In The Know: Cool Things For Parents & Kids

Balancing freedom with safety during the holidays isn’t easy – but Life360 offers a smart middle ground. Whether your child is off to a playdate, summer camp or out exploring with friends, real-time location sharing within a private ‘circle’ means you can see where they are without constantly checking in. You can also set custom places like home, school or the tennis club, and get a notification when they leave. With crash detection, SOS alerts and 24/7 support, it’s also great for teens finding their feet behind the wheel. 

Visit Life360.com

Born on the Devon coast, Red Equipment has become the go-to brand for families who take their outdoor time seriously. What started as a mission to design the ultimate inflatable paddleboard has evolved into a full lifestyle offering built around adventure and performance. The Kids Dry Robes are a hero piece for British beach days – windproof, waterproof and fleece-lined for post-sea swims. The paddleboards, meanwhile, are a Red speciality – designed for all abilities, they’re lightweight, durable and easy to pack up, making them perfect for family holidays and weekend escapes. Finally, pair it all with a waterproof tote bag – a wipe-clean essential that’s spacious enough to carry everything from wetsuits to snacks.

Visit Red-Equipment.co.uk

For parents who prefer their children’s footwear without the cartoon characters or shouty colours, Liberty London’s new collaboration with adidas hits just the right note. The iconic Samba has been reimagined in scaled-down form using delicate prints from the Liberty archive, paired with soft suede, muted tones and a vintage-style gum sole. Playful enough for the playground yet elevated enough to pass the parental style test, these are trainers you’ll be happy for them to wear on repeat. 

Visit LibertyLondon.com

Marfa Stance – known for its iconic coats and clever layering – has just unveiled a children’s line. Founder Georgia Dant, a former Burberry designer, has applied the same artful layering concept to the Marfa Mini range – think reversible gilets, quilted jackets and buildable outerwear pieces in durable fabrics designed to grow with your child. Sizes range from age three to ten, and each piece is designed to be handed down, customised and cherished. 

Visit MarfaStance.com

Few summer outings rival the magic of theatre in the open air – especially when it comes with full access to Kew Gardens. This year, the Australian Shakespeare Company returns with a line-up of magical outdoor performances designed for every age group – from the whimsical Alice in Wonderland to the musical, bubble-filled joy of The Dream Fairies. Older children will also enjoy an evening, candlelit performance of Macbeth. Tickets include full access to Kew’s 320-acre gardens, so families can explore the Treetop Walkway, Badger Sett and Log Trail before settling in for a performance that feels like a storybook come to life. 

Visit KEW.org

If dinosaurs are your child’s obsession, this is the outing to book. Combining Apple TV+’s Emmy-nominated series with cutting-edge CGI, Hans Zimmer’s original score and a Damian Lewis voiceover, Prehistoric Planet at Lightroom is a cinematic, full-sensory adventure. Expect a breathtaking visual journey that takes you through ancient deserts, oceans and forests, showcasing life-size dinosaurs, alongside immersive soundscapes and jaw-dropping animations that bring the prehistoric world to life. 

Visit Lightroom.uk

Outdoor cinema has become a summer staple, and Everyman’s King’s Cross pop-up offers a family-friendly version. Running until 17th August, its canal-side setting is home to an exclusive screen designed by artist Yinka Ilori, who’s also curated a programme of Disney classics, from Encanto to 101 Dalmatians. Expect build-your-own ice-cream sundaes, Cawston Press juice boxes and plush seating with blankets for cosier screenings – a perfect way to introduce little ones to movies beyond the iPad. 

Visit EverymanCinema.com

In true British style, summer often means sunshine one minute and torrential rain the next. Enter Puddleproofs – the clever one-piece waders designed by parents who were tired of outfit changes and soggy socks. Handcrafted in Portugal and bonded to Dunlop wellies, they offer a practical solution for weatherproof dressing. Whether it’s a summer festival or coastal hike, they let children roam free without the need for welly battles or waterproof juggling. Already trusted by top forest and prep schools, they’re fast becoming the gold standard for stylish, functional outerwear. 

Visit Puddleproofs.com

When founder Sara Stokes became a mother, she quickly realised how confusing skincare could be during pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding. The result is SKN TO SKN, a brand redefining skincare for every stage of motherhood. Created with a panel of dermatologists, GPs and women’s health experts, the range is formulated to be as safe as it is effective. Every product is free from ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid, and instead full of gentle, high-performing actives to support hormonal skin, whether you’re TTC, breastfeeding or deep in the fourth trimester.

Visit SKNToSKN.com

Loved by design-minded parents, Banwood has just launched its new eco collection, offering the same pared-back aesthetic and premium build as its classic three-wheelers, now made from 100% recycled plastic. Fishing nets, bottles and plastic bags have been turned into scooters and helmets in earthy hues like pale mint and dusty pink. Suitable from age three upwards, think of it as a sustainable upgrade to your outdoor kit – plus, the new price point makes it more accessible than ever. 

Visit Banwood.co.uk

Known for its beautiful, brain-building toys, Lovevery’s latest launch is a three-part programme designed to support children on the journey from phonics to fluency. Developed with Montessori and phonics experts, each stage builds confidence via sensory games, self-correcting activities and beautifully designed books that make reading feel like fun. Results speak volumes – 98% of children improved their reading skills, with a 68% average improvement in just six weeks. With a focus on fun and confidence rather than pressure or perfection, it’s a screen-free way to nurture life-long bookworms. 

Visit Lovevery.co.uk

From weaning woes to picky eaters, paediatric dietitian Lucy Upton is the calm, evidence-based voice every parent needs. Her just-launched book translates years of NHS and private experience into an accessible guide that covers it all – allergies, portion sizes, confidence-building and more. A must-read for anyone navigating early years nutrition and those keen to raise confident, intuitive eaters. 

Visit TheChildrensDietitian.co.uk & follow @ChildrensDietitian