Family activities North East
Baby and toddler Rhymetime and Stories- Craigmillar books for babies
These singing and story sessions are for families with babies and children under 4 living in Greater Craigmillar – Craigmillar, Niddrie, Bingham and Magdalene. Drop in, there is no need to book. Sessions run every Monday at 11 am at
For more information visit the Craigmillar Books for Babies Facebook page @CraigmillarBFB or contact
info@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk
0131 621 2621
Bookbug at Dr. Bell’s
Bookbug offers the chance to visit Dr Bell’s centre, bond with your little one through songs and rhymes and enjoy a little story too! Suitable for children aged 0-5 years old alongside their parent/carer. The session runs for around 45 minutes with an opportunity to socialise with other families.
15 Junction Place,
Edinburgh,
EH6 5JA
Find event information and book on the Dr Bell’s Centre Eventbrite page. For more information contact
0131 553 0100
Storytimes
These sessions happen in local libraries for children and their parents. Sessions run at-
- Piershill Library every Friday at 10.30 am at 30 Piershill Terrace, EH8 7BQ. For more information visit the Piershill Library Facebook page.
- Portobello Library every Tuesdays at 4pm at 14 Rosefield Avenue, EH15 1AU. For more information visit the Portobello Library Facebook page.
Saturday Storytimes
These sessions are run by Craigmillar Books for babies for families with children under 4 years (older siblings welcome) living in the Craigmillar, Niddrie, Bingham and Magdalene areas. Sessions run on the last Saturday of each month from 11 am to 12 pm at
Drop in, there is no need to book.
For more information visit the Craigmillar Books for Babies Facebook @CraigmillarBFB or contact
info@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk
0131 621 2621
Craigmillar Stories for Sharing - Feel Good Fridays
Storytelling and crafts for families in Craigmillar, Niddrie, Magdelene and Bingham. Sessions are perfect for children aged four to 12 years and their parents or carers. Sessions run every Friday between 2 pm and 3.30 pm during term time at
For more information or book visit the Facebook page or contact
katieswann@craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk
07434 661 098
Book gifting in the community by Craigmillar Books for Babies
Families in Craigmillar with children under four years can drop by and collect a free book at Craigmillar Medical Centre on Fridays between 1 pm and 2 pm at
106 Niddrie Mains Rd,
Edinburgh,
EH16 4DT
For up-to-date information on gifting sessions visit the Craigmillar Books for Babies Facebook page @CraigmillarBFB.
Lego Clubs
Lego clubs happen in some local libraries for children over 5 years, anyone under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. sessions run at -
- Piershill Library Lego Club every second Saturday from 11 am to 12 pm. For more information email piershilllibrary@edinburgh.gov.uk
- Portobello Library every second Friday. For more information visit the Facebook page.
- Craigmillar Library on Tuesdays at 3.45 pm. For more information visit the Facebook page.
Lego User Groups
These Lego groups for 16+ run on a Thursday evening, and cost £1 per person, at
For more information, the session dates and to book a space visit the Duncan Place website.
Craft Activities
Craft activities for families with children aged 5 to 11 years, children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions run in the following libraries-
- Leith Library on Fridays at 2 pm. For more information visit the Leith Library Facebook page.
- Portobello Library on alternative Fridays at 2 pm. For more information visit the Library Facebook page.
- Craigmillar Library on Mondays at 3.45 pm. For more information visit the Library Facebook page.
- McDonald Road Library on Fridays at 3 pm. For more information visit the Library Facebook page.
Stay and Play group
This new free group is for parents, carers and children aged 0 to 3 years. Enjoy play, crafts, songs and stories, tea and coffee provided for adults. The group will run every Wednesday from 1.30 to 2.30 pm at
Nature Play
These fun activities are run by Trees and Seas for children under five with their carers on Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm. Sessions may include den building, storytelling, woodwork, bushcraft Skills, cooking or bug hunting. Sessions are free for families living in EH16 and EH17 postcodes, there is a charge of £5 for other families. Sessions run at
Please book directly at the Trees and Seas Outdoor Adventures website.
Outdoor Play Rangers sessions
These play sessions are free and fun. Children can drop in and join in outdoor play activities. Games, construction tasks, messy and scrap play and all resources and support will be provided by Play Rangers. Sessions are open to all, most suited to primary-aged children. The rangers are not offering childcare so if children attend it is on the understanding that they are free to leave if they choose to.
Sessions run on Fridays at Brunstane School/ Magdalene Community Centre between 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm and Bingham Park between 3.15 pm and 5 pm. Sessions run all year round except during the Christmas school holidays. For more information or up-to-date details about sessions email
playrangers@smartplaynetwork.org
or visit their Smart Play Rangers Facebook page.
Growing not Waiting
One Parent Family Scotland provides a safe, welcoming play space for children under 5 and offers support and advice to mothers living in temporary accommodation. They run a monthly housing rights clinic in partnership with Shelter Scotland as well as financial support, parenting advice and guidance and any other wrap-around support that may be needed regarding issues that result from the experience of living in temporary accommodation. Running on Wednesdays during term time from 10 am to 12 noon at
Leith Community Centre,
12A Newkirkgate, Leith,
EH6 6AD
For more information contact
07770 350 951
Messy play sessions
Run by Dr Bell’s, parents and their children can explore a variety of sensory and messy play activities at these sessions on Wednesdays at 1 pm. Families with children aged one to five years in the Leith area are eligible to attend.
Dr Bell’s Family Centre
15 Junction Place, Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 5JA
For more information contact
0131 553 0100
Home-Start Edinburgh Stay and Play group
This group is about getting together and getting to know others with children of a similar age. Age-appropriate toys and materials will be supplied for parents to play with children, and children to explore and play together.
This group may suit parents who:
- Are feeling isolated and would like an opportunity to meet other parents
- Would like to share and experience ideas for play
- Would like to gain confidence in accessing groups in a relaxed and secure environment
Sessions are delivered by trained staff members and appropriate for children from 0-3 years old and are held in the Craigmillar area. Self-referrals are welcome although priority will be given to referrals from partner agencies.
For more information visit the Home Start Edinburgh website, Facebook page or contact
admin@homestartedinburgh.org.uk
0131 553 7819
Community lunch at Dr Bell’s
Local families can pop in for a healthy freshly prepared and chat with the Dr Bell’s team on Wednesdays at 11.30 am. Families with children under five in the Leith area are welcome to attend.
Dr Bell’s Family Centre
15 Junction Place, Leith,
EH6 5JA
For more information contact
0131 553 0100.
Nurture and Natter at Dr Bell’s
These sessions are for families with a child 6 months plus and offer a chance to meet other parents and carers in a safe place, a chance to get support and advice and take part in a range of different activities. Suitable for families in the Leith area. The sessions run on Thursdays at Dr Bells Family Centre. Information on the planned activities each week is on the Eventbrite page.
Dr Bell’s Family Centre
15 Junction Place, Leith,
EH6 5JA
Book directly via the Dr Bell’s Eventbrite page. For more information contact
0131 553 0100.