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**
Gordon’s Mills Loose Parts Play
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Gordon Mills Road Play Park
Date: Friday 7th April 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Description: Aberdeen Play Forum is hosting a play session at Gordon Mills Road Play park!
No need to book or pay, just come along and play!
Bus Route: Gordon Mills Road – Bus no. Platinum 19
Meadow Place – Bus no. 8,9, Platinum 19
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.
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!
Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer at sessions, and Aberdeen Play Forum are not responsible for participants. 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 or will not attend; participants use their own discretion; 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.
All of our Play Rangers are trained in first aid. Each Play Ranger Carries with them a rucksack which contains: First Aid Kit, Poo Bags, Wipes, Bin bags and a copy of our Policies&Procedures/Risk Benefit Assessments.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/434907806856718
Coastal Play
Organiser: Bettridge Centre
Where: Coastal Park, Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire AB39 3UL
Date: Saturday 8th April 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/1829449473961928
Megga Family Fun Day
Organiser: Aberdeenshire UK Mega 2019
Where: Dess, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5BD
Date: Saturday 8th April 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Join the Aberdeenshire Mega 2019 team for a day of fun with a climbing wall, bouncy castle and body zorbs.
Farmer Ken will be on the BBQ, there’ll be a tuck shop and candy floss too!
We have an amazing facepainter coming along as well as lots of games throughout the day.
Easter family fun for kids of all ages
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/258425804602191
Puppet Animation Festival: Jack and the Beans Talk
Organiser: APA Events
Where: 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT
Date: Saturday 8th April 2017
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00PM
Description: Puppet Animation Festival: Jack and the Beans Talk
Garlic Theatre
Was it a dream or did I hear a talking bean?
Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen. Imagine his surprise when he swops his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky …
Charming and inventive with plenty of interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and a smelly old giant, Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window!
A fresh and funny retelling of the traditional story and an ideal gentle introduction to theatre, from the company that brought you Shoe Kangaroo and the Big Bad Boot, Billy Goats Gruff and There’s A Monster in My Piano.
“We had a fabulous afternoon with the wonderful Garlic Theatre Company who retold a traditional tale using their beautiful, ingenious puppets. Jack and the Beans Talk had all the classic characters and kept us enthralled!†Audience Member
Duration: 45 mins
Ages: 3-7 years
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/288664544886620
Cinema at the Barn
Organiser: The Barn
Where: Woodend Barn, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QA
Description: CINEMA LISTINGS AT THE BARN / APRIL – JUNE
SUNDAY 9 APRIL @ 1.30PM – MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO (PG)
This acclaimed animated tale by director Hayao Miyazaki follows schoolgirl Satsuke (Dakota Fanning) and her younger sister, Mei (Elle Fanning), while they encounter and befriend playful spirits in their new house and the nearby forest, most notably the massive cuddly creature known as Totoro. part of MiniFest.
BOOK TICKETS: https://goo.gl/GmVRbs
WED 12 APRIL @ 2.00PM – The BFG (PG)
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, and directed by Steven Spielberg, we’re delighted to screen the latest film adaptation of The BFG this school holidays.
BOOK TICKETS: https://goo.gl/pzKZar
WED 12 APRIL @ 7.30PM – The Danish Girl (15)
A fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda’s marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.
BOOK TICKETS: https://goo.gl/6xmXry
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1478400878839501
Design Your Own Ceramics – Workshops for Children
Organiser: The Gordon Highlanders Museum
Where: St. Luke’s Viewfield Road, Aberdeen, AB15 7XH
Date: Monday 10th April 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 12:00PM OR 14:00PM – 15:00PM
Description: 2 x Easter Holiday Craft Workshops for Children.
Children will be invited to choose from a range of plain ceramic/porcelain items including mugs, magnets, hanging decorations and decorative pots.
They will use special porcelain pens to create designs of their choosing.
Suitable for children 4-12 years old.
Booking Required £3.00 per child (no charge for accompanying adults).
To book, please email alice.walton@gordonhighlanders.com or telephone 01224 498926
Website: http://www.gordonhighlanders.com/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1911885985764742
Balnagask Cirlce Loose Parts Play
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Balnagask Circle Play Park AB11 8TT
Date: Monday 10th April 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 4:30PM
Description: Aberdeen Play Forum is hosting a play session at Balnagask Circle Play Park!
No need to book or pay, just come along and play!
Bus Route: Balnagask Cirlce – Bus no. 5,
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.
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!
Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer at sessions, and Aberdeen Play Forum are not responsible for participants. 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 or will not attend; participants use their own discretion; 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.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1809172012681722
Melting Medals Craft Workshops for Children
Organiser: The Gordon Highlanders Museum
Where: St. Luke’s Viewfield Road, Aberdeen, , AB15 7XH
Date: Tuesday 11th April 2017
Time: 11:00AM – 12:30PM OR 14:00PM – 15:30PM
Description: Easter Holiday Craft Sessions for Children at The Gordon Highlanders Museum
Children will be invited to see and learn about some of the Museum’s most impressive medals. Then using foam, plastic cups, pens and the magic of science they will be able to design and create their own medals to take away with them.
Suitable for children 4 – 12 years old.
Booking Required. £3.00 per child (no charge for accompanying adults).
To book, please email alice.walton@gordonhighlanders.com or telephone 01224 498926
Website: http://www.gordonhighlanders.com/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/717086931803687
Bumps, Buggy and Babywearing Walk – Haddo House
Organiser: NCT Aberdeen City & Shire
Where: Haddo House, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 7
Date: Tuesday 11th April 2017
Time: 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: Come join us for a walk and play at Haddo House. Meet at the information board in the car park.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nctaberdeencityandshire/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/798341993648943
Puppet Animation Festival: Willie the Wicked Wolf
Organiser: Bettridge Centre
Where: Coastal Park, Newtonhill, Aberdeenshire AB39 3UL
Date: Tuesday 11th April 2017
Time: 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Description: Willie is an outrageous but loveable rogue, whose interests include food, motorbikes and rock’n’roll. He plans to eat Granny and Red Riding Hood but fails miserably because of his unreliable motorbike. Luckily Granny is a good mechanic. Unluckily she is not a good driver…how will it end? Happily of course, if the audience helps!
The puppets are all hand operated within a rickety seaside style puppet booth, which heaves around alarmingly throughout the performance issuing bubbles, smoke, occasional jets of water and a variety of props.
Suitable for children aged 5+
Tickets: Full £7, OAP £7, Concession £6, Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £24
Website: http://www.bettridgecentre.org.uk/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1871116693109913
Easter Egg Hunt!
Organiser: Gaelic Playgroup Aberdeen (Croileagan Obar Dheathain)
Where: Hazelhead Woods, Aberdeen AB15 9
Date: Wednesday 12th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 11:55AM
Description: Easter Egg Hunt!
A fundraising event to take part in our traditional egg hunt, decorate and roll eggs, have a picnic and explore some spring activities. Contributions to the picnic are welcome.
£5 per family and all proceeds will be used to buy new books, DVD’s and hopefully make a reading corner.
These will be available to borrow home, as well as used in the sessions.
Everyone welcome – siblings, friends, gme, sgoil araich etc x
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/croileagan/home
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1440885315936325
Don’t forget we have an events calendar with the latest events for kids and families in Aberdeen City & Shire!
Beech Road Loose Parts Play
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Beech Road Play Park AB16 7UR
Date: Wednesday 12th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Description: Aberdeen Play Forum is hosting a play session at Beech Road Play Park!
No need to book or pay, just come along and play!
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/195970194227591
Queens Link Loose Parts Play
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Queens Links Play park AB24 5NR
Date: Wednesday 12th April 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Description: Aberdeen Play Forum is hosting a play session at Queens Links Play park!
No need to book or pay, just come along and play!
Bus Route: Beach Esplanade – Bus no.15
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/997472027051099
Puppet Animation Festival: Dinosaur Detectives
Organiser: APA Events
Where: 5 West North Street, Aberdeen AB24 5AT
Date: Wednesday 12th April 2017
Time: 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Description: Puppet Animation Festival: Dinosaur Detectives
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
The Dinosaur Detectives weave their way through the audience looking for clues about the past, they discover a secret doorway, inside there are a number of cases, cases that contain the stories of the people who discovered dinosaur bones in Victorian times.
The Dinosaur Detectives follow a fascinating journey surrounding the first fossil finds of Mary Anning, William Buckland and Gideon Mantell. Their finds changed the face of history. A performance with rod puppets, shadow play and large-scale projections shows the fascination, fun and the conflict that surrounds the search for dinosaurs.
All the projections and puppetry are part of an open stage production. Clydebuilt also bring along a ‘Fossil Table’ for the end of the show where the audience can handle fossils including real bones and dinosaur poo!
