Are you always looking for ways to get more physical activities into your kids lives? Our #Kidventures series takes you on various outdoor family activities around Beijing. But if you’re looking to introduce the love of marathon running to kids, the 2025 Beijing Minion Run at the Beijing Garden Expo Park on Jun 15 is a great place to start.

Here’s the Basic Information: 
Start Time: 9am
Length: 4.8km
Registration Fee: RMB 139 per person for the single-person basic package; RMB 239 per person for the single-person fan package.
Registration Period: Until May 16 at 5pm

Participants must be at least 4 years old (born on or before Jun 15, 2021). Minors under 18 years old (born after Jun 15, 2007) must be accompanied by their guardians or legal representatives, and a participation statement and a description of insurance for minors must be signed. Anyone planning on joining the run should be in good health, without a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or other diseases that may prevent strenuous exercise.

The route allows runners to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Beijing Garden Expo Park. During the marathon, there will be three interactive check-in points set up along the way, where participants can immerse themselves in the fun challenges set by the Minions and complete the run in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Along with an unforgettable time, each participant will receive a set of Minion-themed running gear, including a number cloth and a bracelet, as well as other Minion-related products, which increases the sense of ceremony of the event.

Images: Freepik

It never occurred to me to look into the damage that can be caused by simply watching more television than one should or spending too much time using multiple devices. Television has and will most likely continue to be a pastime that transcends all or most generations. The nature of television continues to evolve and adapt to the times in which we live; becoming more interactive by the year and keeping us all up to date with information pertaining to every whim popular culture decides is relevant to our lives, keeping our children entertained and enthralled and of course providing an electronic oasis of escapism for whoever needs or wants it.

Growing up with a little brother with special needs who was obsessed with Scooby Doo is what first brought my attention to a book entitled, Remotely Controlled. My brother was not only obsessed with watching this and other similarly paced cartoons, but it was his behavior during and after these colorful episodes that made me conscious about the harm they could be doing. A lot of my brothers’ obsession with cartoons had every bit to do with the need they met to not only provide entertainment but also function as a source of repetition that a child on the spectrum so craves.

We all have come to learn, of course, that the digital age and its many partners in crime; smartphones, tablets, and laptops – have made addicts of us. If the somewhat well-rounded, educated individual can become addicted to screen time what could be the potential impact on children and the more vulnerable among this group: children with learning challenges. While reading Remotely Controlled, I was provided with succinct answers to why my little brother behaved in certain ways and why many cartoons are produced in such a way that can lead to both short- and long-term effects on a child’s behavior; their interaction with others, their relationship with time, tasks, and language.

The need for constant stimulation, instant gratification, and the inability to handle complex problems that do not have quick solutions are all contributing factors spurred on by too much time with the small screen.

My brother would hurriedly try and repeat every word spoken within a segment of Scooby Doo while mimicking every exaggerated movement the animated pencil strokes made. His actions seemed erratic but it was purely a mirroring of what he was consuming. In turn more controlled and calming activities would go by the wayside and I could tell that his issues with speech and learning were only being exacerbated by his constant consumption of television.

To my surprise and elation (my concerns were given validation) Scooby Doo was actually given a mention and used as a prime example of cartoons that contain multiple jump-cut edits that can be cognitively harmful if watched repeatedly. A jump-cut edit basically results in transitions from scene to scene happening almost simultaneously. Conceptually, time breaks down into smaller, quicker, more instantaneous pockets of action. For example, Scooby and his gang could go from running through a deep forest to taking refuge in a cave within half a second. We miss what it takes to get the group of mystery busters through the forest and into the cave – we miss the journey.

Why is this important? Well, we must all learn patience; we must all learn to apply ourselves to tasks that will often take more than 60 seconds to achieve. We must all learn to enjoy longer-awaited forms of gratification. We must all learn to listen more than one should speak and of course always improve upon a very old art form – communication.  According to analytics company, Nielsen, 2-5-year-olds watch more than 32 hours of television a week, adversely affecting speech, behavior, and brain development. We all have the right to have our health and development prioritized over the mass consumption of something that has been proven to cause severe harm.

