Gayle's Guide ✨ 3rd May 24
Issue 4 - Edinburgh Tradfest, International Day of Planetariums, Unicorn Activity Day and much more!
Hi everybody! It’s been really lovely to hear from some of you over the last week and I really appreciate your feedback. If there are any events you’d like to share, feel free to get in touch. In the meantime, I’ve dug up some great looking stuff to get you out and about with the kids so let's go.
Saturday 4th
🍿 The Gruffalo / Room on the Broom 09.30
📍 Everyman Cinema, St James Quarter
Head along bright and early on Saturday for a double bill of these two Julia Donaldson favourites on the big screen.
🔭 International Day of Planetariums 11.00-15.00
📍Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road
Reach for the skies! Celebrating International Day of Planetariums on the 7th May (who knew?) this event will run daily from Saturday to Monday this week, with hourly live shows from expert astronomers and spectacular visuals in the centre's 6k planetarium. A very appropriate activity for Star Wars Day.
⚓ Fisherrow Harbour Festival 11.00-15.00 🆓
📍 Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh
Ok, so not technically an Edinburgh event but if you fancy a wee jaunt to the seaside in Musselburgh, there will be two stages with live music (and a magic show) plus a raft race to keep you all entertained.
🧱 Brick Fest Live 4th - 6th May
📍 Royal Highland Centre, Newbridge
It might feel like there are a thousand bits of Lego in your kid’s room but if you'd like to experience a million, here’s an event that looks like great fun for all your little builders! There will be life size Lego models, hands on building challenges, bricks that glow under black lights, a racing track and a brick pit.
Sunday 5th
🎭 Mini Mummers Parade Prep 10.00-11.15 🆓
📍 Scottish Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile
Part of Edinburgh Tradfest, the lovely folk at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will be hosting a craft morning where children can have their faces painted and make masks ahead of the parade down the Mile. Mummers costumes are encouraged - I had to Google this and the traditional ones are incredibly creepy so maybe just stick them in a dinosaur onsie instead.
🪗 May Day Parade 11.30 🆓
📍 Johnston Terrace (by the castle)
Once you've got your masks ready and your faces painted, head over to Johnston Terrace for a procession down the Royal Mile with a bunch of artists, performers and musicians. Expect traditional music and tomfoolery galore!
😌 Relaxed Morning 10.00-12.00 🆓
📍 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street
These monthly sessions at the museum are for anyone who would prefer a quieter and calmer experience. There is a quiet space on level 4 and sensory backpacks available to borrow.
Monday 6th
🎨 Bring Your Own Baby/Bump 10.15 🆓
📍 Portrait Gallery, Queen's Street
One for all you arty folk! Bring your baby along for a guided tour of the gallery (also at 11.00 and 11.30) and mingle with some other new parents/carers.
🦄 Unicorn Activity Day 10.00-15.00
📍Palace of Holyrood House, Canongate
This activity day celebrates Scotland's national animal which can be spotted all over the palace. There will be crafts, storytelling, mini jousting and a family trail to discover.
Tuesday 7th
🗣️ Chatterbooks 16.30-17.30 🆓
📍 Newington Library
This book group for 8-11 year olds on the first Tuesday of the month is an excellent opportunity for children to share ideas, discover new books and make friends.
🧸 Baby Group for Dads 18.30-19.30 🆓
📍 Gorgie Mem
This weekly group gives dads and male carers a chance to bond over a cuppa and hang out with their babies (under 1).
Wednesday 8th
🎬 Baby Club: The Fall Guy 13.30
📍 Dominion Cinema, Morningside
I saw a bit of the trailer for this and it looks pretty entertaining, if a bit silly. Sounds like a perfect afternoon with your baby.
Thursday 9th
🚸 Terrace Tots 11.00-13.00 🆓
📍 6VT Youth Cafe (near Grassmarket)
This weekly baby/toddler group is specifically for parents/carers up to the age of 25 to meet other young parents and access some support and information from the friendly staff if needed.
Friday 10th
🎨 Friday Craft Sessions 14.00-15.00 🆓
📍 Leith Library
Every Friday during term time, 4-10 year olds can spend an hour getting crafty in the library with their new pals.
Something else I found…
🌳 Water of Leith Visitor Centre 10.00-16.00 🆓
📍 Lanark Road
I've just discovered that the Water of Leith Visitor Centre has a great looking interactive zone where kids can learn all about the local wildlife and do some next level water play, causing floods and controlling water wheels on stainless steel models. You can also book outdoor, environmentally themed birthday parties for 5-11 year olds. Plus there's a cafe and an easy access point to the water nearby for plopping stones and splashing about so don't forget their wellies!