Families Edinburgh July/August 2017

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Edinburgh

ISSUE 103 JULY / AUGUST 2017

A - Z of Summer fringe for KidS Summer CAmpS WhAt'S on

Age speciďŹ c football training for children at walking age - 12 years Birthday Parties available for ages 3 + For more info contact: 07544 221045 Email: info@soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk or b.robertson@soccerstarts.co.uk

www.soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.com

Tel. 0131 622 0405

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news and

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Soccerstarts

What’s inside...

2–5 6 7 8 – 11 12 – 16 17 – 27 28 – 31

Local News and Views Carry On Camping Outdoor Adventures with RSPB Your Summer A - Z Summer Clubs, Classes & Activities Fringe For Kids Out and About

Get in Touch Editor: Sarah Adair E

editor@familiesedinburgh.com

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0131 622 0405 Find us on Facebook @FamiliesEdinburghMagazine Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesEdinbur

Football Skills Coaching 2 week taster for £5!

Classes for walking to 3 years, 3 to 5 years and Primary School age.

Classes at Craigmount High School on a Tuesday 6.15pm-7.15pm- Primary 1/2 age children.

Friday morning classes at Nelson Hall, South Queensferry at 10.35am (3 - 5 years) Saturday classes at Musselburgh Sports Centre - 9.20 am (walking to 3), 10.05am (walking to 3), 10.50am (3 - 5 years) and 11.35 am (3 - 5yrs) Sunday classes at Napier University, Calder Road, EH11 4BN for walking to 3 years at 8.50am. 9.35-1015am (walking to 3), 10.20 (3 - 5 years), 11.05 (P1 & 2) and 12.10pm for P2 upwards.

Sunday classes at Westwoods Health Club at 3.30pm (walking to 3). New classes at 4.15 ( 3 - 5 yrs) Soccerstarts Football Academy also provides one to one football coaching and birthday parties for primary age children.

Contact info@soccerstartsfootballacademy.co.uk

New at Clown Around Clown Around have added to their party packages and are now taking bookings for nerf parties!

They’ve also been joined by Boogie Beats on Fridays and Lingotots on Wednesdays.

Take a look at their new website www.clownaroundclub.co.uk to find out more about all the exciting things going on!

Activity Delivered want to say huge thank you to everyone who has supported them since they launched back in October 2016. They are excited to launch our new look and website.

“We have spent thousands of hours running events for kids across Scotland and we know that our latest improvements are going to allow us to do even more!

New activities are coming and we can not wait to share them with you! We hope you all have a great summer” Activity Delivered Team.

Changing the Lives of Young People, One Event at a Time. www.ActivityDelivered.com

Designer: kennydickson7@gmail.com

The Edinburgh Baby Co

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BACK TO SCHOOL CLUBS AND CLASSES, SCHOOL NEWS & More!

Book your space NOW

Proud owner and founder, Sara Collins, is mother of three.

She found that, although in recent years the prominence of organic and responsibly sourced items has increased, finding items for babies, toddler and Mum can still a bit of a challenge. Sara set out to change that and this year her dream of bringing a wholly organic and responsibly sourced range of children and baby products to Edinburgh came true.

The Edinburgh Baby Co is a beautiful shop, displaying only the best and newest products, featuring everything from full bedroom furniture sets to sleep cream.

And when it comes to fashion Sara’s original sense of style and elegance just shine. The most beautiful, organic cotton sleepwear, dresses and playsuits all await you. All the organic maternity wear is comfortable, practical and still fashion-forward. It’s basically a one-stop-organic-shop.

Ultimately, the best thing about The Edinburgh Baby Co. that you just won’t find anywhere else is Sara herself. Helpful, relaxed, knowledgeable and incredibly supportive, Sara is on hand to offer her help and advice no matter what you’re looking for.

Just pop along to 28-30 Marchmonth Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 4HG or you can check them out on their website www.edinburghbabyco.com

Make your child's wishes come true by hosting a Wigwams and Wishes sleepover, bringing the fun of camping indoors!

Sleepovers have never looked so good!

Find us on Facebook. email: wigwamsandwishes@outlook.com

Tel: 07940 466936 3 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

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Monkey Music - Open Day, New Classes and Free Trials!

On Monday 14th August (10am - 12pm) Monkey Music are running an open day in St Ninian’s Church Corstorphine for lots of new Monkeys to come and enjoy a trial session. You can try different stage curricula, meet the teachers as well as having lots of fun with Monkey.

For the Autumn term they are increasing classes to include a new venue in Corstorphine (Monday AM), Comely Bank (Tuesday AM), Murrayfield (Thursday AM) and reopening Saturday morning classes at LifeCare. All existing classes will continue to run mornings and afternoons in addition at Stockbridge, Cramond, Comely Bank and Murrayfield.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our award preschool music classes Monkey Music is a great way for parents to spend truly magical time with their child in a nurturing educational environment!”

To book your place or a free trial class in any of their venues contact comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk or got to monkeymusic.co.uk.

Monkey Music Classes are also increasing in the South of Edinburgh New classes are running out of Balerno Scout Hall on a Tuesday morning and the Eric Liddell Centre on a Wednesday morning, in addition to the existing venues / days.

Ding-Dong (for ages 3 and 4) has been added so your little monkey can begin learning to read basic music and learn about all the instruments in the orchestra! Erin Whyte, who is an experienced Monkey Music teacher with a degree in Music, specialising in classical voice has also joined the teaching team.

Monkey Music is Edinburgh’s award winning music class for preschool age children.

The 4 stage progressive syllabus, from 3 months to 4 years old, with its fun catchy monkey songs, is sure to have you and your little one hooked after a class or two.

Full details of classes can be found at www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/morningside-pentland - please get in touch to book your FREE TRIAL! morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk or call 0131 229 4480

The Murrayfield Nursery

s Space e l b Availa !

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y f or r e s r u AN inburgh d E t s We Our aim is to provide an extension of the safe, warm, loving and exciting environment given to children at home and by doing so, give confidence to parents or guardians leaving their child in our care.

The Murrayfield Nursery, 52 Saughton Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 5SP

Email: maxinesmith1@btconnect.com www.themurrayfieldnursery.co.uk Call 0131 346 4459 4 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

Due to children moving on to school The Murrayfield Nursery have spaces available immediately.

At The Murrayfield Nursery, children are given the opportunity through carefully planned and structured activities and social interaction.

The youngest children are supported through the Birth-Three Framework. This ensures all staff follow the same guidelines to provide an excellent standard of care.

The staff are there not only for the daily needs and care of the children, but also to observe their intellectual development and to give them reassurance if needed; to praise their achievements, as well as encourage respect for each other and the nursery environment.

As partner providers for The City of Edinburgh Council, parents of all eligible children attending the nursery will receive grant money from the council. In the pre-school room the children will have the opportunity to explore the 3-18 Curriculum for Excellence.

The staff are all hand chosen, warm, caring and extremely devoted people.

Call 0131 346 4459

Wigwams and Wishes Make your child's wishes come true by hosting a Wigwams and Wishes sleepover, the newest and coolest parties in town.

Specialising in sleepover hire packages they deliver, assemble and perfectly style the wigwams in the safety of your home, transforming your living room into a magical cosy camp for the night! The following morning they will return to pack away, leaving you with no hassle but lots of special memories to look back on.

“With a variety of fabulous themes for boys and girls it really is the perfect way to throw your child a party to remember, and one which is sure to impress their guests! Sleepovers have never looked so good. Find us on Facebook.” wigwamsandwishes@outlook.com or call 07940466936

NEWSFLASH! Monkey Drama are opening their very own drama studio for parties and classes!

Mighty Swimmers provide swimming lessons in Edinburgh, West Lothian and Forth Valley for children, babies and adult swimmers.

“Learning to swim is a skill for life and we feel that everyone should be taught to swim whilst having fun, learning to relax and gaining confidence” Child Group, 1 to 1 & 1 to 2 lessons: Lessons are geared towards progression, fun and safety. Children learn to swim un-aided whilst being taught key safety skills in and around the water. They are supported through the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, where children progress through our 9 unique levels, collecting award cards and stickers along the way.

Adult and Toddler/baby classes: Lessons are designed around fun, games, songs and safety. They will teach you how to teach your baby to be happy and confident in and under the water.

Adult Group and 1 to 1 lessons 1 to 1 lessons are tailored around each individual and designed at your own pace. Beginner classes and Advanced swim-fit classes for open water swimmers, triathletes or those who would simply like to get fitter and improve upon their swimming technique.

Call now on 07969 507 356 enquiries@mightyswimmers.co.uk www.mightyswimmers.co.uk

Monkey Drama can not wait to welcome you to “The Monkey Hoose”, their sparkly new premises in the Kingsknowe area, in South West Edinburgh.

Their classes allow children to Learn, Imagine and Explore through drama, role play, music, props and characterisation. Each week is a different theme.

A fantastic way for children to build their confidence, social skills and have fun!

The Monkey Hoose will also be offering baby classes for the first time, classes for P1-P3 children and regular classes for children with additional needs. Nurseries and schools will also now have the option to now come for classes. They will even be offering time to relax and enjoy a chat and coffee!

“Our very own Monkey Drama venue means we can offer even more parties, bespoke to you, offering full use of the premises and a full on Monkey Drama experience from beginning to end with less stress for you and more fun for us…and we offer excellent value for money”.

BOOK NOW on our website for the new term starting in August. Places are limited.

To find out more get in touch with alana@monkeydrama.co.uk, call 07736298013 or visit www.monkeydrama.co.uk Make sure to “like” our facebook/monkeydrama page for all the latest updates!

Le Petit Jardin d’infants Le Petit Jardin d’infants are very excited to announce the opening of Le Petit Jardin d’Enfants on the 16th of August at the French Institute.

This unique French pre-school (3-5 years) provides a happy and relaxed environment in which children will immerse themselves in the French language and culture through games, songs, arts and crafts and role play.

Their native French teacher puts children’s social, emotional and intellectual development at the centre of her practice, combining the French national curriculum with the Scottish Early Years programme.

Le Petit Jardin d’Enfants offers the best of both worlds: preparing children for primary school and giving them a solid head start in language learning, in accordance with the Scottish Government’s 1+2 approach.

Monday-Friday, 9.15-12.15 am and 12.30-3.30 pm, during Edinburgh City Council term times. (a minimum of two sessions is required). For pre-registering information, contact founding manager and teacher Catherine on 07855 203 254 or lepetitjardindenfants9@gmail.com.

To enrol, contact the French Institute on 0131 225 53 66 or frenchclasses@ifecosse.org.uk

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IS fOr ACTIvE SUMMEr Have a look on pages 12 - 16 for heaps of ideas. Our lucky, lucky children have such a variety of Clubs and Classes to choose from this summer.

IS fOr BE BACK TO SCHOOL rEADy

Ok, so we’ve only just broken up but that doesn’t mean all that lovely learning should stop.

Explore Learning are encouraging families to seize the summer! To help you do this they have put together a jam-packed summer programme with creative ideas on how to keep your child’s brain active over the holidays, so they are ready to settle back into the new school year confidently.

Start a blog Learn some new skills, as a family, by creating a blog together. Give your child a little note book to jots ideas down whilst you are out and about, then write up what you’ve done. Take lots of pictures as these are a great tool to help children who find writing tricky. Encourage them to describe what is happening in the picture to get their creativity flowing.

Have a movie night Research carried out by Explore Learning highlighted watching TV/films is the number one thing children wanted to do over the summer. Use this to motivate your child to read. Find a book that has been made into a film that your child wants to watch. Then plan a movie night far enough in advance so you can read the book together before enjoying the film.

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Send a postcard Let your friends and family know what you’ve been up to with a postcard.

They’re only short so are a wonderful way to get a bit of writing going during the holidays. If your child is reluctant to write, then why not try a postcard app like By Post? They can take their own pictures to make into postcards and type their message.

Read, read and read some more A study by OUP showed that just 10mins of shared reading a day can have a huge impact on children’s progress. Pop a book in your bag so you can use any opportunity to get your daily 10 mins in. Explore will be uploading weekly activities that you can complete with your child to help keep them engaged with what they are reading.

Visit explorelearning.co.uk/summer to find out more and download your first activity!

Play some games There are bound to be some rainy days this summer, so use this as a chance to get out some board games.

These are great for so many reasons, from developing language to improving memory skills. Needs some new games? Have a scavenger hunt in local charity shops to see who in the family can find the best game.

Tuition To keep your children progressing over the summer, a tuition centre is a great option. Prevent the battle ground of getting children to do work at home and get them along to a centre where there are lots of other children getting involved. Explore Learning runs maths and English sessions as well as a whole range of interactive workshops throughout the holidays to keep your child’s brain active. The best things is you can go along and try one of these for free, so get in touch today!

