have a fantastic promotion that will make it easy for the whole family this summer.

A FREE haircut with every purchase of School Shoes You may have heard of Treehouse as the new children’s shop in Edinburgh. If you haven’t been then you should check them out, as they have everything under the one roof!

A large shoe department stocking quality brands including Start-rite, kids clothes department, books and toys plus an extremely popular hairdressing service for children up to age 12.

All school shoes at Treehouse look good and comply with school uniform regulations, as well as offering all these important features: • Whole and half sizes running up to adult size 6 • Four width fittings from E to H to cater for every shape and size • A range of brands to ensure we have something for everyone • High quality leathers ensuring great looks and durability • All possible fastenings; Velcro, laces and buckle Expertly trained hairdressers and professional shoe fitters are always on hand to assist you.

Treehouse, 10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbidge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU

www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk CALL 0131 225 1242 to book your Back to School Appointment

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Summer away from the Screen This summer, the Edinburgh Steiner School is challenging capital residents to turn off the TV and enjoy fun times as a family on other activities.

Alistair Pugh, from Edinburgh Steiner School has shared these ideas for spending time as a family away from the screen this summer!

Create an autumn harvest: Spark your family’s interest in nutrition by getting them to plant an autumn harvest. Whether you’ve got a window box or a full blown veggie patch, July is a great month to plant seeds for many of the most common garden crops including potatoes, beets, broccoli, winter cabbage, carrots and parsnips. Once they’ve harvested their home grown veggies, get your budding young chefs into the kitchen to cook up their own soup recipes using the home grown ingredients.

Create a work of art with found and natural items: Get out as a family for a woodland walk and collect pine cones, leaves, stones and sticks to create works of art from a treasure trove of natural materials. If you prefer to attend an organised event then Forestry Commission Scotland has lots of activities planned through the summer and offers sites close to Edinburgh. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland for more information and ideas.

Raid the cupboards for long lost toys: It may have been a while since you had a good rummage through the cupboards, attic or garage. Unearth long lost board games, toys and books and take a wander down memory lane. Your children will love to find old cuddly friends from their early years and the whole family can enjoy sharing stories and memories.

Volunteer as a family: Make an impact in your local community by getting the whole family stuck into a volunteer project. At the Edinburgh Steiner School, our pupils and parents volunteer at the Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens. The Gardens operate on a drop in basis and are open between 9:30am - 4:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Visit www.royaledinburghcommunitygardens.org.uk for more information about how to get involved. For teenagers, the Volunteer Centre Edinburgh (www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk) has lots of great suggestions.

At Steiner Schools across the UK and worldwide, we don’t expose our pupils to screen technology until they are 14 years old when they enter the Upper School. Steiner Schools welcome critical debate about the appropriate use of computers, TVs and DVDs and strive to support parents in making the best choices for their children.

The Edinburgh Steiner School welcomes pupils from 3 -18 years and has admissions all year round. We don’t select our pupils on the basis of ability yet we score among the highest exam results in Scotland. Join us for a school tour. Book online at www.edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk

Tips for Parents from First Psychology Centre • To become confident, happy adults, your • Create a 'bank' of happy feelings, memories and shared enjoyable experiences kids need unconditional love. They have to throughout the years which both you and your kids can call upon at more difficult know that your affection is not dependent on times, when common ground is harder to find. It gives both of you something how well they do. Research has shown that developing a strong bond with your positive to focus on and to remind each other about, possibly even draw a laugh. kids is the foundation to encouraging kids’ confidence and wellbeing at any age.

• Allowing kids to participate in physical activities such as after school clubs and outdoor learning is a really very effective way of increasing their confidence as they • Play with your kids. Pre-school kids spontaneously engage in a certain amount of master specific skills and improve their sense of control over themselves and their play. However, without adult support and encouragement, creative play gradually bodies. disappears, which means kids lose out on opportunities to learn who they are, what they can do and how to relate to the world around them. Playing together • Keep your feedback optimistic and give your child something concrete to act upon. helps you develop a bond and is a great ‘de-stressor’.

Rather than “Haha, that's ok Abi, you just take after your mum when it comes to sport" try "It's ok Abi, you've just got to learn to keep your eye on the ball. We can • It may sound obvious, but do spend time with your kids at any age and get to know practise that and you'll do better next time". them. Find out what they enjoy and share it. This way, your child will feel validated, thinking “Mummy seems to enjoy me doing this, so I must be doing it ok”.

These handy parenting tips are from First Psychology’s Centre Co-Directors in Glasgow and Edinburgh, respectively, Dr Maria Gascon and Dr Ian Connor. www.edinburghtherapy.co.uk

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Parent Parent Lisa Fleming lives in Colinton with her one year old son, Cameron and husband Euan.

Favourite shop: There are far too many too choose from! I think at the moment it has to be Little World in Morningside, it has so many quirky and brightly coloured outfits for little boys which can sometimes be hard to find.

Favourite park: Spylaw Park in Colinton - it is just down the road from where we live and always nice to

walk around, or play on the swings.

Favourite children’s club/class:

Monkey Music without a doubt! In all seriousness I had heard so many of my friends’ children talk about ‘monkey’ over the years and I took Cameron when he was only 3 months. He loved the music and props so much and let’s just say the rest is history! www.monkeymusic.co.uk. My husband also takes Cameron to a Dads only group called Dads Rock on a Saturday morning and I cannot praise it enough! Cameron and his daddy love it!

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): A simple toothy smile melts my heart and makes even the toughest days all worthwhile.

Funniest comment (from child):

We’ve still to have the first word although the sounds he can make crack us up on a daily basis. My favourite has to be being woken up by raspberries being blown down the baby monitor - it beats an alarm clock.

Favourite day out: Falko’s in Bruntsfield. I love places that are kiddy Favourite family holiday spot: orientated, but sometimes it’s nice to go to somewhere that reminds you of your old life.

I went there a lot before Conover was born – but it has highchairs – so now I go with him for a decent pastry and a cup of coffee.

We had our first family holiday in January to Centre Parcs and it was the perfect break. Cameron was only 5 months at the time - every part of the village was so well equipped with bottle warmers, microwaves etc making it a very relaxing and stress free break.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: Dante’s in Colinton Village. Best children’s book: Calm Down Boris. Cameron loves puppets and Boris The staff are so welcoming and nothing is ever a problem even during a busy service. It is family friendly but still feels like a ‘grown up’ place at the same time and the food is delicious.

Proudest eco-friendly moment: Starting to recycle when Cameron

was born. We had always been really bad at recycling as I worked long hours and never really remembered to put the boxes out but now we do make an effort to recycle as much as we can. With a young child you can’t fit everything into the wheelie bin anyway so the system makes sense.

No parent should be without:

A Jumparoo. I remember when we had our son all of our friends told us about the Jumparoo but we were quite skeptical as they are pretty expensive but I can safely say it has been jumped in to great amusement for hours on end! On a practical level our Maxi-Cosi Axis car seat has been a great help to prevent back strain as it swivels to face you whilst you pop your wee one into it.

is a bright orange monster who pops out of the book. It’s definitely a family favourite.

Best children DVD:

Monsters Inc.. Cameron loves the bright colours of monsters and Mummy and Daddy don’t mind watching this one either. You can’t go wrong with Pixar I don’t think.

Most played with toys:

Freddie Firefly (Lamaze) has been chewed within in an inch of his life and has to go everywhere with us. Our mobile phones also seem to be a favourite ‘toy’ just now as does anything that can be shaken or banged to make a noise.

Biggest waste of money:

Our Baby Bjorn sling - we never really used it and Cameron grew out of it very quickly. There are so many great second hand markets now I think if I could do it all again I would definitely look at second hand sales first.

Parenting pet hates: Competitive parents! I have been really lucky to have Why you like living where you do: Edinburgh is so full of met 10 fantastic mums through my ante natal classes who have become great friends and a support network who never brag about what their babies are doing. Babies all develop at different times and it’s not a competition! Some parents take it a little too far.

character and, even after living here all of my life I am still constantly finding out about new places to eat, take Cameron, shop and visit. Moving to Colinton 18 months ago has been the best move we have made - it’s such a beautiful and friendly little village which feels quite remote at times but you can still be in the centre of town within 15 minutes if you need to be.

As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge – if you would like to share your favourite bits of being a parent and living in our fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 79

The Big Summer Holiday

tips for travellers

By Robina Cowan

H

ere at Families (now a mighty group of 40 local magazines), the editors have children spanning all ages from three months to the early twenties, so you could say we’ve been there, done that.

We put our heads together to pool our experience and best ideas for you.

Happy travelling!

Before You Go

On the Way

• Label your child’s clothes, towels and backpacks, especially if you will be using kids’ clubs – they WILL go missing. Labels 4 Kids (www.labels4kids.com/fam) stock packs of instant labels so the job’s a breeze and it’s a much cheaper solution than replacing lost items. They also have ID wristbands so you can label the children with your contact details

• Long car journeys are not all about being plugged into gadgets. Try story tapes - as a family, we are all totally addicted to the ‘How to Train your Dragon’ series. The ‘Michelin I-Spy’ activity books are great fun, as are the free downloads from www.rac.co.uk/advice/car-knowledge/top-ten/car-games/.

• Use Google Street View with the children to look round your planned location and help get familiarised with the landscape, ‘foreign’ signs and local attractions. You can also use it to create a list of places to visit.

• Photocopy everyone's passport and keep the copies in a different place. If the originals go missing, proof that you had passports will make it much easier to tussle with overseas authorities when it's time to come home.

• Freeze food to await your return - even fresh milk can be frozen - so you don't come home to an empty kitchen. Some very organised parents even do an online shop towards the end of their holiday, for delivery on their first day home. Now, that's organisation!

• Lost luggage is a nightmare. Rather than filling one suitcase per person, pack a couple of daytime and evening outfits for everyone in each case so you can all get started while the hotel/airline tracks down the missing bag.

• Involve your children in the packing even if just a small part is their responsibility. It occupies them while you are busy and gets them into the holiday mood. Then check their choices: you may find fancy dress costumes and nothing sensible (OK, I admit this is from experience!)

• Add a small ‘emergency bag’ to your hand luggage, with plasters, tissues, sachets of paracetamol, cotton wool, needle and thread, safety pins, wetwipes and a few sweets (for bribing and wiping away tears). Oh the satisfying feeling to have what you need just at the right time!

• Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage in case of ‘accidents’ • Leave a spare set of keys with a friendly neighbour in case of home emergencies, losing yours or locking yourself out (again, personal experience just as we were leaving!)

• Cancel the newspapers and ask your friendly neighbour to return the wheelie bins to your property on collection day, so you’re not advertising an empty home.

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• For flights, Usborne’s ’50 Things do on a Plane’ will keep them occupied, rrp £5.99, while the Top Trumps range is great for older children, especially if you're willing to join in • Flying is the one time I am relaxed about screen time - if you have electrical gadgets, use them. Make sure you have some child friendly headphones to hand so as not to 'share' your child's love of Peppa Pig with the entire plane.

• Sucky sweets (as they are known in our house) are great for little ones who struggle with their ears on take off. Give babies a bottle (or breastfeed) to stop their ears popping.

• Pack an extra layer for the flight even if you're flying from a warm UK to a tropical destination. Planes can be chilly and children won't relax if they're not cosy.

• If your child is crying on the flight, don't panic. Most of passengers on board will be either parents or grandparents and will have sympathy for you. Your priority is settling your child in the best way you can. If your child has a favourite teddy or comfort blanket, make sure it's in your hand luggage. It may help calm them and that in turn will calm you.

When You Return • When packing to come home, check the back of every drawer, cupboard and even under the beds for favourite toys that might be lurking unseen. Have a quick rifle through the hotel/resort Lost Property box for mislaid hats/t-shirts etc (patting yourself on the back for labelling them beforehand).

• Take your holiday laundry for a service wash - it's a small price to pay for not having to sort, wash and dry all those gritty beach towels and sunscreen covered t-shirts.

10

New Skills to Learn in the Holidays

By Joanna Moorhead

www.indikidual.tumblr.com

Whether you’re having a staycation or going away, why not fold some learning into your holiday plans? We’ve got 10 great ideas for skills you and your family can master over the weeks ahead wherever you are.

1

2

3

4

Sleep outdoors: nothing says ‘summer’ like the chance to kip outside. If you can, find a campsite where you can go for a few days; but if you can’t get away, put up a tent in the garden. No tent? Borrow one. You’ll be amazed at the amount of fun kids can have with a few torches under canvas. Make sure they have lots of snacks - and don’t forget the singsongs!

Find a geocache: geocaching is like a treasure hunt where you use a GPS device to find a container which will have some small items (maybe toys) inside. It’s fun, exciting, and there’s lots to learn (about orienteering, geography, exploration, the environment). For more information see www.geocaching.com Go wild swimming: swimming in rivers and lakes may sound an experience not a learning activity - but swimming in a natural environment helps kids learn about nature, and it’s a totally different experience from swimming in a pool, even an outdoor one.

See www.wildswimming.co.uk for ideas of where to try it out.

Make a movie: with the arrival of the iPhone and the iPad, it’s never been easier to make a (surprisingly professional) home movie.

Choose your location, put together your storyboard and...action!

There are various apps that can make filming easier (eg filmic pro, which locks the camera’s settings for the duration of a shot).

5

Build a den: it’s come to symbolise childhood freedom, and there’s little doubt it’s an activity children (and their parents) absolutely love. Dens are best built in woods, but even a small garden or a bedroom will do as a venue. The secret is to allow your child to let his/her imagination run wild (and not worry too much about the tidying up afterwards).

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Find your way using a map and compass: whether you’re in a city or the country, whether it’s somewhere you know or somewhere new to you, there’s loads to learn from this. It’s tricky to work out the compass points, so a good activity to do en famille; also great to acclimatise children with maps and their usefulness.

7

Track wild animals: again this is something that can be done in the countryside, the local park, or your back garden. Your children are looking for signs that animals have been here: pawprints, claw marks, scuff marks and - most fascinating of all for most kids - poo.

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Go bird watching: if you’ve never done it, and know little about birds, the best thing to do is go to an RSPB sanctuary. Take your binoculars, read the guides, and use the hides.

9

Identify at least ten constellations. Wait for a dark night and keep your eyes peeled. You get a huge sense of satisfaction, and awe, when you manage to do it.

