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’ social platforms!

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. 

BSB Shunyi Summer Fayre, Jun 16

Come along for some summer fun at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi’s (BSB Shunyi’) Summer Fayre. This is one of the biggest events of the year at BSB Shunyi. Bring your friends and family along, it’s open to the whole Beijing community. Families can enjoy lunch, snack and drinks from our many food vendors, fun with games, water park, bouncy castles and enjoy visiting a variety of stalls indoors and outdoors. The Grand Charity Raffle will have many fantastic prizes to be won too. The charities supported are Migrant Children’s Foundation, Roundabout and Hope – Riding for Disabled Children. All ages. Free admission. 12-4pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi)

Coaching and Coffee, Jun 14

Enjoy a morning of meaningful conversation with yourself and others in a session created just for moms to participate in positive psychology and mindfulness activities. Certified Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Practitioner, Siana Braganza will be showing moms how to let go of the “roles” they play; mother, partner, and daughter to support reconnecting with oneself. Adults. RMB 100. 11am-1pm. (WeChat: sianalynn) Moleskin – Yard 19, Sanlitun Road, S2 OF Taikoo Li.

Youth Flea Market

That’s Mandarin are hosting a Youth Flea Market, where you will find all your favorite local vendors selling beautifully handcrafted products, such as jewelry, jams, vintage clothing, and more. This is one for the not-so-little ones in your life; get the older kids out to enjoy their youth and all this flea market has to offer! Young Adults. Free. 5-9pm. That’s Mandarin – Dongzhimenwai 东直门外 1/F, Office Bldg B, Xinzhong Yuan, Xinzhong Jie Dongcheng District 东城区 新中街新中园写字楼B座1层

Romeo et Juliette, Jun 9 to Jun 23

This musical version of Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and loss is brought to life in French. Audiences have raved about the beautiful score, luxurious set design, and powerful performances. All ages. RMB 180-480 (buy tickets here). 2.30pm, or 7.30pm. Century Theater.

“A Night to Remember” Charity Concert, Jun 14

Daystar Academy, the Ivy Schools, and the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing join together for a charity evening cocktail reception… filled with a cappella magic! In their first-ever China tour, Harvard University’s all-female ensemble, the Radcliffe Pitches, and their brother group the Harvard Krokodiloes are providing a one-night-only evening of entertainment to captivate your heart and imagination. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds going to Dew Drops Little Flowers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening while making a difference in someone’s life. All ages. RMB 688 per ticket (register here). Note that children aged 6 and above need a ticket. Ages below 6 can sit on parent’s lap. 7-9pm. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. (186 0120 6155, jaw@daystarchina.cn)

Ownmade Indoor Composting Workshop, Jun 15

If, like most of us, your home in Beijing is an apartment with no garden, you may think that composting isn’t for you. This workshop will get you thinking again, as Dan from HomeGrown School shows you how you can turn your kitchen waste into rich fertilizer, even if you live on the thirtieth floor. The price includes an Ownmade Indoor Composting System. All ages. RMB 388. 9am-11am. Mammolina Children’s Home Model Montessori Kindergarten, 36 Maquanying Siqu, Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District. 

Night With the Dinosaurs, date changed to Jun 15

Explore the museum at night with Chinese Academy of Science paleozoologist Dr. Tom Stidham as your guide. With exclusive access to the museum’s exhibits after hours, you’ll get to spend the night in tents with cool dinosaur skeletons on display. Just let your imagination go wild. Awesome activities include making dinosaur t-shirts, watching a 3D movie, and even excavating your own trilobite fossil. Age 4+. RMB 580/Chaperon, RMB 680/Child. 6pm Jun 15-9am Jun 16. Paleozoological Museum of China. (1560 1647 912 Xiaofei, or 1500 1371 016 Katie)

The Wizard of Oz, Jun 13 to 30

“We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz…” And you could be too, if you get down to the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center later this month. This is a revived and refreshed version of the stage musical, sure to delight all who love the classic film, and youngsters who are new to the story. Performed in English with Chinese subtitles. All ages. RMB 280-1080. 7.30pm, Sat-Sun 2.30pm matinee. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. Bldg 9, Tianqiao South Street, Xicheng District. (400-635-3355) www.247tickets.com/t/broadway-classic-musical-the-wizard-of-oz. 西城区天桥南大街9号楼.

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, Jun 15

Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt are holding a workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way.

Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm – Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu Chaoyang District. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me) 朝阳区 工体北路4号院

Little Kickers Super Daddy Football Tournament, Jun 16

It’s time for all Little Kickers Daddies to show off their skills and teach their children their own unique game play. This Father’s Day, instead of standing and cheering from the sidelines, it is their chance to make their children proud and show all Little Kickers their ambition and courage on the field. All ages. RMB 299/Family. Register Date: May 24-Jun 14. 8.30am-12 noon. More info check this page. Beijing Side Park – No.9 Jiangtai West Road, Chaoyang District.

