Edinburgh Festival

[Liverpool2025]

Know it's early but we need to travel.

Have a 7 year old. Any shows people would recommend? The man who was magic looks good. Says 12 plus. Did anyone go last year- is it ok for a younger child?

Don’t bother. It’s too busy and everyone is always pushing and shoving, people trying to pickpocket. Take him to some theatre shows instead- avoid the fringe.

And if something says it’s 12+ they are usually quite strict about who is allowed in, and they don’t want to risk getting in trouble/their show closed down. They’d rather be too careful than risk someone under 12 going in as they obviously can’t really ask kids for ID! Your son wouldn’t be allowed in

You would have to narrow “the man who does magic”; there are thousands of shows at the festival. There are loads of children’s shows that would be suitable (there’s a children’s section in the programme) and lots of street performers that are free other than taking a collection at the end. It is incredibly busy in the centre of the city, and accommodation will be very expensive. It’s not early if you need to book accommodation, it’s very late.

I probably wouldn't take a 7 yo to the Fringe. It's so busy and many of the shows are very adult themed. One another time when it's less mad a bit less expensive.

Have you already got accommodation booked? If not, you might be struggling!
Definitely take a 7yr old to the Fringe, there's loads of suitable shows and it's very easy to avoid anything "adult themed". You can filter on the website by children's shows and also recommended age. If you include your dates that will also narrow down your search.
Some of the dance and music shows are also suitable for families even though they're not labelled as children's shows.
It really depends what sort of thing your child is into or what sort of sense of humour they've got, there's magic and the bubble man is usually good, or there might be things based on books they've read or things like Harry Potter / Star Wars etc.
The city centre will indeed be packed but a lot of the kids shows are earlier in the day and if you're up and about in the morning it's worth doing the Royal Mile first thing before it gets overcrowded.
Also check if the book festival is on when you're here as that has some good stuff on for kids.

I always try to take my children to a few fringe shows, since they were very young. We have enjoyed (might not all be on this year):

• Trash Test Dummies - slapstick theatre, very funny.
• Bubbleman - classic fringe, there's lots of bubble shows but the original is still the best
• Mark Thomson's spectacular science - there are other science shows too
• Best of the fest - short samples of lots of shows
• 360 Allstars - BMX, basketball, beatboxing stunt show

Yes it's busy and crowded, and overwhelming. Just plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time.

Agree with @simsbustinoutmimi a lot of excellent theatre for children.

the times usually has the top shows

Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick is on over the first two weeks in August. Have a look on their website. Lots on offer for that age range including crash test dummies and bubble man mentioned above. It’s a lot quieter than the main fringe in Edinburgh and 30mins away on the train, beside the beach too.

i live in edinburgh with my two children and I love the fringe. Always have!

the age thing - depends on if it’s a recommendation or a restriction. My son’s favourite show is recommended for 12+ and he first went when he was 7. It is like a 12+ movie - fine for some, not for all and very much dependent on what you are comfortable with personally.

however there are many, many shows for younger children with no chance of anything concerning. So many!

depends on what your child likes and where you’re staying. Getting around the city can be terrible so I tend to ensure I stick to one area.

We live in Edinburgh and I love taking the kids to the Fringe. Been doing it with toddlers and babies and it’s never been an issue. At seven there will be loads of choice from children’s shows to music and dance. Filter by age and they’re easy to find.
I would probably not go for a 12+ show for a 7 year old as there will be more appropriate shows.

The only word of warning I’d give is that the public transport often struggles to cope with Fringe crowds so leave plenty of time if you travel in.

I can highly recommend The Beatbox Collective. A really good mix of music and comedy. Loved it last year and definitely suitable for both kids and adults (DD was 10). It's likely on again at George Square so very central.

I’m forever recommending the Listies. Very silly humour but absolutely brilliant and fast paced.

@simsbustinoutmimi

"avoid the fringe"!!!!

yer a heathen pal 😆

@Liverpool2025 have a look here

With children, I’d avoid. Adults can knock themselves out.

with wee ones, agree, but 7 year olds have sturdy legs 😉

Not because of the walking distance lol