Learn a good card or magic trick: it takes practice, but it’s enormous 10 fun and if you get good at your trick, you really can surprise people (especially visitors). It’s part-performance, part-agility, part-confidence; all useful skills for every child.

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Summer Days Out With so much going on this summer it the teacher asks your child to write or draw about what they did during the holidays it’s going to be a long story or a very big picture!

Scotland’s National Airshow

59 Northfield Broadway, Edinburgh, EH8 7RX

Watch as aircraft old and new take to the skies for an afternoon of breathtaking aerial displays at Scotland’s most thrilling day out! Scotland’s National Airshow takes place on Saturday 27 July at the Museum of Flight.

This year the RAF's supersonic Typhoon display team will take centre stage with a Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Jane-Marie Smith Professional Organiser 0131 563 7557

Meanwhile, the Breitling Wingwalkers will perform incredible manoeuvres and handstands while strapped to the top wings of the team’s Boeing Stearmann biplanes. A Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also fly on the day, as well as a restored P-51 Mustang - an American veteran of the Vietnam War and numerous Hollywood movies! On the ground, kids will enjoy the funfair, aircraft simulators and stalls while you pick up a tasty snack and spend time in our museum hangars and attractions. Book before 26 July and save over 15% at www.nms.ac.uk/flight or call 0300 123 6789.

Too much clutter? Toys everywhere?

Baby on the way? Need to sell or move house?

Want to redecorate or renovate?

I can HELP. Call for a free consultation.

Bespoke support and advice for your home. www.simplelivingedinburgh.com

Professor Egghead The ever-popular Professor Egghead is back with a bang this summer at the awardwinning Scottish Seabird Centre. The Professor has discovered giant bones on the beaches of North Berwick and is now on the hunt for answers to some rather intriguing questions: who do the bones belong to? Why were they there?

Visitors can search for answers to these puzzles in an interactive daily show running from 29 June -18 August, 14:00 to 15:00. Kids will be encouraged to uncover voracious volcanoes, dig up bones, skate into the Ice Age and even discover the secrets of the great auk in one jam-packed hour of fun!

Plus the clever Professor has all sorts of extra activities up her sleeve for 2013: explore the Professor’s new, interactive ‘eggs-perimental’ laboratory, get crafty with the Centre’s ever popular Mini Maker sessions and set off on an adventure with a self-guided trail. The family fun will take place throughout the day from 10:00 to 17:00, and is included in the admission price to the five-star Discovery Centre.

Visit www.seabird.org or call 01620 890202 for details of daily activities.

Entry to the Discovery Centre is £8.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and FREE for members. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS.

Win a Seabird Cruise with the Scottish Seabird Centre!

• Watch out for the puffins! The much-loved seabirds are back in the Firth of Forth – and you could win a family pass (2 adults and 2 children) on a fabulous ‘Seabird Cruise’ to discover our amazing wildlife at close hand.

• The award-winning Seabird Centre’s new custom-built catamaran Seafari Explorer now offers cruises out to the island of Craigleith, home to the Centre’s SOS Puffin project, and then on the iconic Bass Rock – the largest single-island gannet colony in the world.

• The boat is suitable for people of all ages, so it’s a trip for the whole family to enjoy and trips will run through the summer. Enjoy the wonders of the Firth of Forth at a leisurely pace and in comfort!

• Combine your Seabird Boat Trip with a visit to the five-star Discovery Centre to see the puffins on our live interactive cameras. It’s amazing to zoom in on them – and they’re definitely looking at their best at this time of year. For more about the Scottish Seabird Centre and to book your Seabird Boat Trip go to: www.seabird.org. Enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

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Archerfield Walled Garden Archerfield Walled Garden opened in March this year but is already a firm favourite with families in East Lothian and beyond.

Situated within the historic walls of a Georgian kitchen garden, the new building is home to a cafe/bar/ restaurant, a shop selling original art and beautiful gifts, including children’s crafts and toys, plus a great farm deli complete with lobster tank - a source of endless fascination for little ones! The Walled Garden also provides sofas, Duplo and books to keep everyone entertained indoors. Mums rave about the outdoor play area with climbing frame and little wooden train, perfect for keeping the kids occupied in the beer garden while the grown-ups enjoy a terrific cappuccino and scone or something from the gastro-pub type menu. Kids can tuck into a healthy choice of dishes of their own, and the great value Early Bird menu from 4.00 - 6.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is a fantastic way to end a family day out.

Close to Dirleton Castle and Yellowcraigs beach, and only 10 minutes from North Berwick, Archerfield Walled Garden is a brilliant new addition to a summer’s day out in East Lothian. www.archerfieldwalledgarden.com

Summer Discoveries at Almond Valley Heritage Centre All the family will enjoy a wonderful day out at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, just outside Livingston, West Lothian. 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. 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. But you don't need to be a kid to enjoy Almond Valley. Seasonal tractor rides and trips on the narrow gauge railway transport you through a pleasant landscape to peaceful riverside walks. The working watermill and machinery shed provides an insight into West Lothian's rural past whilst the museum tells the fascinating story of Scotland's famous shale oil industry.

Whether you're aged one or a hundred and one, we're certain that you'll leave Almond Valley with a smile on your face.

Daily from Saturday 29th June until Sunday 18th August A programme of summer holiday fun in conjunction with 2013 Year of Natural Scotland. Every day there will be activities and demonstrations focussing on the animals, plants and other creatures that live on the Almond Valley site. There will be different theme for each week. Standard admission costs £6.00 for adults and £4.50 for children aged 317 and senior citizens. A family ticket covering two adults and up to two children is available at £19. Unaccompanied children are not admitted.

Addition charges are made for tractor and trailer rides (50p per person) and train rides (£1 per person) when operating, and for half-hour play sessions in Morag's Meadow soft play area (£1 per child) Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR

Fringe By The Sea 5th-11th August Festival Fun at the seaside! The variety that Fringe by the Sea always brings to the festival season is as wide as ever - and the usual great mix of family friendly and childrens events make it a ‘must-visit’ in August.

North Berwick Harbour is transformed into a Festival Village - with TWO Spiegeltents packed with great performances - and a variety of food and drink offerings on site. Pick of the crop are Mr Boom, Book Bugs and Jo Jingles, while for participation, Little Voices Big Stars promises to be a ‘star’ turn - book early. The visits by Orkestra del Sol on the afternoon of Wednesday 7th, and The New Rope String Band on Monday 5th teatime will both be superb - and for ALL the family to enjoy. All round town there will be ‘happenings’ of various sorts too - a Beach Day on the Wednesday will be worth exploring - including some ‘performance archeology’ that is described as ‘gently educational in a fun way’! Also a Nature Quiz that will be a treasure hunt leading you all round town to get answers to some tricksy questions - but with prizes! Sounds like that’s the end of the school holidays taken care of then! www.fringebythesea.co.uk

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Summer Days Out Edinburgh Zoo

‘Spin Disco’

Edinburgh Zoo is 100 years old in July and has some fantastic events to celebrate. From around the 11th July an amazing Sand Zoo will open.

A masterpiece in sand, a life size sculpture will be created of some of the animals who have been a big part of the Zoo’s history. The Sand Zoo will also feature a beach for visitors to relax and play in. Free with Zoo admission, the Sand Zoo will be on site until the end of August. On Monday 22nd July, the Zoo is actually officially 100 years old and to celebrate this historic birthday, the Zoo will give away 100 presents throughout the day – including keeper experiences and more. To book tickets to Edinburgh Zoo and a time to visit the pandas, go to www.edinburghzoo.org.uk . Adults £16, children 3-5 £11.50, concession £13.50; family tickets from £35.

Enjoy a unique afternoon family rollerskating experience with DJ, disco lights, and games at ‘Spin’ Scotland’s largest roller disco event. Held at the award winning Corn Exchange, and with adult and children tickets from only £6 it’s the perfect family day out.

There are three “Spin” sessions with two afternoon events for people of all ages to enjoy.

Starting at either 1pm or 4pm, they’re aimed at families, beginners and groups of friends. You’ll find experienced instructors on hand to help get the fun started, and there are fabulous prizes for ‘best dressed’ skaters too. The evening session is for the over 18s.

Wrist guards will be provided for all, with limited knee and elbow pads available. Under 16s are strongly recommended to wear helmets, again there is a limited stock available so why not bring along your bike or board helmet with you.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult - should you prefer not to skate a spectator ticket will be available.

Summer ‘Spin’ sessions are Sat 6th July, Fri 2nd, Sat 3rd & Sun 4th August and the family sessions are 2 hours long. Doors open 15 minutes before each session to allow you to get your boots and protective equipment.

Bring your own boots or inline skates, or hire when you book your ticket directly on www.edinburghcornexchange.com

Staycation! From 22nd July - 18 August at Scottish National Gallery Fancy a trip to a tropical island far, far away? Does being cast adrift on a clear blue sea float your boat? Perhaps you’d like to go on safari and discover animals and plants that nobody has ever seen before, or dress up and dance till dawn in a colourful island carnival?

This summer take off on a magical journey of the imagination. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Frederic Church and Peter Doig, families will create and explore their own fantasy holiday destinations, all without stepping foot on a plane!

Scottish National Gallery. Free, drop-in, no booking required.

The Scottish National Gallery is on The Mound, right in the heart of Edinburgh, on Princes Street. Open daily, 10am-5pm (6pm for August only). Thursdays until 7pm. Admission is free. A charge may be made for special exhibitions. www.nationalgalleries.org

Take the free family audio tour - Discover the history of the Palace and what happens when The Queen visits.

(Aimed at children 7-11 years) Adult £11.00. Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £10.00.

Under 17 £6.65. Under 5 Free. Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £29.25 At the end of your visit, don’t forget to ask a Warden to stamp your ticket and convert it into a 1-Year Pass. Then visit again!

Palace of Holyroodhouse The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a great day out for children.

Here are their top five things to look out for The Royal Dining Room What’s on the menu? Count the chairs around the table, and guess where The Queen prefers to sit.

Thrones Go on a hunt for two thrones. They are over 100 years old and were made for The Queen’s grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary.

The King’s Bed This amazing four-poster bed was made for Charles II, but he never slept in it. Imagine what it was like to stay in the Palace over 300 years ago.

The Great Gallery This is the biggest room in the Palace – you could fit three double-decker buses in it.

The Darnley Jewel This beautiful locket is full of hidden secrets. To find it, climb the spiral staircase in the tower and look in the rooms used by Mary, Queen of Scots when she lived in the Palace.

Special events during the summer From 7 July end of August - Explore the palace gardens Use the family trail to explore woodland paths and giant lawns.

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Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August (except 2-3 July) - Hands on History. 11 - 3pm. Find out about life in a royal palace as you handle some real and replica objects from the past.

Every Saturday in August - Storytelling 11 - 3pm Discover more about the Palace in the company of an expert storyteller! Listen as history comes to life through imaginative tales of past royal residents and their servants.

Every Sunday in August - Behind the ropes (11 3pm) An exclusive chance to go behind the ropes and explore more of the Palace with a member of the Learning team.

There is a Cafe at the Palace offering drinks, light snacks and lunch. Please note - for safety reasons, pushchairs cannot be taken into the Palace. They can be left at the entrance and reclaimed at the exit.

For full details of events and dates visit www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson

Edinburgh Art Festival Explorers Designed for children and families, Edinburgh Art Festival Explorers is a free activity trail that encourages children to experience and learn about the art on show in the festival and to create their own responses through a series of fun activities (1 August - 1 September). Complete each activity and get the passport stamped at each gallery, then show the stamped passport at Trinity Apse and receive a special prize.

Edinburgh Art Festival galleries participating in EAF Explorers: City Art Centre, 2 Market St, EH1 1DE Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, EH1 1LT The Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street, EH1 1DF Windpipes for Edinburgh, Trinity Apse, Chalmers Close, 42 High Street, EH1 1SS. The EAF Explorers passport and map and entry to the exhibitions related to the activities are free. Suitable for ages 4+. For more information, please visit: www.edinburghartfestival.com Commissioned by Edinburgh Art Festival, EAF Explorers has been developed by Alchemy Arts in collaboration with children and teachers from primary schools in Edinburgh.

Coming into Fashion A Century of Photography Add some glamour to your summer at The City Arts Centre Coming into Fashion - A Century of Photography at Conde Nast 15 June - 8 September 2013, Floor 3 and 4 Fashion photography - glamorous, provocative, beautiful, accomplished, and magical - has been associated with some of the most famous names in the history of the medium since the early years of the 20th century.

Dressed to Kill - Fashion, Costume and Dress in Scottish Art 15 June - 29 September 2013, Floor 1 and 2 Dressed to Kill showcases how Scottish artists have captured fashion, costume and dress over the years, from the late 17th century to the present day. The exhibition includes portrayals of a whole range of different types of costume, from mundane everyday working clothes to the most elaborate fashionable dress.

There are loads of fantastic free events for families (included in the price of an exhibition ticket). Have a look in the Out and About pages or go to www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk for more information. Pre booking is required in some cases.

Traquair Fair

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The legendary Traquair Fair will be going back to the 60’s this year with a great line up of music, street theatre, dance, storytelling, children’s entertainment crafts and delicious foods from around the world.

Taking place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July from 11am to 6pm. The highlights will include music from 60’s iconic bands The Animals and The Troggs, both bands still with original band members! Also John Renbourn, founder member of folk group Pentangle as well as some more contemporary groups with a bit of a 60’s twist. There will also be a showing of “Tamlin” a feature film made at Traquair in 1968 starring Ava Gardner, Roddy McDowell and Joanna Lumley among many other stars. Fashion from the 60’s will be on display throughout the house on static and living models and we hope to have a good collection of 60’s cars on display.

The children’s area will be buzzing with activity and workshops including a visit from the Man from the Moon, Mr Boom, readings from classic books of the 60’s as well as puppet and theatre shows and a real live spiderman.

Lots of amazing street theatre will be happening around the Fair with a fantastic range of food and drink from around the world. You can also take part in various workshops from candle making to batik, felt making and other crafts.

For a full line up of whats on check out the Traquair Fair website and order your tickets in advance at reduced prices. www.traquairfair.co.uk Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire

Edinburgh International Book Festival Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place from 10 - 26 August and is always a great day out (and entry to the Gardens is FREE!) The Festival's home, the beautiful, leafy Charlotte Square Gardens, is a wonderful space in which to sit, talk, think, play and be entertained. Founded in 1983, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is the world’s largest public celebration of the written word. It has become a platform for audiences to debate with leading thinkers from the worlds of science, politics, business, economics and journalism as well as literature. You can expect to see Edinburgh favourites such as Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith, Nobel, Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners and Poets Laureate as well as some top international authors, a smattering of politicians and some of the best new talent.

