Combining concepts from a group of essential subjects, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities inspire kids to improve their understanding of different disciplines in a fun and creative way, which helps increase critical thinking and broaden children’s perspective. Check out our selection of STEAM-aligned apps to help your child develop interdisciplinary skills, whenever traveling or chilling out at home.

Thinkrolls 2

Thinkrolls includes 270 levels of increasingly complex science-filled mazes, each gradually introducing a new science concept in an accessible, easy-to-understand way. As kids use properties of matter and basic physics to keep their Thinkrolls rolling along through a series of themed chapters, they gain not only stronger problem-solving skills but also more confidence. Ages 4+. RMB 25.

Crazy Gears

Based on the theories of Seymour Papert, Crazy Gears is a digital puzzle game designed with a real mechanical engine and with children’s critical thinking in mind. Children manipulate gears, chains, rods, and pulleys, to pull themselves through each level, which teaches them how different mechanisms affect one another when constructing a machine. Ages 4+. RMB 18.

Inventioneers 

In this game, kids can create their own fun, creative, or even weird inventions. The more problems kids solve, the more tools they receive for inventions — a process through which children get to learn about real-time physics and the science behind different features like air, fire, and magnetism. Ages 2-8. Free download with in-app purchase.

Monster Physics

Monster Physics let kids build and operate their own car, crane, rocket ship, plane, helicopter, tank, and more using materials including metal, wood, plastic, rubber, and ice. It comes with 50 missions including both simple ones and mind-bending challenges catering for beginners to advanced players. Many of the missions are open-ended and can be completed with a wide variety of different solutions. Ages 10+. RMB 12.

Move the Turtle

Move the Turtle is an app that introduces children step by step to the basics of creating computer programs using colorful graphics commands, and even inspires them to create their own programs based on the examples. Ages 10+. RMB 25.

Photos: Apple App Store

Bowl and Ball – Ju Anqi Solo Exhibition, until Nov 22

Hosted by Light Society and co-organized by Beijing 3 Gallery, this exhibition features works from Ju Anqi, a Chinese film director and multi-media artist, including his well-known series Dance Aria and Big Characters, along with a brand new eponymous installation Bowl and Ball.

11am-4.30pm daily until Nov 22; RMB 60; Light Society, Building No. 56, No. 12, Zhuyuan Road, Shunyi District, Beijing 顺义区竺园路12号院56号楼光社影像中心

Collection from Shengjing Imperial Palace, Until Dec 2

Shengjing Imperial Palace was the residence of Nurhachi, chieftain of one of the founder tribes of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Still well-preserved, the palace is home to a large collection of antiques once belonging to royal families. The exhibition will feature artifacts including costumes, tableware, and writing sets, as well as paintings and jewelry.

9am-5pm (no admission from 4pm) Tue-Sun until Dec 2; Free; Capital Museum, No.16 Fuxingmeng Waidajie, Xicheng district 西城区复兴门外大街16号

The World of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, until Nov 4
This is the first time China has ever hosted an exhibition entirely of works by Toulouse-Lautrec. Visitors will be able to view over 90 originals from the post-impressionist master, created during his short but dazzling lifespan. The collection, all selected from the Hungarian National Gallery, includes paintings, pencil sketches, prints, and posters.

9am-5pm (no admission from 4pm) Tue-Sun until Nov 4; Free; Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy, No.12 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang district朝阳区朝阳公园南路12号北京画院美术馆

The Antikythera Shipwreck, until Dec 16
Discovered by sponge divers off Point Glyphadia on the Greek island of Antikythera in 1900, the Antikythera shipwreck opened a new chapter for archaeology and still fascinates experts as well as people interested in Greek history. The amazing collection recovered includes bronze and marble statues, luxurious drinking vessels, jewelry, coins, vases, Antikythera-styled beds, and the first known calculating machine –the “Antikythera mechanism”.

8.30am-5pm (no admission from 4.10pm); RMB 60; Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen), The Palace Museum, No.4 Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng district 东城区景山前街故宫博物院神武门

500 Years of Western Paintings – Collection of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, until Dec 23
The exhibition features around 60 masterpieces from some of the greatest painters in western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including Cranach, Andy Warhol, Goya, Van Gogh, and Monet. The exhibited collection is selected from the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, which was founded in 1983 by Buddhist teacher and writer Daisaku Ikeda.

