What's on in the school holidays
Free or low-cost activities and support for families during the holidays. If you know of any other running activities, please let us know.
Crafternoons
A free drop in afternoon of crafts on Saturdays from 11am to 4pm at
For more information contact
6VT Easter Holiday Club
6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe will be running a free Easter Holiday Club for those aged 12 to 16 years old. The club will be running on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s throughout the spring break from 1pm to 5pm at
For further information or to book a space email
Egg-citing designs
Children under the age of 16 can design, decorate and personalise their own easter egg. This event will run on a variety of days and times and is free, though booking is required.
To book visit the
Easter Trail in Dalmeny Village
Come along to the Dalmeny Village Easter Trail. The adventure begins at the Dalmeny Church Notice Board, that’s where you’ll find your very first clue! Run around the village with an appropriate adult, follow the trail, and solve each clue as you go. Along the way, you’ll discover the Easter story in a fun and interactive way. Crack all the clues, uncover the 4 special numbers and enjoy a tasty Easter treat at the end! The trail is open on Thursday 2 April to Tuesday 7 April at
To find out more visit the
Easter Bunny flower trail
Help the Easter Bunny fill his easter bouquet basket. Explore the store and discover a variety of spring flowers and collect the missing letters along the way. Complete the trail and hand in your sheet at the checkouts for a chance to win an Easter prize. This activity is free and is running from Friday 3 April to Monday 20 April at
For more information visit the
MycoKids
Connection with nature plays crucial role in mental and physical health, both for kids and adults. In the era of fast-growing technology, it's important to balance life with physical outdoor activities. Discover the fascinating world of fungi and their importance for us and nature. Kids will learn: What mushrooms are, mushrooms life cycle, the role mushrooms play in our life, hunting for mushrooms, making spore prints, mushroom art, how mushrooms clean the planet, mycoworms, growing own mushrooms and face painting. The session is on Friday 3 April from 2pm to 3pm at
To book your space email
Easter Egg Trail at Newhailes
Follow the trails, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your chocolate/vegan chocolate eggs. Each trail sheet costs £5.00 and runs from Friday 3 April to Sunday 5 April at
For more information and to book visit
Free face painting
Transform into your favourite character with face painting on Friday 3, Sunday 5 and Monday 6 April between 12pm and 3pm at
Free Easter outdoor fun
Collect an Easter trail or egg hunt quiz from the front of Lauriston castle and see how far you can get. This is a free drop in activity running between Friday 3 April and Monday 5 April from 11am to 3pm at
Easter holiday events at Vogrie Country Park
The Countryside Ranger Service are offering a range of free activities throughout the Easter holidays
- Easter Crafts - Drop in for free Easter crafts on Friday 3 April between 1pm and 3pm.
- Pond Dipping – Meet at Vorgie House from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday 5 April.
- Nature Ramble - Enjoy a stroll with the Midlothian Ranger service on Monday 6 and Monday 13 April from 1pm to 3pm. The walk is free, though booking is required.
Gorebridge
Midlothian
EH23 4NU
To find out more visit the
Family Film showing at the Wee Filmhouse
Join the Wee Filmhouse for a family film each morning of the Easter holidays! The screenings are aimed at children and their families, but everyone is welcome. On Tuesdays and Thursdays after the films, stay and get creative with craft workshops for wee ones! Spaces are limited so please make sure you book ahead. Tickets cost £6.00 for both children and adults. The screenings are on Friday 3 April to Monday 20 April from 11am at
Easter family event
Enjoy a morning full of crafts, easter hunt around the church, Easter story Lego experience and refreshments. Booking is required for the Lego experience only. The event will run on Saturday 4 April from 10am to 12.30pm at
To book the Lego experience visit
Science Under the Lense Exhibition
Come along to the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland, use art and hands-on exploration to delve deeper into Scotland’s scientific history. The drop in exhibition is suitable for all ages and is running on Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April from 10am to 5pm at
Hands-On DNA: From Barley to Daffodils
This interactive experience brings cutting edge plant genetics out of the lab and into the festival. Extract DNA, explore how genes shape visible traits, and discover the hidden diversity of barley and heritage daffodils. Suitable for all ages, this session offers a fun, accessible insight into real-world genetic research and discovery. The drop-in is running on Saturday 4 April from 10am to 5pm at
Easter Egg-stravaganza
An afternoon of Easter crafts, activities and challenges for all ages with refreshments. The event is free and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The session is on Saturday 4 April from 2pm to 4pm at
Easter Extravaganza
Hop on over to the Easter Extravaganza at the Newtongrange Community Garden for an egg-citing afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic. This event promises to be a cracking good time for kids and adults alike. Get ready to dive into a world of colourful eggs, thrilling egg hunts, and delightful games that will have everyone grinning from ear to ear. Tickets cost £5.00 per Child (Pay for child tickets only) The hunt is on Saturday 4 April from 12pm to 2pm at
To find out more and book your ticket visit the
Easter egg trail at Malleny Garden
Follow the trail and collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win your reward. Tickets cost £5.00. Those not wishing for a chocolate reward, do not need a ticket. The trail is on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April between 10am and 3pm at
To book tickets visit .
Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’
Families with children of all ages are invited to join for a fun filled morning of egg decorating, egg rolling, crafts, storytelling, music, chocolate and general hilarity as we learn together about the Easter story. The event is on Saturday 4 April from 10am and 12.30pm at
To find out more visit the
Community Mushroom Farming
Community Mushroom Farming with Mario is a hands-on learning experience. In these two hour workshops, you will gain an understanding of the different aspects of community mushroom farming. Learn which seasonal native fungi you can grow outdoors for food and soil restoration. The session is on Saturday 4 April from 1pm to 3pm at
To book your place email
Art Stomps
This spring, discover painting through play. Rhe Art Stomps sessions explore colour, texture and the great outdoors. Created for children under 5 and their parents or carers, these free drop in workshops are relaxed and welcoming, sensory and hands-on and outdoors as much as possible. The session is on Saturday 4 April from 11am to 12.30pm at
To find our more visit the
Messy Church
Messy Church Queensferry is for all the family. It's an opportunity to be creative (maybe a bit messy too, hence the name!) but also to be reflective, to explore faith and of course to share food together. Crafts, activities, songs, reflection and food. The session is on Sunday 5 April from 4pm at
To find out more visit the
Vogrie Park Activities
Follow a series of free, self guided trails around Vogrie Country Park to spot signs of wildlife and identifying spring growth. From listening for birdsong to searching for woodland textures, each stop offers a moment of curiosity and connecting with the outdoors.
- Miniature Railway - The miniature railway runs from 1pm to 4pm on Sundays starting from Sunday 5 April weather permitting. The train costs £1.00 per child and £2.00 per adult.
- Eggventure trail - Start in the main car park for a gentle one mile loop around the North field with interactive activity stations throughout to take part in nature-based activities.
- Mini spring challenge trail - Pick up a map and instructions from the main entrance hall at Vogrie house and enjoy spring based challenges at each stop.
The Meadows Junior Parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors aged 4 to 14 years old and is free for all. The aim is to have fun, come along and join in at your own pace! Adults need to register their child before coming along. On Sunday 5, Sunday 12 and Sunday 19 April from 9.30am at
To find out more visit the .
The Quantum Zone
Enter The Quantum Zone and explore the exciting research and innovation academia, industry, and government across the UK are undertaking into quantum technologies. Get hands-on with activities that showcase the core concepts behind quantum science and learn how quantum concepts and components are used to build different technologies. From healthcare to climate, explore how quantum technology is currently impacting our daily lives. The free drop-in activity is running on Sunday 5 to Saturday 11 April from 10am to 5pm at
Dream, Mix, Make – Surreal art play
Surreal art play is an imaginative, drop in workshop that invites families to create art where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Through playful mark-making, collage, stories and creative experimentation, families will build dreamlike worlds filled with curious creatures, unexpected combinations and surprising scale. Perfect for all ages. The session is running on Monday 6 to Friday 10 April from 2pm to 4pm at
To find out more visit the
Dream, Mix, Male – Relaxed morning for children (Autism and learning disability friendly)
A relaxed, welcoming drop in workshop invites families to explore art together in a calm and supportive space, where the ordinary can become extraordinary. Through playful mark-making, collage, storytelling and hands-on creative exploration, families can build their own dreamlike worlds, filled with curious creatures, surprising combinations and wonderful changes in scale.
