Families

Registration

We strive to ensure our meetings are as inclusive as possible and want to encourage families to attend. We have therefore added the below concessionary rates to recognise this.

Accompanying Person

If you are attending the meeting and have a partner, or other person who does not wish to attend the scientific programme but would like to come along to the social programme, this rate would cover all lunches, coffee breaks, poster sessions and the welcome mixer. Only the dinner would need to be added as an additional cost.

Family Registration

If you are coming along to the meeting with children and both parents/carers wish to attend the scientific programme, we understand that half of your time as a parent will be looking after your child so will offer a discounted registration rate.

At the Venue

There will be a family room allocated at the venue. This room will contain a microwave, fridge and kettle. There will be seating and an area for those that need to breastfeed or express. Please feel free to bring toys to use in this area. It is your responsibility to ensure children are accompanied by an adult at all times.

Childcare

We are currently exploring the option of childcare provision at the Symposium. We are looking into available options and will update you as soon as we can.

Things to do in Edinburgh

School holidays mean that 8 – 12 April will be a busy week at many venues, but there are also often extra events for children offered. Use the ‘Visit Scotland’ website to find out about events and get information on family friendly hotels and restaurants.

Our Dynamic Earth

An interactive educational centre about the history of planet earth. During conference week there are special activities for the school holidays
www.dynamicearth.co.uk

Dino’s Dynamos – Wild Wednesdays – Bugs and Beasties
Wednesday, 10 April, 10:00 – 14:30
Age 6 – 14
£15 per child per day. Sessions must be booked in advance. Dino’s Web Page

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Running throughout the conference week at various venues around the city.
www.sciencefestival.co.uk

Edinburgh Castle

Iconic Scottish royal castle dominating the city Centre, at the top of the Royal Mile. A visit takes up several hours, with lots to see for everyone. Tickets are expensive, but if you see one Scottish castle, it should probably be this one.
www.edinburghcastle.scot

National Museum of Scotland

Wonderful, family friendly and free – the museum traces the history of Scotland and it’s cultural impact on the world.
www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland

Walk along the Water of Leith

If you want to walk through the heart of the city – this is a fascinating, and flat, walk.
www.waterofleith.org.uk

Arthurs Seat and the Salisbury Crags

A classic Edinburgh experience for those with plenty of energy to burn off. Easy to walk and you can’t get lost! It can be very windy and wet at the top – take good walking shoes, a hat and waterproofs. View the whole city, learn about central Scotland’s volcanic past.
www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/holyrood-park-and-arthurs-seat-p914341

The Royal Mile and the Old Town

Walk the length of the Royal Mile, from the Castle to Holyrood Palace. Lots to see and do along the way, plenty of local cafés and restaurants and usually some street performers as well.
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/scotland/articles/the-top-10-things-to-see-do-in-old-town-edinburgh

Cafes

• The City Café on South Bridge/Blair Street, 19 Blair St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh – pastas, burgers
• Mary’s Milk Bar, 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Edinburgh – Brilliant milkshakes and ice-creams
• Mums Great Comfort Food, 4A Forrest Rd  – simple crowd pleasers
• The Elephant House, George IV Bridge – this is where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter, so a huge must for most kids (and adults!)