Top Picks for July 16- July 19

 Don’t miss this week’s five excellent events that are fun for the whole family. E-mail newsletter@beijing-kids.com to get each issue sent to your inbox, or check the beijingkids website for full event listings online (www.beijing-kids.com).

Thursday July 16 – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Harry Potter mania! The much-anticipated sixth installment of J.K. Rowling’s magical series opens this week. Watch Harry, Ron, and Hermione swish their wands against the evil Lord Voldemort and his gang of Deatheaters. Showings every hour at Megabox at the Village. The Village at Sanlitun, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. Don’t forget: Dress appropriately for the chilly air conditioning.

Friday July 17 – Chamber Music Concert Take your kids to a musical experience. Canadian cellist Sara Male, American violinist Michael Jamanis and Chinese pianist Xun Pan breathe life into Mendelssohn’s Trio in D minor, Op. 49 and Violin Concerto in E minor, and Op. 64. Book tickets at 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn. RMB 80-500. 7.30-9pm. National Center for Performing Arts, 2 Chang'an Jie, Xicheng District. Don’t Forget: Arrive early for a stroll through Tiananmen.

Saturday July 18 – Kids Cooking Class Take your budding chefs to cooking class at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing’s Vasco’s. Every class features a different yummy recipe for your kids to make. Hands-on kitchen fun and no mess to clean up! To make reservations, call 139 1158 6811 or email forrest.zhao@hilton.com. RMB 88. 3-5pm. Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 Wangfujing East Street, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District. Don’t Forget: Bring Tupperware containers for leftovers.

Saturday July 18 – Story Time: Clifford’s Good Deeds Come to a storytelling session on the adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog, followed by other fun activities like sing-a-longs and learning how to draw cartoons. For details, call 6585 1435 or email gardenbooks@yahoo.cn. 3-4pm. Garden Books, 44 Guanghua Lu, Jianguomen, Chaoyang District. Don’t Forget: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing to play around in.

Sunday July 19 – BBQ Pool Party Bring the whole family to the Doubletree by Hilton and relax at their rooftop garden and pool. Free flow of BBQ goodies and soft drinks (beer and wine for adults!). To make reservations, call 6338 1888. RMB 158. 11am-4pm. Doubletree by Hilton, 168 Guang’anmenwai Dajie, Xuanwu District. Don’t Forget: For sun protection, bring sunscreen and hats.