New Research at London’s Institute of Psychiatry concludes that attention deficit disorder (ADHD) is a real problem in children and that early exposure to television during critical periods of brain development (adolescence) can be associated with subsequent attentional problems. In Remotely Controlled, Psychologist Dr. Sigmund speaks on the importance of proposing the following when raising young children in the home and there are some extra tips thrown in for families who want to curb screen time!

• Limit television time to no more than an hour a day for 1-5 year-olds
• Make use of other play and past time activities. Replace the tablet with a book, board game, crafts, or a favorite toy
• If the television must have a home in your house, then make it the living area. No television in children’s bedrooms.
• Remove cellphones from children’s bedrooms at night and return them in the morning after breakfast
• Sit down as a family and discuss how you would all like to manage your screen time. Make a plan and stick to it!

Green T. House in Shunyi is one of the most magical places in Beijing. I have been once and have wanted to return for a while now. It looks like the October holiday is the perfect occasion, as Green T House has an array of family-friendly events spread over several days, with something fun for everybody.

The festivities start with Mooncake Making on October 1 and 2. I have been very curious how to make these sometimes delicious, sometimes weird-tasting cakes.

On October 4 Green T. House and The Slab will work together organizing a Lantern Making Workshop for families. Mid-Autumn Festival is not just eating cakes and moongazing. During this festival you can also let some lanterns loose.

On October 6 you will probably be happy that the kids are ready to go back to school in a few days, so here’s a workshop to keep your sanity, and hone your skills as a parent. Green T. House is organizing a parenting workshop with Sheri Hansen, author of the book Conscious Parenting in China.

I think I might have to camp out on the pretty grounds of the Green T. House so I can be part of every workshop they are organizing this holiday. For more information scan the QR codes on the posters or check out their website.

Photos: Green T. House and Pixabay

We all know I am a big fan of EAST Hotel; their family brunch is not to be messed with. After a long two weeks of a husband working non-stop, it was time to find out if the rest of the hotel is as child-friendly as the weekend brunch. I like to think of Lido as the new Sanlitun, as loads of cool people live here, and there is Indigo Mall and 798 Art District. EAST Hotel welcomes guests with casually dressed staff, which makes it easy for families to feel at home.

We arrived at around 11am, and our daughter was ecstatic to be staying in a hotel; she is a bit of a fancy pants. We quickly checked out the room and devoured the chocolate amenities. Then we headed off to the pool on the third floor, and we were not disappointed. The look is sleek and stylish, but our daughter has fun in any pool. We also found a hot tub, steam room and sauna. So plenty of relaxation for parents as well.

We went back to our room for a bath before heading over to Indigo mall for lunch, and we were very pleased when we found out our family of three fit into the bathtub. This was a wish from a four year old since she could talk, so EAST also ticked off an item on her bucket list.  We devoured lunch at one of the many eateries at the family friendly mall, then made for the awesome outside playground. There is a new water park set up there with inflatable slides and other fun things, but we did not go inside as we had already spent a few hours in the pool.

EAST Hotel was hosting a watermelon and beer party on the patio by the new craft beer container, and although it sounded like an adult party it was fun for kids as well. We played horseshoes, and my daughter ran around the playground some more while the parents sipped on beer and devoured watermelon. The terrace is kitted out with water fans keeping it cool and windy. For dinner we were whisked off to Hagaki, the Japanese restaurant in the hotel. This was a big treat for our family as all three of us are big fans of sushi and anything Japanese. They have an all you can eat menu for around RMB 300 per person.

We had a blissful sleep together in the king-size bed, and enjoyed the breakfast at FEAST. While I went for a workout in BEAST, the gym in the hotel, my husband went for another swim with our daughter. We had to end the weekend with a pavlova cake in the room, because you have not stayed at EAST if you didn’t try their famous pavlova cake. The weekend was a perfect mini staycation for our family, and I can’t recommend this hotel enough. The staff at EAST seems always happy working at the hotel, and it shows in the happiness of the guests.

