October Holiday events in Edinburgh that won’t break the bank!

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October Holiday events in Edinburgh that won’t break the bank!

It seems like only yesterday that the kids went back to school, but lo and behold it’s October already and the half term holidays are not far away. I’ve pulled together my usual round-up of holidays activities in Edinburgh that won’t break the bank, i.e. that are either free or low cost. I hope you find something you’ll enjoy.

MUSEUMS

National Museum of Scotland

Half Term: Creative Climate Action
Mon 14 – Sat 19 October, 10:30am – 3:30pm
Free, drop-in

“Join us this half-term to take part in our family friendly creative climate action sessions, with drop-in activities, including different ways to see the collections and explore handling objects with our experts.”

The museum also has several interactive galleries aimed at families, and a host of free trails to choose from. Check out the online Family Hub for more details. The museum is open daily, 10am – 5pm.

National Galleries of Scotland

Your Art World at the National Gallery of Scotland
Mon 14 – Fri 18 October, 2pm – 4pm
Free, drop-in

“Drop into our holiday art studio every afternoon to experiment, play, make and share your art with the world!”

The National Gallery’s Scottish Galleries also offer free family trails, an art trolley and sensory bags (as well as “Family Fridays” during term time).

>> Read our review of visiting the Scottish Galleries with kids

At the National Gallery of Modern Art, there the free Art Space 2, a free drop-in picnic and play space for families with art books, building blocks and plenty of materials to make your own masterpieces. As well as free family trails and self-guided sensory walks for both indoors and outdoors.

>> Read our review of Art Space 2

And at the National Portrait Gallery, you’ll also find a free family trail and art trolley.

All three galleries are open daily, 10am – 5pm.

>> Find out more about visiting National Galleries Scotland with kids

Museum on the Mound

Family Learning Festival
Tues 15 – Fri 18 October, 10am – 5pm; Sat 19 October, 1pm – 5pm
Free, drop-in

“Come and see us…for medieval themed self- guided activities…Try your hand at a board game…have a go at making a coin…try out our King David Discovery trail, as well as many other activities available in the museum.”

Lauriston Castle

Lauriston Castle always has some great family events throughout the year. During the October holidays, they are hosting:

‘The Big Draw’ on Monday 14 October & Friday 18 October, 10am – 12 noon; Free, drop-in.

Autumn Japan Sakura, Sun 20 October, 11am – 3pm; Free, drop-in.

Edit 18/10/2024: Due to forecasted high winds on Sunday, the autumn garden Sakura has been rescheduled to Sunday 3 November.

St Cecilia’s Hall

Halloween Family Trail
4 – 31 October, Tuesdays to Saturdays; 10am – 4pm
Booking not necessary but advised
“Can your little ones find all 8 ghosts hidden around our galleries and answer each of their questions about the instruments in our collection?“

City Art Centre & Museum of Edinburgh

The City Art Centre & Museum of Edinburgh both have free Family Activity Spaces, that are open daily from 10am – 5pm. Both spaces are packed full of art materials and worksheets relating to the relevant exhibitions, and at the Museum of Edinburgh there’s also a reading corner and some replica objects you can explore.

>> Read our reviews of the Museum of Edinburgh and the City Art Centre family activity spaces

The Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood has plenty of hands-on activities to keep kids busy, including games, dressing up and a story corner. The museum is open daily, 10am – 5pm. Free admission.

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage doesn’t have any events on over the October break, but it’s always good for a free, fun visit. The museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdaysm, 10am – 4pm. Free admission.

>> Read our review of the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

LIBRARIES

Some special events happing during the October holidays across Edinburgh’s libraries:

Oxgangs Library

Luna’s First Garden Adventure
Fri 11 October, 2pm – 3:30pm
Free, drop-in

“Author Chris Maxwell will be reading her new book Luna’s First Garden Adventure and then hosting a mindfulness craft session for kids.”

