We’re incredibly lucky to live in a city with such a varied program of events for children. This weekend is of course, no exception to that. I think it’s always good to try new things and embark on different adventures. Somehow we’ve never been to The Queen’s Gallery before so this one really caught my eye.
If you’re free on Saturday afternoon why not head to the Family Activity day at Holyrood Palace?
Join us at The Queen’s Gallery for an afternoon of family fun and discover more about the fascinating world of insects with TV presenter, explorer and entomologist George McGavin.
George McGavin: © BBC. Photographer: Claire Thompson
Adventurous young visitors can even get up close to real-life insect specimens from Central and South America, including the harlequin beetle, tarantula hawk wasp and morpho butterfly.
Children can make their own mechanised flying butterflies during arts and crafts activities with award-winning artist Gemma Coyle, and have a butterfly inspired by Merian’s illustrations painted on their faces before exploring the exhibition with an ‘Art Spy’ family activity bag.
Family activities: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017
The event is held in support of Maria Merian’s Butterflies, the current exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery, which tells the story of the pioneering 17th-century artist and entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian, whose early investigations into the lifecycles of insects in South America continue to inspire scientists more than 300 years later.
Katie has been learning about insects at her pre-school so is all about going on bug hunts at the moment. Combined with her love of arts and crafts – I think she’s just going to adore this event. There’s the added bonus that she thinks she might meet the Queen… but I don’t think I need to tell her otherwise quite yet!
The event is entitled Maria Merian’s Butterflies and is this Saturday, 3 June, 13:00-16:00. This drop-in activity is free with an exhibition ticket or 1-Year Pass. Suitable for all ages.
PS. Each Friday I feature an original illustration by the amazingly talented, Alison Soye. Hopefully you noticed this week’s already!
PPS. Did you receive my newsletter for this fortnight? There’s loads on in Edinburgh that’s not to be missed!