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IS fOr CONIfOx

So much to explore!

As well as an Adventure Park with outdoor fun for adults and children of all ages you’ll also find a 9 hole Footgolf Course, Pedal Go-Karts, Offroad Pedal Tractors, Kids Tractor Farm, Giant Jump Pillow, Trampolines, Swings, Balance Equipment and much more to come! Open 10am - 5pm with prices from £5 for Adults and £6 for children.

The Stables Bistro serves wholesome breakfasts, lunches, Sunday roasts and BBQ’s, open 9am-5pm with evening service coming soon.

The Garden Centre has a wide selection of trees, shrubs, climbers, fruit trees, herbaceous plants – the list goes on, open 9am - 5pm.

Group rates and birthday party packages available.

Conifox is open seven days a week excluding Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. “Our friendly staff look forward to welcoming you soon”.

Conifer Nurseries Garden Centre, Kirkliston, Edinburgh 0131 333 3334

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IS fOr DOgS DAy OUT

Bring your dog along for some fun activities, competitions, displays and demos as well as doggy treats and organised walks. July 16th at Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peebleshire.

Find out more at www.traquair.co.uk

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The Enjoyleisure FREE CHILD SWIMS promotion is back for another year, offering under 18s the chance to swim for free between 11am – 4.30pm Sun 2nd July to Sat 12th August in each of East Lothian’s pools, including Dunbar Leisure Pool!

Let your kids run rampant this summer in the bountiful fields of Border Berries. A family-run PYO farm full of fresh, juicy Scottish strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, red and blackcurrants which are naturally ripened in the open air. Great for tasting right away, whisking home for baking, puddings or jam – berry picking is one of life’s simple pleasures for little foragers.

A picnic area and café with split-fresh baking, smoothies and homemade ice-cream, serves hungry pickers. No entry charges, just get picking! Have a Berry Merry Summer!

Find us down in the Scottish Borders near St Boswells, approximately 45 miles or 1hr from Edinburgh. Open from 1st July until mid-August. To plan your visit and check what’s ripe when, visit www.borderberries.co.uk

If you haven’t tried it yet and don’t know what it it, Geocaching is like a big treasure hunt. Using a GPS device/phone you locate caches. The idea is to take something to put in the geocache as your contribution and you can take what was left there by the last person.

It’s a great way to get the family out on a walk as caches can be hidden anyway - up trees, in parks, at the top of a hill etc.

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IS fOr HIgHLANDEr’S WOOD

Scattered throughout Highlander’s Wood you’ll discover all sorts of interesting bits and pieces from which you can construct a den - sticks, brushwood, canes, planks, rope, camouflage nets, tarpaulin, sacks, flags, pallets, crates, tyres, plastic drums, pipes, bungee chord, chalk, blackboards, and other useful stuff. Gather the material you need, and carry them to a clearing where you’ll use your imagination and exercise your construction skills to construct a perfect woodland shelter. Relax in your den, plan expeditions, contact the inhabitants of neighbouring camps, and contemplate life in the wild.

Take a picture of your secret woodland den and share it on-line. You can build your den any time throughout the day. Between 2pm and 4pm you can join the tribal meeting at the chieftain’s lodge where there will be a daily mission. From 1st July - 22nd August at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston EH54 7AR. Normal admission charges apply of £8.50 adults and £6.50 children (age 3-15 years).

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Especially for the summer months, enjoy extra family friendly activities with your admission to Dynamic Earth. Take part in our interactive family science show exploring the differences between the North and South Pole, with demonstrations and activities for all.

Get closer to Earth’s Poles with our drop-in activities exploring Polar wildlife, Infrared technology and drones, or get dressed up in real Polar Explorer kit, and have your picture taken in Antarctica with our penguin pals in our green screen photo booth. From July 1st - August 27th

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IS fOr KINgS AND QUEENS

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IS fOr LABEL EvEryTHINg

Travel back in time for two weeks (3 - 8 and 17 -22 July) of fun inspired by their Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites exhibition, including historical displays and demonstrations, make and take activities and object handling. 12 - 4pm (free).

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street.

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a range of trails and drop-in activities in the Palace Family Room from 10th July. Life at Court family tours every weekday in the summer holidays.

This family tour gives you a sneak peak behind theropes in the State Apartments. Learn about some of the Palace’s most famous residents as you handle objects used in the past, from children’s games and strange smelling candles to chamber pots. This interactive tour brings to life stories of this historic site.

11.30 - 12.30 © Royal Collection Trust/ copyright Wild Stories in the Palace gardens Her Majesty Queen Elizab eth 2016 Storyteller Allison Galbraith will lead you on a magical stroll through the Palace gardens, weaving traditional fairy and folktales with the unique features and royal history of the gardens. Hear the stories of the jungle creatures who once lived in the Royal menageries, and of a wise old king who ruled the land with flower power. Suitable for all ages. 19th July and 8 August from 2 - 3pm.

COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year! A great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost!

Lazy summer days and plenty of ice-cream, what summer is all about.

But before you know it, it’s nearly August and time is spent rushing around the shops for uniform, shoes, pencil cases and bags. We’ve all had that ‘sinking’ feeling when we realise we’ve got to label it all – but not anymore! Snappy Tags® are the quick and hassle free alternative to all that sewing or ironing. Simply order personalised tags and an applicator, and all you have to do is attach the tag to the care label inside the uniform. A half days’ work done in a 20 minute flash! To order tags, visit www.snappytags.co.uk

garden Centre, restaurant and Adventure park

Fringe Festival retAiL And trAde SALeS

treeS

ConiferS

ShruBS

hedging

ChriStmAS treeS

Garden Centre Stables Bistro Adventure Park 0131 333 1444 07968 746355 0131 333 3334 sales@conifox.co.uk restaurant@conifox.co.uk adventurepark@conifox.co.uk See Facebook & Twitter for latest updates @conifoxgardencentre @conifoxplants Foxhall, Kirkliston, Edinburgh EH29 9ER

www.conifox.co.uk

Summer Camp Ages 4 - 18 A week of drama workshops & activities Mon 31st July - Friday 4th August 10am - 1pm / 1:30pm - 4pm / Full Days Salvation Army - Pleasance - Edinburgh EH8 9TF

For info call us: 07720861796 www.mixuptheatre.com info@mixuptheatre.com

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© Helen Pugh

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IS fOr MAgIC

MagicFest invites magic fans to ‘let their imagination fly’ from 30th June – 8th July.

MagicFair at Summerhall features over 80 shows and 20 internationally acclaimed magicians. Kids under 5 go free to family-orientated morning sessions, where you can watch various 20-minute magic shows and explore the drop-in events all with just one ticket.

The hugely popular 'Secret Room' expands across Edinburgh, bringing the colourful history and untold mysteries of the city’s historic buildings to life with magicfilled tours. Discover the fascinating stories of Riddle's Court, The Writers' Museum and Lauriston Castle as magicians guide you through their clandestine corridors and secret chambers, animating each building's history and heritage with captivating magic.

MagicFest then comes to a spectacular close with this year’s ‘Levitations’ themed Gala show at the Festival Theatre. Watch as the greatest illusionists and circus acts perform visually stunning and breath-taking flights of fancy and defy the laws of gravity.

Tickets available from the Fringe box office on High Street, on 0131 226 0006 or online at www.magicfest.co.uk

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IS fOr OUTDOOr ADvENTUrES

RSPB Scotland want families to head out together to discover and enjoy nature and at their ‘great for families’ reserves they’ll provide all you need for some wild family fun. This summer you can also enjoy half price family entry to these ‘great for families’ reserves by downloading a voucher at www.rspb.org.uk/familyfun.

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IS fOr PENTLANDS

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IS fOr SHOWS. SHOWS AND MOrE SHOWS

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IS fOr TrAINS

Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing are all available at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend this summer. Escape the city and visit the stunning hillside of the Pentlands Hills Regional Park. For an exhilarating ride down the hill, slide down their purpose built tubing runs in an inflatable doughnut ring, fun for all the family.

A ride on the chairlift is a great way to enjoy the panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. You must disembark at the top, but you can hop straight back on or take a walk and enjoy the views.

Please call on 0131 4454433 to check the chairlift running times.

Enjoy the summer and enjoy the outdoors at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend.

The annual Summer Reading Challenge is simple. During the holidays children are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice - fact books, joke books, picture books or audio books - just as long as they are borrowed from the library. There are collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate for every child who completes the Challenge, which is run by independent charity The Reading Agency. Children can sign up at their local library and all materials are absolutely free.

This year's theme is Animal Agents, introducing young readers to a variety of clever creatures, specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries. Animal Agents is illustrated by Tony Ross, illustrator of the hugely popular Horrid Henry series. The Challenge is open to all primary school children and is designed for all reading abilities. Why not head to your local library during the summer holidays and enrol. It's completely free and any child can take part.

Find out more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

The Water of Leith visitor centre is running children’s events all through the school holidays.

You can join them IN the river for some river dipping or track down the mini creatures who call the river banks home and design your own extreme bug. Not sure what to do with a stick? Well, they have 101 things to do with them. Find more details in the Out and About pages.

All children’s events cost £5 per child (Accompanying adult free) and start at 2 pm until 4pm. Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds.

Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh. BOOKING ESSENTIAL 0131 455 7367 admin@waterofleith.org.uk

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 73/75 Belford Road, Edinburgh Free, daily drop-in 16 July to 13 August 2017, 2-4pm Nationalgalleries.org The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is the prime spot for a fun family day out this summer. NOW Build! takes its inspiration from our current exhibition, NOW, and will feature lots of activities in the grounds of Modern One and Two. Hang out in our wendy houses, add to our ever-changing play-build and plan an art city using our trail. Indoors you can help create a fabulous mural and add to our giant 3D landscape. Visit the Pig Rock Bothy where delicious icecream will be on sale or pick up a picnic box from Café Modern One. Join us for our free family days on the 16 July or 13 August 2017 when there will be a chance to try out all our activities and more. So drop-in play, create and build BIG!

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2017 is the 70th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! On 11 July this is being celebrated with World Fringe Day. Find out more at www.worldfringeday.com From 4 - 28 August Edinburgh will once again overflow with performers from around the world. Circus, theatre, comedy, dance, puppets, music, physical theatre, magic and so much more! Read our FRINGE FOR KIDS feature that starts on page 17 for heaps of fab family shows!

Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland's largest railway museum.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins. Buy a snack from our buffet car then sit back and relax as the train travels through the Scottish countryside.

Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our new Visitor Trail. Enjoy homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop.

Visit our website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway.co.uk.

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IS fOr UNDEr THE SEA

The dolphins and crabs take centre stage with an interactive science show and puppet performance for families at The Scottish Seabird Centre.

What’s for Snack? is an interactive puppet show with new Seabird team member, Craig the Crab. With sing-along fun, young visitors (ages 2+) will be asked to help Craig who has eaten some marine litter by mistake. He will be joined by some of his seaside friends who will aim to help him get rid of his sore tummy. 11:30 - 12noon 1, 7,8, 14, 15, 21, 28, 29 July and 4, 11, 12 August Older kids (ages 6+) are invited to attend Ocean-a-rific with Dr Dolph Lingerin-aboot. With scientific experiments, games and gaffs, help dolphins understand what is happening to the seas around Scotland. In addition to the daily events, there will be a range of familyfriendly activities in the Discovery Centre including special trails for dolphins and puffins; expert mini talks on a range of seabirds; as well as the Kids’ Zone and Kids’ Corner. 2 - 2.45 pm 1 July - 14 August (except 22 July and 5 August) Tickets are included with full-day admission and will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Adult £8.95/ child £4.95/ family (2+2) £25.

Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick.

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Come along and gets hands on with history! What was life like before electricity? How did your clothes get washed? How did you have fun before Xbox?

Play Victorian games, dress up, create moving pictures, design your own peg doll and help Victoria with the laundry. £2 per child. 10th & 11th August at 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm.

Book online www.nationalminingmuseum.cloudvenue.co. uk/home National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN

From 12 - 28 August the Edinburgh International Book Festival will once again create an enchanting, family-friendly tented village in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, inviting young minds to come along to question, imagine and wonder. A leading showcase for writers, illustrators and performers, the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme features hundreds of interactive events, fun performances, comic workshops, crafts, fascinating debates and hands-on activities for young people of all ages, from tots to teens.

This year, the line-up is bigger and better than ever, with events that will entertain, enthral and inspire featuring authors including Cressida Cowell, Patrick Ness, Julia Donaldson and Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy. Pick up a copy of the full programme now and start searching for your must-see events. Tickets are available from Tuesday 20 June - you can book online at www.edbookfest.co.uk or by phone 0845 373 5888. Tickets are £5 for most children’s events, and there are a number of daily free events.