Designed especially to be inclusive and accessible for autistic children, young people and those with learning disabilities - and enjoyable for siblings, parents and carers too.
Booking is essential. The session is on Monday 6 to Friday 10 April from 2pm to 4pm at
To find out more visit the
Spring at Museum on the Mound
Join Museum on the Mound for fun, free, family鈥慺riendly activities throughout the Spring holidays! Explore their popular family trails and get hands鈥憃n and design your own banknote. Families can discover the secret world of banknotes using microscopes and UV lights. Drop in, get curious, and enjoy learning together! The sessions are on Tuesday 7 to Saturday 18 April from 2pm to 4pm at
To find out more visit the
Board game fika!
Enjoy an afternoon with array of board games and laughter on Tuesday 7, Thursday 9 and Monday 20 April from 2pm to 5pm at
Easter at Water of Leith
Water of Leith are offering a range of activities throughout the school holidays for children aged 5 to 10 years old. All sessions are £7.00 per child with accompanying adults going free. Booking is essential.
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River Dipping – Explore the river and find out what lives in the water on Tuesday 7th April
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Forage and Scavenge – Learn how woodlands can provide both a fun day out and a snack on Thursday 9 April
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Spring Fling – Enjoy an afternoon of seasonal activities in the dells.
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Sandies Saunter – Take on our orienteering challenge through the woods on Thursday 16 April
All sessions are taking place from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at
To find out more visit the
7 Days, 100 Scientists
As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, The University of Edinburgh presents 7 days, 100 Scientists. Meet the University of Edinburgh scientists working to better understand our world and how to tackle the greatest challenges of our time. From the microscopic to the vastness of the Universe, medicine to robotics and supercomputing, there is something for everyone.
This event is a free, drop in session. No admission ticket is required, and visitors can take part in these activities without a Dynamic Earth admission ticket. Please speak to a member of staff on arrival. The sessions are running on Tuesday 7 April to Monday 13 April from 10am to 4pm at
To find out more visit the
Tackling Food Security – One Potato at a Time
Potatoes are good for more than just chips, they could hold the key to food security around the world! Explore the various varieties and attributes potatoes can have, and how these are important for growers and markets around the world. Learn how new varieties are created, and the important role this vital research plays in world health. From tackling challenges such as climate change to disease, see how advancements in technology and research are helping support everyone’s favourite carbohydrate!
The free drop in is on Monday 8 April from 10am to 5pm at
Mini Beasts
Join Newtongrange Community Garden for a morning of wild discovery with Graeme from Ecology to go hunting for mini beasts and learn about the mega beasts that share local spaces. Whether you're fascinated by beetles, bonkers about bugs, or just curious about what's crawling around in the garden, this hands-on adventure is perfect for families and nature lovers of all ages. This is a pay what you can event because everyone should have the chance to get up close with the incredible (and sometimes creepy-crawly) wildlife. Bring your sense of wonder and maybe some wellies! On Wednesday 8 April from 10am to 12pm at
To find out more visit
Teenage board game night at Central Library
Teens aged 12 to 16 years old can enjoy a free night of games and snacks on Monday 13 April from 6pm to 7.30pm at
To book a space visit
Tech Decoded
Join Edinburgh Science for a pop up Science Festival extravaganza as they explore technology from AI to coding. Get hands on discovering how the internet works and create your own electrical circuits while exploring the science behind machine learning. Suitable for all ages. The free drop in is running on Monday 13 to Sunday 19 April from 10am to 5pm at
Easter at Trinity House
Take a free self-guided tour of the Trinity house, where there will be activities suitable for all the family including crafts and children’s games. There is no booking required and the house will be open on Wednesday 15 April from 11am to 4pm at
For more information visit the
Easter Holiday Club
Join Chalmers Church for three fun filled mornings of games, crafts, snacks, drama and stories from the Bible! For children in P1 to P7 on Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 April from 10am to 12.30pm at
To book your space visit the
Quiz Night
Battle through different quiz topics for the chance to win fun prizes. Booking is essential and food can be purchased, with children eating from 95p. The quiz will run on Wednesday 15 April from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at
For more information visit the .
