Edinburgh Fringe: what to see with the kids

The Amazing Scene Machine Does Aardinburgh!

To celebrate the animation company's 40th birthday, Aardman model maker Jim Parkyn invites you to join him in constructing a special 3D clay painting of Edinburgh. The piece will feature famous Aardman characters such as Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph, as well as your own characters in the animators' style.

26 to 29 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard. For more information, click here.

Beards! Beards! Beards!

The story of Bertrix who, rather than wanting a tiara, wants to grow the world's most magnificent beards. As she finds more and more inventive ways to reach her goal, she attempts to answer questions that have fazed mankind "since the dawn of the beard".

Until 28 Aug (except 15 and 22), Assembly Roxy. For more information, click here.

Throwback

If you're looking for an introduction to the circus, Throwback may be the show for you. A "love note to nostalgia", the production sees circus company Silver Lining work with West End director Paulette Randall and features intricate aerial and acrobatic work.

Until 22 Aug (except 15), Underbelly's Circus Hub. For more information, click here.

I Got Superpowers For My Birthday

Three almost-teens find out they each have superpowers the day before their birthday, and it's a good job too, as someone needs to protect the world from an evil overlord. This brand new play from award-winning writer Katie Douglas follows the three heroes Ethan, WIlliam and Fiona on their fight against "the Darkness".

10 to 21 August (except16), Summerhall. For more information, click here.

The Cat in the Hat

"Look at me! Look at me! Look at me NOW! It is fun to have fun, but you have to know how." Originally adapted for stage by the National Theatre, Dr. Seuss' classic story comes to life in this production. Great as a first theatre experience for anyone over the age of three.

Until 21 August, Pleasance Courtyard. For more information, click here.

Hup

A quartet of classical musicians float around the stage in this production to create an enchanting but playful experience for 0 to 24-month-olds (and their adults). This quirky production has toured the world, and visited Macau in China in July.

11 to 28 August (except 17, 18 and 24), Pleasance Kids @ EICC. For more information, click here.

Shakin' Shakespeare

Three musical adaptations of Shakespeare plays – Brave Macbeth, Cheer Up Hamlet and Romantic Romeo – by Captivate Theatre. This production is the perfect introduction to the Bard for the little ones as they inject fun and humour into the plays.

Until 29 Aug, Gilded Balloon. For more information, click here.

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs 2: The Magic Cutlass

The sequel to Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs, this show sees Flinn have to outwit his old nemesis Mr T the T-Rex after he kidnaps the children during their school play. Based on the books by Giles Andreae, the show incorporates live music and puppetry.

Until 29 August (except 16), Pleasance Courtyard. For more information, click here.

How to Drive a Bus

A show on an actual double-decker with a clueless conductor and barmy driver. The bus doesn't actually move (you'll have to use your imagination) as its used as a venue for all sorts of shows throughout the Fringe. All aboard!

13 to 16 and 21 August, Bob's BlundaBus. For more information, click here.

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