October is the month of half term and, excitedly for children, Halloween, with all its spooky fun and sugary goodies. From trick or treating to exploring the countryside as the leaves fall, autumn brings all sorts of colourful fun.
This month we are packing the school holiday with days out to see new exhibitions and theatre, Halloween parties, rural adventures and wrapping up in cosy kit for cooler days. Here is all the inspiration you’ll need for a fun-filled October with children of all ages.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
BOOK Tickets for Disney100 at Excel London in what is sure to be an epic celebration of the brand’s 100 years. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious indeed. EAT Days out are often planned around child-friendly dining pitstops. Borough Market will be one to explore during half-term when we can go mid-week before the lunchtime rush, stalls piled high with colourful fruit and sparkling fish, and steaming pans of paella. Another stop will be Fitzrovia’s Where The Pancakes Are, where kids can get creative by building their own stack. STAY At Pendley Manor in Hertfordshire for a few days during half-term. They have great interconnecting family rooms, lots of lovely outdoor space and 30 roaming peacocks. SHOP Jacadi is my absolute favourite brand, its the Hamptons meets Paris for kids and their winter selection is just perfect for my little toddler. The raincoats will make her want to jump in muddy puddles all day long. BUY The Tonies have become a household best friend and this month we are getting Paddington Bear and The Gruffalo.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
STAY We are off to Scotland for half-term and we will be staying at Gleneagles. They have so much on offer for kids – mine will be trying out falconry. DECORATE October is a super-fun month in our house. We really go big for Halloween and it’s my youngest son’s birthday this month. I get a lot of party supplies from Meri Meri who have great themed decorations (my son has chosen ‘Space’ this year) and Ginger Ray where you’ll find tons of Halloween goodies. I’m a big fan of balloons and always go to Bubblegum Balloons for the best novelty styles. BAKE The Biscuiteers Cookbook is my go-to when making treats for our Halloween party. Or pop into their Notting Hill store to buy their very impressive edible creations. VISIT Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a behind-the-scenes look at the sets and the making of the films – it really is a magical experience for wizarding fans. WEAR My weekends are packed with kids’ sports so I’ll be keeping myself cosy on the touch lines this October in my new reversible quilted jacket from Wyse. BOOK The Witches the musical, a stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic arrives in London this autumn.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
PARTY Two kids’ parties this month calls for some serious entertainment. We have been using This is Bash party planners for a while now and they are amazing. Great for different ages and so enthusiastic while being really great with kids. FLY I’m planning a winter escape and going to take the girls to Suvretta House for a couple of days this Christmas. This is really fairytale territory – it looks like a winter wonderland over Christmas. WEAR It is time for cosy nights at home – we have bought matching pyjamas from Trotters and will be snuggling up together. EAT Speaking of cosy nights in, I want to get the kids cooking more for a fun way to learn about real food with proper ingredients. We bought these cute personalised aprons from My 1st Years to dress the part. BOOK Half term is on the horizon and I have been slow at booking activities, but thankfully we a lovely little trip in the diary. We will be staying at The Newt in Somerset for a small, family friendly staycation and going pumpkin picking nearby. The perfect way to spend an October day.
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Sarah Smart, artist and illustrator
STAY At The Gunton Arms country house hotel, a personal favourite of mine. Soak up the changing leaves and its own deer herd with sculpture by Ulrich Rückriem. Then cosy up next to the open fire whilst you enjoy the pick of seasonal local produce surrounded by the artworks of Tracey Enim and Damien Hurst, to name a few. SEE Take the kids to see the long awaited David Hockey ‘Drawing From Life’ exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery where he will be showing his most intimate portraits from the last six decades and unveil his hotly anticipated portrait with Harry Styles. WEAR Now is the time to grab a pair of Tretorn AKTIV Chelsea Winter boots for your kids to stomp into Autumn. They tick all my favourite boxes; stylish, sturdy….and easy to put on! DRINK For grown up nights out, try a delicious signature cocktail at The Bugis in Kensington where I have recently illustrated their upscale relaunch. PLAY At the Young V&A this half term, where there’s plenty of space for kids to run free and hands-on stuff to ignite their imagination, plus it won’t cost you a penny as it’s free. WATCH The Supermodels on Apple TV which is as fascinatingly nostalgic as it is inspiring.
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