Photos: courtesy of event organizers

This year’s Easter Sunday falls on April 21, and this holiday weekend for the family will be made more fun courtesy of various brunches and egg hunts happening in various locations in the city. So bring a basket because this is the time to put all those Easter eggs together!

Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Easter Specials at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, Apr 16-21
Kempi Deli, Via Roma and Signature’s Restaurant are holding special events and packages for the family this Easter. Kempi Deli has new and “eggciting” packages, perfect for Easter gifts. Stop by Saturday’s special Easter brunch at Signature’s Restaurant for open-kitchen meat favorites, free-flow drinks offers, dessert stations and live DJ. And on Easter Sunday, spend the morning at Via Roma’s Little Italy Family Buffet where kids can take part in the traditional Easter egg hunt and enjoy the kids’ playground area. Live music, Italian Easter dishes, and a great dessert station will be available all throughout the event.

All ages. Prices vary. 7am-10pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.

Decorate Easter Eggs at Domain, Apr 20
Are your little ones getting excited about Easter? Take them for a special treat at Domain and have them paint edible Easter eggs, courtesy of Domain’s pastry chef. All you need is your child and some imagination!

All ages. RMB 248. For more information or to register, visit this page. 10.30am-3pm. Domain.

Weekend Easter Brunch at Kerry’s Kitchen, Apr 20-21
Celebrate the Easter weekend with Kerry’s Kitchen, which will curate a range of culinary classics, fun family activities, and games such as egg painting, egg hunting and more. The buffet will feature favorites such as Oven-Roasted Lamb, Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham, and Hot Cross Buns.

All ages. RMB 418 per person, RMB 209 per child. Noon-3.30pm. Kerry’s Kitchen. (8565 2088)

Egg-Citing Easter Party at Kerry Hotel Beijing, Apr 21
Spend a productive family day taking part in fun activities such as egg painting, egg hunting, face painting, cupcake making, family games, family photoshoots and more at Kerry Hotel Beijing. Other entertainment such as arcade machines, dance performances, and JiaBao’s appearance will keep your little ones happily occupied. Food and drinks are also on sale. Make it a day to remember and add on access to Adventure Zone where your child can continue to play on the giant slides, obstacle courses, ball pit and more.

All ages. RMB 388. 9.30am-5pm. Kerry Hotel Beijing. (6561 8833)

Mosto Easter Brunch, Apr 21
Celebrate Easter Sunday at Mosto with a classic brunch spread full of your Easter goodies. Think of blueberry pancakes with crispy bacon and ricotta cheese, juicy Wagyu beef cheeseburger with house fries and Eggs Benedict topped with heavenly béarnaise sauce! Mosto has also got festivities for the kids too, with an Easter egg decorating to all of the little ones so they can do some creative fun while adults feast on Easter brunch.

All ages. Prices vary. 11am-3pm. Mosto.

Easter Brunch Special at Latina, Apr 21
Easter is about coming together with family and friends, treating yourself to good food and drinks! Celebrate your holidays with Latina and enjoy great food in a welcoming setting, live music with a unique Brazilian twist, all you can eat and all you can drink options. Brunch guests will also enjoy complimentary fun-filled children’s activities, including Easter egg hunts, face painting, clowns and egg painting. Easter brunch includes a special buffet, from appetizers to desserts; the menu features the first hints of spring.

All ages. RMB 266. 11am-3.30pm. Latina. (RSVP: 8531 5287)

Bunnies Abound at Chapter This Easter, Apr 21
This lovely Easter affair for family and friends at Chapter will wow not only the little ones with special egg gifts and creative Rabbit art but also the adults with a seasonal and traditional buffet heaped with savory and sweet delights with free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Stand out Easter favorites will fill the buffet to overflowing.

All ages. RMB 328 per person + 15% surcharge (price includes free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea). 11am-2.30pm. Chapter. (RSVP: 6584 6270)

Live Jazz Easter Sunday Brunch and Egg Hunt at Brickyard Retreat, Apr 21
A decadent live jazz brunch and egg hunt will take place in the fabulous Great Wall view gardens at The Brickyard Retreat Center. Packages are available for those who’d like to stay there the night before, waking up to an Easter Sunday sunrise in the fresh country air.

All ages. RMB 268 (adults), RMB 138 (children). 11.30am-4pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center. (info@brickyardatmutianyu.com)

Moka Bros Eggcellent Easter Egg Decorating, Apr 21
Moka Bros Solana invites everyone to celebrate Easter Sunday with an “eggcellent” Easter Egg Decorating Party! Easter pros and first-time egg decorators alike are welcome while Moka staff will be on hand to help! While you get in the Easter Egg decorating groove, sip on a smoothie as all medium-size smoothies will be buy-one-get-one-free from noon to 3pm.

All ages. Noon-5pm. Moka Bros Solana.

