Here are 17 great Edinburgh Festival Fringe children's shows to take the kids to this August.
There are so many different types of shows for the little ones to enjoy this year, including acrobats, circus fun, theatre, comedy, puppet, musical and science shows.
Check out our gallery below for all the details of the best children’s shows on offer at the Fringe this year in Edinburgh.
1. Showstopper!
Back for the first time in seven years, Showstopper! The Kids Show takes kids’ ideas and turns them into marvellous, musical adventures from scratch, in front of their very noses. If your children could create their very own dream musical – where would they start? The audience decides where the story is set, what happens next and who the characters are, and for those who fancy it there are always plenty of opportunities to join in the fun. From their imaginations onto the stage – everything is made up on the spot, but grown-ups take heed: they ONLY take suggestions from kids! Showstopper! The Kids Show will be at the Pleasance Courtyard – Grand at 10:30am on August 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. For tickets go to www.edfringe.com | Ray Burmiston
2. By a Thread
Seven acrobats and 30 metres of rope… returns after a sold-out 2025 season! (Age suitability: 8+) The seven acrobats use a live counter-weight system - when one acrobat goes up, another must come down. Transcending the boundaries of circus, acrobatics, and performance art, Melbourne-based One Fell Swoop Circus return to the EdFringe this year for the 10 year celebration of this fabulous show. By a Thread, Music Hall, Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, August 6-30, no shows 12, 17, 24, 3.50pm-4.50pm. | Shane Carey
3. Owl at Home
Cardiff-based children’s theatre company Theatr Iolo will bring their one-man show Owl at Home to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Based on the 1975 children’s book of the same name by Arnold Lobel, this show with music for children aged 5+ gives its young audience a captivating hour in the company of Owl; alone but not lonely in the place he calls home. Owl lives alone in a cosy little home in the woods. With no one to talk to, Owl sings to himself and looks for ways to pass the time. He wonders about things a lot, but sometimes his imagination runs away with him and ordinary objects begin to take on a life of their own. Amid the chaos, Owl finds an unexpected friend who’s willing to follow him to the ends of the earth... whether he likes it or not! Owl at Home, at Gilded Balloon Teviot - Dining Room, August 15-30 August 2026 (except 17 & 24), 10.30am-11.15am. | Kirsten McTernan
4. Circus - The Show
The multi award winning trailblazing family circus spectacular showcases some of the finest circus acts from around the world! The show features world-class illusions, tumbling acrobats, highly skilled jugglers, breath-taking and elegant aerialists, comedy and an endearing clown. Join ring master Magnus Danger Magnus as well as the clowning talents of Nathan Green whose hilarious stunts including climbing completely inside a gigantic 6ft balloon! Circus – The Show will be at the Palais Du Variete – Assembly George Square Gardens At 1.25pm from August 5-31, except 24th, for tickets go to www.edfringe.com | Frank Packer