In The Know: Cool Things For Parents & Kids

From safari parks with stayovers to a kids-focused festival in Hertfordshire, we've rounded up some of the best finds for parents, guaranteed to keep the children entertained and you the right side of sane this month…

Kids & Co

From now until mid-July, Spanish childrenswear company Pepa & Co is running a pop-up shop in Notting Hill. Stocked full of premium children’s brands such as skincare company Little Aurelia, nightwear clothing line Em & Lu and kids’ party specialists Little Lulubel, the store will offer exclusive in-store offers and discounts.

2 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London W11 1NN; until 14th July

Visit PepaAndCompany.com
 

Corner House

Popular with the likes of Tom Hardy, Dominic West and Felicity Jones, The Corner House in Brook Green is a neighbourhood hub geared towards families. Comprising a café, bar, deli, kid’s play centre and fitness studios, owners Victoria Emmerson and Annabel Fitzwilliams (west London mums themselves) have created a destination where friends can catch up over coffee or a class, while the kids are entertained.

102-104 Shepherd's Bush Road, Brook Green, London W6 7PD

Visit TheCornerHouseBrookGreen.com
 

Rosie & Lula

We’re in love with the latest brands to join the stable at online children’s fashion boutique Rosie & Lula. The online store sells a carefully curated range of clothing, shoes and accessories for boys and girls from new born up to six-year-olds. New additions for this season include Wren (the Liberty-print playsuits are adorable) and Freya Lillie, which makes beautiful frilled linen romper suits.

Visit RosieandLula.com
 

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

The smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns to the West End stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score. Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear. Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure.

29 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D 7ES; 4th July-2nd September

Visit LondonTheatreDirect.com
 

The Great Get Together

In honour of the late Labour MP Jo Cox, for the second year running the Jo Cox Foundation will be holding events around the county aimed at bringing communities together. In Queen Elizabeth Park, there will be a huge picnic (plus street food), free face painting, arts and crafts, musical and dance performances and storytelling with the Discover Children's Story Centre. Entry is free.

Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford, London E20 2ST; 24th June

Visit QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk

Aqua Splash

Aqua Splash at the London Aquatic Centre has announced its summer holiday dates. Available to book three-weeks ahead, the sessions are open for children aged five upwards and adults, who can try their luck on the 20m Total Wipe Out-style inflatable course in the former Olympic training pool. Beware – this event is always a sell-out, so make sure you get in there early.

Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford, London E20 2ST; 25th July-2nd September

Visit LondonAquaticsCentre.org

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve

Kids can journey to South America, Asia, and Africa on Port Lympne Reserve’s authentic safari. Along the way, they’ll discover 90 species of animals (including Kent’s only giraffe) and get up-close with life-size prehistoric creatures in the Dinosaur Forest. Parents can extend the adventure with an overnight stay in one of the lodges that overlook the wolf, rhino or tiger enclosures.

Ashford, Kent CT21 4PD

Visit AspinallFoundation.org 

Geronimo Festival

A weekend festival that focuses on kids, Geronimo takes place in the extensive grounds of Knebworth House. With a line-up that features music, comedy, magic, dance, jousting, dog agility, fairground rides, campfire tricks, ferret racing and assault courses, you can guarantee that you won’t hear a single “I’m bored!” all day.

Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX; 30th June-1st July

Visit GeronimoFest.com
 

Little Earth Baby

This July will see the launch of Little Earth Baby, a company specialising in natural, non-toxic and biodegradable baby products. Founded by Emma Bianco, the fabric items are free from PVC, BPA, phthalates, EVA foam, polycarbonate and other nasty chemicals. Her first range of products will focus on thermo-regulating natural-fabric sleeping bags and bunny-shaped organic cotton comforters. Items are available to pre-order now.

Visit LittleEarthBaby.com
 

Thimble London

Thimble London is the brainchild of seamstress Emily O'Connell, who makes handmade traditional sleepwear for children. With lots of different patterned fabrics to choose from (from 100% cotton to flannel), each nightie and pair of pyjamas can be customised – we’re big fans of the whales on white print and vintage pink floral pattern.

Visit ThimbleLondon.com
 

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