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new U nder Me nt g e Mana comE aNd BoUNcE aRoUNd aT oUR familY RUN TRampoliNE, acTiviTY & paRTY cENTRE Unit 2-3, 109 Restalrig Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NY Tel: 0131 553 7676 www.clownaroundclub.co.uk

IS fOr xENIAL

A handy word you can score points with playing travel games found in the Family Travel Journal - a boredom busting book for families on holiday. (Since you asked, Xenial means hospitable to strangers or foreigners).

The Family Travel Journal by JW Patrick is a handbag-friendly book of ideas to encourage the whole family to put down their screens and look, learn, laugh, and talk together when travelling. This is not an activity book to keep the children quiet— quite the opposite in fact!

Play whenever boredom threatens and transform the stress of travel and those unexpected delays into positive family time. Packed with questions to answer and hilarious games (including Family Travel Bingo) that are ideal for long car journeys, ferries, air travel and restaurants or simply chatting around the campfire. Learn about your holiday destination and discover loads of new things about each other but above all— just talk and laugh together.

This book nurtures conversational and observational skills, family bonding and encourages children to appreciate all those wonderful places you take them on holiday.

With optional fill-in and scoring sections, the Family Travel Journal becomes a precious keepsake of your family holiday. (Also perfect for ‘what I did last summer’ school reports). So start collecting memories...

“A brilliant, fun way to make the most of travelling with your family.” £4.99 from Amazon.co.uk or www.familytraveljournal.co.uk

IS fOr yOU HAD BETTEr KEEP yOUr COPy Of fAMILIES HANDy

Y

Stop cries of “We’re bored” or “There’s nothing to do” with a quick flick through your copy of Families Edinburgh. With 6 long weeks to fill you’ll be glad you held on to this to refer back to!

Z

IS fOr ZOO!

Edinburgh Zoo is packed with a variety of fun and unZoousual things for you to do this summer. With over 1,000 rare and amazing animals, there is so much for you to explore and discover. Why not visit our world famous penguin parade, watch the penguins dive in their underwater viewing window and watch out for the waddle of little penguin chicks. Immerse yourself into the wild world of Sumatran tigers at our dynamic tiger tracks enclosure. Watch the big cats pounce overhead in their glass tunnel walkthrough and get up close to nature. Or say hello to some of our newest Zoo residents, red pandas, Bruce and Ginger.

Explore our animal walkthroughs, learn all about our amazing animals at the daily talks from our expert keepers and discover more at the Wee Beasties exhibition, new for 2017!

Visit: edinburghzoo.org.uk to book your tickets today.

9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

Carry on Camping Getting closer to nature and spending time as a family away from work and technology are great reasons to take a family camping trip. Now, a recent study has found that a weekend under canvas can help re-set your body clocks and improve sleeping habits too.

If there’s one thing that exercises us parents more than stressing about how much time our children spend indoors using gadgets, it’s our own lack of sleep.

So what’s stopping you dusting off that old sleeping bag and getting your pitch booked?

If you’re still feeling tent-ative (ho ho!) Here are a few pointers…

Snug as a bug in a rug…..

Let there be light…

Re-setting your body clock is one thing, but you want to make sure you sleep well while you’re camping too. Keeping warm is key.

Head torches are a great idea. Kids love them and they mean you can be hands-free for toilet trips, getting dressed, eating and reading. A torch that hooks onto the top of the tent is also useful so you can find your bits and pieces and play games. Glow sticks outside are great for spotting kids in the dark.

•

If it does rain….

Make sure you are protected from the cold from the ground. Invest in a good quality thermal mat.

Go for bedding that works for you. If you don’t like sleeping bags, take your duvet.

•

Calories keep you warm. Eating something before you go to sleep can really help in warming you up and keeping you warm into the night.

•

Wear layers and keep your head warm. Some sleeping bags are designed to go over your head, but if you’re not keen on that then wear a fleecy hat and get the kids to do the same.

It’s almost inevitable that the good old British weather will throw a few raindrops your way, but snuggling inside with a pitter patter overhead is all part of the experience, and it’s not miserable if you go prepared.

• Take a trilby, peak cap and/or umbrella • An extra gazebo for eating in and playing games can be a god send in the rain and means that your sleeping tent won’t get trashed with muddy feet.

• Card games like UNO, Whot! Or Dobble go down well, as does a good Roald Dahl.

• Before you go, research where the local museums and cinemas are.

• Go swimming. If you can’t beat it, join it – and the beauty is you can use the showers and changing facilities to get clean and dry.

Families Readers share their tips Mike Price, dad of two Top tip: Make sure you stay warm and get dry at night. Kids need sleep and respite from having fun and getting muddy and wet. I always keep the bedroom area of the tent really clean and boot-free.

I wouldn’t go camping without: A tent. Only joking! I always take a camping toilet (posh bucket!).

It seems like an extravagance but boy does it come in handy in the middle of the night in a dark, wet campsite, particularly when you've got two children and only one needs the toilet.

MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS 10th - 14th and 17th - 21st July 31st July - 4th August and 7th - 11th August The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach) & his team.

10am – 12noon Mini Tennis Camp For Primary school age playing with soft/ low compression tennis balls 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp For ages 10+. Beginners right up to junior team players.

Open also to under 10’s who are already playing to a certain level.

Contact Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk

10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

Sarah Jepps, mum of two Top tip: have a laundry bag and a washing line (we actually rig one up from guy ropes and spare tents poles).

I wouldn’t go camping without: A little dustpan and brush for inside the tent, bin liners and a head torch.

Hands up if you were a member of YOC as a kid?

Written by Anna Pugh Visitor Experience Manager, RSPB Scotland.

© Helen Pugh

I know I am not the only one out there that wore the badge of the RSPB’s Young Ornithologist Club with pride.

I say with pride, but I didn’t actually tell many people about it in case I was labelled as the geeky birdy kid, but it turns out there were a lot of us out there and I should have held my head up high!

RSPB Scotland’s Loch Leven and Lochwinnoch reserves are open all year round and are an easy journey from Edinburgh or Glasgow. They offer drop in events, pond dipping, bug hunting, den building and natural play areas. There are also bird hides and feeding stations where you can get fantastic close up views of wildlife. Meanwhile, our Loch Garten Osprey Centre is open from April to August and not only allows you to watch the ospreys, but gives you a great chance of seeing red squirrels and an array of forest birds while taking part in our activities along the path.

We were extremely lucky as kids to have a garden to play in. I have fond memories of watching birds on the feeder, picking blackberries and squashing rose petals in water before trying to convince my sisters I had created a new perfume. We were encouraged by our parents and grandparents to go out and explore, and I loved it.

However times have changed and recent research suggests that only 10% of children play outdoors in the UK these days, with increasing access to tablets and televisions and a reduction in green spaces given as some of the reasons. The health and wellbeing benefits of play outdoors are well documented but the other side – what natures needs to get back from us – is seldom documented. Fundamentally, we need children to have adventures outdoors; to feel, explore and smell nature, and to build emotional attachments to the natural world so that they feel a need to conserve it.

This is where RSPB Scotland comes in. We want families to head out together to discover and enjoy nature and at our ‘great for families’ reserves we will provide all you need for some wild family fun.

This summer you can also enjoy half price family entry to these reserves by downloading a voucher at www.rspb.org.uk/familyfun.

For those who really want to dust off their wellies and get outdoors, Loch Leven is running some great events this summer. In July there is a week of Woodland Warriors where older children (8+) can learn bush craft skills such as animal tracking, making fire and the art of camouflage. Or if you fancy a night under the stars with the kids, Big Wild Sleepout will be running on Saturday 29 July. As the night time wildlife come to life on the reserve, you can join in with bat and moth walks, have a go at wildlife and bush craft activities and toast marshmallows on the fire. © Helen Pugh

There are plenty of other activities going on across the country, from events at Loch Lomond and Mersehead to Dolphinwatch in Aberdeen. So if like me, you have fond memories of YOC or of playing outside as a child, embrace that inner wildlife explorer and get outside with the family to simply enjoy nature.

For more information on RSPB Scotland’s reserves head to: www.rspb.org.uk/familyfun

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Camps, Classes & Activities for a fun filled and action packed summer! magic school

stagEcoach Edinburgh

stEp it up dancE

The hugely popular Magic School is back this summer offering budding young wizards the chance to graduate from the world’s most mysterious school with a 5 -day course or one-off workshop.

Make new friends and have lots of fun along the way as Headmaster Gary James teaches you how to create and perform your very own spellbinding tricks to take away and impress friends and family with. Each day focuses on a different area of magic and performance, from levitating illusions to disappearing card tricks, with a graduation ceremony on the final day. The last three years have been a complete sell-out so book tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Ages 7-10 Magic School 3rd – 7th July 2017 Quaker Meeting House One-off Magic School Workshop • £18 5-Day Magic School • £90 For further details and bookings please visit www.magicfest.co.uk or call box office 0131 226 0006

Stagecoach Edinburgh is running 2 weeks of Summer Schools with 2 workshops available both weeks: For early stages (4 - 6 years) there is a Junior Workshop - Lights, Camera, Action!

Join us as we go behind the scenes at some of Hollywood’s biggest movies.

Singing,dancing, acting (and filming) our way through films such as Beauty and the Beast, Trolls, Moanna, Zootopia and the Lego Movie, we will create a show for family and friends in just a week!

9am - 12pm (show at 12pm on the Friday). £110 per week (£95 for siblings) For 6 - 18 year olds Stagecoach Edinburgh is thrilled to be able to present Hairspray Jr. By arrangement with Joseph Weinberger Limited.

Is your child the next Tracy Turnblad or Corny Collins? Join us as we sing, dance and act our way through this energetic musical - rehearsing all your favourite songs and dances and creating a fantastic show, complete with lights and costumes. Working with our talented team of teachers, your child will make new friends, learn new skills and have the opportunity to shine!

9am - 4pm £150 per week (£125 for siblings) Week1: 3-7th July, Dance Base, EH1 2JU Week 2: 17-21st July, Music Box Theatre, EH11 4DE Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh to book your place now!

This summer the Step It Up Dance team are offering you fantastic, fun filled holiday camps for children in P1 - 7 AND new for this year, age 3 - 5 years.

Each day will involve lots of dancing (including popular new style Acro Dance), graffiti arts & crafts, team games, creative tasks and loads of active fun so expect to see lots of smiling faces at pick-up time.

Running at Broughton High School, Stockbridge and St John's RC Primary School, Portobello. Full details of all camps and booking online.

17th - 21st July and 24th - 28th July, 31st July - 4th August and 7 - 11th August 9.30am – 3.30pm each day for P1 - 7 or 10am - 1pm for age 3 - 5 years.

(Email hello@stepitupdance.co.uk if you require an early drop off option) P1 - 7 camps £100 full week/ £25 single days Age 3 - 5 camps: £45 full 3-day camp/ £16 single days www.stepitupdance.co.uk

Whizzkids Whizzkids is offering a range of computer courses this summer for children aged 5 and up. Pease e-mail gillian@whizzkids.uk.com,or go to www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

Woodland Warriors 10 am - 3.30 pm. 17th - 21st July.

Price: £20 per day, £80 per week, RSPB Wildlife Explorer member £16 per day, £64 per week.

Booking essential - 01577 862355 Join our forest school leaders to learn the skills of forest survival! Build dens, make fire, learn tracking skills, camouflage yourself, and more. Children aged 8+ only.

Bring packed lunch and outdoor clothing. Loch Leven.

ExcEl sports acadEmy Excel Sports Academy run for 6 weeks of holiday camps in July and August and 1 week in October.

We are located at St Georges School in Murrayfield and welcome all children aged 5 - 15 years. Our friendly and experienced staff and coaches allow the children to follow a structured timetable each day. Our Excel+ camps include Art, Tennis, Gymnastics, Dance, ComputerXplorers, Rock school and Swimming and Diving. The camps are always extremely popular and sell out fast.

Have a look at our website at www.excel-sports.co.uk and book online. Come along and join in the Excel Experience in 2017.

3rd July - 11th August Summer Camps - All Sports Camps every week and we offer 15 different Excel+ camps over the 6 week summer period.

16th - 20th October Camp 8am-6pm | Packed day of activities from 9am-5pm. We accept childcare vouchers.

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thE drama studio The Drama Studio's very popular Summer Holiday Clubs for students aged 5-15 are running as follows: 17-21 July Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirkgate, Liberton 24-28 July Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirkgate, Liberton 31July - 4 Aug Wardie Church Halls, Primrose Bank Road Fantastic weeks meeting new friends, doing activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song, dance, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games, performing and outside activities weather permitting.

Morning performance courses for all. Different afternoon activities for juniors and senior afternoon drama performance courses.

Go to www.thedramastudio.com to HOLIDAY CLUB and read excellent Parent Reviews, more details and to register.

