1. Happy Fathers’ Day
Make Sunday, June 20 a special day for Dad with scrumptious food at one of Beijing’s finest brunches. Choose from dim sum at Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, snow crab and champagne at Westin Financial Street, a wine buffet at Hilton Beijing, an outdoor Great Wall barbecue at The Roadhouse and more.
2. Make a Splash
The Beijing heat can be sweltering, but don’t let this take the fun out of summer. Careen down water slides, wade in pools, float on water tubes, and lounge in hot tubs – it’s the number one way to cool off. Try Tuanjiehu Park with its waterslides and lap pools, or visit Crab Island for the mock beach experience.
3. Celebrate Canada Day
Saturday, June 26 is Canada Day. Join Canada China Business Council (CCBC) and the Canadian community and their friends at one of the largest outdoor events in Beijing this summer. Highlights of this fun, casual day will include the hot chilli pepper eating contest, a barbeque, corporate exhibitions, a kids’ corner, and much more.
4. Visit Chenjiapu Village
Just an hour drive away from Beijing lies Chenjiapu Village (陈家堡), a beautiful valley with an unrestored section of the Great Wall. Families can take a tour, as well as chat and dine with the Chens, one of the farmer families that has been living there since the Wall was constructed. Enjoy homemade dishes made from the Chen’s organic vegetable farm. Dishes include everything from dandelion leaves to spring willow shoots and fresh spring onions. They also have a nice selection of South African wines and whiskey. Guided tours: RMB 100 per guide. Pick up from Deshengmen or your residence can be arranged. Contact Mr. Chen at (0313) 684 8161 or 136 1126 4212 (Chinese only) or e-mail spam@danwei.org; www.GreatWallFresh.com (proxy needed)
5. Play at The Magic Bean House
The Magic Bean House (豆豆家科技馆) is the first American-designed Children’s Museum in China. Hands-on exhibits include Tale of the Magic Bean, the World of Water, the Art Gallery, Car Service and Toddler Land. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm. 7 Chaoyang Park West Road, Chaoyang District (400 888 0722) www.magicbeanhouse.com 朝阳区朝阳公园西路7号
6. Travel to Tianjin
Thanks to the D Series trains, traveling to Tianjin is a breeze. These speedy trains offer great service, including a diaper changing area and rotating seats. Kids will jump at the chance to visit Binhai Theme Park, the world’s biggest military-themed park. Located in Tanggu District, it is home to the Kiev aircraft carrier. Try your hand at laser shooting (with modified real guns and cannons), test your sea legs in the dizzying "sailor’s corridor," and tour the outside of the aircraft carrier in an amphibious craft. Binhai Theme Park: 9am-5pm. RMB 130. From Tianjin Railway Station take the light rail to Tanggu and then take Bus 133 to Binhai Theme Park. (022 5991 8888) 天津市汉沽区营城镇八卦滩
7. Watch the Lotuses Bloom
Countless Chinese poems wax rhapsodic about this pretty plant. One hundred different kinds of lotuses will be in bloom in Beihai Park from early July to early August. Visit this former royal playground and see how ancient emperors indulged themselves in natural beauty. RMB 10. Daily 6am-10pm (9.30pm last tickets). 1 Wenjin Jie, Xicheng District (6403 1102) 北海公园, 西城区文津街1号
8. Explore Beyou World
Calling all firefighters, doctors and flight attendants! Beyou World, a career-themed experience center, allows kids to learn and play dress up based on 48 different professions and jobs. Explore your career and have fun at the same time. Beyou Shopping Center, 111 Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District (400 630 6000, beyou@beyou.cn) www.beyou.cn 朝阳区京顺路52号
9. beijingkids Family Pool Party
On Saturday, June 19, join beijingkids for a family pool party. Dive into The Westin Beijing Chaoyang’s stunning indoor pool, as well as a delicious buffet lunch. Don’t forget to bring your water toys and floaties! Towels provided. Parents are responsible for their children at all times. A Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are open to adults. Adult: RMB 250 (RMB 200 for beijingkids Club members); Children: RMB 150 for ages 3-12 (RMB 100 for beijingkids Club members); free (for children 3 and under). Advance tickets required. 10am-noon (swimming, 5/F); noon-2pm (lunch buffet, 2/F). The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 North Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang District. RSVP before June 17 with Clarisse at events@beijing-kids.com or 5820 7700 ext 866.
10. Play ball
In the spirit of the World Cup, grab a ball and head to Chaoyang Park. Spend a day in the sun, or hone your little one’s soccer skills at one of Jia You Football Club Summer Camps. And don’t forget World Cup finals are on Sunday, July 11. Check your local sports bar for showtimes. Great family-friendly bars include The Pomegranate, The Goose and Duck, Pavillion and Blue Frog. Check www.fifa.com/worldcup for the complete 2010 World Cup schedule.
