Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Parent Workshop: Beating School Anxiety, Feb 28
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is holding a bilingual workshop on how to help children cope with anxiety on February 28. This seminar will explore the meaning of “anxiety”, help parents spot the signs of anxiety in their children, and provide tips for dealing with anxiety at home. They will also help participants to better understand themselves and their children. All ages. Free. 8.30-10am. YCIS Beijing, Hall H. For more information or to register, please visit this page. Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园东门（8583 3731, info@bj.ycef.com）

Swiss School Beijing Open House, Feb 26
Swiss School Beijing is organizing an open house for families of children aged 3 and over. Participants will have an opportunity to visit the school, led by their elementary school Principal, Swiss School representatives, and admissions staff. Adults. Free. 9.15-11.30am. Swiss School Beijing. 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. (info@swiss-school-beijing.ch)

Italian cooking class at Hutong, Feb 26, Mar 10, Apr 10
The Hutong invites everyone to their Italian cooking class, where you can enjoy a three-and-a-half-hour cooking experience, and learn to make fresh egg pasta and authentic Italian panna cotta under the guidance of an expert instructor. Hutong will provide free wine while you enjoy your creations. All ages. RMB 350. 10.30 am-noon. The Hutong. For more information or to register, please visit here. 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong, Dongcheng District. 东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号(北新桥地铁站东南边) (6404 3355; 159 0104 6127)

O’Bar Wintergarten – Nuo Chalet, Mar 1
You are invited to the O’Bar Wintergarten at NUO Hotel Beijing, where you can taste authentic mountain dishes such as raclette, grandeur charcuterie platter, an international cheese platter, and baba au rum. All ages. 6pm. NUO Hotel Beijing. Please make reservations in advance. 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区将台路甲2号 (5926 828; fbreservations.beijing@nuohotel.com)

Dumpling cooking class at Beijing Mandarin School, Feb 27
Beijing Mandarin School welcomes everyone to participate in their Chinese Lunar New Year dumpling cooking class, to learn how to make jiaozi, which is a staple food of northern China. All ages. RMB 150. 1-2:30pm. Beijing Mandarin School. E-tower. Rm 904-905, 9F, E-tower, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区光华路12号数码01大厦9层904-905室 (6508-1026)

Family-Friendly Cuisine at Pauline’s Cuisine, Mar 1
Families will enjoy learning to make delicious, healthy classics at Pauline’s Cuisine’s Family-Friendly Cuisine class. The menu for the class includes sweet potato frittata, spaghetti bolognese, a healthy veggie quesadilla, and pumpkin oatmeal. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. For more information or sign up, please scan the QR code in the image or visit this page. Pauline’s Cuisine, Lido.

Photography intensive workshops, various dates in Feb and Mar
Prisscila Baxter regularly organizes photography workshops for different levels of photographers every month. The March schedule has five different themed photography courses: travel and street, retouching with Adobe Lightroom, light and portrait, geometric and symmetry, and events, night and flash in different locations. Adults. RMB 750 per class. 10am-1pm. Prisscila Baxter. (WeChat ID: prissbaxter; 131 2470 7430)

Intro to Studio Photography, Feb 26
For novice photographers, controlling lighting in the studio can be a challenging skill. The SLab is holding an Intro to studio photography class, which covers basic techniques for differentiating light sources in a studio setting to help students expand their understanding of the complementary perspectives associated with lighting and model positioning in professional photography. Participants will have an opportunity to use these devices and put the technology into practice, and be able to complete photo shooting exercises and get feedback to improve their skills and style. All ages. RMB 690. 7-9pm. The SLab. Rm 102, Bldg 5, 15 Dongzhimen Waidajie, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室. (156 0120 1550; Wechat: TheSLabBeijing)

Song of Countryside Cloudy – The Symbiotic Contemporary Art Exhibition, Mar 3
No matter how society develops, the township spirit cannot be eliminated, and natural ecology cannot be eliminated. Inheriting traditional culture is the theme of this exhibition. It features five typical historic villages in China, from the towns by the Great Wall to the mountains and rivers, bringing together the essence of Pingping in Hebei, Songzhuang in Beijing, Wuyuan in Jiangxi, Hongya in Sichuan, and Anning in Yunnan. All ages. Free. 10am-8pm. Beijing Times Art Museum. Huaxi Live, 69 Fuxing Lu, Haidian District. 海淀区复兴路69号.(8567 9817)

Private Talent: Love, Feb 24-Mar 24
This exhibition focuses on various aspects of love, such as friendship, desire, joy, and sadness, and tells the story of love since the liberation of interpersonal relationships in the twentieth century. All ages. Free. 10am-7pm. Contemporary Art Culture Center. For more information or to register, please visit this page. 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District.

