HIT THE HIGH STREET

Adults may become weary and jaded at the ever-changing human carousel that takes place in the area around the Fringe office. But kids love it. Little boys adore the shouty macho posturing of the fire-eating unicycle men. Girls will enjoy the sight of swarms of well-fed fillies from the Home Counties dressed as fairies, princesses and tarts. You'll find human statues, stalls selling knick-knacks, hair braiders, face painters and musicians from all over the world. The whole shebang rolls up every day and there's no need to buy a ticket. The only disadvantage of taking the ankle-biters up to the High Street is that there is no better way to teach them the fine art of heckling. Make sure you explain that yelling abuse at performers may be fine here but it's not a good idea at the book festival or the ballet.

 CAVALCADE/FIREWORKS/FRINGE SUNDAY

Even people who will go to nothing else in the festival still take their kids along to see the Cavalcade on 5 August or to the Meadows for Fringe Sunday on 12 August. Thousands will watch the display on 2 September, when a million fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle, accompanied by the sound of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

 NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF SCOTLAND

Chambers St, 0131-247 4422

During the festival, the Chambers Street museum - full of exciting exhibits - is offering a programme of free Scottish music in celebration of the Highland year of culture.

 MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

42 High St, 0131-529 4142

Wonderful cases full of antique dolls, teddies and working Victorian amusement machines including a mechanical piano. Don't worry if the kids are still hyper after an overdose of juggling and street theatre - the council's own website describes the museum as: "the noisiest museum in the world".

 NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND

The Mound, 0131-624 6200
www.nationalgalleries.org
Alongside the other more well-known artists on display at the National Galleries this year is a collection of prize winning art from Scottish school children. Work from the National Galleries of Scotland annual art contest are all on display in the Weston Wing.

Comment

Deep Sea World, Dynamic Earth and the Edinburgh dungeons all

 

Steve Evans, Malta