The SLab Collabs: Easter Egg Hunt at That’s Mandarin, Apr 21
This Easter, The SLab collaborates with Palette and That’s Mandarin to put on a treasure hunt for kids ages 8-12.
Complete crafting activities, Easter egg hunts, and games to win a basket of goodies. Families are welcome to That’s Mandarin anytime from 2-4pm to take part in the treasure hunt. There is no time limit to the hunt and each participant can begin as soon as they have registered. Tasks include problem-solving questions which are best suited for participants ages 8-12, and parents are not allowed to take part in the hunt!

Ages 8-12. RMB 99. 2-6pm. That’s Mandarin. (RSVP: Chloe Zhang 8448 9799)

If you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings, let us know by submitting event information here. 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. 

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

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 KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Celebrate the 4^th of July

Independence Weekend at Ramo, until Jul 4
All ages. July 4th is known for its love of home-style comfort food of the United States (and its lavish celebration of becoming an independent nation, too). Since Ramo is all about food, fun, and meeting friends, the weekend before July 4th is known as the Independence Weekend at Ramo. From Saturday, July 1st to Tuesday, July 4th enjoy a special all-American menu consisting of classic dishes – a combo of pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw, baked beans and potato salad, strawberry shortcake, and homemade hard lemonade to keep things a bit more exciting. Also, stick around in the evenings, for America- and independence-themed films. 10am-11pm. Ramo Restaurant & Bar. 64 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District. 东城区 方家胡同64号

Independence Day Celebration at Home Plate, Jul 4
Adults. Come to the Home Plate BBQ to enjoy a scrumptious meal and live music by Stevie Mac & The Mac Daddies. There will be a buffet that includes: whole hog and smoked chicken wings for the main course; potato salad, cole slaw, Texas ranch beans and green beans for the side dish; House salad. RMB 138 per person. 6-8pm. Home Plate BBQ. 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 霄云路35号院

4th of July Quiz & Cookout, Jul 4
All ages. Come to The Local Bar & Grill for American cookout sets available from 4-8pm. Additionally, adults can stick around for an American Independence Day quiz from 8.30pm on Tuesday, July 4th. People from all countries are invited. The quiz will be hosted by Kenn and Martin, and there will be prizes for the winners of each round as well as the first place team. The Local Bar & Grill. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 工体北路4号院

Relax and Have Fun

Classic Movie Tuesday: ‘Spellbound’ (1945), Jul 4
Ages 5+. In the heat of a Beijing Summer, we explore what is lurking in the shadows, as Alfred Hitchcock – one of the greatest film writers and directors of all time – takes us on another journey into the darkness of film noir… Join Pop-Up Beijing for ‘Spellbound’ (1945), starring Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, and Michael Chekhov. The story revolves around a psychiatrist who protects the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory. 7.30pm. Pop-Up Beijing. North Side, Ground Level, Building 22, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区，三里屯，工体北路4号22号楼104室

Experience the Avengers, until Aug 20
All ages. One of the world’s favorite comic series comes to Beijing! Following stops in Times Square, Paris, Las Vegas and Singapore, this interactive comic book experience hits Beijing, giving kids, families, and fans a chance to see Avengers memorabilia up close and to learn more about their favorite heroes. RMB 198 on weekdays, RMB 258 on weekends. Chaoyang Park West Gate. 8 Square, 4th Gate West Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang, Beijing. 北京 朝阳区 北京朝阳公园西4门－－08广场.

Sureño’s Weekend Brunch, every weekend
All ages. Sureño’s Sunken Garden hosts a relaxing brunch every weekend where you and your family can help yourself to a fabulous buffet table and select your main course from favorites including Eggs Benedict, Shakshuka, Duck Cavatelli, Chicken Rösti, and many others. After your meal, you can appease your sweet tooth with delicious desserts such as Chocolate and Raspberry Tart, Nectarine Tatin, and Million Layer Tiramisu Cake. Call 6410 5240 or email info@surenorestaurant.com to reserve. RMB 348 per person (inclusive of service charge and VAT). 11am-3pm. Sureño’s Sunken Garden. B1/F, The Opposite House, Sanlitun Village, 11 Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District. 朝阳区三里屯路11号三里屯Village瑜舍地下1层

CandleX Rooftop Yoga, every Sunday
All ages. Relax with a sunset yoga session at the rooftop of old Beijing hutong house, and enjoy a cup of tea and social time afterward. Yoga is not just for the body, but also for the mind. This is a wonderful opportunity for like-minded people to gather and get to know each other in a cozy setting. There are 12 spots available every Sunday. RMB 100. 5-7pm. CandleX. Nanluoguxiang area. (WeChat ID: candlex2015, info@candlex.cn, www.candlex.cn)

Falling into Place: The Art of Song Jiayin, Jun 20 – Jul 30 (excluding Mondays)
All ages. “True, but not real; ideal, but not abstract.” This quote by Marcel Proust is the best way to describe the abstract art of Song Jiayin. Her works, made up of portraits and sculpture, are full of tiny details, with no one clear point of view, inviting the audience to ponder their own memories and associations. She is currently showing in Caochangdi’s Hunsand Space. Free. 11am-6pm. Hunsand Space. For more information visit https://www.douban.com/event/28898370/ Caochangdi Art Zone, Block 211, Building A8 草场地艺术区211号院A8