Picture credit Pauline van Hasselt and EAST hotel

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.

Where We’ll Be Next Week
Beijing International Schools Expo (BISE), Feb 18 and 19
All ages. For 6 years, beijingkids has helped parents by putting together the largest school expo – in conjunction with the printed School Choice Guide to comprehensively address educational concerns for prospective and resident families. The 2017 BISE will feature first-rate international and bilingual schools, including: Beijing-based schools, overseas K-12 institutions, and high-quality extracurricular programs. Furthermore, three separate children’s activity areas, for different age groups, will be included on the expo’s grounds. There will be a series of talks and the opportunity for in-depth Q & A sessions with school representatives. Free. Crowne Plaza Beijing Sun Palace.

Free

Our Little Library Opening, Feb 1 through Feb 28
Ages 6months-3years. Our Little Library is OPEN! Besides browsing and borrowing books your babies and toddlers can listen to stories, read out loud, and learn in a fun and interactive way. After books the kids will explore the themes through games and activities Free (for February). 10am-11.30am. Our Little Library.

Cyber Safety Workshop for Parents, Feb 8
Adults. Come along to hear how you can be safe on the internet, the do’s and don’ts, and how to advise your children. Presented by Mr Dan Smith, Assistant Primary Head, Darren Burchall, Head of ICT and Richard Birkhill, ICT Primary teacher. 8.45am-10am. British School of Beijing, Shunyi.

Festival of Sport, Feb 11
Ages 8+. Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization. Free. 10am-3pm. Sports Beijing. (info@sportsbj.com)

Charity Fashion Show, Feb 11
Ages 9+. Students from the International School of Beijing (ISB) are hosting their annual Charity Fashion Show. This event, completely run by the students at ISB, was first organized in 2008 with the intent of promoting philanthropy through creativity and entertainment. This year, the proceeds will be donated to the Starfish Project, the Nightingale Charity Club, and Roundabout. Free. 6pm-9pm. International School of Beijing (ISB).

Aerial Yoga, Fly Yoga Free Trial Class, Feb 11
Adult Women. Aerial Yoga is a fun, accessible and graceful yoga practice with “silk” or hammock—suspended from the ceiling that can support your weight, ease pressure, create space in your joints, decrease compression in your spine, and help you find more mobility. Free. 5pm-6pm. Phoenix Town. (WeChat: 723665585).

Sports Beijing’s Bi-Annual Festival of Sport, Feb 11
Ages 7+. Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization. Free. 10am-3pm. International School of Beijing. (info@sportsbj.com, 6430 1370).

Unique
Snow White, Feb 6 to 26
All ages. Want to practice your Chinese while watching a familiar fairy tale? Visit the Worker’s Culture Palace in Haidian for the classic children’s tale Snow White. The language of the presentation is Chinese. RMB 72. Showings at 10.30am and 3.30pm. Worker’s Cultural Palace.

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Malan Flower, Feb 6 to 8
All ages. The establishment of the Holiday Classic Theater is not only a new exploration in the field of artistic creation, but also a whole new attempt in performing and business philosophy. The large and little theaters add radiance and beauty to each other each other and are bound to create a top art gallery for contemporary Chinese children’s drama. RMB 80-400. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline at 400-610-3721 or 10103721).

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Malan Flower, Feb 6 to 8
All ages. The establishment of the Holiday Classic Theater is not only a new exploration in the field of artistic creation, but also a whole new attempt in performing and business philosophy. The large and little theaters add radiance and beauty to each other each other and are bound to create a top art gallery for contemporary Chinese children’s drama. RMB 80-400. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline at 400-610-3721 or 10103721).

Ghost The Musical, Feb 8 – 14
Ages 13+. GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Sam, a ghost, tries to communicate with Molly, his love, with the hope of saving and protecting her. RMB 180-1000. 7.30pm-9.30pm. Poly Theater. (call the hotline 400-610-3721 or 10103721, email to ponypiao@damai.cn).