Peppa Pig Live, March 2-3
The most popular cartoon character from the UK, Peppa Pig, will come to Beijing to celebrate the Year of the Pig. Take your kids to enjoy an original stage play, delicious baked cakes, wonderful magic, and exciting balloons. All ages. RMB 180-480. 10.30am-7pm (March 2), 1-4pm (March 3). Beijing Comedy Theatre. For register, please visit this page. 11 Chaoyangmen Beidajie, Dongcheng District. 东城区朝阳门北大街11号。

Youth Unfinished: Lü Jia Conducts Beethoven and Schubert, Mar 3
Lü Jia is an internationally renowned Chinese conductor who has hosted more than 2,000 operas and concerts in Europe, the US, and around the world over the past 20 years. He was the first Asian conductor to become a prominent opera director in Italy, as well as the first Chinese conductor to direct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. On March 3, Lü Jia will conduct the China NCPA Orchestra at the National Centre For Performing Arts in works by Beethoven and Schubert. All ages. RMB 50-480. 7.30-9.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). For more information or to buy tickets, visit here. 2 Chang’an Jie, Xicheng District. 西城区西长安街2号. (6655 0000)

Speed Networking, Feb 27
Viva Women’s Professional Network is organizing a speed networking event at the Bookworm, giving attendees the opportunity to interact with other professionals in a structured process. Adults. RMB 180 (members), RMB 220 (non-members).6.30-9.30pm. The Bookworm. For more information or to register, please visit this page. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区工体北路4号院. (6586 9507)

 Photos: courtesy of event organizers

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

The Jingkids International School Expo 2019 Beijing, Feb 23-24
The future is full of uncertainties, and the future of education will also not be exempt from these challenges of an unforeseen world. With what is sure to be a constant overhaul of learning as we know it, how can parents concerned with preparing their children stay informed of these innovations gradually being introduced or even be prepared for the changes of tomorrow?

Direct access to the educators who have their sights on tomorrow as well as today, is exactly what we will be providing at the Jingkids International School Expo 2019 Beijing, coming to Kerry Hotel Beijing, in CBD, on Feb 23-24. Our school expo not only provides an excellent opportunity for parents to learn about nearly 100 schools spanning both the K-12 and preschool categories, it’s also a forum for parents, teachers, and administrators to discuss the future of learning for our children.

We will also be hosting other events around Kerry Hotel that you absolutely cannot afford to miss. This includes
– In-depth lectures from the leaders of international education in Beijing
– Parent forums
– The Jing Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
– Food and family fun

Swiss School Beijing Open House, Feb 26
Swiss School Beijing is organizing an open house for families of children aged 3 and over. Participants will have an opportunity to visit the school, led by their elementary school Principal, Swiss School representatives, and admissions staff. Adults. Free. 9.15-11.30am. Swiss School Beijing. 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. (Email: info@swiss-school-beijing.ch)

BSB Baby and Toddler Group, Feb 22
The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi continues holding their invaluable baby and toddler play group sessions at their Shunyi campus. Families with little babies ages 0-18 months can come to this group to meet other expat families, enjoy playing with age-appropriate toys, creating seasonal crafts, singing songs, and more. This event will provide drinks and snacks and is open to foreign passport holders only. The baby must be accompanied by his mother or father and not an ayi (babysitter). Age 0-18 months. Free. 9-10.30am. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi campus. 7 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区三里屯北小街7号(8532 5320)

Three weekly events for young kids at British School of Beijing (BSB), Sanlitun, Feb 20-22
The British School of Beijing is holding three weekly free events (except holidays) for young kids at their Sanlitun campus. All activities are for foreign families only.

Baby Dance Classes
Families with little ones ages below the age of two can come to BSB, Sanlitun’s baby dance class to meet other expat families and enjoy singing and dancing together every Friday. Age 0-2 (14 seats only). 9.45-10.15am.

Baby Play Group
The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun is organizing a weekly group every Wednesday, where they will host families with little ones aged two and below to a fun-filled morning of supervised play, promoting social interactions and providing stimulating play opportunities for young kids through songs and storytelling. Age 0-2. 9.45-10.15am.

Baby Book Club
Introduce your kids to the world of reading with BSB, Sanlitun’s Baby Book Club, held every Tuesday at the Li Building. All babies must be accompanied by one or both parents and not an ayi (babysitter). 10-10.30am.