Enjoy the Fresh Air

The Prince, the Widow, and the Scholar: A Walk and Discussion Around the Lakes of Beijing, Jul 4
All ages. Come out for a walk around Beijing’s scenic lakes including Qianhai and Houhai^. The walk includes three stops: the gorgeous former home of Guo Moruo, an author, artist, and poet; the palace of Aisin-Gioro Yixin, better known as Prince Gong; and the former home of Soong Ch’ing-ling, the widow of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen. Sign up here. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for members of The Hutong) includes all guide fees, tips, and admission tickets. 10am-1pm. Qianhai Xiyan, 51 Di’anmen Dajie Dongcheng District. 东城区 地安门大街51号前海西沿

Zhenbiancheng Great Wall Loop Hike, July 6
Ages 7+. Head out to the border of Beijing Municipality and Hebei Province for a moderately difficult walk through peach orchards, up valleys, and along the Great Wall. Be amazed by the breathtaking views of the distinctive peaks of nearby ‘Brush-rest’ Mountain. This remote part of the Great is rough and seldom-visited, but don’t miss out on this hike if you’re interested in a visit to a section of the wall very different to what you’ve seen on postcards. Call for info on hikes and what to bring. RMB 400 (RMB 360 for members). 8am-6pm. Beijing Hikers. (6432 2786, info@beijinghikers.com, hwww.beijinghikers.com) Rm 601, Bldg 2, Xinhualian Ligang, 26 Jiuxianqiao Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 酒仙桥中路26号新华联丽港2号楼601室.

Himalaya cultural trips in Nepal, various dates in July
All ages. After a successful completion of summer trips with families from different countries last year, Magic Expeditions & Depth of Field Himalaya Travels are delighted to welcome their new family guests again this year. Activities cover interactions with locals, farm visits, historical areas, trekking (suitable for children), after quake visit to villages, culture exchange, healing workshops, monastery & sadhu visits,  a journey to discover & reconnect. Depth of Filed Himalaya Travels. (189 8721 3504, himalayatrips@yahoo.com, www.imnotblue.com/himalaya).

Learn and Discover

International Restaurant and Hotel Show, Jul 6
All ages. The China International Exhibition Center is hosting the 2017 International Restaurant and Hotel Show. With over 530 businesses set to participate, check out everything from B2B business matching, an Italian coffee latte art competition, a gelato-making class, how to decorate with fondant, tips on making the best cocktails, and countless other seminars and forums. Great for the foodies among us. Free. 9am-4pm. China International Exhibition Center. 6 Beisanhuan Donglu, Sanyuan Qiao, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 朝阳区北三环东路6号

Festival of International Culture, Jul 7
All ages. That’s Mandarin present the Festival of International Cultural Exchange, where participants can bring food from their home countries while at the same time enjoying foods from other cultures. Different activities for participants include three different games in which parents can also participate. There will also be a cosplay party. The event will end with a talk show about participants’ cultural specificities. RMB 50. 10am-11.50am. That’s Mandarin. (5218 6432, info@thatsmandarin.com). 1/F, Office Bldg B, Xinzhong Yuan, Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District. 东城区 新中街新中园写字楼B座1层

Weekly Drawing Classes, until Nov 25
All ages. The weekly art sessions will run until November 25. They’re perfect for families with children that have a passion for art. Students at the SLab can learn correct drawing techniques, how to draw portraits and even papier mâché. Come join the Academic Drawing Class from 1-3pm, and/or the Creative Drawing Class from 4-6pm. RMB 290 per class. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). R102 Building 5, No.15 DongzimenWai Street Dongcheng Street. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Speak Mandarin Fluently in Three Months, every day until Dec 31, 2018
All ages. Sophia Zhang is putting expats to the test and challenging to learn to speak Mandarin fluently in just three months. Join us to enhance your Chinese skills daily and conquer this difficult language once and for all. Requires an application; sign up here. 5.30am-10.30pm. Mandarin House Beijing. Suite 317, Tower 16, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Road, Shuangjing. 朝阳区建国路89号华贸商务楼16号楼317室

Dumpling Cooking Class, Wed and Thu until Dec 31
All ages. Come to the courtyard KUCINA Cooking Studio to learn how to make traditional Chinese dumplings. Come on your own or bring your friend friends for a dumpling cooking class, which includes a meal around the table. Call to make a reservation one day in advance. 10.30am. (150 1133 7590). 44 Liushui Xiang, Dongsi Wutiao, Dongcheng District. 东城区 东四五条流水巷44号.

