If you do not happen to be coming to Paris in the forseeable future, don’t worry, a lot of the Marie Puce label is also available on-line. I guess it is a bit like a virtual shopping trip to Paris!

- Emilie

So here is my list of what to do in Paris with your family for a weekend (or more!) in Paris:

SEE:

The Pompidou Centre – great for the whole family. The permanent collection is world-class and well laid out, not too big and not too small. The ground floor has a little exhibition center just for kids that normally runs parallel to the temporary exhibitions and helps kids understand the exhibition. If nothing else, taking the rolling staircases, which are on the outside of the building in the plastic tubes, is an activity in itself.

The Galerie de l’Evolution – Paris’s natural history museum, which has recently been renovated and is worth a visit, especially if it is rainy outside. It is a beautiful space and is set in the Jardin des Plantes, the Botantical Gardens. It is a lovely to have a walk around in.

The Menagerie in the Jardin des Plantes – Also in the Jardin des Plantes is the Menagerie, a little zoo that has been around since the mid-19th century and has not changed a lot since then. It is a great size for smaller children and very charming.

The Sacrée Coeur and Montmartre – Montmartre and the Sacrée Coeur is a fun place to explore – unfortunately a lot of tourists agree with this, so the main streets are often packed with tourists. It is quite easy to avoid them though, as the groups normally stick to a few road and squares.

I recommend taking the funicular (easily my favourite public transportation vehicle) up to the top of the hill (you pay with a metro ticket). The view of Paris from the Sacrée Coeur is one of the best. If you walk back down the steps you will find a beautiful old merry-go-round – you might recognize it from the movie Amelie Poulain.

Musée D’Orsay – The Musée d’Orsay is a really accessible museum for kids from about 5 years and up. It houses a lot of the famous impressionists, so it is a great introduction to art and famous artwork that your kids might already know. It is right in the heart of Paris on the right bank of the Seine, beside the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens, the perfect place to go and have a run about in after a museum visit. Do note that one of the crazy things about parks in France is one is often not allowed on the grass and there are fierce looking officers with whistles paroling the parks to make sure it stays that way!

Cité des Enfants - The cité des Enfants is based in the Science Museum a little bit outside the centre of Paris at La Villette. It is definitely worth the treck out if you are staying for a few days. All the exhibitions are interactive, educational and fun. I have been there with my kids and it is quite interesting how different kids gravitate towards different part of the exhibition. The exhibitions are divided between a section for 2-7 year olds and a section for 5-12 year olds. I would advise booking tickets in advance from the museum’s website.

PLAY:

Luxembourg Gardens – The Luxembourg Gardens is possibly my favourite park in Paris – it is beautiful and very, very Parisian. Again you will stumble over the problem that it is hard to find a piece of grass to sit on, but you can sit on the famous chairs, go on the merry-go-round, rent little boats to push around the little pond with a stick, visit the play area (you will notice all the French parents sitting on the benches outside the area while the foreign parents are running around the area trying to keep an eye on their children).

Jardin d’Acclimatisation – the Jardin d’Acclimatisation is situated in the bois de Bologne, on the west side of Paris. This is without a doubt my children’s favourite park. It is a bit like a permanent fun fair with rollercoaster rides, a domestic animal zoo with some random lama’s chucked in, little ponies to ride on, swings, a little water park and several play areas. There is a little train that goes from Porte Maillot to the Jardin which children love!

Parc Floral – on the other side of Paris in the east is the Parc Floral, situated in the bois the Vincennes. It has a great play area and also over the summer has a great climbing circuit through the trees from 6 years onwards. Children are put into harnesses and get to climb and swing through the forest. The Parc Floral also hosts open air concerts (mostly classic and jazz) during the summer months.

Parc de la Villette – If you have trekked out to the Cité des Enfants, don’t miss the play area in the Parc de la Villette. It has some of the best play equipment I have seen, for all age groups.

EAT:

Petit Café du Monde – Though it is tucked away in a residental area in the 11th arrondissement, do stop by this café if you are in the area. It is especially good if you have small kids as there is a great play area and parents can relax with a good coffee and a piece of organic cake while kids play.

Pain Quotidien – The Pain Quotidien has branches all around the world, but I wanted to include this in my list as it has something 99% of French cafés have not: highchair and a changing table. The branch I go to is right in the middle of Paris in the Marais, and it is a good brunch/ lunch pit stop.

Salon de Thé Bonpoint – This tea room is in the basement of the beautiful flagship store of Bonpoint. It is a perfect place to stop for lunch after a morning of shopping around St Germain or after having had a run around the Luxembourg Gardens which are only a few minutes walk.

Rose Bakery – Courtney introduced me to Rose Bakery as I was refusing to go to an English bistro in Paris. She insisted and I now love this place. It is especially good for breakfast, if you are not a huge fan of the croissant and pain au chocolat’s on offer in French cafés. There are several branches of Rose Bakery in Paris..

Marché des Enfants Rouges – The Marché des enfants rouges is situated in the north part of the Marais and is such a fun places for kids as you order your food from the different stalls and sit down along long table and benches to eat your food. There is a great Japanese stand, but you can also choose between crepes and creole food to name a few.

Café de l’Industrie – This is as classic a French hip café as they come. I like it because they like kids in this place. No special extras are offered to them but no one minds if things get spilt of if a table is a bit noisy. There is a very reasonable kids menu if you ask if it.

SHOP:

Bon Marché – I am not a big fan of department stores, but if you are looking for a place that has everything under one roof, the Bon Marché is the place to go. It is not as crowded as the Galerie Lafayette on the other side of the Seine, and the toy department is fabulous, as it the children’s clothes department (and the shoe department, and the handbag department…)

Marie Puce is a lovely little boutique in the heart of the 6th arrondissement. Beautifully designed French clothes, mostly made in France. Classic with a interesting twist. Definitely worth having a look at. (If you don’t happen to be coming to Paris in the near future you can also shop on their website.

Serendipity is just down the road from Marie Puce, it is made the most famous interior design shop for children in Paris. It mixes it’s own designs together with carefully chosen pieces. You will find everything her from beds to room accessories.

Bonpoint – The flagship store of this label is well worth a visit, there are rooms after rooms of beautiful children’s clothes, housed in a beautiful house, just off the Luxembourg Gardens.

