When you’ve had enough of tablets and tantrums, why not introduce your kids to a little culture over the summer holidays? Here’s our pick of where to go and what to see…
Theatre
If your kids are old enough to sit still for an hour or two, there are plenty of theatre events just for families. Try A Bee Story, an Australian tale that features a dazzling mix of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It’s on at the Lemon Tree on July 27th and 28th with tickets costing £11.
Make a day of it at Castle Fraser Estate on July 18th . Pack a picnic, rugs and blankets and enjoy an outdoor production of Angela Sprocket’s Pockets. It’s an afternoon family show featuring live music, puppetry, audience interaction and a little madness!
History and heritage
We have some amazing castles and heritage sites across the shire. With younger kids, it’s best to visit sites that are already ruined or where the exterior and grounds can be visited for free, as it’s difficult for an eight-year-old to feel interested by endless painted ceilings. Huntly and Slains Castle are great for this.
Aden Country Park near Mintlaw is home to the Museum of Farming Life which regularly hosts events over the summer. Take the kids back in time to see what life was like before people had the internet and shared a bedroom with their livestock. The park is also a great place to burn off some energy.
If old cars are likely to appeal, Grampian Transport Museum in Alford is always worth a visit, especially on days when you can take a ride in retro vehicles or there’s a classic car event. Check out what’s happening at gtm.org.uk/events/
Art
Aberdeen Art Gallery is free and often hosts special events for kids over the summer. Little ones will love Guthrie’s Goslings, a monthly event where young visitors are introduced to a different artwork or theme accompanied by a mix of music, dance, craft activities and games. Upcoming themes include dancing with Degas, and a messy tea party. Places cost £7 from thelittleboxoffice.com/aagm/book/event/169224, but they sell out quickly. With older kids you could have an Art Treasure Hunt where they have to find paintings that include things like a dog or a pair of gloves, or are by certain artists.
The Milton Art Gallery is pretty welcoming if your kids are well behaved and don’t touch the sculptures. It makes a good day out as there’s a playpark, pretty riverside walks and a café at Milton of Crathes. Take a wander through the estate grounds at Crathes Castle just across the road and gather ideas for making your own pictures at home.
Music
Opera is probably a bit of a stretch, given that most adults would struggle to sit through five hours of Wagner, but there are free 30 minute musical concerts each Thursday in July. They take place at noon in the Art Gallery and 2pm in the Maritime Museum.
Dance
The Cowdray Hall offers a monthly morning disco with DJ Nina. Coffee, cakes and juices are available to buy from the café. Aberdeen Art Gallery Family tickets for up to two adults and three children
cost £13. You can book via thelittleboxoffice.com/aagm/book/event/157182
Cheapies and freebies
Adding some culture to the summer holidays needn’t be expensive. There are lots of interesting free museums and galleries in the city and beyond. Under-fives travel free on buses and older kids do too provided they have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card. Get a Dayrider ticket for the adults, pack some sandwiches and you could have a family day out for under a tenner.