Children’s Book Expo & Beijing Science Festival, Jul 7-16
All ages. Already in its third consecutive year, the China Children’s Book Expo is back and this year’s event is combined in one space with Beijing Science Festival. Browse and buy children’s books from over 40 children’s publishers and participate in a wide range of interactive activities themed around children’s books and science.  Once you’ve explored children’s books until your heart’s content, move on to discover a whole world of science fun! RMB 120 per person, free entry for children under 0.9m tall. 10am- 5pm. Beijing Exhibition Center. 135 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District. 西城区 西直门外大街135号.

Creative Writing Workshop, second and last Saturday of every month
Ages 14-19. Join the Beijing Youth Literary Review (BYLR) for creative writing workshops to learn about Blackout Poetry, Collaborative Stories and more. 2pm. For more information, follow BYLR on Facebook, Instagram (@beijingyouthlit), and WeChat (beijingyouthlit). #13 Unit 6, Building C, Xiangjiang Bei An, Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing. 北京市朝阳区香江北路香江北岸C座6单元底商13号

Go camping

Atelier Summer Camps, Jul 3-7
Ages 5+ Like every year, Atelier’s team has created a series of epic and adventurous workshops through art history, literature and history, and science! This July, register for the Middle Age workshops, where children will learn about castle models and Middle Age art, manuscript, architecture, and coats of arms. RMB 1,800 to RMB 5,000. Room 10L, Building 7, Julong Garden, No. 68 Xinzhong Lu, Dongcheng District. 北京市东城区新中街68号聚龙花园7号楼10L室

Survival Camp, July
Ages 7-14. Making fires, building rafts, crossing rivers, making traps and tools, cooking fish, building shelters… Survival Camp takes you to the great outdoors to learn what nature has to offer. Taught by guides with many years of experience leading survival camps abroad. Click here for more information about camp dates and payment deadlines. Sign up at http://imagine-china.com/survival-camp/. RMB 750 (normal price per day); RMB 650 (early bird price per day if you will sign Up a month before the start and pay a deposit) RMB 650 (per day for 3 children) RMB 550 (per day for 10 kids). (WeChat ID: Imagine24x7Service, 5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)

Flips & Kicks Plus Summer Camp @ Kerry Sports 2017, Jul 5
Ages 4-12. For the first week of July and the first two weeks of August, Kerry Sports will be hosting a summer camp where children can engage in fun sports, including martial arts, gymnastics, volleyball, and fencing. Expert foreign coaches will be on hand to keep everyone safe while teaching children the benefits of patient practice. Sign up for a half day (9am-noon, with lunch included) or full day (9am-2.30pm). RMB 3,200-4,500. 9am-noon (half day), 9am-2.30pm (full day). Beijing Kerry Center. (hbkc@thekerryhotels.com, 8565 2460).

Sports Beijing Summer Camp, until Aug 11
Ages 5+. Sports Beijing is offering a wide variety of weekday full-day activities and half-day activities, both in the morning and afternoon from June 19 to August 11. This summer camp will be held inside the air conditioned and air purified ISB dome and the morning activities will include basketball, football, gymnastic, and tennis. In the afternoon the activities will include a multi-sport program, as well as tennis. Spots are limited. For other information and registration, contact Sports Beijing via WeChat (ID: sportbeijing). (6430 1370, 6430 1176, info@sportsbj.com)

Fashion Summer Camp, whole month of July
Ages 8+. Get ready this July 2017 for an exciting new set of fashion themed programs available at the SLab. From designing to sewing, students will learn a variety of skills that brings out creativity and exercises dexterity skills. At the Slab’s Kid’s Summer Camp, the four key fashion topics that will be explored are: Machine Sewing; Textile Crafts; Needlework; and Drawing. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). Room 102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzhimen Outer Street (Haolou South Gate) Dongcheng District, Beijing. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Storytelling Summer Camp, whole month of July
Ages 8+. In this age of technological advancement and accessible social media platforms, there are no limits to what we can create and share with the world with just the phones in our hands. With limitless sources for output, there comes a tendency to lose sight of the importance in foundational elements. Just take a look at the sheer amount of lifeless narratives in the Summer blockbusters, an explosion of images with no clear objective. The SLab brings you a whole new theme of Storytelling workshops, where students will be able to explore three different methods to tell stories, from illustration, to photography, to film.  Come build stories and narratives with The SLab’s three available programs: Movie Making; Comic Creation; and Visual Diary. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). Room 102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzhimen Outer Street (Haolou South Gate) Dongcheng District, Beijing. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Photos: Wow_Pho, 422737, Brahmsee via Pixabay; Other photos courtesy of the organizers

More stories by this author here.

For our column, Ask an Educator, we turn to educators, whether teachers, tutors, or principals, to answer frequently asked questions from parents. To send in your question, email jessicasuotmaa@beijing-kids.com.

This week, our question is:

“Why Should My Child Learn Chinese Calligraphy?”

Answering for us is Li Jiao, Chinese Teacher at That’s Mandarin.

Calligraphy is widely known as a traditional Chinese form of writing with a brush and ink. While today calligraphy is mainly used for decorative purposes, it is actually more than just an art form. Practicing calligraphy offers plenty of advantages for both adults and children.