Edinburgh in August is always the place to discover something new, and the Book Festival is no exception. In the past authors such as Salman Rushdie, Yann Martel and even J K Rowling have read to an Edinburgh audience long before their books became worldwide bestsellers. Superheroes, comic book characters and even Don Quixote will swoop into Charlotte Square Gardens this August as the Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates comics, graphic novels and the people who create them. The Children’s Programme includes events for every age group from toddler to teenager, from rhyme and song to gothic horror, from picture books to graphic novels.

Edinburgh International Book Festival | 10 - 26 August 2013. Programme available from 20 June. Tickets on sale 28 June. To book tickets call 0845 373 5888 or visit www.edbookfest.co.uk.

the Fringe And obviously not forgetting the bonkers-ness that is the Fringe! We’ve found out about some fantastic children and family shows for you - read all about them on pages 22 - 31.

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Focus on Language 1st – 26th July in Inverleith Classes in French, German, Spanish and English Literacy Skills for children aged 3-11

07790 239324 www.focusonlanguage.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS ©www.thestudioagency.co.uk

ACTING OUT UK SUMMER DRAMA AND MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP The camp is open to all pupils aged between 7-19 (approx). A variety of performing arts will be covered, including acting, singing, improvisation and dancing.

We will aim to keep the Child and Teen ages separate.

There will also be a big performance in the theatre at the end of the week (on the Saturday) for family and friends.

We all had a great time last year! And the feedback from students and parents was excellent.

We hope to do something similar for 4-6 Year Olds!

Dates: Wednesday 17th July to Saturday 20th July (four days) Times: 11am - 2pm Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL Price: £75. For more information please visit our website at www.actingoutuk.com or contact us on 07704 714 607 or email clare@actingoutuk.com

MAKE SUMMER SCHOOL

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 11 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. English literacy skills classes also available. 1st - 26th July St James’ Church Hall, 57b, Inverleith Row, EH5 3PX. Call 07790 239324 for affordable tuition from an experienced GTC Scotland registered teacher, or email wordcache@aol.com www.focusonlanguage.co.uk

Pottery Painting & Craft Studio

Come and try your hand at jewellery, glass and potter's wheel, 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

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

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

16 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 79

FOCUS ON LANGUAGE

MAKE Summer School is the creation of Freddie Main, an experienced Head of Design & Technology, and is a nonresidential Summer camp that not only develops ‘Apprentices’ natural creativity, their practical skills and confidence, but is also a whole load of fun! After a sellout first year in 2012 it has been extended to two weeks in 2013, running from the 8th -12th July and the 15th19th July. The Apprentices will make fun projects throughout the week and take away all of their creations to show off with pride.

Scotland rugby player Greig Laidlaw (who is also a joiner) made a special appearance at MAKE 2012 and ran fun challenges which the Apprentices loved. The week of 1519 July is now full but there are still spaces available for the week 8-12 July.

Parents are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. www.makesummerschool.co.uk

JULY SUMMER WORKSHOPS WITH MONKEY! The hour long sessions will be held over a range of venues; Comely Bank, Murrayfield, Corstorphine and we are delighted to be returning to Cramond Kirk for first our workshops, and then from September to be offering classes there again on Thursday mornings.

The workshops will last for an hour and are guaranteed to have a real party atmosphere full of fun, games, music as well as much loved favourite Monkey Music songs. Come and see what award winning Monkey Music is all about!

The workshops will be age specific for children from 3 months – 2 years (10.45am) and 2 years + (9.30am).

Saturday workshops will also be taking place in Comely Bank and Corstorphine.

Please contact www.monkeymusic.co.uk to book your place. Just click on the Booking Enquiry for Holiday Workshops.

ver the years I have discovered that parents in Edinburgh seem to fall into two camps - those who book up summer activities for their children months in advance and those who suddenly find the schools are about to break up and haven’t actually quite got round to booking anything yet.

O

So, for all the parents who, like me, fall into that second category here’s our latest roundup of Summer Camps and Activities on offer in and around Edinburgh. There are some new additions and up-dates on availability. Personally I just wish I was in the right age bracket to put my name down for some of these!

ARTROOM32

FRENCH FOR FUN!

Great summer programme for kids at the lovely new artroom32 studio! From Tuesday 16th July - Sat 10th August there will be something fun to suit everyone and all ages. Arts and crafts workshops include; jewellery making, sculpture, t-shirt printing, comic strip design, themed workshops (fairies/dinosaurs/lego/bugs & butterflies), decopatch, bunting, family days, graffiti and lots more. Check out the website for full details and contact Louise to book a space.44 Ferry Road, EH6 0131 553 6798 www.artroom32.co.uk www.facebook.com/artroom32

Following requests from both parents and pupils, Speak Out! Languages is delighted to announce its 5 day French for Fun summer courses for children and young people in July and August. There will be 2 groups – ages 8-11 and ages 12-15. The sessions are designed as an antidote to the incessant focus on exams, grammar and mistakes.

They will be 2 hours daily of fun, focusing on building confidence to speak in real situations.

Within a week, learners will have the confidence to speak out in everyday situations including shops, cafes, following directions and meeting new people.

Forget the textbooks and give your child the confidence to speak out in French this summer!

More details at www.speakoutwithconfidence.com.

Places are deliberately limited, so call Ruth today for more information and to book – 07825 597056.

POLKA DOT MOUNTAIN BIKING For 3 days over the summer, you have the chance to build mountain biking skills and confidence with Richard Lord, ex-Scottish Cycling coach and coach to the winning Mountain Bike team at the Sainsbury’s UK School Games.

The sessions are for beginner and intermediate riders between 7-14 years old. Riders will be taught how to get the best out of their bike riding while staying safe on the trails.

Days one and two cover skills such as body positioning, gear selection and wheel lifts. On day three we will meet at Glentress for a guided ride to put all the skills into action in one of Europe’s best trail centres.

Beginner sessions will be from 10am-12.30pm and intermediate riders between 1.30-4pm. Places are limited to 6 per session to ensure more quality coach time. The whole course is just £70. Build your confidence and ride the trails with ease this summer!

For further details and to book, go to www.polkadotcyclecoaching.com or call Richard on 07539 677118.

ART CLUB The Art Club offers inspiring and educational classes for children ages 6 - 16 years. We teach all aspects of art and design from drawing and painting skills to wire sculpture and model making. Using the best art materials and small classes we help each student enjoy the art experience and achieve amazing results. Summer Courses 2013 for ages 10 years plus. 10am- 4:30pm.

Week one: July 22nd - July 26th, Zoo sketching.

Week two: July 29th- August 2nd, Zoo sketching.

Week three: August 5th - August 9th, Cityscapes.

Autumn term classes: August 19th, Ten week courses.

Ages 6 - 16 years.

Contact: Jennifer Reynolds on: 07794 136 793.

Email: theartclub@jenniferreynolds.co.uk

TALKING TOTS

SPANISH AMIGOS

Talking Tots Summer classes include Saturdays, options for 1-3yr olds and their 'Sparklers' programme aimed at children starting school in 2013 or 2014! Classes are being held at two of their regular venues -North Merchiston Club, Polwarth (24-27 July) and St Thomas' Church, Corstorphine (31 July -3 August).

For further details check out their website www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh (under Summer 2013). Classes must be booked and paid in advance.

Places are limited. Contact Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or jen@talkingtots.info for more information or to book. And their new term starts Monday 19th August.

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. Calton Centre 121 Montgomery St 10:30 to 13:30 on 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th July 2013 £75 for 1 child, £135 for 2 children (10% sibling discount), £191.25 (15% sibling discount) To book a place please email kirsty@spanishamigos.co.uk or phone 0131 510 7101

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

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EXCEL SPORTS

TATTY BUMPKIN AND BABY BUMPKIN

University of Dundee Sportswoman of the Year Jenny Tan is ready to inspire children at the Excel Sports Athletics Camp in Edinburgh this summer. The first ever Athletics week will be just one of sixteen nonresidential camps provided by Excel Sports, which has increased capacity and recruited top staff to meet soaring demand for quality summer childcare. Ben Brown, Director of Excel Sports, said: “Excel Sports specialises in camps which are stimulating, fun and led by enthusiastic professionals in their field, whether its Athletics, Tennis, Sports, Horse Riding or Magic. Excel is about competition at its best, and that’s what keeps kids excited and active through the long days of summer.”

Excel camps will be running from July 1st – August 16th, from 9am – 5pm. Wraparound childcare is provided where required from 8am until 6pm. Camps are based at St George’s School, Garscube Terrace, Edinburgh, with the exception of off-site activities for specialist camps. www.excel-sports.co.uk or call 07970 514 514.

Join Tatty and Baby Bumpkin on their summer adventures! Babies and children (0- 7 yrs) bend, stretch, wriggle and giggle in these fun, active, yoga- inspired stories with music. The yoga aspects encourage confidence, balance and co-ordination - such important foundations for achievements in other activities like dance, tennis, football and more. Over the summer we’ll go to a bug party, we’ll take a trip to the seaside, visit some of the world’s rarest animals, and explore some birthday candles! Classes (£6 per session) will take place as follows (each is around 40 minutes).

15th & 29th July - Morningside United Church: 9.30am - crawlers and toddlers, 10.25am - babies, 11.20am - 5 to 7 year olds. 25th July - Murrayfield Parish Church: 10.15am - 2 to 5 year olds, 11.10am - 5 to 7 year olds. 1st August - Elite Fitness Studios, Corstorphine: 10.15am 2 - 5 year olds, 11.10am 5 to 7 year olds. Booking essential!

Email: edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com or call 07411 571001 to book. For more information see www.tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest

MATILDA! & MINI’S SUMMER SCHOOL

EDINBURGH MONTESSORI ARTS SCHOOL

Dynam-nic are offering a week BURSTING with fun for children from age 3 years!! Held at Craiglockhart Parish Church 15th - 19th July.

MINI's is a morning of dance and crafts. Designed just for little ones aged 3 & 4 years, each day they will make or decorate a different prop. Followed by snack time and finishing with a 45 minute Dynam-nic dance class.

Monday - Friday 10am-12pm. Individual days can be booked MATILDA! Come on an adventure as we explore MATILDA THE MUSICAL! Over 5 days we will put together our own mini performance, including dance, song and drama scenes. We will also design and put together our own props and staging making the final performance even more exciting! Open to children aged 5-12 years.

Monday - Friday 10am-4pm (drop off from 9am, pick up until 5pm) individual days can be booked Limited places so book now to avoid disappointment. Contact Nicky for cost and more details on 07545551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk

Parent and child classes this summer at EMAS. 1st-31st July UNWIND for 1 – 3 year olds. A little time out for you and your child. Explore with your little one in our beautiful, child centred environment. Songs, stories, sensory play and activities for babes in arms to three year olds. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.30am – 11.30am Drop in or book ahead. £4.50 per child per session. Call 0131 446 0777 to book ahead. Weekly Summer Clubs for 4 - 7 year olds 1st July - 9th August.

9am - 1pm. Come and join us for a summer of fun!

0131 446 0777 or go to www.emaschool.co.uk Edinburgh Montessori Arts School, Mill House, Tower Mains Studio, 18N Liberton Brae, Edinburgh, EH16 6AE

MUSIC BUGS Music Bugs East Edinburgh will be running Music Bugs and Baby Bugs (0-12m) summer holiday sessions from 1st-5th & 8th – 12th July at the Calton Centre. We are delighted to announce that we will be launching Saturday classes in July, so look forward to welcoming lots of Dads (and working Mums) along to Music Bugs. We will shortly be announcing a series of instrument and sensory toy making workshops for all ages. For more details, please contact Hilary on 0844 822 1156 or email hilary@musicbugs.co.uk

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TUMBLE TOTS Tumble Tots 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 Session: 10am to 12.30pm, afternoon sessions 1.30pm to 4pm, (pm only on Tuesdays) Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th, Friday 19th, Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th July and Friday 2nd August 2013. Summer Classes are also running 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 9th 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

KUMON Learning is just like exercise: take several weeks off and the treadmill feels a lot steeper when you finally get back on. It's no different with maths and reading. Research suggests that a long break without any mental activity can result in a decline of mathematical, reading and language skills as well as concentration levels.

At your local study centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Kumon’s unique worksheet-based method can help your child to excel in these subjects, develop their capacity for learning independently and boost their all-round confidence.

As we look to the start of a new school term after the summer holidays, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with these core subjects. www.kumon.co.uk

CHILDCARE CONNECTIONS Childcare Connections has been operating afterschool and holiday clubs for over 13 years providing subsidised, affordable quality, flexible childcare in South Edinburgh for parents in work, education or training. 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.

Please call 0131 664 1111 or visit us at www.childcare-connections.co.uk.

RUGBYTOTS

DANCE FOR ALL

Rugbytots are holding two fantastic summer camps for 5 to 7 year olds.

Each session will be structured to ensure that your child's technical understanding and development of skill’s improve, as well as inspiring confidence in their own ability. The sessions aim to improve your child’s passing, catching, kicking and decision making through numerous drills and games. The sessions will be high tempo, enthusiastic and most importantly, fun.

We will also emphasise teamwork, respect of others, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. Rugbytots believe these are important skills to take through life on and off the sporting field. The camps will provide the correct balance of skills and games, to ensure that they have a time to remember.

1st to 5th July 2013 - 9.30am – 12:30pm 5th to 10th August 2013 - 9:30am – 12:30pm Holyrood High School (Duddingston Road West, Edinburgh, EH15) Cost: £85 for the week For further information please phone 07739874565. To book a place, visit View / Book Classes at www.rugbytots.co.uk and go to Edinburgh/Summer Camp 2012

Dance For All Summer School (6-15yrs), priced £130, is the 5th-9th August and their Summer Intensive course (13-21yrs), £140, is the 10th-13th August. Did you know that dance can improve physical, cognitive and emotional health? Find out more on their new website www.danceforall.co.uk - browse timetables, testimonials, booking forms and photo galleries or call the office on 0131 226 5533.

