Edinburgh Science Festival

• Go Global with us this April as part of Edinburgh Science Festival, where we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities that unite people and nature across the globe.

  From Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April, take part in a lively mix of family activities, talks, and exhibitions designed for all ages. Spark your curiosity and embrace new ways of connecting with plants and the natural world.

  Take a look at our varied programme below. We look forward to welcoming you to the Garden this Spring. 

Family activities

• Easter Trail, 3 - 12 April

  • Celebrate the joys of spring as you discover the fascinating world of plants and help create Botanics Bunny’s Easter Bonnet.

• Plant Passport, 18 & 19 April

  • Journey around the planet with our scientists and discover a surprising variety of crop plants.

• World of Wonder, 18 & 19 April

  • Take part in hands-on activities as we explore the incredible diversity of plants from around the world.

Exhibitions

• Herbology

  • Discover how centuries of plant knowledge come to life at the Botanics in this exploration of medicinal and useful herbs.

• Earth Matters

  • Seeing soil through art. This exhibition explores the brilliance, beauty and fragility of the ground beneath our feet.

Tours, walks & talks

• Sun 5th Apr 2026

  Spill the Tea Tour: Earth Matters

  • Join this guided tour of 'Earth Matters', led by a member of our Creative Programmes team.
• Thu 9th Apr 2026

  Spotlight Talk: Herbology

  • A free introduction to 'Herbology', where one of our knowledgeable volunteers highlights their favourite aspect of the exhibition.
• Thu 16th Apr 2026

  Instagram Live: Earth Matters

  • Join Dr Max Coleman on our Instagram account for a livestreamed look at the inner workings of soil.
• Fri 17th Apr 2026

  Spotlight Talk: Earth Matters

  • A free introduction to 'Earth Matters', where one of our knowledgeable volunteers highlights their favourite aspect of the exhibition.
• Sun 19th Apr 2026

  BSL Tour: Herbology

  • Join us for a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of the exhibition 'Herbology', led by Trudi Collier.

Discover more

• Events calendar
• Garden tours