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**
TechFest’s Eureka Festival at the Barn
Organiser: The Barn
Where: The Barn, Burn o Bennie, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QA
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Description: TECHFEST @ THE BARN
£2 ENTRY
We are very excited that TechFest is coming to the Barn! TechFest continues to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics fun and accessible to children and young people of all ages. Join us for a fun filled day of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics as part of the TechFest Science Festival’s Eureka Festival. Lots of hands-on workshops and performances for the whole family to enjoy.
Entry to the building is just £2 per person*, after which participating in the various activities is free. Pre-booking of activities is highly recommended, as most have limited spaces.
*NB: all children must be accompanied by an adult
PROGRAMME:
K’Nex Buggies and Robots Drop In Workshop
DROP-IN WORKSHOP – ALL DAY
A unique opportunity to develop engineering, problem solving and team work skills by building K’nex programmable buggies or robots designed and programmed to take a set course.
Make your own Paper Drop In Workshop
DROP-IN WORKSHOP – ALL DAY
Bring old office paper and transform it into beautiful handmade paper – tea leaves, onion skins, flower petals, nettles and even banana skins can be useful.
Going on a Plant Munch
10:15AM / 11:45AM / 1:30PM / 3:00PM @ Wild Garden
In this CREST workshop we will be investigating food in an exciting way. When you eat fruit and vegetables do you eat the plant or part of it ? Which part do you eat and which parts are best left alone? Take this veggie challenge to work out the edible parts of the plant and decide what groups to sort plants.Take a journey around the world and through the seasons to discover where our food comes from.
The TechFest Dome – Night Sky Show
10:15AM / 11:45AM / 1:30PM / 3:00PM @ The Barn
Enjoy a visit to the unique environment of the TechFest Dome. What makes day and night? Where does the Sun go at night? This show demonstrates how the sun moves across the sky during the day in both summer and winter. Find the North Star, the Plough, Orion, Betelgeuse, and Sirius in the night sky and relate them to the Greek constellations.
The Wasp that felt the Thunder (THEATRE SHOW)
10:30AM @ The Gallery
A wasp awoke in the deep dark wood. A bird saw the wasp and the wasp looked good. What happens when the wasp feels a thunderstorm coming and tries to warn the creatures that live in the great oak tree?
Website: https://uk.patronbase.com/_TheBarnArts/Productions?date=1505516400
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/658150487708522
Organiser: Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
Where: Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Description: Grab a picnic and get the family down to Crathes Castle on the 16th of September and join us for a family fun day to cheer on our half marathon runners!
We will have inflatables, face painting, and some old school sports races and competitions running through the day for the little marathon runners in training!
Tickets: £6 per child, adults go free!
Tickets will get you unlimited use of the inflatables for the whole day!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/113899455906417
Organiser: Aberdeenshire Doors Open Days
Where: Various locations across Aberdeenshire
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 16/9/2017 10:00 – 17/9/2017 16:00
Description: Doors Open Days is a free national architectural event in which properties of historic, cultural or architectural interest throw open their doors to the public. This year’s Aberdeenshire Doors Open Days will be focused on southern Aberdeenshire spanning from Stonehaven to St. Cyrus and Drumoak to Fettercairn on Saturday 16th September 2017.
In celebration of the Scottish Governments Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. We have added an extra day and will also be opening properties in the north of the shire focusing around Portsoy, Banff and Fraserburgh on Sunday 17th September 2017.
This event is run in collaboration with Scottish Civic Trust and Historic Environment Scotland.
Website: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/media/3476/doors-open-day-2017-south-plus-north.pdf
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/922736477863413
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: Aberdeen Science Centre, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Description: Learn all about the solar system through an interactive show. Enjoy our space themed floor activities and story book sessions. Ideal for 3-5 years, Little Explorer Days offer fun, hands-on science based activities encouraging learning through play. These days are open to public and groups. Each Little Explorer Day workshop lasts approximately 30 minutes and is supported by related activity tables on the Exhibition Floor.
On Little Explorer Days, normal entry prices apply.
Website: http://aberdeensciencecentre.org/education/little-explorer-days/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/459132411124507
Bear Day!
Organiser: Waterstones
Where: Waterstones, 3-7 Union Bridge, Aberdeen AB11 6BG
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Description: We’re having a bear day to celebrate the start of Autumn before they all go to hibernate for the winter!
