Follow the links down the side to find out about some of the types of places to play in Midlothian.

 

These are not Play Midlothian services – for those go to Our Services. 

 

If you feel we have missed something out, please tell us. This is not a comprehensive list, and inclusion does not mean Play Midlothian's endorsement. 

 

Children will of course play anywhere and everywhere – they take the play with them! Whether that’s in the home, out the front door on the street, at a park, in staffed provision, at the town centre, or even just a wee patch of grass they find on the way to school. Take full advantage of whatever you’ve got around you!

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Wild spaces

Wild or natural spaces such as woodland, meadows or beaches can provide the most satisfying places to play.

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Natural features create an abundance of ‘loose part’ materials that children can use as props in their play – a rock as a precious jewel, leaves for the dinner plate or a stick as a magic wand. Sand, water, earth, trees, shrubs and rocks can be moved around and manipulated into sculptures, moats, dens and anything else that can be imagined – developing a sense of mastery and confidence and building a deeper appreciation of nature. Unlike the usual approach to a garden or park, there is no sense of ‘look but don’t touch’.

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The adventurous can climb trees or swing from them. All sorts of nooks and crannies can be found to set the scene for imaginary play and wide open spaces used for more energetic games. It is the number of opportunities available in wild spaces that make them such enjoyable places to play. Plus, lots of research evidence tells us that being in nature improves our health and wellbeing.

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Make use of wild spaces available to you, even if only a small, overgrown ‘pocket’ of space in your neighbourhood. And next time you’re out on a family visit to the woods, instead of focusing on walking through, spend some time in one part of the wood and encourage your child to play.

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This website by the Woodland Trust helps you to find your nearest woodland – Visit Wood.

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Parks, playgrounds and public space

Midlothian Council maintains an up to date list of parks, gardens and open spaces. This can be accessed at www.midlothian.gov.uk/directory/7/park. The listings include addresses, facilities available and maps.

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Playgroups

Playgroups provide places for children aged 2-5 years to play, run by qualified staff and in some cases parent helpers and volunteers. Playgroups provide a range of stimulating play experiences so that children can play with their peers, learn, develop and enjoy their early years. Playgroup opening hours can vary. For more information please contact the individual playgroup.

 

Bonnyrigg

Amuse Me Playgroup
King George V Park Pavilion
36 Dobbies Road
Bonnyrigg
0131 654 1035

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Bright Sparks Playgroup
(For children with Additional Support Needs)
Bright Sparks Centre

King George V Park
Bonnyrigg
0131 663 5172
07929 512 597

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Bonnyrigg Playgroup
Waverley Pavilion
Waverley Park
Bonnyrigg
07902 208232
0131 663 5832

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Dalkeith

The Crescent Playgroup
St Johns and Kings Park Church Hall
33 Eskbank Road
Dalkeith
07852 775861

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Danderhall

Danderhall Playgroup
Edmonstone Road
Danderhall
0131 654 1031

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Gorebridge

Arniston Playgroup
Stobhill Primary School
c/o Wrap Around Care Room
1 Bonnybank Road
Gorebridge
01875 820814
info@arnistonplaygroup.co.uk

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Loanhead

Playmates Playgroup
Loanhead/St Margaret’s School Campus
Edgefield Road
Loanhead
0131 448 1840

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Mayfield

Little Seedlings Playgroup
Mayfield/Easthouses Church Hall
Bogwood Road
Mayfield
07415 245 361

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Temple

Temple Nursery and Playgroup
Traddoch Hall
Temple Village
Gorebridge
01875 830560

 

Out of school clubs

Out of school clubs provide play opportunities and care for children aged 4-15 outwith school hours. Some offer breakfast clubs. Many of these also run holiday clubs, providing play and childcare during school holidays. Each club covers one or more primary schools.

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Bonnyrigg

Bonnyrigg After School Club (BASC): Bonnyrigg Service
Sherwood Community Learning Centre
Cockpen Road
Bonnyrigg
Tel: 0131 663 7181
Email: bonnyriggafterschoolclub@gmail.com
Manager: Sam Eliot

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BASC: Burnbrae Service
Burnbrae Primary School
(See details for Bonnyrigg After School Club)

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Dalkeith

Dalkeith After School Club
Woodburn Primary School
5 Cousland Road
Dalkeith
EH22 2PS
0795 0852098

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King’s Park Satellite
King’s Park Primary School
Dalkeith
(See details for Dalkeith After School Club)

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Danderhall

Danderhall After School Club
Danderhall Primary School
59 Edmondstone Road
Danderhall
danderhall.asc@gmail.com

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Gorebridge

Gorebridge Out of School Care
Gorebridge Primary School
2C Barleyknowe Lane
Gorebridge
07403 191 888

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Lasswade

BASC: Waverley Service
Waverley Pavilion
(See details for Bonnyrigg After School Club)

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Loanhead

Loanhead After School Club
George Avenue
Loanhead
EH20 9LA
0131 448 0103
(Covers Bilston, Loanhead, Roslin and Rosewell.)

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Mayfield

Mayfield After School Childcare Project
Mayfield/St Lukes Primary School
Stone Avenue
Mayfield
0131 654 1226

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Newtongrange

Newtongrange After School Club
Newtongrange Primary School
Sixth Street
Newtongrange
0131 561 9330

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Pathhead

Tynewater Satellite
Tynewater Primary School
Pathhead
(See details for Mayfield After School Club)

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Penicuik

Penicuik ‘Y’ After School Club
YM/YWCA
58 Queensway
Penicuik
01968 674851

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Poltonhall

BASC: Poltonhall Service
The Lasswade Centre
(See details for Bonnyrigg After School Club)

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Roslin

Roslin Campus
Roslin Pavilion
Roslin
(See details for Loanhead After School Club)

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Rosewell

Rosewell Satellite
Rosewell Pavilion
Rosewell
(See details for Loanhead After School Club)

 

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