August is fast approaching which means it’s time to scour the Edinbugh Festival Fringe programme for the best shows to see.
The physical programme has over 3,350 shows across 265 venues, meaning it can be a daunting task to work out what exactly you are going to see.
It can be an expensive business too, with many shows at the bigger venues now costing over £20 for the first time - and that’s doubly the case if you are booking tickets for the while family
Luckily, there’s a Fringe experience for all budgets, including hundred of free shows that just ask you to turn up early and queue to be sure of a seat - and that includes shows for kids.
Of course, they’re not necessarily entirely free - you’ll be asked to check some money into a bucket (or increasingly make a contactless payment) on the way out, with £5-£10 being a ballpark figure for a show that you have enjoyed.
Some shows also give you the opportunity to ‘pay what you want’ in advance to secure a seat.
There are two main sources of free shows - the Free Festival and PBH’s Free Fringe - both of which operated in similar ways and tend to take place in pubs around the Scottish Capital.
5. Rik Carranza Presents: Marvel vs DC
This is a show for any children who can't get enough of superheroes, as comic Rik Carrenza seeks to prove once and for all whose best - Marvel or DC. Dressing up is actively encouraged. It's on at The Lounge at The Counting House at 1.15pm each day from July 31-August 17. | Contributed
6. The Flight of the Teddy Bears
Storyteller Carmel Page helms this show that sees teddy bears awake before taking flight to fill the room. It certainly sounds interesting. You can see for yourself at the Little Plaza from 3.50pm from August 13-24. | Contributed
7. Headlines Through History
This is an interactive show that sees children take part in games and craft a newspaper with the help of journalist Harry Scribbles. He's on a time travel mission to find all the best stories from history - from cave people to astronauts. Read all about it at 1.30pm at the Little Plaza from August 2-24. | Contributed
8. The Rudest Science Show For Kids
Kids love rude stuff and that's exactly what this show at Maggie's Chamber at the Three Sisters offers - expect no bodily function to remain unexplored by comedian and scientist Donal Vaughan. It's on at 12.15 pm on most days from July 31-August 24. | Contributed