The British School of Beijing Sanlitun campus, 5 Xiliujie, Chaoyang district. (8532 5320; receptionsltey@bsbsanlitun.com) 北京英国学校（三里屯）朝阳区三里屯路西六街5号 (Email: receptionsltey@bsbsanlitun.com. )

The Art of Tea-making at Beijing Mandarin School, Feb 21
Beijing Mandarin School is holding a tea-making activity for all levels of tea-making ability. If you are interested in Chinese tea culture or have no idea about where to start, then you need to check this out. Adults. RMB 150. 1:00-2:30pm. E-Tower Beijing Mandarin School. For more information you can scan the QR code on the poster. Room 904, E-tower, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6508-1026)

Tangyuan Culture Course at Beijing Mandarin School, Feb 19
Come and join this Tangyuan culture course at Beijing Mandarin School to learn the origin of Lantern Festival and why Chinese people tend to eat Tangyuan on this special day. All ages. RMB 150. 1-2:30pm. E-tower. Rm 904-905, 9F, E-tower, Guanghua Lu,Chaoyang District. 朝阳区光华路12号数码01大厦9层904-905室(10 6508-1026)

Chinese New Year celebration at Black Sesame Kitchen, Feb 23-24
Black Sesame Kitchen is organizing family-friendly activities this month to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Kids Dumpling Cooking Class 
This is a kid-only dumpling cooking class being held on February 23, where participants will be divided into two groups according to age and make Jiaozi (dumplings), Guotie (pan-fried dumplings), and Tangyuan (sweet dumplings). Kids. RMB 200. 2-4pm.

Family Dumpling Cooking Class
This is a family-friendly dumpling cooking class on February 24, where parents will make Jiaozi (dumplings), Guotie (pan-fried dumplings), and Tangyuan (sweet dumplings) alongside their children. All ages. RMB 380 (one adult and one kid), RMB 180 (additional adult or kid). 2-4pm.

The Courtyard Institute. For more information or reservation, please contact this email. 28 Zhonglao Hutong, Dongcheng District. 东城区中老胡同28号. (136 9147 4408; Wechat: BlackSesameKitchen.)

Street dance classes at Sunshine studios, Feb 20-24
Sunshine Studios is organizing two alternative street dance classes – regular classes and dance team courses – for different levels of dance ability. For regular classes, you can choose from four sessions costing RMB 130 per hour. For dance team courses, attendees can get four hours of training a week leading to a performance, and need to pay RMB 280 per week. Their rehearsal program will be available to the public for free on Wednesdays and Sundays. If you are interested in hip-hop dance and aren’t sure how to get started, or if you want to improve your dance skills, then check them out. Adults and ages 4-6. RMB 130 per hour, RMB 280 per week. Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). Email: Enquiries@sunshine-studios.co.uk. 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区来广营东路10号(03330 883328)

Tea for Two at Pauline’s Cuisine, Feb 24
Join Pauline’s Cuisine for a fun Sunday at East Hotel, and learn how to create the ultimate afternoon tea: scones with clotted cream, homemade jam, chocolate mousse, and finger sandwiches. All ages. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. East Hotel. For more information or to register, please scan the QR code in the image. 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号. (8426 0888)

Indian food cooking classes at Sarika, Feb 23
Come and join this cooking class to learn how to make Indian food including Medu vada, Masala dosa, Poori and Sabji, samosas, and coconut, tomato, onion and green chutneys. Adults. RMB 400. 10am-noon. Sarika. Shiqiaoguomao Tower. For more details, please scan the QR code in the image. 16B Dongshanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District.朝阳区东三环中路乙16号。(Wechat: Sarikadhami)

Becoming a Man Whisperer, Feb 18
Are you wondering how to have better communication in your marriage? Come and join MOPS to learn communication skills in cross-gender relationships from Shaunti Feldhahn, who graduated from Harvard University and is a social researcher, bestselling author, and popular speaker. This event is for foreign passport holders only. All ages. Free. 10am-noon. 21st Century Hotel. 2F, Rm FA 201, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District.（Emai: mops@bicf.org）

Skiing at the Olympic Forest Park, Feb 14- Mar 3
Get skiing without having to hit the slopes out of town. Head to the JF-Dry Ski Resort at the Olympic Park to experience their 16,000sqm of trails catering to various skill levels. The slopes are open for three sessions a day and last until March 3. All ages. RMB 241. Morning sessions (8.30am-12.30pm); Afternoon sessions (1.30-5.30pm); Evening sessions (6.30-10.30pm). Olympic Forest Park.