China National Theatre for Children’s Drama Time Forest, Feb 11
Ages 7+. Giving full play to the representing, exemplary and guiding role, the National Children’s Art Theatre has trained several generations of artists and backbone in the children’s theater art of China and has won numerous art awards. RMB 180-680. 7.30am-9.30am. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). (call the hotline 400-610-3721 or 10103721 or send email to ponypiao@damai.cn).

International Ski Club for Kids, Feb 11
Ages 7-14. For kids, this is a great place to either improve their skiing skills or to start learning from zero. There will be qualified international ski instructors from England and other European countries that will ensure each child’s safety, skill acquisition, and fun. There will be a total of 8 ski indoor-outdoor learning sessions on Saturdays. (8 sessions) RMB 3900 (8 sessions), RMB 450/class (single indoor session), RMB 550/ per class (single outdoor session). 8.30am-12.30pm (Grades 1-3), 10.30am-2.30pm (Grades 4-6). Jundushan Ski Resort. (WeChat: Imagine-china, 010-57394933).

Science + Art : Create Your Own Car, Feb 12
Ages 8+. From the electronic basics to its unique design. Build your car from A to Z. During this unique course, you will learn how to design an obstacle avoiding car by yourself, using the famous Arduino* electronics platform and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid an object in front of the car. RMB 600 (RMB 450 for Atelier students). 1.30pm-4.30pm. Atelier. (WeChat: atelier_apas to register)

Valentine’s Breakfast & Bubbles, Feb 14
Adults. Bask in the glow of love, food, and drinks on this Valentine’s day with your significant other at the British Club of Beijing’s Valentine’s Day celebration. RMB 150/person. 10am-12pm. The Westin.

Best of Next Week
Mommy & Baby Bootcamp, Feb 15 (every Wednesday thereafter)
Ages 6wks – 6mths. Mom & Baby Bootcamp class for both mother and baby will offer moms the unique opportunity to return to exercise after childbirth and build a stronger connection with their baby. Both babies and mothers can enjoy the time together as well as the opportunity to meet new friends or spend time with old friends. RMB 250 (single class), RMB 1100 (5 classes), RMB 2000 (10 classes). 10.30am-11.30am. MsUptown.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB Chatterbox, Feb 16
For adults. BSB Shunyi hosts this month’s International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning. Join other newcomers and old-timers in the Shunyi area to learn survival tips and get a great support network. Free. 10am-noon. British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588, www.bsbshunyi.com)

Roundabout Book Fair at BSB, Sanlitun, Feb 18
All ages. Roundabout is coming to town with a book fair kindly hosted by The British School of Beijing Sanlitun. Choose your books from lots of gently used ones and from many categories like fiction, non-fiction, children’s books etc. Prices start as low as 1 RMB and all proceeds will help a child in need. Free. 10am-3pm. BSB, Sanlitun.

Science + Art : Create Your Own Car, Feb 19
Ages 8+. From the electronic basics to its unique design. Build your car from A to Z. During this unique course, you will learn how to design an obstacle avoiding car by yourself, using the famous Arduino* electronics platform and an ultrasonic sensor to detect and avoid an object in front of the car. RMB 600 (RMB 450 for Atelier students). 1.30pm-4.30pm. Atelier. (WeChat: atelier_apas to register)

TLC Spring Term Classes, Feb 25 to June 10
Give your child extra challenges or extra support with The Learning Center’s (TLC) Spring Term Weekend School. Every Saturday morning and afternoon from Feb. 25th to June 10th, we offer a fun English learning environment for a wide variety of subjects including integrated reading and writing, humanities, science and math. RMB 15,492 (Spring Term (13 weeks) full-day school); RMB 8,125 (Spring Term (13 weeks) half-day school). 9.30am-4.30pm. Hyde Academy. (registration@hyde-education.com, 8056-3886).