Writing with a brush requires much more complexity than holding a pen and running it across the paper. Calligraphy requires a high level of concentration and patience. There is a certain way to hold the brush, and there is the right way and the right order to “draw” each line of a Chinese character, which is known as “strokes”. The direction of, and the pressure applied on, the brush are equally important to produce beautiful calligraphic writing.

Since there is a thought process that goes along with each stroke of the brush, children who regularly practice calligraphy can benefit from a boost of creativity and imagination as well. In addition to training their patience and cultivating a good sense of Chinese artistry, calligraphy can also improve their dexterity.

In our classroom, children are encouraged to explore the different calligraphy styles, each reflecting a different personal character, and to find one that suits their own personality. Not only will learning calligraphy improve their handwriting and character recognition, it will also give them an understanding of the Chinese cultural state of mind. In a way, learning calligraphy can provide a solid foundation to both Chinese culture and language.

Photo: courtesy of That’s Mandarin

Free Events
The Beijing Flea Market: One Year Bash, July 16
Ages 6+. Eat cake and drink champagne with The Beijing Flea Market as it celebrates its first birthday. Aside from an indie makers sale on The Bookworm’s rooftop, the event has extended the market grounds to include an additional awesome venue in Sanlitun’s Courtyard 4 community: Pop-Up Beijing. Free. 11am-5pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Mandela Day Celebration, July 16
All ages. The Global South Africans in Beijing invite friends to a picnic at the Chaoyang Park on July 16 to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day. This is a potluck picnic so please bring something to eat or drink. All proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated to charity. All guests are expected to contribute to the potluck. Free (No T-Shirt). RMB 63 (For Mandela Day T-Shirt). 1-7pm. Chaoyang Park, North Gate (6584 3977)

Master Online Shopping in China, July 16
Ages 16+. Let Sinology Institute you and your teen how to shop China’s crazy version of Taobao, where you can find just about anything. Free. 11am-Noon. Sinology Institute (admissions@sinologyinstitute.com)

Farm 2 Neighbors 2 Year Anniversary Celebration, July 16-17
All ages. In honor of the vendors who have helped make this market awesome every Saturday for two years, Farm 2 Neighbors is holding a vote for the best of vendors. Voting ends tonight at midnight! Free. Noon-6pm. Grand Summit Shopping Mall (WeChat: farm2neighbors)

Fruit picking is an experience kids should experience at least once.

Unique Events
Art in the Streets, July 12-Aug 24
Ages 8+. Curator Magda Danysz says : « Street art is unquestionably, for who wants to see, the most important artistic movement of the early twenty-first century. For some this is not yet obvious. Time will teach them.” Open everyday except Mondays and Sundays. RMB 15. 9.30am-5.30pm. CAFA Art Museum (6477 1575)

Head Wrap Workshop, July 16
Ages 7+. Learn how to wrap well for great style. One glass of wine and turban included in the price. Mothers and daughters welcome to attend together. RMB 80. 5-8pm. Pinotage, Sanlitun (meshynebio@yahoo.fr)

Day Trip to a Haunted House, Drifting, Glass Skywalk, July 16
Ages 13+. This day trip includes lazily drifting along the Juma River, a visit to the Haunted House, a healthy lunch from the local farm (and drinks), a stroll though some of the best scenic spots (think East Lake Port), and the glass skywalk. Transportation leaves from Hilton Beijing. Registration Required. RMB 350. 7.30am-8pm. FCGroup (Buy tickets here)

Fruit Picking in Beijing Suburb, July 17
All ages. Join That’s Mandarin for a trip back to nature for fruit-picking in the city suburbs. This is a popular pastime for Beijing families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for the day. RMB 700. 9am-5pm. That’s Mandarin (5218 6432, info@thatsmandarin.com)

It’s Not Too Late – Summer Camps Your Kids Can Still Attend
Chinese Cultural Summer Camps Beijing (Bilingual), Until August 26
Ages 5-12. Experience three weeks of authentic Chinese culture in a small group which can be booked per week at two locations. RMB 3,400. Monday through Friday. 9am-4.30pm. China Culture Center (WeChat: zhicheng-beijing)

Artistic Summer Camps at Atelier, June 27 – August 26
Ages 5-8 and 9-12. Every week has a different art theme with two locations and time slots. Younger students meet from 10am-Noon. Older students meet from 1.30-4pm. RMB 1,500. Atelier (6416 1614, 132 4018 4908)

Summer Knight School Camps, July 13 – August 23
Ages 7-13. Learn how to be a true knight with this camp running in its third season. RMB 4,000 for 5 days. 9am-4pm. Imagine (5739 4933, info@imagine-china.com)

Around the World with Pingo, July 18 – July 22
Ages 6-8 and 9-11. Travel the world in 5 days without leaving Beijing! Meet teachers from USA, Australia, Ireland, England, Ukraine, Chile, and Italy in the most International park in Beijing! RMB 3,998. 9am-3.30pm. Moncy Club (400 9900 723 or WeChat: pingocs)

Active Summer Camp at Kerry Hotel, July 18 – July 29
Ages 8+. Join Adventure Zone’s Active Summer Camp and energize your body and mind. Boost up your skills in this multi-sports program offering fun sports such gymnastics, karate, swimming, volleyball, fencing and more. RMB 2,750 (one week). RMB 4,500 (two weeks). Kerry Centre (8529 8228, adventurezonebeijing@thekerryhotels.com)

Seawolf Summer Camp, July 16-26
Ages 10 – 19. Learn how to shoot a gun, ride a horse, play soccer and pick up martial arts. All in English. RMB 12,900. Changping BJ (WeChat: the_seawolf).

