What’s on in Aberdeen City & Shire for Kids and Families
Looking for something to do over the next week with the kids in Aberdeen City & Shire, then why not check out one of these family friendly events?
** Mummy Mimi provides this page for information only and cannot guarantee accuracy. Events are subject to change and/or cancellation. If any doubt, please contact the event organisers for confirmation**
Spectra 2018 Light Festival
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council – City Events & Spectra Festival
Where: Spectra Festival, Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen AB10 1NJ
Date: Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th February 2018
Time: 18:00 – 22:00
Description: Running for four nights between the 8th–11th February 2018 SPECTRA, Aberdeen’s stunning Festival of Light, will return to celebrate the Scottish Year of Young People through this year’s theme ‘Play the Night’. Bringing together leading international artists with Scottish collaborators and developing new talent, the festival will deliver a four-day light and music exhibition using new technologies and tools to animate Union Terrace Gardens, the Kirk of St Nicholas, and Marischal College.
Alongside our oustanding light festival, we are introducing our new music programme to SPECTRA 2018. Music venues across the city will be brought to life by a smorgasbord of Nordic and UK talent with late night sessions with some of Europe’s top DJ’s. The line up for the music programme will be announced next week -stay tuned for more info!
Our two-day Catalyst Conference also returns on 9-10 February and will bring together successful cultural leaders, artists and experts from across Europe and within the UK to present their strategy around cultural development in Aberdeen.
Organised by Aberdeen City Council in partnership with Curated Place, SPECTRA will once again light up the winter nights offering more experiences of light and sound than ever before.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/321569288346559
Haar Rock Nippers Continues
Organiser: Haar Rock Coffee
Where: Haar Rock Coffee, Loirston Avenue 73, Aberdeen AB123
Date: Friday 9th February 2018
Time: 18:00 – 19:30
Description: Haar Rock is delighted to continue our weekly event for Primary 5 to 6 kids at our loirston shop. The youngsters have been great playing the PS4,snooker, table tennis, games, music and mingling. This week we have lots of nail varnishes for the girls to get their nails done along with a wii, disco lights, lots of games and dance mat, still more new equipment and entertainment items being sourced to keep the kids amused whilst catching up with their mates.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/189350938322993
Haar Rock Youth
Organiser: Haar Rock Coffee
Where: Haar Rock Coffee, Loirston Avenue 73, Aberdeen AB123
Date: Friday 9th February 2018
Time: 20:00 – 22:00
Description: Haar Rock is delighted to continue our weekly event for Primary 7 and S1 kids at our loirston shop. We have been delighted to engage with the youths and enjoy A Dance off or two. Karaoke to come this week along with a wii and dance mat, lots of new equipment and entertainment items being sourced to keep the kids amused whilst catching up with their mates.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/841526186029361
Coastal Play
Organiser: Bettridge Centre
Where: Bettridge Centre, Greystone Pl, Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire AB39 3UL
Date: Saturday 10th February 2018
Time: 09:45 – 11:00
Description: Coastal Play is a children’s soft play area for children aged toddler to 10 (height restrictions will apply and take precedence over age).
We provide a huge play area that includes 2 Bouncy Castles, one with slide, Soft Play Pods & Shapes, plus Bouncers, Inflatable Pitch and toddler area. It’s a great space for running around and letting off some steam – especially when the weather outside’s not so nice!
Coastal Cafe provides a seating area where parents can see children at all times while enjoying a coffee and snack.
Numbers are limited, so please call us on 01569 731320 to reserve your space.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/463737200690131
Thistle Street Food Market – February
Organiser: The West End – Aberdeen
Where: Thistle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1
Date: Saturday 10th February 2018
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Description: A host of artisan food and drink producers are back in the West End on Saturday 10th February to showcase their delectable delights, just in time for Valentines! If food is the way to your beloved’s heart, then make sure you pick up everything you need from our first 2018 market, to serve up the dinner of dreams! Or why not treat yourself to a tasty tipple, gorgeous granola or nourishing nut butter – its time to love our local produce.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/177760596159752
Fairy wood and Cafe open
Organiser: VSA Easter Anguston Farm
Where: Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0
Date: Saturday 10th – Monday 12th February 2018
Time: 10:30 – 15:30
Description: We will open our enchanted fairy wood this weekend and the Monday for half term (all weather permitting) and our cafe will be serving home made soup and scones along with a variety of cakes. Come along and see what our team have been working on visit the animals and if you are feeling more energetic take a walk round the farm paths . There are lots of wildlife to be seen
Wooly hats, warm clothes and boots strongly advised
(Please note this will be the last weekend the fairy wood and café will be open in February as we are closing the farm from Tuesday 13th February till Saturday 3rd March to allow us to do some work in the toilets and kitchens)
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/177760596159752
You can check out our visit to the fairy woods here:
The Secret World of Gases
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Saturday 10th – Friday 23rd February 2018
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Description: Take part in the Secret World of Gases from 10th February till the 11th of March and discover how gases will be used in the future. Explore how hydrogen is used to power many things in our daily lives!