Bonton – Bonton used to be under the Bonpoint umbrella but is now flying on it’s own. The recently opened flagship store on the boulevard Filles de Calvaire in the 3rd is great, there is a hairdresser, the lovely Bonton clothes, an interior deco department, a great little book department, accessories for birthday parties

Wowo – Wowo is a tiny children’s clothes boutique just across the street from Bonton on the rue Froissart with sweet, quirky designs. They have a great collection of baby, boys and girls clothes. I also love their fabric which they sell in store by the meter.

Petit French Trotters – French Trotters has been around for year and has a great collection of women’s clothes. Pretty much next door, Petit French Trotters has opened with an equally great collections of children’s clothes.

Alice à Paris – Alice à Paris has managed a rare feat: stylish French clothes at very reasonable prices, I stop in one of the boutiques a couple of times a year to stock up.  There are several boutiques around Paris.

Talc – Another great French label and a big favourite with the mom’s out here. The boutique is in the 6th in the rue Jacob. The designs are simple but comfy and fun. The clothes are often recognisable by the cute animal ears sewn on top of the hoods.

Soeur – this one is an interesting one as this shop designs for the teenage market from about 10 years up (though both Esther and I have found some pretty nice pieces for ourselves there). The Soeur style does represent the style a lot of teenage girls in Paris dress – relaxed but with style. The boutique is the the rue Bonaparte also in the 6th.

SLEEP:

Georges V – This is THE address if you are staying in Paris grand style. Products based on the age of the style will be supplied, each child receives a present on it’s arrival, a children’s hairdresser can be ordered to come to the room and games and toys can be borrowed from reception. The Georges V comes with a prices but I am sure the service is impeccable

I-Escape is one of my favourite website to find hotels on and their list of Paris family-friendly hotels is really good

VRBO is a great way to find a holiday flat without using an agency. A few friends of mine have used VRBO to find a short term rental in Paris and have always been really happy with the flats they have found. Staying in a flat if you are travelling with kids does have advantages, as being able to cook meals at home after a long day of sightseeing can be a life saver!

There is a little shop in Encinitas, California (where I used to live) called m.o.m that has the most adorable decor pieces, accessories and handmade clothes for children. They often use one-of-a-kind fabrics with fun prints for their items. I bought the most adorable pink striped tie for one of the favorite little boys in my life when I was last down there and he adores it. These would be darling additions to any easter outfit or to have around for a dress-up occasion.  (They don’t show a big selection on their site, but they are great at taking custom orders and letting you pick out the fabrics.)

-Elizabeth

Rome must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Maybe because of the warm light so unique to this city which makes its palazzi in hues of gold and terracotta glow at sunset. Perhaps it has to do with the beauty of its flowering balconies and rooftops or the regal stance of the pine and sycamore trees that line the river and fill the parks. Of course it could be the abundance of wealth in monuments and churches, important ruins and treasures. And to top it off, that balmy climate, so mellow in each season giving a romantic feeling you can’t get enough of as you walk the cobblestone streets and listen to the sweet sounds of Roma. Here are some ideas for a weekend in Rome…

SEE:
CASTEL S. ANGELO - Castel Sant’Angelo has ramps and secret passages, weapons and artillery, frescoes and even papal bedchambers. Be sure to visit the terrace with amazing views of Rome at the top. The covered passage (passetto) is a battlement wall which connects it to St. Peter’s and served as an escape route for the Pope when he was under siege.

THE COLISEUM - Symbol of Rome with its gladiator games and wild animal hunts, the arena featured seating for 50,000 spectators. At times it was filled with water so that naval battles could be held. It is, of course, the best attraction in Rome.

ST. PETER’S DOME -  Climbing the Cupola… There are 320 steps to the top of the dome, if you’re up for a strenuous walk. By taking the elevator, you can see the view into the basilica from inside the dome while standing amidst the beautiful mosaics that line the walls. The narrow steps that wind around the elevator reach the roof and offer outstanding views of the square and all of Rome.

PANTHEON - The Pantheon’s huge dome has a large opening which is the temple’s only source of natural light. It is 27 feet in diameter and open to the sky (the floor is gently sloped to allow for runoff of rainwater). Its extremely thick walls, 16 huge columns and gigantic bronze doors strike an impression on visitors as a reminder of the great Roman empire.

PLAY:
VILLA BORGHESE - The second largest public park in Rome, it was once residence to the Borghese family. With its fountains, gardens, forests, historical buildings and museums, it has an almost fairy tale feel to it. There are many attractions for children, such as pony rides, bicycle rental and four-seat cycling with assisted pedalling near the CASINA DI RAFFAELLO. This is a magical daycare – a workshop where children can play and are free to use their imagination. At the GIARDINO DEL LAGO, a pond with classic temple in the middle and exotic vegetation all around, you can rent a small row boat. There is a movie theatre for children, the CINEMA DEI PICCOLI and BIOPARCO, a zoo where children can see many animals and learn about habitats and animal conservation. (there’s also a self-service restaurant ideal for children). Be sure to ride or walk to the Pincio above Piazza del Popolo where there is a magnificent view of Rome.

EXPLORA MUSEUM - Explora is a customized town for children, based on the principle of learning by doing. The Museum gives children the opportunity to have fun in a stimulating environment while touching, testing and playing. Workshops and temporary exhibitions are all ‘hands-on’ experiences. Children enter pint-sized scenes of everyday life where they can shop at a supermarket, purchase stamps at a post office, play in a television studio or climb aboard a fire engine. They can even enter a multimedia room where energy is produced by air, waves or light.

TECHNOTOWN VILLA TORLONIA - A medieval villa has been restored to entertain children from 8-17 in an area dedicated to nature and technology. It’s located on the grounds of the beautiful Villa Torlonia park, where there is a neo-classic villa, now museum, which was once the summer home for Mussolini. There are interactive games with special effects and interactive floors such as a time machine to discover ancient parts of Rome in which two teams compete, scenes are shown on 3 screens, and a virtual glove and glasses are worn. In all, there are 8 rooms containing sophisticated technology and educational games to enjoy in a fun, creative way. Also worth a visit while in the park is the Casina delle Civette, for its Swiss lodge look and stained glass windows. Enjoy a bite to eat at the adjacent restaurant, la Limonaia.

