After 16 years in London, Rute now lives in San Francisco with her husband Daniel, their seven-year-old twin daughters Alma and Nina, and a giant nopal cactus.
Parklife
Maybe not a completely irrational idea but I did feel like a massive, irresponsible dickhead standing in the queue for the lift for over an hour.
With any luck the park’s restful ambience might rub off on your mini mob, if only for half an hour or so.
An ideal day out for tot-toting Londoners who can’t face the hordes, cost or vastness of the tourist trap that is London Zoo.
The garden is a haven for anyone in need of a place to chill, kids or no kids, and a refreshingly leafy retreat from the urban jungle.
Celebrate summer with family-friendly festivals, seasonal kids’ shows, outdoor activities and school-holiday gallery specials.
This is a particularly pretty corner of London, home to tranquil woodland, lush lawns, well-kept gardens and peaceful ponds.
The hand-operated water pumps have an annoying habit of being commandeered by older, often extremely territorial toddlers.
This month, cool off in city fountains, relax on urban beaches and build your own ice lollies with your preschooler.
The sprawling park really comes into its own in summer with its trio of bathing ponds, 61-metre lido and children’s paddling pool.