0131-453-3284 or e-mail info@thedramastudio.com £148 Full days, £92.50 Mornings, £76-£86.50 Afternoons (drop-in afternoons also available). Sibling Discounts also until June 1st.

A great week guaranteed!

SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 3rd - 7th July and 17th - 21st July

Week 1 at Dancebase, Grassmarket, EH1 2JU Week 2 at Music Box theatre, Edinburgh College Apply online at www.stagecoach.co.uk/Edinburgh or call 0131 610 0636

Camps, Classes & Activities midlothian snoWsports cEntrE Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing are all available at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend this summer. Our 5 day junior ski and snowboard camps and kinder ski camps are running weekly from 10th July – 11th August and there’s no need to worry about equipment as we supply it all, even down to poles and helmets. For an exhilarating ride down the hill, slide down our purpose built tubing runs in an inflatable doughnut ring, fun for all the family.

Please call us on 0131 4454433 to check the chairlift running times.

Enjoy the summer and enjoy the outdoors at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend.

thE acting scEnE summEr coursEs

Skiing rding Snowboa Tubing

Early drop off and late pick-up available. 8.45am £3.50 per day, pay as you go.

Monday 31st July - Friday 04th August 5-8yrs Potty For Potter 9.30-12.30 9yrs+ Create a NEW play 9.30-4.30 Mon 07th Aug – Fri 11th Aug 5-8yrs Rouge One – Star Wars 9.30-12.30 Mon 7th - Fri 11th Aug 9+ School of Rock Vs Matilda Musical Theatre Course 9.30-4.30 Mon 14th Aug – Fri 18th Aug 5-8yrs Matilda Musical Theatre Course 9.30-12.30 (Only 14 places left) 9yrs+ Matilda Musical Theatre Course 9.30-4.30 www.theactingscene.co.uk

dndancE Join us for a jam packed of week of Musical Theatre! Dance, Acting and Singing galore! Your young performer can enjoy either or both of the two weeks we have on offer, making friends and enjoying an end of week performance. Oliver is a true original, offering catchy songs and a famously beautiful story! Hairspray is full of colour and up beat dance routines! With drop off and pick up around working hours, it’s an ideal week for the long school holidays.

StudioD - Dndance. The Basement 4 Hutchison Terrace EH14 1QB 31st July - 4th August OLIVER. 7th - 11th August HAIRSPRAY Age 5-12yrs. Doors open 8.30am - 5pm £145 per week (10% sibling discount) Packed lunch required.

mortonhall tEnnis club summEr camps

board camps running ow sn d an i sk er m m su 5 day ly – 11th August 2017 weekly from 10th Ju the school holidays g rin du ys da t os m Tubing runs open ll and 4 years at least 1 metre ta All tubers must be

Call: 0131 445 4433 http://ski.midlothian.gov.uk • Email:ski.midlothian.gov.uk Midlothian Snowsports Centre, Hillend, Biggar Road, Edinburgh EH10 7DU

Does your child love to

Sing, Act & Dance?!

Join us for Musical Thursdays at DNDance.

Junior Musical Madness: 4pm - 5pm. Age 4-6 yrs Inter Musical Madness: 5pm - 6.30pm. Age 7+ Class also running Mondays at Granton, age 7+ Cover a different Musical each term, the class is split between our highly skilled singing teacher and acting/dance teacher over 2 studios - giving excellent coaching throughout.

Plus a private singing lesson included for all Inter Students each term!

Book your trial class for the new term

Nicky 07545 551271 / nicky@dndance.co.uk 14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

10th- 14th July and 17th – 21st July 31st July – 4th August and 7th – 11th August Camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach) & his team.

10am – 12noon Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) Aimed at children of primary school age playing with soft/ low compression tennis balls 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) Aimed at children 10 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.

The camp is 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.

A wet weather programme will operate in the event of bad weather; the club house will be used for indoor games and quizzes. 10% off on 3 or more bookings from the same family. Call Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk

totalrugby Summer Rugby Coaching Camps for 5 to 16 year olds. TotalRugby is open to players of all abilities, providing a great introduction to rugby, or an opportunity for skill development, but most importantly a fun way to spend the holidays with friends or make some new ones. 3 weeks of 5 day long camps - Monday 24 July through to Friday 11 August at Fettes. 10am to 3.30pm - £150 per week www.totalrugby.org or contact us at info@totalrugby.org

EnjoylEisurE

doodlEs

Get ready for an action packed summer with enjoyleisure! Across East Lothian children of all ages can try a new sport, develop their technique or just enjoy being active! Gymnastics, trampolining, climbing, mini-tennis, multi-sports, badminton and rookie lifeguard are just a few of the activities on offer within enjoyleisure’s action packed Summer Activities Programme.

For full details of the summer programme visit www.enjoyleisure.com

Children's Summer Clay Workshops at Doodles "Crazy Cactus Fun!" Week 1: 18th - 21st July Week 2: 31st July - 4th August 10.30am -12pm daily, £55 per week.

Includes mid morning drink and snack.

We will be having lots of messy creative fun with clay and glaze all with a funky Cactus dessert theme. Call us on 0131 229 to book your child's place.

Recommended for children age 7 and up.

littlE shakEspEarE summEr camp This fun camp will give young actors the opportunity to develop a range of skills culminating in an Edinburgh Fringe production of Macbeth by the Little Shakespeare Company. It is suitable for all young people, aged 9 upwards, and of all abilities. This is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their confidence, skills and creativity in a fun environment while taking part in a professional theatre production. The Summer Camp will run from 31st July – 5th August in Musselburgh, and the Fringe Show from 7th - 12th August at the Royal Scots Club (technical rehearsal on 6th). Little Shakespeare Company also offers weekly drama classes. To book, please contact Linda (07738304128, linda.cessford@littleshakespearecompany.co.uk) by 1st June. Places are filling up fast so early booking recommended!

Camps, Classes & Activities mEgamakErs

dancEbasE summEr school

MEGAMAKERS Children's activity club, running Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 August 2017 for primary school age children. Sessions are FREE (but please register!). Based on the theme of inventions, come and join in games, challenges, crafts, songs, and Bible stories, each day from 10am to 12.30.

Held at Christ Church Edinburgh 68 Britwell Crescent, Edinburgh EH7 6PT. Please register (or ask any questions) on 07732618589 or megamakers.cce@gmail.com.

Bring the noise for these fun filled sessions of dance, percussion and animation! Young dancers will shake, rattle and roll while making friends and learning new skills, before sharing their work in front of family and friends at the end of the week.

Price: £125 (Discounted rate of £100 is available for a second child accompanying a family member).

10/07/2017 - 14/07/2017 (10:00 - 17:00) For ages 7 - 12 Call 0131 225 5525 to book www.dancebase.co.uk

tumblE tots Tumble Tots are running Summer Play Schemes 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.

The children will play on our fabulous equipment and will enjoy a healthy snack, then will spend time playing with arts and crafts, brio, jigsaws and play dough, finishing off with the parachute. All for £11.50, childcare vouchers accepted.

Monday 17th, Friday 21st, Monday 31st July and Friday 4th August - 10am - 12.20pm Tuesday 18th July and Tuesday 1st August - 1.30 - 4pm Summer Classes for children from 6 months to 5 years also run on 4 of the 6 Tuesdays during the holidays in the morning at Cluny Centre from Tuesday 11th July.

Please call Jo on 01875 819966 for more information and to book your child a place for either the Play Schemes or the Summer Classes, or email Jo on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net

pEntlands activity camps Pentlands Activity Camps (PAC) offers outdoor adventure and healthy, fun-filled multi-activity day camps for children during school holidays.

From 10th July – 11th August, PAC is back at Netherurd House, Blyth Bridge, in the beautiful Peeblesshire countryside, only 30 minutes south of the Edinburgh.

Netherurd is perfect for PAC – its natural woodlands, stream and wide- open fields create a wonderful playground where children can explore and enjoy ‘good oldfashioned fun’ – den-building, ponddipping, tree-climbing, hide and seek...and much, much more!

We also have various PAC Specialist Camps running this summer including bushcraft, cooking, drama and football.

PAC welcomes all school-age children.

Our website gives you more information and a flavour of who we are and what we do: www.pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk Or call Lindsay on 07718 933725 or email: info@pentlandsactivitycamps.co.uk

Edinburgh dancE acadEmy summEr school Last year was fantastic with over 100 students attending. There was much laughter, great friendships forged, lots of fabulous choreography, lasting memories made and a lot of fun had! Lots of tired, happy dancers at the end of each day.

The summer school will be held in the purpose built dance studios at Broughton High School in Edinburgh from Monday 31 July - Saturday 5 August from 9.30am (early drop off can be arranged) - 2.00pm daily. The week is jam packed with activity with workshops in Ballet, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Commercial Jazz and Musical Theatre all finishing with a fabulous event showcasing all the summer school pupils hard work and learnings during their week with us.

If you would like to book a place please either email edinburghdance@aol.com or call 0131 3373402 for further information.

mix up thEatrE Mix Up Theatre offer a variety of theatrical experiences for our students.

Our Fringe Festival Summer Camp will have special guests from the festival working with the students on a variety of skills including: clowning, puppetry, comedy, improvisation, circus skills, movement. Visiting theatre companies will also be coming in to show snippets from their shows. The age 4 -11 students will be working towards a showcase of the skills they have been learning over the week to perform on the Friday morning. While our 12-18s group will be devising a play over the week to perform on the Friday afternoon. This is sure to be a fun packed week of activities and creative drama.

Be sure to have a look at our Facebook to see the range of fun activities we provide at our weekly drama classes: www.facebook.com/MixUpTheatre or our website: www.mixuptheatre.com – Book online or call: 07720861796 and e-mail: info@mixuptheatre.com

Edinburgh lEisurE Pre-school fun sessions and sports lessons this summer.

NEW this summer Edinburgh Leisure has one and two hour camps specifically for 3 – 5 year olds as well as pre-school swimming and gymnastics! Gracemount Leisure Centre has two hours of mixed activities including gymnastics, trampoline, football and tennis – all Mini of course. At the Royal Commonwealth Pool there’s an hour of themed fun on a variety of days throughout the summer including Beach, Bubbles and Balloons and some Funky Fridays. See edinburghleisure.co.uk for more info or contact your nearest Edinburgh Leisure centre.

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Camps, Classes & Activities Quirky pond thEatrE summEr schools

Theatre Summer Schools At Sea 17 - 21 July

Roald Dahl 24 - 28 July Cockenzie House EH32 0HY To book a place call 07715 353661 or 07724 887039

17 - 21 July At Sea Theme Acting, Singing, Dancing, Prop making classes and a mini showcase production all inspired by The Sea. 24 - 28 July Roald Dahl Theme Acting, Singing, Dancing, prop making classes and a mini showcase performance all inspired by the stories of Roald Dahl.

Both weeks for ages 5 - 11. 10am - 4pm Cockenzie House 22 Edinburgh Road, Cockenzie, EH32 0HY £100 (optional early drop off from 8.30am with breakfast - additional £20) Cost includes all classes, snacks, showcase and a Tshirt.

To book a place call 07715 353 661 or 07724 887 039 Or online at www.eventbrite.co.uk

dancE For all Dance For All’s popular Summer School is an energy filled, fun-packed week of dance and musical theatre.

Their Summer School is a great way to find out what Dance For All has to offer (open to pupils & non-pupils alike).

Suitable for 6 to 16yrs, it’s a chance to experience different forms of dance (including jazz and street), choreography and musical theatre, culminating in an exciting performance experience at the end of the week.

Led by Dance For All’s inspirational teachers, DFA’s Summer School is a great opportunity to explore creativity through movement and song, fun and games.

DFA Summer School 7th – 11th August 2017 10.00am-3.30pm (doors open at 9.30am) £140 (10% off for each subsequent sibling) “It’s never boring, always fun and you make life-long friends.” ~ Aimee, 15-year-old pupil (12 years with DFA).

Call 0131 226 5533 to book or find out more on: www.danceforall.co.uk/summer-school/

summEr sEssions at rugbytots

Edinburgh

Next Issue Back to School • Clubs and Classes Bookings taken now 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.com

Summer Holidays at SASCS Sciennes Primary School 10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LG

Mon 3rd to Fri 28th July 8.30am - 5.30pm

Sports Camp Children who have completed P4 and up (aged 9+years).

A range of different sports and outings to local venues such as the Commonwealth Pool and Meadows Tennis Courts.

Holiday Care Children aged 4.5-12+years (primarily aimed at ages 4.5 -8years) Holiday Care offers a range of staff supervised and staff delivered activities daily. We can accept pre-school children who are due to start school in August 2017.

Watch out for our activity programme for more details!