HIP HOP SUMMER SCHOOL AT DANCE BASE

FENCING FUN

Exciting Hip Hop Summer School at Dance Base Week 1 Mon 8 Jul – Fri 12 Jul I 09.30 – 15.30 Week 2 Mon 15 Jul – Fri 19 Jul I 09.30 – 15.30 Open to Children 7-9 and 10-12 A fantastic opportunity for kids to learn a variety of dance styles (street dance, breakin, poppin, lockin, house and capoeira) from experienced teachers as well as playing with photography, art and music video production. Each week promises to be extremely funky and lots of fun! 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 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.

Fencing Fun are running a two day taster camp on Tuesday, 30th and Wednesday 31st July for an hour each day, for groups Primary 1-3 and 4-7 at Broughton High School.

To book a place or for more information, visit our website www.fencingfun.co.uk.

The class sizes are restricted so it is important to book early. We are also available for birthday parties! www.fencingfun.co.uk 07921853728

STEP IT UP DANCE Step It Up Dance are running a Summer Hip Hop School every Saturday during the school holidays. These classes offer kids and parents the chance to enjoy this creative form of dance together with loads of fun, laughs & praise along the way! Families can drop in weekly, or enjoy the full block for a discounted price. Suitable for kids age 18m - 6, adults free. Saturdays 6th July - 10th August inclusive.

10am - 10.45am Calton Centre, 121 Montgomery Street, EH7 5EP £6.50 per class or £30 for the 6-week block Please book via www.stepitupdance.co.uk/booking Step It Up Dance Summer Camp - Become a music video sensation! Join Step It Up Dance and create, choreograph and star in your very own music video. Become part of a Street Dance crew and learn all the latest styles from Breakdance to Hip Hop. Create your own graffiti-style t-shirt to take home, along with a copy of your music video to show all your friends and family. Monday 22nd - Friday 26th July 9am - 2pm @ Northfield & Willowbrae Community Centre, 10 Northfield Road, EH15 7PP £90 or Early Bird Offer: £75 Ask about our sibling discount too!

Please book via www.stepitupdance.co.uk/ booking

KIDSCENE Are you looking for a different experience for your children and a holiday club provider with a fantastic range of activities and facilities? Kidscene After School and Holiday Club caters for children with and without disabilities. We are based at the Royal Blind school in Edinburgh and are the only childcare provider in the UK with a reverse integration model. Kidscene is run by dedicated, qualified and registered staff.

We have spaces available from 8th July to 2nd August. A full day costs £21 and a half day costs £12. Kidscene has excellent facilities - a swimming pool, soft play area, sensory garden and enclosed outdoor play areas. We have activities to suit everyone, including nature trail, arts and crafts, dancing, music and trip to the beach. Visit www.royalblind.org/kidscene/holidayclub Email kidscene@royalblind.org Facebook http://on.fb.me/YEWGNl Tel 0131 446 3136.

WESTWOODS SUPERSTARS – MULTI ACTIVITY CAMP FOR CHILDREN Westwoods Superstars is a daytime activities camp for children aged 5-12 years old based at Westwoods Health Club. The club is situated within the stunning grounds of Fettes College ensuring your child can enjoy exciting activities in a fun and safe environment. Activities include swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, traditional games, trips to local attractions and much more!!! The Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm – and you can drop your children off from 8.30am and pick up until 5.30pm.

The summer camp commences on 15th July and ends on 9th August (15th – 19th July, 22nd – 26th July, 29th July – 2nd August, 5th – 9th August) Stop Press: Due to the popularity of our camp full week slots are now sold out however, some individual days still have space. Please contact us for latest availability.

Please call Westwoods on 0131 332 5777 or visit our website: www.westwoodshealthclub.com or e-mail westwoods@fettes.com

SUMMER AT EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY

EDA are very excited to be running a Summer School again this year. This will take place in Broughton High School’s state of the art dance studios from Monday 29 July – Saturday 3 August. There will be workshops in Ballet (taught by Julie Mitchell, the only RAD examiner in Edinburgh) Commercial Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Each day will run from 9.30am – 2.00pm. We will close the week with a show. There will be 3 age groups. Junior, Mid and Senior. All are welcome from age 5yrs up. Numbers are limited so please call Suzie to book 0131 337 3402. If it’s anything like last year you will have a ball! We did!

SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes 8.30am -5.30pm from 1st July - 9th August at Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh.

Sports Camp – for children aged 8 -12+years Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: Hip Hop/Breakdance; Outdoor Centre; Gymnastics and Boxing Full Day - £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00

Holiday Care – for children aged 4 1/2 - 12+ years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4 1/2 -7years) Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, hiphop/breakdance, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Camera Obscura, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2013.

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

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MAGIC SCHOOL WORKSHOPS (FOR 7-10 YEAR OLDS) Children will have the opportunity to learn, create and perform their own magic at a spell binding 2.5-hour session or attend a 5-day course for young magicians with a fun show for parents on the last day. Each of the 5 daily sessions is themed so that children learn in depth a new area of magic, from startling levitations to crazy card tricks.

Over 400 children have already taken part. Want to learn how to make your friends float? Make everyday objects appear and disappear and meet some of the coolest magicians in Scotland? Then this workshop is for you!

Last year was a complete sell out so book tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Magic newbies welcome!

5-Day Magic School • £85. Monday 1 July - Friday 5 July. 10.00am OR 1.30pm.

One-off Magic School Workshop • £15. Sat 29 June - Sun 30 June. 10.00am OR 1.30pm. For further details and bookings please visit www.magicfest.co.uk or call box office 0131 473 2000

DOODLES July and August. Summer Art Club: 10.30am – 12.30pm daily Suitable for Age 7 and up (Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult) We will be using a variety of mediums all week and activities will include clay modelling, decopatch and painting. Messy fun always guaranteed and you will have some great mementos of your summer holidays. Cost per week will be £55 including mid morning juice and snack.

15th - 19th July and 5th - 9th August Mon: Fishy fun, model your own underwater aquarium Tues: Fabulous fireworks, paint your own Edinburgh festival theme plate Wed: Crazy crystals, decorate your funky fish and aquarium items made on Monday Thurs: Jazzy jewels, make your own necklace. Fri: Delightful decopatch, decorate your own money box. Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, 0131 229 1399

SUMMER HOLIDAYS WITH EDINBURGH LEISURE At Edinburgh Leisure, we’ve got lots of great value activities to keep your kids healthy, active and happy over the Summer holidays. With over 18 different fun and exciting activities to choose from for tots right through to teenagers and activities ranging from golf, athletics, climbing and swimming to name a few - they’ll be spoilt for choice.

Our camps are flexible to suit everyone’s needs. With camps running from 1st July-9th August and so many options available, in the form of week long, full days, 1⁄2 days or just a couple of hours - we have something for everyone. For a full listing of all the camps we offer please visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

A-STAR SPORTS A-Star Sports offers inclusive, developmental multi-sports coaching for children.

Our holiday clubs focus on a high-energy combination of games, sports and all-round active entertainment for children aged 3+*. Building on a fun ABC-based programme (agility, balance and co-ordination), your child will be introduced to and develop the skills for a broad range of sports, including basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football, handball, hockey, rounders, rugby, tennis and volleyball. With small group sizes and step-by-step support in a positive environment, your child will have a memorable multi-sports experience. Contact Alister Ramm 07762224534/ Brian Droudge 07876021073 or alister.ramm@a¬starsports.co.uk / brian.droudge@a-starsports.co.uk www.a-starsports.co.uk/local-classes/edinburgh-north-west

GARDEN GNOME CLUB Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August. 10.15am - 3.45pm. £120 Follow in the footsteps of some of the great plant hunters and learn useful expedition skills on your journey round the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. From tropical rainforest one day to desert lands the next and some precious native woodland along the way we'll take you round the world on a plant hunt to find out some of the plants in our collection and the habitats they come from. Garden Gnome Club is a holiday activity group focussed 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!

PROFESSIONAL TUITION IN MATHS AND ENGLISH AT KIP MCGRATH EDINBURGH CENTRAL & NORTH. How is your son or daughter performing at school? Is your child ready for P1 entry? Is your son or daughter prepared for private school entry or current exams and assessments? At Kip McGrath Edinburgh Central & North we have fully qualified experienced teachers who can let you know exactly how your son or daughter is performing. We carefully plan a structured individualised teaching plan and also offer practical advice on the best way to support your son or daughter. We are experts at preparing students for assessments at all levels from age 4 to highers and A levels.

Phone Indy on 01316106110 for a FREE assessment. www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/edinburgh-central Kip McGrath Edinburgh Central & North, 1 Huntly Street, New Town, EH3 5HB.

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MATERIALISE Materialise has added children’s sewing and paper-art workshops to their regular sewing workshop calendar. Children aged 10 years and over can learn to sew this summer, with all workshops covering how to cut and pin fabric and sew seams. The skirt and shorts workshops will also teach children how to take their own measurements and insert an elastic waistband.

Drawstring bag (Friday 5th July, 2-5pm, £20) Scallop edge reversible skirt (Thursday 18th July, 2-5pm, £25) Pyjama shorts (Tuesday 23rd July, 2-5pm, £25) Paper-art workshops are split into two age groups: 6-9 years to learn how to fold fortune tellers, make small books, paper beads and boxes and 10-13 years to make a clever book with secret pockets inside. 6-9 years (Wednesday 24th July, 10am-12pm and Thursday 1st August, 2-5pm, £15) 10-13 years (Wednesday 31st July, 10am-12 pm and Thursday 8th August, 2-5pm, £15). Birthday parties can also be arranged.

All workshops are booked and paid for online at www.lovematerialise.com.

SUMMER AT POTTER AROUND Art classes every Wednesday throughout the summer with artist Kirsty McDiarmid - both oil painting classes at £15 a head and acrylic at £12 a head. 10.30-12noon.

Our popular potter's wheels classes continue and will run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoon 1pm-3pm at £15 a head. There will also be full day workshops available -call for details. We will teaching kids (and adults) to knit every Wednesday morning with Irene £12 a session which includes all materials and you take the needles and wool home to continue what you have learnt. Storytelling and craft sessions for under 5s will continue every Monday morning 10-11am. £4.50 -tea and coffee for the adults. Warhammer sessions on Friday afternoons in the holiday. 2.305pm. £5 a session. We have models and paints on sale as well as brushes and accessories. Summer workshops Each weekday morning 10.30am-12noon there will a different craft activity for children to try. These supervised sessions will include a drink and snack and are £12 a head. www.potteraround.co.uk 01506238961

SASCS SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes again this year, Monday 1st July to Friday 9th August 2013, 8.30am -5.30pm in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. Sports Camp – for children aged 8 -12+years. Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: Hip Hop/Breakdance; Outdoor Centre; Gymnastics and Boxing. Full Day - £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00 Holiday Care – for children aged 4.5 -12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -7years). Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, hiphop/breakdance, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Camera Obscura, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2013.

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

MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS 8 - 12th, 15th - 19th July, 28th July - 2nd August, 5th - 9th August Mortonhall Tennis Club is hosting tennis camps over the Summer Holidays. The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach, First Aid & PVG) & his team.

10am – 11.55am Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) The level covers beginners right up to junior team players.

Open also to under 10’s who are already playing to a certain level. Designed to give the players the chance to improve on their technical and tactical skills, enjoy multi-sports, and take part in competitions for prizes. Mini Tennis (mornings) £37.50 (members) £47.50 (non members) Junior Tennis (afternoons) £57.50 (members) £67.50 (non members) 10% discount 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

DRAMA STUDIO SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS for ages 4 - 14 The Drama Studio's Summer holiday camp activities include Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song and dance,dressing up, soft ball games, parachute games and performing usually include outdoor games such as football, boules, racket games, skipping etc weather permitting. Our venues are Wardie Church Halls Primrose Bank Road, Edinburgh 15th-19th July (pm spaces only) Fairmilehead Church Halls, Frogston Road West 22nd-26th July and 29th July-2nd Aug Mornings £75, Afternoons £50, Full Days £125 Senior Afternoon Courses (over 10’s) 1.30 - 4pm £65 For more info and to book visit www.thedramastudio.com or e-mail julie@thedramastudio.com Phone - 0131-453-3284

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s d i K for

www.edfringe.com 2 - 26 August 2013

I love Edinburgh in August - I love the pop up cafes, the colourful fairy lights, the chatter, the laughter, the optimistic parents trying to push a buggy up the Royal Mile (I have been one of you!), the street performers, the markets, the air of excitement..... but most of all I love the amazing shows that induce laughter, tears and, without fail, surprise and delight. Also, the silliness - I do like the silliness!

You’ve got 2,871 shows to choose from at the fringe this year! But, helpful as ever, we’ve narrowed down a selection of fantastic shows for kids and families to share with you.

Ali McGregor Cabaret star and fringe favourite Ali McGregor (La Clique, Alchemy) is bringing her hit kids show to Edinburgh for the first time. Joined by dancers and backed by a jazz trio, this show is filled with enough standards and jazzy pop reworkings like ‘Who let the dogs out?’ ‘A-Tisket A-Tasket’ & ‘All the Single Ladies’ to get the whole family dancing! Ali is one of Australia’s finest and most versatile performers from performing as a principal soprano for Opera Australia to touring the world with her cabaret & jazz shows. She has a 3 year old and felt it was time to create a show with songs & music that both kids and adults can enjoy together. Parents, grandparents & friends can either join in or sit back, relax with a cool drink and simply watch the youth tire themselves out on the beautiful Spiegeltent dance floor! Tickets available from www.alimcgregor.com, www.arfringe.com or 08446933008

Mr Boom A whole generation later - Mr Boom - the children’s one man band from the moon - returns to Planet Earth with his cosmic songs and dances. At this year’s Fringe he’ll be landing his space ship at two Spiegeltents one at Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick on 6th August and again at the Famous Spiegeltent in George Street on 17th, 24th & 25th as part of the Assembly Fringe Programme. So come along for a fab hour of fun for little ones. Use your imagination. Jump! Skip! dance around the sun! A highly parent friendly show! Show duration: 1hr www.arfringe.com www.fringebythesea.co.uk

James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids 8/9/10/11 August 14.00 (60 mins) at The Famous Spiegeltent George Street Tickets: £7.50 BoxOffice: 0844 6933008 For children over 6, their parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words Imagine you’re a sausage. You are in a frying pan, happily sizzling away with other like-minded sausages. Then one of them starts to tell you about tomato ketchup. You refuse to believe your friend's stories but later you find yourself being dipped head first into that tangy, tomatoey joy. And then you realise that yes - ketchup is true. Watching James Campbell is a bit like that. But there aren't any sausages involved. Or ketchup.