GIANICOLO HILL - Every day on Gianicolo hill, a cannon blast marks the noon hour. The cannon is located just below one of the largest and most panoramic terraces of the city, the piazza dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi. Also worth seeing for children is the special outdoor puppet theatre which puts on shows daily. (free of charge, but an tip is appreciated)

EAT:
GUSTO - At Gusto, the gastronomic experience equals quality in its dishes and service but also a moment to savour in slow life. Taste is shown in its interior design, music, art and emporium. Gusto is a model for concept food, located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, an important historical area of Rome, facing ancient ruins. It includes a restaurant, pizzeria, wine bar and shop, cheese bar, seafood and vegetable restaurant as well as a bookshop and emporium. You can eat indoors in the international setting or outdoors under the arcade by Piacentini with views of the piazza and the Ara Pacis Museum.

GELATERIA VENCHI - With a motto that declares, “Once you taste it, you’ll understand,” you’ve just got to try it.
Superb ice cream that will make you want more. Use of simple genuine elements: milk, fresh cream, sugar and fibers along with prime ingredients such as chocolate, nuts, pistachios and fresh fruits. The result is ice cream which is genuine, rich in taste and all Italian, with particular care for nutritional values, manufacturing procedures and respect for the land. Flavors range from traditional Venchi classics for chocolate and cream lovers to fresh seasonal fruits, granite and fruit popsicles in summertime.

Antica Enoteca della Croce - Ever popular with locals, artists and shoppers for a drink or a meal, the Antica Enoteca has been around since 1842. You can sample wines, eat tasty dishes from the buffet served on the polished wood and brass bar or choose something from the restaurant menu. In warmer months there are tables set up outside.

LA BUVETTE -This elegant tea room/snack bar/restaurant has the look and feel of an old cafè with its tasteful surroundings and  professional service. The chef suggests a traditional Italian and French menu. Hand-made pasta and prime ingredients make up first and second courses while the desserts are all homemade with the perfect mix of chocolate, fruits and cream. In the morning you can find an excellent breakfast buffet and at 5p.m. tea and cakes.

SHOP:
Il PESCIOLINO ROSSO - The shop marks the return of toys which are hand-crafted traditional treasures. Carefully made with natural colours and non-toxic materials, and chosen to stimulate the curiosity and creativity of children, these toys also help parents discover  the pleasure of playtime in which the toy becomes an ideal companion for travel and life.

There are books by many Italian editors which include texts by important children’s authors while the toys come from many different countries including Japan, United States (Manhattan Toy) and Scandinavian countries. They are made out of natural materials, in fabric, crochet work and wood with a special care for design. Close attention has been dedicated to promoting the child’s educational and recreational development by respecting the area where the toys have been made. Many of these companies produce their line in the Far East where they have chosen to follow local traditions.
Upon request, children’s bedrooms are designed with custom-made furnishings.

BONPOINT - Bonpoint, an exclusive French line of clothing from age zero to sixteen is haute couture for the young. Fabrics are highest quality cottons and linens. The designs are not trendy, but give a bit of a modern edge to otherwise classic designs. Piazza S. Lorenzo in Lucina

PINCO PALLINO - Pinco Pallino’s fashionable address is next to Tiffany’s on Via del Babuino. Designers and owners, Imelda and Stefano Cavalleri export their unique line of children’s fashion worldwide. With stores in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, they feature whimsical designs as well as classic and contemporary cuts and cater to the young globe trotter with a princely wallet.

METTIMI GIU - Near the Spanish steps, this shop has casual and sporty clothes for newborns to 15-year olds and their mothers. It sells nice sweatshirts, jackets, jerseys and jeans in a variety of fun brands including Oilily. Via Dei Due Macelli 59

CARTONNAGE LEGATORIA DELL’ORSO - Handcrafted creations in which the client is free to choose the type of paper, ribbons and canvas which come from different parts of the world, often handmade with natural colors or recycled. They can be used to create objects, invitations, albums, books, boxes or place cards for special events. Federica, with her sweet smile and gentle hands creates precious handicrafts of extreme precision. Julia Roberts shopped here as she filmed Eat, Pray and Love next door. Via dell’Orso, 39

STAY:

VILLA LAETITIA - This historic residence owned by the Fendi family, consists of a series of small apartments, with creatively designed interiors.

HOTEL DE RUSSIE - An oasis in the midst of the bustling city centre, this luxury 5 star hotel features terraced gardens and an exclusive health club.

CASA HOWARD - The charm and elegance of a private home in a fantastic location.

RESIDENCE VITTORIA – Apartments in the center of Rome that are modern and functional.

PORTRAIT SUITES - Luxurious Italian style with custom-made hospitality.

H&H HOME - Located in an 18th century building, the apartment has modern facilities and a small balcony. Bicycles, tours around Rome and even babysitting are some of the services offered.

Little Warrior is a sweet children’s line out of Los Angeles. The Spring/Summer ‘12 Lookbook is adorable and perfectly captures the feeling of endless childhood days. I love all of the super-soft unique silhouettes and the muted palette. Little Warrior just opened a boutique in Hollywood over the weekend. If you are in the neighborhood, you should absolutely stop by!

Little Warrior Boutique (inside Filth Mart)
1038 North Fairfax Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90046

I was first introduced to Elizabeth Antonia when I discovered her blog about a year ago (perhaps you remember this blog post, which was inspired by a post she wrote!). I have since become enamoured with her life in LA, her relationship with her gorgeous daughter, the traveling she does, and the refreshing take on life she has.

I am extremely excited to say that she will now be our newest contributor, writing from LA and sharing a bit of her life with us! Hooray, hooray! Stay tuned for her first post today…

x Courtney

(Bottom image taken by Lou Mora)

This weekend we made it to Obliteration Room at the Tate Modern and my kids loved it so much they’re still talking about it. What a cool idea! The Obliteration Room is the kid’s section of the bigger exhibition by Yayoi Kusama — the dot loving Japanese artist. It started out as a completely white room and then they allowed kids to come in and place colourful dot stickers wherever and however they chose.

