Before 5pm, Kids, Nature

Open day for the new boardwalk at Edinburgh's only raised bog habitat with kids activities and pond dipping.

Learn more about pond life at this family event.

Boggy beastie activities with pond dipping and seed sowing thrown in.

Butterfly and moth spotting and all sorts of interesting nature activities.

Inspired by the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song, the newly expanded exhibition looks at what's being done throughout the world to improve the state of the planet.

Discover giant insects and spiders from around the world; you may even get to handle them (a little). Followed by a tour of Holyrood Park in search of local creepy-crawlies. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended, and you're advised to pack a snack and a drink. Places are limited. Booking is essential.

Help give Tollcross glen a bit of a makeover.

Learn all about the wild creatures that live around us.

Monthly nature club for ages 7–11. Applications taken from Aug 19 onwards. Booking is essential.

Join Castle Kennedy Garden Ranger for this month’s Animal Safari theme. Explore the Gardens, look for mammal tracks, learn to identify footprints and other trails and discover who lives alongside the plants and flowers in the Gardens and take part in arts and crafts. Meet at Castle Kennedy ruins and bring outdoor clothing.

Forage for art and craft material from the area around the park. Booking is essential.

Hunt for the hidden treasure using clue-solving skills. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Activities for the whole family to enjoy with everything from archaeological digs to bat walks.

A week on the beach! What could be better? Okay, so it's in Scotland, but don't let that put you off. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast cooked on the campfire, then there's your choice of activities such as den building, tool use, survival skills, craft, games and much more. Ages 6–13. Location to be confirmed, so…

Gloves and litter pickers are provided for this clean-up which is happening all over Scotland's shores.

Fun for all the family discovering the beasties of the bog.

A day of wildlife fun and insect activities for all the family.

Take part in the National Butterfly Survey and learn to recognise the fluttery creatures in your own garden.

Kids aged 5–9 get twitching on this bird spotters' treasure trail.

Spend the day building a den and then – if you like – cook dinner on the campfire and spend the night in your construction. Booking is essential.

Spend the morning brushing up on your bushcraft skills. Booking is essential.

Learn to live off the land, build a shelter, make fire and forage for food. Please wear appropriate clothing. Children must be accompanied. Booking is essential.