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 www.thejamescampbell.com www.arfringe.com

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The Starbird

The Starbird is a most beautiful bird, with wings that sparkle like jewels. And when the sun sets, she flies way up high, and magically lights up the stars until they sing, giggle and glow. But what happens when a wicked hunter appears in the Starbird's forest..?

Storytelling theatre, with a dazzling fusion of Scottish and African music, story, dance, costume and puppetry. Created by Mara Menzies, and brought to you by Toto Tales, in association with Mull Theatre, this is a performance rooted in traditional storytelling, and gives a child’s perspective on how a single event can shatter everything they know and love. However, by standing up and taking action, truth and goodness will always prevail.

With a kaleidoscope of colour in the hand-stitched set; the fusion of music from Kenya, Louisiana, Tibet and Scotland; the enticing aroma of “flowers and waterfalls and rainbows all mixed into one”, this is an enchanting performance for children aged 3+, and adults. VENUE Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30a), 0131 556 9579 August 1st to 26th (except 7th/14th/19th), 11am (ends 11.45am)

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SPOTLITES THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Professional interactive theatre for kids who don’t just want to sit still and watch!

Curse of Pharaoh’s Tomb

Magic Porridge Pot

Tues 30th July - Sun 18th Aug, Sat 24th & Sun 25th Aug at 1.30pm (1 hour 45 mins). Battle mummified soldiers with real whips! Raid the tomb with the archaeologist! Crack the code and escape the traps! Artie Flinders, Professor of Archaeology, battles against the pharaoh’s curse to discover Tutankhamen’s father’s lost tomb! But two dangerous Egyptian treasure-hunters have other ideas! From the team behind 2012 sell-out Merlin’s Dragon: ***** ‘Brilliant’ (BroadwayBaby.com); and 2010/11 sell-out ‘Robinson Crusoe the Lost Jedi Knight’

Wed 21st & Mon 26th August at 1pm (50 mins) Help Boy cook magic porridge! Splat porridge in a magic food fight! Jump in the huge sea of porridge!

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! 2009/10/11/12 Fringe sell-out! 'A great introduction to theatre' **** (Herald).

The Enormous Turnip

Rapunzel May the Force Be With You!

Mon 19th, Thurs 22nd & Fri 23rd @ 1pm; Tues 20th August @ 10am & 11.20am (50 mins). Help Grandad plant the tiny seed! Slide in the snail slime! Heave up the enormous turnip! 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 the turnip ever stop growing? Pop! Kapow! 2011 and 2012 Fringe sell-out! 'So perfect' **** (ThreeWeeks).

The Golden Goose Thurs 1st & Fri 2nd @ 4.10pm; Mon 19th, Wed 21st - Fri 23rd & Mon 26th @ 10am & 11.20am; Tues 20th August @ 1pm (50 mins).

Chop the tree to rescue the gluey goose! Stick tight to its gooey golden feathers! Sail away on the magic land-ship!

Little 'uns come onstage throughout! Join Boy as he shares his food with a starving old wizard who shows him the secret golden goose! Make the sad princess laugh!

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Tues 30th July Sun 18th Aug, Sat 24th & Sun 25th August at 11.30am (1 hour). Defend Rapunzel's tower with real lightsabres!

Master Jedi skills with Duke Skylord to rescue Trueflapper the alien! Rapunzel Star Wars style! Rapunzel lives in an ancient rocket-ship, imprisoned by the Dark Vadia! From the team behind 2011/12 sell-out Peter Pan on Dinosaur island: ***** ‘This is exactly what every show for kids should be like’ (ThreeWeeks). 2009/2010 sell-out Sleeping Beauty and the Time Lords: ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). £7 / £6 concs / £24 family of 4 10% off for groups of 10+ Box office: 0131 220 5911 Website: www.spotlites.co.uk Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street

Fringe By The Sea 5th-11th August 2013.

Festival Fun at the seaside!

The variety that Fringe by the Sea always brings to the festival season is as wide as ever - and the usual great mix of family friendly and childrens events make it a ‘mustvisit’ in August.

North Berwick Harbour is transformed into a Festival Village - with TWO Spiegeltents packed with great performances - and a variety of food and drink offerings on site. Pick of the crop is be Mr Boom, Book Bugs and Jo Jingles , while for participation, Little Voices Big Stars promises to be a ‘star’ turn - book early. The visits by Orkestra del Sol on the afternoon of Wednesday 7tth, and The New Rope String Band on Monday 5th teatime will both be superb - and for ALL the family to enjoy.

All round town there will be ‘happenings’ of various sorts too - a Beach Day on the Wednesday will be worth exploring - including some ‘performance archeology’ that is described as ‘gently educational in a fun way’!

Also a Nature Quiz that will be a treasure hunt leading you all round town to get answers to some tricksy questions - but with prizes! www.fringebythesea.co.uk

The Legend Of Ooshus Magooshus Joshua Seigal Presents The Legend Of Ooshus Magooshus London-based performance poet Joshua Seigal will have children (and their grown ups) laughing (and thinking) with this feast of rhyme, rhythm, rap and randomness. Come and discover who Ooshus Magooshus is, what 'yabbing' is, and what is the box marked 'danger'. "brilliant, hilarious" Ham and High "won the children over, and me too" The Scotsman 12th-24th Aug (except 19th) - Cafe Camino 2:30 pm (50 mins) - FREE - ages 5-11 (but everyone welcome)

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Lapin wants breakfast

Jo Jingles music and movement classes are back at the Edinburgh Fringe following our successful sell out shows last year. This year our theme is Edinburgh so come and join the adventures with Big Jo while he enjoys a staycation in our home town, we will be jumping aboard a big red bus and heading off to take in many of the famous city sights. Like our music classes which start from 3 months this show has something for all ages, we will have musical instruments to play and lots of fun props, come and join the fun! If you attend classes then contact your class teacher for tickets or alternatively contact the fringe box office. August 9th and 10th at Craiglockhart Parish Church. For more information or details on our local classes please contact Susan ( East Edinburgh) on 620 322 or Joanne ( West Edinburgh) 443 4196.

After their great success last year, Tania and Lapin, her lovely puppet-rabbit, are back at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe for new adventures! This time, Lapin wants his breakfast. But he will eat only ONE THING! What could it be? To find out, join Lapin and his friends in their very hungry quest.

This musical and interactive puppet show, which introduces children to the French language in a ‘natural’ way, includes carefully chosen and repeated French keywords dotted throughout the story.

‘The perfect introduction to a foreign language for tiny ones’ (List) ‘The target audience [was] fully engaged’ **** (Herald) Institut francais d’Ecosse/ Venue 134 13 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 7TT. Box Office: 0131 225 53 66 Mon - Sun 9.30 am -9.00 pm or www.edfringe.com For ages 3 - 5. Preview: August 2, 10.00am (40 mins) £5 August 3-11, 13-18, 10.00 am (40 mins) Tickets: £7 (£5) / NURSERY GROUPS DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE http://www.lepetitmonde.co.uk

Purves Puppets

Music Bugs

Purves Puppets are back in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival performing in their unique style of glow- in -the-dark large scale puppets. Celebrating 43 years of successful shows performed all over the world – most recently Hong Kong! They are appearing at a new venue – South Leith Parish Church Halls from 3 – 17 Aug (not Sundays) with “Pips and Panda meet the Toothfairy” - a fun puppetry performance for ages 1 – 6 about a cheeky Monkey and a Panda’s adventures! This time Panda’s tooth falls out so Pips and Panda fly on the magic leaf to Toothfairy-land to get Panda a silver penny! Lots of songs and audience participation to keep the little ones amused!

The other play is Stravinsky’s – “The Firebird” - a truly Spectacular story for ages 6 – adult. An exciting adaptation of Russia's famous folktale set to Stravinsky’s ballet score. Giant-sized puppets that glow in the dark, with spectacular animation effects, make this a performance which appeals to adults as well as children from age six.

Journeying through the magical forest, Ivan has to find the beautiful Princess Zerena with help from Grey Wolf, who can transform himself into many disguises. We meet Prince Ivan and his two silly brothers, as well as Koschei the evil Wizard and many other colourful characters, including the Firebird herself! **** – Three Weeks Magazine 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 Bus 22 takes you opposite the door or Car parking at Newkirkgate Shopping Centre!

Music Bugs return to the Fringe this year with another action packed show for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Join us on an interactive musical journey through the natural world, packed full of fun and colourful puppets and props. You bring the bairns, and we'll supply the bugs and the beasts! A guaranteed toe-tapping, sing-a-long shindig for young and old alike. Please note that adults do not require a ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult - Maximum two adults per child. Shows running at Pilrig Studio from 19th – 21st August, £8 per ticket. For more details, please contact Hilary on 0844 822 1156 or email hilary@musicbugs.co.uk

CeilidhKids at the Fringe – FREE! Laughing Horse@ The Counting House, Venue 170, 38 West Nicolson Street 10am and 11am every day 1st – 25th Aug (except Tuesdays) 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!

Beano the Clown Beano the Clown will be performing a big family show on the High Street or Mound every day during the fringe!

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Little Howard’s Big Show For Kids E4 Cow Barn Underbelly, Bristo Square at 2:45pm Previews: 31st July – 2nd August @ £6 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 13th-15th, 19th-22nd, 26th August @ £10 / £9 5th, 6th, 9th-11th, 16th-18th, 23rd-25th August @ £12 / £10 Little Howard is the world’s only live interactive animation. He’s won so many awards and fantastic reviews and he’s only just celebrated his 6th birthday (for the tenth year in a row)!

He’s also a published author and has done lots of television stuff, like The Royal Variety Performance, The Slammer (CBBC) and Little Howard’s Big Question (BBC1) – yes, he’s even had his own television show!

But life is tough in showbiz; Little Howard’s big new act keeps going wrong, Roger the Pigeon has spent all their money on cookie cutters, his comedy counterpart Big Howard has been diagnosed with being clinically unfunny and there’s a slug in the backstage toilet. And it’s about to get worse: a sinister figure arrives and Big Howard and Little Howard have to put on the best show of their lives to keep themselves out of jail! And so, this August, they will be returning to the Fringe with one of the most unique family comedy shows ever. ★★★★ “It's silly, it's clever, original and unlike anything else you'll see on the Fringe” BRITISH COMEDY GUIDE TICKETS: 0844 545 8252 / www.underbelly.co.uk For 5-12 years

Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic 1 - 25 August 13.10 (1 hour) Based on the hit TV show Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic and featuring some of your favourite magicians from the series, this is a jaw-dropping magic spectacular for all the family. Witness Interactive Illusions, Up Close and Magical and Tricks of the Trade as seen on CBBC plus more live on stage in an astounding hour of absolute magic! Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic is an Objective Productions format and was created by Anthony Owen (Derren Brown/The Real Hustle). Underbelly, Bristo Square For ages 7+ www.underbelly.co.uk

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs McEwan Hall, Bristo Square 31 July - 26 August 3pm Join Flinn as he discovers a Pirate hiding in a cupboard, hold on tight as the cupboard falls away and together we tumble into a real life adventure! All aboard for a non-stop action-packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry, physical performance and dastardly dinosaurs!

Ignite your child's imagination through the magic of theatre and storytelling.

Internationally acclaimed theatre company Les Enfants Terribles present their exciting new children's theatre company, Les Petits. Based on the award-winning book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto. www.underbelly.co.uk www.edfringe.com

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SWEET VENUES At Sweet Venues we are dedicated to expanding the view - that means we like to programme a wide variety of genres, giving audiences great theatre experiences to choose from. This year we are delighted to have a selection of children’s shows, which make excellent use of our four star home, the Apex International Hotel. With a ramp straight into the venue, lifts to the theatre level, baby changing right beside the theatre, space for buggies, a foyer space if your kids need five minutes to cool off and trained staff, used to families and ready to help. www.sweetvenues.com

The Takeaway Story Show. A children’s improv show with a difference, in a world first, a team of writers and artists will turn your show into a brand new storybook that can be downloaded and kept forever. It has pictures, puzzles, activities from the show and most importantly the story that every child at the show helped to write. Have fun together with your children as everyone is encouraged to yell out ideas, invent songs and sound effects, draw pictures and construct props,all of which are used to make up a brand new and hilarious adventure story every day. With themes set to include space, pirates, castles, jungles and many more, an activity book of your show will be available afterwards to download and keep from www.thetakeawaystoryshow.co.uk. Suitability. Good for all the family, best for those who like to get involved! August 1-18 at 10:45 (1hr 15mins) £8.00 (£6.00) (£24.00 Family ticket) Dean Friedman’s Smelly Feet.

A children’s musical that really stinks from chart-topping singer-songwriter and pop-icon, Dean Friedman. Join Danny, Pete and Sally as they pursue their ridiculous but essential quest to cure Pete’s smelly feet. With adventures a plenty, journey with Danny, Pete and Sally as they discover what it is that makes Pete feet smell so bad.

Suitable for families with kids ages 3 - 8yrs and their siblings, Smelly Feet is a toe-tickling musical packed full of silly songs familiar to those who’ve attended Friedman’s ‘Silly Song, Sing-Along’ concerts in the past and catchy enough for those new to Friedman’s work to pick up and join in. With Friedman classics like I’m Somebody Too; Never, Never, Never Play With Matches and Please, Please, Please, Don’t Tease the Bees audience will be encouraged to sing-along and participate throughout the show. Watch out - you may get wet! Suitability. Good for all the family. August 1st -15th, not Wednesdays at 12.20pm (1hr). £8 (£5)

A dazzling fusion of Scottish and African story, music, dance, costume and puppetry.

For age 3+ Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30a) 1-26 August (except 7, 14, 19) 11am (45 mins)

0131 556 9579

Rumpelstiltskin, a family fairytale featuring wildly creative characters, squeamishly sentimental ‘life lessons’ and a story far too complex for its one-hour running time... Pushy parents and obnoxious young offspring! Her Royal Awfulness requests your attendance at the Royal Circus, to observe miraculous magical feats whilst dining on swordfish washed down with silly juice.

