What’s on in Aberdeen City & Shire
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**
RSPB Dolphinwatch
Organiser: RSPB Aberdeen and North East Scotland
Where: Torry Battery, Greyhope Road, Aberdeen AB11
Date: Every Thursday – Sunday till 20th August 2017
Time: 11:00 – 18:00
Description: Did you know that Aberdeen is one of the best places in Europe to see bottlenose dolphins?
RSPB Scotland staff and volunteers will be at Torry Battery every Thursday – Sunday, from 11am – 6pm until 20 August to help you to witness the dolphins spectacular displays and learn more about Aberdeen’s amazing coastal wildlife!
The Dolphinwatch team will provide information, binoculars and various drop-in activities for families. Keep an eye out for special additional events such as guided walks, rockpool rambles and beach cleans.
Find out more at our website, Facebook or Twitter
Please note: Dolphinwatch does not operate in bad weather.
Tour, Pony Grooming & Craftwork Afternoon
Organiser: World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm
Where: World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm, Dess, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5BJ
Date: Friday 14th July 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Our Belwade Experience Summer fun days are a great way to spend a day or two in the holidays with family and friends. Today we are offering visitors the opportunity to tour the farm and meet our current Belwade residents. After the tour you get to meet Digger our gentle giant and give him and one of his friends a groom.
We then break for lunch where you can enjoy some delicious food in the Bistro. If you would like to book a table please ask when making your experience booking.
The afternoon will be spent doing fun crafts, facepainting and story telling.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/229147184270240
Allan Douglas Play!
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Allan Douglas Park, Aberdeen AB16 7
Date: Friday 14th July 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Description: At Aberdeen Play Forum we run play sessions in parks and green spaces around the city during school holidays. We provide our loose parts kit for children and families to play with.
What are Loose Parts?
Loose Parts are materials like tarpaulins, milk and bread crates, planks of wood, pipes, guttering, logs, tree slices, fabrics, blankets, pillows, pots and pans, spoons, brushes, sponges, sticks, and stones – the list goes on….
Loose Parts are materials which children can move, adapt, control, change and manipulate in their play. Loose parts play offers children high levels of creativity and choice. The materials can be whatever the child wants them to be – the possibilities are endless. There are no set instructions with loose parts – children have to use their imagination, take control and lead their own play. With a little imagination they can be transformed into almost anything… Tarpaulins turn into dens, crates and tyres could be a car or a bus, pipes for water play and lots more!
The possibilities are endless – so don’t forget your imagination!
All of our Loose Parts Kit are risk assessed before children have access to play with them.
Disclaimer: Sessions are run as ‘drop-ins’ and operate as per ‘Street Play’ programmes: they are free of charge and not compulsory; participants who feel the session is unsuitable for them are free to leave at any time; participants are responsible for their own health, safety and general well-being; Staff, Aberdeen Play Forum and Aberlour Childcare Trust are not responsible for participants.
There’s no need to book, or pay. Just come along and play!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/286243985173212
Coastal Play
Organiser: Bettridge Centre
Where: Bettridge Centre, Coastal Park, Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire AB39 3UL
Date: Saturday 15th July 2017
Time: 9:45AM – 11:00AM
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.
Website: http://www.bettridgecentre.org.uk/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/779523195547283
Tracks & Signs on Elrick Hill
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service
Where: Elrick Hill, Aberdeen
Date: Saturday 15th July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Description: Join a Countryside Ranger for this guided walk to discover what animals have been travelling along the paths and slopes of Elrick Hill. You’ll see some fantastic views too, so bring your camera if you have one!
Suitable for children aged 8 and up.
Meet at the Brimmond Hill North car park.
Booking essential – spaces limited. Call 01224 326 429 or email countrysideranger@aberdeencity.gov.uk to book.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/254756374929531
Bridge Building with Transport Scotland
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Saturday 15th July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Description: Join Transport Scotland and take part in their bridge building challenge and a Build a Road presentation at 12 & 2.30 (which includes an updated flyover of the AWPR junctions)
Normal entry prices apply
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1820260684952693
Looking for things to see & do over the holidays in Aberdeen City & Shire with the kids?