Roundabout’s Book Reading Club, Feb 17-24
The Roundabout Book Reading Club is a bilingual program which is implemented and run by teenage and adult volunteers to inspire more children to enjoy reading. The reading club is currently in its sixth term and will take place on February 17 and February 24. Ages 5-7. Free. 3-4pm. Roundabout Boutique and Community Centre, Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 朝阳区观唐广场香江北路甲2号. (134 3998 0007)

China National Traditional Orchestra Lantern Festival Concert, Feb 19
To celebrate Lantern Festival, the National Centre For the Performing Arts (NCPA) is holding a Lantern Festival Concert with a performance by the China National Traditional Orchestra which is dedicated to performing Chinese traditional folk music at the highest level since 1960. The orchestra has toured around the world and collaborated with prominent musicians such as Christoph Eschenbach, Jean Michel Jarre, Yo-Yo Ma, and Minoru Miki. All ages. RMB 80-500. 7.30-9.30pm. National Centre For the Performing Arts (NCPA). For tickets visit this page. 2 Xichang’an Jie, Xicheng District. 西城区西长安街2号(6655 0000)

Photos: courtesy of event organizers

Although schools are closing for the summer and friends are heading out of town, even we were surprised by how much is going on in Beijing. Check out all the city has to offer in Free Events, Unique Events, Ongoing Events and the Best of Next Week.

Free Events

Give Blood. Save Lives. June 14
Ages 18-55. The blood drive is held in cooperation with the Tongzhou Blood Bank and open for donations from people between the ages of 18 and 55. Come give the gift of life to those in need. For more information on the importance of giving blood or for address and map information see UFH website. Free. 10am-3pm. Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics Blood Drive (3rd Floor, Building 2, Jiangtai Road)

Casa Tea Talks, June 15
Adults. How to create a bilingual environment at home will start this series by Elizabeth Hardage, Chief Academic Officer of Ivy Education Group. Free. 10.30am-Noon Daystar Main Campus (Register here)

International Newcomer’s Network – Shunyi Coffee Morning, June 16
Adults. If you’re new in Shunyi, this is the perfect event to meet your most social neighbors. Free. 10am-Noon. BSB Shunyi. (contactus@innbeijing.org)

Latino Bazaar, Colorful Fiesta, June 18
All ages. As with all authentically latin events, the family is integrated and always welcome at this bazaar.  Come try drinks, delicious food, handcrafted goods, original creations, wine tastings, and gourmet delicatessen. Dress code is guayabera and latin chic. Free. 2pm-8pm. Sanlitun Soho Building 3 (5785.3850)

Yogi Bazaar, June 18
Ages 12+ If you love practicing yoga, this is the place for you. Enjoy quality yoga products, handicrafts, organic food, and other healthy lifestyle products. Free. 10am – 6pm. Chaoyang Park Plaza 08 (wechat id: sheishei)

Father’s Day Summer Fair, June 19
All ages. Join EtonKids for the “Summer Fair” to enjoy a variety of exciting activities including but not limited to plate drawing, magic balloons, Lion Family photo shooting, Montessori classroom experience and Father’s Day Parenting Storybook, and lots more. Cakes and drinks are served. Free. 9.30am-1.30pm. EtonKids International Bilingual Kindergarten, Peking House (Scan QR Code to Apply)

School Warming Party and Family Day, June 19
All ages. Join Daystar for painting, stories, music, snacks and cultural activities to get ready for an easy transition from home to school. Free. 9am-2pm. Guantang West Gate Campus (Register here)

Many Farms to Neighbors workshops have been popular with kids and adults alike.

Unique Events

Calligraphy Class in English, June 14
Ages 7+ Chinese calligraphy is a form of calligraphy widely practiced and revered in the Sinosphere, which often includes China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.  The Four Treasures of the Study – the ink brush, ink, paper (made of rice & bamboo), and inkstone are provided. RMB 250 (Door) RMB 200 (Prepaid) 10.30am-Noon. China Culture Center (6432.9341)

Richard Galliano & Geneva Camerata, June 15
Ages 13+ This globally-travelled and innovative orchestra has recently collaborated with soloists such as Emmanuel Pahud, Steven Isserlis, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Andreas Scholl, Avi Avital, and Daniel Hope, among others. David Greilsammer and GECA regularly work with choreographers and visual artists, as well as jazz, world, and rock musicians. RMB 80+ 7.30-9pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts (6655.0000)

Chinese Stuffed Pancakes, June 15
Ages 7+ Xian bing is the Chinese version of a stuffed pancake, and the secret to a great one is making a rich, crispy dough that isn’t greasy, while adding some flavorful spices to the more traditional fillings: beef, pork, lamb, veggies and other mixes. RMB 300. 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (events@thehutong.com )

