1. Explore China
This summer, instead of venturing overseas, why not take advantage of the vast country around you and try traveling in China for a change? If you can’t make up your mind on where to go, tbjkids has chosen 25 places that have family appeal. Take in breathtaking scenery, meet giant pandas, visit ancient temples and experience culinary delicacies, as well as a broader understanding of Chinese life outside the capital. So start making those plans and booking those tickets – the travel season is approaching!
2. Fourth of July Extravaganza
Round up the kids on July 4 for a day of barbecued food, cold drinks, live music and games for the entire family – courtesy of the American Chamber of Commerce! With support from tbjkids, AmCham will be hosting their annual Kid Olympics at the International School of Beijing – compete in hula-hooping, dunking contests and other games for prizes. After the fun-filled afternoon, stick around for the spectacular firework finale! 3-9pm. For tickets or more information, contact AmCham at 8519 1920 or amcham@amcham-china.org.cn. International School of Beijing
3. Give Dad His Due
We all know moms deserve the best, but don’t forget about giving Dad some credit, too! Though any day will do, spending Sunday, June 15, to celebrate Father’s Day (as people do in the US) is as good a day as any. So take a day’s excursion to the Summer Palace or treat him to a scrumptious brunch – Chef Too or Grandma’s Kitchen (that’s Beijing winners for best brunch in this year’s Restaurant Awards) are among many good choices. See our Family Dining directory for more ideas.
4. Escape to the Cinema 
Beat the summer heat by sneaking into a dark, air-conditioned movie theater! The much-anticipated Dreamworks film Kung Fu Panda – about a lazy but loveable panda named Po whose dream is to practice kung fu – opens in theaters on June 26. Voices include Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu and Jackie Chan. For kids more interested in the world of live action, the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian hits Beijing theaters June 6. In this second movie adapted from C.S. Lewis’s fantastical tales, journey to a faraway land with Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, and watch as they fight to overthrow the evil king! Afterwards, kids can go home and read the book to load up on the backstory.
5. Three Classic Fairytales from Disney
Fall back into the wonderful world of Disney with this performance featuring some of the best-loved characters and stories! See Mickey Mouse and his friends uncover a magical book that takes them (and your family!) through the classic stories of Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. In English with Chinese subtitles. Prices range from RMB 120-1,000. Call for tickets at 6417 7845. From July 15-20. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater, www.piao.com.cn
6. Chili Eating Contest 
Flex those taste buds in this hotter-than-hot event included in the Canada Day’s festivities on June 29. The younger ones may want to stick to milder foods, but it will still be fun to watch Dad (or Mom!) break a sweat. Whatever your spice limit may be, this event is sure to be one that the whole family can enjoy. The action takes place at the Canadian International School. For more information or tickets, contact the Canadian Embassy in Beijing at 5139 4000. Canadian International School
7. Beijing Playhouse Kids Camp
The Beijing Playhouse Summer Kids Theater Camp is calling all budding thespians for a performance of Alice in Wonderland. The camp welcomes kids ages 6-18 to sign up. Aspiring actors, singers and dancers are welcome, and all will be cast in the play regardless of English or acting ability. Student registration is on June 8 at 2pm. Camp runs daily from June 30-July 12, 9am-4pm (lunch included). Tuition RMB 4,900. For details, check www.beijingplay-house.com or send an e-mail to performance@beijingplayhouse.com.
8. All-Star Gaelic Finals
If your family’s been looking for the perfect excitingly obscure sports event to watch, wait no longer! The finals of the All-China Gaelic Games, held June 7, will display – for the first time in three years – men and women’s teams from across the country as they compete in this form of Irish football. Hosted by the Beijing Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). E-mail beijinggaa@yahoo.com for more details. Free. June 7, 9am-6pm. Xiaowuji Sports Complex (Dongsihuan, Xiaowuji Qiao, exit 15), www.beijinggaa.org
9. Set the Sails Loose
It’s heating up, making for perfect weather to head for the open sea! The ocean breeze, clear skies and lapping waves offer the perfect short escape from Beijing’s busy and dusty streets. Families can sail together or kids can enroll in the numerous sailing camps offered throughout June and July. For experienced sailors, courses for the Dragon Boat Regatta weekend takes places June 7-8 at the Beijing Sailing Centre, and race day is on June 9! Be part of this historic Chinese festival. RMB 1,500 (non-members), RMB 1,050 (members). Beijing Sailing Centre (150 0118 9580, 33 5856 0916, sailing@beijingsailing.com), www.beijingsailing.com
10. Make a Splash
The Beijing heat can be sweltering, but don’t let this take the fun out of summer! Now is the time to suit up and head for the water. 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 Merry Water World or Tuanjiehu Park, which come complete with waterslides and lap pools, or visit Crab Island for the mock beach experience (see our Fun Stuff directory). Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and towels!
