Spring is popping out much needed open air events, but don’t let yourself be a hermit stuck in a post-winter, indoor routine. Break through the last of those cold hesitations with one or more of the following events taking part this May. Check our ever-growing events directory to plan ahead.

Detoxification 101: How to Survive and Thrive in Beijing, May 5
For adults. Naturopathic Physician Dr. Melissa Rodriguez from Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics illuminates the detoxification process and shares tips on maximizing the body’s natural ability to purify itself. Registration required. Free. 10-11.30am. Beijing United Family Hospital (400 8919 191)

ISB Spring Fair, May 7
All ages. ISB holds its annual spring fair featuring fun games and activities for the whole family. There will also be a food bazaar, shopping opportunities, and a raffle with great prizes to be won. Free. 10am-4pm. International School of Beijing (8149 2345)

Founder’s Day, May 7
All ages. Founder’s Day at DCB showcases country and regional foods and culture of their school’s diverse populace as a celebration of the founding of the school. Highlights of the day include live performances, as well as games and activities for children of different ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing (www.dulwich-beijing.cn)

German Soccer Championship, May 7
All ages. Join the German Chamber of Commerce to cheer on teams from Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen along with eight others.  A kids corner includes face painting, kids crafts, games and a bouncy castle. Adults will also get their chance to win prizes at other game booths. Food and drink includes Chinese, Western, draught beer and wine. Free. 8.30am-6.30pm. Side Park (6539 6664)

Fangcaodi 60th Anniversary, May 7
All ages. Celebrate Fangcaodi International School’s 60th Anniversary and the culture of 60 countries! FCD planned 120 stalls from nearly 60 countries. Stalls will showcase many elements of a country, from its culture, gourmet food, dress, arts and crafts. Bouncy castle, games, shows, auctions and prize drawings. Kids will be provided with a stamp collection event passport. Free. 10am-3pm. Fangcaodi International School (8563 9140)

Beijing Playhouse presents Rapunzel, May 8
Ages 6-12. It’s more than just a fairy tale. An inspiring rendition of a traditional story, this performance is especially for children. RMB 80 children RMB 150 adults. 2.00-3.00pm. Eagle International Performing Arts Center, International School of Beijing (childrenstheatre@beijingacademyofperformingarts.com)

2016 Harrowthon, May 8
All ages. The annual 10km family run is back again and features live performances by students, as well as games and activities for kids. Proceeds will go to Roundabout’s various charitable causes. Registration required. RMB 100. 7am-3pm. Harrow International School Beijing (http://www.harrowbeijing.cn/events/2016-05-08-harrowthon.aspx#reg)

YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 14
All Ages. Global Community Day is hosted on the YCIS Beijing Campus with the mission of showcasing the very best of each and every culture in the school while unifying us all as global citizens in Beijing. Global Community day is also the annual charity event for the YCIS Beijing PO; all the money raised at the event is donated to the “YCIS Seeds of Hope” charity. 10am-2pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (8583 3731)

2016 BCIS Spring in the City Community Fair, May 14
All ages. This year’s theme is “The Festival of the Arts,” and the event promises an amazing celebration of the many artistic talents and opportunities students at BCIS have. The fair will also have family-friendly games and activities, a live stage show of music and drama, the Flux Film Festival winners announcements, wonderful raffle prizes, delicious food and more. Free. Beijing City International School (8771 7171)

Kid Kung Fu – BMS Club, May 18
Ages 13+ Beijing Mandarin School seeks to share an important aspect of culture and give kids some great exercise.  Everyone is welcome, even if not a current student at BMS. RSVP by May 16. RMB 30. 2-3.30pm. Ritan Park. (6508 1026)

Yoga Gives Back, May 21
Ages 13+.  A two hour bilingual yoga class, successively hosted by five different yoga teachers.  The session consists of 108 sun salutations, which is an auspicious number in India, and is equivalent to the number of beads in a string of mala beads.  Participants are encouraged to practice at their own pace and bring their own mat.  Coconut water sponsored by Vita Coco. Snacks and juice can be purchased from Juice by Melissa, Shunyi. Minimum donation RMB 150.9:30-11:30am. International School of Beijing (ISB)

theBeijinger‘s 2016 Burger Cup Launch Party, May 28
All ages. Our sister publication’s annual burger festival is upon us again. theBeijinger‘s 2016 Burger Cup launch party is the best possible place to taste the juiciest, tastiest burgers in town before voting begins. As usual, beijingkids and JingKids will have booth to cater to the younger foodies lover’s attention and prizes to be won. TBA. 11am-8pm. Oasis International Hospital (5941 3241)

Photo: Courtesy of ISB, DCB, Harrow Beijing, German Chamber of Commerce and peanutbutterandpeppers.com

May 10 is the much anticipated Mother’s Day and if you are still looking for ideas on what to give moms then here’s a list of the things you can get easily Beijing:

Bouquets  and Flowers
Considering a bouquet of carnations can easily cost USD 40 or more in the US, we’re lucky to have so many cheap florists and flower markets in Beijing. At Liangma Flower Market, for example, vendors can custom-make a bouquet with different cut flowers, leaves, sprigs, ribbons, baskets, and wrapping paper. Bouquets can cost anywhere between RMB 100 and 300 depending on the size, flower selection, and complexity of the arrangement. Alternatively, you can buy a potted flowering plant that will bloom throughout the summer. Good choices include African violets (紫罗兰, ziluo lan), geraniums (天竺葵, tianzhu kui), and chrysanthemums (菊花, juhua).

