Entertainment

The summer break is drawing to a close, but while you’ve been away on holiday the team at beijingkids has been busy giving your favorite magazine an overhaul. We’ve got a brand new cover and a few shiny new tweaks inside. Be prepared to see new sections introduced over the next few issues and old sections revamped. We love it! And hopefully you will too.
 
This August is the pregnancy issue. We got two moms to scour high and low, looking for information to help newcomers and veterans alike navigate the maze of birthing options in Beijing. They found everything you need to know about hospital and natural births. For parents who are struggling to adapt to life with a baby, mom Sonia Cahill spoke with a therapist about postnatal depression and what you can do to spot the signs. If Chinese pregnancy traditions have always baffled you, Kara Chin is here to set things straight.

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Last week we posted about the world’s worst theme park, right here on Beijing’s Olympic Green. Just across the street from that nightmare is the Dino Dino Dream Park, which has been heavily advertised on the subway. While the park is a little corny, it’s definitely better than the hole up the street (and) is a decent place to take your kids if you’re running out of things to do during the endless summer vacation – but only if you’re willing to pay the hefty RMB 90 entrance fee.

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Finally something worth going to at the Olympic Park? The Water Cube’s indoor water park, which we initially blogged about back in May, has entered the final stage of construction and is set to open on August 8, according to today’s China Daily.

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The Family Learning House sent this email to parents full of simple, easy ways to spend one-on-one time with your kids this summer.

We thought it was worth sharing:

Summer is upon us, school is out, conferences are over, and what many of you might be wondering is, “What do with my child all this free time he has?”

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With the commencement of the World Cup in South Africa, fans have found creative ways to support their favorite teams. Zany examples include an aquarium in Japan that uses colored fish to play out soccer matches and an enthusiastic German website that recreates matches using Lego pieces and stop motion animation.

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Summer is finally here and, boy do we have a treat for you and the family! Put on your bathing suits and prepare for some splishin' and splashin'. No need for sunscreen as we'll have the deluxe indoor pool at the Westin all to ourselves. Don't forget to bring your favorite water toys and some floaties for little swimmers. Afterwards, re-energize with the Westin Beijing Chaoyang's Seasonal Tastes lunch buffet.

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Summer is here and we all have our hot weather gear on to prove it. The temperature is rising, the kids are out of school and it's time to pack your holiday itinerary with oodles of fun.

Our huge double summer feature has come to the rescue of families still searching for ways to fill their hot and sticky days. We've got a list of 20 any day activities to satisfy restless little ones. Want to get out and about? Nine Beijing day trips, excursions and fun spots will keep you occupied. Need a beach-side break? Kara Chin has found China's best sandy locales, including Sanya and nearby Crab Island. If traveling across the Middle Kingdom, our China excursions will have you prepped and ready to go with all the best tips from people who've done it before. Heading overseas? Get inspired with four great family holidays from around the world.  

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Beijing has great educational resources for babies, but the Shanghaiist recently posted an unexpected find: a wall poster that aims to teach babies ages 0-3-years-old about luxury automobiles.

We recommend you check out the post if you want your kids to know the difference between a Porsche and Mercedes Benz. No? Then at least take a look for a laugh or two. 

The Shanghai World Expo is upon us and if you're planning on braving the queues with your kids, best to make sure your standing in line for the best the expo has to offer. We found this great Expo itinerary for kids on Cnreviews.com -- be sure to scroll all the way down for handy tips.

Also, check out their transportation guide and 10 Exciting Things-To-Do At The Expo. For kid favorites, my money's on the Aviation Pavilion's flight simulator and the Swiss Pavilion's cable car. 

The Olympic Games may be long gone but a nagging uncertainty over what to do with the iconic Birds Nest, which has gone from waidi tourist attraction, to would-be football stadium, possible shopping mall and a temporary Snow and Ice World has lingered ever since.

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