Our plan is to read all of our favourite bear stories and go bear hunting as well of course! There will be some puzzle sheets to do and to colour in and a wee quiz. For the more crafty ones we’ll help make mobiles to hang from your ceiling after!
Join us with your favourite teddy and your best bear clothes but if you haven’t got anything suitable fret not, as we will be making bear ears for the occasion!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1882697655313924
Organiser: Aberdeenshire UK Mega 2019
Where: Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5BD
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Description: Come along and join in the family fun!! There will be facepainting and character photo opportunities with princesses and superheroes provided by the amazing Love Rara!!
There will be bouncy fun for everyone, a climbing wall, body zorbs, a tuck shop and Farmer Ken will be on the BBQ!
The fun day is free to enter. Following the success of our Easter Fun Day, we will once again be operating a token system. Tokens will be available to purchase and spend on our activities. No refunds will be given.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1783353195014116
Doors Open Day – See the Great Seal Charter of Robert the Bruce!
Organiser: Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
Where: Drum Castle, Drum Castle, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Description: Drum Castle would like to say thank you to our members and visitors for their continous support of the property.
On Saturday 16th September, the doors of Drum Castle are OPEN to all – FREE OF CHARGE!
And, for the first time EVER, Drum will be publicly displaying the Great Seal Charter of King Robert the Bruce, granting to the Irvine clan the forests and lands of Drum Estate, 700 years ago!
Come and bask in the glory of this most rare and valuable artefact – a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1489386491157516
Did you see what we got up to last weekend? You can check out our post here!
Family Fun Day at Maggie’s
Organiser: Maggie’s Aberdeen
Where: Maggie’s Aberdeen, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Westburn Road, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2UZ
Date: Saturday 16th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Description: Our Family Fun Day is back on Saturday 16th September between 11am and 4pm.
There will be loads of fun with traditional fairground games, tombola, duck race, face painting, a BBQ provided by Malmaison and more!
Entry is £2 for adults, £1 for children and will include some tokens to get you started on the activities. Tokens will be 50p each thereafter and many of the activities are free!
Our Family Fun Day is an opportunity to support Maggie’s Aberdeen and help us to raise the vital funds we need to continue to provide practical, emotional and social support to our visitors. It is also a chance for the community to come and visit the Centre.
For more info please call on 01224 612914 or email aberdeenfundraising@maggiescentres.org
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/355362118196502
Leith Hall: Fungi Fact & Fiction Walk
Organiser: Leith Hall Gardens & Estate
Where: Leith Hall Gardens & Estate, Kennethmont, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4NQ
Date: Sunday 17th September 2017
Time: 10:30 – 12:30
Description: Delve into the fascinating world of fungi. We will look at simple ID, fungal facts & folklore. Aimed at beginners.
This event is for adults and older children. 10.30am-12.30pm
Booking essential! For more information or queries please call us on 01330 844810
Ticket price – Adult £5.00 – Child £3.00
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/791637224350831
Have you checked out our giveaway section recently?
Workshop – Fairy Doors and Toadstools with Heevis Miniatures
Organiser: Geek Bothy
Where: Geek Bothy, Unit 3 Transition Extreme, Links Road, Aberdeen AB24 5NN
Date: Sunday 17th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 13:30
Description: WORKSHOP – Fairy Doors and Toadstools with Heevis Miniatures
AGE – Suitable for adults, and children over 6 years (Under 10’s must be accompanied by an adult however you do not need to pay for a space unless you would like to make your own one)
FREE PARKING IN CAR PARK
COST – £15 per person
This 2&½ hour workshop held in Geek Bothy shop will show you how to texture clay and shape it into a door for a fairy garden, along with creating spiral patterns. The door can then be decorated with flowering bushes. We will then make mushrooms, either singly or in clumps with colours of our own choice.
Made from polymer clay, the doors are suitable for both indoor and outdoor fairy gardens.
All materials and tools will be supplied.
Snack provided.
BOOK on website or pop in and see us at the shop during our opening hours.