Half Day Beijing Walking Tour, June 18
Ages 7+ Join Beijing Trips for a four hour tour of the city. Participants have a say in this tour as it’s designed with each individual involved in mind. Price includes lunch. RMB 190. 8am-Noon. Beijing Trips (beijinghutongtrips@yahoo.com)

Mindful Eating Practice at Farm to Neighbors Market, June 19
All ages. This week, at the regular free Farm to Neighbors market held every Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6pm, the Mindfulness Centre is teaming up with Farm to Neighbors and Food Revolution to offer a non-profit workshop to practice mindfulness with healthy eating. This workshop will be conducted on the third floor (Yoga Summit). Kids session is held from 1.30-2pm and the adults session is 2.15-4pm. RMB 30 (Kids) RMB 60 (Adults). Grand Summit (WeChat: 18600116714)

Yoga Dance for Charity, June 19
Ages 13+ Combine vinyasa, dance and charity at this community supporting class. Minimum RMB 15. 7-8.30pm. Yoga Yard (WeChat: Malgo85)

Alright, we admit it’s not going to be Audrey gracing the stage, but My Fair Lady is still a beloved cultural experience.

Ongoing Events

My Fair Lady, June 14-19
Ages 6+ This heartwarming and classic story of love, language, and society is perfect for avoiding summer fallback. Just remember to end the performance with a discussion about themes and presentation. Tickets under RMB 480 already sold out. RMB 480 – 1280. 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Aerial Yoga Class, Tuesdays
Ages 16+ Join this sexy and fun class to nail those handstand poses you can’t reach on your own. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 12.30-1.30pm and 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Taekwondo Fit Girl’s Class, Wednesdays
Ages 13+ NB8 Taekwondo classes for women will help you achieve greater strength and improved self-control. Classes teach how to effectively stop an attacker who is bigger than you, while at the same time improving your balance, hand-eye coordination, and build faster reflexes. RMB 1250. 7.30-8.30pm. Shangdu Soho, (ntep3@me.com)

Cavalia, June 15 – July 31
All ages. Cavalia has extended its stay for the whole summer. Cheap seats sell out weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want in on a budget. RMB 120-1980. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Chaoyang Park Dong San Men Parking Lot (ponypiao@damai.cn)

Jazz-Pop Class, Fridays
Ages 13+ Got problems with coordination? Let Giselle at Diva Dance Academy whip you into shape with some moves to boot. RMB 49 (Groupon DianPing) RMB 199 (Drop-in). 6-9pm. Wangjing Soho (WeChat: divadanceacademy)

Summer Concerts of the German Choir Beijing, June 18-19
Ages 5+ The German Choir will be supported by a multinational Madrigal Chorus. June 18, German Embassy School Beijing, then June 19 at Hilton Hotel Beijing. RMB 100. 5pm. (deutsche.kantorei.peking@gmail.com)

Multicultural Volleyball, Saturdays
Ages 16+ Laid back fun with a mix of volleyball-loving men and women is a great way to start off the summer. Fee is just for court costs. RMB 55. 2-4pm Shichaihai Sports School (WeChat: chubidubby)

Watching us or watching you? Philosophical questions at the Beijing Zoo must be answered.

6 Best of Next Week

Beijing Zoo, June 21
Ages 3+ Take a walk on the wild side with That’s Mandarin at the Beijing Zoo. Home to animals from around the world, it’s fun for all the family. RMB 500. 1-5pm Beijing Zoo (info@thatsmandarin.com)

International Newcomers Network’s Beer Night, June 23
Adults. We will be exploring little gems along with some of our old standby favorites around town! Come join INN to meet new friends and fellow beer enthusiasts to talk beer, sports or wherever the topic goes. Free. 7-9pm. Contact William Frisby for location. (WeChat: 13141443186)

Professional Development Series: Changing Jobs and Industries, June 23
Adults. JingJobs is teaming up with Beijing Women’s Network for this talk on the price of changing industries and jobs. This workshop seeks to answer, how much change is too much? RMB 50 (Door) 7-9p. Inn Cube (Register here)

Science Museum Visit, June 23
Ages 3+ Join That’s Mandarin on a visit to China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing, where you can explore hands-on, interactive exhibits showcasing China’s contributions to the scientific field. RMB 500. 1-5pm. That’s Mandarin (info@thatsmandarin.com)

Chinese Kungfu Class, June 24
Ages 7+ Everyone is welcome, even if you are not a student here. Reservation needed, signing deadline June 21. RMB 200. 1-3pm. (info@beijingmandarinschool.com)

