Not traveling this winter break? Then you must be searching for options to keep your kids occupied for the upcoming school holidays. In addition to our previous list of holiday camps, we’ve rounded up more options to ensure your kid has a productive and fun winter holiday!

Spanish Immersion Camp

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Don’t miss the winter camp at the Instituto Cervantes in Beijing! Children from 6 to 12 years old can immerse themselves in the Spanish language and Spanish culture, totaling 20 hours of Spanish lessons over two weeks. It is suitable for both beginners and intermediate-level students. On top of the daily two hours of Spanish language lessons, the camp offers an hour and a half of Spanish cultural activities that cover art, music, children’s literature, and culinary workshops. Led by experienced teachers, this edutainment activity is designed to provide children with a rich experience. ​​​

Dates: Jan 22-Feb 2, 2024, Mondays to Fridays, 2 pm-6 pm
Ages: Children aged 6-8 years will be grouped together and children aged 9-12 years will be grouped together
Location: Instituto Cervantes de Pekin, A1 Gongren Tiyuchang Nanlu, Chaoyang District
Price: RMB 6,825 (Includes daily snacks over the two weeks)

*A minimum of five students and a maximum of 15 students are required for the camp to go ahead.

Scan the QR code below for more information!

“Junior Master Chef” Bilingual Christmas Camp 

Black Sesame Kitchen will be organizing their popular holiday cooking camps on their cozy hutong grounds. Professional chefs will guide and train kids to prep, cook, and bake delicious dishes and treats On top of that, the Courtyard Institute will also run a different craft program each day.

Dates: Session One: Dec 20-22, Session Two: Dec 25-27, Wednesdays to Fridays, 9.30 am-4.30 pm
Ages: 6-12 years old
Location: 28 Zhonglao Hutong, Dongcheng District
Price: RMB 2,990/child (sibling discount available)

Not traveling this winter break? Then you must be searching for options to keep your kids occupied for the upcoming school holidays. Whether it’s snow sports, science experiments, or indoor sports, we’ve rounded up some great winter camps to ensure your kid has a productive and fun winter holiday!

Imagine Ski Camp

Imagine’s popular Ski camps return at the Olympic Genting Ski Resort Chongli, as well as Nanshan Ski Resort. Both camps are conducted by fully qualified English-speaking instructors at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:4. These weekly camps start from Dec 17 and are suitable for kids aged 7 and up. Note that the Chongli location includes overnight stays while the Nanshan location is only a day camp. Early bird discounts are available with advance booking of one month, and signing up with friends also earns you discounts. Scan the QR code for more information.

Where: Olympic Genting Ski Resort Chongli
When: Weekly from Dec 17 to Feb 16
Price: Starting from RMB 9980 not including stay

Where: Nanshan Ski Resort
When: Dec 25 – 29, Jan 22 – 26, Feb 19 – 23
Price: RMB 12,980

Moonshot Labs

Science lovers rejoice as Moonshot Labs will host winter camps at BSB Sanlitun as well as ISB from Dec 18 to 29, for kids 4-9 years old. The three-hour day camps are divided by themes and age: participants aged 4-6 years old (9am-noon) will be Adventurous Archaeologists and those 7-9 years old (1.30-4.30pm) will be Mighty Meteorologists from Dec 18 to 22. From Dec 25 to 29, the same age groups will become Tinking Techies and Minecraft Makers respectively as they explore the world of robotics. Registration closes Dec 6. Email moonshotlabs.bj@gmail.com for more info, or look up Moonshot Labs on WeChat.

Where: British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun / International School of Beijing (ISB)
When: Weekly from Dec 18 – 29, 9am – 12pm, 1.30 – 4.30pm
Price: RMB 2580 / week *10% discount for two weeks

Flips & Kicks Plus

Want to stay active but hate the cold? Keep moving indoors with Flips & Kicks Plus’ Multi Sports and Action Movie winter camps! Get kids to try various sports from volleyball to fencing, and end the day with fun games and team-building activities at the Multi-Sports camp. For action movie hero wannabes, the Winter Action Movie Camp will introduce basic stunt training through martial arts and gymnastics. All camps are conducted in English but instructors know Chinese as well. Just for jingkids readers, they’ve extended the early bird discount until Wed, Nov 22, so scan the QR code in the posters to sign up now!

Alpha Snowboard & Ski Camp

Dip your toes in the snow with Alpha’s Snowboarding and Ski Camp in Miyun this winter. Suitable for kids from 6 to 15 years of age, this weekly camp (with overnight stay option) emphasizes safety and technique, and offers participants full certification by Beijing Ski Association. The camps are taught by a team of dedicated, foreign ski and snowboard instructors who boast NZSIA/CASI/BASI/CSIA/NRLI as well as first aid qualifications. Contact the customer service for discounts!

