School’s out and parents everywhere are looking for engaging ways to keep kids happy.
Make the most of these (hopefully) sunny weeks by stepping out into the world, discovering fun activities and soaking up inspiring attractions, whether in London or beyond.
From immersive cultural outings and family‑friendly UK hotels to theatre, cinema, galleries, exhibitions and sports classes – plus stylish pieces for both mums and children – this is what the Citizen Enfants team of mums are doing to make it an unforgettable August with family.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
BOOK In full swing of the summer holidays, I’m in overdrive booking so many great things that London has going on, including shows like The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Alice in Wonderland and The Enormous Crocodile. STAY I’m not travelling abroad this summer, and am quite content to keep it in the UK. I’ll be staying at the Four Seasons Hampshire for a few days, spending time in the pool, taking a trip to Paultons Park (home of Peppa Pig World), trying out their new Giorgio Armani-branded tennis courts and taking part in the pony grooming for the kids. TREAT MYSELF TO A lymphatic draining massage from Shapehouse, experts from Melbourne. It’s currently a pop-up, with a permanent spot coming soon. DATE DAY The end of August means the end of summer holidays, which also means a little date day for me and my husband. AIRE Ancient Baths is beckoning us for a fabulous morning of relaxation. ENJOY Movie nights at home, which includes popcorn for the kids made with this very cool retro popcorn maker that then fills up my Zara popcorn bowls. There’s also cocktails for the adults, made using this Aspinal of London cocktail shaker. READ We’re learning about rhyming at home so the Meg & Mog collection has come in very handy!
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
DO My eldest son is off to Boardmasters and then going to Sri Lanka to volunteer at a charity project, and my middle son is flying to Antigua to stay at his friend’s family beach house – so I’m taking my littlest off for some adventures. We’ll visit the Jurassic World Experience at Battersea Power Station, watch The Bad Guys 2 at Everyman Cinema, and pop into the Anya Hindmarch Ice Cream Project to sample some very funky flavours! LEARN Since they were eight, my boys have taken RYA sailing lessons in the summer holidays. The older two have finished now, but my youngest still has a few levels to go. It’s a fantastic way to spend time in the school holidays and a great skill to learn – I’m hoping they will sail me around the Med one day… BUY I spend most of my summer by the sea in Devon, so I’m always on the look out for good, useful stuff to add to my beach kit. This year I’ve got my eye on an Alex Mill tote (big enough, but not so enormous that it’s really heavy), a Yeti 26oz Rambler bottle that will keep my coffee warm, and a Deluxe Beach Chair from Sunnylife. DOWNLOAD Any parent who has ever tried to help their child book a driving test will know that tests are (for some unknown reason?!) like gold dust. I’ve downloaded the Testi app which tells me when there is a cancellation in my area. My eldest is just about ready to sit his test, so I’m keeping a close eye on the app every day. MAKE Kids love ice lollies in the summer and I have some great stackable moulds from Lékué. They fit in the freezer and can be filled with juice and fruit. Simple but fun.
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Rachel Story, Style & Commerce Director
STAY Pan Pacific London is making staying in the city of London fun for all the family, thanks to the Bishopsgate two-bedroom suite, stocked with toys and a thoughtful teepee den for little ones. The infinity pool with bird’s-eye views over London’s cityscape looks like the coolest place to splash with toddlers while taking in the historical sites of the city. VISIT While I’m over in East London, I’ll be taking my toddler to the Young V&A – a ticketless and free-entry fun day out with sensory play zones, tactile exhibits and interactive installations – as well as jumping on the tube to Southbank to visit the Paddington Experience. I’m excited for my little one to try his first marmalade sandwich and be immersed in the magic of one of his favourite characters. DO Speaking of the V&A, I’m finally making it to the Cartier Exhibition this month with my mum and sister – I can’t wait for a girlie day out, ogling the most insane jewels. EAT We’ll make the most of the afternoon together and walk to Amélie after the exhibition, a Provençal style restaurant that currently has a Miraval rosé terrace for the summer season – I’m hoping the weather is kind to us that weekend! While we’ll be dining sans children this time, the steak frites comes with unlimited fries; bound to be a hit with kids (and adults!) READ Perhaps it’s not cool to recommend a best-seller book that’s been everywhere this summer, but hits are a hit for a reason, and Coco Mellors’ Blue Sisters had me hooked. A story of loss, grief, addiction and the ebbs and flows of sibling relationships, in which Mellors perfectly captures the intricacies of sisterhood.
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Alexandra Carello, PR Director
SEE The Baddies at Cadogan Hall. This lovely book from Julia Donaldson is being brought to life on stage this August. VISIT The Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy. I love being in this building, and find it a special outing in itself. I’m going to take my girls, bring a sketch book, and let them be inspired. WEAR We are travelling a lot over August and these easy sweatshirts from Mini Rodini are the perfect travel outfit for the girls – playful and practical. LISTEN Lots of travel means some iPad time watching their favourite TV shows, and these sweet headphones from Liewood are perfect for that. PLAY A British staycation with my family means we are stocking up on good games – I’ve bought Giant Jenga and can’t wait to play with the whole family.
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Ella Alexander, Fashion Features Director
STAY We’re heading to Port Lympne Safari Park to stay in the Bear Lodge, a very fashion editor-friendly form of glamping that overlooks the bear habitat. I used to work in the gift shop at Port Lympne as a teenager so to return with my son and husband feels like a real full-circle moment. We’re also going on a safari tour of the park. I don’t know who’s more excited, Lenny or me. DO It’s an annual family tradition to head to Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on August Bank Holiday weekend. We go on Family Day, which is when the children’s parades take place. If you like music, dancing and good food, there’s no better place to be. BOOK We’ve recently booked tickets to Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station, where you travel 109 metres up one of its iconic chimneys to an incredible viewing platform. I’m in it for the views, Lenny is in it for the ride. BUY Baby Mori has a great sale on at the moment, so we bought the toddler a very sweet striped rashguard.
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