Playdate for All! End of School Extravaganza, June 25
All ages. Sanfine has mixed up the perfect playdate for literally the whole family. They’ve planned bowling, ballet, face painting, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for kiddos under six. For kids between seven and sixteen, they’ve planned competitions (basketball, scooters, and electric cars), and DJ training. For the most mature of the party people, they’ve planned Thai massages, manicures, hair styling, and henna tattoos. Early bird tickets until June 16 cover two parents and two kids, RMB 100, then RMB 50 for each additional ticket. 11am-3pm. Sanfine International Hospital, Outdoor Sky Garden (Register here)

Photos: Courtesy of Fran Hanshing (VSP), Farm to Neighbors, Robert Nyman (Flickr), and The Coincidental Dandy (Flickr)

As long, long time ago, I also attended summer camps (to give my parents a break).  I attended girl scouts camps, YMCA camps, educational day camps, and one year I even went all the way to Sweden to attend a Chinese culture camp organized by Taiwan’s overseas division.

In the beginning, camps were literally camps. We had tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, huge backpacks, flashlights, flasks, pocket knives, and everything else in the camping checklist from our trusted scout handbook.  Then, as I grew older, suddenly we had these day camps where I still had to rise dreadfully early and travel to the middle of nowhere to explore nature and make friendship bracelets–all to ensure that I was properly socialized during my summer break.

The last summer camp I attended was the Chinese culture camp, and despite my initial revulsion for it (I was in middle school by then), the traditional dances, martial arts, and top spin training all turned out to be pretty fun in the end.  So, why was it my last then?  I became more independent and began traveling with friends (instead of family), so the ultimate goal of my going away and getting out of everyone’s hair was still met.

Nowadays, summer camps are even more complex than before.  I have been in the education scene long enough to realize that it’s definitely not about tents and campfires anymore, but now we want to know if the camps are for fun, enrichment, enhancement, or just pure revision.  Which camp is right for your child? I have no idea.  All I can do is roundup all the available summer camps and let you decide what is the best fit for your child!

Imagine Survival Summer Camp, Jun 13-Aug 19
Ages 7-14.  Imagine’s Summer Survival Camp is a real outdoors camping experience where children will learn to make fires, build rafts, cross rivers, make traps and tools, cook fish, and build shelters.

• RMB 3,500. Campers do not stay overnight. Daily transportation included. Imagine (info@imagine-china.com, 5739 4933).

AEA US Embassy Camp, Jun 16-Aug 15
Ages 4-12. The American Employees Association Summer Camp is an American-style day camp with weekly themes, hosted by AEA (affiliated with the US embassy).  Each year, the themes are changed to incorporate current trends and children’s interests.  The daily program is filled with fun, songs, games, and activities which are related to the weekly themes.

• Early bird discounts till May 31. The camp will be hosted at Beijing City International School from Jun 16-Jul 4 and then from Jul 7-Aug 15 at 3e (info@aeabeijing.net, 8531 3349)

Enhancement

DDC Ocean Exploration Camp, Jun 20-Aug 26Grades 2-7. DDC Ocean Exploration Camp is led by ocean experts from New England Aquarium USA.

• RMB 5,800.  Hosted at the Beijing Aquarium (dd-learning.com, 8049 0079).

DDC Talented Youth Program – MIT STEM, Jun 27-Aug 5Grades 4-7. DDC Education Centre offers a tailored educational program dedicated to the development of highly talented children. With award-winning teams of instructors from the United States, it offers systematic STEAM courses to students aged between 7 and 14. Courses include web design, 3D printing and computer programming. They give priority to the development of students’ science spirit and comprehensive ability, and emphasize the mixture of social value, humanities and the arts, Information Technology & STEAM.

• Registration deadline August 1.  RMB 5,800 per week (contact@dd-learning.com, 8049 0079)

Keystone Academy’s Marine Science STEAM Program, Jul 18-29 Grades 3-7. The Marine Science STEAM Program for summer students is a small step that combines the school’s missions of promoting environmental stewardship and thoughtful bilingual immersion education. Students’ learning in the program will be inquiry-based: they will work with our teachers to observe closely, ask good questions, investigate actively, and find answers to their own questions–all in the context of studying ocean life in both Chinese and English. Students will be challenged to examine the connections between human life and millions of lives in the ocean. In doing so, they will achieve an understanding of the importance of environmental conservation.

