Families are guaranteed a fun day out at Gardening Scotland this year, with the dedicated Big Back Garden area featuring its biggest ever range of activities to keep children and families of all ages entertained and inspired with outdoor ideas.

The Big Back Garden 2016 plays host to Glasgow Science Centre who will be promoting healthy living in the outdoors and can be easily spotted by their inflatable giant heart. They will be teaching families about the importance of eating healthy and getting fit in your own Big Back Garden.

The award-winning author of the books behind the hit CBeebies show Katie Morag will be one of the key highlights for children at this year’s event. Gardening Scotland’s charity partner, NSPCC Scotland, has announced that Mairi Hedderwick, from Kiltarlity near Beauly, will be reading her popular Katie Morag stories in the Storytelling Tipi on Saturday 4 June.

Rolling Haggis is Scotland’s most thrilling zorbing attraction. Imagine trying it out at Gardening Scotland where the water zorbs allow you to effectively ‘walk on water’ across the showground lochan.

Gardening Scotland is also delighted to have the Caley Children’s Area in the Big Back Garden this year. Find them in the Children’s Marquee and keep the kids busy for hours with hands on activities. From planting seeds to making ‘grass-heads’, there will be the chance for children to create a keepsake of Gardening Scotland and continue their adventure at home. For the children interested in getting their hands dirty in the garden, they can get stuck into the mud and investigate the creepy crawlies! Your family day out won’t be complete without a visit to the Caley Children’s Area.

If barbeques and outdoor dining are what your family enjoys, you will love the Food Fayre and Cookery Theatre as well as the host of shopping opportunities within food and drink, crafts, furniture, play equipment, plants and more.

Little people will also love to look at the miniature pallet gardens, bouncy castles, birds of prey, bees, play equipment, and take part in face painting and treasure hunts and you may go home having inspired your family to have a go at ‘grow your own’.

Gardening Scotland caters for parents and grandparents too. With Champagne and Pimmsbars, a Fashion Show, dedicated Tea Room and exhibits celebrating local produce, speciality beers, music, healthy eating and so much more, there really is something for everyone.

Martin Dare, Gardening Scotland organiser, said: “If you thought that Gardening Scotland was just for seasoned gardeners, then hopefully we have convinced you otherwise. The event is all about embracing your outside space whatever your gardening knowledge or your age.

“You might wish to go along to a workshop, get your hands dirty with some planting, visit the birds of prey, or you may be on the lookout for the best garden toys or inspiration as to how to make your garden more child friendly. Whatever you want, whether you are 4 or 104, Gardening Scotland will provide a truly enjoyable day out.

“Bring your children or grandchildren along to Gardening Scotland from 3^rd to 5^th June and have some great family fun. Children under 16 go free.”