Stockbridge Library

Magical Highland Stories with Lizzie McDougall and the Highland StoryQuilts
Sat 12 October, 2pm
Free, drop-in

McDonald Road Library

Author Talk and Puppet Show: Lapin is Hungry
Mon 14 October, 1pm – 2pm
Free but booking required (for ages 3-7)

“Join us as we welcome children’s author Tania Czajka for a reading and puppet show of her new book Lapin is Hungry!”

UPDATE 13/10/2024: This event is now SOLD OUT.

Colinton Library

Author Storytime with Elspeth Macgregor
Tues 15 October, 12pm
Free, drop-in

“Elspeth Macgregor will be reading her book ‘A Foghorn Called Charlie’, a wonderful story about a brave schoolboy who saves a container ship from crashing on to rocks in North Berwick!“

Muirhouse Library

Special Bookbug with Pantosaurus
Fri 18 October, 10:30am
Free, drop-in

“…the NSPCC are coming to join us to read a story about PANTS and to chat to families. This will be a fun, child-friendly session to empower children and families. There will also be a chance to chat to the NSPCC team informally over tea and biscuits and the end of the session.“

National Library of Scotland

Nature Crafts Family Workshop
Sat 12 October, 10am – 12pm
Free but booking required

“To celebrate Green Libraries Week the National Library of Scotland is hosting a morning of nature crafts for families. Drop in to make a bird feeder or bug hotel for your garden or choose from other nature-themed crafts. All materials provided.“

Creating comic book characters family activity
Weds 16 October, 11am – 12pm
Free but booking required (for ages 7-12 years)

“Award-winning comic creators Metaphrog – John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs – will talk you through their own process, showing how images and words come together to make a successful comic book.”

UPDATE 13/10/2024: This workshop is now SOLD OUT.

Corstorphine Library

Corstorphine Library has a whole week of free activities planned for the October break. Some Autumn specials include:

Halloween Craft, Mon 14 Oct, 2pm – 3pm
Halloween with Edinburgh Zoo, Weds 16 Oct, 3pm – 4pm
A Dragon Story, Thurs 17 Oct, 2pm – 3pm
Autumn Craft, Fri 18 Oct, 2pm – 3pm
And lots more!

>> More info on the Corstorphine Library Facebook Page.

Newington Library

Update: Newington Library has now also advertised a whole week of free activities for the October break. Specials inclde:

French Music & Story Time, Mon 14 Oct, 11am
Tiger Talk & Crafts with Edinburgh Zoo, Tues 15 Oct, 11am
Cool Creatures (booking required), Thurs 17th Oct, 11am
Constellation Story Time with the Observatory, Thurs 17th Oct, 2pm
And lots more!

>> More info in the Newington Library Facebook Page

Other Regular Library Events

Many of the other Edinburgh City Libraries also run regular free events throughout the year, including during schools holidays. Too many to list them all, but activities include weekly Bookbug sessions, board game meet-ups, arts & crafts afternoons, Lego clubs, family story time and more! Unfortunately, there’s not a central page that lists all the events, you need to check out each library individually. We have found the best place to do that is on Facebook. Why not go and bookmark your nearest library on Facebook now, via these links below:

OTHER INDOOR EVENTS

Dynamic Earth

Free Activities: Eerie Encounters
Fri 4 – Sun 6 October, Fri 11 – Mon 21 October, Fri 25 – Sun 27 October, and Fri 1 to Sun 3 November (times vary)

“Enter a world of eerie encounters and misunderstood marvels with our Science Communication team in our free drop-in activities that everyone can sink their teeth into.”

The Wee Play Hub at Ocean Terminal

The Wee Play Hub on the first floor of Ocean Terminal is open Wednesdays & Fridays – Sundays, 11am – 3pm, and Thursdays 12pm – 4pm. As well as open play, they also have a weekly programme of free drop-in events including art classes, crafts, story time and Lego club. Check out the Wee Hub Facebook Page for details.

Also at the Wee Hub:

SQUIDZ: The Rubbish Puppet Show! (for ages 0-9)
18 October, 1:30pm – 4pm; Pay what you can (suggested donation £5)

“A fast paced, funny + silly afternoon of puppets, interactive stories, games, music, songs, dancing, guided + sensory play and easy puppet making out of things we throw away!”

IKEA Edinburgh

Woodland Wanderings Trail
Fri 11 – Thurs 31 October, all day
Free; drop-in

Fantasy Forest Lego building
Fri 18 October, 10:30am – 4:30pm
Free; drop-in

Pets at Home October Workshops

Workshops will take place at Corstorphine, Pentland and Fort Kinnaird stores
Sat 12th & Sun 13th October, and Sat 19th & Sun 12th October, at 2pm

“Come and have some Halloween fun and learn all about the gruesome things our pets like to eat. Have fun designing your own pumpkin stencil and interacting with some of our pets.”

Free but booking required. Details on the Pets at Home website.

The Fostering Network

The Fostering Network Scotland welcome all care experienced children and young people to join their free Care2Connect events.

Care2Connect Outdoor Activities
Location: Saughtonhall Community Association
Tues 15 October, 10am – 1pm
Free but booking required (ages 5 – 11)
Open to all children with care experience.

“The Green Team will be faciliating a fun filled morning of outdoor activities, from den building to outdoor arts. It’s a great opportunity for kids to make new friends and bond over shared adventures.“

Care2Connect Graffiti Workshop
Location: Spectrum Arts
Weds 16 October, 2pm – 4pm
Free but booking required (ages 12 – 18)
Open to all children with care experience.

“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, this event is perfect for anyone looking to get creative and learn some new skills.”

EDIT 13/10/2024: This workshop if now SOLD OUT. You can join the waiting list.

Miscellaneous Events

Blue Peter Badge Workshop at The Broomhouse Hub
Tues 15 October, 10am – 12pm; free, registration required

“Did you know you can visit the Edinburgh Zoo and The Royal Yacht Britannie for free with a Blue Peter badge? This free event is for help applying to get a badge.”

Prewired Programming Club for under 19s at CodeBase
Weds 16 October, 5:30pm – 7:30pm; booking required

“Play around with whatever technologies and programming languages you want. You can learn something brand new, practice something you already know, start a project, get help with something you’re stuck on, or even teach others.“

Slow Down Sammy Book Launch at North Merchiston Club
Sun 20 October, 11am – 12:30pm
Free but booking required (for ages 5 – 15)

“Listen to ‘Slow Down Sammy’ being read aloud. Ask any questions about the book.Take part in a character scavenger hunt and colouring in.”

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Some outdoor events happening during the October holidays in Edinburgh:

Westside Plaza

Westerhailes Harvest Festival
Sat 12 October, 12pm – 3pm
Free, drop-in

“Join us out front of the Westside Plaza for the Wester Hailes Harvest Festival… an afternoon of seasonal community festivities. Everything is free, and everyone is welcome to attend!”

Craigmillar Castle Park

Craigmillar Castle Park Autumn Celebration
Sat 12 October, 1pm – 3pm
Free, drop-in

“We are having an Autumn Celebration in the park… Come on down for some crafts and fun family activities.“

The Green Team Edinburgh & Lothians

Green Explorers (for ages 8 – 12)
Sun 13 October, 10am – 3pm; booking required (for ages 8 – 12)
at The Risk Factory, 20 New Mart Road, Edinburgh

“Don’t miss this amazing opportunity…for your child to join us for a day with Green Explorers at no cost. It’s a wonderful mix of games, wilderness skill-building and exploration – all in the great outdoors. Simply use code NEWEXPLORER once you have put your ticket in the basket to get it for free – no catches – but the discount code is only valid for the 13th October.“

>> More info on The Green Team’s Facebook page

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The popular Botanics Halloween Trail is returning this year! The trail runs from 10am – 4pm for two long weekends, 17th – 20th and 24 – 27th October, 10am – 4pm. It’s £3 per booklet, which you can collect at either the East or West Gate, and the price includes a treat at the end. Suitable for ages 3+

General opening times for the Botanics in October are 10am – 5pm (last entry 4.15pm). Admission to the Botanics itself is free.

Dusherra 2024

Sat 19 October on Calton Hill from 3pm onwards.
Free, drop-in

“The Scottish Indian Arts Forum invites you…for a spectacular celebration of Dusherra at the iconic Calton Hill! Immerse yourself in a day filled with lively music, captivating dance performances, and exciting kids’ activities. Experience the thrilling effigy burning and dazzling fireworks that will light up the night sky!”

More details via the SIAF Facebook Page.

OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

It doesn’t always have to be an event, Edinburgh is also a great place to get outside for a walk or a picnic, whatever the season. Here are some of our favourite outdoor spots in Edinburgh:

Hermitage of Braid

Take a walk through the woods, explore the various side paths, play Pooh Sticks at the bridges, or download our free Murder Mystery Trail! (Note: One of the clues has disappeared, but you can use the answer sheet to help you through that part – I will try to update the trail as soon as I can to replace it with a new clue).

Water of Leith Visitor Centre

One of our favourite walks is along the Union Canal, starting at Fountainbridge and walking all the way to the Water of Leith Visitor Centre at Slateford, where the canal and the Water of Leith cross ways. It takes us about 45 minutes. You can reward yourself at the end of the walk with a coffee or juice and some cake in the Visitor Centre cafe, and kids can have a play in the interactive exhibition. If little legs are too tired to walk again, there’s a bus right outside the Visitor Centre that will take you back in to town.

>> Read our review of the Water of Leith Visitor Centre

Edinburgh Play Parks

Edinburgh has over 100 public playgrounds to choose from, some of them set within bigger parks. The newly refurbished Princes Street Gardens playground, East Meadows Play Park, Saughton Park, Leith Links and Seven Acre Park are our Top 5 favourites, but there are plenty of other to choose from. Check out our A to Z map of public playgrounds in Edinburgh here, including photos and reviews of all the playgrounds we have visited so far.

>> A to Z of Public Playgrounds in Edinburgh

Feed the Birds

Grab a bag of bird seed and visit one of the many spots across the city where you can feed ducks, swans and other birds. Our favourite spots include Blackford Pond, Easter Craiglockhart Nature Reserve, Inverleith Park, and Duddingston Loch & St Margaret’s Loch in Holyrood Park.

Head to the Beach

We love a good trip to the beach, even in Autumn. Sunbathing and sea paddling days may be over for this year, but there’s still time for a good beach walk with stone skimming and shell collecting – why not download our Beach Scavenger Hunt to take along! We love our local Cramond and Portobello beaches, which you can visit by bus within Edinburgh, and there’s also plenty other beaches within reach that you get to within 30 – 45 minutes by train. Our favourites include Dunbar, North Berwick and Longniddry in East Lothian; and Aberdour and Kinghorn in Fife. And Kids for a Quid train tickets help to keep down the costs.

DAY TRIPS

If you want to venture a bit further afield during the holidays, there’s always the option of a day trip. We don’t have a car, but have travelled to lots of places within 1.5 hours of Edinburgh by train. Here are some reviews of a few of our favourite trips that won’t break the bank:

Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge (free entry).
Callandar House & Park, Falkirk (free entry).
Weehailes Adventure Playpark, East Lothian (£3.50 for kids age 3+, £1 per adult)

Don’t forget to claim your Kids for a Quid rail ticket, to keep travel costs down too. Only available from station ticket counters (or on the train if no ticket counter available).

I’m sure there’s probably more free events that are missing, but if you know of any other great free events in Edinburgh this Autumn, just leave a comment or send me a message and I’ll add them in!

POST LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER 2024