It was interesting to watch my kids with their sheets of stickers. My daughter stuck all the stickers on her face, my son kept asking to put them on the ceiling, and my oldest went around creating crazy cyclops monster faces on the floor. What a fun activity (it’s on until the 18th of March)!

x Courtney

PS – Photos above are from the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art in Australia where the project started. Aren’t they so cool?!

Such a fun way to introduce the city of lights to your kids. I love the fact that Joel has, very thoughtfully, included a brief description of all the buildings onto his PDFs, so this game can be educational too.

- Emilie

xxx Esther

PS Photo of Pim (4) skating on the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam over the weekend.

You see, in France we still address each other with Madame, Monsieur and Mademoiselle — the equivalent of Sir, Madam and Miss. These terms, as far as I can tell, have completely dissapeared out of the English/American vocabulary. I really like this politeness. When I walk into a bakery I greet everyone in there with a general “Bonjour Monsieur/Dames” and when it is my turn I get told “A vous, Madame”.

There is a campaign in France to get rid of the Mademoiselle,  which makes total sense. My grandmother’s two best friends, 90 and 92 respectively, are still known as Mademoiselle as they never got married. I address them as Mademoiselle, whilst they call me Madame, and there is not a lot of logic in that. I do hope the shopkeepers will continue to call me Mademoiselle though (and not forget the wink)!

What about in your country, are women still being addressed as Senorita, Senorina or Fräulein?

- Emilie x

The illustration is of Coco Chanel, one of France’s most famous Mademoiselles, by Adrian Tomine for the New Yorker.

I love using the Velib’, but cycling around a city with kids in tow is just not possible. The arrival of the Autolib’ was announced months ago and I have been peeking down my road, to see if there were going to be any cars parked close to me. And suddenly there were 4 neatly lined up electrical cars right across the road!

I now just walk a few meters, swipe my card, unplug the car from its power socket and off I go. It’s brilliant and has already taken me all around Paris. There are not yet that many parking stations, but new ones are opening every day. For the kids, I just bring along booster seats, which are easy enough to carry.

-Emilie

P.S. Have you ever driven an electrical car? It is soo quiet!

Courtney and I spent a hilarious weekend seven years ago (pre-children) at the October Fest in Munich. It was great fun: there was a lot of beer, schnapps, bretzels, German sausages, sleeping and card playing involved. I don’t think we had ever seen so many people our age in lederhosen and dirndls. It was definitely not the kind of weekend you would have with kids.

I am pretty sure that a weekend in Munich now would be very, very different, but potentially as much fun — it is a beautiful city, very traditional but also very happening. For some local insight on what Munich has to offer for kids, Mitali, a stay-at-home mom living in Munich, has very kindly given us her tips and recommendations on what to do in the capital of Bavaria. She is a mother of two (son Nilay 6 years, daughter Nalini 7 months) and the proud owner of a crazy dog, Greta. She loves travelling and has lived all around the world, but, in the end, has always enjoyed coming home to Munich. She has some great ideas of what to do in Munich!

SEE AND PLAY:

Schloss Nymphenburg – This is a beautiful castle close to Munich’s city center. It is located within an amazing park, so if you don’t want to visit the inside of the castle, it is still worth the trip to walk around the wonderful gardens. If the weather is warm, go to Prinzengarten located close to the left entrance, where the kids can play in a little creek.

Right next to Schloss Nymphenburg is the museum Mensch und Natur. This is a great interactive museum for children with quizzes, dinosaurs and varying exhibitions.  In front of the castle begins the Nymphenburg canal. In summer many people take a walk along the water, go jogging or cycling. In winter the canal is frozen and you can go ice skating or try out bavarian curling. You can rent skates in all sizes for a small fee and little booths sell hot wine and punch for children to warm you up.  If you walk towards the end of the canal, away from the castle, make sure to stop at Gruenwaldpark, a small park with a nice playground.

Tierpark Hellabrunn -  Tierpark Hellabrunn is Munich’s zoo. Apart from all the wonderful animals you can see, it offers a huge and very creative playground, a petting zoo and pony riding for kids. Unfortunately it gets very crowded during the weekend.
The zoo is located right next to the Isar, so if the weather permits, take a walk at the Flaucher, which is what this part of the Isar is called. People hang out here in summer, bring picnics, barbeque and sunbath. The vibrant atmosphere in the evenings is enjoyed by all.

Olympiapark - The Olympiapark are the old olympic grounds of Munich. There is a huge area with a big public bath, the former soccer stadium, an ice skating rink and a lake. Climb the big hill for an awesome view or to fly kites. For an even more amazing view go up the olympic tower where there is a moving restaurant! (Definately a great spot for a romantic dinner with your loved one! Go at sun set.)
In summer, an alternative festival called Tollwood is held at the Olympiapark, offering food from all over the world, concerts and crafts. Munich’s Sealife is also located at the park and is worth a visit. You can see sharks, sea turtles and other amazing creatures of the sea.  For car lovers BMW Welt is right across the street. Especially little and big boys will enjoy the world of BMW and the museum inside the very modern building.

Marienplatz –  The Marienplatz Square the centre of Munich. The impressive new town hall is located there and you can see Munich’s famous tourist attraction, the Glockenspiel. Every day at 11am and 12pm this chiming clock recounts a royal wedding, jousting tournament and ritualisitc dance – all important in Munich´s history.
You can then walk to a church called Alter Peter (Old Pete) to climb its many stairs to the top of the church tower for an amazing view of the city. Close by is the toy museum which shows old timey toys and dolls.

Don’t forget to stop by next door at the wonderful chocolate shop, called Goetterspeise.  They sell heavenly chocolates, truffles, amazing cakes, macaroons and in summer home made ice cream. You can sit out front on small tables and tiny benches and stools (perfect for kids), enjoy a hot chocolate, home made ice tea or coffee and enjoy the pretty neighbourhood.

Cafe Freistunde - Another great little cafe in this part of town is Cafe Freistunde.They have a playroom for kids, offer delicious coffee and cake, pretzels and kids cappucinos and you can also have a coffee to go to take to the wonderful playground opposite the cafe. The river Isar also isn’t far away to go explore with a coffee and pretzel in hand.

Aroma Kaffeebar – This is a beautiful cafe and store offering delicious coffee, paninis, home made cakes and croissants, muesli, rice pudding and other wonderful dishes. The food is always arranged in the loveliest way with flowers and other cute additions and the vibe there is very laid back.

Cafe Netzwerk – This café is located in the “Center for Natural Birth”. The cafe is a project where women (mostly migrants) can find work after having kids. They offer breakfast and lunch from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 2.30 pm. The friendly ladies serve amazing vegetable soup and other hearty dishes. Babies are able to sleep in one of the many baby beds that can be placed next to your table and older kids can sit in the offered highchairs. You will find no tourists there as this is a spot that is only known by locals….until now

Hirschgarten - Hirschgarten (Deergarden in English) is a huge park located about 15 minutes by tram from Munich Central Station. It offeres a couple of great playgrounds, soccer fields, a water playground, in winter you can go sledding there and as the name suggests there are deers that can be watched and fed. There is a huge beergarden there, where you can either bring your own food and sit at one of its many tables or you can buy great beergarden food there like pretzels, radish, the typical bavarian cheese spread called Obadzda, grilled fish on a stick and of course bavarian beer served in the typical big glasses. If the weather isn´t good enough to sit outside there is also a bavarian restaurant.

Hans im Glück - Hans im Glück has a very creative interiour where the tables are actually build around tiny trees. The have a small shelve with kids toys and they offer food most children like: burgers and fries. Hans im Glück has beef burgers and veggie burgers and offer a great variety of fillings, like burgers with hummus spread, or an Italian burger with antipasti. You can also order salads and desserts and sit inside and outside.

Le Florida - Located in Maxvorstadt this restaurant and bar is great for the start of a night out without your little ones. You can enjoy yummy fusion food and cocktails and listen to some great tunes. The crowed consists mostly of students as this restaurant is located close to the university of munich. Other bars are close by.

Pardi - Pardi is a Turkish restaurant that is always crowded, so make sure to book a table in advance, especially if you want to go in the evening. In summer you can sit outside on their lovely terrace, blankets and heaters allow you to enjoy even a cooler night outside. Inside, Pardi is a stylish place with a fire place and a bar. The food is delicious turkish food. I can recommend the mixed cold and warm entrees and the salad with grilled goats cheese. Children are always welcome and are greeted warmly by the staff!

SHOP:

Rasselfisch - Rasselfisch sells basically all a family needs for their kids. From stylish strollers, to bike chairs for kids, baby carriers, bags, dishes, furniture, toys…This stylish store offers a wide variety of wonderful, individual and well designed things for babies, children and their parents. Check out the website!

Thierchen - Thierchen is a small shop selling handmade baby and childrens clothes, blankets and pillows. The clothes are very indivdual and creative. They sell little t-shirts with hand embroiderd pretzels on them which make great souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Munich. The shop is located in Hans-Sachs-Strasse close to “Kaiser Otto” and “Goetterspeise”. Unfortunately the shop doesn’t have a website.
Kinderzimmer – These are really two shops. One sells furniture for babies and older kids and one offers a wonderful selection of toys, stuffed animals and childrens books. One can get lost in there for hours looking at toy trains, beautiful dolls, individual kids costumes and other gorgeous things.

Lily und Milou – Lily and Milou sells up market, stylish baby and kids clothes, Barbapapa toys and books, wonderfull dolls from Blabla Kids and Anne-Claire Petit, diaper bags and other beautiful things for kids and their mamas.

Nia Pret a Porter and Nia Chaussure - Those two shops are heaven. Leave the kids with your partner or travel partner for two hours and enjoy shopping there. Nia Pret a Porter offers mostly French brands like Sessun and American Vintage. The girls who work there are geniuses in combining clothes and accessories and can help with all your fashion needs. It is my go-to shop for almost anything. The only downside is, that it isn’t cheap and one can never leave without spending way to much on their gorgoues pieces.
Same goes for Nia Chaussure which offers beautiful shoes from Bensimon, dico Copenhagen, Dolfie, Sessun and others and also sells amazing bags and the softest scarves.
Can you tell that I love love love those stores and I am NOT getting payed to say that at all!!!!!!

Leselotte - Leselotte is Munich´s greatest bookstore for kids. They only sell German childrens books but even if you cannot speak German you might want to take a peak at their great selection. The staff can recommend the best book for every age and they also offer a lot of picture books for the smallest ones and a great little selection of toys.

Servus Heimat - Servus Heimat, located in the city center, offers a wide range of really stylish souvenirs from Munich. You can buy shirts for adults and kids, snow globes, key chains, books, diaries and more. Definately go there, if you want to bring something home that isn’t as tacky as the usual tourist stuff.

STAY:

Here are a couple of recommendations of Hotels to stay in: The Laimer Hof, The Anna Hotel, The Hotel Olympic, The Cortiina and the Louis Hotel.

I love Spain — the culture, the cities, the people and the great, great food. I have not been to Madrid in years (actually decades) and had no idea if it is a good place to visit with kids.  Luckily we got some local intel from the lovely Beatriz.

Beatriz, a Spanish native, lives in Madrid with her husband, her daughter Martina and her dog. During the day, she works in communications for a Spanish Luxury Brand. During the night, she runs her blog Con Botas de Agua about things that inspire her.

Here are Beatriz’s recommendations if you happen to be in Madrid (or need an excuse to go!):

SEE

Because kids can appreciate culture too, I wanted to  suggest some cultural things to for you to get to know more about Madrid and its culture.

Madrid’s most important art museums are the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofía. They all offer special activities and guided visits for children. Your children will see art from a different point-of-view. In the Thyssen-Bornemisza they will be able to paint their first work of art.

The Royal Palace and surroundings are incredible places to visit, especially if you have girls that are crazy about the princesses. They will have fun thinking about how life would be like in a palace with rich interiors, long hallways, detailed ceilings and winding stairways. Boys will probably enjoy The Royal Armoury inside the Palace. It is considered one of the most significant collections of its kind. It houses a valuable collection of weapons and armors worn by the Kings of Spain and other members of the Royal Family.

In front of the Palace, there is a great playground which is very useful if there is a long line to enter the Palace — kids can play while one parent is waiting in line.