Please book online at www.sascs.org.uk before midnight on Monday 26th June 2017 SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

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Our popular Summer camp for 5-7 year olds is back this summer.

Trinity Scout Hall from 17th-21st July and the Miller Scout Hall at Cameron Toll from 31st July to 4th August.

Cost for the week is £100. Camps will run from 10.00am until 2.00pm with drop off from 9.30am and pick up until 2.30pm.

Our motto is simple: make it more fun. We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.

The camps are high energy and fun and structured to ensure that your child's technical understanding and development of skill’s improve, as well as inspiring confidence in their own ability. We aim to improve your child’s passing, catching and kicking through numerous drills and games.

Our outdoor Summer holiday term is also back at Roseburn Park, Murrayfield running every Saturday morning from 8th July – 5th August. 9.00am Junior, 9.40am Senior and 10.35am Advanced.

Contact Sandra on 0345 313 3252 or Sandra@rugbytots.co.uk. www.rugbytots.co.uk

Edinburgh montEssori arts school

dynamic Earth summEr programmEs

Soak up some Montessori this summer at Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Parent and Child Group for birth to three year olds and their significant adults.

July 10th – August 4th Monday – Thursday mornings 9.30am-11.30am.

Come and relax with your little one in our beautifully designed Infant Community environment.

Play together, let them explore, and watch their development unfold.

Learn more about the Montessori approach and meet other like-minded families. £5 per session. Discount for second/third child and block bookings.

Due to popularity of these sessions advance booking is essential. office@emaschool.co.uk 0131 672 3851

Young people aged 7 to 13 are invited to come explore with us during our exciting week long programs. Discover the wonders of Holyrood park, a unique wild space in the heart of Edinburgh. The week long programs offer participants the chance to learn all about the parks past, present and future through an engaging mix of outdoor activities, scientific investigation, practical conservation, team games and more. The core activities will run between the hours of 10:00 and 16:30 and cost £165 for the 5 days. Early drop off can be made from 8:30 and participants must be picked up by 17:30.

Young Explorers: 7 – 9 year olds: * Week One: full * Week Two: 7th - 11th August 2017 Outdoor Academy: 10 - 13 year olds: 24th - 28th July 2017 www.dynamicearth.co.uk

sascs summEr schEmEs

thEatrE sans accEnts

Mon 3rd to Fri 28th July 8.30am-5.30pm Sciennes Primary School,10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1LG Sports Camp: Children who have completed P4 and up (aged 9+years) A range of different sports and outings to local venues such as the Commonwealth Pool and Meadows Tennis Courts.

Full Day: £25.00; Full Day Trip: £28.00 Holiday Care: Children aged 4.5-12+years (primarily aimed at ages 4.5-8years) Holiday Care offers a range of staff supervised and staff delivered activities daily. We can accept pre-school children who are due to start school in August 2017.

Full Day: £20.00; Half Day: £12.00; Trip: £25.00 Schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

We also organise full day trips – Watch out for our activity programme for more details!

Please book online at www.sascs.org.uk before midnight on Monday 26th June 2017.

School is over ! Why not holiday in France... at L'Institut Francais d'Ecosse in Edinburgh?!

A full week of French cultural and linguistic immersion on stage!

Everyday, a different aspect of French language (intonation, accent, vocabulary) and various acting techniques (Improvisation, storytelling, mime, scripts) will be explored in order to enable participants to learn while having fun.

P1-P7: 3/07 - 7/07 Daily 10.00 - 16.00 Full week: £225 (siblings discount) Day places available.

Teens (12+) : 9/07 -14/07 Daily 10.00 - 17.00 Full week: £275 (siblings discount) Day places available.

Young people will work towards an end of week performance that they will have devised for their friends and family.

No pressure, no exams just the best of both worlds: arts and languages! All levels welcome!

Enquire now and book your place at hello@theatresansaccents.co.uk

This year sees the Fringe celebrate its 70th anniversary. In 1947 there were just 8 theatre companies - in 2017 there are 3,398 shows!

As if that’s not enough, buskers and street entertainers will perform over 250 shows on The Royal Mile and The Mound every day of the Fringe between 11am and 9pm.

Want to find out which shows to take the kids to? Read on…

The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck This August, children will be enthralled by The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, performed by award-winning soprano and actress Michelle Todd and the Children’s Classic Concerts Festival Ensemble.

Escape to Beatrix Potter’s wonderful world and enjoy her timeless tales of our favourite characters, Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck.

Stephen McNeff’s musical settings of The Tales of Beatrix Potter have enchanted children and adult audiences in the UK, America and Canada. With brand new orchestrations, Jimmy Jewell and Children’s Classic Concerts bring this enduring classic to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

For twenty-three years Children's Classic Concerts have been delighting children, their families and teachers with their unique, fun-filled introduction to live orchestral music. In that time, their concerts have featured not only classical music, but also jazz, traditional Celtic and world music - all in a lively mix of entertainment and education that regularly sells out at concert halls across Scotland.

'Perfect for Kids... it has a great charm and a tour de force narration' Guardian The Beauty at the Underbelly Circus Hub at 12pm.

5th-26th August. Tickets start at £7.80 and can be purchased on the Underbelly website. http://www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/whats-on/the-tales-of-peter-rabbitjemima-puddle-duck

Comedy Club 4 kids Comedy Club 4 Kids has stand-up from grown-up, high-quality acts like John Robins, Stu Goldsmith and Nish Kumar, who perform their usual sets, just without the swearing or rude bits."

(The Independent) True. Our gigs are GREAT. We've spent twelve years persuading the international circuit's best stand-ups, cabaret stars and sketch acts to perform for family audiences, at shows that are "sterling" (The Guardian), "great" (The Scotsman), and "just right" (Daily Telegraph). Gig veterans include James Acaster, Fern Brady, Tiernan Douieb, Ivo Graham, Bec Hill, The Listies, Patrick Monahan, Howard Read, Sara Pascoe, Iain Stirling, and improvisers Noise Next Door!

“An essential treat." - Fest Magazine “Absolutely hilarious." - The Yorkshire Times “The perfect way to entertain the whole family." - Three Weeks Assembly Roxy at 5.40-6.40pm. For ages 6+. 4th-27th August £10 (£9) Friday-Sunday, £8.50 (£7.50) Monday-Thursday, £30 for 4 assemblyfestival.com or tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedyclub-4-kids www.comedyclub4kids.co.uk

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Morgan & West: More Magic For Kids!

©Steve Ullathorne

(Bigger, bolder, and more brilliant than before!)

Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return to the stage with a brand new marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone in-between! Expect the unexpected, believe the unbelievable, but do not dare miss the unmissable Morgan & West!

As seen on The Next Great Magician (ITV), Penn & Teller: Fool Us (ITV), and The Slammer (CBBC).

“Hilarious and good for all ages” - Primary Times ✭✭✭✭ “I can’t recall the last time my awe was so thoroughly struck” – The Scotsman ✭✭✭✭ “hugely talented” - Daily Mirror ✭✭✭✭ “an utterly splendid show” - ThreeWeeks ✭✭✭✭ “superbly crafted – The Stage Website: morganandwest.co.uk Twitter: @morganandwest Youtube: MrMorganandMrWest Underbelly Med Quad, Cowbarn, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG 2.40pm 2-11, 26 & 27 August / 1pm 12-25 August (not 23) Ticket Prices: previews - £6.50 (2, 3 & 4), weekday - £10.50/9.50, weekend £11/10. Booking info: 0844 545 8252, www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk

Three Half Pints present The Three Musketeers CBeebies’ favourites (Justin’s House, Spot Bots) swashbuckle their way through a hilarious new adventure of chivalry, swordplay and falling over.

Chaos, mayhem and stupidity reign supreme in the trio’s most ridiculous adventure yet!

Will they defeat the dastardly evildoers? Will they save the damsel in distress? Will they actually read the book before performing show?

The seventeenth century has never been so silly! Ages 5+ ✭✭✭✭✭ “Exuberant slapstick silliness and great fun.” - Mumsnet ✭✭✭✭✭ “Sure to captivate you” - Threeweeks “Hilarity to the point of exhaustion” The Stage ✭✭✭✭✭ “Your cheeks will hurt from smiling so much” Broadway Baby Website: threehalfpints.co.uk Twitter: @ThreeHalfPints YouTube: ThreeHalfPints 12.45pm, 2 – 27 August (not 21 & 22) Ticket prices: previews - £6 (2, 3, & 4), weekday - £10/9, weekend - £11/10 Family ticket: (1 adult, 3 children/2 adults, 2 children) £40/36 Booking info: 0131 622 6552, gildedballoon.co.uk Gilded Balloon Teviot - Dining Room, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AJ

Trash Test Dummies Everyone put your bins out! Trash Test Dummies are back in Edinburgh! This sidesplitting, slapstick comedy circus show delivers a dump truck of hilarity!

Winners of Best Children's Presentation at Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Trash Test Dummies are as full of laughs as their bins are full of surprises. Returning to the Fringe after sell-out shows in 2015 and 2016, this award-winning comedy takes the household wheelie bin to new heights.

5 - 26 August at 1pm (not 14th) Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows underbellyedinburgh.co.uk

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Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps Father Christmas is back, and this time he's had three helpings of sprouts!

As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in – he doesn't want to wake anyone up!

TaleGate Theatre Productions hit the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and the extra sparkle for which they have become known in this fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s sequel to ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee.’ August 11 - 26th theSpace (Venue 45) Times vary www.edfringe.com

The Giant’s Loo Roll ‘Oh Fe Fi Fo And Fe Fi Fum! Now what shall I do to wipe my .....’ ‘Bumpety! Bumpety! Bumpety- Bump!

A Giant’s toilet roll one day fell to the floor and flew away.’

Look out for the biggest loo roll ever on stage in this GIANT of a children’s musical. The villagers living in the town below the Giant’s house had better watch out, that loo roll has gone bouncing down the hill and straight towards them! Luckily, the townsfolk find lots of uses for runaway loo paper – one sheet provides a huge canvas for an artist, a tailor uses another to fill her shop with paper pants and a school class makes a huge dart that can fly. But what about the Giant himself – doesn’t he need any loo paper?

The townspeople have an answer for that, too!

Watch out for some frightened sheep, lots of excited children and a fantastic amount of toilet paper in this rip roaring new musical by TaleGate Theatre Productions.

11 - 26 August theSpace (Venue 45) www.edfringe.com

Kidocracy Kidocracy is an interactive theatre show for children aged 6+, presented by Keith Farnan (Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow).

Appearing as his alter ego, Brehon, an ancient Irish know-it-all, the show gives a young audience the chance to learn a little bit about politics and governing while having fun at the same time.

Brehon has awoken from a 400 year slumber to find the world in a state of chaos. The grown-ups have clearly made a mess of things and so Brehon offers the boys and girls a chance to rule the island of Kidocracy. In just under an hour, they must elect leaders, come up with rules that rock and deal with all sorts of crises because running the world isn’t just all fun, fun, fun, there’s stuff to be done as well.

This is a unique and exciting show for children that shows the importance of participation in a democracy.

“Artful, satirical…with a lightness of touch and a hefty helping of roguish Celtic charm” SUNDAY TIMES The Stand 3, 28 York Place.

3rd August – 20th August at 12:00pm Tickets – (£8/£7)

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Theatre Sans Accents presents Lost in Translation: A Bilingual Journey Embark on a joyful and interactive journey to discover a coming of age tale beyond linguistic, cultural and geographical boundaries. What does it mean to be bilingual? Follow Marion from the Sunny southern of her youth to the Gaelic Bonnie Scotland of her future to find out!

Innovatively performed in four different languages (Occitan, French, English, Gaelic) and inspired by British literature and pop culture, the show mixes different genres: comedy, storytelling, physical theatre, improvisation, object theatre to make it accessible regardless of what language you speak.

Charming, thought-provoking and educational, the show questions the idea of home, identity and language learning in a playful manner.

For young people (8+), daily (4-28/08) at 16.00 at L’Institut Francais d’Ecosse (Venue 134), Standard ticket £8 Family ticket £24. tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/lost-in-translation-a-bilingual-journey

Tall Stories celebrates its 20th Birthday – and 20th Edinburgh Fringe – with two shows at Pleasance!

The Gruffalo’s Child Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler ‘No Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood...’ Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission into the wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book. Because the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he?

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up and their grown-ups, in a freshly updated production of the hugely popular show that’s toured Britain and the world – ahead of its Christmas 2017 West End run!