Where: Beijing Miyun
When: Dec 12 – 18, Weekly from Jan 8 – Feb 2, Feb 12 – 23.
Price: Ski RMB 10,000 / Snowboard RMB 12,200 – not including overnight stay

Images: UnSplash, courtesy of vendors

KEEP READING: One WAB Student and the Camp of Personal Growth and Exploration

It’s that time of year again, and if you are like most of us parents and need some help getting through all the challenging aspects of winter break, look no further! Here are six super fun camps for kids that will keep them entertained during CNY and save your sanity in the process.

Beijing Kickers: Indoor Football Camp

If your family is staying in Beijing for the CNY holiday, Beijing Kickers will be running a four-day indoor football camp at Jiu Yue Sports Park in Shunyi. The camp is suitable for ages 6-13 and will be running from Jan 24-Jan 27, 9am-noon. The kids will gain valuable match experience and get to develop their technical and tactical skills. Every morning the focus will be on different skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, turning, and match situations) and will include fun challenges and activities. Register until Jan 21 by scanning the QR code below.

Where: Jiu Yue Sports Park, Houshayu, Shunyi
When: Jan 24-Jan 27, 9am-noon
Ages: 6-13
Price: RMB 1,880/4 days (transportation excl.), RMB 1,800 if sign-up occurs before Jan 18, transportation available for an additional RMB 150/4 days from Liangmaqiao Lu/Yansha, Guangming and Beijing Riviera

Alpha and Imagine: Winter Ski and Snowboarding Camps

Both Alpha and Imagine will be running skiing/snowboarding camps at Nanshan Ski resort. Imagine welcomes kids of all skiing ability levels aged 7+, while Alpha’s camps are suitable for kids 6-15. The camps focus on building skills and technique, but also love for the sport and an active lifestyle. Qualified ski and snowboard instructors will be accompanying the kids at all times to make sure the kids learn in a safe and fun environment. For more info, and to sign up, please scan the QR codes provided on the posters.

Where: Nanshan Ski Resort
When:
Alpha – Jan 16-Jan 20, Jan 23-Jan 27, Jan 30-Feb 3, Feb 6-Feb 10
Imagine – Jan 16-Jan 20, Jan 23-Jan 27, Jan 30-Feb 3
Ages: Alpha 7+, Imagine 6-15
Price: Alpha – RMB 9,880 for skiing, RMB 10,680 for snowboarding; Imagine – RMB 12,980/RMB 14980 for camp running Jan 23-Jan 27, discounts available

NextChamp: Tennis Camp

If your kid is interested in this elegant sport, or if they’d like to try something a bit different, why not join a tennis winter camp over the CNY holiday and have some fun at a tennis court? NextChamp is organizing its camps at two locations: Kerry Centre and Beijing Guoce International Convention & Exhibition Center in Shunyi. Camps run every week from Jan 9 until Mar 11, and each includes five days of two-hour long sessions. Activities and techniques are adapted to the levels and age groups of children, so whether your kid is a beginner just starting to build their tennis foundation or a competitive player looking to improve their skills, NextChamp is a good option. Add their Wechat: Nextchamp to sign up for the camp at one of the locations available.

Where: Kerry Centre and Beijing Guoce International Convention & Exhibition Center
When: Every week from Jan 9 until March 11
Ages: 4-15
Price: RMB 4,875 at Kerry Centre, RMB 4,218 at Beijing Guoce International Convention & Exhibition Center

The Courtyard Institute: Winter Drama Camp

The Courtyard Institute will be running a drama camp for kids aged 8-14 from Jan 16 to Jan 20. The children will get to learn historical facts and stories about four Westerners who lived in Beijing and whose lives were influenced by Chinese emperors. The learning will happen through acting and lots of fun activities and games at the beautiful courtyard in Dongcheng, as well as through popular historic site visits in downtown Beijing. The camp price is RMB 4,990/child, with sibling discounts available.

Where: The Courtyard Institute, 28 Zhonglao Hutong, Dongcheng
When: Jan 16-Jan 20, 9.30am-4.30pm (early drop-off and late pick-up possible)
Ages: 8-14
Price: RMB 4,990/child, sibling discounts available, transportation available for an extra fee

Flips & Kicks Plus: Football, Multi-sports, and Dance Camps

Flips & Kicks Plus will be hosting their famous camps at Beijing Dahong Chinese International School in Tongzhou this holiday season. There are three camps to choose from: a multi-sports camp, a football camp, and a dance camp. All programs include plenty of activities to keep the kids on their toes and having fun, all while developing and enhancing their coordination and flexibility. The multi-sports and dance camps cater to children aged 4 and up, while the minimum age requirement for the football camp is 6. The camps will be running in blocks, from Jan 15 to Jan 19, Jan 30 to Feb 3, and Feb 6 to Feb 10. The price is RMB 4,500 per block, and for an extra RMB 500 transportation can be organized from BSB Sanlitun/German School/Lido/WAB. For more info on the camps and an early bird discount, contact Coach Fredrik at 137 1846 2044

