Tag: Children and Families

Round off the summer at the National Museum of Flight’s new family festival

Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this weekend will be on a roll at the East Lothian attraction’s brand-new family festival. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands on activities at 360 Fest on Saturday 31 August. 

The one-day event offers family fun for all ages. Cycle stunt team The Clan will perform extreme jumps, flips and tricks on the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield. Cycling UK will also be on site with e-bikes, cargo bikes and family friendly kit to take for a spin and visitors inspired to take a turn can try a bespoke pump track, courtesy of The Dirt Factory. 

Scotland’s Concorde will provide a unique backdrop for sensational pop-up circus performances from Think Circus. Families can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Zorbing, a pop-up planetarium, giant bubbles and circle-themed crafts and activities complete the packed 360 Fest programme. 

Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: ““We’re excited to launch this brand-new family festival at the National Museum of Flight. This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together. 

“Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.” 

All of the other attractions at the National Museum of Flight will be available to enjoy on the day including iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its arrival at the Museum this year.

Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly. There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.  

360 Fest

Saturday 31 August, 11:00-16:00 (Museum open 10:00-17:00)
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick, EH39 5LF

Tickets are available to book at nms.ac.uk/360Fest 

Due to event capacity, advance booking is required to ensure entry. 
Admission:  Adult (16+) £15.50 Concession £13.50, Child (5-15) £10.50, under 5’s free.  
National Museums Scotland members free with pre-booked ticket. 

15% off when you book as a family. Discount automatically applied in basket when you buy up to three Child 5-15 tickets alongside up to any two Adult, Over 65s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets. 

Craigies announces Edinburgh’s biggest and best Halloween event with exciting new addition

This Halloween season, Craigies Farm is thrilled to announce its biggest and most thrilling event yet, promising to be the ultimate destination for Halloween fun in Edinburgh.

Building on last year’s success, the event is expanding to a whole new level, with an incredible 900 square metre haybale trail added to the already spectacular lineup of spooky activities.

Get ready for a spook-tacular experience as Craigies unveil their two fang-tastic events: the family friendly Craigies Pumpkin Festival by day, and Craigies Pumpkin Festival; After Dark, delivering spine-tingling adventures on the farm by night!  A memory making family day out or a date night for the brave – you decide. These immersive, family-friendly experiences are sure to create unforgettable memories.

There are tricks, treats and a lineup of activities not to be missed including target paintball shooting, a haunted harvest maze, barrel ghost train and lots more.

Craigies Farm are once again partnering with Scotland’s leading event producer NL Productions to deliver Edinburgh’s best family Halloween experience. NL Productions have delivered a number of high-profile events across the UK, including Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktacular and will this year be delivering Dundee’s Christmas Village.

New This Year:

A 900 Square Metre Haybale Trail 

The centrepiece of this expanded Halloween offering is a 900 square meter haybale trail, adding even more thrills and excitement to the event. The Monster Bale Trail will provide a maze-like experience perfect for all ages. Get ready to navigate your way through twists and turns while encountering unexpected scary surprises around every corner and a spectacular sensory light experience.

Craigies Pumpkin Festival 

Building on the success of last year’s Spooky Days and the hugely popular PYO Pumpkins, Craigies Pumpkin Festival will offer delight and frights to families during the day. Tickets include entry to the pumpkin patch so you can get your hands on the best ones for carving (Pumpkins are purchased at an additional cost). As one of the closest pumpkin patches to Edinburgh, and with countless home-grown pumpkins of every shape and size Craigies is the perfect place to pick your own pumpkin.

Visitors can also access the Monster Bale Trail, lots of Halloween themed photo opportunities and the chance to enjoy tasty farm fresh food and drinks. It’s the perfect Halloween fun for the whole family.

Craigies Pumpkin Festival: After Dark 

Building on 2023’s inaugural Haunted Tunnels, as darkness falls, the farm transforms. This scarier, nighttime experience is designed for older children and adults.  As the sun sets, the fear factor heightens.

Visitors can navigate the brand-new haunted maze experience – Haunted Harvest – with spooky characters and immersive effects lurking around each corner. Visitors can also enjoy the pumpkin patch brilliantly illuminated and step foot in the Monster Bale Trail.

Book Now to Avoid Disappointment. 

With the incredible new addition of the Haybale Trail and popular returning events, Craigies is set to host the biggest and best Halloween event in Edinburgh.