British Geological Survey - Planet Power
As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, visit Dynamic Earth for a day of activities with the British Geological Survey. The experts who specialise in knowing what’s happening in the earth beneath us. Have a conversation with a volcano expert, a deep sea mapper or a space weather forecaster. See some amazing displays and have a go yourself with hands-on activities to help you discover more about the secrets of the Earth.
This event is a free, drop in session. No admission ticket is required, and visitors can take part in these activities without a Dynamic Earth admission ticket. Please speak to a member of staff on arrival. The Event is on Wednesday 14 April from 10am to 4pm at
To find out more visit the .
Children’s art club
A free programme of creative play and learning for children aged 5 to 11 years old. A time to explore art making, build and foster curiosity. Children under 8 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. The event will run on Saturday 18 April from 10.30am to 12pm at
To book a space visit
Kirkaldy Funfair Model Show
Enjoy the fun of the fair in miniature form. Celebrate all things Links Market and some of the greatest fairground models from all over the country. Including photo displays, working models, fairground drawings, artifacts and refreshments. This event is free, with donations appreciated. The session is on Saturday 18 April from 10am to 4pm at
For more information visit
World of Wonder
Take part in hands-on activities and explore the incredible diversity of plants from around the world and those in the Living Collection. Learn fascinating facts about our Palm House renovation progress through crafting and immersive VR headsets. Enjoy family friendly experiences that bring the wonders of nature to life. Perfect for all ages, come curious and leave inspired! The free drop in is on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April from 12pm to 4pm at
Plant Passport
Get ready for your journey around our planet with scientists from the Botanics and discover the surprising variety of crop plants from around the world. The Botanics’ Herbarium contains 3 million plants in its collection, learn about some unusual ones you may never have heard of and be amazed at how they are used. The session is for children aged 5 years and older. The free drop in is on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April from 12pm to 4pm at
Musselbrugh toy, train and sci-fi fair
Enjoy a selection of vintage, retro and new toys, models and collectables. The event is cash only and costs £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for under 16s. The event will run on Sunday 19 April from 10.30am to 3pm at
For more information visit
Spring Garden Party
All are welcome to attend Gracemount Mansion Development Trusts free spring garden party at the top of gracemount house drive for free hot food, family fun activities, crafts, music, dance and relaxation. The party is on Saturday 25 April from 11am to 2pm at
To find out more visit the
Fun activities to do at home
Activities do not need to cost a lot of money (or sometimes any money at all) to be meaningful and memorable. Some of the best memories are made by doing simple things at home or around the community. Enjoying the time, you have together is what is most important. Below are some very low-cost or free activities that require no/minimal resources, most of which you will have around the house already. Enjoy!
Egg rolling
Boil up some eggs and either keep them plain and simple or decorate with paint, stickers, pens whatever you have in the art box. Find the best hill in the local park and have an egg rolling race. Which egg makes it to the bottom first? How many rolls can the egg do before it cracks? Endless fun on the hill!
Decorating chalk eggs
Decorate the garden path with chalk easter eggs. Turn it into a competition if you like, who can make the best design? Who can do the biggest egg design?
Potato/sponge Stamping
Cut designs into potatoes or sponges, dip in paint and create some exciting potato stamps pictures!
Outdoor treasure hunt
Wherever you decide to go (beach, park, your own garden) pick a base. It can be a particular tree, or it can be a bench. Have a leader who calls out what the group needs to find for example, 3 green leaves, 2 large stones, 4 sticks. This can be turned into a race, the first person back to base with the correct items is the new leader.
Balloon tennis
Can you keep up with the balloon? Your hand is the bat, and you need to bat the balloon back and forth. Don’t let it hit the ground!
Spring walk
Get a ‘spring’ in your step and enjoy a walk around one of Edinburgh’s well-known spots. Arthur’s Seat, Portobello Promenade, Colinton Tunnel, Water of Leith, Calton Hill, Dalkeith Country Park, Figgate Park, The Meadows or Cramond Beach. Remember you can apply for a free travel card (bus and tram) for children. Pop into your local library for help to apply.