EDINBURGH 2026: Pick of the Programme - Children's Shows
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from 7-31 August 2026
With over 3000 shows now on sale for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, trying to narrow down what to see can be a bit of a task. BWW Scotland editor Natalie O'Donoghue has selected her top ten picks across different categories in the festival programme to highlight the children's shows you really don't want to miss this year!
Join 'everyone's favourite pantomime dame!' (Metro) and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, Mama G, on an award-winning, panto adventure for the whole family. Book Worm is livid that encyclopaedias give people so much knowledge, so decides to steal all the books from Mama G's library! Mama G vows to save the day by proving that books can help make the world a better place. But she can't do it alone! Enter the mysterious and wonderful Magic Bookmark... She needs your help too, to discover why everyone deserves to be part of the story!
Don’t miss this extraordinary one-of-a-kind puppet performance… a small show with big ideas! Meet Grey. Our journey begins as Grey finds themself trapped inside a jar, unable to remember why, and wondering how to be free… Watch Grey’s story unfold (literally!) from a single suitcase, on a journey towards a brighter future, with magical pop-ups, puppetry and shadows. SeedHeart tells the important tale of how Earth changed since humans came along, with interactive chaos in the laboratory on the way!
Enter the Dojo and train like a ninja in this high-energy, interactive comedy experience from the international hit BATSU! Your whole family can join the action, take on ridiculous challenges and awaken your warrior spirit. You'll test your focus, teamwork and ability to rise to the moment. But beware! The mischievous Spirit of Batsu is watching, ready to disrupt your training. To succeed, you'll need to work together and give it everything you've got. You have to go for it! You have to GANBA!!
A drag show for kids about the science of rainbows! Join New Zealand superstar Hugo Grrrl for a musical, magical adventure exploring the skies above. Can you help find Ray The Sun, Misty The Cloud and Wayne The Rain? Maybe even the fabulous Archie The Rainbow?! Together our weathery friends make the mysteries of meteorology fun, all while proving the power of glitter, dress-ups and friendship through original songs, stories and – of course – outrageous costumes. Best for 2-10 year olds and neurodiverse friends, but even big kids will love this wholesome, goofy and glamorous experience.
Boys Don’t Dance is a poignant dance theatre show by acclaimed disabled artist Marc Brew, reflecting on his lifelong journey defying societal expectations to embrace his love for dance. Combining movement with BMX and wheels, storytelling, lighting and an uplifting 80s soundtrack – alongside visual projections and animation, creating an immersive experience for audiences. Boys Don’t Dance celebrates individuality and the liberating power of dance, encouraging audiences to embrace their unique passions and find strength in their differences. Commissioned by Imaginate and Aberdeen Performing Arts, supported by OneRen. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com.
Family workshop suitable for children aged three to seven with parents or carers, but all welcome to participate in whatever way they feel capable. We involve everyone: skip, clap and march together to traditional Scottish music. Enjoy simple (often simplified) dances that you might find at a ceilidh or Scottish country dance. Hugely popular with local families, now it's your turn. Bring Mum or Dad along to partner you under the chandeliers! Children should be accompanied by an adult who is willing to join in. One adult can dance with two children.
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Smashing swear-free stand-up! Splendidly silly sketches! Superb cabaret extravaganzas! Every day brings a fresh line-up, new reasons to giggle and the chance to see exactly why, in August 2025, we won the Edinburgh Comedy Awards' panel prize for embodying the true 'spirit of the Fringe'.
In 2026, a crack amphibian plumbing unit was locked up by a clammy court for a contamination crime they didn't commit. They escaped from a maximum-security slimy slammer to the city sewers. If you have a pollution problem and no one else can help, if you can find them, you can hire... Frogs in Bogs! Superhero frog plumbers, Turner and Constable, must crack a contamination crime, smash the Megaclog and defeat the evil Cwac-Ty-Bach in this blockbusting amphibian comedy. Polish your plungers – Frogs in Bogs need you! Warning! Contains poo! May entertain teenagers!
Madame Chandelier's Grand Theft Opera
When Madame Chandelier's daughter gets sucked into her video game and is kidnapped by the evil Queen of the Night, there's only one thing to do – gather opera's fiercest characters for an epic battle. Will Carmen, Tosca and Madame Butterfly help defeat the ultimate boss, or will all arias lead to death?
FoRT: A multi award-winning show inspired by the timeless craft of turning living rooms upside down. Watch and be amazed as everyday objects transform into fantastical places to play and explore using ridiculous clowning, spectacular acrobatics and beautiful visual imagery. This is an inspiring and delightful new theatrical experience that you and the whole family will enjoy.
The full programme is available at www.edfringe.com
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