The Madrid Card gives you free access and avoid lines at the three museums, the Royal Palace and many other places, which is very nice when you go with kids.

A bit further out:

If you do not mind leaving the centre of Madrid, there are three places that I highly recommend:

FAUNIA - It is a nature-themed park, where you can find animals in their natural habitat and experience different ecosystems. There are some wonderful exotic and incredible species in this park.

MICROPOLIX – This is an innovative idea where kids and parents can share fun and education. There is a kid-sized city with typical services that you can find in a city: grocery stores, banks, a hospital, police station, communication medias and the most fun of all… they even have their own money! Children will be the main characters of their own adventure in this little city!

COSMOCAIXA – It is a place to bring science closer to kids on a very fun way. Children will enjoy the 3D Planetarium and different exhibitions where they can explore, touch, and feel science.

PLAY

EL RETIRO PARK – (Metro Retiro. Line 2) One of the best places in Madrid to go with your kids.This great park is in center of the city, easy to get to by metro, bus, or even by walking. You will find a park full of playgrounds, walking paths, and wide open green spaces where you can play ball, soccer, or whatever you want. Your kids will love the puppet shows and performances that take place during the weekends near the main lake. Don’t miss them! They are free, but you should normally give a tip. There is also a Children’s Theatre which puts on one play per day. Normally it is a puppet show put on by a professional theatre companies. In the main lake you can rent a paddle boat and get a 45 minute ride for just 4,30€. Children will love to paddle themselves and look at the fish.

Another good idea is to rent a bike and ride through the park and even part of the city if you like. If you like picnics, pack everything you need and sit on the grass with your kids to have lunch or a snack. It is a a lot of fun when the weather is nice.

THE ZOO – (Metro: Casa de Campo, Line 5 and 10. Bus lines: 33) Don’t forget to ask at the entrance for the schedule of the shows (dolphins, seals and birds of pray). The three of them are worth seeing and are included in the entrance fee. At the aquarium and the “Mysterious Nature” Pavilion, you can see insects and reptiles. The “Small Farm” is also nice for younger children because they will be able to touch farm animals. And do you know what? We have two little pandas who were born in the zoo on September 2010! They are absolutely adorable!

THE AMUSEMENT PARK – (Metro: Batán, Line 10. Bus Lines: 33, 65) It is full of fun attractions with a special area for the little ones, adapted to their age. Don’t miss the water attractions, for example the rollercoaster… especially on hot days. You can eat here but do not expect too much of the food. It is just something simple and quick (hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, etc).

EAT

BABY DELI This is a must. It is a store full of toys, books , eco-products, workshops, and a cafeteria with selected, organic and natural products, to eat while your kids play and have fun. They have also a very nice open space to enjoy if the weather is nice. This is a lovely place that you shouldn’t miss.

PIZZA JARDIN – This is an easy and nice place to eat pizza and pasta. Your kids will feel free to run and play. At the entrance, children are given a balloon, and when they leave, a little present. They also have kids menus.

REAL CAFE BERNABEU – If your kids are passionate about soccer,you definitely should take them to this restaurant. They will love eating while seeing the RealMadrid football playing field, one of the biggest fields in Europe. You can also take the Bernabeu Tour and become a soccer player, visiting the changing rooms, the benches, the field, and many other places in this gorgeous stadium.

LA GABINOTECA – Even if it’s not a place geared towards kids, I’m sure they will enjoy it. There are low chairs, low tables, and old school blackboard walls. There is also a fun and tasty menu where you will find typical Spanish food with twist. Kids will love the Juan Palomo dessert; they give you the ingredients and you can make whatever you want… so fun! It is close to the Science Museum. My tip would be to go for lunch as it get quite bust during the night and they don’t take reservations.

MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL – In the heart of Madrid, this is a nice place to show your kids a typical Spanish market, full of fresh food, colours, people, and life. The perfect place to tapear (eat tapas). You can choose food from the many stands and eat it in one of the many bars inside the market. There is cheese, wine, fish, meat, hot dogs, fruit, juices, sweets, ice cream… whatever you want! Your kids will experience a typical Spanish way of eating. Be warned though, there is often a large crowd, but also a great athmosphere.

LIVING IN LONDON, TEA ROOM – Girls will love to have a “cup of tea” in this wonderful stylish place. Apart from their exquisite cupcakes you can also find plenty of English tea sets, toys, and things for kitchens and living rooms.

CHOCOLATERIAS VALOR and Chocolateria San Ginés – Two perfect places to drink a wonderful cup of hot chocolate with the typical Spanish “churros”.

HAPPY DAY BAKERY (Espiritu Santo, 11) – This bakery has great cupcakes and is in one of Madrid’s more lively neighborhoods, Malasaña. If you like alternative stores and life, you can take your kids to Malasaña and show them this part of the city, full of people, vintage stores, and other cute little stores. In the Happy Day Bakery there is just one little table, but you can take your cupcakes with you and eat them while you discover this great area.

SHOP

The Salamanca district is the perfect place to go shopping. You will find many nice children clothes stores in Lagasca and Claudio Coello streets. If your kids get tired of shopping you can take them to a nice Merry-Go-Round and playground placed in Serrano Street, just in the heart of the Golden Mille and at the entrance of El Corte Inglés, big Spanish Department Store.

Imaginairum on Serrano Street –  It’s the biggest Imaginarium store in the world! Your kids will love it. You can find toys for every age, a wide range of books, furniture and decor. The coolest thing is the kid’s hair salon. It is so fun finding a place where your kids can get their hair cut while they are playing. There is also a little cafe, that is perfect to get a little snack and a little market with ecological and organic food for kids.

Mi pequeño Lucas – This is a beautiful store with beautiful clothes for your kids. The clothes have contemporary esthetic designs inspired by classic designs with comfortable fabrics. All are made in Spain.

Así - It is a unique and wonderful house of dolls. Asi is a family-owned store that has been making their own dolls since 1942. They have incredible and beautiful toys and dolls with a classical touch that make them very special.

Copperpot (Espiritu Santo, 28. Entrance by San Andrés street) –  It is one of my favourite stores. This is a very little dreamy and cute store that you and your kids will adore. It is place to find unique toys with a lot of personality and charm. They also offer their own line of products that are great and made with love. It is located in Malasaña and very close to Happy Day Bakery.