• Registration deadline May 1. RMB 10,900. Contact: complete application at keystoneacademy.cn

DDC Integrated Art Summer Camp, Jun 20-Jul 1, Jul 11-Jul 22Grades 2-7. A joint effort between DDC and educational experts from the US, Integrated Art summer camp is an organic and evolving approach to teaching by integrating music, language, and visual arts.  It builds communication, problem solving, collaboration, shared experiences, and allows the student to actively ponder and experiment to display comprehension employing a variety of art forms.  Students will awaken their critical eye and develop ownership of thought and creativity with evidential reasoning via hands on and minds on learning.

• RMB 5,800. DDC Education Centre (contact@dd-learning.com 8049 0079).

DDC Talented Youth Program – US STEAM Summer Camp, Jun 27-Aug 5Grades 5-8. DDC Education Centre invites you to have a touch of the prestigious US STEAM summer camp at British School of Beijing Shunyi! Whether you want to know how to become a doctor, how to create water on Mars, you’ll learn how through the various projects in this camp.

• Registration deadline August 1.  RMB 5,800 per week. British School of Beijing Shunyi (contact@dd-learning.com (8049 0079).

Enrichment

CISB Enrichment Camp, Jun 27-Aug 5
Ages 6-15. Canadian International School of Beijing will be hosting two enrichment classes where children can develop their English or Chinese skills, play sports and participate in cultural activities, such as playing a Chinese instrument and going learning Kungfu.

• Registration Deadline May 27th.  RMB 7,900/2 weeks.  Canadian International School of Beijing (summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com)

Beijing Mandarin School Summer Camp, Jun 13-Aug 26Ages 6-13. Beijing Mandarin School was founded nine years ago, and has successfully been running Mandarin classes ever since to expats of different native languages.  Their children’s summer camp is divided into three different age groups with varying learning targets.  Each group begins their day with Chinese lessons, indoor Chinese culture activities, sports, followed by a half-day excursion.  The camp also offers whole-day travel adventures on the weekend.

• RMB 1,250/week (3 hr Chinese class), RMB 1,850/week (half-day), RMB 2,880/week (full day).  Registration fee RMB 280. Price includes orientation, assessment test, books, t-shirt, study materials, and a learning certificate. Lunch can be added for an extra RMB 200/week, and the price of transportation is negotiable. Beijing Mandarin School ( info@beijingmandarinschool.com, 6508 1026).

Imagine’s Summer Knight School, Jun 13-Aug 19
Ages 7-13. Now in its third season, Imagine’s popular Summer Knight School Camp teaches kids aged 7-13 how to wield a sword, fire a bow and arrow, ride a horse, build a trebuchet, design a shield, make chainmail, travel to a castle, slay a dragon, and much more! Run by a team of English-speaking, experienced outdoor education professionals.

• RMB 4000/week. RMB 800 deposit required upon registration. Campers do not stay overnight. Price includes transportation, equipment, and supplies. Requires own lunch. Imagine (info@imagine-china.com, 5739 4933).

Chinese Cultural Summer Camps, Jun 20-24, Jun 27-Jul 1, Jul 4-8Ages 6-14, China Culture Center hosts a five day bilingual summer camp with both indoor hands-on activities and outdoor tours exploring the city’s authentic Chinese culture and structures.

• RMB 3,200 per child for 5 days. China Culture Center (info@chinaculturecenter.org, 6432 9341)

Atelier Summer Camps, Jun 27-Jul 26
Ages 5-12. Atelier Art School will be running funny, creative, and inspiring artistic summer camps for one thematic week.  The themes include a Cubism Workshop where children will make collages, draw a cubist self-portrait, and a cardboard sculpture of a music instrument; Hokusai and Japan where children will discover Japanese engraving, learn about daily life in the 18th century, and realize a wonderful book inspired by Japanese art; Egyptian Civilization where children will learn about Egypt, build a model pyramid, make their own papyrus and write hieroglyphs on it; Africa where children will discover Africa as a continent, its different cultures and habits while engraving savannah animals, making patterns like the clothes of Zulus folk, and African mask collages; The Little Prince wherein children will discover the novel by Saint Exupery and learn new techniques by building a helix plane from the 40s, understand the work of the illustrator and how to use water colors, and finally build imaginary planets using papier-mache; Around the World in Eighty Days wherein children will discover various cultures and civilizations by following the story in Jules Verne’s novel and making their own travel book with a map, pictures of the characters, and learn how to make pop-up books, different paper textures, and stamps.

• RMB 1,500/week, session. Morning session for 5-8 year olds. Afternoon session for 9-12 year olds. Note that the Sanlitun campus sessions begin on Jun 27 and end on Aug 26, while the Shunyi campus begins on Jun 13 and ends on Jul 22. See their website for a detailed schedule of when each theme is taught. (contact@atelier.cn.com, 132 4018 490, 6416 1614).