John Sinclair, Managing Director of Craigies commented, “At Craigies Farm, we have always prided ourselves on delivering quality events and we wanted to expand on the success of last years hugely successful Halloween event with more on offer this year.

“This is Edinburgh’s top Halloween event, and we have taken on board all feedback from 2023 to create something bigger and better that delivers high-quality immersive fun for families.”

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so don’t delay—book your spot today for a frightfully fun day out!

For more information and to book your tickets, visit – Buy Craigies Pumpkin Festival Tickets online – Craigies Farm (digitickets.co.uk)

Council launches wellbeing platform for children and young people

Education, Children and Families Convener pictured with Emily Horsburgh, George Buchan and Lily Douglas.

The platform, which provides a safe place to find advice, local support, tips, and tools to help maintain positive wellbeing, was launched at Bonaly Primary School this week (Wednesday 21 August).

The online space features a series of short films where children and young people from Edinburgh schools discuss why it’s important to talk about feelings and share their tips for emotional wellbeing.

There is also advice on apps, information on local supports and signposting to other websites that provide other sources of helpful advice and resources which include helplines and chat-based support.

It follows research which shows that understanding our emotions and learning coping mechanisms can help prevent more serious health problems later in life.

Education, Children and Families Convener Joan Griffiths said: “The wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do, and we understand they’ll face challenges which might cause them to struggle with their feelings and emotions.

“The launch of this new online platform marks a positive step forward in providing them with the tools and resources they need to take care of their mental health and wellbeing.

“Whether they’re seeking advice, finding support or want to connect with others, the platform is designed to be a go-to digital space. I’m confident it will make a real difference to the lives of Edinburgh’s children and young people.”

Gillian Barclay, Depute Principal Psychologist, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious, angry, sad, or frustrated some of the time, but recognising that we are struggling with feelings or emotions is really important. The new platform aims to support children, young people, and the adults around them to maintain positive wellbeing. 

“I hope children, young people and their families in Edinburgh will find it helpful. We’ll continue adding information, support and resources and welcome feedback, particularly from young people and families, to help us do this.”

Amazon Edinburgh team pack and donate thousands of back-to-school kits to local children

The kits of essentials are being distributed by The Big House Multibank, backed by Gordon Brown and Amazon

Employees from Amazon in Edinburgh have come together to pack and donate 2,500 backpacks filled with essential back-to-school items worth more than £30,000 to help ensure local children are equipped for the new school year.

The backpacks which contain essential items for pupils returning to school this month, including stationary suppliers, water bottles, and scientific calculators for secondary pupils, were donated to The Big House Multibank which distributes essential items to families in need across in Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth.




According to a recent study from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, teachers are ‘staggering’ under the extra demands caused by poverty in Great Britain, diverting them away from their core teaching role.

The report found that 7 in 10 (73%) staff in primary schools across Britain say supporting pupils who cannot afford the essentials is a challenge in their school. It results in teachers and GPs informally acting as emergency providers and social workers alongside their day jobs, as they devote time and resources to support struggling parents and children.

Kirsty Thomson, Chief Executive of The Big House Multibank, said: “The start of a new school year should be an exciting time for families but with the cost of living crippling so many in our communities, it’s become yet another financial worry for them.

“Through the donation of these back-to-school essentials from Amazon, The Big House Multibank hopes to provide children with the quality items they need to start the new school year ready to learn and with a smile on their faces.”

Adele Morgan, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kit packing, said: “I had a great time packing the kits alongside my team.

“It’s a very rewarding feeling when we deliver the kits and see the difference it will make to children and families across Fife and beyond. Thank you, Amazon, for this opportunity!”

The Big House Multibank in Kirkaldy was founded in 2022 by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon and The Cottage Family Centre, together with local businesses and suppliers.

It provides surplus essentials, such as hygiene products, household essentials, school uniforms, and bedding donated by businesses, like Amazon, directly to those in need. Since launch, it has helped to distribute 2.2 million donated products to households in need across East Scotland.

Cultivate calmness with Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club Edinburgh

Garden Centre hosts free mindfulness children’s workshop

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is nurturing the next generation of gardeners with its free Little Seedlings Club workshop this September in its Edinburgh store, inviting young gardeners to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.

This monthly workshop is designed for children aged 4-10 and takes place on Sunday 1 September at 11am.  