SLEEP

One thing with ethically made goods is that they are always a bit pricer than high street brands, but the Veja tennis shoes are super well made and will last. I am really trying to buy quality over quantity (not always successfully….). You can find a list of stockist on the Veja website.

Below is a photo of the fab mural outside the Lilli Bulle shop we got to colour in!

]]> http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/09/23/veja/feed/ 2 http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/17/marche-de-st-ouen/ http://babyccinokids.com/blog/2011/08/17/marche-de-st-ouen/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:12:59 +0000 Emilie in Paris http://babyccinokids.com/blog/?p=23631
Courtney and her lovely sister were over in Paris a while ago and they persuaded me to expand my horizon a little bit and make the journey with them to Porte de Clignancourt and the famed Marché de St Ouen, otherwise known as les Puces (the Fleas or Flea Market).

I don’t think I had visited this market in 10 years but I have totally fallen back in love with this place. Yes, it is not what it used to be. Yes, things are not dirt cheap and it is hard to find a real bargain. BUT, I love the mazes of little streets full of fabulous things and the sellers who often have a story to tell about each of their wares. I headed back there today and discovered yet another part of the market that I had no idea existed!

Note: This is not a great day out with a hoard of small kids… It is perfect if your child is small enough to sit in a stroller or big enough to enjoy looking at things, but not touching everything. If you are in Paris though and have some time on your own for a bit of a stroll, the “Puces” is a lot of fun. Check out the description of how to get there which Jordan at Oh Happy Day put together — it’s super helpful.

Sara Hignite, our guest blogger, has put her master’s degree in art history to good use as a museum professional, first in St. Louis and now in Dallas. She has also published Comic Art Magazine and in her most recent side project, she helped launch Chakra Design Studio, a boho children’s clothing line. She lives in Dallas with her husband and their 4-year-old daughter, Ava, and is currently looking for her next project. Here are Sara’s insider tips on a weekend away in Dallas:

The cosmopolitan, sprawling city of Dallas boasts great restaurants, family-friendly activities, world-class shopping, and a rapidly expanding cultural scene. As an added bonus, Fort Worth, Big D’s totally charming and lovely neighbor to the west, is little more than an hour away by car. (And, believe it or not my European friends, there’s also convenient rail service between the two cities via the Trinity Railway Express.) Realistically, even though the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system can get you around town, with kids I would probably suggest renting a car. Dallas is rather spread out, and you will be able to see more of the city with the freedom an automobile provides!

While there are a number of obvious family attractions in the Dallas area, such as Six Flags Over Texas, below I offer more of an insider’s perspective, from someone who’s transitioned over the last few years from curious tourist to in-the-know resident. Enjoy!

SEE & PLAY:

THE DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT, the largest urban arts district in the U.S., has developed into the city’s downtown cultural epicenter, and is home to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Winspear Opera House, and more. Each of the museums in the area offers numerous kid-friendly exhibits and activities, so check their websites for details. A brand-new offshoot of the current Museum of Nature and Science will be opening in the neighborhood in 2013. Also in the works is an incredible green space, a much-needed addition to our cityscape!

WHITE ROCK LAKE, an urban oasis on the east side of town, offers sailing and fishing as well as wonderful trails for biking, jogging, hiking, etc. The Dallas Arboretum is set on the banks of the lake, and is truly a lovely place for a leisurely stroll amidst gardens and fountains. (Tips for the Arb: You may want to consider renting one of their cute wagons to cart all of your stuff – especially if your kids aren’t into strollers! Also note that last time I took my daughter to the Arboretum’s sit-down eatery, Restaurant Degolyer, they did not offer high chairs; however, there are several other food service options on site and you may also bring in your own picnic food. Lastly, if the weather is hot, which is likely, take the kids to the frog fountains to cool off!)

FAIR PARK – If you’re lucky enough to be in Dallas between late September and late October, you MUST schedule a day to experience the Texas State Fair, which completely takes over Fair Park, a Dallas landmark that boasts several great museums housed in a wonderful array of Art Deco buildings from the 1930s. Word to the wise: go on a weekday or Sunday morning to avoid the crowds and be sure to bring your strollers or baby slings.
Aside from the typical carnival games, rides, and exhibits, the Fair is all about food. While there is a wide array of culinary options, fried food is king at the Fair – specifically corny dogs. I’ve been told that if you’re a vegetarian (like we are) you can bring in a veggie dog and the Fletcher’s vendors will corny it for you – you can bet I’ll be trying that this year! NB: The Fair is VERY pricey, so be prepared to spend some dough. My daughter and I went last year without my husband (am I crazy?) and we spent around $150 between admission, parking, food, rides, games, etc.

DALLAS ZOO – The Dallas Zoo recently opened a huge new exhibit, Giants of the Savanna, which gives the Fort Worth Zoo (world-famous and definitely also worth a visit if you are in FW) a run for its money. If you are staying near a DART train stop, you may want to consider riding the red line to the Zoo. The train spits you out right at the front entrance! Be sure to check out the wonderful Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, which has a manmade stream running through it – perfect for some summer splashing.

SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM – No visit to Dallas would be complete without a tour of the Sixth Floor Museum, housed in the infamous Texas School Book Depository from which Lee Harvey Oswald fatally shot President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Located in the city’s West End, this museum really is fascinating (although perhaps not appropriate for very young children).

BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT – This hip, eclectic area is home to art galleries, shops, and some fantastic restaurants (see EAT). While here, take your kids to the super-cool arts and crafts studio Oil and Cotton for some DIY magic.

EAT:

I’m of the mind that nearly any restaurant can be family friendly if you get there by 5:30pm! Here are some options that we’ve tried and can vouch for:

TILLMAN’S ROAD HOUSE – Located in the Bishop Arts District, you cannot eat at this restaurant unless you indulge in the tableside gourmet s’mores. This is definitely a place to indulge, so be prepared to start with truffle popcorn and warm peanuts, move on to the trio of fries, and proceed from there. Tillman’s offers an adorable coloring book for the kiddos as well.

