family activities – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Easter Family Activities at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Easter Activity Day, Garden Family Trail and £1 Gallery tickets

On an Easter activity day during the holidays, families can take part in arts and crafts activities as well as exploring the gardens of Edinburgh’s Royal Palace with a special family trail.

After taking inspiration from the story of the beautifully decorated Fabergé eggs in the Royal Collection, budding young artists can use paint, glitter and sequins to decorate their own Fabergé-style eggs to take home. A trip to the Palace would not be complete without a crown and children can decorate their own Easter crown to wear as they explore the State Apartments.

The family trail takes children on a journey through the gardens as they begin to spring into bloom and will help them explore the royal history, nature and wildlife of these beautiful grounds. Children can learn about the sun and moon dial which was made for Charles I, as well as exploring the medieval ruins of Holyrood Abbey, one of the most important buildings in Scottish history.

Families can also visit the recently reopened The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Following a successful run in London, the exhibition Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians explores life in Georgian Britain through the fashions of the day. Items on display include rare surviving items of clothing such as a court dress and items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection.

Also on display is a sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and a full-length portrait commissioned to mark the occasion.

As part of the organisation’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Palaces and the Royal Collection, Royal Collection Trust has launched a new scheme of £1 tickets, available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

The £1 ticket offer is available for up to six people per household when visiting The King’s Gallery in 2024, making this an affordable way for families to visit the Gallery during the Easter holidays.

The Extravagant Eggs craft activity will run in the Family Room on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the weeks Monday, 1 – Saturday, 13 April, 11:00–15:00.

The Easter activity day will be on Saturday, 30 March, 10:00–15:00.

Special events for October Half Term at Conifox Adventure Park

Grandparent’s Day

Conifox invites the young – and young at heart! – to come and celebrate their favourite people at their favourite place!

Grandads and Grandmas, Nanas and Papas, Pops and Grannies, whatever they are called, we want to join you in showing them some love!

So, on 4^th October for every child’s ticket purchased, grandparents will gain entrance for free; all they need to do, is have some fun!

Halloween

Especially for the most spooktacular month of the year, the bravest of the brave can follow the Spooky Trail around the park, with kids of all ages winning a goodie bag filled to the brim with Halloween treasures (£2 per child, plus park entry).

Open from 17^th October to 1^st November, you can also enjoy Pumpkin Carving after walking the trail, choosing your perfect pumpkin from the Conifox haunted field, ready to carve into the most wickedly magnificent monster …

James Gammell, director of Conifox, is thrilled to prepare for the October half-term buzz: “We are so excited to welcome our friends and family back to Conifox.

“The months leading up to October will have been tough for everyone, not least because of a certain global pandemic, but because after so much time off, kids will be back to school and parents back to work. We want to remind you that fun is always just a hop, skip and a pedal-tractor away, so to keep your chin up and we will hope to see you soon!

He continues, “As a family run business, we are passionate not only about what we do, but also about delivering the absolute best in customer experience. No matter if you are 8 or 80 you are welcome here and we will do everything in our power to make it a day that stays with you as an everlasting, happy memory.”

Constantly innovating and improving their customer offering, Conifox is the perfect spot for a full day out with family and friends. Although the Stables Bistro is closed to ensure compliance with social distancing measures, there is still a selection of delicious food available, including a sizzling BBQ (weather permitting) and all-day breakfast baps, as well as coffee and tea when you need a little refresh.

Situated on the outskirts of Kirkliston, just five minutes from Edinburgh Airport, Conifox is the ideal venue for kids on half term.

To keep visitors safe, tickets are currently only available to pre-book and some attractions will be closed at certain times throughout the day for deep cleaning.

To find out more visit the Conifox Facebook page @conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.

Where is Scotland’s top picnic spot?

The Shortlist For Scotland’s Best Picnic Spot Has Been Announced

Last year’s winner was the Fairy Pools
Picnic Week aims to cultivate pride in the local area
Winner to be announced during Picnic Week

It’s National Picnic Week from the 15th-24th of June, which aims to promote areas of natural beauty to get the UK into the great outdoors this summer, enjoying some great food and great company. Continue reading Where is Scotland’s top picnic spot?

BBBRRRacing: Fancy a day at the beach?

Zoo Arts Extra Beach Day

Forget about the Christmas shopping: stock up on some real happiness!

Sunday 14 December

12 noon from North Edinburgh Arts (or meet us there).

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of sand, sea, sky, fire, food & art!

All Ages: Children should be with a responsible adult.

There are limited spaces for unaccompanied children, so please book early and sign a permission form if your children want to come by themselves.

Time: 12noon at North Edinburgh Arts, returning approx. 4pm

Cost: Free (a £1 deposit secures your place and your snacks & drinks). Donations welcome.

A pleasant walk from NEA to the small beach on West Shore Road (25 minutes).

ZAE will provide: snacks & hot drinks, fire, extra waterproofs, etc. plus creative materials & activities.

If you prefer not to walk, please meet at NEA to get full directions and maybe even give or receive a lift. If you travel by bus Get the 24 at 12.05 or 12.35 from Pennywell Road to Granton, before West Harbour Road on Waterfront Avenue. The walk from there is less than 10 minutes.

Follow Zoo Arts Extra on Facebook here to keep up to date with all of their events

Fun in the park, by George!

Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership’s BIG Search finished with a flourish at King George V Park on Monday, with an afternoon of family fun and games.

Thanks to the Friends of KGV and Scotland Yard Parks for the photographs, and Mark Sydenham of Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust for sending them on to us.