Duration: 60 mins
Ages: 5 years +
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/723274147852649
Rock Pooling at Cove
Organiser: Aberdeen City Council Countryside Rangers
Where: Colsea Road, Cove Bay, Aberdeen AB12 3
Date: Thursday 13th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Description: Residents of the rock pools need to be tough as life is constantly changing and every tide may bring in new arrivals. Join a Countryside Ranger at Cove for an opportunity to explore the rock pools, meet some of the rock pool residents and create some wild beach art. Remember to bring wellies!
Meet at the Colsea Road car park. First Bus number 3 will take you to Cove Road.
Suitable for children aged 8 and up. Under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please call the Countryside Rangers on 01224 326429 or email countrysideranger@aberdeencity.gov.uk to book your place.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1256804821107232
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt
Organiser: Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
Where: Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate , Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5
Date: Friday 14th – Monday 17th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: The Easter Bunny has been up to his old tricks again! He’s left clues at Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate. Let your kids follow the clues, solve the puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward!
£3 per hunt (Usual entry prices apply if you’d like to visit the castle)
Once you have completed the egg hunt you can hop to your hearts content with a selection of inflatables provided by Team Challenge Company – Inflatable ticket: £3
Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/CrathesCastle
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1064866043622944
Cadbury’s Egg Hunt at Leith Hall
Organiser: Leith Hall Gardens & Estate
Where: Kennethmont, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4
Date: Friday 14th – Monday 17th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Easter has returned to Leith Hall!
Children entry is £2.50
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/638612246325026
Fun with Fossils
Organiser: Aberdeen Science Centre
Where: 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TU
Date: Friday 14th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Description: Join us for an exciting day of discover as we delve into the prehistoric and look at fossils, dinosaurs, and palaeontology!
This is a drop-in event from 10am-5pm.
The day will include:
Storytelling sessions
Dino dig pits for the younger visitors
Fossil finding activities
Hands-on activities on the exhibition floor with experiments you can try at home
Our dinosaur mural wall
Giants of the Past show
Make your own fossil workshop, come make your own fossils with us and take home a piece of the past!
Science demonstrations all about fossils
The fossil roadshow – meet expert palaeontologists and show them your fossils, they can identify fossils you bring from home
TED talk screening and live Q&A with Ken Lacovara – the ‘dino man’ shows you how hunting for dinosaurs showed him his place in the universe
Normal entry prices apply – £5.75 Adult, £4.50 Child, £18.00 Family
Website: http://aberdeensciencecentre.org/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1846112232323953
Fyvie Castle Cadbury’s Easter Egg Trail
Organiser: Fyvie Castle
Where: Fyvie Castle, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire AB53 8JS
Date: Friday 14th, Sunday 16th & Monday 17th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: Come do the Easter Egg trail in the beautiful grounds of Fyvie Castle
No booking necessary.
Trail sheets only £2 per child.
Castle, Tearoom, and Shop open as normal.
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/131429714057677
NTS/Cadbury Egg Hunt
Organiser: Haddo House & Country Park
Where: Haddo House & Country Park, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, AB41 7EQ
Date: Friday 14th – Monday 17th April 2017
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Description: £3 per child per hunt
Collect your hunt map, follow the clues, solve the puzzle and claim your chocolatey reward! Each hunt is completely different – the perfect excuse to hop along to more than one! To have the most fun, we recommend you visit our Cadbury Egg Hunt on Friday, Saturday or Monday – there’ are 2 Easter events taking place on the Sunday, so it’ll be eggstra busy!
£3 per hunt (Usual entry prices apply if you’d like to visit the house).
For further information please call 01651 851440
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After the successful trial last year, all vehicle entry to Haddo on Easter Sunday (Sunday only, does not apply to Friday, Saturday or Monday) will be by pre-booked parking pass only.
Passes will be available at visithaddo.com from 11am on Saturday 11th March, a second batch will be available from 11am on Saturday 18th March.
You can also purchase passes from the Visitor Centre between midday and 4pm on Saturday 11th and Saturday 18th March.
Passes will cost £5 per car. This charge only applies to vehicles entering the main gates, pedestrians/cyclists can enter for free and do not need a pass.
Website: http://visithaddo.com/
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1841181239464069
Seaton Park Loose Parts Play
Organiser: Aberdeen Play Forum
Where: Seaton Play park
Date: Friday 14th April 2017
Time: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Description: Aberdeen Play Forum is hosting a play session at Seaton Play park!
No need to book or pay, just come along and play!
Bus Route: Beach Esplanade – Bus no.15
Facebook Page/Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/805604179594282
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