RESTAURANTS IN NORTHPARK CENTER – If you’re indulging in some retail therapy at this Dallas shopping dreamland (see SHOP), take a break and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the patio overlooking a lovely green space (the kids run around, you have another cocktail) at either Cibus for Italian or La Duni for Latin American fare. If you’re on-the-go, grab a quick bite at the healthy and delicious Snappy Salads or grab some Tex Mex at Tin Star, both in the upstairs food court.

TACO DINER – There are several locations of this popular taco restaurant around town. We like the West Village location, as it’s set in an outdoor shopping district with cute boutiques and an indy movie theater. The kids will love the Agua Fresca soft drinks (although, beware – they are sweet and enormous!).

ATOMIC PIE – For delicious thin-crust pizza, head up to our neighborhood, Lake Highlands (north of White Rock Lake). Their sauce has just a little kick, which we can’t get enough of!

SHOP:

LITTLE BEAN – This hip children’s shop south of Lakewood is wonderfully curated by Christine Visneau and showcases a lovely selection of small, chic children’s labels as well as gifts and, most recently, a few gorgeous pieces for mom.

THE TOY MAVEN -My favorite toy store in North Dallas offers a wide selection of interesting and educational children’s toys, books, games, and a smidgen of apparel, with a sweet, knowledgeable staff ready to assist. Next door you’ll find Kid’s Cooking Company, an adorable culinary school for kiddos. (If you’re in the area, also hit The Purple Cow diner for burgers, fries, and delicious shakes or warm apple pie à la mode.)

ORIGINAL NEIMAN MARCUS – If you love shopping, you can’t miss the original Neiman Marcus store downtown. During the holiday season, their store-front windows are beyond magical (recently they’ve offered interactive displays for your children to climb through like guinea pigs!).

NORTHPARK CENTER – I truly believe this is one of the best shopping centers anywhere. Incredible department stores (Neiman’s, Nordstrom, Barney’s, Saks, oh my!) are punctuated by a slew of designer boutiques as well as more reasonable staples such as Anthropologie, American Apparel, and, coming very soon, H & M! Northpark also offers a lovely center courtyard where children romp when the weather cooperates. You can also take the kids to a movie or to Bookmarks, an adorable children’s branch of the Dallas Public Library – right there in the mall. Pure genius.

STAY:

Beyond the usual suspects and a remarkable number of über-fancy luxury hotels, Dallas also has a few little gems, which are well-appointed, family friendly, and fun…while also keeping your vacation budget in check.

MAGNOLIA HOTEL - This affordable boutique hotel is located downtown and is near the Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, Zoo, and Neiman Marcus. The kids will love their complimentary bedtime buffet featuring cookies and milk. Breakfast is also complimentary.

THE BELMONT – Reasonably priced as well, this cool historic hotel is located in the hip Bishop Arts District just south of downtown. In the summer, you can enjoy sunrise yoga, pool parties, and concerts, or kick back on a float for the Dive in Movies they offer pool-side.

GREAT WOLF LODGE – if you can muster up the courage, your children will love you for booking a night at this water park/lodge, where every detail has been designed with families in mind. Located in Grapevine, TX, close to DFW airport.

Lucky me. I just spent the past week in New York City with my husband and without our kids!! Such fun! (Seriously, NYC in the summertime is such a young, hip, sexy city… and it was so fun to spend a week with my husband pretending to be young, hip and sexy again!)

We were both there for a bit of work as well as play… and it just so happened that the Playtime NYC children’s trade show fell at the end of our stay. I attended the show on Saturday and I’m going to be bold here and say that it was the best trade show I’ve ever attended. Set in a cool venue in Soho, the intimate space and impressive selection of designers made for a lovely, lovely show. If you happen to be in NYC, today is the last day of the show and it’s definitely worth checking out!

x Courtney

p.s. I’ll be spending the next couple weeks filling you in on my favourite finds from Playtime so stay tuned…

I am definitely picking up City Walks with Kids in Paris. Though I live in this city, I have never used a travel guide to explore it with my kids, and it will be a fun thing to do this summer! City Walks with Kids in Paris and City Walks with Kids in London are available from Smallable. The other Cirty Walks with Kids (Washington, San Francisco and New York) are available from the Chronicle Books website.

• The Pompidou Centre has a relatively new area dedicated to kids — a great way to introduce children to modern art.
• Do look out for the merry-go-rounds that are spread all round the city; you will find anything from flamboyant 2-story constructions looking like a rococco folie to retro seventies space capsules held together with tape.
• Check out the Anish Kapoor exhibit at the Grand Palais. A) because it is a cool building, built for the universal exhibition in 1900 and never taken down. B) because the exhibit is fascinating for children and parents alike.
• The Jardin des Plantes is a sure hit with all children. If it is raining the Galerie de l’Evolution is a great natural history museum. It is not as big as in other cities but it is very well laid out and entertaining. If the sun is shining the Menagerie is a lovely, old-fashioned city zoo.
• If you are looking for some nature, Paris has two woods accessible by metro, otherwise known as the lungs of Paris. The bois de Vincennes is on the eastern side of the city and the bois de Boulogne on the western side of Paris. The Bois de Boulogne plays host to the Jardin d’Acclimatation, a place I drag every single one of my visitors to.
• A bit off the beaten track, but worth visiting, is the huge metal merry-go-round in the 104, an arts centre in the north-east of Paris (Paris is, by the way, relatively small, so do not compare the distances to London or New York). It is a massive welded structure and looks amazing. It is also really fun for kids to have a ride on.
• Buses are frequent and easy to get on with pushchairs (there is a dedicated push chair area in the centre of the bus). It is possibly the easiest way to get around, if you are travelling with small kids.
• Do try the crazy syrups that French kids drink in cafés. One favourite is Grenadine (pomegranate) which makes the drink blood red and the other is Menthe (mint) which makes it taste like sweet toothpaste — kids love it over here.

Voila, just a couple of ideas. Hope you enjoy your visit if you are planning to come…

Maybe for most Parisiennes these tips are self evident. As a non-Parisienne, this type of vital information was not handed down to me from generation to generation, so I need the rules written down in hardcopy! I have not yet achieved the dizzying heights of effortless Parisian chic (especially not on the school run) but I am hoping with a bit more study one day, I might be able to make a pass for a local. The book is available from Amazon (UK and US).

-Emilie