Why not check out our list here & let us know your favourites!
Denis Law Family Fun Day
Organiser: Aberdeen Sports Village
Where: Aberdeen Sports Village, Linksfield Rd, Aberdeen AB24 5RU
Date: Sunday 16th July 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 3:0PM
Description: Celebrate the end of the Denis Law Legacy Trust Community Football Festival held at Aberdeen Sports Village with a family fun day on Sunday 16th July, from 11:00 – 15:00.
Come and join us for a huge selection of entertainment and activities to suit all ages from inflatables, giant games and Tots to Teens activities. More details to follow.
Every child who comes to the Fun Day will receive a Tots to Teens voucher where they will have the opportunity to try out a class at ASV – classes range from pre-school to teens.
Entry costs: £2.50 per person (pay on the day)
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/248003692354263
Fraser Strawberry Fayre
Organiser: Castle Fraser Garden & Estate
Where: Castle Fraser Garden & Estate, Castle Fraser, Sauchen, Inverurie AB51 7LD
Date: Sunday 16th July 2017
Time: 10:30AM – 3:00PM
Description: Did you know that the Fraser’s originated from France and that their name came from fraise which mean Strawberry in French.
We are holding our very first Strawberry Fayre to celebrate our unique connection. We grow our own strawberries in our gardens and we will have them on sale throughout the day. We’ll have a children trail around our gardens trying to find Sarah Strawberry. We’ll have crafts and some fun facts about the mighty strawberry.
Our tea room will be serving strawberries and cream tea to help continue the celebration.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/248003692354263
Engage! Summer School: Seniors
Organiser: APA Engage
Where: His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GL
Date: Monday 17th – Friday 21st July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: This course is an opportunity to learn and develop skills in devising and performance. Participants will learn a play in a week, working with theatre and music specialists to create and perform a fully staged production in The Lemon Tree.
Age Group: S1-S6 | APA Engage! Summer School 2017
Course takes place: Monday 17 – Friday 21 July at His Majesty’s Theatre Studio, running from 10am – 4pm each day.
End of term performance takes place at The Lemon Tree on Friday 21 July, 7pm.
Website: http://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/events/engage-summer-school-seniors-398175
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1314272618622652
Techfest Eureka series!
Organiser: Aberdeen International Youth Festival
Where: Bon Accord Aberdeen, George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HZ
Date: Monday 17th July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Description: Come and join the TechFest team who will read stories from: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the House that Zak built.
A session of fun and discovery. Suitable for ages 3-6
FREE Session – no need to book
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/466896693659757
Explore Learning Workshops
Organiser: Waterstones
Where: Waterstones, 3-7 Union Bridge, Aberdeen AB11 6BG
Date: Monday 17th July 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 1:30PM
Description: Great news! We are having Explore Learning in store again for more creative writing workshops!
The one at 11am is a “Pirate Writing Workshop” aimed at P4/P5children from P1/P2.
And the last workshop, from 12:30pm to 13:30pm is a “Comprehension Workshop” for children on P6/07.
If you’d like to sign up for either of these please call the shop at 01224 592440 and ask to speak to Carmen.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/437412766641394
Messy Monday Play!
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Aberdeen Play Forum, Frederick Street Centre, Aberdeen, , AB24 5HY
Date: Monday 17th July 2017
Time: 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: Messy Monday’s at Queens Links play park! these sessions are extremely messy – old clothes plus a spare to change into afterwards is highly recommended!!
