Ending Summer Right

It is no secret that kids today are attached to their devices, with Generation Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2025) being the first generation born into a truly digital world. This can make the holiday season a constant battle, with parents competing with TikTok and the iPad to get their kids off the sofa and out of the house.

As we move towards the end of the holidays, the last few weeks are always the toughest to keep children entertained in and the temptation for parents to let these devices take over is at its highest. However, do not fear, Abode2 rounds up a selection of evolving new neighbourhoods across London that make the job a lot easier. With an array of exciting amenities and organised on-site activities, the entertainment options are endless.

Battersea Power Station

A new destination in London, Battersea Power Station is one of Central London’s largest and most visionary riverside neighbourhoods, boasting over 100 restaurants, bars, shops, leisure and entertainment venues, ensuring kids are kept busy for hours.

Virtual reality arcade DNA VR, mini-golf venue Birdies, ping-pong experience Bounce and Lift 109 – a one-of-a-kind viewing platform that rises to the top of the chimney and has epic 360 views across the city – are sure to be a hit with the kids. Beyond its permanent offering, an exciting calendar of events has also been carefully curated for residents and visitors.

This summer, Battersea Power Station’s biggest event yet – The Battersea Games – will run until 3^rd September with an array of free and ticketed activities for the whole family to enjoy. From an outdoor cinema to giant board games and a 100m track race, there is something for everyone.

Battersea Roof Gardens, which contains the most recent homes to launch at Battersea Power Station, features 436 studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as art’otel London Battersea Power Station - a 164-room hotel. There is also two storeys of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, forming one half of Electric Boulevard, a new pedestrianised high street.

Within the Foster + Partners’ building is also Koa at Electric Boulevard, the latest off-plan launch of 204 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, and 50 Electric Boulevard, a new 200,000 square feet office space.

Residents in Battersea Roof Gardens, Koa at Electric Boulevard and Gehry Partners’ Prospect Place, next to the Foster + Partners building, enjoy access to the newly unveiled roof gardens.

www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Thames City

One stop on the Northern Line transports us from Battersea Power Station to Thames City in Nine Elms, a development renowned for its prime riverside location, high end amenities and excellent design.

Thames City is a parent’s paradise with a significant 6,400 square meters of exclusive residents’ amenities, keeping kids safe and entertained without even leaving the front door! The luxury amenities include a kids’ jungle gym, a cinema, London’s largest private swimming pool at 30-metres, a spa and wellness facility, yoga studio and a state-of-the- art gym fitted with Technogym machines.

For children, the jungle gym takes precedent. With ball pits, an iconic slide, climbing frame and an interactive light simulation to keep them entertained, Thames City’s jungle gym is not only immersive but also multi-sensory – rivalling the best play areas in London. If you are lucky, you might spot Bagheera, Baloo and even Mowgli swinging on the trees across the jungle on the ceiling. Make sure to also keep your eyes peeled for Kaa, the 30 foot long snake.

Comprising a total of 12 buildings, Thames City offers more than 1,400 high-end homes, private luxury amenities, retail and dining experiences all connected by intimate green spaces including court yards and city squares.

www.thamescity.com

Canada Water

‘Love Summer’ - a family friendly, fun and free pop-up - in Canada Water, has returned for its second year, welcoming all ages to enjoy a series of workshops and spaces in which to relax, unwind and socialise. Get the little ones involved in a range of activities from Wallball (a game based on the simple concept of hitting a ball against a wall with your hands) outside, to a free 30-minute climbing session at the Arch.

Set across a Summer Terrace and Plant Pavilion – inspired by the area’s park, woodland and water surroundings – Love Summer also showcases emerging musical talent, art classes with local artist Rod Kitson, yoga sessions, and terrarium building workshops on a weekly basis.

As part of British Land’s 53 acre Canada Water masterplan, a new collection of sustainable and net-zero homes have launched. Set amongst 130 acres of woodlands and parks, bordered by docks and waterways, The Founding comprises a range of studios, one, two and three bedroom homes – with carefully curated and bespoke interiors designed by Conran and Partners, each fitted with state-of-the art and integrated Siemens and Samsung appliances. Residents will further have access to a private lounge and three roof terraces overlooking the London skyline.

www.thefounding.co.uk

Grand Union

With a two-lane ten-pin bowling alley, cinema room, canal for water sports and 14-acres of high-quality open space including landscaped gardens, riverside meadows and waterside pathways, Grand Union’s resort-style offering is the perfect spot for residents with children during the summer holidays.

Conveniently for working parents, the all-encompassing canalside neighbourhood will be home to a residents’ lounge – a perfect spot for catching up on emails with a coffee – and an on-site nursery. The new Community Hub offers a regular schedule of classes, workshops and events for residents and visitors – a terrific opportunity to spend more quality time together as a family. Better yet, it’s available to book for those wishing to host parties.

With an extensive programme of events throughout the year, this summer Grand Union hosted a series of Wimbledon and Canalside Cinema screenings, with films including Encanto, The Little Mermaid and Toy Story. Currently, the destination is featuring the works of local artist JennyBMArtist, this "YOU. ME. YOU.  BYGONE. CONTEMPORARY. HEREAFTER,” which will run until 26^th August. Small budding artists, curious discoverers, and art (mess) enthusiasts are welcome.

www.grandunion.uk