Website: http://www.geekbothy.co.uk/product/workshop-fairy-doors-and-toadstools-with-heevis-miniatures
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/490656011286291
Children’s bookclub for September
Organiser: Waterstones
Where: Waterstones, 3-7 Union Bridge, Aberdeen AB11 6BG
Date: Sunday 17th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Description: Our pick for next month is School for Skylarks by Sam Angus, a great story of friendship set at the beginning of the Second World War.
This time we have a country house full of evacuated schoolgirls, and horses and ferrets to top it all up!
I hope everyone enjoys this month’s reading and hope to see you then!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/338953389888656
Organiser: Deeside Local Food Festival
Where: Cults Academy, Hillview Dr, Aberdeen AB15 9
Date: Sunday 17th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Description: Now in it’s third year the Deeside Local Food Festival, a one day event to celebrate local food and drink, is taking place on Sunday 17th September 2017, 11am – 4pm, at Cults Academy. This year the festival will have a special focus on health and we are delighted that Kippie Lodge are our main sponsor. Put the date in your diary as it’s going to be our biggest event yet!
At the heart of the festival will be a produce market with over forty stalls where visitors can meet the finest local food producers in Aberdeenshire and sample their creations. With over 80% of exhibitors coming from within a 30-mile radius, the focus is on local, fresh and flavoursome. Handmade cheese, locally reared meat, artisan breads, fruity jams, spicy relishes, homegrown veg, drinking shrubs, homebaked cakes and craft beers and spirits are just some of the products available to sample and buy.
Outside, the playground in Cults Academy will be transformed into a street café. Here, visitors can pick from a selection of tasty dishes for lunch while they listen to local live music.
Cooking Demonstrations with Craig Wilson, The Kilted Chef, from Eat on the Green will take place throughout the day. Craig will be inspiring visitors to cook with local produce at home.
There will be plenty of fun foodie activities for kids to enjoy, much of which is being created by local community groups including St Devenick’s Playgroup, Messy Church, 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Beaver Scouts and Gardening 4 Kids. Activities will include foodie crafts, quizzes, competitions and games. There will also be a Taste Adventure run by Slow Food Aberdeen, a kids pizza making workshop led by Lesley Gillespie from The Chard and a truffle and energy bar making workshop with Caroline Allan from Good Food Good Feelings.
For the more energetic, outside there will be football, hockey, tennis, climbing and mountain biking to try. New this year and to compliment the festival’s focus on health, local community classes and sports clubs will also be putting on fitness demonstrations throughout the day.
This year’s event has been made possible by the generous support of local companies and organisations, particularly Kippie Lodge, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership, Laings, The Deesidedly Tasty Company and Cala Homes.
The 2017 Deeside Local Food Festival promises to be a fun family event, it is free to enter and welcomes everyone!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/111737509511494
Morris Minor Car Rally
Organiser: Fyvie Castle
Where: Fyvie Castle, Turriff, Ellon AB53 8JS
Date: Sunday 17th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 16:00
Description: Come along and enjoy a great day out for all the family at Fyvie Castle. Our annual Morris Minor Car Rally has something for everyone – enjoy the experience of viewing a varied selection of vehicles from the past, of course including the famous Morris Minor
There will be a bouncy castle for the children, miniature train rides, dog show, craft fair in the racquets court, dancing display and lots more !
£3 Adults and concessions – under 16 free
Tickets on the Gate.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2012331118998149
Crathes: Nature Nippers Preschool Club: The Secret Garden
Organiser: North East Ranger Service
Where: Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5
Date: Tuesday 19th September 2017
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Description: Explore using your senses in the Wildlife Garden! There are lots of sights, smells, sounds and sensations to examine as we do some gardening and play some games.
Nature Nippers Club for children aged 5 and under.
Online Booking essential http://www.nts.org.uk
For more information and queries 01330 844810
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1444292138997693
Starry Skies at Haddo
Organiser: Haddo House & Country Park
Where: Haddo House & Country Park, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7EQ
Date: Friday 22nd September 2017
Time: 20:15 – 22:00
Description: Turning lights off is not just good for the planet – it also means dark skies and great opportunities for stargazing.
Come and join us during Climate Change Week to learn more about what to look for in the night sky, and maybe even a glimpse of the Northern Lights if we’re lucky.
Booking required – please email svsohaddo@gmail.com
£4 per person (includes tea/coffee).
In partnership with Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/370266103405588
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