Cannonball!
Don your goggles and swim trunks, then cannonball into The Westin Chaoyang Beijing’s pool at the beijingkids Back to School Summer Pool Party. On Saturday, August 10, get in a last hurrah before schools kicks in by splashing around in the pool, playing games with the beijingkids team, and overdoing it at the hotel’s Bubbalicious buffet.
Scout’s Honor
It’s registration time for the Beijing chapter of Girls Scouts. Girls Scouts helps girls foster leadership skills, as well as community and environmental involvement. Registration takes place at the Western Academy of Beijing on Sunday, August 31 at 10am. The organization is also looking for parent volunteers. For more information, email girlscoutsbeijing@yahoo.com.
Stay In and Get Out
Take a second shot at Valentine’s Day with qixi or Chinese Valentine’s Day, which falls on Tuesday, August 13. It may not be the best time to go on a romantic getaway, but you can always take a romantic (or family) staycation.
Accio, Hogwarts!
Kids (and – who are we kidding? – adults) wish that Hogwarts was real, but the next best thing that Muggles can do this summer is check out The Magical School for Wizards. On August 24 and 25, dust off your wand for this interactive magic show with American magician Arnie Kolodner.
Take in a Picture
What better way to spend a sticky, hazy summer day than by kicking back in an air-conditioned cinema and watching a film? Both Jurassic Park 3D and Monsters University hit theaters this month, on August 20 and August 23 respectively.
Bond with your Tween
Tweens can be a misunderstood age group. It sometimes feels like Beijing has less to offer kids aged 10 to 12, but take heart: We have a number of age-appropriate sections this month in Feature. The best part? You don’t necessarily have to leave your house.
Fengtai Fun
With a majestic mountain backdrop, Qinglonghu Park makes for a family adventure that is just far-flung enough. Head to this scenic Fengtai District destination and enjoy a day of picking fruit, lazing about the park’s sandy beach, boating on the lake, and partaking in all sorts of games and activities.
Daily 7.30am-6pm. Wangzuo Township, Fengtai District (8221 0645, qlh@qinglonghu.com) www.bjqinglonghu.com 丰台区王佐镇
The Happiest Place in Beijing
Head out to Beijing Happy Valley Carnival, which runs until August 25. With over 200 performers from around the world and access to tons of roller coaster rides, it’s a guaranteed thrill for all ages.
Sun, Sand, and Samba
What Beijing lacks in coastlines, it makes up for in the Ocean Beach Carnival. Dance performances, seals balancing balls on their noses, and a Brazilian samba theme turn Chaoyang Park into a colorful summer celebration until September 1.
August on Ice
Beijing is entering the dog days of summer. Do something unseasonable and whimsical by ice skating at the height of the heat. China World Mall and Solana both have ice skating rinks with decent rates. If you go the rink at Solana, spend the rest of the day reacquainting yourself with the Liangma Qiao area.
Photos: Sui, Courtesy of Girl Scouts USA, Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Beijing, and Wikimedia Commons.
This article originally appeared on p12-13 of the beijingkids August 2013 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com