Along with our usual loose parts kit, we will also be providing a variety of messy play materials! These can include fairy liquid, paint, gloop, conditioner, and mud! Children can feel free to get stuck in and play.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1769298773099167
Bridge Building with Transport Scotland
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Tuesday 18th July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Description: Join Transport Scotland and take part in their bridge building challenge and Build a Road presentation at 12 & 2.30 (which includes an updated flyover of the AWPR junctions)
Normal entry prices apply
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/380006295735498
Wandering Wednesday: Central Park, Dyce
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Dyce Central Park, Aberdeen AB21 7
Date: Wednesday 19th July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Description: At Aberdeen Play Forum we run play sessions in parks and green spaces around the city during school holidays. We provide our loose parts kit for children and families to play with.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1685647268410725
Ranger led Children’s Walk: A Bat’s Life
Organiser: Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
Where: Drum Castle, Garden & Estate, Drumoak, Banchory Aberdeenshire AB31 5EY
Date: Wednesday 19th July 2017
Time: 7/19/2017 10:30:00 AM – 7/19/2017 12:00:00 PM
Description: Find out about a bats life here in the castle at Drum. Where they live in summer and winter and make some batty crafts to take home
Children £5.00
Booking essential.
Aimed at families and children aged 5-11 years
For more information and to book visit http://www.nts.org.uk
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1971701949732061
Minecraft Workshop: From Tramsheds to Science Centre
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Wednesday 19th July 2017
Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: BOOKING ESSENTIAL – see below for details
This workshop is recommended for children aged 13+ and will run for 3 hours. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Children are required to bring their own laptop with Minecraft installed. (Laptops will be provided if necessary. USB stick required if borrowing a laptop.)
Using Minecraft partipants will transform the historic Tramsheds building into the modern day Science Centre!
Participants will be asked to consider the design challenges of such a building transformation.
Pre booking is essential for this workshop and will cost £4.50/child and £5.75/adult, this includes entry to the centre before and after the session.
To book please contact us on 01224 640340 or e-mail us at education@asc.scot
Participants are asked to arrive at the centre 15 minutes before the start of the session.
Website: http://aberdeensciencecentre.org/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/732552250256258
Look out for our latest giveaway announcement, going live on Friday 17th July over on our Facebook page! 
Gordon Mills Park Play!
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Gordon’s Mills Road, Aberdeen AB24 2
Date: Wednesday 19th July 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Description: At Aberdeen Play Forum we run play sessions in parks and green spaces around the city during school holidays. We provide our loose parts kit for children and families to play with.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1580935251925145
Wilderness skills
Organiser: North East Ranger Service
Where: Leith Hall Gardens & Estate, Kennethmont, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4NQ
Date: Thursday 20th July 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Description: Bring your families to Leith Hall to learn some wilderness skills. Working in family groups, we will learn how to make leaf shelters, light fires in Kelly kettles to make hot drinks and weave sleeping mats out of rushes. Bring a picnic lunch to eat at the camp and something to toast on the fire before setting out to learn some tracking skills around Craigifall Hill and learn about the animals that live there.
Aimed at families and children, children aged 5-11 years
Booking in advance essential
All our events begin and end in the property’s car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Phone number for more information 01330 844810
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/105344240118119
For Teeny Book Lovers!
Organiser: Aberdeen International Youth Festival
Where: Bon Accord Aberdeen, George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HZ
Date: Thursday 20th July 2017
Time: 2:00PM – 4:30PM
Description: Join Margaret, storyteller, for an interactive tale for ages 2 – 5: Up, Up and Away!
FREE session – no need to book.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/327881157649991
Duthie Park Bowling Green Play!
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Duthie Park, Aberdeen
Date: Friday 21st July 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Description: At Aberdeen Play Forum we run play sessions in parks and green spaces around the city during school holidays. We provide our loose parts kit for children and families to play with.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/248003692354263
Union Terrace Gardens Play
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Union Terrace Gardens, Union Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1
Date: Friday 21st July 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Description: At Aberdeen Play Forum we run play sessions in parks and green spaces around the city during school holidays. We provide our loose parts kit for children and families to play with.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/248003692354263