This show is suitable for families with children aged 5-12.
The Secret World of Gases is a two-year national programme that is engaging, inspiring and involving school-age children and their families with the amazing stories and science of gases. The programme investigates the latest innovations, dispels myths and explores how gases will be used for a greener future. Delivery of the activities begins in the nine science centres in 2018.
The programme is led by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres and funded by The Royal Society of Chemistry and BOC, the UK’s biggest industrial and medical gases company.
Please note this show will run on weekends and during the mid-term, as well we close at 1500 on Tuesdays.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/190286525042847
Love Rara Valentines Disco
Organiser: Love Rara
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen AB24 5EF
Date: Saturday 10th February 2018
Time: 11:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 17:00
Description: Love Rara’s Valentine’s Disco is a fun event for all ages with games, dancing and entertainment all included it really is a fun day out for all the family.
We have two discos running at
11am-1pm and
3pm-5pm
Our Valentines Disco is a great way to spend your Valentine’s weekend with the family and you will get to met some well known Love Rara Characters, do lots of dancing, play games and see some performances! We will be offering Love Rara Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos on the day for £2 each to add some dazzle to the disco. Food and drink is available to purchase from the Hilton Hotel as well.
Tickets are £6 per person. Both children and adults need to purchase a ticket due to room size capacity for health and safety.
Please contact loveraraltd@yahoo.com to book your tickets now. Don’t leave it too late as last year this event sold out in 3 hours!!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/195897194303397
Stone Decorating Sessions
Organiser: VSA Easter Anguston Farm
Where: Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0
Date: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th February 2018
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Description: Children’s Stone Painting session- Our volunteers who have created our fabulous enchanted wood are looking forward to help you decorate some stones – large or small, so make some rustic animals, beasties , bugs , funny faces or scary grins the choice is yours . We will place them into a special new area within our enchanted fairy wood over the next few weeks. All the materials will be supplied just bring your imagination and have some fun. Children should be 4yrs upwards and need to be accompanied by an adult to help. No admission fee, no booking required- We would just kindly ask for a donation to cover the materials
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1949059655121704 & https://www.facebook.com/events/1949059651788371
Baby Sensory Valentine Weekend Special
Organiser: Bettridge Centre
Where: Bettridge Centre, Greystone Pl, Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire AB39 3UL
Date: Saturday 10th February 2018
Time: 14:00 – 14:45
Description: Baby Valentine weekend special is now open for bookings on Saturday the 10th of February ♥️
To book www.babysensory.com/en/classdetails/aberdeensouth
You don’t have to come to weekly classes to attend. The price includes siblings, parents and family members. Come along and enjoy music, singing, dancing, signing, lights, hearts and make amazing memories with the most amazing love in your life…… Your beautiful baby ♥️ our fabulous photo booth will also be available to capture some brilliant photos x
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/397718157339319
Afternoon Tea Party (under 16)
Organiser: Haar Rock Coffee
Where: Haar Rock Coffee, Loirston Avenue 73, Aberdeen AB123
Date: Saturday 10th February 2018
Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Description: Come and Join us to see whats on offer for our newly introduced Girls Afternoon Tea Parties!!
With cakes, sandwiches, nail painting, glitter tattoos, Disco music and disco lights you can try out what we have to offer for a special price of only £5!!!
Book in your daughter and any of her friends to come along and join the party for only £5. They will be guaranteed a good time and at a bargain price!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1589395134480763
Picnic Party
Organiser: Newmachar Pre-School Playgroup
Where: The Axis Centre, 9 School Road, Newmacher, Aberdeenshire AB21 0WB
Date: Sunday 11th February 2018
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Description: After the massive success of last year’s picnic, we are pleased to announce that we are doing it again ?
Come along, play games, meet friends, win prizes and have lots of fun.
Tickets are £10 per child and this includes a lunch bag. Babies under 1 go for free.
There will be a limited number of tickets available so be quick to book ?
