A man and a boy sit on a bench in the grand gallery looking at a large dinosaur picture book. The boy is wearing ear protectors.
Programmes

Relaxed and ASN family programmes

A variety of sessions for those who might appreciate a calmer experience.

Relaxed Magic Carpets

A relaxed version of our popular early years programme for children ages 0-5 with additional support needs.

Sensory Sundays

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but we welcome all children and families who think they might enjoy these sessions. 

Relaxed Curiosity Clubs

A Relaxed version or our Curiosity Club for children with additional support needs and their families.

Upcoming events at our museums

  1. A large origami-shaped model of a Woolly Mammoth in a museum exhibition space.
    Event

    BSL Tour: Giants

    Join tour guide, Babs Brown, for a Deaf-led tour of Giants.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  2. A child paints at a table
    Event

    Sensory Sunday

    Sun 1 Feb – Sun 6 Dec 2026, 11:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 15:00
    Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  3. Two people sitting at a table listening to a member of museum staff talk about a sword from the collections.
    Event

    Museum Socials

    Third Friday of the month, 10:30 – 12:00
    Our Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  4. A child and adult looking at a geological specimen.
    Event

    Relaxed Curiosity Club

    Sat 25 Oct – Sat 28 Mar, 14:30 - 15:30
    Join us for our exciting series of hands-on sessions for curious ASN families.

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  5. A man and a boy sit on a bench in the grand gallery looking at a large dinosaur picture book. The boy is wearing ear protectors.
    Event

    Relaxed Morning

    1 Feb - 6 Dec 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
    Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more
  6. Children interact with a large cat puppet.
    Event

    Festival Family Day

    Sat 30 May, 10:00-16:30
    Join us for the opening of the 2026 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival with a day of free pop-up performances and activities.
    Free

    National Museum of Scotland

    Find out more