What's on during the School Holidays
Summer Activities Guide
Contents
- FREE 2026 Summer of Sports
- FREE Library Events
- FREE Outdoor Activities with Midlothian Ranger Service
- FREE Family Fun Activities with Communities, Lifelong Learning and Employability
- Children and Teen Summer Holiday Programme with MiLeisure
- Alpine Coaster and Snowsports at Hillend
FREE Summer of Sport activities
The 2026 Summer of Sport programme provides free and low-cost activities for children and young people aged 3 to 26 years.
The programme is funded by sportscotland and is delivered by MiLeisure and its partners in Midlothian.
More information about the activities taking place will be available soon.
FREE Library Events
Summer Reading Challenge 2026
The Summer Reading Challenge is a FREE holiday activity for children. It's all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children's reading skills and confidence.
This year's theme is Read to the Beat. The theme is all about celebrating the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire, and connect us – all through the magic of reading.
The Challenge runs every year throughout the summer holidays, and all children aged 4-11 are welcome to take part! Children can read anything they like (really - anything!) and gain reward stickers to highlight progress on their reading record.
The Challenge starts on Saturday 20th June. Sign up at any Midlothian library or online.
Free Children's Activities at your local library
There are over 230 FREE events for children to participate in alongside the Summer Reading Challenge this holiday season, with fun for kids of all ages at your local library.
The Library summer events programme is always themed around the Summer Reading Challenge. Music-themed activities include escape rooms, instrument making, make your own jingle jellyfish, music labs, world cup beats, singing hands, skiffle jam and lyric labs. Plus, usual favourites - Bookbug, Lego clubs and coding.
No need to be a library member, or book for most events - just drop-in. Please ensure under 8's are accompanied.
Check your local branch for local activities, call your local library to find out what's on, or follow our library service on X and Facebook.
Find Your Local Library:
- Dalkeith Library
- Danderhall Library
- Gorebridge Library
- Lasswade Library
- Loanhead Library
- Newbattle Library
- Newtongrange Library
- Penicuik Library
- Roslin Library
Download an eBook, eAudiobook or eMagazine
Mid Mouse Project
The Mid Mouse project is a Midlothian transition project to support children who are starting Primary 1 in August 2026.
Children will receive their Mid Mouse in the lead up to the school holidays. During this time, children can take part in various transition activities with their mouse, at their nursery and/or with their childminder and at home.
FREE Outdoor Events with the Midlothian Ranger Service
Give your child a summer of fresh air, adventure and hands-on fun with the Midlothian Ranger Service. From bug hunting and den building to riverside exploring and creative nature play, each session taps into children’s natural curiosity and love of discovery. Friendly rangers guide every step, helping young imaginations grow while you enjoy time outdoors together.
Take a look and find a FREE activity they’ll be talking about long after summer ends:
More Midlothian Outdoors
FREE Family Activities with Communities, Lifelong Learning and Employability (CLLE)
Looking for something fun to do with the children over the summer holidays? Why not come along to CLLE's free family summer programme, which includes the following activities:
- Lego Movie Making
- Family Cooking
- Arts & Crafts
- Mask Making
- Pottery
- Fun games in Kings Park, Welfare Park, Penicuik Park & Mayfield Park.
The programme will run for 4 weeks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7 July to 30 July
To book on any of the activities visit CLLE's Eventbrite page:
Children and Teen Summer Holiday programme with MiLeisure
Looking for fun, active ways to keep the kids busy this summer? Our Sports and Leisure team has a packed programme of activities for primary pupils to teenagers. From swimming and diving sessions to football and multi-sports camps, rugby, dance and inclusive play sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Take a look at what’s on and book your place today.
Alpine Coaster and Snowsports at Hillend
Alpine Coaster
- Alpine Coaster sessions available
- £7 for one ride or £19 for three (all three rides must be taken by the same person)
- Book online
Tubing
- Tubing sessions available
- £9.50 (Junior) and £11.50 (Adult) for a 45 minute session.
- Sessions are bookable online 7 days in advance
- Book online