9 Events for families and young children
If you’re looking for ways to get the whole family involved in Refugee Festival Scotland this year, you’re in luck. From bug-building at the zoo to dancing capoeira in Glasgow, here are nine events that children and parents are sure to love.
All events are free or ticketed on a sliding scale, with free entry options for refugees and asylum seekers.
1. Wild Gardens and Wee Beasties at Edinburgh Zoo
When: Saturday 13 June, 10am – 4pm
Where: Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh
A day at the zoo with a difference. Children can get stuck into hands-on activities exploring the mini-beasts and wild spaces on their doorstep. It’s a brilliant way for young ones to connect with nature and meet new people at the same time. The activity itself is free, with entry to the zoo available to book in advance or on the day.
2. Wild Gardens and Wee Beasties at Highland Wildlife Park
When: Saturday 13 June, 10am – 4pm
Where: RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie
Can’t make it to Edinburgh? The same brilliant activity programme is also running at the Highland Wildlife Park on the very same day. Head into the green spaces, help your little ones build a bug hotel or butterfly feeder, and spend the afternoon exploring Scotland’s spectacular wildlife in one of the country’s most special settings.
3. Journeys of Joy: A Refugee Day Out at Loch Lomond
When: Saturday 20 June, 10am – 5 pm
Where: Loch Lomond Shores
Women ActiveWorks Society is hosting a welcoming, family friendly day trip to Loch Lomond as part of Scottish Refugee Festival Week. The event brings together refugee and asylum seeking families for a restorative day in nature, offering a chance to relax, connect and experience one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Participants will enjoy guided walks, shared meals, gentle outdoor activities and opportunities to build friendships in a safe, culturally sensitive environment.
When: Sunday 21 June, 12–3pm
Where: The Hidden Gardens, 25A Albert Drive, Glasgow
Round off the festival in the most magical way possible. On the last day of Grace Browne’s exhibition, the Hidden Gardens play host to a relaxed outdoor picnic with artist workshops for all the family.
There’s also an interactive memory game exploring how migrants and refugees shape Glasgow’s collective memory. All ages welcome, and it’s completely free.
5. Capoeira 4 Scotland – A Taste of Capoeira
When: Multiple sessions, 13–20 June (kids sessions suitable for ages 5+)
Where: Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church, 23 Saltoun Street, Glasgow
This is one to get kids jumping out of their seats. Capoeira 4 Scotland is offering taster sessions throughout the festival week, bringing the vibrant Afro-Brazilian martial art to families in Glasgow. Children’s sessions run on Saturday 13 June (12:30–1:30pm), Wednesday 17 June (3:30–4:30pm), Thursday 18 June (3:30–4:30pm) and Saturday 20 June (12:30–1:30pm).
6. Patchwork Quilt Making Workshops
When: 16 and 17 June, 3-7pm
Where: The Suttie Arts Space – Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Foresterhill, Aberdeen
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Project and Exhibitions Team are hosting a series of free drop-in quilt-making workshops with Refugee Festival Scotland, Healing Arts Scotland participants, Cornhill Primary School class and Aberdeen City Council’s Social Work Team’s Young Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking participants.
Participants are invited to create their own vibrant quilt hexagons using an exciting mix of materials from fabric scraps and recycled clothing to unexpected items like old sports gear. No need to book, just drop in!
7. A Warm Welcome: Dundee’s Celebration for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
When: Sunday 21 June, 12–3pm
Where: Baxter Park, Arbroath Road, Dundee
Round off the festival with this joyful community celebration in Dundee’s beautiful Baxter Park. Organised by ScrapAntics to mark their tenth anniversary, the day features Loose Parts Play, face painting, henna, music, football, arts and more — and you’re invited to bring food to share with your neighbours. Partners including V&A Dundee and Dundee International Women’s Centre will be on hand, making this a wonderful opportunity to find out about local organisations and meet people from all walks of life. No booking needed.
8. Hebridean Refugee Festival – Family Crafts
When: Saturday 13 June, 2pm
Where: An Lanntair Arts Centre, Stornoway
Happening all the way out in the Outer Hebrides, the Hebridean Refugee Festival packs a full programme of events into nine days, including a dedicated family crafts session. Alongside the crafts, the wider programme includes film screenings, talks from refugees sharing their personal journeys, and a community food festival. It’s a festival within a festival, and a wonderful reason for a family trip to the islands.
9. Music, Meals and a Multicultural World
When: Saturday 13 June, 2-6pm
Where: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall Street, Glasgow
Music, Meals & Many Cultures is a collaboration between Inclusive Homework Club, Unity Sisters, My Academic Family, and Kinning Park Complex that celebrates the many cultures that make up our local community.
This event aims to welcome adults and children with activities and games appropriate for everyone. We will have a drumming workshop, a ceilidh, a bouncy castle, and face painting!
Check out the full festival programme to see what else is happening near you.
Refugee Festival Scotland 2026 is made possible with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland and Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery.
