Looking for some fun things to do with your family this summer? Whether you’re into arts and culture, love theatre festivals, or just want some family-friendly fun, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has got you covered. The Fringe is back, and it's the world's biggest arts festival. If you're planning a trip to Edinburgh to catch some amazing shows, this guide is for you.
What is the Edinburgh Fringe?
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a huge celebration of arts and culture. For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh comes alive with artists and performers from all over the world. There are shows in hundreds of places, from theatres to bars, parks, and even some unusual spots. The street events are full of life and offer free entertainment for everyone.
The festival includes big names in entertainment as well as new artists who are looking to make a name for themselves. You can find every type of live performance from theatre, comedy, dance, circus, children’s shows, musicals and more!
When is the Fringe 2024?
In 2024, Fringe starts from August 2 to 26.
Whether you’re looking to dance with your baby at a fun disco, laugh along with mum comedians, or plan a dad’s night out, this year’s Fringe has something for both parents and little ones. Here’s your guide to the best baby-friendly events, mum and dad shows, and performances that will make your whole family smile.
Baby shows at Edinburgh Fringe
Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall
Why settle for a gentle toddle when your little one can groove to an energetic dance party? DJ Monski Mouse transforms the stage into a high-energy dance hall, featuring a mix of retro beats and lively nursery rhymes. This award-winning show turns the conventional baby entertainment on its head with non-stop music and movement. It’s the ultimate disco extravaganza where tiny toes and big smiles reign supreme. Perfect for parents looking for a fun way to engage their young ones in music and movement.
Date: Aug 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
Time: 50 minutes
Ticket Range: £3 for Kids (0-18 months), £11 for Adults
Age: 0-5 years
Book Tickets: Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall
Bubba-licious
If you're searching for a sensory spectacle that will captivate your baby’s senses, look no further. Bubba-licious is an immersive experience filled with vibrant colours, soothing sounds, and magical movements. Featuring engaging puppetry, playful clowning, bubbling fun, and enchanting shadow play, this show is tailored to delight and stimulate the youngest audience members. Ideal for parents seeking a sensory-rich experience that entertains while also encouraging sensory development.
Date: Aug 3-11, 13-18, 20-25
Time: 30 minutes
Ticket Range: Pay What You Can ticket options are: £2.50, £5, £7.50 and £10
Age: 0-4 years
Book Tickets:Bubba-licious
The Amazing Bubble Man
Louis Pearl is a beloved fixture at the Edinburgh Fringe, having sold out for the past 14 years. For over 30 years, he's amazed audiences around the world with his mind-blowing bubble shows.
In The Amazing Bubble Man, you’ll be transported into a magical world where bubbles become mesmerising art. Watch as bubbles of all shapes and sizes float, swirl, and pop in ways that will astonish both kids and adults. This show is perfect for a family outing, offering a fun and enchanting experience that celebrates the simple joy of bubbles. If you’re looking for a touch of magic and a lot of fun, this is the show for you!
Date: Aug 3-12, 15-20, 23-26
Time: 1 hour
Ticket Range: Price starts at £9
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a tickets
Age: All ages
Book tickets: The Amazing Bubble Man
Children shows at Edinburgh Fringe
A Bee Story
Looking for a fun and educational show for the kids? A Bee Story might be just what you need! This uniquely Australian physical theatre show is perfect for children and families. It’s packed with circus acts, acrobatics, dance, and live music, all while telling the tale of Queen Bee and Worker Bee rebuilding their hive after a bushfire. With themes of environmentalism, sustainability, and community spirit, it’s not only entertaining but also meaningful. Watch as the bees demonstrate their incredible pollen-collecting, honey-making, and superbee strength in this enchanting adventure.
Date: Aug 3-11, 13-18, 20-25
Time: 50 mins
Ticket Range: £13.50
Babes in arms policy: Children under 18 months don’t require ticket
Age: 3+ (3-12)
Book tickets: A Bee Story
Blue Badge Bunch
Ever wondered what it's like to draw with your feet or make lunch with one hand? Blue Badge Bunch is the disability Taskmaster show that brings these challenges to life. Hosted by comedian Benny Shakes, this interactive show pits two teams against each other in a series of hilarious tasks where having a disadvantage is actually an advantage. It’s a perfect way to enjoy an afternoon, no matter your abilities, with plenty of charm and humour.
