Every month the Citizen Enfants team shares what’s on their family-friendly to-do list. This is all the inspiration you’ll need for things to do with children this May.
May is here and the half-term holiday is just around the corner; and now that the sun is shining kids can play outside again. Including imaginative den-building kits to enjoy in the garden, coastal day trips, open-air activities in London, plus stylish hotel and fashion recommendations, these ideas are all fantastic ways to enjoy the season with children. We’ve also included some rainy-day ideas (better safe than sorry, after all).
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
SEE Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, before it closes later this year. I think myself, my daughter and her friends will be absolutely enthralled. STAY I’m finally making it to Beaverbrook on a family getaway this half term, and I couldn’t be more excited. Although the Sharky & George kids’ club is for five years and up, the kids’ movies, outdoor play area, plus indoor and outdoor pool will provide tons of amusement. BOOK AHEAD For the Paddington Bear Experience to dive into a very sweet, immersive journey with the little bear from Peru. It’s on at London’s County Hall, on the South Bank. USE SPF – an essential for kids now that the sun is out and summer travel plans are looming. Here are some top picks, my favourite is Heliocare 360 Paediatrics. ENJOY Plenty of open-air kids activities including Covent Garden’s May Fayre and Puppet Festival, the Young V&A’s Sound Explorer Sessions and Dulwich Park Fair.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
VISIT The beach in Devon for half term; I’m planning to visit Clovelly, a gorgeous fishing village where kids can go crabbing and eat ice cream. WEAR I love a bit of blue and white when I’m by the sea, so I’ll be wearing these striped linen shorts from Reformation, throwing on this classic cotton sweater from Navy Grey if it gets a bit chillier, and carrying all my beach essentials in my Dragon Diffusion leather basket. BOOK My sons have been taking sailing lessons for years and are now pretty handy on a boat. Check out the Royal Yachting Association to find classes near you. BUY Get your little ones kitted out in the sweetest summer outfits from Amaia. They’re beautifully designed by a Spanish mum-of-three; the chic, classic styles are adorable. PLAY With this den-building kit – it comes with everything children will need for hours of fun in the garden. CHECK OUT The Grove’s child-friendly summer programme. Located in the pretty Hertfordshire countryside, this hotel has a ton of things for families; from football and rugby coaching sessions to an outdoor Everyman cinema. There’s even a ‘beach’ club and outdoor pool.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director, Citizen Femme
WATCH The new family movie IF – coming to cinemas on 17 May. This is a perfect Sunday afternoon activity with my girls. EXPLORE Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, at The Tate Modern. We went last weekend and loved how much we were able to participate in the exhibition. It’s excellent for all ages. VISIT Teddy the Shetland Pony – who is back at The Goring this summer. Go and visit him in their beautiful garden; he’s super cute and friendly. BUY La Coqueta – their new collection of spring dresses is divine. EAT Family lunches at Oliveto’s on Elizabeth Street. A Sunday lunch tradition.
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Laura Vane, founder of Tinies & Co.
STAY At home in London, as I prepare to have baby number three – who is due any day now. VISIT The Fairy House in Battersea for my daughter’s fifth birthday. Instead of throwing a party for 25 children, I’ve promised to take her so that she and a few friends can learn to be fairies for the day. I must admit, I’m excited to participate in the magic too! BUY A new bike as a birthday present for my daughter; I’ve always loved the Banwood bikes, and know she’ll adore the pink one. BOOK A bike riding course at Pedal Project. I’m a big fan of anything that makes parenthood simpler. LISTEN To the Is it Normal? pregnancy podcast with Jessie Ware. I haven’t had much time to re-read my pregnancy books, and find these bite-sized episodes a really helpful way to refresh my memory on all the different stages of pregnancy.
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Carrie Elizabeth Dennahy, Founder & CEO of Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery
VISIT Rye and Camber Sands – and we’ll make a day of it. Rye has beautiful cobbled streets to explore, and they’re packed with antique stores. Camber Sands is only a short ride away, and ideal for an ice cream and a walk along the sea. PLAY At Bedgebury National Pinetum in Kent. It’s packed full of fun outdoor activities including play areas and Go Ape – which is great fun for kids. WEAR Uniqlo’s hidden bra tops. They are so good for mum life; they look fab, give you a great silhouette, and mean you don’t need to wear a bra. INDULGE In an adult-only day at Balfour Winery. It’s just a short train ride away from London, and hosts wine tours and tastings overlooking beautiful vineyards. EXPLORE The Young V&A in Bethnal Green. It’s free and has so much to see for creative little minds. TRY Wild garlic – keep your eyes peeled on your walks in the countryside. Just be sure not to forget about it and leave it in your pocket and, of course, make sure you know exactly what it is before you eat it.
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