Promising an enriching experience that blends the joys of gardening with the calming practices of mindfulness, this upcoming session in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store focuses on Mindfulness in the Garden. Children will get a chance to learn about the benefits of being present in the moment and connecting with nature.

Dobbies’ colleagues in the Edinburgh store will guide young attendees through mindfulness, explaining what it is and why it’s beneficial. The session will highlight how using the five senses can enhance the gardening experience, encouraging children to notice the vibrant colours, fragrant scents, and soothing sounds of their surroundings.

Kids will discover how mindfulness can be practiced in the garden, helping them relax and focus.

Whether it’s the feel of soil between their fingers or the sight of a blooming flower, these experiences can be incredibly grounding and stress-relieving.

The workshop in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also provide practical tips for practising mindfulness at home, making it easy for families to incorporate these calming practices into their daily lives.

Dobbies’ Horti Expert, Emma Drain, is looking forward to welcoming children along to September’s Mindfulness in the Garden session.

She said: “The Little Seedlings Club in our Edinburgh store is a fantastic way for children to learn about the natural world and introducing kids to mindfulness through gardening can help them build a positive relationship with nature and their own emotions.”

For more details about the Little Seedlings Club and to book a spot, visit:

 www.dobbies.com/events.

Charity to host free Scottish Disability Sports Event for children living with muscle wasting conditions

Muscular Dystrophy UK and Scottish Disability Sport join forces to host a free Scottish sporting event on Saturday 24 August 2024.

The leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions is calling on people in Scotland to join the free session.

The event will give children aged under 18 living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions the opportunity to try different sporting activities, such as curling, powerchair football, boccia and swimming.

Children will be fully supported with adaptations, so they can enjoy playing sports, learning new skills, and meeting other children living with a muscle wasting and weakening condition.

There will be an opportunity for people to speak with Scottish Boccia, Powerchair Football Players and representative from Scottish Swimming on the day. Special thanks to Scottish Curling and SPFA for providing equipment.

Paralympian Stephen McGuire, 40, from Hamilton, Glasgow, lives with merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy. From the age of 14 Stephen has used a power wheelchair and has been part of the GB squad for 20 years. He is due to compete in his fourth Paralympian games in Paris (28 Aug – 8 Sept) following his appearances at London, Rio and Tokyo.

He said: “It has always been a dream of mine to compete at the Paralympics, so to be able to compete at my fourth one is incredible. I love competing in sport – sport is my passion. I’ve been hooked ever since, as it’s given me a purpose.

“The sport is really inclusive, you can play Boccia from school level to regional or national level, so I would encourage everyone to give it a try.

“That’s why the Scottish Disability Sport Event is important to help children explore different sports to build up their confidence and abilities. I had the opportunity to speak and demonstrate at some of the events. It’s joyous to see the younger generation getting involved and potentially witness upcoming future Paralympians.”

Jacqueline Munro, Head of Regional Support, Outreach, and Information said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Scottish Disability Sport once again to offer children aged under 18 the opportunity to try different sporting activities.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to meet others in the muscle wasting and weakening community in Scotland to engage in a fun filled day and find out how Muscular Dystrophy UK can offer support.”

Scottish Disability Sport is the Scottish governing and co-coordinating body of all sports for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

Joshua Thomson, Events Manager for Scottish Disability Sport said: “Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to be working in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK to provide a unique opportunity for children and young people living with muscle wasting conditions.  

“All of the sports are being delivered by coaches from Scottish Governing Bodies with expertise and knowledge in working with people with muscular dystrophy and similar conditions.”

The event will take place between 12.45pm– 4.30pm at Grangemouth Sports Complex, Abbots Road, Grangemouth, Falkirk, FK3 8JB. Accessible toilets and changing areas will be available including a Changing Places toilet.  

Find out more and register your interest musculardystrophyuk.org/Scottish-disability-sports-event

North Edinburgh Childcare: Nurturing Futures employment support

Now that the schools are back, are you looking for a job to fill the time but don’t know where to start?

Our Nurturing Futures programme has been designed to support parents in North Edinburgh looking to get back to work. Working with our Employability Officer, Lynne, you will build skills and confidence to get the job you really want.

As well as receiving support from Lynne with job searching, you may also take advantage of the free childcare support available to allow you to attend interviews or training or just free up time to focus on their job searching.

Contact Lynne at lynne.woodman@northedinburghchildcare.co.uk for more information.