9 Scottish Festivals For Families - Where Fun Meets Family Adventure
Scotland is home to vibrant festivals that cater to families, offering activities for kids of all ages and opportunities for shared experiences.
Oct 13, 202423K Shares442.9K Views
Scotland is home to some of the most vibrant and family-friendly festivals, offering a wide range of activities that cater to children of all ages. What makes these festivals truly special is their inclusivity.
You'll find activities designed specifically for children of all ages, allowing them to participate, learn, and create. Here are some of the best festivals in Scotland that offer unique, fun, and educational experiences for families.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival is an annual celebration that focuses on theater, music, and performance art tailored specifically for young audiences, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. This festival brings together talent from across Scotland and performers from all over the world, including countries like South Africa, Norway, and Germany. It offers a diverse range of performances that cater to various age groups, from babies to teens, ensuring that every family member has something to enjoy.
The festival features engaging performances, including storytelling, dance, and circus acts that touch on important themes such as diversity, environmentalism, and curiosity. Highlights include sensory-friendly shows designed for young children and more complex performances aimed at older kids, making it a truly inclusive event. Families can also participate in hands-on workshops that offer a chance to discover local experiencesand allow children to interact with performers and explore their creativity.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, held each August, is the world’s largest arts festival and a must-visit for families. The festival takes over the city, filling the streets with musicians, acrobats, jugglers, and street performers. Families can wander down the iconic High Street, where children are sure to be captivated by the colorful and lively performances happening at every turn.
In addition to the street performances, the Fringe features a dedicated program for family-friendly shows. The Fringe Kids section includes a variety of performances tailored for children, ranging from comedy and magic shows to interactive theater. The festival website and app make it easy for parents to filter through the extensive program and find the perfect shows for their children, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival is a cultural extravaganza that attracts families with its world-class performances in music, dance, and theater. While the festival features a variety of sophisticated performances, there are plenty of family-friendly options that inspire and delight young festival-goers. Families can enjoy stunning shows together, with special ticketing offers available for under-18s, making it accessible and encouraging children to experience top-tier performances.
One of the highlights for families is the Fireworks Concert, a spectacular finale that lights up the Edinburgh sky, providing a magical end to the summer festival season. This event is perfect for families who want to introduce their children to the beauty of live music in a grand, awe-inspiring setting.
Solas Festival
The Solas Festival is a unique, family-friendly event that combines performing arts, literature, music, and more, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxed yet culturally enriching experience. Known for its laidback atmosphere, the festival also offers plenty of children’s activities, including a kids-only zone and a dedicated parent and baby room, ensuring families feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the weekend.
Musical performances, storytelling, and interactive workshops cater to both adults and children. Families can also participate in nature activitiessuch as bug hunts and nature bingo, making it a well-rounded experience for everyone. The focus on creating a safe, welcoming space for families, combined with the variety of activities, makes Solas an ideal family destination.
Kelburn Garden Party
The Kelburn Garden Party is set in the stunning grounds of Kelburn Castle, near Largs, and is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s best boutique festivals for families. This festival offers a magical woodland setting that is perfect for outdoor adventures, with child-friendly attractions such as a wooded maze, a play fort, and even grazing animals.
Children can also participate in curated activities like circus skills workshops, craft sessions, and storytelling. The event caters to both adults and children, with a diverse range of live music performances and creative events. The festival’s ability to blend nature and culture makes it a great experience for families who want to enjoy a vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere.
Wickerman Festival
The Wickerman Festival may be one of the larger festivals on this list, but it is still very much family-friendly. Located on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway, the festival provides a family-quiet camping area and a dedicated children’s zone where young attendees can enjoy a variety of activities.
However, parents should note that certain parts of the festival are restricted to adults. One of the festival’s most iconic moments is the burning of the Wickerman statue, which takes place during the late evening and serves as a dramatic conclusion to the event. Families who love music and are looking for a larger-scale festival with designated areas for kids will find this to be an exciting option.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is a larger boutique event held near Inverness, famous for its picturesque setting and family-friendly vibe. The festival offers free entry for children under 12, making it a budget-friendly option for families. With a family campsite and a host of children’s activities, Belladrum provides plenty of entertainment for both adults and kids.
In previous years, the festival has featured top-tier acts such as The Proclaimersand Kaiser Chiefs, along with interactive sessions for children. The balance of big-name music performances and family-centered activities makes this festival a favorite for many families in Scotland. Families attending Belladrum can also take the opportunity to explore some of the top places to visitnearby, enhancing their overall festival experience.
Doune The Rabbit Hole
The Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival, held on Cardross Estate near Stirling, is well-known for its family-friendly approach. Children under 12 can attend for free, and there is a separate kids’ camping area for families who want a quieter space. The festival offers a range of activities for children, including storytelling, workshops, and nature-based play.
Beyond the children’s events, Doune the Rabbit Hole also features poetry readings and alternative music performances, offering something for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a great festival for families looking for a creative and relaxed environment where both children and adults can explore a variety of cultural activities.
Edinburgh Science Festival
The Edinburgh Science Festival, held over the Easter holidays, is beloved by both children and their parents for its interactive and educational events. The festival offers hands-on workshops where kids can conduct science experiments, play with slime, and learn about the natural world in a fun and engaging way. From goo and slime to mind-boggling experiments, the festival keeps children entertained while sparking their curiosity about science.
Running during a family-friendly time of year, this festival provides a great reason for families to visit Edinburgh for an educational break. It’s an excellent opportunity for children to learn through play and discovery, making the Science Festival a must for families with budding scientists.
FAQs
What Age Group Are These Festivals Suitable For?
These festivals cater to all ages, with events and activities designed for toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers. Each festival offers a variety of family-friendly programming to suit different age groups.
Are Scottish Festivals Accessible For Families With Small Children?
Yes, many Scottish festivalsprovide facilities that are accessible for families with small children, such as stroller-friendly paths, baby-changing stations, and quiet areas. Festivals like the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival and the Royal Highland Show are particularly well-equipped for young families.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Attend Family-friendly Festivals In Scotland?
Most family-friendly festivals in Scotland take place between spring and autumn, from May to October. This period offers the best weather for outdoor events and is packed with exciting activities suitable for families.
Do These Festivals Offer Kid-friendly Food Options?
Yes, most festivals provide a variety of food options, including meals and snacks that cater to children. The Royal Highland Show, for example, offers local Scottishproduce as well as international options that appeal to families with children.
Are There Accommodation Options Near These Festivals?
Many festivals are held near cities or towns with family-friendly accommodation options. Festivals like The Enchanted Forest and Shetland Folk Festival often offer nearby lodging or camping facilities that are suited for families.
Conclusion
Scotland is home to a wide range of family-friendly festivals that celebrate everything from the arts and music to science and folklore. Events like the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, The Enchanted Forest, and the Shetland Folk Festival provide interactive and engaging experiences for children and parents alike.
These festivals not only offer fun and entertainment but also provide educational opportunities that enrich the family experience. For families looking for adventure, entertainment, and education, these festivals provide the perfect combination of fun and enrichment.
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