FAMILY DAYS OUT
THE BEST FAMILY DAYS OUT THIS AUTUMN
From Vikings to an enchanted forest, there are plenty of ways to entertain the whole family this season, as Rowena McIntosh reveals
P H O T O © G R A H A M S M T H
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FORT VIKING FESTIVAL EXPLORATHON AT EDINBURGH ZOO
A Viking-centric day with interactive entertainment from the Glasgow Vikings. Enjoy falconry, a hog roast, storytelling, jewellery making, demonstrations and craft activities. ■ Fort Community Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 12 Sep, joininedinburgh.org/fort A mini science festival celebrating discovery. Join scientists from Heriot-Watt University to extract DNA from strawberries, watch protein crystals form, see inside your belly with mini-robotic sonopills and get creative at cartoon stations. ■ Edinburgh Zoo, Fri 25 Sep, edinburghzoo.org.uk
GLASGOW DOORS OPEN DAY THE ENCHANTED FOREST
A chance to learn more about the history of the city. Events specii cally aimed at youngsters include George Square Statues, where kids can draw and photograph statues before they come alive to tell their stories, and Glasgow’s Animal Magic, an architectural safari of animal sculptures around the city. ■ Various venues, Glasgow, Mon 14–Sun 20 Sep, glasgowdoorsopenday.com A stunning sound and light show that transforms Faskally Wood near Pitlochry in Perthshire, using dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score. Visit the Storytelling Yurt and marvel at the aerial artists performing in the treetops. ■ Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, Thu 1 Oct–Sun 1 Nov, enchantedforest.org.uk
CYCLEFEST GREAT SCOTTISH RUN SUPER SATURDAY
Under 15s go free to this weekend celebration of cycling. Check out the Savage Skills Stunt Team, Matti Hemmings BMX Flatland Display and Harry the bagpipe playing unicyclist. Kids activities include a bouncy castle, face painting, soft play and bubble football. ■ Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Sat 19 & Sun 20 Sep, cyclefestedinburgh.com A chance for younger runners to earn some race swag. Under i ves can test out Usain Bolt’s favoured distance in the free 100m toddler dash while children aged 3–8 can join their parents or guardians in the Family Mile. There’s also ‘come and try’ sports, music and giveaways throughout the day. ■ George Square, Glasgow, Sat 3 Oct, 10am, greatscottishrun.com
3 Sep–5 Nov 2015 THE LIST 21