Events for Children and Families
Published on 30-May-2023
By Shona McCallum, Refugee Festival Scotland volunteer
Refugee Festival Scotland 2023 is fast approaching! Our community and arts festival includes loads of events that are ideal for children and families!
Here are just some family events happening in different regions across Scotland:
GLASGOW
1. Picnic & Play at the Hidden Gardens
Where? The Hidden Gardens (25A Albert Drive, G41 2PE, Glasgow)
When? Saturday June 17th, 11am-3pm
What’s happening? This event is aimed at children aged 3-8 and their families. Join Licketyspit in the Hidden Gardens to play, sing, hear stories, and make crafts. This event will connect children to the natural world and their imaginations! A great picnic lunch will be provided by volunteers from Kin Kitchen.
The event is free. To register for the morning storyplay session and picnic contact ruby@licketyspit.com or text 07413800342.
Where? St Mary’s Tron Church (128 Red Road, G21 4PJ, Glasgow)
When? Saturday 17th June 12-3pm
What’s happening? This sports day, hosted by North East Glasgow Framework for Dialogue, is suitable for children, young people, and adults. There will be chances to exercise and get involved in sport activities such as jumping sacks, spoon race, balance bean race, and a football match.
This event aims to bring together people who have refugee and asylum experience with others from the local community for an afternoon of fun and exercise.
Lunch will be provided for free! No booking is required.
PAISLEY
3. Community Cohesion and Together As One
Where? The Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Road, PA3 1NT, Paisley
When? Saturday 17th June, 12-5pm
What’s happening? This is a barbeque get-together event hosted by the Cameroonian Association and Sympathisers in Scotland (CAMASS). There will be a free barbeque with delicious African food and attendees can enjoy live African drums played by children from School of African Culture. There will also be fun traditional games for parents and children hosted by Pachedu! All welcome!
EDINBURGH
Where? Ps and Gs Church, 46 York Place, EH1 3HP, Edinburgh
When? Friday June 16th, 3-5pm
What’s happening? This event, hosted by Ps and Gs Church, Edinburgh City Mission Salaam Club, and UK Welcome Churches, is a fun day for the whole family. There will be lots of activities such as a bouncy castle, face and nail painting, games, and crafts. This will be a welcome for international families. Snacks provided.
No booking required.
Where? Sandy Community Center, 76 Craigmillar Castle Avenue, EH16 4DW, Edinburgh
When? Saturday 17th June, Saturday 24th June, 3-5pm;
What’s happening? This event, hosted by Re-Act Refugee Action Scotland, is for children aged 8+. Taking place over two Saturdays, on the first day participants will learn to draw and photograph trees. On the following Saturday, these paintings and photos will be put into an exhibition in the same place.
No booking is required.
DUNDEE
Where? Camperdown Country Park, off Kingsway West, DD2 4TF, Dundee
When? Saturday June 17th, 12-3pm
What’s happening? This event, hosted by ScrapAntics, is a fun, outdoor get-together. There will be creative play activities, and a community barbeque. It is a chance to get to know other people from diverse backgrounds in the Dundee area. There will also be an opportunity to explore local nature and learn about wildlife from Dundee City Council Countryside ranger service. Families are encouraged to bring food to contribute with them, although some will be provided by ScrapAntics.
No booking is required.
Where? Broughty Ferry Beach, The Esplanade, DD5 2EG, Dundee / central meeting point at Dundee train station
When? Saturday 24th June, 12-4pm
What’s happening? This event, hosted by RSPB Scotland and Dundee Refugee Integration Network, is a fun day out to Broughty Ferry beach! It is open to families with refugee backgrounds currently living in Dundee. It will be a great chance to get to know the seaside, nature, and wildlife in Dundee. There will also be story-telling and activities for children and adults. It is a perfect day out for families. Lunch will be provided.
You can register for this event at Dundee@rspb.org.uk. Note that travel can be arranged for the group from Dundee Train Station!
ABERDEEN/ ABERDEENSHIRE
Where? Citymoves, The Anatomy Rooms, Shoe Land, AB10 1AL, Aberdeen
When? Sunday June 18th, 2-3pm
What’s happening? This event, hosted by What Moves You CIC, is a performance that is great for the whole family. It tells the story of the friendship between Jo and Selkie, which is inspired by Celtic folk tales. This will be performed by live music on the Bouzouki and songs by Quee McArthur, dance theatre, and simple English by the actors (Laura Booth and Niamh O’Loughlin). Children are able to play and join in through fun games.
Please book in advance by emailing citymoves@citymoves.org.uk
Where? Kellands Park, Kellands Road, Inverurie, AB51 3YL
When? Sunday 25th June, 2-4pm
What’s happening? This picnic, hosted by Friends of al-Amal, is a fun family get-together. Families are invited to bring food and drink along for a picnic. The event will have lots of sports and fun activities for children. It will be a good chance for families in the area to get to know each other! No booking is required.
HIGHLANDS
Where? Golspie Beach, Golspie Beach Car Park, KW10 6TQ, Golspie
When? Sunday 25th June, 11am-3pm
What’s happening? This wonderful event, hosted by Highland High Life Adult Learning, is an outdoor kite-making workshop led by Afghan families who have settled in the local community. Once the kites are made, they will be flown on the beach! This will be a good chance to share cultures, languages, and traditions and a sign of hope. There will be a quiz on Afghan cultural heritage throughout the day. Everyone is welcome and invited to bring a picnic.