Liangma Flower Market 亮马花卉市场
Daily 8.30am-6.30pm. South bank of Liangma River, 758 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6504 2446) 朝阳区东三环北路758号亮马河南岸

Custom-Made Shoes
As far as we’re concerned, everyone should have a pair of personalized leather shoes in their wardrobe. They’re sturdy, comfortable, and last for decades if cared for properly. Local cobbler Lao Yu makes beautiful, handmade leather shoes from his tiny workshop in Gulou. He only does flat, heel-less shoes made from cow leather and measures each customer’s feet to ensure the best fit. You can pick one of the styles displayed on the wall or bring a reference picture to emulate. A pair of women’s shoes starts at RMB 1,200 depending on color, size, style, and leather quality. It takes about a month to fill an order.

Lao Yu 老余手工鞋店
Daily 10am-9pm. 37 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6404 1406) 东城区鼓楼东大街37号

Made-to-Order Chocolate Cake
Every day is a good day for chocolate – who says sweets are only for kids? Treat Mom to a decadent, handcrafted creation such as the Ritz-Carlton Cake containing Valrhona dark chocolate from France, candied orange pieces, and Grand Marnier. This intense and multilayered cake weighs in at a dense 400g; you might want to cut it into smaller slices. Though preservative-free, it will keep for seven days at room temperature. But who are we kidding? It won’t last that long. The cake is available at any Ritz-Carlton branch and must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance.

Find out more here.

Eat your heart out, Dave Chappelle: Shuangjing is holding its very own block party on Saturday, May 18 at the 22nd International Art Street in Pingod North. Taking place from 11am to 5pm, the first Shuangjing Street Carnival and Chili Cook-Off will bring together local businesses and residents from this fast-growing community for a good ol’ time. The money raised will benefit environmental group Roots and Shoots, an offshoot of the Jane Goodall Foundation.

The main event is a chili cook-off to be judged in the afternoon. Around 10 teams will face off for chili domination; if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the chili champion of Shuangjing, put your money (beans?) where your mouth is and contact the organizers at scianda.ian@gmail.com.

Never been to Shuangjing before? This is your chance to check out the neighborhood, which is located just south of the CBD and home to a growing number of expat families. If you’re a Shuangjing resident, this is a great opportunity to meet other locals and build a real sense of community.

There will be a host of family-friendly activities, such as face painters, food stalls, games for the kids, live music, and a beer garden for thirsty moms and dads.  

The carnival involves several local businesses and institutions, including Beijing City International School, Plan B, Doctors Beck and Stone Pet Health Care Center, Fairmont Beijing, Grinders, The Brick, Bang Bang Pizza, and more.

Go south!

Are you a culture klutz? The May issue of beijingkids will have you rolling with the punches!

We lift the curtain on little-known local markets, the city’s best cultural centers and parks, and the life of international kids who attend local schools. In addition, four teenagers offer funny, touching, and quirky essays on cultural identity.

May 13 is Mother’s Day! (You didn’t forget, did you?) Find a list of brunches and promotions to mark the occasion in Dining. We also profile Frenchtastic cafe Crêpanini in Sanlitun Village and Jennifer Thome shows you how to make your own bread in Food for Thought.

In keeping with the culture theme, Jenn Ambrose writes about “small c” versus “big C” culture and Gareth Jones struggles to keep up with the Chinese approach to extracurricular activities.

With temperatures skyrocketing to 30°C and beyond, there’s no excuse to stay home! Jaunt out to Haidian District to see creatures of all stripes at Beijing Zoo and Beijing Aquarium. Don’t like the crowds? Escape to Changping to visit a pick-your-own strawberry farm. For something more physical, join a martial arts class and roundhouse kick boredom in the face!

In Learning, we hear from paleontologist Amanda Falk at Beijing International Bilingual Academy and teens from the International Academy of Beijing tackle the topic of racism and prejudice.

As always, find kid-friendly events and search our Directories for anything and everything you’ll need in Beijing.

Can’t find the print edition? Send an email to distribution@beijing-kids.com or call 5820 7700.

Or, check out the PDF version below or at Issuu.com: