KIDS STUFF I. n
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edinburgh
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WORLD OF ILLUSIONS
What’s in it for the kids? Endless hands-on fun, With holograms. Viewcams. giant pinhole cameras and the chance to spy on passers-by. What’s in it for you? Remarkably, an invention over 100 years old is JUSI as fascinating today. The special panoramic telescope lets you pick up pedestrians and buses in your hands. I Royal Mile, 226 3709. camera- obscuracouk
DEEP SEA WORLD
What’s in it for the kids? The world‘s longest moving walkway underneath a million gallons of shark-filled water. frenzied piranha feeds and cute seals being fed in the sanctuary.
What’s in it for you? The new shark
exhibition should prove entertaining for Jaws enthuSiasts. wrth a life-sized replica of a Great White alongSide real shark iaws and interactive screens.
I North Oueehsferry. 07383 47 1880. deepsea world. com
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL
What’s in it for the kids? A
smorgasbord of workshops for 5—1 1 - year-olds run at the Assembly Rooms.
What’s in it for you? The UK's largest science festival, With activities
to bring out the Einstein in you. See
Kids (page 63) for more. I0737 5575588. sciencefestival. co. uk
EDINBURGN'S EASTER FESTIVAL
What’s in it for the kids? A fun day out in the capital, with events in Princes Street Gardens from noon
onwards on Easter Sunday. Games.
' live music. circus skills. maypole
dancing, face painting and a
; mammoth Easter Egg Hunt are all on
the menu. Plus the annual cavalcade é along Princes Street.
What’s in it for you? All of the above
— free of charge! Anything which keeps
. kids happy and doesn't involve putting
: your hand in your pocket has to be a 3 winner.
I edi‘nburgheaster. co. uk
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all materials and firing.
WWW
1399, doodlesscotland. co. uk
/pottery painting
Nancy
her plate resembles congealed leftovers.
Thankfully, owner Holly Provan is on hand to suggest Nancy turn her abstract blob into a face, resulting in the above masterpiece. Provan has been running Doodles since 1999, offering a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in which to ‘unleash your creativity’. With over 300 items to choose from, budding artists can paint anything from mini animals and fridge magnets to picture frames, espresso cups and olive dishes. Prices start at £3 per item, plus a £5 studio fee per group which covers
Posterity is an alien concept to children. So asking my three-year-old daughter, Nancy, to paint something nice because we’ll ‘keep it forever’ proves futile. She’s well versed in the art of painting, splodging and smearing, and isn’t about to take advice from somebody who clearly isn’t. While I agonise over which base colour will best complement my speckled glaze top coat, she grabs a brush and gets stuck in. Unfamiliar with the idea of ‘Iess is more’, Nancy would happily work her way through the 80-plus colours Doodles has on its shelf, until
WDoodesopenmtDQprnflueeevaiiigsaweeKit'sageatplaceto gowithafewfriendsandabottieofwhejutevenwlthachldhtow, potterypahthgissuangelymlaxhgandmermeuflc‘llkedpahthga pichleofmyamtyonaplate,’saysNa'icy(mereeembianoetomysisteris umy).‘Andshegavemeniceidoe.’hdeed,Provm’sothertaleMis servhgtpaflneomofcofleeanduassofidoe-it’stlhtyworkbehg
I Doodles Ceramics Workshop, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, 229
18 THE LIST 30 Mar—13 Apr 2006
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Q EDINBURGH zoo
the burn inevitably lead to a game or six of Pooh Sticks, while an assortment of treasure (AKA seed cases, twigs and leaves) is carefully collected by James to take back to our house. Forty minutes after starting our walk we reach the edge of the park and head for home. James has already asked when he can see the animals again, stating: ‘l like the river and my sticksi’ I’ve got a feeling we’ll be returning soon. (Jo Ross) I Tol/cross Park, Welshot Road, Glasgow, 0141 763
7863
fwoodland walk
Lovely though many of Glasgow’s parks are, sometimes you fancy something slightly more rustic. Country parks deliver the requisite woodland walks, but can be an ordeal with a weary toddler in tow. Luckily, Tollcross Park has plenty to interest little ones while providing you with an easy nature trail and plenty of wildlife to boot.
We begin with the Children’s Farm. Shetland ponies, sheep, chickens and ducks give James (two and a half) lots of opportunities to practise his animal noises, while the peacocks that strut around the courtyard earn a hushed ‘Wowl’. The visitor centre nearby is a useful starting point for a wider exploration of the park. it houses animal displays, jigsaws and crayons to keep the kids occupied while grown ups can pick up a map and work out where to head next.
The park rangers offer free guided ‘Health Walks’, but James and I decide to do things at our own pace. Passing the refurbished winter gardens (which house a cafe), we follow signs for the Glen, a wooded area that runs alongside Tollcross Bum. With the water gurgling nearby we feel miles from the bustle of the city. Several bridges over
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What’s in it for the kids? Children are genetically programmed to find
animals fascinating, so just point them
at a giraffe and watch them gawp.
The daily Penguin Parade at 2.15pm is a sure-fire hit.
What’s in it for you? You're never
: too old to appreciate the cuteness of
j a baby meerkat.
f I Corstorphi‘ne Road, 334 97 7 7. ' edi'nburghzooorguk
FALCONRY SCOTLAND
2 What’s in it for the kids? The
chance to get up close and personal with a range of falconry, from hawks
and owls to magnificent eagles. All of
whom will happily sit on your big
leather glove.
What’s in it for you? If birds of prey float your boat. then you'll be in your element here. Pre-booking only.
3 I Da/hous/e Castle Hotel, Bonnyrigg.
078 75 825 728. falconryscot/and. co. uk
INCHCDLN ISLAND
What’s in it for the kids? Potential sightings of seals. dolphins and porpoises from the vantage point onboard the Maid of the Forth. What’s in it for you? Boarding at South Queensferry, this is a lovely trip down the Firth of Forth to lnchcolm
Island. There you get 90 minutes to explore the Abbey. make use of the picnic area or play on the beach. Family tickets available for £30.
I Maid of the Forth, South Oueensferry, 337 5000. maidoftheforth. co. uk
MIDLDTHIAN SKI CENTRE What’s in it for the kids? The Sno'Cats club for 7—12-year-olds meets every Saturday afternoon, With beginners' classes on both skis and snowboards held thr0ughout the weekend.
What’s in it for you? A chance to brush up on your winter sport skills Without leaving town. For beginners there are nursery slopes wrth ‘playgrass' for soft landing, plus challenging slopes for the more expenenced.
I Blggar Fioad, Hi/Iend, 445 4433. mid/othi'an. gov. uk