9am-5pm (no admission after 4.30pm); RMB 60; Tsinghua University Art Museum, No. 1, Tsinghua University Campus, Haidian District  海淀区清华园1号 清华大学校内

Photos: www.artmuseum.tsinghua.edu.cn; Douban; the Palace Museum

Qi Qi barely has any chance to spend time with his dad, who works long hours. Desperate for his dad’s company, Qi Qi makes a wish to a mysterious piece of amber: “If it meant I could spend more time with my dad, I’d rather he was a dinosaur”. The mysterious amber turns Qi Qi’s dad into a Tyrannosaurus Rex…….

Will Qi Qi find out what happened to his dad? What is life like, with a real dinosaur dad? Come to follow Qi Qi and his dad’s exciting journey at My Dinosaur Daddy. With 3D projections and great lighting effects, the show will immerse young audiences in the world of Qi Qi and his dinosaur daddy, as they learn about love through laughter and tears.

Check the website for more information and tickets. The performance will be in Chinese.

My Dinosaur Daddy

Recommended for aged 3-10; 10am-2pm, October 1st; RMB 40-190; Rulun Lecture Hall of Renmin University, No. 59 Zhongguan Cun, Haidian District 海淀区中关村59号中国人民大学如论讲堂

Photos: Showstart

Livat Shopping Center in Daxing district has transformed into a children’s wonderland: an amusement playground inspired by popular cartoon series My Little Pony.

The first floor of the center is newly decorated with kids’ favorite cartoon characters, and is divided into five game areas: Pirate Ship, Magical Castle, Merry-go-round Cup Cake, Friendship Paradise, and Rainbow Paradise. Offering different games, each area will appeal kids from a different age group.

To make it even more fun, the e-tickets booked online come with a handbook which kids can have stamped at every game section, and once they’ve succeeded in getting stamps from all of the five sections, they can exchange the handbook for a gift at the gift section.

RMB 108. 10am-9pm daily until September 4 (The Pirate Ship available to August 29). Livat Shopping Center (No. 15 Xin’ning Jie, Daxing District 大兴区欣宁街15号; 6028 5656).

Photos: Sina

Sports Beijing will be running their biannual Festival of Sports at the International School of Beijing (ISB) Fusion Indoor Dome on Saturday August 25 from 10am-3pm.

The event caters for all young sports fans in the city. Kids will be able to try out all kinds of sports in which Sports Beijing offer training, including basketball, soccer, rugby, karate, and lacrosse, to just name a few, before making a commitment to any of them.

The festival will also be a great chance for parents to get more detailed course information by talking to the coaches, as well as to get more connected with the community.

This biannual event is a kick-off for their Fall sporting season, when over 12 programs will be on offer. Kids aged four and above can register for one or more of the activities.

Sports Beijing is a not-for-profit community sports organization for junior athletes in Beijing. They offer a broad variety of recreational and competitive youth sports programs, professionally coached and aimed at developing physical, technical and social skills. Their activities are designed for participants of all backgrounds and abilities. For information regarding this event and their Fall programs,please email info@sportsbj.com or call 8046 2822.

Sports Beijing’s Festival of Sport 

10am-3pm. Free entrance. ISB Dome (10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District 顺义区安华街10号)

Photos: courtesy of Sports Beijing

Museums are always a safe bet for a hassle-free day trip for the family, especially when they offer kid-focused exhibitions which enable the little ones to enjoy themselves while learning, rather than listening to wordy, dull explanations. Beijing Museum of Natural History is right at the top of the list; not only ideal for a fun-filled family trip, but also a great way for kids to wave their summer holiday boredom goodbye.

Home to an abundant collection of artifacts, fossils, and specimens, the museum presents permanent exhibitions featuring reptiles, mammals, invertebrates, dinosaur fossils, plants, and rare animal specimens from around the world, as well as explaining the evolution of human beings.

The highlights include the largest sauropod dinosaur fossil discovered in China, Stegodon zdanskyi, the most complete skeleton of a stegodon ever found in the world, and Archaefructus liaoningensis, the earliest known flowering plant.

Maybe not all of the exhibitions will interest your kids, but each section boasts unique highlights, boosting the chances that something there will grab them.

The mammal fossil collection is the second biggest in the world, while the fossils of dinosaurs will definitely appeal to the many dinosaur-obsessed kids. At the plant section, kids get a close-up view of the whole process of flowers sprouting, growing, and blossoming. And the lifelike recreations of the wildlife of Africa, North America, and Eurasia in the animal section are ready to inspire in kids love of and fascination with the natural world.

The 4D cinema screens scientific and educational films at various times throughout the day. Currently listed films are Turtles’ Adventure, Pig Peak, A Warning from the Dinosaur, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, Night of Resurrection, and Prehistoric Adventure. Admission fee is RMB 20 per person.

