From Highland Games to ceilidhs, to summer storytelling, music festivals and even Jedi training – Stirling has everything you could ever want for a school holiday your family will never forget!
Bridge of Allan Highland Games
Visit this beautiful Victoria spa town for a unforgettably Scottish day out on Sunday 6 August. There will be Highland dancing, pipe bands, and a full programme of traditional Highland Games competitions covering athletics, cycling, heavyweights, tossing the caber, and wrestling. There will be plenty of interesting stalls to browse as well as food stands and even an adjoining fairground for the kids. Bus and car parking is free and there are two car parks. That’s one day out sorted! For info: http://bofagames.com/
Summer fun outdoor sessions at the Helix
The Helix Park has organised a packed programme of fun outdoor activities for the wee ones from the 7th of July until the 17th of August. There are sessions for all ages and interests, from the Under 5s Hungry Caterpillar and Incy Wincy Spider, to 5-8 years Woodland Treasure Hunts and Jedi Training, right to Mad Scientists and Den Building for those who’re 8 plus, to Fire and Food Sessions for kids over 10! For these and even more ideas, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/all-events/helix-summer-outdoor-fun-sessions/
Summer Ceilidhs
These have become one of Stirling’s ‘must-do’ summer events and sell out quickly, so do book now. They are suitable for all the family, locals and visitors alike, and for anyone who likes a jig, no matter whether they know the dances or not. These ceilidhs will gently introduce you to ceilidh culture, with dances led by a ‘caller’ who will talk you right through the moves. The ceilidh band features some of Scotland’s finest musicians and is a brilliant way to meet new friends and enjoy a great night out. They run on 12 July, 3 and 23 August at The Tolbooth, Stirling. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/
Doune the Rabbit Hole
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to introduce your kids to Festival culture, then this it. Doune the Rabbit Hole is an intimate, independent music & arts festival located amidst the glorious ancient oak trees of the Cardross Estate, near the Lake of Menteith in Stirlingshire. The Festival started life in 2010, at a site near Doune (hence the name!) and for the last seven years has been growing in popularity and celebrating the very best of Scotland’s independent/DIY arts scene alongside amazing international guests. This is a fabulous event for all the family on the weekend of 18-20 August. For tickets: http://dounetherabbithole.co.uk/
Stirling Highland Games
One of the City of Stirling’s signature annual events, Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions. The games field behind Stirling Sports Village offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. There’s a full programme of traditional events that include running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. Enjoy piping performances throughout the day, too. In addition, the Traders Village will present its own foodie festival, with great Scottish fayre on offer. Sample from the hog roast, craft beers, Prosecco bar, ice creams, preserves, and whisky stalls. And get hands-on with some foodie activities with the experts. http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/
Summer Story Trails
Need something quieter for the very little ones? Then join storyteller Daniel Serridge for a story walk around some of Stirling University’s most interesting sculptures this summer. Dress for the weather and bring your sling or all-terrain buggies. A brilliant activity for kids ages 0 to 6 years and their grown-ups. These run on 1, 8 Aug 10-10:45am. 1, 8 Aug 11-11:45am. 1, 8 Aug 12-12:45pm. 1, 8 Aug 2-2:45pm from the Macrobert Arts Centre. For tickets, see: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/summer-story-trails-age-2—7/
There is a packed programme of events for families at the Helix this year,
and why not see the Kelpies, too
Enjoy a story walk with your little ones in the beautiful Stirling University campus
Photo credits:
- Stirling Highland Games images kindly supplied by Stirling Highland Games, and copyright Bryan Robertson.
- Stirling University Image: By University of Stirling (University of Stirling) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons