Kids and Days out

Puppet Animation Festival

2 Apr 2009

PREVIEW FESTIVAL Tall oaks from little acorns grow, and the Puppet Animation Festival has grown into quite an oak. From humble beginnings at the Netherbow Theatre in Edinburgh, the Festival has spread its seeds to cover the entire country. In 1984…

The BFG

2 Apr 2009

PREVIEW STAGE ADAPTATION Nineteen years after his death, Roald Dahl remains as popular as ever with the bedtime crowd. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches – the list goes on, each of them bringing delight to…

Edinburgh International Science Festival: Brain Busters

2 Apr 2009

It's through events such as this that the Science Festival really comes into its own: activities that bring the whole family together, teach you a bit about science and give you as much (or little) fun as you can handle. Drop into the National Museum's…

Children’s Classic Concerts – Crash, Bang, Wallop!

5 Mar 2009

Back in December, Owen and Olly arrived as the new presenters of Children’s Classic Concerts like a brick through a window. The young percussionists are not only talented musicians themselves, but know how to bring other fun guys to the party. Their…

Baby Loves Disco

19 Feb 2009

You know you’re doing something right when a TV Dragon wants to invest in you. Better still if you can leave the ‘Den’ with your business still intact and make a success of it on your own. Which is exactly what happened to Naomi Timperley, the UK…

Hitlist - Kids

19 Feb 2009

Peter Pan - A thrilling new production of the JM Barrie classic, LazyTown Live – The Pirate Adventure Join Sportacus, Baby Loves Disco, That’s Rubbish and Rocking Rascals.

Jolly Jango Christmas

11 Dec 2008

CHRISTMAS CLOWN SHOW As a first class juggler and slapstick comedian, Clive Andrews knows a lot about good timing. So it seems appropriate that his route to becoming a clown was due to being in the right place at the right time. Working as an…

Farm Open Day

14 Aug 2008

Experience countryside life in the east end of Glasgow at the Tollcross Children’s farm. Open 7 days a week from 10am-3pm, the farm boasts a variety of farmyard animals to get up close and personal with, as well as a fun-filled day of music and games…

The Giant Percussion Picnic

7 Aug 2008

Prepare for two hours of noise and noshing, as Giant take over the lovely Hidden Gardens from 11.30am–1.30pm for their Percussion Picnic. The event is free but ticketed, with tickets given out on a first come first served basis on the day. Bring food to…

Pollok Family Day

31 Jul 2008

Whether it’s Clydesdale horses or crafts, martial arts or music that the kids are after, Pollok Family Day will satisfy the whole family’s needs this weekend, and all for free. Wander the stalls and displays dotted throughout the woods and gardens of…

Here comes the fun

17 Jul 2008

As the school holidays stretch out before us, Kelly Apter finds there’s no shortage of ways to get your hands dirty and learn something new this summer

Kids - List picks

17 Jul 2008

Museum of Flight Airshow takes to the skies again, with thrilling flight displays from the Blades, fairground rides, kids activities and lots of vintage aircraft to climb inside and explore. National Museum of Flight, East Lothian, Sat 26 Jul. Fun in…

Good Vibrations

3 Jul 2008

One of the Capital’s most exciting visitor attractions, Our Dynamic Earth, has teamed up with Edinburgh International Science Festival to bring you Good Vibrations. Join Maestro and Bella as they embark on a journey of discovery to find out how noise is…

GoMA Family Festival 2008

3 Jul 2008

FUN DAY Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, Sat 5 Jul Messing around with paint, glue and glitter is fun at any age, so why should kids have all the fun? Although aimed primarily at 3–12-year-olds, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Family Festival…

Edinburgh International Science Festival

27 Mar 2008

Since 1988, the Edinburgh International Science Festival has proved that the words ‘science’ and ‘fun’ are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, the Festival’s extensive programme of hands-on events has become a highlight in the interactive kiddie…

Puppet Animation Festival

27 Mar 2008

PUPPETRY Various venues across Scotland, until Sat 26 Apr Puppetry has come a long way since the days of Punch & Judy on the beach. And puppetry in Scotland has made some leaps of its own. Back in 1984, when the Puppet Animation Festival first came…

Horrid Henry Day

27 Mar 2008

The naughtiest boy in children’s fiction has his very own day – 1 April, but Borders is getting in early to capture the weekend crowd. Help celebrate the tomfoolery of Francesca Simon’s most famous character at this fun session of Horrid Henry stories…

Celtic Connections

17 Jan 2008

KIDS’ WORKSHOPS Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, Sat 19 Jan (percussion) & Sat 26 Jan (singing) Given that most children derive pleasure from a) making lots of noise and b) hitting things, a drumming workshop for kids seems like a match made in…

Dance Base & Dance House

4 Jan 2008

DANCE CLASSES There was a time when dance classes meant scraped back buns, stern ballet teachers and splinters from the church hall floor. Not anymore. At the sleek studios of Edinburgh’s Dance Base, there’s not a loose plank in sight, and enjoyment…

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

15 Nov 2007

AERIAL SHOW Opposite Ocean Terminal, Leith, Sat 24 Nov, 5pm The words ‘Christmas’ and ‘free’ rarely go hand in hand these days, but a one-off event in Leith is bucking the trend. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas is a free outdoor family event…

Hitlist - the best Festival events for kids

16 Aug 2007

Men of Steel Mad puppetry and messy food combine in this chaotic Australian show. Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 27 Aug (not 20), 11am, £8–£9 (£7–£8). The Elves and the Shoemaker The most beautifully crafted puppets in town, from Fringe favourites…

Men of Steel

16 Aug 2007

There are three feisty cookie cutters on the prowl, storming around having adventures and getting up to mischief. They’re powered by a trio of talented young puppeteers, a creative bunch who’ve already found success with the piece in their native…

Cat and No Mouse

16 Aug 2007

Dressed in bow ties and tails, a bossy cat and gullible mouse attempt to put on a show. Only trouble is, Cat is convinced she can go it alone as the star of the show – hence the title. Setting her ego aside for one minute, Cat agrees to perform the…

Kids are alright

1 Aug 2007

The new uniforms are hanging in the wardrobe, that fortnight away seems a distant memory, but there are still two weeks to go before the kids return to school. Even if you’ve exhausted all your bright ideas, there are plenty of activities for kids of…

Hitlist - The best events, talk and sport

The best events, talk and sport

1 Aug 2007

Family Fun Day Take part in a ceilidh, highland dancing display and a whole host of fun activities. Miss Baxter’s Back to School Do it proper old school as you dress up and take a history lesson in an authentic Victorian classroom.