Please see flyer on Facebook event for contact details
Hope to see you there!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/173375676586794
Geeky Needle Felting Workshop with Hobbit Leathers
Organiser: Hobbit Leathers
Where: Geek Bothy, Unit 3 Transition Extreme, Links Road, Aberdeen AB24 5NN
Date: Sunday 11th February 2018
Time: 12:30 – 15:30
Description: WORKSHOP – Geeky Needle Felting with Hobbit Leathers
AGE – Adults and Children over 12 years old
WHEN – Sunday 11th February 2018
TIME – 12:30pm to 3:30pm
WHERE – Geek Bothy, Unit 3 Transition Extreme, Links Road, Aberdeen, AB24 5NN
FREE PARKING IN CAR PARK
COST – £20 per person
Come along and learn to needle felt with like-minded geeky crafters. Perfect for complete beginners as every stage of the process is explained.
Make felt bauble type ornaments in the shapes of geeky characters like ‘Totoro’, ‘Mike Wazowski’ from Monsters Inc., B-B8 from Star Wars, an Angry Bird or Pokemon Poke Ball. Your creations can be a geeky treat for yourself or also make brilliant gifts. They can simply sit on your bookshelf or windowsill, or be made into hanging ornaments.
You will be provided with a spherical blank felt ball called a ‘core’ (making these balls takes a while so we do it for you to leave you time to do the fun bit!), which you will then work on, adding colours and attachments to complete your creation.
Enjoy a relaxing crafty session and blether with fellow geeks in the quirky and exciting Geek Bothy.
All materials, demonstrations and a little snack and drink are included in the price.
BOOK online – http://www.geekbothy.co.uk/product/geeky-needle-felting-workshop-with-hobbit-leathers or pop in and see us in the shop.
Please note that workshops are non refundable and dates can not be swapped, you are welcome to give your place to someone else, it doesn’t have to be the named person that booked the workshop attending. If the maker and/or Geek Bothy cancel the workshop a full refund will be issued.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/402570003512855
BBC Ten Pieces Live!
Organiser: APA Events
Where: His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GL
Date: Sunday 11th February 2018
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Description: Family Concert: The perfect introduction to classical music for all ages!
Over the past few years the BBC’s Ten Pieces initiative has opened up the world of classical music to a generation of children, and inspired them to develop their own creative responses to ten specially-chosen pieces of music. Featuring famous music such as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird, there’s no better way to introduce children to the amazing sounds of a live orchestra and to some of the greatest music ever written. The concert will last approximately one hour with no interval.
Recommended for ages 8+
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1688293177897879
February Nappy Library & Meet
Organiser: NCT Aberdeen City & Shire
Where: St Francis of Assis Rc Church, Deeside Gardens 231, Aberdeen AB157
Date: Monday 12th February 2018
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Description: Join us on Monday 12th February for our first Nappy Library & Meet of 2018.
This is the first meet up without the Sling Library, but the session will form part of our Waddling to Toddling Group.
The Nappy Library & Meet will run from 10am to 11:30am, where there will be kits to hire, help with your own cloth nappies, a play area for babies and toddlers and not forgetting tea, coffee and cake!!
Going forward, the Nappy Library & Meet will be held the second Monday of the month at the Waddling to Toddling Group.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/538621313178506
Hearts and crafts
Organiser: Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums
Where: Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen AB11 5BY
Date: Monday 12th February 2018
Time: 10:30 – 14:30
Description: If you love making stuff then don’t miss out on our Valentine-themed arts and craft activities! All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Free, booking required
3-8 yrs
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/169463793785975
Fantastic Feeders
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service
Where: Pocket Garden, Spital
Date: Monday 12th February 2018
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Description: Come along and join the Coutryside Rangers getting our hands dirty making bird feeders that you can take home for your local birdlife to enjoy!
Meet at the Pocket Garden on the Spital, Old Aberdeen (just down from Shakes n Cakes). First Bus 20 & 25 go to the Spital.
Booking essential as places are limited. Please call 01224 326 429 or email countrysideranger@aberdeencity.gov.uk to book your FREE place.
Perfect for younger children under 7, when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/133887853915973
Nest Builders
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service
Where: Pocket Garden, Spital
Date: Monday 12th February 2018
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Description: Over the year the Rangers have collected lots of scraps of wood left over from projects. Come and help us turn them into bird boxes or feeders which you can take home and hang in time for National Nest Box Week and the nesting season.