Set in the beautiful but impoverished Kingdom Quagmire, the sprawling-but fast-paced tale riffs on themes of parent-child relationships, magic, dreams and good manners; a cheery musical ditty or two certainly isn’t off the table either. Expect elves, gremlins, badly-performed circus tricks, funny bits, serious bits, goofy bits and gold. Lots of gold. With a full and varied list of characters, Rumpelstiltskin promises to be an enjoyable, family friendly romp through the traditional tale, in not such a traditional way. Suitability. Good for all the family 19th - 23rd August at 1pm.

Explore the story of evolution through the medium of Breakdance!

This energetic workshop will get the whole family spinning, popping, lockin', bustin' funky moves and pulling off super cool tricks in no time. Discover the joy of dancing with your kids and watch their self-esteem grow before your very eyes as they learn cool new moves with loads of praise, fun and laughs along the way. Dancers of all levels, young and old, will enjoy this imaginative and active workshop hosted by B-Boy Taz from Step It Up Dance, Friday 2nd & Sat 3rd August 10am - 10.50am £8 adults, £6 kids.

Sweet Venues (Apex International Hotel) Tickets can be purchased via www.edfringe.com www.sweetvenues.com

Word Alive Kids Free event - reserve your places online.

A vibrant children's programme aimed at making the Bible accessible to children from 0-11 years old through interactive storytelling.

Monday, Tuesday August 12th/13th Family programme (see webpage) Saturday August 17th/24th 10am "Who let the Dad's out?'

Breakfast for the Dads while the children have a one-hour interactive storytelling session followed by a 30 minute puppet show.

Saturday August 17th/24th 3pm "Kids and grown-ups too".

Adults enjoy a cup of tea and a scone while the children have a one-hour interactive story telling session followed by a 30 minute puppet show. (NB puppet show only available on the 17th). www.wordalive.org.uk 27 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 79

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Circus For Success

Celebrating their 30th anniversary and their 18th visit to the Edinburgh Fringe, Albert & Friends Instant Circus, London’s Premier Youth Circus, offers a special day out for children and young people with some really cool circus skills. Come and learn aerial, tightrope, unicycle, stilts, juggling and lots more. A&FIC’s expert training team have all come up through the circus, experiencing the benefits of building selfconfidence, courage and team skills through participation in an intelligent physical arts activity. Experience the joys of the circus with lunch included at the Bonaly Outdoor Centre, situated at the foot of the beautiful Pentland Hills. 18th – 26th August Time: 10.30 (5 Hours) Cost: £40 Age: 5 – 14 Please note: Workshop is for children only. Children may be dropped off and picked up later. All physical activities carry an element of risk.

About Circus Come and watch a cracking cornucopia of Music, Magic and Mayhem performed by the talented young people of Albert & Friends Instant Circus. Family entertainment at it’s best! Royal Botanic Garden – off Inverleith House Lawn. 18 – 26 August 1pm (1 Hour) Free.

PLEASANCE KIDZONE Pleasance Kidzone is back in the Courtyard for its fifth year and is proud to present a fun-filled programme of shows and activities. This year will be Spacethemed and the giant igloo theatre and child-friendly cafe will be welcoming all space cadets, aliens (especially in underpants!) and musical creatures! The all-weather pod tents house a free play area, puppet theatre and fantastic arts and crafts zone where everyone (adults too!) can do lots of imaginative and affordable activities. There’s the opportunity to get your face painted by Fantoosh face-painter extraordinaire, you can grab a colouring sheet, paint a mug, design a T-Shirt, make decoupage aliens or shrinkles key rings, badges and jewellery, you can even decorate your own underpants! There is also an outstanding programme of shows on offer around The Pleasance Courtyard including My Brother the Robot by Tall Stories, The Magical Playroom with CBeebies’s Cerrie Burnell and Aliens Love Underpants. Candida Alderson, Pleasance Kidzone Producer says: ‘Once again we are offering events and shows at affordable prices. We hope that families will come along and spend the day with us, enjoying all the great shows and activities we have on offer. They may even spot the odd famous parent! The Pleasance Kidzone is a great place in the Festival hubbub to relax and have a drink while the kids are happily entertained’. www.pleasance.co.uk

The Red Bus Story Trips The Red Bus is back!

This year, by popular demand, you get to see a show while the double decker takes you on a trip. Climb up to the top deck, ding ding and we're off! Edinburgh storyteller Peter Snow will be on board with stories and songs for you, and when we reach the top road of Arthur's seat you have the chance to meet a real little black rabbit. Catch the bus by the family friendly Pavilion Cafe in the Meadows, close to great playgrounds and lots of green space to play. Tickets from the Fringe Office 0131 226 0000 or The Red Bus, info@theredbus.co.uk. Details at www.theredbus.co.uk or www.facebook.com/theredbusedinburgh

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The Just So Stories Red Table Theatre The Green, 31 July -26 August (not 12 and 19) 14.15 and 15.25. Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories have enchanted both children and adults for generations.

Using everyday objects found in an attic, four of Rudyard Kipling’s best-beloved stories are discovered and brought to life. Find out from these delightful tales why the moon pulls the tides (rather than a crab who is taller than the smoke of three volcanoes), and the reason why the elephant’s nose is so long.

Cushions, pillows, and duvets await for your little ones to snuggle into and watch in wonder as ordinary household items are turned into an entire world of magical storytelling on stage in front of them. Suitable for ages 4+ www.redtabletheatre.com www.edfringe.com www.pleasance.co.uk

Aliens Love Underpants Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance One), Wed 7 - Thurs 22 Aug 2013 (not 14) at 11.30am This national bestseller and much-loved family favourite is reimagined for the stage for the very first time, with special effects, original music, lots of aliens and many, many pants. Aliens Love Underpants tells the story of a gang of mischievous aliens on a visit to earth, travelling not to visit to the earthlings, but simply to steal their underpants! Silly, quirky and irresistibly fun, the show follows the aliens as they ransack the washing line on their search for pants - big and small, red or green.

Created by children’s theatre company Big Wooden Horse and produced by the team behind The Gruffalo (National tour and West End), this must-see production comes to the Pleasance Courtyard for two weeks only, as part of its Nationwide tour 2013.

Director Adam Bampton-Smith said, “This funny and colourful book makes a wonderful stage show, which is just right for a family audience. It’s simply pantastic!”

Suitable for Ages: 2 - 8 years Signed performance: Aug 20 Mon - Thurs £10, £8 (concs), Fri - Sun £12, £10 (concs), Preview Weds 7 £8 0131 556 6550 | www.pleasance.co.uk

My Brother the Robot Once upon a time in the future…

Bobbie lives with her inventor dad in a house filled with technology. Bobbie has everything she needs – except someone to play with.

So her dad builds her a robot little brother. But having a robot in the family can cause all sorts of trouble…

Music, magic and mechanical mayhem from the company that brought you The Gruffalo ('an absolute delight' ***** Scotsman) and The Snail and the Whale ('inventive and charming' **** List). 'Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children's theatre' (Sunday Times).

31 July - 25 August Pleasance Courtyard 14.55 (50 minutes) Age range 4 - 9. Preview Jul 31, Aug 1-2 £6.00 Aug 3-4, 9-11,16-18,23-25 £10.00 (conc £9.00) Aug 5-8,15, 21-22 £9.00 (conc £8.00) Aug 12-13,19-20, 26 £8.00 (conc £7.00) www.tallstories.org.uk www.pleasance.co.uk Facebook: tallstoriestheatre / Twitter: @tallstoriesnews

Song Circle: Fun For Wee Ones (10.45am) and My Yellow Ukulele (11.45am) Pleasance Courtyard from 31st July until August 18th and the weekend of Aug 24th25th. Fun for wee ones! Classic nursery rhymes, Scottish children's songs, a hamper of toys and shaky eggs for under-2s. For the 2-5s dress up, sing and strum with Gill at My Yellow Ukelele.

Tickets are £6 for kids and £1 for adults. All children must be accompanied by a grown up. At the second show babies under 8 months can go free with an older child. www.pleasance.co.uk

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Olivier Award-nominated Wizard Presents, brings I Believe in Unicorns by award-winning children’s author and former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo (War Horse, Private Peaceful) to the Pleasance Beside.

Tomas loves playing outdoors -he hates school and books and being dragged to the library by his mother, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady. Help Tomas save his burning library when the village is overrun by soldiers.

Performed by expert storyteller Danyah Miller together with actor and musician Michael Imerson (Dizzy O Dare), each performance is a unique interactive experience as the audience is encouraged to contribute to and influence the story.

Bring a children’s book to become part of the set and swap for another.

Pleasance Beside 31 July 26 August 11.45am (except 12 August) 0131 556 6550 www.pleasance.co.uk Suitable for 6yrs+

Magical, mystical, family creatures…with issues.

Award winning Fringe Favourite ‘The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show’ bring a NEW Family Show to the Pleasance Courtyard Garden!

Come and meet some magical, mystical & mythical creatures with one thing in common -they have issues. A ghost who can't scare people; a snobby, pretentious unicorn who’s too demanding for her own good; a bossy turkey who’s running out of friends & a devious dragon who'll resort to dramatic ends to get her own way.

A selection of beautifully crafted plays produced by multi-award winning company White Room Theatre (creators of The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show!).

Meet some colourful characters who learn the consequences of their bad behaviour. All hosted by a wannabe celebrity turtle and a very unique, ukulele-playing, bunny-hating gardener! A show (and even a surprise bit of easy participation) for the family to enjoy together (great for all ages 6-80!). Runs daily at 1pm for 45-50 mins.

See www.bite-size.org.uk for more details. Tickets (£6.50-£9) from Fringe & Pleasance Box Offices.

THE ADVENTURE When a famous scientist is abducted, it takes his two children, their best friend, an incompetent storyteller, and the audience to rescue him.

Join an intrepid gang of young detectives on a journey through a top secret location and help them to solve a fiendishly puzzling mystery. Decipher interactive puzzles, offer suggestions, and help decide how the story unfolds. The Famous Five meets Scooby Doo meets The Crystal Maze in a unique hour of funny and inventive interactive theatre. You won’t be sat in the dark watching a play - you’ll be at the heart of THE ADVENTURE! THE ADVENTURE is a unique experience for 7-13 year olds and their families. Groups of only 35 audience members will find themselves at the very heart of a thrilling interactive mystery. Will our gang of detectives prevail and save their Dad? Only with YOUR help!

‘Very well pitched. Juicily experimental’ Richard Curtis Pleasance Courtyard, £12 (adult) £9 (child) , Family £40 (2 adults & 2 children) Dates: 2 - 25 Aug 2013 (not 5, 12, 19) Venue Box Office: 0131 556 6550 Time: 11.00, 14.00, 17.00 (60 mins) (no 17.00 show 2 Aug) www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh

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Drum Struck Family shows can’t get more uplifting and immersive than Drum Struck, the world’s first interactive drum-theatre show that finally makes its UK premiere.

With a drum waiting on every seat, Drum Struck is a chance for every audience member, young and old, to actually take part in a show involving some of the world’s finest drummers, dancers and singers: the high energy spilling over the stage and into the audience as they help to create a wonderfully infectious musical performance.

Drum Struck has sold out runs in Japan, Johannesburg and New York and has been described as ‘the most fun you will have at the theatre’: a unique experience guaranteed to lift the spirits and send families off on a musical high. 01 – 26 August at 18.00 (1 hour) Assembly Hall – Main Hall £10 previews 1-2 August £16 (£14) 3-6, 10-11, 16-18, 23-25 August £14 (£12) 7-9, 13-15, 19-22 & 26 August www.assemblyfestival.com 0131 623 3030 11th - 25th August

The Paper Princess

Hairy Maclary and Friends featuring Slinky Malinki

A vibrant children's programme aimed at making the Bible accessible to children from 0-11 years old through interactive storytelling and a professional puppet show.

Free event - reserve your places online.

www.wordalive.org.uk

Charlotte Chapel, 204 Rose St EH2 4AZ

** JUMP ON BOARD! **

The Red Bus Story Trip Aug 2, 4-9 11am, 12.15, 1.30pm

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013

31 July - 10 August 11am Based on the Book by Elisa Klevin. You are invited to a birthday party! There will be glitter and sparkles, a tiny theatre and a magical story to be told... An enchanting experience, lit by tiny theatre lights, with live music This is an enchanting theatre experience for children of 3yrs+. Monkeyshine Theatre are an Irish Theatre Company making ingenious, playful and Elegant theatre for audiences of all ages.

Duration: 45 mins C Venues 145 India Buildings, Victoria Street Tickets: £7.50 - £9.50. Concessions £5.50 - £7.50. Children £3.50 - £5.50 www.monkeyshinetheatre.com www.Cthefestival.com 0845 260 1234

Bounding off the pages of celebrated writer’s Lynley Dodd’s much loved children’s book series, the smash-hit family show Hairy Maclary and Friends returns once more to Assembly George Square Theatre following sell-out seasons across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Featuring old favourites and two brand new stories, this year audiences will be delighted to learn Slinky Malinki, the adventurous cat, is joining everyone’s favourite characters on stage: from Hercules Morse (as big as a horse) to Schnitzel von Krumm (with a very low tum) and Scarface Claw (the toughest tomcat in town).

Packed with live music and singing, Hairy Maclary is a real summertime treat for those with small children. 02 – 26 August at 10:50 (1 hour) Assembly George Square Theatre £10 (£9) 2-6, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 August £11 (£9) 7-8, 13-15, 19-22 & 26 August. www.assemblyfestival.com 0131 623 3030

Venue 277 £6/£5 Tickets 0131 226 0000 07599 912687

theredbus.co.uk

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s

for Kid

Julien Cottereau

Chanelling the late great silent performers Charlie Chaplin and Harpo Marx, French mime artist Julien Cottereau has firmly established himself as one the world’s best circus performers with his balletic slapstick. Trained under master clown Philippe Gaulier, the former Cirque du Soleil star clown and mime artist returns to Edinburgh for the first time since 2010 with his world-class family show, Imagine Toi. Julien Cottereau’s captivating return to innocence is as beautiful as it is breathtaking. Performing in Assembly Roxy, the beautiful former church in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Imagine Toi will delight and enthrall audiences of all ages. From invisible brooms to chewing gum, skipping ropes, lassos and a football that gets lost under the seats, Julien Cottereau is truly gifted with making something visible through his audience’s imagination. 01 – 26 August at 12:55 (70 mins) Assembly Roxy - Central £10 previews 1-2 August £14 (£13) 3-6, 9-11, 1618, 23-25 August £12 (£11) 7-8, 13-15, 19-22 & 26 August www.assemblyfestival.com 0131 623 3030

The Breakfast Club STAND UP FOR THE EARLY RISERS Hot from the oven comes the tastiest breakfast in town. Featuring only the best comedians and acts at the Fringe, this is a morning variety show for the early risers. Mums and Dads, sit back with a coffee and croissant. Kids, get ready to laugh until lunchtime. Hosted by Mickey D and only using the best acts from the comedy and children's circuit, The Breakfast Club provides top quality entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. Due to its ever revolving line up, no two shows are the same. Imagine, as a parent, walking into a venue and being handed a coffee and a pastry as you hand over your child. This is fun without being patronised. You didn't expect this.

