Top Five Shows for the even littler little ones 2026

The number of children’s shows at Edinburgh festival seems to be ever increasing, with even more opportunities to introduce even the littlest of little ones to the joys of live theatre and interactive productions…shows catered to very young audiences can be some of the most memorable, with beautiful colourful sets, costumes, interactive moments and lots of creativity !

Here are our top five picks for this year for those under five…

Float – This is an intriguing idea from Starcatchers who make beautiful things for small people and one that could work really well for those folk with babies aged 0-12 months – a longer interactive performance which you can come and go from as you need/feel – Float invites you to relax with your baby and enjoy a gently interactive performance inspired by the healing powers of water. You and your baby are free to explore, engage with the performers or unwind in Float’s tranquil space. Float is a three-hour durational performance designed to relieve the pressure of time. Your ticket allows you to come and go during this time to suit the needs of you and your baby. Age 0-12 months

FoRT – Exploring the joy of building forts and making imaginative spaces, this looks super cute and creative for wee ones. 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. Age 3 years +

Hello Beach – Our mini-reviewer enjoyed Hello Birds last year, so we’re looking forward to this production and seeing Bran and Tor again…. Following the hugely successful Hello Birds in 2025, Bran and Tor are back and joined by new friend Piper for a day out at the beach. Who will we meet on our seaside picnic? An interactive multi-sensory storytelling show for 0-2 years, featuring puppetry, singing and key-word signing.  Age 0-2 years

Tweedy’s Massive Solo Show – We loved Tweedy two years ago and are very excited for this new solo show !! Following the success of Tweedy’s Massive Circus, Tweedy the Clown makes his festival debut with this joyful solo show for all ages. Tweedy finds himself battling mischievous props in a series of increasingly absurd situations, but however chaotic things become Tweedy can always find a creative way to get out…Age 0+

Splash Test Dummies – We LOVE the Dummies !!!! And are super happy this splashtastic show is back…Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are back with their ‘splashingly awesome adventure’ (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com) set to drown you in tears of laughter. Splash Test Dummies are here, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. Age 0+

We also have firm favourites returning from last year that we’d love to give a special shout out to :

Top Five Shows for the even littler little ones 2025

As the number of children’s shows at Edinburgh festival increases, there are even more opportunities to introduce even the littlest of little ones to the joys of live theatre and interactive productions…shows catered to very young audiences can be some of the most memorable, with beautiful colourful sets, costumes, interactive moments and lots of creativity ! Here are our top five picks for this year for those under five…

Hello Birds – This looks perfect for babies, a gentle introduction to sensory shows. . Join Bran and Tor in the Garden and say hello to the birds that visit. Help feed them, build soft nests, and join in with their songs. The show uses colour, sound, texture and smell to immerse little ones in the world of birds, using puppets, baby-safe props, singing and key-word signing. Age 0-36 months

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Out of the Box – This sounds like an exciting show for little ones, full of surprises and featuring the humble box. Every time the box opens, it’s a new adventure: trick shots, circus performances and laugh-out-loud moments that invite everyone to join in the fun. Darryl’s mission is to make you the star of the show (no embarrassing moments here, just pure joy!). Age 0+

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The Ugly Duckling – We saw the Revel Puck Circus two years ago and loved them, so we are sure this show will be filled with the same warmth, humour and incredible skills. It was a bright and sunny day at the circus when the Ugly Duckling waddled up to their trapeze… Wait. Are we really still using the word ‘ugly’? Aren’t we rewriting this story to be about belonging and celebrating difference? A reimagining of the classic coming-of-age tale with an acrobatic twist! Age 0+

Rajiv’s Starry Feelings – A storytelling show for smaller children, looking at big feelings… Rajiv has feelings for everything. He can feel confident, happy and silly. But today, he feels angry, and he doesn’t know why. With the help of his father, Rajiv sets out on a journey to make sense of his feelings. Age 2 +

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Dragon Babies – Our very mini-reviewers have previously loved shows by this company, so we’re looking forward to this one ! Dragon Song Productions is a specialist early-years theatre company based in Edinburgh. Their shows are a must for new babies, as they integrate an interactive age-appropriate props bag into the 40-minute production along with live music and beautiful tactile puppets. Age 0+

We should also give an honourable mention to our firm favourites Trash Test Dummies, much loved by all of us here at edinburghfestivalsforkids…we’ve seen this show multiple times, and have always giggled non-stop from start to finish – read our previous review hereAge 0+