The museum also offers a wide-ranging program of temporary exhibitions and events all year round. Check their website to keep updated about upcoming exhibitions.

Beijing Museum of Natural History
9am-5pm Tue-Sun. Free entrance (some charges apply for temporary exhibitions, and reservations one day in advance are recommended since the museum might get full during the summer holiday.). Beijing Museum of Nature History (No. 126 Tianqiao South Street, Dongcheng District; 6702 7702; office@bmnh.org.cn).

Photos: Beijing Museum of Natural History

As most schools begin their summer break, more and more Beijing-based organizations are finalizing their summer camp offerings. We’ve created this list of even more camps coming up soon for kid-friendly summer fun in Beijing. For our previous roundup of summer camps in and out of Beijing, please check here.

Beijing Oriental Equestrian Club Summer Camp, June 26-Aug 31

Ages 5+. Oriental Equestrian Club is managed by French instructors Joel and Vanessa Vandevraye, combining more than 60 years of equestrian teaching experience. Riding, theory and horse care group and individual lessons are provided in Chinese and English by Chinese coaches according to the French equestrian education standards (FFE). RMB 1,800-6,120. 8am-5pm. Check the website for detailed schedule. Oriental Equestrian Club (6945 7995 or 6945 3293).

Kids VS. Wild Camp, July 7-13

For elementary school students. The camp provides special courses in safety, including fire disaster prevention, weapon safety studies, as well as the ecosystem and environmental preservation. Involving both indoor and outdoor courses, the camp will also include music and dancing classes, training on outdoor survival skills which also aims to enhance the spirit of teamwork. RMB 5,500 (RMB 4,500 for students from Beijing Zhongde School). Beijing Zhongde School (6577 8863).

Summer Cooking Camp | Little Chef, July 16-Aug 31

Ages 7-12. This one-week Summer Cooking Course will allow kids to learn the basics of cooking, with simple techniques and kid-friendly recipes for delicious sweet and savory dishes from five different continents! Let your taste buds travel around the globe to Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. RMB 5,980 (5,100 for early birds by June 30). Check the website for more information. Pingo Space (WeChat ID: pingocs).

Crescendo Summer Music Workshops, July 23-Aug 24

Ages 5+. Summer Music Workshops for children and teenagers with Crescendo Studio: morning sessions for kids from 5 to 8 years old, and afternoon group sessions for intermediate level music students. Morning sessions (9.30-11.30am, RMB 2,000) introduce music theory, percussion, singing, piano, drums, and music history to beginners. Afternoon sessions (2-5pm, RMB 2,700) teach students how to improve their musical skills with group practice for intermediate level students learning guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboard, and percussion. Check the website for more information. Crescendo Studio (132 4195 4449 or 135 2211 9535).

Photos: courtesy of camp organizers

Good news for those little fans of Peppa Pig, the animated TV series originally from the United Kingdom.

Two Peppa Pig theme parks are expected to open in Shanghai and Beijing by 2019, the Chinese year of Pig, reported China Daily on April 19.

According to China Daily, the parks will be operated by Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second biggest theme entertainment company, which is also responsible for Legoland Resorts, and Madame Tussauds in Shanghai.

Peppa Pig has quickly dominated screens, becoming one of the most popular cartoons among Chinese children since it was introduced to China in 2015. The statistics provided by China Daily shows it has attracted some 45 billion views on multiple video platforms including Youku, iQIYi and Tencent. What added fuel to the fire was the emoji of the pink piggy being widely spread on Chinese social media, especially WeChat, making it a hit even among young adults.

Chen Jie, the general manager of Merlin Entertainment China Branch, was quoted saying they will use Peppa Pig as a theme for the indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a Peppa Pig stage show as well as a number of related promotional events will be touring around China over the following years to develop the brand in the Chinese market.

Entertainment One, the British film and TV company which owns the Peppa Pig brand, also plans to expand Peppa Pig’s Chinese market later this year through a new toy line as part of a deal with Alpha Group, one of China’s leading toy manufacturers.

According to Entertainment One, more than 40 million books have been sold since April 2016, and in addition three sets of Peppa Pig branded and animated emojis have been downloaded more than 20 million times and shared more than 210 million times.

Details about the specific whereabouts and opening date for the theme park haven’t been revealed yet; we at beijingkids will keep you updated.

Photos: China Daily

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 webeditor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat ID. 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 event page.