You just bought a ticket for a show for something to do in that gap between breakfast and lunch. But this isn’t just another kids show.........This is The Breakfast Club "This is a show that truly is for the whole family" Rip It Up Adelaide www.thecomedybreakfastclub.com Assembly George Square, Spiegeltent Palazzo 2nd – 25th August Thurs – Sun only Single tickets £8.00 Family of 4 £25.00 11am – doors open 10:30am BOX OFFICE: 0131 623 3030 www.assemblyfestival.com

Thatha ThaTha returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time since 2007. In a spectacular celebration of contemporary and traditional song, dance and life, the audience favourite will once again take audiences on a whirlwind journey through Africa’s rich dance tradition.

From Gumboot dances developed in the mines during apartheid right back through to harvest rituals and warrior dances, ThaTha will be an exhilarating hour of afternoon Fringe entertainment within Assembly George Square’s Spiegeltent Palazzo for families of all ages. 01 – 26 August at 16:25 (1 hour) Assembly George Square – Palazzo £10 previews 1-2 August £14 (£12) 3-6, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 August £12 (£10) 7-8, 13-15, 19-22 & 26 August www.assemblyfestival.com 0131 623 3030

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Drama Workshops for 5-12s Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall, Venue 278, 22 Hanover Street Tues 30th July - Sat 3rd Aug, Mon 5th -Sat 10th, Mon 12th - Wed 14th, Sat 17th & Sun 18th, Sat 24th & Sun 25th August at 10am (1 hour) £6. Group discount: 10% off for groups of 10+. Children only, parents do not stay Box office: 0131 220 5911.

Different each day, including Star Wars: Jedi Knight Academy, Darth Vader School, Clone Wars, Force Unleashed, Jedi vs. Timelords, Harry Potter: Wizard School, Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows, Avengers, Doctor Who: Daleks, Doctor Who: Weeping Angels and Cybermen, Horrible Histories, Tinkerbell, Barbie, Tangled, Roald Dahl, Pirates, Dinosaurs. Create your own stories and plays, with costumes or face painting, scriptwriting or puppetry, stage combat or singing and dance!

CRB-checked staff. Full list of dates and workshops at www.spotlites.co.uk.

Ou&tAbout 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 28 June - 5 July Edinburgh International Magic Festival returns for its fourth year starting with the spectacular Opening Gala at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. A sensory feast for all ages awaits, as MagicFest casts its spell across the Capital and promises to take you to the extreme end of visual theatre. www.magicfest.co.uk.

Friday 28th June Magic and Variety Gala Show This show for the whole family will set your heart fluttering – featuring the most innovative and amazing performers from around the world who will enchant, inspire and astonish you. Fast, furious, funny and magical mix of illusion, sleight-of-hand and mind reading will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more! Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of mystery and illusion and catch the magic at the Magic and Variety Gala Show. More info at www.magicfest.co.uk Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX. 2.30pm (Preview) • All tickets £10 7pm • £24/£20 adults, £20/£16 conc, £12 child Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk or our Box Office 0131 473 2000 Ages 5+ 29 June - 18 August Seaside Science: Professor Egghead’s Summer Mysteries The ever-popular Professor Egghead is back with a bang this summer at the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre. The Professor has discovered giant bones on the beaches of North Berwick and is now on the hunt for answers to some rather intriguing questions: who do the bones belong to? Why were they there?

Visitors can search for answers to these puzzles in an interactive daily show running from 14:00 to 15:00. Kids will be encouraged to uncover voracious volcanoes, dig up bones, skate into the Ice Age and even discover the secrets of the great auk in one jam-packed hour of fun! Plus the clever Professor has all sorts of extra activities up her sleeve for 2013: explore the Professor’s new, interactive ‘eggs-perimental’ laboratory, get crafty with the Centre’s ever popular Mini Maker sessions and set off on an adventure with a self-guided trail. The family fun will take place throughout the day from 10:00 to 17:00, and is included in the admission price to the five-star Discovery Centre. Visit www.seabird.org or call 01620 890202 for details of daily activities. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £8.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and FREE for members.

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS. Daily from Saturday 29th June - Sunday 18th August Summer Discoveries A programme of summer holiday fun in conjunction with 2013 Year of Natural Scotland.

Every day there will be activities and demonstrations focussing on the animals, plants and other creatures that live on the Almond Valley site. There will be different theme for each week. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston. www.almondvalley.org.uk Until - 8 September Coming into Fashion - A Century of Photography at Condé Nast. Seductive, provocative and powerful - rare fashion photographs and original magazines from the Conde Nast archives, presenting early work by key figures including Helmut Newton, David Bailey and Mario Testino. £5; Concessions £3.50; £2.50 for children aged 5 to 16 inclusive; £11 for a family ticket for two adults and two children or one adult and three children. City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE Tel:0131 529 3993 Monday -Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday 12 - 5 Saturday 29 June Creative Fashion Collage Be inspired by our fashion photography exhibition and create your own fabulous collage of costumes using figure templates and groovy graphics from different decades of the 20th century. 2 hour activity.

Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Monday 1 (also 8, 15, 22 & 29) July Visit the Edible Garden 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm, Demonstration Garden (Free) Our volunteers and community gardener will be working in the demonstration garden in the afternoon. Drop by to observe the team at work and get advice about growing your own edible garden. Perfect for beginners. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

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Ou&tAbout Monday 1 July - Wednesday 3 July Street Magic Master Class 11am - 4.30pm. Street Magic Master Class is a new programme exploring a unique style of performance that has been popularised by TV magicians.

Top hat and tails have been switched for baseball caps and Nikes - the street fashion style became a real attribute of this performance genre. Traditional illusions have been modernised and new effects have been invented to complement this style. During the 5-hour master class kids aged 11-14 will learn some astonishing card magic, cool street-style techniques and the real secrets behind sleight of hand that will help them become a better magician.

Book online: www.magicfest.co.uk/whats-on Telephone: 0131 473 2000

Friday 5 July Flower Power Flower Power in the 1960s was all about Peace and Love. Using our range of craft materials, create your own fantastic flower themed jewellery or accessories to take home. 2 hour activity.

Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

Monday 1 - Friday 5 July Tricky Ricky: Magical Madness 5pm (50mins) £10 (£8conc/£5child) £25

1 – 6 July Wee Stories presents: Hickory and Dickory Dock 10:30, 14:00 (50 mins) Cost: £3, booking available from www.nms.ac.uk/families.

Ages 4+ Wee Stories Theatre Company’s new show tells the story of what happens in a wee village when all the clocks go haywire. A tale of ingenuity, invention and surprises, with original music and puppetry. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Thursday 4th July - Friday 30th August Sand Zoo! 9am - 6pm. Visit our beach and sand sculpture this summer as we bring 90 tonnes of sand to the Zoo! Complete with deck chairs, buckets and spades, our life size sculpture will commemorate the big animal names from our 100 year history. Free with Zoo admission.

Edinburgh Zoo.

Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 July Edible Gardening Seasonal Advice 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required. Fancy growing your own vegetables but don't know where to start? Pop in for some friendly advice from the edible gardening team. Focusing on seasonal gardening information the team will be on hand with advice, fun activities and garden produce tasters. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Sunday 7 July Art Cart For ages 4-12. 2-4pm Make your own masterpiece with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Paula Flavell. 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

Saturday 6 July ‘Spin’ Roller Disco Enjoy a unique afternoon family roller-skating experience with DJ, disco lights, and games at ‘Spin’ Scotland’s largest roller disco event. Held at the award winning Corn Exchange, and with adult and children tickets from only £6 it’s the perfect family day out.

For full event listing see 2nd August or go to website www.edinburghcornexchange.com 6th July On your marks, get set, Read! Do you love to read? We have all the tools for you to make your very own silver bookmark. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Why not look at the patterns on the objects in our silver gallery to inspire you? Workshop with our Museum of Edinburgh staff. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Prebooking is not essential for these sessions. They will explore ideas from our exhibition “Silver of the Stars” with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Summer Fun at the Palace of Holyroodhouse There is lots going on for families at the Palace this summer • Object handling • Storytelling • Behind the Ropes Tours • Garden Trails

For full details of events and dates visit

www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson 34 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 79

6th July The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am-1pm 50 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot Watt, Riccarton EH14 4AS. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

7 July Tabanata Japanese Star Festival 12:00 – 16:00. Free, drop-in. On the seventh day of the seventh month people in Japan tie wishes to bamboo trees and hope they will come true. Enjoy a magical afternoon of traditional crafts and colourful performances.

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

family ticket (2 adults/2 children) Four times winner of Scottish ‘Children’s Entertainer of the Year’, Tricky Ricky takes you on a magical journey, celebrating the best of a lifetime in showbiz. Prepare to be amused and amazed in a fast paced, nutty, comedic and chaotic magic show!

Magic that packs a punch and will always leave you smiling! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk www.magicfest.co.uk Monday 1 July Glitzy Glamorous Magazine Covers If you were on the cover of a magazine how would you portray yourself? Come along and create your self-portrait in a magazine shoot style picture and create a collage from recycled magazines. Family drop in sessions - no need to book. Come along between 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street.

Free with the price of an exhibition ticket.

these events and morecan canbe be found found on AllAll these events and more on

©Alicia Bruce

nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Ou&tAbout Monday 8 July Young Designers Bring a plain white T-Shirt along and embellish it with the coolest designs using our craft materials. 2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+).

10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street.

For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

From 7 July until the end of August Explore the Palace Gardens The Palace Gardens are a hidden secret in Edinburgh’s busy city centre. Use our family trail to explore woodland paths and giant lawns. Look out for local wildlife and the mysterious golden rabbit. Find out why a lion used to live here, what happens at a royal garden party and what a ha-ha is! Entrance to the Gardens is included in the standard admission to the Palace. Adult £11.00. Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £10.00. Under 17 £6.65. Under 5 Free.

Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £29.25. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh EH8 8DX 8 - 13 July Year of Natural Scotland 12:00 – 16:00. Free, drop-in. Celebrate Scotland's wildlife and historic landscapes with hands-on activities and gallery safaris. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Friday 12 July Fascinating Fascinators Using our range of craft materials, design and make a fabulous fascinator to take with you and you’ll be off to the races!

2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

Monday 8, 15, 22 & Wed 10, 17, 24 July Storyteller at Home 11am-4pm. Free. All Ages. Visit the home of Scotland's stories and meet the Centre’s resident storyteller of the day! Pop into the Storytelling Bothy for tales, activities, or perhaps just a wee chat. There are two free storytelling sessions each day at 12pm & 3pm lasting approx. 30-45mins. Drop in any time from 11am4pm – there's a different storyteller each day to get to know and share stories with. Please call 0131 556 9579 in advance to find out which sessions are specifically for children. Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August (except 2-3 July) Hands on History 11:00 -15:00.

Find out about life in a royal palace as you handle some real and replica objects from the past. What is a pair of bodies? Who would drink from a cup made from horn?

How often did people take a bath? Use the objects to find out! Adult £11.00. Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £10.00. Under 17 £6.65. Under 5 Free. Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £29.25. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh EH8 8DX

©Alicia Bruce

Saturday 13 July Caddie Capers - How Edinburgh Changed the World For ages 4 - 12.

2pm & 3pm (45 mins) Join our cheeky caddies for stories, songs and fun as we launch Edinburgh World Heritage's brand new free resource for children all about the Scottish Enlightenment.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

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Ou&tAbout Saturday 13th July Bertus the Rhino’s Birthday 9am - 6pm (enrichment will be added during the day) Come along and visit Bertus, one of our one-horned rhinos, on Saturday 13th July as he celebrates his 5th birthday. See what special enrichment the keepers have in store as a treat for him on his big day. This event is free with Zoo admission.

Saturday 13 July Fantastical Journeys 11am & 1pm (1hr). £5 per child (3-6yrs). Join storyteller Anne Pitcher on some fantastical journeys - become pirates in search of buried treasure, come with Silly Jack on his astonishing, unbelievable adventures, encounter fire breathing dragons and travel to the Indian Ocean to find out if sea slugs can dance. Don't miss this chance to join in with Anne's songs, puppets and unusual sound makers and see the world without leaving the Storytelling Centre.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 13 - Sunday 14 July Wildlife Detective Weekend 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway (Free). Meet real life wildlife detectives - find out how you can help protect Scottish wildlife, including our family of Botanics sparrowhawks. Take part in a range of activities for all the family. There will also be talks on protecting wildlife (sign up at the event). Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

©Alicia Bruce

Sunday 14 July Portrait Detectives! For ages 4 12. 2-4pm.Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Portrait Gallery 14th July – The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am 1pm. 30 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Volunteer Hall St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

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these events and morecan canbe be found found on AllAll these events and more on

14 and 28 July RSPB: Raptors! 12:00 – 16:00. Free, drop in. Find out all about the importance of birds of prey in Scotland, from long ago up to the present day.

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Monday 15 July Catwalk Designs Come along and create the chicest catwalk designs in a sketch design workshop. Family drop in sessions - no need to book.

Come along between 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket.

©Louise Fraser

15 July – 3 August (not Sundays) Royal Rumblings! 12:00 – 16:00. Free, drop in. Enjoy courtly crafts, costumes, and hands-on history inspired by our Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

21 July Bags of Art For ages 4 - 12. (Ages 4-12) 24pm. Cool and creative fun with artists Tessa AsquithLamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Gallery of Modern Art Two

Friday 19 July In the Mood Be inspired by our exciting fashion photography exhibition to create a professional looking mood-board, just like a real fashion designer. 2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

21 July Living History Scotland 12:00 – 16:00.

Free, drop in. Discover more about life at the time of Mary, Queen of Scots through living history demonstrations, performances and displays. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

20 July Famous People Collage Cut out pictures of your favourite famous people and characters from newspapers and magazines to make a collage for your bedroom wall.10.30am - 12.30pm. Workshop with our Museum of Edinburgh staff. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time.