2nd to 20th August (not 5th, 9th, 16th) 10.30am (duration 60 minutes) The Grand, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) Tickets: £7.00-£11.50 Age: 3+

As a special 20th birthday treat, tickets are just £2 for Tall Stories’ newest show – for age 6 and up…Future Perfect From the original story by Tall Stories co-directors Toby Mitchell and Olivia Jacobs Is there a moment from your past that you'd like to change? Dominic’s certainly got one. Travel backwards and forwards in time with Dominic as he frantically tries to fix things. Can he change the past and make his future perfect…? In 2016, Future Perfect toured London primary schools for free (supported by Tall Stories’ bigger shows). Now the comical interactive adventure for everyone aged six and up returns to the Edinburgh Fringe, with all tickets at just £2 – in celebration of Tall Stories’ 20th birthday!

2nd to 20th August (not 9th, 16th) 2.00pm (duration 45 minutes) The Green, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) £2.00 Age: 6+ ‘Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children’s theatre’ (Sunday Times)

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M6 Theatre presents Mavis Sparkle Celebrating 40 years of presenting world class theatre for children and young people.

Follow your dreams, reach for stars and join the award winning M6 Theatre Company as they bring their ‘modern classic’ to the Fringe for the first time.

With a magician for a Dad and a stargazer for a Mum, no wonder there’s more to Mavis than meets the eye!

With her miraculous cleaning trolley full of secrets and surprises, our not–so-ordinary cleaner is moving ever closer to making her dreams come true. All she needs is a little help from her cheeky cuckoo clock, mischievous mop bucket and Spike the hedgehog, to journey north and see nature’s biggest light show with her own eyes.

A heart-warming mix of illusion, puppetry and captivating performance for kids age 4+ and their grown-ups.

2-20 August 11am Pleasance Courtyard www.m6theatre.co.uk

CeilidhKids at the Fringe – Free!

Venue 170 – Laughing Horse @ The Counting House 10:15 Aug 3rd – 15th 11:15 Aug 3rd – 27th (except 17th, 22nd, and 24th.)

All free nonticketed.

Gobland for the Goblins!

Choices always matter. Play the videogame and save Gobland!

Magic, goblins and gaming combine in this fantasy choose-your-own-adventure show from award-winning writer James Beagon.

Will Spot be a fighter, a rogue or a wizard? Duel the Emperor, fool the Mole Queen or compete in the Gnomish Bake-Off? In this dark fantasy gameworld, we invite everyone to join the quest and make their own original mark on history. With the Goblin Empire hanging in the balance, decisions are never as easy as they seem.

A group of children will be selected every show to decide which big choices our characters make.

Each choice will have a massive impact and influence on the story as a whole, and may ultimately lead to one of multiple endings.

Previous reviews ‘Very satisfying’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com) ‘Breathtakingly ambitious’ **** (FringeGuru.com) ‘Compelling, always entertaining’ **** (AllEdinburghTheatre.com) www.aulosproductions.com Recommended Ages: 7+ Paradise in Augustines Aug 5, 7-12, 14-19, 2126 at 11.40am tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/gobland-forthe-goblins

Science….Like you have never seen before. The ‘Science Guy’ is BACK With sell out shows and awarded one of the “Top 20 Shows to ©Steve Ullathorne See” in 2016 by The List, The Spectacular Science Show with Mark Thompson is back for 2017.

Bringing his trademark infectious enthusiasm to all things science, expect to see exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex generating dustbins, growling jelly babies and even flying toilet paper! Think science is boring? Think again.

TV astronomer and author Mark Thompson is a regular face on Good Morning Britain, Five News, an established author and copresenter on the original series of BBC’s Stargazing Live. “charming introduction to science for kids…”

Primary Times, 2016. “…a constant sense of fun…keeping things going when his occasionally temperamental equipment fails to behave as expected…a children's delight,” FEST, 2016.

Suitable for a family audience. 3 - 13 and 15 - 27 August Gilded Balloon at the Museum 6pm

One Man Shoe by Jango Starr When the headline act fails to show up, Jango, a bumbling theatre caretaker, is suddenly thrust into the limelight and embarks on a hilarious journey of highly crafted and heart-felt silent comedy, as he magically finds his way to realise his dream of transforming into a star! Jango Starr’s unique style of silent physical theatre includes contemporary circus clowning, slapstick comedy, puppetry, juggling and absurd magic, bringing laughter and joy to all ages! ****‘An audience favourite that appeals to all ages' EVENING NEWS (on Jango) ****‘We’re talking classic clown and Jango Starr is a master of that art.’ THE HERALD **** 'This hapless clown manages to make the most simple procedures laughably complex' THE SCOTSMAN (on Jango) One Man Shoe, is a delightful, dynamic and uplifting show for everyone 5yrs-95+yrs 11am 3rd-28th August (no shows 14/15th or 21st/22nd August) Assembly George Square, Omnitorium Box Office 0131 623 3030 assemblyfestival.com More at www.onemanshoe.uk Twitter: @jangostarr Facebook: jangostarr1

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Children are Stinky After a 5 STAR total SELL-OUT 2016 Edinburgh Fringe sensation, you’d better book your tickets in advance!

A classic kid’s show derailed by a strange smell! Expect dare-devil stunts, incredible acrobatics, fun and loads of laughs leaving both adults and children with their jaws on the floor wanting to see more.

WINNERS - Children's Choice Award, Edinburgh Fringe 2016 WINNERS – Best Children’s Event, Adelaide Fringe Weekly 2017 ✭✭✭✭✭ “Giggles and squeals of delight” Families Edinburgh ✭✭✭✭✭ “this is one show not to be missed” Ed fest for kids ✭✭✭✭ “This show has it all.” The List, Edinburgh Assembly George Square Gardens Aug 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-28 12.15pm

Goblin’s Peter and the Wolf Join us for a hilarious and madcap new version of Peter and the Wolf, with amazing music created live with a variety of instruments and objects, including real musical vegetables.

Peter and Grandad have gone camping for the weekend.

Grandad says stick to the campsite but Peter has other ideas… Come with Peter on a hilarious adventure through the fields and forest as he discovers new sounds and noises.

Featuring animal antics of singing birds, waddling ducks, sneaky cats, and a rocking wolf.

With new music lovingly inspired

by Prokofiev’s classic, this is Peter and the Wolf as you’ve never seen it before.

Goblin’s Peter and the Wolf is a brand new show with imaginative puppetry, physical comedy and fun interaction which will have children ages 4+ screaming with laughter.

Returning to the fringe following Mr Tiger Goes Wild in 2015, Goblin are an acclaimed children’s theatre company known for their innovative use of music and wild comedy that families love.

3 – 17 August 11am (45 mins) Piccolo Tent, Assembly Gardens, George Square Prices £5 - £8 www.assemblyfestival.com Box Office: 0131 623 3030

Calling all hippo expert enthusiasts!

Award-winning family comedy that will have kids storming the stage.

Dr. Zeiffal and Dr. Zeigal and The Hippo That Can Never Be Caught, invites the audience to help the forgetful Dr. Zeiffal catch the crafty Hippo with her patented Hippo Instruments: the Invisible Hippo Blanket, the Hippo Google Googles and a blizzard of Hippo packaging.

Expect belly laughs, belly flops, surreal slapstick and fantastical falling over in this interactive family comedy created by Mouths of Lions.Bring your hippo catchers and your hippo google goggles, because Dr Zeiffal has most likely lost hers….

"Take your kids to see this and let their imaginations run wild." LondonTheatre1 “Intelligent, imaginative, very funny.” JimJam Arts WINNER Best Family Show (Buxton Fringe 2016).

3 - 28 August 10.15am Assembly Roxy Downstairs www.assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/dr-zeiffal-dr-zeigal-and-the-hippothat-can-never-be-caught

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Robin Hood is a legend. In this Monty Pythonesque comedic and compassionate musical adaptation, we revisit an age old tale of love, civil disobedience and the quest for a true meaning of HOME. A troubled, destitute kingdom, ravaged by greed, is left to the mercy of an unscrupulous Sheriff. From nearby Sherwood Forest, one man and his band of vowed compatriots choose to make a stand for good. He captures the imaginations of the downtrodden peasants, woos the beautiful niece of the missing King Richard, and dedicates his life to the freedom of the good people of Nottingham. Do his actions of bravery make him a hero or a hood? It’s up to the audience to decide.

Manhattan Children’s Theatre co-founder, Laura Stevens, now calls Edinburgh home, and is proud to produce and direct Mark Sarto’s (Nickelodeon) play.

She is privileged to have the all British Cast of “The Last of the Dragons” (Fringe 2015) which garnered stellar reviews and an international tour, reunite to bring this show to life.

Assembly George Square Gardens 3 - 20 August at 1.30pm

THE POLAR BEARS AND UNICORN THEATRE present The Polar Bears Go Up Our favourite pair of cuddly bears are heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year in their latest adventure perfect for young explorers and wannabe space travellers aged 2-5.

They’ve lost their balloon and they need to get it back.

It’s time to get up, step up, climb up, jump up. One thing’s for sure, the only way is up!

The Polar Bears Go Up is a fun, cheeky and highly enjoyable show for young audiences aged 2-5 and their adults. The Polar Bears Go Up is highly visual and non-verbal, and therefore, will be suitable for deaf or hard of hearing audience members, as well as non-English speaking audiences.

10 – 27 August 2017 (not Mondays or 23 August) 11am (except 24 August 14.00, 26 August 11.00 & 14.00) Venue 150 - Pleasance at Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Morrison Street, Edinburgh All tickets: £8 from: tickets.edfringe.com, pleasance.co.uk 0131 556 6550 www.thepolarbears.org www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com

Monski Mouse Baby Disco Dancehall

©Dave Pickens

Why toddle when you can dance?!

It's time to get heads, shoulders, knees and toes bopping along to lashings of swing, pop, rock, latin and more! Selling out shows around the world, Monski Mouse is a hit with the under fives and their parents/carers.

'The best dance party with your under 5-year-old that you've ever had... absolutely joyous' ***** (FamiliesOnline.co.uk).

'In minutes, there wasn't a mummy, daddy, baby, toddler or child in the house that wasn't busting some moves... We had a (glitter)ball' (Primary Times).

Assembly George Square Gardens Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete 11am 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 25-27 August

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Fantastical Forests!

Wicked Witches!

And...an Imf? Director and visual polymath Doug Fitch (New York Philharmonic’s The Cunning Little Vixen) teams up with composer Mátti Kovler (The Drumf and the Rhinegold) to present ‘Ami and Tami’ a sophisticated musical fairytale for children and families.

A modern reimagining of Hansel and Gretel, Ami and Tami tells the story of two siblings longing to leave their overbearing parents and find adventure in the unknown woods. As the fairytale unfolds, instrument-wielding actors lead guests through multiple magical spaces. You’ll join a ragtag band of creatures in the enchanted forest. Beware of the Evil Humm, who chases passersby through the woods, and Yaga the witch, who runs a surprisingly classy restaurant. If you’re lucky, you may even get a first hand look in her cauldron, where she creates her more, well, interesting dishes (piranha, anyone?). Ami and Tami comes to the Edinburgh Fringe festival after a sold-out run in New York City and featuring an all-star cast, including Emmy Award winner Sonya Hamlin. Underbelly, Cowgate (venue 61) August 11 - 24 at 10.30am

The Showstoppers’ Kids Show ©Steve Ullathorne

Edinburgh Fringe favourites, The Showstoppers, are back at the Fringe this summer for their tenth anniversary year!

We sat down with the team to find out a bit more about their family show, The Showstoppers’ Kids Show… This is what we discovered!

Who are The Showstoppers?

The Showstoppers are a multi award-winning improv group from London who have been creating musical comedies on the spot all over the world since 2008. In 2015, with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, they became the first longform improv show to have a full run in London’s West End and went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment & Family Show.

This year, The Showstoppers will also be entertaining their younger fans with a daily dose of interactive musical adventuring in The Showstoppers’ Kids Show.

What is The Showstoppers’ Kids Show?

Specifically designed to delight and inspire children by opening the show up to audience suggestions, the show creates a fully interactive magical journey that only a child’s imagination could come up with. So, if your child wants to see the Gruffalo get eaten alive by Barack Obama who then holds a disco in a toilet and meets (and buries alive) Donald Trump (a genuine Showstopper Kid’s Show from 2016!) or Dora the Explorer battling dinosaurs under the sea, they can suggest it and the Showstoppers will do it. (And yes, they really do make everything up on the spot!)

But grown-ups take note, kids - and ONLY kids! - decide who we meet and where we go! If your children could create their very own musical from scratch – where would they start? A doll’s house? A magic castle? A spooky graveyard? From their imagination on to the stage – The Showstoppers will bring their ideas to life.

Why should I bring my kids to come and see this show?

Because there will be singing, dancing and LOTS of fun! Kids can make their suggestions from their seats, so there’s no scary audience participation unless they decide that they really want to get involved! For those who fancy it, there are also opportunities to join the performers on stage. As everything is completely improvised, no two performances are ever the same so this is definitely a show that can be seen more than once. We shall see you there!

