Summer is well underway. As children enjoy the break from school, let the Citizen Enfants team and some of our mum friends inspire you with ideas and suggestions to make the most of this month.
From fun days out exploring in the UK and further afield, to wonderful family hotels to pop on your wish-list, stylish outfits and clever skin care for both mums and their children, here is plenty of inspiration to help you make the very most of August.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
GETAWAY To the Caribbean. While its usually off season, its actually a lovely time to visit. A weekend or two at Eden Rock St Barths will be received very well. SEE There’s a Monster In Your Show at Riverside Theatre, plenty of playful fun for littlest ones. STROLL AROUND The Natural History Museum’s wildlife gardens have just reopened and it is literally a ‘wildlife haven’ that takes you on a journey through 2.7 billion years of Earth history. Even though my kids are a little too young to understand, inside and in the garden’s of NHM is a regular fun jaunt. GO NUTS IN The Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern. The artist Oscar Murillo is inviting anyone (especially fun for kids) to take part in a big interactive artwork. Wear grubby clothes s the kids can splash the acrylic paint around and ‘flood’ a giant canvas. PLAY AT HOME The Roleplay & Imagination set ups are so much fun, and create a world of tiny adventures for my children. The shop and cafe (which opens very early daily), and cooker, dishwasher and fridge set provide hours of fun.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
STAY One&Only Kéa Island only opened in May this year, but it’s already a big hit with families. Just 45 minutes from Athens by speedboat, this is a hotel to have on your wish list – it’s on mine. TRY End the summer holidays on a high note by taking the kids indoor skydiving at the O2’s iFly. Instead of jumping out of a plane you take flight inside a giant wind tunnel that simulates the same experience – all a lot safer and easier than it sounds, I promise! Kids as young as three can take part. BUY I’ve discovered 31st State who make excellent skincare designed for teenage boys by a mum who has two of her own. I bought their Teenage Essentials Kit for my two eldest sons. RELAX I love the school summer holidays, but it’s nice to have a little bit of time to myself too so I’m booking a couple of treatments at the tranquil Bamford Spa. BOOK AHEAD The Creakers before it sells out. Based on the best-selling children’s book by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, this magical musical adventure arrives at the Southbank Centre for a strictly limited Christmas season and will make a lovely festive treat for little ones.
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Lucie Wilde, Property Consultant at Colombo Hirst
STAY We are just back from Six Senses Ibiza and have rebooked for the end of September. I love seeing the magic of the island through my children’s eyes. VISIT Tumblestone Hollow Adventure Playground in Stonor Park. The playground is enormous and loved by my toddlers and teenager in equal measures. The pizza van is also a huge hit with everyone. WEAR Pretty, effortless dresses from St Clair – they’re perfect for the English countryside (for both my daughter and myself). USE I’ve recently overcome a big battle of trying to encourage my children to brush their teeth thanks to Curapox‘s fun children’s dental range. They also have fantastic travel products. BUY I love the brands I discover on Smallable. It’s my go to online store for the kids. LISTEN I spend a large proportion of my time in the car (either on the school and nursery run or commuting into London for work), so I get through hours of informative podcasts such as Huberman Lab and I recently devoured the audiobook of Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes. MAKE My husband brought me a Ninja blender for my birthday a few weeks ago and the children and I have fun experimenting with new smoothie recipes each morning.
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Daniela Townson, C0-founder of Evie and Skye
VISIT Borgo Egnazia in beautiful Puglia. This boutique resort ticks all the boxes for us: the traditional architecture, decor and panoramic setting will leave you swooning. And we adore how family friendly they are. WEAR Light dresses for the summer months. I recently discovered Banoffee BCN, they have the most darling cotton dresses with delicate ruffle detail. Another favourite is Olana, offering timeless vintage inspired luxury dresses with a Parisian romantic flair. SHOP At Jimmy Fairly which has the cutest mini range for kids. Ideal if you want your little ones to look as glamorous as you. BUY Swim floats and paddling pools from Petite Pommes who are an absolute must have for style enthusiasts. We’ve been fans since they were a small start up and keep adding colours and sizes as my daughter grows. PAMPER With Merit – my favourite discovery this year. This make up brand is perfect for a natural, dewy look. Must haves are The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick and the Bronze Balm. DO Get aboard a Mississippi style boat from Richmond to Hampton Court Palace. The journey is stunning and Hampton Court Palace has a lovely play area for kids: the Magic Garden. Bring swim wear as they can play with water too. READ Asia Mackay’s series of fun books. The main character, Alexis, is about as badass as you can get but, despite her dangerous job at the secret service, she’s also a new mother. Start with Killing It, then The Nursery and finally A Serial Killers Guide To Marriage.
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Sarah Richards, Managing Director of JPR
STAY At Lakes by YOO. Little ones are invited to run wild and free at the luxury estate’s new Summer Adventure Camp. My family adore coming here – and the new luxury apartments sleep six, making it ideal for big families and groups of friends. BOOK Tickets to one of the fabulous events taking place at Chatsworth Estate, staying nearby at The Cavendish. READ I’ve preordered Charlotte Kristensen’s book Wine: Drink, Pair, Pour, which comes out in September, as I’m really keen to improve my hostess-with-the-mostess skills now that the boys are out of the baby stage. VISIT Morden Hall Park in Wimbledon which has a summer of family theatre – we loved the Peter Pan play and on the 14 and the 15 August they’re showing The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck. EXPERIENCE I cannot wait to meet the one and only Peppa Pig who is coming to Four Seasons Hampshire this month, after months of listening to her blaring from the Tonie box each evening, it will be intriguing to see how my toddler reacts to meeting her in real life! BUY My sister has just had her second baby and I am obsessed with baby gifts from Baby Mori, their new Autumn Forest Bear Collection is too cute for words. WEAR I am visiting Athens at the beginning of September and have invested in a chic one piece from Melissa Odabash’s new High Summer Collection, their cossies are so flattering and comfortable for new mums.
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