If you’re staying in Beijing this summer, check out the events coming up in the next two weeks. If you can’t find anything you fancy, pools are always a great option, as well as indoor playgrounds if you have little ones.

Naturally Peninsula

Experience the joy of yoga with your little one in this fun and engaging Parent-Child Yoga session. Designed for parents and children to practice together, this class fosters a sense of connection, mindfulness, and physical well-being through playful poses and gentle stretches. It’s a perfect way to bond and introduce healthy habits to your child.

Where: The Peninsula Beijing
When: Jul 21, 9am – 12.30pm
Price: RMB 680

Kids’ Cooking Classes at EAST

Let your little chefs join a culinary adventure where they’ll get to mix and roll their way to delicious cakes at Domain. Classes are available every weekend, from noon until 2pm. Scan the QR code to register.

Where: EAST Beijing
When: Saturdays and Sundays, noon-2pm
Price: RMB 248/July and August, RMB 198/September

Free Prenatal Class at Beijing United Family Hospital

The class will be taught by Cindy Yan and Grace Yu, two midwives with a combined 50+ years of international experience. The class will be offered for free and includes light snacks and fruit.

The purpose of this class is to educate parents on researched information, empowering them to make informed choices during their labor and instilling confidence regarding the birth experience. We highly recommend the prenatal classes for all first time parents, whether you plan on giving birth at BJU or elsewhere. BJU would like to make this special time in your lives even more special!
The class will help parents-to-be work on:

– Developing a delivery plan
– Understanding the labor process
– Familiarizing themselves with the hospital and tips for the initial days and months after the birth

Where: BJU Bldg 2, 5/F, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Jul 27, 28; 9am-1.15pm
Price: Free

La Leche League (LLL) Monthly Meetings at Beijing United Family Hospital

La Leche League meetings are back at BJU, and the next session will be happening on Jul 27, so if you need breastfeeding support, advice or information, make sure to join. The meetings are free of charge and all caregivers are welcome. To book your spot, scan the QR code on the poster.

Where: Auditorium, 5th Floor, Beijing United Family Hospital, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District
When: July 27, 10:30am-noon
Price: Free

Kids’ Club: Yunmeng Gorge Play and Picnic AND Swim or Explore

There will be two kid-friendly hikes to Yunmeng Gorge this month with Beijing Hikers. It’s a mostly-flat up-and-back walk up to a fun riverside picnic spot in Yunmeng Gorge, where you can have a picnic or go for paddling and splashing in the pool.

A little further down the river are shallow rock pools where you might find bunches of frog eggs … or maybe tadpoles!

A further 20-30 minutes up the gorge is a small village (best for older kids who want more exercise).

If you’d prefer to concentrate on swimming, just relax in the water or in the nearby area. The guides will let you know when it’s time to head out.

Where: Pickup from Liangmaqiao and Lido
When: Jul 18 and 27, 7.30am
Price: Jul 18: RMB 390/non-members, RMB 350/members, RMB 220/kids 6-18 years old, RMB 200/kids 4-5 years old; Jul 27: RMB 400/non-members, RMB 360/members, RMB 220/kids 6-18 years old, RMB 200/kids 4-5 years old

And don’t forget about these ongoing regular events:

Infant Care Trial on Thursdays

Families with little ones aged 1-2 years old are invited to join the Free Infant Care Trial sessions on Thursday mornings at YCIS Beijing.

Come and meet the school’s academic team of early childhood education and experience the concept of learning through play!

Where: YCIS Beijing
When: Every Thursday from 9.30am
Price: Free

Li’l Peaches Kids Yoga

Join for playful and engaging yoga classes designed specifically for young children. Sandra will guide the kids through gentle poses and fun activities that promote flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. It’s the perfect way for your kids to unwind and have fun!

Where: Taozi Tree Yoga
When: Tuesdays, 4.45pm-5.35pm (ages 5-6), Wednesdays, 4.45pm-5.35pm (ages 3-4)
Price: RMB 800/six-class pass OR RMB 180/single class

Mama & Baby Yoga and Kids Yoga at Avisha

Improve your health, your posture and your mood at one of Avisha’s specially designed yoga classes. You can choose Mama & Baby classes, or if you have an older kiddo, you can spend some quality time together doing age-appropriate stretches and activities in kids yoga sessions on Saturdays. Mama & Baby classes are held on Thursdays. Kids Yoga takes place on Saturdays, and the kids get to enjoy the fun and healthy environment with Madeleine. Scan the QR codes on the posters to register.