Fun for the Little Ones

Samajam Kids Show -You Are the Show! in Beijing, Apr 14
All ages. This is a 100 percent participatory musical show, in which all participants receive several musical instruments during the performance. They become the performing musicians of the show, having fun while learning music. RMB 180-350. 10.30am-9.30pm. Check the website for tickets. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Danish Children’s Theater About Shapes, Apr 14-15
All ages. Lines. Cubes. Circles. Our world is filled with geometric shapes. Inspired by Kandinsky and his fascinating and expressive force, the theater work A Short Long invites spectators to create recognizable forms from seemingly abstract elements. Both with physical objects – and with their own bodies. RMB 200 per person. 10am-9pm. Visit the website for tickets. M Theatre.

Hua, Hua! The Magic Crayons! | Children’s Theater, Apr 22
Aged 1.5+. From a blank space, two dancers create a wonderland with crayons as they play, dance and draw. For the kids who love to draw and play. Be creative and be imaginative. There is a huge community drawing party after the performance. All participants create a huge picture altogether. RMB 200 per person. 10am-9pm. Check the website for tickets. M Theatre.

Cooking Course: Little Chef, every Sat
Aged 7+. In these hands-on cooking courses, students will learn how to make some delicious sweet and savory dishes. Students will work individually to make their own food, which at the end of each class they’ll get to devour or take home. Throughout the session, they’ll cover different techniques, use a variety of ingredients and explore new flavors. RMB 5,980 (RMB 4,980  for first 10 sign-ups), apron and protective sleeves, all ingredients, cooking materials included. 10am-4pm. Contact WeChat ID pingokefu for more information. U Kitchen.

Fun for the Family

The Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival, Apr 14-15
All ages. Our sister magazine, the Beijinger, is holding the first Hot & Spicy Festival with over 40 vendors representing cuisines from approximately 20 countries. They will sling their spiciest wares in the name of chili love. Expect food as varied as Texas hot wings to Yunnan fried tilapia, American barbecued spicy ribs to Sichuan pepper pork, Mexican quesadillas to Japanese “devil’s” fried chicken. There will also have fiery cultural performances and the annual Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest. RMB 25 per day. 11am-8pm. Check the website to register. Galaxy Soho.  

Earth Day Family Theater | When All Was Green, Apr 19
Ages 5+. Take your little one to join Tong Playroom to learn more about this inspiring performance at Beijing 9 Theatre. When All Was Green is a non-verbal, award-winning puppetry performance inspired by the famous children’s book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Directly from Israel, The Key Theatre delivers a poignant reflection on nature’s generosity of spirit in spite of man’s greed. RMB 260-280. 7-9pm. Beijing 9 Theatre (WeChat: janiceinbj).

CISB StageCats present The Wizard of Oz, Apr 20
All ages. The Wizard of Oz is well-known all over the world for its heartwarming story, unforgettable songs, and timeless characters. Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) StageCats are bringing this classic to life in an exciting and energetic way – giving audiences the chance to travel down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the wonderful Wizard of Oz. RMB 30 for students; RMB 50 for adults. 2-9pm. Check the website for more information. Tickets can also be reserved by emailing the director: patrick.connolly@cisbeijing.com. CISB.

The Nutcracker – Russian State Ballet in Beijing, Apr 21
All ages. The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (op. 71). The libretto is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”. RMB 90-440. Check the website for tickets. Beijing Century Theatre.

Markets and Bazaars

Japan Night Market, Apr 11
All ages. Chihiro and Wataru’s Japan Night Market will sell a selection of used items in good condition, such as bicycles, electric appliances, furniture, bags, suitcase, and clothes. Food will also be available. Check the website for registration. RMB 60. 6.30-10pm. Ascott Raffles City Beijing.

Baiguo Market, Apr 11-13
All ages. Baiguo market will feature vendors selling a range of items in the style of the Mingguo period (1912-1949), as well as some genuine antiques. Additionally, there will be other entertainment activities. Free. 10am-4.30pm. Follow WeChat ID baiguoshiji for more updates. Jianwai Soho.

Aidi School Spring Family Day, Apr 15
All ages. Beijing Aidi School cordially invites you to participate in their Spring Family Day at their campus which is currently witnessing some beautiful spring scenery with the flowers in full bloom. The event focuses on the four themes of “Health, Reading, Art, and Technology”. It’s a joint effort by Aidi School and more than 50 educational service institutions, presenting fun activities including games, sports, exhibitions, and educational expert talks. Free. 10am-5pm. Visit the website for booking. Contact 8439 2266 for more information. Beijing Aidi School.