Hyde Education Summer Enrichment Program, Jul 11-Aug 12Grades 1-9. Hyde Academy has scheduled a series of fun, hands on, academic summer enrichment programs in math, science, language arts, and humanities for students in grades 1- 9. Take a tour of the universe from the inside out with our exciting introductory physics course.  Use math to explore the world around us through a variety of inquiry-based problems and projects. Fancy yourself as the next Sherlock Holmes? Sign up for our Crime Scene Investigation program.  Other course titles include: Public Speaking, Archaeology, Geography: Mapping our World, and Vocabulary and the Art of Writing.

• RMB 2,250 (half day), RMB 4,275 (full day) per week. Hyde Academy  (registration@hyde-education.com, 8046-3886).

Beijing Playhouse Summer Theater Camps, Jun 27-Aug 6Ages 6-14. At Beijing Playhouse’s two-week long summer camps, children will get to perform Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Rapunzel with acting, song, and dance. Aspiring actors, singers, dancers, and musicians are all welcome. Some English proficiency is required. All who audition will be cast. Parents are invited to the final performance.

• Audition dates May 7, May 21, June 4. RMB 8,000 (broadway@beijingplayhouse.com)

That’s Mandarin! Chinese Summer Camp, Jun 13-26, Jun 27-Jul 10, Jul 11-24, Jul 25-Aug 7, Aug 8-21 Ages 5-17. That’s Mandarin offers several different camp options to suit any family!  There are morning camps, day camps, and full day camps.  For older children, there are also homestay camps, and if you’d like in on the fun—family camps! Camps can be two week long or four week long. The full-length program includes intensive Chinese classes with cartoon class, reading and writing, and topic based oral lessons.  Each week has three days of cultural activities, including traditional Chinese calligraphy, opera mask painting, cooking classes, Chinese knot making, and mahjong. Fieldtrips and excursions are also available for Beijing, such as the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Confucius Temple, and Beihai Park.

• For Beijing camps, contact: info@thatsmandarin.com (5218 6432). For the Shanghai camps, contact: info.shanghai@thatsmandarin.com (6452 0017).

Sports

Imagine’s Watersports Summer Camps, Jun 13-Aug 19
Ages 6.5-15.  Now in its third season, Imagine’s popular Watersports Camp in Shunyi teaches kids aged 6.5-15 all kinds of watersports skills, from sailing and kayaking to rafting and paddling. Learn how to balance on the paddle board, play games on rafts, navigate the boat, using knowledge about the wind and work towards your ‘Learn to Sail Level 1’ Certificate. Taught by certified trainers who learned abroad.

• RMB 4000/week. Campers do not stay overnight. Transportation included. (info@imagine-china.com, 5793 4933)

SBJ Summer Camps, June 13-Jul 27 Ages 5-15. Sports Beijing will be hosting its weekly sports camps at at ISB’s air-conditioned Fusion Dome.  The choices are basketball, gymnastics, and soccer in the mornings; multi-sports (flag fotball, dodge ball, ultimate frisbee, etc.) in the afternoon. Tennis is now also offered in cooperation with Fusion Tennis Center. Water activities, such as water fights and pool time, can be expected, as well as fun games such as capture the flag and obstacle courses.

• Early bird specials through May 31, with sibling and multiple week discounts also available. Price includes lunch, camp t-shirts, and transportation. (contact info@sportsbj.com)

Flips & Kicks Plus Summer Camp, Jun 27-Jul 1, Jul 4-Jul 8 Ages 4-12. Flips & Kicks Plus offers a multi-sports Summer Camp where children can try fun sports, such as: Gymnnastics, Martial Arts, Track & Field, Football, Ping Pong, Basketball etc.

• RMB 1,980 (half day-1 block). RMB 3,080 (full day-1 block). Price includes water and a fruit snack. Please bring your own water bottle. Lunch can be provided for an additional fee. (info@flipsandkicksplus.com, 13718462044)

ClubFootball, Jul 5-Aug 24
Ages 4.5-16. ClubFootball has been around since 2001, hosting football classes and camps that promote coordination and teamwork. This summer, their coaches will have week long summer classes for players of all skill levels, or minimal three-day intensive workshops, depending on your child’s schedule.

• RMB 800-1,500/week. Camps will be held in Chaoyang Park, Olympic Forest Park, Zhongguancun, Wangjing, Lido and Shunyi (contact coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, 5130 6893)

Photo: Pixabay