Suitable for kids aged 5 and upwards, The Showstoppers’ story factory will be open for business from 2nd – 20th August at 11.40am at the Pleasance Courtyard, www.pleasance.co.uk 0131 556 6550

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This year, the Pleasance Kids Programme is bursting with music, magic, fairy tales ... and pants!

Olivier Award-winning improvisers The Showstoppers return with the Showstoppers' Kids Show, catchy tunes take you on a journey in AnimAlphabet the Musical, and there’s a new band in town in Small Laces.

Expect an explosive mix of music, magic and madness in Nutty Noah - Wear Your Pants with Pride; make Phizz-whizzing potions in Roald Dahl's Marvellous Medicine; reach for the stars with Mavis Sparkle, and go bonkers as The Listies Make You LOL with exploding alien attacks and disgusting underpants! Travel in time in Future Perfect; journey through space with The Star Seekers, and in Me and My Bee, join awardwinning theatre company ThisEgg to save the world – one bee at a time. Familiar stories transform from page to stage, with Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo’s Child together with new adaptations of Ella Enchanted, The Little Prince and the Pilot, The Giant Jam Sandwich and Les Petits Theatre Company’s production of David Walliams’ First Hippo on the Moon. Pleasance Kids also returns to the EICC with The Polar Bears Go Up, an imaginative show for under 5s about two polar bears on a race up to space.

When you need a break, come and visit the Pleasance Kidzone. Now in its ninth year, it is still the only completely dedicated childfriendly venue on the Fringe - complete with pram shelters and a nappy change!

Located on The Green, in the heart of the Courtyard, the Kidzone is home to our famous giant inflatable igloo theatre and weatherproof art-pods. Relax under the tree and grab some food from the Cafe on The Green whilst the kids join Super Sue, Will and our team of enthusiastic volunteers - sticking, drawing, painting and making great stuff that you will want to take home with you! There’s also face-painting, visits from Pleasance Performers, and ad-hoc storytelling sessions. We really are the one-stop shop for all things family friendly on the Fringe. For more information or to book tickets visit www.pleasance.co.uk.

Out of the gate and off for a walk, went Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy Children and adults will instantly recognise the opening lines of bestselling book, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. Come and meet favourite characters such as Hercules Morse, as big as a horse; Bottomley Potts, covered in spots; Schnitzel von Krumm, with the very low tum and Scarface Claw, the toughest tomcat in town.

This hugely popular show is packed with live singing, colourful costumes and six of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories. Sing along and join in with all the characters.

Hairy Maclary & Friends is a family Fringe treat - you’d be barking mad to miss it!

Fans of the storybooks cannot fail to enjoy this performance and every child should see this - One 4 Review***** August 3rd-20th (not 16th). 10.30am, George Square Theatre, EH8 9LH. Tickets £10 tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/hairy-maclary

The Big Red Bus returns to the Meadows this August!

All welcome on our vintage Routemaster bus.

Come and see us every day 4 - 21st August by the Pavilion cafe.

We will run three trips a day, at 10am, 11am and 12, leaving from our Meadows bus stop and going around the top of Arthur's seat and back.

Bus tickets on board from the conductor £4/£2.

Find us at BUS STOP ART by the Pavilion and join our art workshops and face painting there each morning. www.theredbus.co.uk www.facebook.com/theredbusedinburgh Tel 07599912687

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Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand-new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show. Join Sarah and Duck and a host of your favourite friends including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, as they plan a birthday party for Scarf Lady in their garden. Told through a fantastic blend of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday will take you and your children on a magical adventure.

For details, please visit sarahandducklive.com. Call 0844 545 8252 or visit underbellyedinburgh.co.uk and BOOK NOW! 2 - 20 August (not 14) at 11.10am

Creepy Macbeth This is a surprisingly funny and moving stylised version of the Scottish play presented by 15 highly talented Scottish young performers ages 9-21 years from the Edinburgh based Little Shakespeare Company who train actors to go on to be professional performers and suitable for all ages. Lady Macbeth is played by an 11 year old girl (Faye Turpie Laird) who is drawn into a web of evil by Hectate, aided by very pretty and deceiving witches. The play is one hour long, experimental as well as grounded and true to the plot. It is directed by Michelle van Rensburg who is also directing “She and her Cat “ appearing at the Greenside Venues.

7 - 12 August at 11.30 Royal Scots Club (venue 241) Please visit our website www.littleshakespearecompany.co.uk for more info or book online at the fringe website www.edfringe.com

Calvinball Ipdip are back at the Botanics!

Following a Fringe 2016 sell-out run of Head in the Clouds, Ipdip Theatre Company are delighted to be back again at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.

This year, Ipdip invites babies and their families on an outdoors theatrical adventure with their fun-filled play, Calvinball! Lively music, humour and gentle interaction combine to draw on the natural curiosities of babies and toddlers and ensure a joyous 45 minutes for the whole family.

5 – 11 August 11am / 2pm / 3pm Age 0 – 5 Meet at John Hope Gateway, Venue 28 Tickets £5 – book at www.edfringe.com Please dress for the weather – sunscreen and cagoules at the ready!

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The Runner Nina loves adventures. She’s always getting herself into scrapes. It’s lucky she’s quick on her feet. But this adventure is different. This is for real. No room for mistakes.

Join Nina, her big brother Taz, and their annoying neighbour, 'The Fart Champion', on this epic journey over land and sea as they seek refuge far from home.

A coming-of-age quest that reminds us that even when things get tough, the most unlikely of friends, a stray dog, and a little bit of imagination can guide you through to safety.

Life will never be quite the same for Nina. But she’s not one to give up. A tale of survival in today’s world told with live music, warmth, humour and heart.

White Belly, Underbelly at Cowgate 15th - 19th August at 10.40am (60 mins)

Oskar’s Amazing Adventure Fun-loving Oskar has to run all the way down a mountain to find a friendly animal to play with. But where are the animals? And why does Oskar have to wait till spring to play his favourite game again?

Come and enjoy this entertaining tale full of good humour, adventure, music and song.

A perfect summer treat perfect for young children and their families.

'Funny and heart-warming' Family Friendly 'The love of theatre for little ones has the potential to start right here’ BN1 Magazine ‘A wonderful show, with plenty to keep young kids entertained’ Our Seaside Baby Blog Age guidance: 2’s to 8’s and their families Gilded Balloon Teviot 2 - 27 August (not 9. 16, 23) 11.50am £8 £6 conc/child Book now www.guidedballoon.co.uk 031 622 6552

The Dark Room for Kids You and your family are stuck inside a live-action video game! How will you escape?!

Pick options off the screen in this fun, fearfilled, text-based interactive adventure game.

Will you: A) Find Light Switch?

B) Scream? C) Kick a Pokemon?

If you win, there are terrible prizes! But if you lose, The Dark Room keeps whichever of your parents you like less.

With over 4 million YouTube hits and sell-out shows worldwide, this is a bonkers game show for families featuring challenges, danger and jokes about Minecraft (unless they threaten to sue).

Can YOU escape the Dark Room?

‘Not to be missed!’ – The Guardian ✭✭✭✭✭ ‘You must see the Dark Room at least once in your life’ – The Sun ✭✭✭✭✭ ‘British Comedy Guide’ ✭✭✭✭✭ ‘You will struggle to find better’ – Three Weeks ✭✭✭✭✭ ‘A game of passionate nostalgia’ – The Skinny Suitable for ages 11 and up. Just the Tonic at The Community Project 4 - 13 and 15 - 27 August at 4.30pm

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

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

Creepy Macbeth

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familieson

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of some of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

JUNE Until 13 August Summer holiday wild challenges 10am - 4pm Price: Prices range £1 - £3 per child (reserve entry not included) Discover the wildlife of Loch Leven by taking part in our exciting self-led activities. Collect kit from the visitor centre and get stuck in. Try our different themes, including; brilliant birds; tracks and signs; bug safari; pond dipping; and amazing moths.

directed by Michelle van Rensburg

Little Shakespeare Company 7 - 12 August at 11.30 Royal Scots Club Venue 241

30 June - 2 July Magicfair family Mornings Summerhall, Summerhall Place, Edinburgh Celebrating the start of MagicFest 2017 with 80 live shows and 20 of the greatest illusionists from around the world.

Under 5s go free to the family-orientated Morning sessions featuring Mini Magic School workshops, six different magic acts including Morgan & West and Tricky Ricky, and Brilliant Beasts where you get to meet lizards, snakes and other creepy critters close up.

Best described as a magic theme park, MagicFair’s oneticket-in format means you can plan your day and attend various 20-minute shows and drop-in events across the 4hour session. Between shows enjoy food, drink and spontaneous close-up magic in the courtyard, make your own wand in the crafting corner, or head to the Ribbon Maze and lose yourself in a jungle of colour. Family friendly sessions 10am – 2pm. Tickets £14/£12 cons/£8 child/under 5s go free

1July - 22 August Den Building Adventures Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston Scattered throughout Highlander’s Wood you’ll discover all sorts of interesting bits and pieces from which you can construct a den. Gather the material you need, and carry them to a clearing where you’ll use your imagination and exercise your construction skills to construct a perfect woodland shelter. Relax in your den, plan expeditions, contact the inhabitants of neighbouring camps, and contemplate life in the wild.

You can build your den any time throughout the day – it’s a free-for-all, just use your initiative and do your own thing.

Between 2pm and 4pm you can join the tribal meeting at the chieftain’s lodge where there will be a daily mission and chance to do things like setting trails, sending messages, making noises or painting flags Normal admission charges apply of £8.50 adults and £6.50 children (age 3-15 years) and there is no need to book in advance.

1 July - 27 August get your Hands on a real Iceberg Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh Especially for the summer months, enjoy extra family friendly activities with your admission to Dynamic Earth.

Take part in our interactive family science show exploring the differences between the North and South Pole, with demonstrations and activities for all. Get closer to Earth’s Poles with our drop-in activities exploring Polar wildlife, Infrared technology and drones, or get dressed up in real Polar Explorer kit, and have your picture taken in Antarctica with our penguin pals in our green screen photo booth.

Every Saturday in July Morning Kids Activities at Monkey Barrel Comedy 9 - 11 Blair Street, Edinburgh Saturday’s are about the kids at Monkey Barrel Comedy with a series of regular morning and lunch time events presenting some of the best storytelling, crafting, comedy and general good all around family entertainment that Edinburgh has to offer.

JULY

Sunday 2 July Art Explorers 1pm to 4pm, drop in, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, £3 on the door Come and be inspired to make your own work of art as we explore the beauty of the Garden using a range of colourful and tactile materials. With Greengage Arts.

1 July - 14 August Summer fun at the Scottish Seabird Centre The Harbour, North Berwick The dolphins and crabs take centre stage with an interactive science show and puppet performance for families. In addition to the daily events, there will be a range of family-friendly activities in the Discovery Centre including special trails for dolphins and puffins; expert mini talks on a range of seabirds; as well as the Kids’ Zone and Kids’ Corner.

All included in price of admission.

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Sundays in July gallery Safaris National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 (25 mins), free, limited places.

Explore the museum in a new way with our interactive gallery safaris. Suitable for age 7+ and their families.

2 July Art Maker Ages 4-12. Scottish National Gallery. 2-4pm. Free, drop-in Join the Art Maker Club and make your own masterpieces with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Out&About

line.co.uk including any contact or further booking information.

3 July ByOB - Bring your Own Baby: The Modern Portrait Ages 0-1. Scottish National Portrait Gallery 10 am - 12pm. Free, drop in.

Join us at the Portrait Gallery for a fun, relaxed morning planned especially with parents and carers of young children in mind. Enjoy special offers and family-friendly facilities in the café and sign up for one of our short buggy/baby-friendly art tours for adults. Gurgling, laughing, crying or screaming welcome as well as lots of informal chat. Places for tours limited, sign-up on the day. Enter through Portriat Gallery Main entrance.

6, 13 & 27 July river Dipping Join us IN the river for this favourite activity on every week. £5 per child (Accompanying adult free). 2pm - 4pm (ages 4 - 12). Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh. Booking essential 0131 455 7367

10 July - 25 August Summer holidays at the Palace Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a range of trails and drop-in activities in the Palace Family Room

8 July Magicfest gala Enter a space where the rules of gravity are bent and broken...

3 July - 4 August Story Corner in Imagine National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Edinburgh, 11:00–11:20, free (drop-in) Join one of our Enablers in the Imagine gallery for informal stories from our favourite children’s books with a connection to the museum. Suitable for under 5s with an accompanying adult.

3 - 8 July Jacobite Juniors National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street.

Also 17–Sat 22 July. 12:00–16:00, free (drop in) Travel back in time for two weeks of fun inspired by our Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites exhibition, including historical displays and demonstrations, make and take activities and object handling.