Where: 1-3-38, Bldg 3, Shoukai Bojun, 8 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District
When: Mama & Baby Yoga: Thursdays, 10.45am-noon; Kids Yoga: Saturdays, 10.45am-11.35am
Price: Kids Yoga: RMB 650 (5 classes) or RMB 150 (single class); Mama & Baby Yoga: RMB 900/six classes or RMB 170/single class

Images: Pexels, Courtesy of the organizers

It’s rainy and it’s humid, which makes doing anything outside increasingly difficult, lest you drown in a pool of sweat. But school’s out and this is pretty much the only time we have for some unfettered fun. Eager to help you and your kids make the most of vacation, I have compiled a list of indoor places that you can visit with your clique, family, or even solo. Let’s turn the air-con and fun up to 11!

Enjoy The Space Trampoline Park 跃享空间蹦床公园

Trampoline parks are the perfect place to spend an entire day. Enjoy The Space Park offers more than five big trampolines and dozens of tunnels and basketball hoops. From recreating Michael Jordan’s iconic jump-man move to leaping headfirst into a ball pit, there’s something for everyone. For those who are worried that your kids could get injured from all the crazy stunts they’ll attempt, fear not. There’s plenty of staff ready to assist with the stunts so that your kid can look super cool while also staying super safe. Aside from trampolines, there’s plenty more to do at Enjoy The Space including rock climbing walls and giant tube slides. It is accessible from the second gate of the mall.

Price: RMB 60-120, depending on time and day of the week
Address: Jingyu Old Line Songzhuangzhen Liuhe Qiaoxi Happy Songshenghuo Square East (Tongzhou) 京榆旧线宋庄镇六合桥西欢乐宋生活广场东2.门 
Hours: 9am-9pm, Monday to Sunday

Le Cool Ice Skating Rink

If it’s a chill environment and a bit of exercise you’re after, you can’t do much better than ice skating. And for those of you who have never tried ice skating, I highly recommend it. It’s much easier than it looks, and Le Cool provides the necessary skates, but be sure you get a pair that fits, otherwise, your ankles will be in a world of hurt. Le Cool Ice Skating Rink can be found on B2 of the World Trade Center, and there are some helpful directions inside the mall so you won’t get lost.

Price: RMB 30 on weekdays, RMB 50 on weekends and public holidays
Address: China World Shopping Mall 建国门外大街1号国贸商城中区B2层NB211
Hours: 10am-9.30pm, Monday to Sunday

LingYun Go Karting 凌云致速卡丁车

Do you want the adrenaline of Formula1 but can’t stand the heat of the track? Then go-kart racing is up your alley. Even if you don’t like racing, this is still a fun activity to do with friends as you zip around the track at your own pace. The arena is huge and there are plenty of other activities including archery and laser tag. So grab a couple buds and head on over for a fun day at the track, with some really rewarding Instagram photos.

Price: RMB 108, average
Address: Jingang Avenue, Jinzhanxiang Golden Port Motor Park Unit A 东苇路金港汽车公园A区2号二层
Hours: 1-10pm, Weekdays. 10am-10pm, Weekends 

Gold-Silver Arcade 金银岛电玩游戏中心（朝阳大悦城店）

Arcades have existed for what seems like forever now, and although home consoles have made most of these games redundant, there are still plenty of things that you won’t find anywhere else. From claw machines to ping-pong games and lucky dips, it’s a place that’s fun no matter how many people are in your group. You could go with your bestie and have fun with VR racing, or go with the entire fam and challenge each other to the claw machine. Whatever it is, fill up your entire afternoon with friendly competition. When you’re done, enjoy some dinner and dessert at Chaoyang Joy City. Happy gaming!

Price: Varies
Address: Joy City (Chaoyang) 朝阳北路101号朝阳大悦城8层（青年路口）
Hours: 10am-10pm, Monday to Sunday

KEEP READING: Awesome Places Around Beijing for Quality Family Fun

Images: Muhammad Rao,宝, 大众点评

There’s a lot to be said for messing about in boats, and simply drifting lazily on a lake. Boating season in Beijing is now upon us, and many of the boating lakes around the city (mostly located in Xicheng and Haidian districts) have been open since Mar 16.

We’ve rounded up Beijing’s boating options by area, but have left The Old Summer Palace (圆明园) in Haidian and Jingdong Grand Canyon京东大峡谷 in Changping, off the list for now, since they’re currently not available for boating.

Please note that we cannot guarantee the complete accuracy of the prices listed below, as there is a variety of boating options. It is advisable to bring cash with you since some of the parks only accept cash for deposit payments.

