Oh my goodness, time is whizzing by and here we are, prepping for another Edinburgh festival in only a few weeks time and I always have great intentions of compiling this list earlier and life seems to just have that habit of getting in the way ! The festival is starting a week later this year, on the 7th August so in only a few weeks we’ll be immersed in all the incredible things it has to offer…so still plenty of time to get prepped…
As always, it is so difficult to whittle down all the amazing children’s shows on offer into a top recommendations list – this year there are almost 150 children’s shows to choose from, and that’s not counting all the fantastic circus, magic, cabaret and music on offer too !! You can check them all out here ..
We have got some firm favourites returning, and I’ll be doing a separate top picks of shows for younger children, and once again for older kids/teens as my own family changes along the years…I am sure I will miss something new or exciting or unique – so please do get in touch with your own recommendations too ! I love discovering all that is on offer for the younger (and young-ish) audiences at the festival.
So, for 2026, our top recommendations are :
The Listies: 110% Ready – Dearest reader, if you are atall familiar with this blog, you will know that we are HUGE fans of The Listies and have been loving their shows at the fringe for around 10 years now and we will certainly not be missing out this year. The Listies have a unique ability to effortlessly entertain both adults and children and the giggling literally does not stop. My cheeks always ache from laughing after seeing this madcap duo. The Listies return with 110% Ready – a comedy disaster movie about the morning routine. Rich is determined to do the impossible: leave the house on time! Matt, however has other ideas. Expect a poop-load of puns, slapstick, a splash of improvisational idiocy and the Snot Ness Monster! Age 4+
The Elves and the Shoemaker – We first saw this back in 2012, when my children were much smaller…and I still remember it to this day which is the sign of a very great show ! Theatre of Widdershins make incredible puppets and intimate sets which are intricate and versatile and the storytelling weaves it all together brilliantly. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse make this show a magical must-see. Suitable for all ages and shoe sizes. Age 3 +
Showstopper! The Kids Show – This is another favourite of ours which is happily returning this year. You can imagine that asking an audience of children for the theme and characters for an improvised musical show has some pretty creative outcomes…and that’s the highlight of this show, which is never the same twice ! If your children could create their very own dream musical, where would they start? The Showstoppers turn your kids’ ideas into marvellous, mischievous adventures from scratch, in front of their noses. Kids decide where the story’s set, who the characters are and what happens next – and there’s lots of chances to join in! Age 5 +
The Truth About Trees – This looks like a cute little show with an appropriate environmental angle, in an intimate venue which may suit a younger audience better. When Alfie’s Grandpa reveals that paper, if made correctly, can tell the story of the tree it came from, Alfie isn’t sure whether to believe him. Once he starts to listen closely, Alfie realises that he is the only one listening. He must spring into action to save the trees from being chopped down. Told using actors, puppets and shadows, The Truth About Trees is a heartwarming story about nature, stories and standing up for what you believe in. Age 5 +
Hugo’s Rainbow Show – Now this looks very lovely indeed and something a little different to bring the kids along to…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. Ages 2- 10
Boys Don’t Dance – This was in Edinburgh as part of the imaginate and it looks really great and inspiring – 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. Age 8 +
The Mystery of Pleasance Two – Immersive and mysterious – this looks great ! Kids love something interactive and this looks like its got a sprinkling of everything – and who doesn’t love a good whodunnit?…Calling all trainee detectives! Join us for The Mystery of Pleasance Two, an award-winning, board game style theatre show where your skills are needed to solve this thrilling murder mystery. Team up with super sleuth Danyah Miller to navigate through secrets and surprises. We’ll examine evidence, inspect video footage and interrogate suspects, every clue bringing us closer to the truth. Can we crack the case together? Expect intrigue, mischief, spontaneity and a sprinkle of magic. Get involved… get it solved! Age 8 +
Anatomy of the Piano (for beginners) – Now, I’m biased as I LOVE this venue – the Pianodrome is incredible and really needs to be experienced to see how enchanting it is, created entirely out of old abandoned pianos, all set in a round beautiful immersive space. So this is the ideal opportunity – take in a great kids show at the same time and see the magic of the Pianodrome ! A boy asks for a spaceship but gets a piano. The award-winning show of playful piano dissection, virtuosity and storytelling, featuring Bach’s wig, Beethoven’s moods and jamming with Fats Waller. Age 5+
Mark Watson Tries to Impress Children, for Some Reason – I have no idea what this will be like, but it’s brave to venture into doing a kids show, so let’s see what happens ! Mark Watson has done almost everything in comedy: awards, worldwide festivals, Taskmaster, other TV, radio, you name it. But not a kids’ show. Not until now. Is this wise? Age 5+
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Ten Thousand Hours – Gravity and Other Myths are bringing this well loved show back to the fringe again this year, and I know we’ve picked it as a top choice before, but we really do love it ! My son watched it, and as soon as it finished said, can we watch it all again please ? One hour just isn’t enough really for this one, I felt like I could watch the performers for far longer as they achieve incredible feats and playfully interact with each other. an ode to the countless hours of sweat and joy needed to achieve great things. Age 5 +
We also have firm favourites returning from last year that we’d love to give a special shout out to :
edinburghfestivalsforkids 