August
Free or low-cost activities and support for families during the holidays. If you know of any other running activities, please let us know.
wholefamilywellbeing@edinburgh.gov.uk
Sparks and Stories
Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish church are running a Sparks and Stories Holiday Club for children during august. A packed lunch is required to be brought. The club is running from Monday 3 to Friday 7 August from 10am to 2pm at
Transport from Queensferry Church to Kirkliston can be provided.
To find out more visit the Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church website.
Youth Film Festival
Young people aged 12 to 18 years can create a short, meaningful film to premiere at the red-carpet event. There is a fee of £8 per day to cover equipment and lunch. The fee can be waived if requested. The festival is running Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August from 10am to 2pm at
To find out more visit the Abbeyhill Baptist Church website.
To request a waiver contact
Textile Lessons
Learn sewing skills while making your own textile creations that you will be able to take home. For young people aged 12 to 16 years. The Make your own rollup pencil or brush case session is on Tuesday 4 August from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To register your interest visit the WHALE Arts website.
Ceilidh Kids
Skip, clap and march together to traditional Scottish music at Ceilidh Kids family workshop. Enjoy simple dances that found at a ceilidh or Scottish country dance. The sessions are aimed for families with children aged three to seven years, but all welcome to participate in whatever way they feel capable. Tickets cost £.2.50 per individual, booking in advanced is recommended, although drop ins are welcome.
The session is running on Thursday 6 to Sunday 31 August from 10am to 10.45am at
To book visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.
Broomhouse Street Party
Free community day filled with food, music, Edinburgh Fringe acts, entertainment for all ages, community info stalls and more! The event is on Thursday 6 August from 12pm to 4pm at
For more information visit the Space Scot website.
Art in the Woods
Make your very own artist's book of the woods and river. Try out different art techniques to make an artist’s book to take home as you explore the wildlife on and near the river. For children aged five to 10 years old. Child tickets cost £7.00 with accompanying adults free. The session is on Thursday 6 August from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To book visit The Water of Leith Eventbrite page.
Summer Celebration
Join the friends of Saughton Park for a day full of sunshine, laughter and fun. Live music, games, orienteering, crafts, family fun and more. All activities and live music are free! Bring a picnic and enjoy the day. The event is on Saturday 8 August from 12pm to 4pm at
Kids Fun Day!
ASDA is hosting a kids fun day full of fun, play and smiles! Activities such as crafts, sports, music, games, fun and more. Bring the family and enjoy a wonderful day together! The event is free of charge but donations to children in need are greatly appreciated. The event is on August 8 from 12.30pm outside the front building on the grass at
Doghailes 2026
A fun filled day for all of the family at the annual dog event. Bring your dog for a day packed with competitions, shopping, food and lovely walks around the grounds. General tickets cost £3 per person and entry to competitions cost an additional £2.00 each. Doghailes will take place on Sunday 9 August from 10am to 4pm at
Newhailes House & Garden
Newhailes Road
East Lothian
EH21 6RY
For more information and to book visit the National Trust for Scotland website.
Natural Pigment and Paints Workshop
Join local artist Sarah Gittins workshop to create with paints and pigment from nature on Tuesday 4 August from 1pm to 3.30pm at
For more information contact
Highlight Tour of St Cecilia’s Hall
Join St Cecilia’s Hall for a guided tour of the musical treasures on display at St Cecilia’s Hall, Scotland’s oldest concert hall and home to the University of Edinburgh’s musical instrument collection. Hear the sounds of the past, discover the weird and wonderful world of musical instruments, and journey through the past 500 years of music history. Children are welcome. This is a ‘pay what you can’ event.
The tours are running from August 7 to August 29 from 2pm at
To find out more visit the St Cecillia’s Hall website.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
A range of free shows is available across the city to suit all the family or take a walk up the Royal Mile and enjoy the street performers. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs from Friday 7 August until Monday 31 August.
For more information visit the Festival Fringe website.
Family BBQ for Adoptive and Care Experienced Families
Meet other adopters and their families for a BBQ, play and a chat. This event is free to attend but families are advised to bring their own food for the barbecue, something to sit on and to dress appropriately for the weather if needed. There will be a selection of outdoor games and activities. The BBQ will be held on Sunday 9 August from 11am to 2pm meeting at
To book your place please visit the Vogrie Country Park Eventbrite website.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
With book signings, cafes and bars, a festival bookshop, and a children’s play area. There is something for the whole family. The full programme is available on the Book Festival website. The festival runs from Saturday 15 to Sunday 30 August. Some events are free.
To find out more visit the Edinburgh International Book Festival website.