1 Sign up for Summer Camp
School is almost out, summer is just around the corner, and although the regular school year may be coming to an end, that doesn’t mean the learning should stop! Now is the time to make plans for those three months of freedom. Summer camp registration begins in May for BISS (June 16 to July 4, register by May 16), Etonkids (from June 30 to July 11), Kids Chinese Summer Camp (June 16 to August 22, register before June 8) and BCIS (starting June 16, sign up early for discount). For younger kids, Ivy Kids CaRousel Toddler Program runs from May 5 through June 27. For detailed information about each camp, see Events.
2 Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, which falls on May 11 this year, is the best excuse to take mom out on a night on the town. Treat the mom in your household to a musical or play, or an elegant night at the symphony or opera – mother’s choice, of course! Check out “The Halls are Alive with Sound” for information on where to go. Showing her how much you care can also be as simple as doing something special for her around the house! For more gift ideas, take a look at this month’s Made for Moms.
3 Oliver! by IFC’s Children’s Choir
Please, sir, we want some more … theater! Check out this timeless musical about the orphan Oliver’s adventures against the backdrop of 1850s London. You won’t want to miss this unique version, which features costumes and set design that merge Victorian London with Beijing life. This debut of the International Festival Chorus’ Children’s Choir will feature talented young singers and aspiring actors from seven local international schools – meet one of the stars in this month’s “For the Love of Music” feature. Performed at the People’s Liberation Army Opera House on May 29-30 at 7.30pm and May 31 at 2pm. Tickets range from RMB 80-500. For more information, e-mail childrenschoir@beijingifc.org or visit www.beijingifc.org.
4 Declan Galbraith in Concert
Come witness the16-year-old UK singer Declan Galbraith in his first concert in Beijing! A Guinness World Record holder for achieving the world’s largest choral singalong, Declan has already released three albums and shows no sign of slowing. For the inside scoop on what makes this rising pop star tick, see this month’s “For the Love of Music” feature. May 24 at the Beijing Exhibition Theater; prices range from RMB 180-1280.
5 Picnic in the Park
There’s no better way to soak up on sunshine (and boost your Vitamin D – see Tidbits) than to spend an afternoon in a park. Pack a lunch and bring a blanket, kick back with a good book and a deck of cards, or invite friends and make it a big event! Take a look at this month’s Daytrip: Lounging Lakeside at Beihai, or skim our Parks & Gardens listings in the Fun Stuff directory to find the perfect place near you for a family outing.
6 Learning Center’s Spring Celebration
Going into its fifth year, this full-day affair is fun-filled and educational with free workshops, good books and even better food! Kids can test out the free trial summer school classes while moms attend an inspirational workshop with Jasmine Keel, founder of Inspired, an organization that specializes in helping expat spouses with personal and career development. Food from Serve the People and organic snacks will be provided. Be sure to browse the book fair sponsored by Big & Little Books to stock up on summer reading, and participate in the charity raffle to win great prizes. May 11, 10am-4pm. For more information, call 8046 3886 or e-mail marketing@learningcenter.com.cn.
7 Dance the Night Away
Don’t let those hazy summer days take the swing out of your step! Dust off those dancing shoes and grease up your Charleston (see Playing Inside) before hitting the CD Jazz Club every Monday. For younger Lindy Hoppers, Golden Dancing Academy offers swing and other dance classes every Saturday for kids ages 4-7, as well as for teenagers and older children. Teenagers interested in swing dance lessons can contact Adam Lee at beijing@chinaswings.com or 136 0135 4134; for information on classes at Golden Dancing Academy, call Mary at 6708 9567 ext 15 or visit www.goldendancing.com.
8 International Museum Day
International Museum Day was created to heighten awareness about how important these institutions are to the community. Thus, on this day (May 18), many of Beijing’s museums will be free to the public. Support your favorite museum by spending the day soaking up art, history, knowledge and culture. As Beijing gears up for the Olympics, an exhibition of objects and costumes from the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games will be on display at the Capital Museum from May 19-July 6. For more information, visit www.capitalmuseum.org.cn, or to find out more about International Museum Day, go to www.icom.museum/imd.html.
9 BSB Family Charity Summer Fayre
Spend a Saturday browsing art and food stalls for a good cause. This outdoor event will have music and entertainment as well as raffle prizes. Money will go towards the Sun Village Foster Home for Beijing’s less fortunate children. May 24, noon-4pm. British School of Beijing, Shunyi campus. For more details call 8532 3088 ext 118 or e-mail robyn.coles@britishschool.org.cn.
10 Kids Club at The Bookworm
Stimulate the imagination and socialize with other children and parents during the weekly storytelling hour at the most popular bookstore in town. Afterwards, combine your love for literature and food by munching on the sandwiches named after authors and literary characters – the kids will love the chocolate-covered Willy Wonka pancake! The Kids Club is held every Sunday at 11am for children ages 4-7. Free. The Bookworm, www.beijingbookworm.com