Move it!

Next Week
Madagascar Live! In Beijing, July 21
All ages. We like to “Move it! Move it!” and we’re guessing your family does, too! Tickets for the opening night are completely sold out, but tickets are available for the other nights. RMB 180-680. 10.30am,2.30pm, 7.30pm.  Beijing Exhibition Theater (ponypiao@damai.cn)

The Guangzhou Ballet Giselle, July 23-24
Ages 7+ Give your family a bit of awe and wonder with this upscale ballet headed by famed dancer Zhang Dandan. RMB 60-480. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (Buy Tickets Here)

Learn How to Order Food with Baidu Waimai, July 23
Adults. Stop trying to beat traffic and a ravenous appetite; learn how to get your food to come to you with this workshop. RSVP by July 22, 6pm. Free. 11am-Noon. Sinology Institute (6400 0905, admissions@sinologyinstitute.com)

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)

If you haven’t signed up your kid for a summer camp yet–it’s not too late! You might have missed the early bird discounts, but quite a few camps are still accepting applications for at least July, and August (ask them about June!)

SBJ Summer Camps, June 13-Aug 5 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 football, 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. The Aqua Warriors swim camp is for competitive swimmers, and the HS Youth Performance Camp will be held at Duck and Goose Ranch in Huairou.

• RMB 2,700 (ISB dome), RMB 1,600 (swim camp), RMB 5,200 (HS performance camp). Price includes lunch, camp t-shirts, and transportation. (contact info@sportsbj.com)

HoK Around the World, Jul 4-15
Ages 3-6. Children joining the camp will first get to make their own passport as they’re going on a trip around the word!  What should they pack in their suitcase? Where are they going? They explore maps and world objects, then off they go around the world. At each destination they will explore the culture, songs, language and food in a fun and captivating way using games, music, art, geography and science. There will be a whole host of activities to keep the children’s minds and bodies active this summer.

• RMB 2,200/week (full day). RMB 1,350/week without lunch (half day). RMB 1,720/week with lunch (half day). School bus transportation for an additional RMB 200/week. (contact admissions@hokschool.com, 400 650 7747).

Ivy Camps, Jul 4-Aug 12

Ages 2.6-8. Ivy Academy offers eleven camps at five different campuses. The overall camp selections are: Creative Expressions; Artistic Appreciation; Journey of Art Discovery; Science Shenanigans; Get Active; Sports and Food; Approaching China; Wet and Wild; Traditional Chinese Culture; OE Bilingual Camp; and Game Designer.

• RMB 2,850-7,200/session/2 weeks.  (contact: camp@ivyschools.com)

ClubFootball, Jul 5-Aug 24

Ages 4.5-16. China Club Football 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)

Atelier Artistic 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; Hokusai and Japan; Egyptian Civilization; Africa; The Little Prince; Around the World in Eighty Days.

• 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).

Chinese Cultural Summer Camps,  Jul 18-22, Aug 8-12, Aug 15-19

Ages 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)

The Children’s House Summer Camp, Jul 11-Aug 18

Ages 1.5-6.  The Children’s House Summer Camp will be hosted at the Kempinski and China World campuses. Daily programs include nature arts and crafts, music, story tales and lots more.

•  RMB 1,500 (half-day), RMB 2,000 (half-day + lunch), RMB 3,000 (full day) for a session (one week). 10% discount if you sign up for all five weeks. (contact: info@montessoribeijing.com, 6505 3869 or 6465 1305)

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: Gymnastics, 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)

That’s Mandarin! Chinese Summer Camp, 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. Field trips 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).

BSC Sailing Camps, Jun 12-Aug 26
Ages 8-16. Beijing Sailing Center will be hosting single and double week sailing classes.  The program provides an adventurous, intellectual and educational experience, while honing your child’s leadership and communication skills.  Last summer they hosted over 500 children and their parents coming. The center is both convenient to Beijing (a 2 hour train ride trip) and all the accommodation, transportation, a meal, activities, chaperones, and entertainments are covered.

• RMB 13,400 (2 weeks), RMB 6,700 (1 week). Contact: sailing@beijingsailing.com (400 180 0107).

Hyde Education Summer Enrichment Program, Jul 11-Aug 12
Grades 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. Contact registration@hyde-education.com (8046-3886).