BIBA Roundabout Book Fair, Apr 21
All ages. Come and attend Beijing International Bilingual Academy’s (BIBA’s) annual Roundabout Charity Book Fair. Come and take a look at all the books available to purchase, with all profits being donated to the charity Roundabout. Free. 10am-4pm. Contact 8041 0390 or adam@bibachina.org for more information. BIBA.

Rumble in the Jumble, Apr 21
Adults. If you’re a crafter, this is your opportunity to debut your new handmade concept. If you have a box of second-hand clothes that you’ve been meaning to donate, this is your opportunity to sell them for a bit of drinking money, and refresh your wardrobe while you’re at it! If you are a small business, an artist, a volunteer, or just have a pile of books to drop off at the Booksellers stall, you are welcome and encouraged to join. Free to attend. Noon-6pm. Email at rumble.jumble.bj@gmail.com with your name, company name (if you have one), products, price range, and WeChat ID, and a couple of pictures of your products to register. Modernista.

Information Sessions

Childbirth Workshop at Oasis, Apr 14
Adults. Having a baby is one of the most wonderful experiences in life, but at the same time, it can be quite overwhelming. OASIS International Hospital aims to make your birth experience the best it can be, by providing you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions. You’ll be given out a booklet to take home with information learned from the class. RMB 100 per person (including workshop, booklet, and lunch). 9am-2pm. Contact Katja.Kinnunen@oasishealth.cn for registration. OASIS International Hospital.

Swedish Career Fair 2018, Apr 14
Adults. The Swedish Career Fair will open its gates once again in 2018. It is a platform in which talented young professionals can meet with company representatives to exchange ideas and opportunities. Free. 10am-5pm. Visit the website for more information or to register. Kempinski Hotel Beijing.

Become a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Apr 20
Adults. Teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way provides a step-by-step approach to starting and leading experiential-based parenting groups. This program, covered over the course of a three-day workshop with international trainer Dina Emser (USA), emphasizes experiential activities that reach the heart to inspire deeper understanding and change, equipping parents with a fun and effective way for them to get specific help with real problems. 9am-5pm. Contact beclamb@yahoo.com  or 130 7116 2353 for more information. Hello Future.

Outdoor Activities

Earth Day Cleanup at the Jiankou Great Wall, Apr 22
Adults. The Great Wall on the west side of Jiankou has been somewhat spoiled by a buildup of trash and litter, left by lazy hikers and careless campers. In the spirit of Earth Day on April 22, and in order to give back to the communities in which they hike, Beijing Hikers are going to try and collect as much litter as they can and carry it out. RMB 150-200. Departs at 8am. Check the website for more information and booking. Beijing Hikers.

Feed Your Mind

Distinguished Speaker Series: Iain Milne, Apr 10
All ages. Scottish rugby union player Iain Milne is visiting Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) to talk about his career and life. Known as “The Bear,” Iain won a grand slam in 1984 and built a reputation for his work ethic, durability, hard tackling, and courage. Free. Western Academy of Beijing (5986 5588; wabinfo@wab.edu).

Sungkyunkwan University’s Talk at BSB Shunyi, Apr 12
All ages. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi welcomes admissions officers Jehoon Kwon and Hyejung Hong from Sungkyunkwan University. They will explain the admissions criteria and answer questions from parents and students. All are welcome to attend. Free. 2.30-3.30pm. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi (8047 3588; georgette.small@britishschool.org.cn).

School Open Day

House of Knowledge Open Day, Apr 17-18
All ages. After ten years’ development, House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (HoK) has grown into an elementary school and two kindergartens, featuring hands-on learners, and a project-based approach to learning. HoK believes that a positive experience in education from an early age is essential to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Two sessions: Chaoyang Campus: March 17; Shunyi Campus: March 18. Free. 9.30-11am. House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (4006507747; admissions@hokschools.com).

Arts and Exhibitions

Gregory Burns: Made in the Brickyard, Apr 14
All ages. Brickyard’s artist-in-residence, Gregory Burns, will exhibit works created over the last month in the Brickyard Retreat’s Great Wall Room. The gallery opens at 11.30am, with a reception at 3pm for visitors who would like to meet Gregory in person and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Free. 11.30am-5.30pm. Check the website to learn more about Gregory Burns. Contact 6162 6506 for more information. The Brickyard Retreat.

Renaissance Art Exhibition at the Capital Museum, until Jun 22
All ages. The exhibition features 102 works of art from Italy’s Renaissance period. The works include paintings by famous artists such as Titian and Botticelli and come from 17 Italian museums and institutions. Open to all (ID card or passport needed). Free. 9am-5pm. Contact 6339 3339 for more information. Capital Museum.

Photos: courtesy of featured event organizers