How nice of you to come back for seconds! First and foremost, thanks to everyone who has subscribed and shared this last week, in particular I want to say a massive thank you to Michael MacLeod from The Edinburgh Minute for his recommendation. If you haven’t already, check out his newsletter here to get a 7am round-up of local news without the clickbait. Who knows, you might get lucky and manage a skim read on your phone in bed before the kids get up (aye, right).
Here’s the craic for this coming week so get out there and have fun!
🐣 Babies 🐤 Preschool 🐔 School age
Saturday 20th
👛 POLWARTH PRELOVED SALE 11.00-13.00
📍 Polwarth Parish Church, Polwarth.
I am very excited about this one! Expect bargains galore for everything you could want for your little ones. Not only will you be giving items a new life but also supporting the work of Drake Music Scotland which creates music making opportunities for people with additional support needs. Everything is sold according to categories and tables are staffed by volunteers (myself included) so no need to worry about sellers staring while you awkwardly go through their stuff! Obligatory hot drinks and home baking available too.
🎧 RECORD STORE DAY 11.00-18.00🆓
📍 The Antiquary Bar, Stockbridge
It’s Record Store Day! Come celebrate Edinburgh’s independent record shops with some live music and maybe even a cheeky afternoon pint. Hosted by Vox Box between two local pubs, this gig at “The Tic” is listed as family friendly and is sure to entertain! Dog friendly too! 🐾
🎶 (more) RECORD STORE DAY 15.30🆓
📍 Thorne Records, Bruntsfield
At the other end of town, children are also welcome to join in this year’s celebration of vinyl at Thorne Records. There will be an acoustic set from Rosie H Sullivan at around 15.30 and I've heard it on good authority that there *may* be some covers from the Barbie movie and a few sweeties to boot! 🍭
👶🏼 NEONATAL FAMILIES 13.00 🆓
📍Kin Collective, Leith
I know from first hand experience how scary and isolating it can be having a premature baby so I am delighted to be able to share this event. Preemieccino is a quarterly meet up for families of babies born early or who were supported by NICU. Everyone is welcome including grandparents and siblings so you can all share your experiences and make connections with other families.
Sunday 21st
🌸 JAPAN SAKURA 11.00-16.00 🆓
📍 Lauriston Castle, Cramond
Spring has sprung, allegedly. Drop in this weekend (or next) to learn some Japanese writing or try on Yukata while soaking up the beauty of cherry blossoms in the grounds of Lauriston Castle. The beach is just 5 mins drive from here if you fancy a walk out to Cramond Island, just make sure you check the tide times and factor in plenty of time for little legs or risk getting stranded! Wear your wellies, the causeway has plenty of puddles to splash in along the way and shellfish to spot.
🛥 CANAL BOAT TRIP 14.00-17.00
📍 Harrison Park, Shandon
Fresh from their season launch last weekend, this wee motor boat will take you for a 50 minute cruise along the Union Canal so sit back, relax and cross your fingers the kids don’t make a holy show of you!
Monday 22nd
Today is Earth Day! As much as I scoured the internet, I couldn't find any related events for today in Edinburgh but if you fancy a trip on the train…
🏖 NURDLE HUNT 10.00-11.00🆓
📍 Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
Nurdles are unfortunately not as cute as they sound. These tiny plastic pellets pose a risk to marine wildlife so this hunt is contributing to conservation through citizen science. I realise most kids will be at school but I’ve never met a toddler that doesn’t love collecting things on the beach! If you need one, beach wheelchairs are available here.
🍿 TODDLER TIME 11.00 🐤
📍 Cameo Cinema, Tollcross
If you’re not braving the beach with your toddler, here’s a tamer suggestion. Showing today is some Tee and Mo: Are We Ready To Go of CBeebies fame.
Tuesday 23rd
🗣️ CHATTERBOX 10.00-11.15 🆓🐣🐤
📍 Chalmers Church, Morningside
This free playgroup (donations welcome) for 0-5 runs weekly during term time. The huge church hall has loads of toys, crafts, playdough, hot drinks and biscuits! Very occasionally there might be a vaguely Christian themed song but generally it’s the usual nursery rhymes so definitely open to everyone, regardless of your beliefs.
Wednesday 24th
🎻 DANCE N PLAY 10.00-10.45 🐤
📍 Dance Base, Grassmarket
This class for 18 months to 5 year olds is absolutely wonderful and I am gutted we don't get to go anymore (stupid nursery… maybe we should switch days 🤔). The teacher Jo Jeffries is incredible with the children and even plays her fiddle during the class to get everyone moving together. Expect some exercise and a whole lot of giggles!
Thursday 25th
🐾 DOG FRIENDLY THURSDAYS 🆓
📍 Various libraries across town
Did you know some libraries allow dogs in on Thursdays? I didn't. Useful to know for those of us that begrudge having to haul the dog and children out first thing before doubling back home only to head straight out again to entertain the kids. Save their limited leg mileage and take your fur baby (and human babies) to the library!
Friday 26th
📖 TOO SNAPPY TO WEAR A NAPPY 09.30-10.15🆓
📍 The Edinburgh Bookshop, Bruntsfield
Perfect for anyone attempting to potty train their little one! Bring them along to listen to the author read her funny and lighthearted story about the absurdity of nappies.
🎨 FAMILY FRIDAYS 10.00/14.00🆓
📍 The National Gallery, The Mound
A new weekly event for 0-3 (10.00-12.00) and 4+ (14.00-16.00) where you and your kids can get stuck in with lots of play, sensory activities and hands on making with artists.
🚲 A WEE PEDAL 14.00-16.00 🆓
📍 Bridgend Farmhouse, The Inch
This weekly social bike ride is open to any age and ability and they even have bikes to borrow if you don’t have your own. Places are free to book but a small donation is welcome to support the work of the charity.
Heads up…
🏅COACHING COME AND TRY WEEK
📍 Edinburgh Leisure
It can be risky signing your kid up for a block of classes without being certain they’ll enjoy them so if you’re quick, you can book one off taster sessions between the 29th April and the 5th May.
A personal note…
This might be a bit Irish of me but my goal this week is to plant potatoes with my almost 4 year old. We've done this the last 2 years and it's honestly given me some of my favourite memories with her. Harvest time is the best treasure hunt ever and it's like she's struck gold every time she scoops a spud out of the soil. Pure, mucky joy! ✨
That’s it for this week. If you see any interesting looking events, give me a shout!