School is out and there are plenty of (hopefully) sunny weeks of holiday ahead to fill with fun with your kids. Let the Citizen Enfants team and some of our mum friends inspire you with our ideas for the best things to do with children this summer.
The Summer is in full swing and there are so many great ways to keep your children entertained. From exciting days out and fabulous family-friendly getaways, to stylish kidswear and some great products for mums too. Here is a ton of inspiration for a wonderful July.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
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VISIT School is out and we are hopping on a plane to LUXME Costa Botanica in Corfu. Its my first time to the destination and to an aqua park with my kids, I’m pretty sure they are going to have the time of their lives! WEAR I love jelly shoes for the summertime, so admittedly have a pair for myself and my daughter. USE I absolutely love the William Morris fabric and wallpaper collections, on cushions mainly. They have done a collaboration with Elodie and I have added the ‘Owl & Willow’ pop of design to my son’s black pram. It’s very comfortable and great for summer and winter. TAKE A DAY OUT Among the several days out during the holidays (including CBeebies at Westfield, Paddington Bear Experience, Four Seasons Hampshire and so much more), we will take a trip to Crockford Bridge Farm in Surrey, with a vast swathe of fruits and veggies ready to be picked – strawberries, rhubarb and red currants – all topped off with a scoop of ice cream at the end of the day – the epitome of summer. EAT If you haven’t tried Birley Chocolate, you are, quite simply, missing out. For myself and for gifting, check out the newly opened store in Cale Street in Chelsea, its exquisite.
Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
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STAY I’m already looking ahead to next summer OKU Ibiza has caught my eye as my teens would love it and it’s right next to one of my favourite beaches on the island, Cala Gracioneta. SHOP My boys will be spending the summer surfing in Devon. If you have kids who would like to take up the sport check out Little Surfers for all the kit you will need such as wetsuits and changing robes. VISIT For a super-fun day out on the water take kids to the Aqua Parks on St Andrew’s Lake in Kent. They will love jumping around in the water and children as young as two can join in if they are with an adult. GIFT If you have any very little ones to buy for then definitely check out Each Peach Baby X Bridal Beauty Co New Baby Gift Box. It’s limited edition and packed with gorgeous luxe baby products including a cute tropical jungle print organic cotton muslin swaddle and a full-size Childs Farm trio. LISTEN I love a good podcast, both for me and the kids. I can’t wait to listen to the amazing Dr David Jack give lots of super advice on skin care, treatments and anti ageing on his brand new podcast Face Values. BOOK Tickets to the new Formula One exhibition that arrives at the Excel in London this August. A great day out for kids who will love having a go in the F1 car simulator.
Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty Journalist
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VISIT Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. I just love the scenic atmosphere, and the fact that every detail is thought of when it comes to children. There’s endless wildlife, it has one of the best children’s themed swimming pools I’ve ever encountered, and kids even eat for free. WEAR Now the weather is warmer, I like to dress with the sun in mind and this striped dress from Smock London has been bringing me so much joy! It’s fully lined, light as a feather, and the fuschia and cream print reminds me of a raspberry ripple. PAMPER My baby daughter has been going through a sleep regression, so practicing self care when I have a moment is imperative. I’ve been using the Retinol eye cream from Elizabeth Arden to banish the bags and La Prairie’s iconic Caviar Cream for a burst of intense hydration. BUY I find boys’ clothes quite limiting at times, but I adore J&Josh right now. They make such classic pieces in a great colour palette. The swimming shorts are divine! My daughter’s hair is growing rapidly and Rockahula’s seashell hair clips are absolutely adorable. PLAY My son and daughter are obsessed with LOVEVERY lately and my son in particular can’t get enough of this realistic toy sink, and my daughter is entranced by the 3D block puzzle from the Helper Play Kit. Hours of fun. CHECK OUT Scotney Castle. I love making use of our National Trust membership and this picturesque castle in Kent is a firm favourite with the whole family. The children love the wide open space, natural playground and the fairytale turret, and the second hand bookshop is brimming with vintage literature.
Frankie Graddon, Journalist and Editor of Mumish
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STAY I recently spent the most wonderful weekend with the kids at Calcot Manor and Spa in the Cotswolds. As well as being beautiful, the hotel is totally family-friendly, offering four hours of free childcare a day so parents can relax and take full advantage of the spa – which includes an outdoor hot tub. There are lots of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained and thoughtful touches, such as a Tonie Box in each bedroom and Bramley bath products. USE I’m always on the look out for skincare that helps me look glowing and rested, even when I’m not. I’ve recently been introduced to Kat Burki Skincare and I’m really impressed. The Form Control Marine Collagen Gel and signature Vitamin C face cream are new favourites in my routine. Both leave my skin fresh, firm and ready to face the day. WEAR I’ve long loved If Only If’s cotton nightdresses – I packed one in my hospital bag when I had my daughter. The new collaboration with Cabbages and Roses is so pretty and perfect for slow mornings and easy garden days I’ve got the butter-yellow Violet midi which I’m wearing with sandals and a basket bag for sunny nursery pickups. It’s would also look great over a swimsuit at the beach. What’s more, there’s the sweetest mini-me style. BOOK My son is a huge Paddington Bear fan so I can’t wait to take him to the Paddington Bear Experience in London. With lots of activities and games, plus locations from the books and films (including Mr Gruber’s shop) it sounds like a real memory-making day out. BUY It’s hard to have sustainable shopping habits when it comes to dressing kids as they’re constantly growing out of things. However, British childrenswear label, Studio Koter, uses deadstock and recycled fabric to create really stylish pieces that are a pleasure to put the kids in. I love the cool, contemporary aesthetic, plus pieces are unisex so can easily be passed down from my son to daughter. VISIT A trip to New Park Manor in the New Forest is on my wish list this summer. Geared up for families, it’s got everything to make going away with kids easy and fun, including daily film club, story time and a milk butler service. The indoor pool comes highly recommended by a friend. I’ve got my eye on a massage in the newly-refurbished spa, which also offers mini treatments for kids over three.
Alexandra Carello, PR Director, Citizen Femme
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