Kids, Activities within 5 miles of Edinburgh

Meet an American prisoner who's holed up in the depths of the castle's vaults and learn about the American War of Independence and what life was like once you'd been captured.

There's a watercolour artist on hand to teach your the tricks of the art from, or you can get crafty with felt and collage making.

On the eve of Fathers' Day, there's a celebration of all things good about dad in the Storytelling Bothy, including stories, songs, card making, face painting and a pantomime. There are also stalls with information and support for dads and a special time for dads to share storytelling ideas with their children.

See history in a closer and more interactive light in the Great Hall, where you can get to grips (literally) with some of Scotland's past.

Wander the museums in search of animal inspiration then create a wheeled wee friend to take home.

Learn all about the folk who lived and worked around Arthur's Seat on this gentle walk around Hunter's Bog and St. Margaret's Loch

Get a greenery fix before work or school with an early morning breakfast of local food and environmental ideas. Gardening and foraging experts are on hand with advice for making the most of plant life in the city, focusing on organic and sustainable growing techniques.

The largest arts festival in the world and the greatest show on earth. Every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and…

Fun experiments using everyday kitchen items, with staff from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.

Take along a picture of your favourite celebrity and make a silver photo frame so you can worship them on your wall.

Make your own goblet and adorn it with metallic paints and precious jewels.

It's time to think twee and create some gingham, buttoned bunting for your home.

Make your own dinosaur mask and look around the huge prehistoric specimens.

Travel backwards through time as you learn about kings and queens of days gone by, before making your own jewel-encrusted goblets (nb: 'jewels' may not be genuine precious stones …).

A chance to observe the ways of life back in the day, as the servants go about their jobs, preparing tea for the family.

Make a mobile using natural and recycled materials. All ages.

Collect a bag of art activities from the art station, and you and your family can explore the gallery with its help and make your own art. Ages 4–12.

Explore history using costumes, props and your imagination. Ages 4–12.