The new year has arrived and it’s the perfect time to try new things with your little ones. If you’re wondering what to do with children this January, take inspiration from the Citizen Enfants team and some of our mum contributors.
It might be cold and grey outside, but January doesn’t need to be a dull month. From fun cultural days out and great family movies to cosy outdoor kit and child-friendly stays to book now for the year ahead, here is some inspiration to brighten up your January.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY I’m booking ahead for my trip to Anguilla. I’ll stay at the newly opened Aurora which has a huge entertainment centre for kids, plus a water park, activity centre with mini golf, and Rise n’ Shine yoga and wellness for me. SEE Disney on Ice. I’ll be at Wembley bright and early for the 10.30AM show to see Disney at its best, on ice. EAT At Alleycats Pizza which has just opened up in my neighbourhood, Marylebone. It’s likely to become my regular. Who doesn’t love a NY pizza? BUY The UPPABaby accessories are great for mums-on-the-go. The footmuff for babies is a necessity in these winter months, and is keeping my tot cosy and sleeping well when we are out and about. The changing backpack is very handy too, and sits neatly on the back of the stroller. DO The Old Royal Naval College has fun family Sundays. With storytelling, creative-making sessions, messy play for the little ones and actors dressed in costume, there is something for all kids each week. USE After a month in the Caribbean, I’m using the Innersense Organic Beauty’s Detox Hair Mask weekly for ideal post-holiday recovery. I’m a big fan of charcoal in ingredients and this, along with Kaolin clay, delicately cleanses my hair.
View this post on Instagram
Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
PLAN Every January my husband and I write down goals for the year, for us and for the children. It’s not just big plans like work ideas or house renovations, but also little things such as taking up a sport, visiting a new place or playing a new game together. It gives us a fun list of things we want to achieve in the year ahead as a family. On my list are playing the piano more and getting back into tennis. STAY It might be the depths of winter but I’m already looking ahead to summer holidays. For amazing rentals in the best sunny European spots check out Plum Guide and Scott Williams. Both have tons of fantastic family-friendly properties. RELAX After a busy fun-packed festive period, January is a month where I like quiet nights in with my family and I’m looking forward to a movie night watching The Secret Kingdom, a lovely family action adventure film that has just be released on Sky Cinema. MOVE I love yoga and, while I attend weekly classes, I also do online sessions. My youngest sometimes does them with me too. Flow with Adriene is a great 30-day programme that caters to all levels. EAT This is the month to reset my family’s diet after all the sugar at Christmas time. I’m trying out recipes from Ella Mill’s new book Healthy Made Simple. Lots of great, easy plant-based dishes. VISIT I’m taking my boys to Lightroom London to see the immersive Moonwalkers exhibition, narrated by Tom Hanks. WEAR I’m keeping my feet cosy and warm in these incredibly comfortable Grenson Nanette boots. Just the thing for frosty mornings on the school run.
View this post on Instagram
Alexandra Carello, PR Director, Citizen Femme
TRY To incorporate more culture into our lives: buying things is out after Christmas and instead I want to have more experiences with my children. The Tate Modern is next, and they also have a wonderful website for kids that’s packed with creative activities to try at home. The perfect pastime on a cold, grey January day. WATCH The new Disney movie Wish at Everyman cinema – fun for everyone (including me, as I love a good Disney story). STAY At the Newt in Somerset (again!) for a half term staycation. I can’t wait to go back. It’s such a wonderful place to take children to explore in the fresh air. WEAR Gorgeous coats from La Coqueta. I won’t be saving them for special occasions, instead encouraging my children to wear them at all times so we get the most use out of them.
View this post on Instagram
Sarah Leigh Bannerman, writer and editor
STAY Luxury Family Hotels group is launching a Parenthood Retreat across its beautiful array of UK locations. I’m keen to book ahead and try February’s listing at The Ickworth Hotel, which starts with a specialist talk by infant sleep expert Rosey Davidson. The itinerary takes children and babies into consideration too – there’s an Ofsted-registered play area and group storytime before bed. SEE I can’t wait to take my twin babies (who are nearly a year old now) to the Balloon Museum at the Old Billingsgate. Anything that appeals to all of us equally is a winner and this looks to be exactly that. EAT At Bar Duoro in Broadgate Circle. It’s launched a menu of winter-specific dishes to compliment its Portuguese wine selection. And it’s just a hop, skip and a step from the Elizabeth Line. PLAY At Bambino City which opened last December in Essex. Forget primary coloured soft play, this play cafe’s interiors are easy on the eye – and rumour has it the coffee is as great as the kids’ activities. Everyone’s a winner. BUY The snow finally hit London last week and in the interest of keeping up our daily park walks, I’ll be buying the Binibambo puffmuffs and a hand warmer for the double pram.
View this post on Instagram
Hannah Hodges, MD of Eleven Meadow PR Agency
TRY The reformer classes with a sound bath at new wellness hot spot Nue Ground Studio on Abbeville Road. BOOK The children’s Bonpoint Spa at the Pan Pacific hotel as a treat for my eldest daughter on finishing her gruelling 11 plus exams for secondary school. RENT We’re off to Baqueria Beret in the Spanish Pyrenees for half term again this year, it’s a bit of a secret spot where chic Spanish skiers hit the slopes. We’re renting the girls’ ski pieces from Babu Clothing – a brilliant luxe kids clothes rental service. DINE I can’t wait to try the new Italian Lavo London in Marylebone thanks to great reviews from friends and food lovers in the know. GO With my girls to Somerset House for the Cute Exhibition to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. STAY At Cotswolds foodie hotspot, The Bull at Charlbury, for a grown-up get-away with my husband. BOOK Afternoon Tea at Laduree Covent Garden in their beautiful upstairs salon space for my younger daughters birthday.
View this post on Instagram
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?