Why not challenge the Rangers? Bring along your broken bird boxes or any other items you think we could repurpose into a spectacular wildlife attraction for your garden.
Meet at the Pocket Garden on the Spital, Old Aberdeen (just down from Shakes n Cakes). First Bus 20 & 25 go to the Spital.
Booking essential as places are limited. Please call 01224 326 429 or email countrysideranger@aberdeencity.gov.uk to book your FREE place.
Perfect for children over 7, when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2065714633714942
Family workshop: amazing wind
Organiser: Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums
Where: Aberdeen Maritime Museum, , Aberdeen, AB11 5BY
Date: Tuesday 13th February 2018
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Description: What kinds of energy do we use in the North East? In this hands-on workshop devised by Aberdeen Science Centre and Vatenfall, one of Europe’s largest producers of electricity, test your design and experimentation skills by learning how to build and measure the electrical output of a wind turbine.
Free, booking required
5 yrs+
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/494265270972637
Valentine Craft’s
Organiser: World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm
Where: World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm, Belwade Farm, Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BJ
Date: Wednesday 14th February 2018
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Description: Looking to keep the children entertained this half term? Come along and join in our valentine craft’s afternoon.
Many craft ideas and options available or maybe you can come up with your own designs. Great interactive and creative way to spend an afternoon.
2pm till 4pm. Suitable for all ages.
Booking is not required for this activity.
£3 per child. All craft materials are provided.
Children to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Why not make a day of it and come along to meet some of the current Belwade residents and groom one of our adorable ponies in the morning. Booking is required for this activity as spaces are limited. £4 per child. 11.30am till 1pm.
Our Bistro is open 11am till 4pm. Lunches are served between 11.30am and 2.30pm, teas, coffees and delicious treats and cakes available to purchase throughout the day.
For further information on Belwade Farm or any of the activities we offer please call 013398 85398 or email lisagardiner@worldhorsewelfare.org.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/142514213085271
Haar Rock Minions Club (Loirston)
Organiser: Haar Rock Coffee
Where: Haar Rock Coffee, Loirston Avenue 73, Aberdeen AB123
Date: Thursday 15th February 2018
Time: 18:00 – 19:30
Description: At Haar Rock we are enjoying engaging with the youth’s in our local community and are excited to be extending our organised clubs .
We are excited to introduce to you the Haar Rock Minions that will start weekly from Thursday the 8th of Feb.
£2 entry for all with lots of snacks, drinks and goodies available for £1 each. Plenty to entertain the youngsters with some ad hoc entertainment lined up as we go.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/546668599043465
Baby Carrier Drop In Session – Bridge of Don
Organiser: Close and Calm
Where: St. Columba’s Church, Braehead Way, Aberdeen AB22 8RR
Date: Friday 16th February 2018
Time: 09:30 – 10:45
Description: We’re delighted to be able to hold a Baby Carrier Drop In Session every month in Bridge of Don
Feel free to bring your stretchy wrap from the Scottish Baby Box as we’d love to give you a hand.
There will be trained baby carrying advice from Jess Hippey, owner of Close and Calm, and a large selection of carriers and wraps available for trying and for hiring. Should you wish to go on to buy a carrier after this, please inform Jess as discount codes are available for customers.
We will charge a £2 entry fee to cover room hire, insurance and professional fees. Children are always welcome.
We’re very lucky to also have a breastfeeding peer supporter present at most meetings.
We’re a friendly, welcoming bunch and look forward to meeting you. Our hope is to try and build an informative and supportive community so the more the merrier.
You’re also always welcome to bring your own carriers for help too.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2001829336773353
Haar Rock Youth
Organiser: Haar Rock Coffee
Where: Haar Rock Coffee, Loirston Avenue 73, Aberdeen AB123
Date: Friday 16th February 2018
Time: 20:00 – 22:00
Description: Haar Rock is delighted to continue our weekly event for Primary 7 and S1 kids at our loirston shop. We have been delighted to engage with the youths and enjoy A Dance off or two. Karaoke to come this week along with a wii and dance mat, lots of new equipment and entertainment items being sourced to keep the kids amused whilst catching up with their mates.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/841526189362694
We hope this has given you some inspiration for the week ahead. Let us know in the comments below or over on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter what you get up too!
If you have an event you would like listed in a future ‘What’s on’ post and event calendar drop us an email at mimi@mummymimi.co.uk or contact us over on Facebook
Don’t forget you can also check out our events calendar for planning ahead with events in Aberdeen City & Shire.