O’le Climbing Summer Camp, Jun 20-24, Jul 4-8, Aug 1-5, 8-12, 15-18
Ages 15-19. O’le Climbing will be offering indoor and outdoor adventure summer camps for students during the summer holiday. Various activities are ready for this summer from indoor rock climbing to outdoor camping trip, all activities lead by professional and qualified instructors.

• RMB 4,500 (includes equipment and admission, transportation, food for two camp days). (oleclimbing@gmail.com, 150 0137 1016).

TSL Beijing Academic Summer, Jun 27-Aug 18

TSL will be running a range of of academic summer courses in their Shunyi learning centres including one-to-one classes, “Get Ahead” program for international school students, group classes (on topics ranging from English literature to journalism) and Project-Based Learning (science, design, writing or service-based).

• RMB 300-800/hr (2-week commitment). Space still available in the 2-week UK summer course in St. Albans and Cambridge University. (contact: zhubei@tslbritain.com).

Imagine Summer Camps, Jun 13-Aug 19

Ages 7-14. Imagine is hosting three summer camps this summer: Knight School, Survival, and Watersports camps!

• RMB 3,500/week (survival). RMB 4000/week (knight/watersports). RMB 800 deposit required upon registration. Campers do not stay overnight. Price includes transportation, equipment, and supplies. Requires own lunch. (info@imagine-china.com, 5739 4933).

Please let us know if more summer camps are still open!

Photo: Flickr, courtesy of each organization

When I was a kid, “young learners” didn’t have their own summer camps. There was preschool and kindergarten that continued over the summer in the service of working parents, and then there were half-day classes for a number of activities for parents who stayed home (but wanted to send their children out). Yet, those existed all year long and were not especially designed for summers.

Today, and especially here in Beijing, schools are out for the summer, but offer a variety of different ways to keep your child busy without being in a “school” environment.  As a new parent, I see this as a chance to allow our children to experience new activities, to try out new schools and campuses, and to discover where my child’s natural interests take him.  Summer is the best time to dapple in activities before making them year-long (or life-long) hobbies!

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)

HoK Around the World, Jul 4-15
Ages 3-6. Children joining the camp will first get to make their own passport as they’re going on a trip around the word!  What should they pack in their suitcase? Where are they going? They better explore maps and world objects. Then off they go around the world, at each destination they will explore the culture, songs, language and food in a fun and captivating way using games, music, art, geography and science. There will be a whole host of activities to keep the children’s minds and bodies active this summer.

• RMB 2,200/week (full day). RMB 1,350/week without lunch (half day). RMB 1,720/week with lunch (half day). School bus transportation for an additional RMB 200/week. (contact admissions@hokschool.com, 400 650 7747)

CISB Kindergarten Creative Camp, Jun 27-Jul 15, Jul 18-Aug 5 Ages 1.5-6.
The Canadian International School of Beijing’s Kindergarten Creative Camp allows children to learn and discover phonics/reading, chinese language/culture, music, and enjoy a creative English workshop, arts and crafts, swimming, and physical education.

• RMB 4,550-12,600 (half day), for 2-6 weeks. RMB 6,850-19,850 (full day) for 2-6 weeks.  Application deadline May 27. Discounts for CISB, ISNS, CCSC students. Fee includes tuition, materials, snacks, and lunches. Possible transportation. (contact summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com)

Ivy Academy’s Summer Camps, Jul 4-Aug 12

Ages 2.6-8. Ivy Academy offers eleven (11) camps at five (5) different campuses. The overall camp selection are: Creative Art Camps (East Lake, Central Park, Ocean Express, Orchid Garden); Science Shenanigans (East Lake, Ocean Express) wherein children will delve into the world of hydroponics, botany, recycling and reducing waste; Get Active (East Lake, Ocean Express) wherein campers can play sports such as American flag football, basketball, soccer, and bowling; and Chinese Culture (Central Park and Lijing) wherein the topics include traditional art, traditional folk crafts, Chinese calligraphy, and children will make traditional snacks by themselves. Through hand-painted Beijing opera facial makeup, crafts, calligraphy, painting, cooking classes and other activites, children will have the opportunity to understand the profound traditional Chinese culture, and visit the courtyard and Beijing Hutong.

• RMB 2,480-7,200/session/2 weeks. Early bird discounts available for Ivy students (contact: camp@ivyschools.com)

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, 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).

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).

ClubFootball Summer Camp, 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 (coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, 5130 6893)

The Children’s House Summer Camp, Jul 11-Aug 18

Ages 1.5-6.  The Children’s House Summer Camp will be hosted at the Kempinski and China World campuses. Daily programs include nature arts and crafts, music, story tales and lots more.

•  RMB 1,500 (half-day), RMB 2,000 (half-day + lunch), RMB 3,000 (full day) for a session (one week). 10% discount if you sign up for all five weeks. (contact: info@montessoribeijing.com, 6505 3869 or 6465 1305) 

Photo: Pixabay

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