Prebooking is not essential for these sessions. They will explore ideas from our exhibition “Silver of the Stars” with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 July Bumblebee Ball 11.00 am - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, Ages 5+(Free) Bumblebees are familiar visitors to our gardens, so come along to find out more about these fascinating creatures.

Staff from Bumblebee Conservation Trust will be there to lead short guided walks (approx. 45 minutes each) and answer your questions about bumblebees. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

21st July The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am – 1pm 60 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 21 July Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 5+, (Free).

Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Monday 22 July Designer Hand Bags Design a very cool card bag with our glitzy materials. Use it to store your precious stuff! 2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Ou&tAbout Saturday 27 - Sunday 28 July Plant Patterns Make Pictures 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life

Monday 22nd July 100 Years, 100 Prizes 9am - 6pm. It will be exactly 100 years since Thomas Gillespie opened the doors of Edinburgh Zoo (then known as The Zoological Park). To celebrate this historic birthday, the Zoo will be giving away 100 presents throughout the day. Come to the Zoo for your chance to win prizes including a panda experience worth £1,000, keeper experiences, hotel stays, memberships, adoptions and lovely items from the shop. Also meet ‘Thomas Gillespie’ the founder of Edinburgh Zoo and his wife ‘Mary’ during the day. This event is free with Zoo admission.

22 July - 18 August Staycation! Fancy a trip to a tropical island far, far away? Does being cast adrift on a clear blue sea float your boat? Perhaps you’d like to go on safari and discover animals and plants that nobody has ever seen before, or dress up and dance till dawn in a colourful island carnival? This summer take off on a magical journey of the imagination. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Frederic Church and Peter Doig, families will create and explore their own fantasy holiday destinations, all without stepping foot on a plane! Scottish National Gallery. Free, drop-in, no booking required.

Tuesday 23 July Tiny Tales: Teddy Bear’s Picnic 10am & 11.30am (40mins). £5 per child. 1-3yrs If you go down to the woods today… you’ll find a lovely morning of interactive tales for little ones with storyteller Claire Hewitt. Remember to bring your favourite Teddy!

Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Thursday July 25 Duncan Place Nappuccinos Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs.

Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: Place orders and buy new nappies in partnership with Anna Grant a Fill Your Pants nappy retailer. Brands available are Little Lambs; Tots Bots; Bright Bots; Grovia; Smartipants; Fuzzibunz and Cheeky Wipes. Buy great value second hand nappies.

Buy nappy accessories. Drop off second hand nappy donations. A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just off Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW. Drop in anytime between 10am - 11.30am

Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required - just drop in. (Free). Using the patterns of tropical flowers and leaves design your own unique plant pattern. Print the design unto a small fabric wall hanging using colourful natural dyes. With Greengage Arts. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Saturday 27 July Scotland’s National Airshow Watch as aircraft old and new take to the skies for an afternoon of breathtaking aerial displays at Scotland’s most thrilling day out! This year the RAF's supersonic Typhoon display team will take centre stage with a Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Meanwhile, the Breitling Wingwalkers will perform incredible manoeuvres and handstands while strapped to the top wings of the team’s Boeing Stearmann biplanes. A Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also fly on the day, as well as a restored P-51 Mustang - an American veteran of the Vietnam War and numerous Hollywood movies! On the ground, kids will enjoy the funfair, aircraft simulators and stalls while you pick up a tasty snack and spend time in our museum hangars and attractions. Book before 26 July and save over 15% at www.nms.ac.uk/flight or call 0300 123 6789.

27 July Playful Puppets Make the toys of the museum come to life at your command! Choose your favourites to turn into stringed puppets and make them jump, twirl and dance. With artist Lindsey Hamilton.

Suitable for age 5+; booking not required. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm Museum of Childhood, High Street, Edinburgh Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July - Traquair Fair The legendary Traquair Fair will be going back to the 60’s this year with a great line up of music, street theatre, dance, storytelling , children’s entertainment crafts and delicious foods from around the world. For a full line up of whats on check out the Traquair Fair website and order your tickets in advance at reduced prices. www.traquairfair.co.uk Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire

28 July The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am-1pm 40 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 28 July Meet the Ancestors - Tales from the Forest For ages 4 - 12. 2.45pm, 3.30pm (30 mins) Step into our imaginary forest glade and hear traditional tales about the natural world, told by storyteller Susan Wilson. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Monday 29 July Designer Jewellery Make stunning paper jewellery against the backdrop of our fashion exhibitions. Spot the accessories in the gallery to give you inspiration. Family drop in sessions - no need to book.

Come along between 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket.

Tuesday 30 July Summer Kids Get Together 10 am - 12 pm. St Thomas' Church, Glasgow Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh Tickets are £4.50 per child (adults and children under 12 months go free). Ticket price to include snacks/refreshments and disco and magic show. Alexander the Great will be entertaining the kids and there will also be face painting by Douglas Dance Academy and brass rubbings to amuse the kids.

For the adults, it will be time to relax and enjoy Paula's home baking cafe or browse the stalls available. All ticket sales will benefit the Sick Kids Friends Foundation. For more information or ticket sales, please contact gillysevents@gmail.com (tickets are limited) Wednesday 31 July Franz West EGG Tour 11.00 am - 11.45 am, Inverleith House, Please contact Inverleith House to book a ticket: E: ihevents@rbge.org.uk or T: 0131 2482971. 3-5 years, £5 (Price is per child (includes up to 2 adults) Early Gallery Goers (EGG) Tours, contemporary art for children at Inverleith House! Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

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

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Ou&tAbout 31 July Mobile Mania Be inspired by our beautiful silver collection and create a pretty hanging decoration based on the theme of a magnificent afternoon tea party.

10.30am - 12.30pm. We will be using a range of craft materials. These workshops are two hour structured workshops, and pre-booking is essential. They will explore ideas from our exhibition “Silver of the Stars” with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh. For further information and to book, contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 or via margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August

‘Spin’ Roller Disco Enjoy a unique afternoon family

roller-skating experience with DJ, disco lights, and games at ‘Spin’ Scotland’s largest roller disco event. Held at the award winning Corn Exchange, and with adult and children tickets from only £6 it’s the perfect family day out. There are three “Spin” sessions with two afternoon events for people of all ages to enjoy. Starting at either 1pm or 4pm, they’re aimed at families, beginners and groups of friends. You’ll find experienced instructors on hand to help get the fun started, and there are fabulous prizes for ‘best dressed’ skaters too. The evening session is for the over 18s.

Wrist guards will be provided for all, with limited knee and elbow pads available. Under 16s are strongly recommended to wear helmets, again there is a limited stock available so why not bring along your bike or board helmet with you. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult - should you prefer not to skate a spectator ticket will be available. Family sessions are 2 hours long. Doors open 15 minutes before each session to allow you to get your boots and protective equipment.

Bring your own boots or inline skates, or hire when you book your ticket directly on www.edinburghcornexchange.com 2 - 26 August Edinburgh Festival Fringe The largest arts festival in the world! www.edfringe.com

these events and morecan canbe be found found on AllAll these events and more on

Friday 2 August Announcing the Latest Trends in Toytown! Bring a teddy, doll or other soft toy for a sartorial makeover. Make and decorate a dress or top for your toy and we’ll hold a fabulous fashion show at the end of the workshop. (Size of toy not to exceed 18 inches).2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street.

For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Every Saturday in August (3, 10, 17, 24) Storytelling at the Palace 11:00 -15:00. Discover more about the Palace in the company of an expert storyteller! Listen as history comes to life through imaginative tales of past royal residents and their servants. This session is designed for families with children aged between 5-11, and is free with standard admission to the Palace. Places are limited and booking is advised - please call 0131 556 5100.

Adult £11.00. Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £10.00.

Under 17 £6.65. Under 5 Free. Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £29.25. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh EH8 8DX 3 August The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am-1pm 50 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot Watt, Riccarton EH14 4AS. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 3 August Time For Tea Lots of the celebrities in our 'Silver of the Stars' exhibition have created silver teapots.

10.30am - 12.30pm. Create your own miniature model of a teapot using special metallic clay and finish it off with a blast in the oven when you get home! These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Prebooking is not essential for these sessions. They will explore ideas from our exhibition “Silver of the Stars” with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 August Festival Colombiano 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, Ages 5+, (Free). A weekend 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 activities including dance, music, food and children's activities. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Every Sunday in August (4, 11, 18, 25) Behind the Ropes 11:00 -15:00. An exclusive chance to go behind the ropes and explore more of the Palace with a member of the Learning team. See what is hidden under a royal bed, get up close to ancient tapestries and find out what is behind a secret door! Adult £11.00. Over 60/ Student (with valid ID) £10.00. Under 17 £6.65. Under 5 Free.

Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £29.25. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh EH8 8DX 4 August Living History Scotland 12:00 – 16:00.

Free, drop in. Discover more about life at the time of Mary, Queen of Scots through living history demonstrations, performances and displays.National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Monday 5 August Venetian Glamour Masks Create an air of mystery and design and make a beautiful mask. 2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk 5th-11th August Fringe By The Sea Festival Fun at the seaside! The variety that Fringe by the Sea always brings to the festival season is as wide as ever and the usual great mix of family friendly and childrens events make it a ‘must-visit’ in August. www.fringebythesea.co.uk Thursday 8 - Saturday 10 August Circus Cavalcade (UK Youth Circus Network Festival) 11.00 am - 12.00 noon, Workshop, Inverleith House Lawn, No booking required, All Ages, (Free). Join in the fun at a free pre-show circus workshop!

12.30 pm - 1.15 pm Show, Inverleith House Lawn, No booking required, All, (Free). Highly skilled young people from across the UK present a fabulous array of circus skills in their first performances at the Fringe! Plus, join in the fun at a free pre-show circus workshop!

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

We can help you get back to work after a career break.

The PCT Partnership’s highly successful 8 week part time courses for Women Returning to Work give you tuition and 1-1 feedback on writing your CV, completing application forms and preparing for job interviews, as well as updating your IT skills. The course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

Our courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. Our next course will start in October 2013.

For information call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

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nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Friday 9 August Britain’s Next Top Couture Designer? Design a collection for a paper template figure, using the skills of a real fashion designer. Colour, pattern and matching accessories are all part of the brief.

2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Saturday 10th August Yang Guang’s 10th Birthday 9am- 6pm (enrichment will be added during the day) Visit Yang Guang as he celebrates his 10th birthday. Come and see what surprises his keepers have in store for him this year! Edinburgh Zoo

Ou&tAbout 17 August Glistening Goblets Have you seen the beautiful goblets in our silver collection? Why not have a go at making your own? 10.30am - 12.30pm. We have metallic paints and precious jewels to decorate a goblet with. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Prebooking is not essential for these sessions. They will explore ideas from our exhibition “Silver of the Stars” with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 August Foody Fun 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, drop in, All ages, (Free) Join staff from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and have some fun with food! Enjoy games and crafts and play food detective by putting your senses to the test.

Suitable for all ages. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 18 - Monday 26 August About Circus (Albert & Friends Instant Circus) 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm, Inverleith House Lawn, No booking required, All, (Free) Celebrating its 30th anniversary and 18 years at the Fringe, see London’s Premier Youth Circus in the fun-filled story of this incredible journey. Family entertainment at its best. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

10 - 26 August Edinburgh International Book Festival The largest public celebration of the written word in the world! www.edbookfest.co.uk Monday 12 August Paper Fashion Spend the morning surrounded by striking images in our exhibitions and make very chic paper fashion dolls. Family drop in sessions - no need to book. Come along between 10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street.

Free with the price of an exhibition ticket.

Tuesday 13 August Costumes from Around the World Create your very own international fashion show with clothes peg figures, using your imagination and our range of craft materials. 2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+).

10.30am - 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street.

For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Wednesday 14th August Tian Tian’s 10th Birthday Time: 9am - 6pm (enrichment will be added during the day) Tian Tian also turns 10 this year, with her keepers treating her to some birthday themed enrichment. Edinburgh Zoo

18 August The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am – 1pm 60 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 18 August Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 5+, (Free) Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 18 August The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am 1pm. 30 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Volunteer Hall St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk 24 August Magical Masks With festival fun just around the corner, make a mask and join in with the street performers. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm 3.30pm With artist Louise K Fraser. Suitable for age 5+; booking not required. Museum of Childhood, High Street, Edinburgh

Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 August Roar, Soar and Explore! 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free) Go wild in the Year of Natural Scotland discover the amazing wildlife you can see across the country. We'll have lots wildlife themed activities for all the family. With RSPB Scotland. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 25 August The Jack and Jill Market 10.30am1pm 40 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££. Adults £1 West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Wednesday 28 August Franz West EGG Tour 11.00 am - 11.45 am, Inverleith House, Please contact Inverleith House to book a ticket: E: ihevents@rbge.org.uk or T: 0131 2482971, 3 to 5 years, £5 (Price is per child (includes up to 2 adults).

Early Gallery Goers (EGG) Tours, Contemporary art for children at Inverleith House! Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thursday August 29 Duncan Place Nappuccinos Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs.

Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: Place orders and buy new nappies in partnership with Anna Grant a Fill Your Pants nappy retailer. Brands available are Little Lambs; Tots Bots; Bright Bots; Grovia; Smartipants; Fuzzibunz and Cheeky Wipes. Buy great value second hand nappies.

Buy nappy accessories. Drop off second hand nappy donations. A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just off Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW. Drop in anytime between 10am - 11.30am Saturday 31 August Prints and Princesses Using inspiration from our fashion photography exhibition, create and print your own designs to create a modern or vintage look. 2 hour activity. Free with the price of an exhibition ticket but MUST be booked in advance, suitable for all the family (ages 5+). 10.30am 12.30pm. City Arts Centre, Market Street. For booking and further information call 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk

Parent, Baby & Toddler Groups Relaxed, friendly and informal groups for parents and their little ones Parent & Baby Group 11:15 – 12:15 Parent & Toddler Group 10:00 – 11:00 Tuesday mornings at The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre 25 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AP

Contact Anne 07811 073 202 or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre 0131 625 0700

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Copyright Š Families Magazine 2012. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families Edinburgh nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Edinburgh is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Copyright Š on all artwork designed by Families shall remain with Families or contributor.