Beihai Park

This centrally-located scenic park is home to a lake that covers an area of around 390sqm, and surrounds its iconic white tower. The park has over 460 boats for rental, including electric and pedal powered, at seven terminals scattered in the park. Professional boatmen are also on site to offer boating services.

RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 400 (pedalos)/ RMB 500 (electric boats) for deposit. Daily 6.30am-9pm. 

Houhai

Tucked into one of the city’s most famous hutong areas, the artificial lake of Houhai still retains its charm and liveliness nearly 700 years since it was built, and attracts those who fancy a leisurely afternoon out, thanks to its beautiful scenery, the various entertainment it provides, and the wide option of bars and restaurants nearby.

RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit. Daily 10am-8pm.

Taoranting Park

Taoranting Park hosts Taoran Pavilion, one of the top four pavilions in China. There are two separate spots in the park that allow boating, with over 200 boats including pedalos, electric and rowing boats. The vintage boats in the west terminal, however, are the most eye-catching and popular.

RMB 120 per hour plus RMB 300 for deposit. Daily 6am-9.30pm.

Yuyuantan Park

Yuyuantan Park is one of the greenest parks in the city and home to a wide range of beautiful cherry blossom trees. The bank along the lake is heavily planted with the photogenic trees, offering a great blossom fix while you drift around on the lake. The park has over 700 boats to choose from, including pedalos and electric boats.

RMB 80 per hour plus RMB 200 as the deposit for 4-person pedalos; RMB 100 per hour plus RMB 300 deposit for 6-person pedalos; RMB 150/180 per hour plus RMB 300/400 deposit for 6-person electric boats; RMB 100/130/150 per hour plus RMB 300/400 deposit for 4-person electric boats. Daily 6.30am-7pm.

Summer Palace

The beautiful traditional royal garden, numerous pavilions and ancient temples make the Summer Palace a great place visit all year round. Kunming Lake covers an area of 2.2 square kilometers, which is five times as large as Beihai, and is one of the most popular skating places in winter, and boating place in summer. Pedalos, row boats, and electric boats are all available.

RMB 60 per hour for 4-person pedalos, RMB 80 per hour for 6-person pedalos, RMB 120 per hour for row boats, RMB 120 per hour for normal electric boats, RMB 180 per hour for antique-style electric boats. RMB 400 deposit for padelos, rowboats and electric boats, and RMB 500 deposit for the antique-style electric boats. Daily 7am-5pm.

Zizhuyuan Park

Located next to Xizhimen, Zizhuyuan is known as “the heaven of bamboos” with pavilions, bridges, and traditional building that are all built from bamboo. Entertainments such as bamboo sedan-sitting and diabolo playing, as well as bamboo-made crafts add extra charm to this long-standing park. Pedalos and electric boats are available.

RMB 80-100 per hour, plus RMB 300 for deposit. Daily 6am-9pm.

READ: The Best Spots to Enjoy Plum Blossom Season in Beijing

More stories by this author here.
Email: kuang@thebeijinger.com

Photos: Unsplash, Beijing.com, Mafengwo.cn

What better way to help kids stay cool this summer and learn a lifetime skill than through swimming lessons? Dragonfire, Sports Beijing, and Mookey Swim Club all organize swimming classes for kids with various levels of expertise. Find out which one is best for your children.

Dragonfire Swim Club Summer Camp 2017

Jun 26-Aug 6. Three excellent coaches, M.D. Salauddin, Ya Ping, and Amy Xu will lead the Dragonfire swim camp this summer. These coaches also come from around the world, bringing an international perspective on swimming and training. The coaches are bilingual in English and Chinese. Choose from the options of Baby Swim, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. Private beginner and intermediate one-on-one lessons are also offered. Visit here for more information. Canadian International School of Beijing.

Sports Beijing Aqua Warriors Summer Swim Camp

Jun 19 – Aug 11. Offered for 4-16 year-old children, Aqua Warriors Summer Swim Camp is designed to provide competitive and near-competitive swimmers with a great opportunity to improve their overall swimming abilities. The camp will focus on developing stroke technique, increasing stamina, optimizing turns, and introducing video analysis. Not only is this camp a great opportunity for swimmers to receive high quality training, but it is also a great chance to make new friends and have fun in the pool! Visit here for more information. Zhongjia Xinyuan Hot-spring Hotel.

Mookey Swim Club

Mookey Swim Club was created in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Shane and Sunny Novak. The club was first established as an infant and toddler swimming center, but has grown to accommodate children over the age of 4. Different courses are tailored for specific age groups. Visit here for more information. 1/F, West Wing of Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport.

Photo: gagdaily.com