It’s Valentine's weekend, but there’s plenty of non-romantic fun for families across Edinburgh! We have a big dinosaur exhibition running, a unique try-out orienteering session on Saturday, and the fantastic Big Kid Circus is in town. If you are looking for a last-chance activity, the Edinburgh Zoo Lanterns close this Sunday!
See our top picks
Scottish Parliament Crafternoons
Scottish Parliament
Free, drop-in crafting sessions suitable for kids on Saturday.
February Half-Term at Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth
A full day of indoor, interactive earth science fun during the half-term period.
Bookbug at Colinton Library
Colinton Library
Free songs and rhymes sessions for pre-schoolers on Saturday morning.
· February 14
9: The Big Kid Circus is back with a brand new JURASSIC show featuring a 28ft dinosaur, world-class acrobatics, and comedy. It’s the perfect place for big thrills over the weekend.This is a major limited-run attraction perfect for a family day out this weekend.
EDINBURGH ZOO GIANT LANTERNS : This is your absolute last weekend to catch the award-winning Giant Lanterns event, featuring an all-new aquatic theme. It starts in the evening, offering a magical walk through the zoo after dark.This stunning lantern experience ends on Sunday (22nd Feb), making this the final weekend to visit.
: Get the whole family out exploring this Saturday with a family-friendly orienteering session. You'll be exploring the grounds around Lauriston Castle and the Cramond Foreshore.It's a rare, specific Saturday event that gets families moving outdoors.
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT CRAFTERNOONSFREE : Head to the Scottish Parliament for a free drop-in crafting session inspired by Scottish culture. This runs all afternoon on Saturday, making it easy to fit in.It's free, drop-in, and running all Saturday afternoon!
: Since it’s Valentine's Day, enjoy an intimate concert featuring romantic piano pieces by Matthew Shiel in Scotland's oldest concert hall. Might be late for little ones, but great for older kids/teens.It’s happening specifically on Valentine's Day (Saturday 14th) and St Cecilia's Hall is a beautiful venue.
VALENTINE’S DOUBLE BILL - A CANDLELIGHT NIGHT AT THE OPERA : Grab a package deal on Saturday for two candlelight concerts: Debussy's piano and Phantom of the Opera. A slightly more grown-up but potentially magical experience for older kids.It's a unique combination event running only on Saturday 14th.
FREE : Enjoy a free, relaxing afternoon performance by a violin and flute duo at the Central Library mezzanine. Perfect for a quick cultural break while shopping nearby.It's confirmed for Saturday and free, offering culture in a central spot.
BOOKBUG AT COLINTON LIBRARYFREE : A classic free Bookbug session filled with songs, stories, and rhymes, perfect for your little ones. Head to the library on Saturday morning.It's a guaranteed free activity for under-5s happening Saturday.
FREE : A final chance to explore Holyrood Park's wildlife and history with hands-on activities this weekend. Booking is essential, so check availability quickly!This adventure program concludes on Sunday, February 16th, making this weekend its final run.
· February 15
1: Dynamic Earth is running special activities for February half term throughout the week, including this weekend. Expect a universe of discovery inside this famous attraction.It's an indoor, guaranteed fun day out running for the school break week.
Also On· anytime this weekend
7: Check out life-sized 3D sculptures, fossils, and skeletons of giant prehistoric animals in this immersive exhibition. It's a great destination for curious kids.A major museum exhibition confirmed for the whole weekend.
FREE : Sunday is market day in Stockbridge! It’s a foodie haven featuring crafts, artwork, and excellent street food stalls to grab lunch.A reliable Sunday morning/afternoon activity with great food options.
FREE : Start your Saturday by visiting the Farmers Market on Castle Terrace for fresh local produce and delicious prepared food. A lovely central spot to browse.A brilliant, free Saturday morning activity right in the Old Town.
: Explore a real Cold War Nuclear Bunker this weekend! Tours run both days, giving you a fascinating, slightly spooky look into history.It's running all weekend and offers a unique historical experience away from standard museums.
: See the iconic McEwan Hall facade lit up with a spectacular sound and light show set to Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. A visually stunning event running across the weekend.It's an immersive, limited-run show perfect for an early evening outing.
: Catch this presenter-led Planetarium show at Dynamic Earth to see how AI is helping us understand the cosmos. Great for space-loving kids!It’s a dedicated weekend slot covering modern science topics.
: This is the final Saturday session of this short program, described as a morning of mess, music, and play specifically for dads and toddlers. Even if you haven't been before, you can join the finale!This is the final Saturday session of this specific 8-week run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Edinburgh this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 14-15) look out for the free drop-in Scottish Parliament Crafternoons on Saturday, various free Bookbug library sessions for under-5s on both days, and the Edinburgh Farmers Market on Saturday.
Is there anything for pre-schoolers on Saturday?
Yes, check out the free Bookbug session at Colinton Library at 11:00 AM, or if you have a little one under 5, Vibrant Viki’s Messy Art Club is running, although specific timings are not provided for this weekend.
What's the best thing to do outdoors on Sunday?
For outdoor fun on Sunday, visit the Edinburgh Farmers Market in the morning, or head to Holyrood Park for the final day of the Holyrood Family Adventure (booking essential).