4 July Bugs Track down the mini-creatures which call the river banks home and design your own extreme BUG. 2pm - 4pm (ages 4 - 12) £5 per child (Accompanying adult free). Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh. Booking essential. 0131 455 7367 5 July Croquet Tea Party Lauriston Castle, Cramond Road South, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh Enter our magical world. 10.30am - 12.30pm £4 per person. Inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” enjoy a game of “Queen of Hearts” croquet on the lawns of Lauriston. Decorate some spectacular cakes and biscuits for a special tea party in the gardens. With Mike Durnan. Booking essential www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on 5 & 6 July Sensational Ceramics City Arts Centre, Market Street, Edinburgh No need to book just drop in. Free. 1.30 - 3.30pm Come along and make beautiful little ceramic tiles inspired by all the colours and shapes in the Edinburgh Alphabet exhibition.

6 & 7 July Crafting the Mine Craft Activity and Minecraft game play!

National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange Take inspiration from Minecraft and make your own mine craft mask. Drop in anytime between 10am & 4pm. Go on an adventure underground like never before and Craft the Mine in our Minecraft game. £2 craft activity. £3.50 craft and game. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Life at Court family tours

The best illusion and circus acts from around the world assemble to perform a visually stunning and breath-taking flight of fancy, many making their Scottish debuts, at the Magic Festival’s flagship show.

Floating, suspended in space, soaring and shooting through the air... we present a real version of our single most popular dream – flight – in a one-off show, never to be repeated, with host Kevin Quantum.

Highlights of this year’s Gala include Cubic Act and their floating box, the master of mystery and captivating silent suspense Aaron Crow, black art illusionists Les Chapeux Blancs, and World Magic Champion Marko Karvo with his dazzling bird act.

Let your imagination fly at MagicFest Gala Show!

Festival Theatre Edinburgh 2.30pm (matinee) & 7.30pm Ages 5+ Tickets £24 - £33 For tickets and full programme of events go to www.magicfest.co.uk or call 0131 226 0006 8 July Wee Treasures Ages 2-4. Scottish National Portrait Gallery. 10.30am & 11.30am. Free, drop-in Join us for storytelling for early years children and their families inspired by a different portrait each month, and delve into our magic treasure chest to find out what the story will be. With fun rhymes and songs, puppet characters and lots of opportunities to join in, this is sure to become a firm favourite with little ones! Places limited, sign up on the day.

9 July Portrait Detectives! Ages 4-12 Scottish National Portrait Gallery. 2-4pm. Free, drop-in Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history! Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Life at Court family tours Every weekday in the summer holidays, 11:30–12:30 This family tour gives you a sneak peak behind the-ropes in the State Apartments. Learn about some of the Palace’s most famous residents as you handle objects used in the past, from children’s games and strange smelling candles to chamber pots. This interactive tour brings to life stories of this historic site.

COME BACK FOR FREE! Once you have bought a ticket from us, you can use it to come back for FREE for a year! A great way to fill the school holidays at no extra cost!

10 - 15 & 24 - 29 July Ancient Egypt Tomb-bola National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street Edinburgh 12:00-16:00, free (drop in) Roll up, roll up to take your pick of our daily selection of activities all about life and death in ancient Egypt.

10 - 15 & 24 - 29 July Macastory and the Tomb of Tales National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 (30 mins) So you Sphinx you know everything about Ancient Egypt?

Well Sphinx again as Macastory take you on a journey to the afterlife with tales from the Book of the Dead.

11 July Stick 101 things to do with a stick - they are awesome no really £5 per child (Accompanying adult free). 2pm - 4pm (ages 4 - 12) Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh.

Booking essential. 0131 455 7367 12 & 13 July Curious Creatures Inspired by the animals and insects you find in the exhibition, make beautiful little hand-shaped clay tiles, that you can paint and hang on your wall. No need to book just drop in. Free. 1.30 -3.30pm City Arts Centre, Market Street, Edinburgh

Summer at The Palace Monday 10 July – Friday 25 August

Every weekday, 11:30–12:30

Wednesday 19 July and Tuesday 8 August, 14:00–15:00

This interactive family tour gives you a sneak peak behind the-ropes in the State Apartments. Handle objects used in the past, from children’s games and strange smelling candles to chamber pots.

Storyteller Allison Galbraith will lead you on a magical stroll through the Palace gardens, Weaving traditional

COME BACK FOR FREE! Get your ticket stamped on your first visit and come back as many times as you like at no extra cost!

Wild stories in the Palace gardens

For full details of events and dates visit

fairy and folktales with the royal

www.royalcollection.org.uk/whatson

history of the gardens.

© Royal Collection Trust/ copyright Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2016. Photographer David Cheskins

29 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

Out&About Women and Work The PCT Partnership offer training courses for women looking to return to work and seeking help with: • developing a CV • analysing jobs • writing matching applications and supporting statements Places are now being offered for this 4-week part-time course which will start in September 2017.

Some places are funded by Skills Development Scotland and may, as such, be free if you live in Edinburgh and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more.

If you are already in work and want to improve your career opportunities we also offer a dedicated individual service which will help you prepare for job interviews and vastly improve your interview performance.

For information on either of the above courses go to www.thepctpartnership.co.uk email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk or call on 0131 622 6240

Further details on events listed can be found at www.familiesonl

13 & 14 July Pit Ponies National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange. 10.30, 12pm & 2pm.

Little ones can enjoy hearing the story of Humbert the working horse who helps save the Lord Mayor during our interactive storytelling workshop.

Afterwards make your own paper pony to take home.

We will have ponies visiting us at the museum on both days.

You can visit the ponies throughout the day or tickets are available for pony riding. £2 per child. Suitable for 1+ Advance booking is recommended.

15 July felted Seashore Bunting Lauriston Castle, Cramond Road South, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh. 11am - 3.30pm. £6 per person.

Make adorable hand felted bunting inspired by the seashore on our doorstep. Make bright fish and dazzling mermaid bunting and decorate your bunting with beautiful embellishments.

Booking essential www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on 16 July A Dogs Day Out Traquair House Innerleithen, Peebleshire

A day out for dogs and their owners. Bring your dog along for some fun activities, competitions, displays and demos as well as doggy treats and organised walks.

Sunday 16th July - Carnival!

The Mound, Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens.

Music, dance, costumes, circus, acrobats and puppetry from all over the world!

2.30pm: Parade from The Mound to the West End of Princes Street 3.30pm-5pm: Performances in Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens Over 800 Carnival Performers! Free. www.edinburghjazzfestival.com/carnival 16 July Bags of Art Ages 4-12. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art MOD ONE 2-4pm. Free, drop-in.

Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks.

Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

16 July - 13 August NOW Build!

Ages 2+. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 2-4pm. Free, drop-in.

Take inspiration from buildings and cities this summer at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Add to our stunning outdoor built environments, plan an art city using our trail and create an Ed Ruscha-inspired landscape in our resource room. Explore three major exhibitions – British Realism, Now and ARTIST ROOMS: Music from the Balconies – Ed Ruscha and Los Angeles as well as enjoying family friendly picnics and activities in our grounds.

30 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

16 July & 13 August NOW Build! family Days Ages 2+. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. 12pm – 4pm. Free, drop-in Join us to kick-start and finish our family build project at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art this summer. Under 5s can join in with our ‘Wee Builder’s Club’ (ages 2-5), an informal, drop-in ‘building site’ for trying out ideas and playing with materials - a place where young children and their grown-ups can play creatively and build big. Inspired

by Nathan Coley’s cardboard buildings, and architecture depicted in paintings around the site, children will create buildings and towns of their own. We’ll also have all our regular Build activities on (see ‘NOW Build!’ - bottom left) and Bags of Art special activities. ©Becky Manson

19 July Wild stories in the Palace gardens Palace of Holyroodhouse 14:00–15:00.

Storyteller Allison Galbraith will lead you on a magical stroll through the Palace gardens, weaving traditional fairy and folktales with the unique features and royal history of the gardens. Hear the stories of the jungle creatures who once lived in the Royal menageries, and of a wise old king who ruled the land with flower power. Suitable for all ages.

21 & 22 July fossil Detectives National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange 10.30, 12pm & 2pm.

Become a Fossil Detective and help us dig up the past! Get messy as you find fossils hidden in the ground and then make your own fossil to take home with you. Price £3.50 per child. Age 3+.

23 July Enchanted Birds Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh 10.30am - 12.30pm / £4 per person Make a beautifully hand-crafted string of magical birds to hang in your home using beautiful fabrics and special embellishments. With Lauriston Castle staff.

Booking essential www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on 25 July – Mud Wear your wellies its gonna be squelchy, as we explore mud and yes that means pies and faces. £5 per child (Accompanying adult free). 2pm - 4pm (ages 4 - 12). Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh.

Booking essential. 0131 455 7367 27 & 28 July Ceramic Painting National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange. 10.30, 12pm & 2pm.

Come along and paint your own ceramic figure to take home with you. £3.50.

29 - 30 July Big Wild Sleepout Set up from 10am on Saturday.

Come for a night camping under the stars and connect with nature as the nocturnal wildlife comes to life on the reserve.

Join in with bat and moth walks, enjoy wildlife and bush craft activities and toast marshmallows on the fire.

Facilities: toilets, wash basins, hot water, barbeque. Loch Leven.

Price: Adults £40, Children £20, family £120 (2 adults and up to 3 children), RSPB member adult £34, Wildlife Explorer member £16, RSPB member family £100. Booking essential

Out&About

line.co.uk including any contact or further booking information.

AUGUST 1 August Pond Life Lauriston Castle, Cramond Road South, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh 10.30am - 12.30pm. £4 per person Come along for this fantastic pond dipping workshop where you can discover the different creatures that live in Lauriston Castle pond. Make your very own wooden boat to sail in the pond. Not to be missed!

Booking essential www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on 3 August – Survive Water, Food, Shelter and Fire are the keys to survival, learn new skills from our ‘wild’ leaders £5 per child (Accompanying adult free) 2 - 4 pm (4 - 12 years) Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh.

Booking essential. 0131 455 7367 3 & 4 August Archaeology Workshop National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange. 10.30, 12pm & 2pm Dig and discover the history of early humans in Scotland!

Become an archaeologist in this one hour workshop where you will learn to excavate the past and record all your findings. £2.

10 & 11 August victorian fun National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange. 10.30, 12pm & 2pm.

Come along and gets hands on with history!

What was life like before electricity? How did your clothes get washed? How did you have fun before Xbox? Play Victorian games, dress up, create moving pictures, design your own peg doll and help Victoria with the laundry. £2 per child.

12 - 28 August Edinburgh International Book festival

4 - 28 August Read our Fringe For Kids feature starting on page 17 and get picking which amazing shows to take the kids to!

6 August Art Explorers 1pm to 4pm (drop in), age 3+, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, £3 on the door.

Using a range of different materials, come and make your own work of art inspired by the Botanics. With Greengage Arts.

6 August Super Collage City Arts Centre, Market Street Edinburgh 1.30 - 3.30pm Come along and make a collage all about your special City using a variety of collage materials. Learn some facts about Edinburgh landmark buildings. No need to book just drop in. Free.

8 August Wild stories in the Palace gardens Palace of Holyroodhouse 14:00–15:00.

Storyteller Allison Galbraith will lead you on a magical stroll through the Palace gardens, weaving traditional fairy and folktales with the unique features and royal history of the gardens. Hear the stories of the jungle creatures who once lived in the Royal menageries, and of a wise old king who ruled the land with flower power. Suitable for all ages.

8 & 15 August river Dipping Join us IN the river for this favourite activity on every week. £5 per child (Accompanying adult free) 2pm - 4pm (ages 4 - 12) Meet at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh.

Booking essential. 0131 455 7367

A leading showcase for writers, illustrators and performers, the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme features hundreds of interactive events, fun performances, comic workshops, crafts, fascinating debates and hands-on activities for young people of all ages, from tots to teens. See the full programme at www.edbookfest.co.uk 13 August Knights of the Castle Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh 10.30am -12.30pm. £4 per person.

Lauriston Castle is always on the lookout for brave knights to protect us from marauding dragons. Prepare for battle with making your own Coat of Arms, sword and shield to battle to defend yourself with. Booking essential www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on 20 August family fun Day National Mining Museum Scotland, Newtongrange 11am-4pm Our annual Family Fun Day returns! Join us for a day filled with lots of fun activities including miniature railway, face painting, pony rides, giant games, clown, balloon modelling and much more! Buy your ticket online and enjoy all the activities all day long.

24 - 27 August Art for a good Cause The Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show 24 - 27 August at Bonhams, 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh.

24 August 10am - 7pm.

25 - 27 August 10am - 4pm.

Supporting people with cancer and their families

31 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 103

Families Edinburgh is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ÂŽ is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Edinburgh are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. 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.