Date: Aug 3-11, 13-18, 20-25
Time: 1 hour
Ticket range: £12
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
Age: 5+ (5 and older)
Book tickets: Blue Badge Bunch
Ice Dragon
Do your kids love magical stories? Ice Dragon is the latest from Dragon Song Productions, featuring seasonal dragons teaming up to solve a mystery with the help of a badger, a rabbit, and a fox. With lots of music, song, and dance, this interactive show involves the whole audience with dressing-up, puppets, sensory lights, and more. It’s a fabulous way to spend an afternoon full of magic and fun!
Date: Aug 5-11
Time: 1 hour
Ticket range: £10
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
Age: 0+ (0-6)
Book tickets: Ice Dragon
Mum shows at Edinburgh Fringe
Two Mums
Looking for a night of fun with a relatable mum story? Check out Two Mums_,_ Shaun Prendergast’s acclaimed play about unconventional motherhood. Follow the journey of Lucinda and Natasha as they navigate surrogacy and single parenthood, inspired by real-life experiences like baby loss and international fertility treatments. This play mixes comedy with heartfelt moments, offering a blend of humour and empathy. Perfect for anyone curious about the trials of modern parenting, Two Mums is a touching and funny portrayal of the lengths people go to build a family.
Date: Aug 2-10
Time: 50 mins
Ticket Range: Price starts at £5
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
Book tickets: Two Mums
Bad Mums
Gill Cordiner and Nikki Valentine bring their unfiltered, hilarious take on motherhood to the stage in Bad Mums. With stories that are both outrageous and relatable, this show promises a night of laughter and camaraderie. Perfect for mums looking to unwind and enjoy a comedy night out, Bad Mums explores the messiness of parenting with wit and humor. It’s outrageously funny, it’s an ideal choice for a girls’ night out or a fun evening with fellow mums.
Date: Aug 2-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-25
Time: 1 hour
Ages: 18+ (Restriction)
Ticket Range: Price starts at £13
Babes in arms policy: Babies are not allowed in the venue
Book Tickets: Bad Mums
The Momma Drama presents Stretchmarks!
The Momma Drama presents Stretchmarks! is a delightful, original play by mums for mums, exploring the highs and lows of motherhood with humour and warmth. This show takes audiences on a relatable journey through the adventures of parenthood, celebrating the growth and challenges that come with it. It’s a feel-good performance that resonates with anyone who has navigated the ups and downs of raising children. We love it because it celebrates motherhood with a fun, engaging perspective, offering both laughs and heartfelt moments.
Date: Aug 2-10
Time: 1 hour
Ages: Suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
Ticket Range: Price starts at £5
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a tickets
Book Tickets: The Momma Drama presents Stretchmarks!
Dad show at Edinburgh Fringe
Daddy Issues
If you’re after a dad’s night out with friends, upcoming comedian and Tik Tok star Dom Hatton-Woods has you covered with his new work-in-progress show, Daddy Issues. This performance offers a witty and insightful portrayal of fatherhood and family dynamics. With a mix of humour and reflection, it’s an engaging choice for anyone interested in comedy that delves into personal and family life. It’s a hit because it combines laughs with thoughtful observations about family life, making it a great pick for both parents and older kids.
Dates: Aug 11-25
Time: 45 minutes
Ages: 18+ (Restriction)
Ticket Range: Free
Babes in arms policy: Babies are not allowed in the venue
Book Tickets: Daddy Issues
Shows for the whole family at Edinburgh Fringe
The Smeds and the Smos
Looking for a fun family outing? The Smeds and the Smos is a fantastic choice! This show brings to life the charming story from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved book, featuring aliens who fall in love despite their families' differences. With lively music, vibrant visuals, and exciting space adventures, it’s perfect for kids aged 3 and up. It’s a joyful, imaginative experience that the whole family can enjoy together!
Dates: Aug 3-6, 8-13, 15-18
Time: 1 hour
Ages: 3+ (3-10)
Ticket Range: Price starts at £13
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a tickets
Book Tickets: The Smeds and the Smos
101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents and Other Really Old People
This comedy takes a funny and easy-going look at how different generations interact within families. It’s designed to make both kids and parents laugh, making it a great choice for a family-friendly night out.
Dates: Aug 2-18
Time: 50 minutes
Ages: Suitability: 5+ (5-13)
Ticket Range: Pay What You Can ticket options are: £2.50, £5, £7.50 and £10
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a tickets
Book Tickets: 101 Ways to Annoy Your Parents
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.