Kids, Workshops, free events

Edinburgh's festival season kicks off with the Meadows Festival, which offers the best local bands, dance groups, quirky performers and workshops amidst lots of family-friendly activities.

Creative workshops for families inspired by Glasgow Museums' collections, plus short, family-friendly tours throughout the day.

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

A workshop to make your own medals and jewellery using various techniques. Tools and materials supplied. Suitable for the whole family (children ages 5+).

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

Over 100 artists offer their work for sale in Maidenhead town centre.

Learn how to light fires and other basic survival and camping skills.

Learn more about creepy crawlies on this bug spotting bonanza for National Insect Week.

Make your own royal headgear from craft materials and explore the symbols of Scotland's royal heritage.

A workshop for kids of P5–P7 age and their parents: write poems and music for performance the following day. Booking is essential.

Build yourself a fantastic family den – materials and guidance provided.

Eco-themed activities including a quiz trail around the displays, information on sustainable seafish and recycling workshops where you can make new items, including a bird feeder or windmill, to take home.

Cut out pictures of your favourite famous folk or characters from TV and film and make a collage for your bedroom wall.

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

Learn to find your way around in the countryside on this orienteering course for all the family.

Fishing taster sessions for ages 5–25.

Award-winning singer Maeve Mackinnon leads this new Gaelic singing group for youth aged 12–18 years. No experience of Gaelic necessary – learn as you sing.

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

Make your own kite and take it for a test flight, wind permitting.

Construct your own kite or paper aeroplane and take it for a test flight.

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

Anyone who's ever tried to play free improvisation with 3–5 year olds will confirm that although little kids constantly improvise tunes in daily life, the minute you hand 'em an instrument they start bickering about what song they should play. But if anyone can free up that natural creativity, it's the boys and girls of…