1 The Tortoise and the Hare
Get out of the sun and into the theater. The National Puppet Theater will be hosting this classic children’s fable every weekend throughout June and July. Without giving away the ending, it’s all about perseverance over arrogance. Tickets start from RMB 80. To get in on the racing animal action, see Events
2 Magic Championship
Calling all young Houdinis! The Federation of Magic Societies, founded in 1948, will showcase magic tricks that will amaze kids and baffle parents. The 24th FISM World Championships will run from July 26-31 and features magic, live demonstrations and more. See Events.
3 Celebrate Father’s Day
This year, Father’s Day falls on June 21. Forget the socks and ties and treat dad to a day of R&R he’ll really enjoy. Take him out for a big breakfast at one of the many yummy eateries along Nanluogu Xiang. While you’re there, head over to Beijing’s number one T-shirt dispensary, Plastered 8, and surprise him with a funky T-shirt (or five), then stroll over to Houhai for a boat ride around the lake.
4 The Great Outdoors
The sun is out and the birds are singing – it’s time to put your walking shoes on and head to the hills. The Beijing Hikers Club will be holding walks and hikes throughout June and July. Test your endurance with a walk up the Incense Trail, or try a light hike along the Quarrymen’s trail to the Ming Tombs. For details, see Events.
5 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
This Night at the Museum sequel is guaranteed to keep you and the kids entertained. Security guard Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, is back with his original ragtag team of historical characters, but this time he’s playing in the big league. As Kah Mun Rah and his gang run riot in the Smithsonian Institute, it’s up to Larry and his friends to save the day. The all-star cast includes Amy Adams, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria and Owen Wilson. Catch the movie at theaters around town, including Megabox in The Village at Sanlitun.
6 Canada Day, eh?
The Canada China Business Council Beijing Chapter hosts their annual Canada Day celebrations at the Canadian International School. Party with the Canucks on June 28 at one of the largest outdoor events of the summer. Highlights of the celebration will include the hot chilli pepper-eating contest, a barbeque, corporate exhibitions, a kids corner, and much more. See Events.
7 Culture for a Cause
UCCA has teamed up with the United Foundation for Chinese Orphans (UFCO) to raise awareness of orphans and children with physical disabilities. The exhibition, Landscapes of Childhood, by major artist Yan Pei-Ming will run from Jun 19-Sep 13. In his first installation-only show, Yan has painted huge landscapes directly on the walls of UCCA’s Big Hall, framing a series of painted flags representing portraits of 20 newborns. See Events.
8 Go Swimming!
Forget the air-conditioning and spend a day poolside. Beijing may not be a water lovers’ paradise, but you can find an oasis or two if you look hard enough. Try Crab Island for a full day of family fun. If you like a side of
shopping with your aquatic activities, head over to Solana or The Village and let the little ones frolic in the water fountains. See Feature.
9 Natural History Museum
If you want your kids to learn as well as play during the summer holidays, check out China’s largest natural history museum. The displays are a bit old-school but educational nonetheless. Exhibits include animatronic dinosaurs, fossils, an aquarium and an enormous taxidermy collection. The woolly mammoths, on display now, are a must-see. Free, but reservations must be made, online or by phone, five days in advance. See Directories.
10 Kids Theater Camp
For all those budding thespians, the Beijing Actors Workshop will be holding a kids theater camp from July 6-11. In “Musical Theatre For Dummies: The
Musical!” kids will learn to sing, dance, and act songs from all of your favorite musicals. The camp culminates in a performance where parents will get to see their kids show off everything they’ve learned. Registration and auditions will be held on June 28. If singing and dancing isn’t for your kids, check out other great summer camps in June and July (see Events).