Where: Beijing Dahong Chinese International School
When: Jan 15-Jan 19, Jan 30-Feb 3 and Feb 6-Feb 10
Ages:  4+
Price: RMB 4,500/block, RMB 500 for transportation (optional), food for RMB 250

W PLUS Dance: VIP Breakdance Camp

If your kids like to dance and use every waking second to come up with new dance moves, this is a great camp for them. They’ll get to learn some super-cool moves while being engaged in a fun and healthy activity that builds confidence and promotes a healthy life style. The three-day camp will focus on breakdance, and kids will be grouped according to their age: 4-6 or 7-12 years old. There will be two sessions to choose from: 10am-noon or 2pm-4pm. Scan the QR code on the poster to sign up.

Where: W Plus Dance studio
When: Jan 16-Jan 18
Ages: 4-6 and 7-12

Images: Pexes, Courtesy of the organizers

With the holidays and the winter break around the corner, parents are eager to send their kids to a place where they’ll get to burn their energy off, have fun and learn or practice a new skill. Beijing, as we know, doesn’t lack winter activities for kids, so bundle your kid up and send him off to one of these fun camps:

Imagine Ski Camps

Imagine will be hosting its famous ski camps in Chongli and Nanshan. Five-day-long sessions will run between Dec 18 and Feb 5 in Chongli, and between Dec 19 and Feb 6 at Beijing Nanshan Ski Village. No matter what your kid’s skiing ability level, experienced English-speaking instructors will be there to guide them at all times. There are two packages to choose from: a full package with lessons, evening activities, meals and five over-night stays at Thaiwoo Eagle Nest Youth Hostel in Chongli or Venus Royal Hotel in Nanshan, or the only-training package, where kids attend lessons and spend free time with their parents. The price for the full package is RMB 12,980 for the Nanshan camp and RMB 13,980 for the Chongli camp. For the sessions during Christmas holidays and Spring festival, both camps will cost RMB 14,980. As for the only-lesson package, the cost is RMB 9,980, or RMB 10,980 for Christmas and the CNY holidays. Imagine offers an early bird discount of RMB 300 for those who sign up a month in advance. For more info scan the QR code below.

Where: Olympic Thaiwoo Ski Resort, Chongli OR Nanshan Ski Village, Miyun
When: Chongli Dec 18-23, Dec 25-30, Jan 8-13, Jan 15-20, Jan 22-27, Jan 29-Feb 3, Feb 5-10
Nanshan Dec 19-23, Dec 26-30, Jan 9-13, Jan 16-20, Jan 23-27, Jan 30- Feb 3, Feb 6-10
Ages: 7+
Price and inclusions:
Full package – RMB 13,980 (Chongli), RMB 12,980 (Nanshan), RMB 14,980 for Christmas and CNY camps; prices include English-language professional instruction, transportation from Beijing and back, lift pass and equipment rentals, ski insurance
Only-lessons package: RMB 9,980, RMB 10,980 for Christmas and the CNY holidays

Flips & Kicks Plus Camps

If you’re eager to send your kid to a camp where they’ll get to burn all the excess energy that’s been accumulating during online classes and too much screen time, then Flips & Kicks is a safe bet. They’ll be hosting their famous camps at Beijing Dahong Chinese International School in Tongzhou. You can choose between action movie camps, multi-sports camps, football camps and a dance camp. Anyhow, all programs include plenty of activities to keep the kids on their toes and having fun, all while developing and enhancing their coordination and flexibility. The multi-sports and dance camps cater to children aged 4 and up, while the minimum age requirements for the football and action movie camps are 5 and 6 respectively. Four blocks will run from Dec 26 to Dec 30, Jan 15 to Jan 19, Jan 30 to Feb 3 and Feb 6 to Feb 10. The price is RMB 4,500 per block and for an extra RMB 500 transportation can be organized from BSB Sanlitun/German School/Lido/WAB. For more info on the camps and early bird discount, contact coach Fredrik: 137 1846 2044

Where: Beijing Dahong Chinese International School
When: Dec 26-30, Jan 15-19, Jan 30-Feb 3 and Feb 6-10
Price:  RMB 4,500/block, RMB 500 transportation (optional), food RMB 250
Ages: 4+

W Plus Street Dance Camp

If your kids like to dance and use every waking second to come up with new dance moves, this is a great camp for them. They’ll get to learn some super-cool moves while being engaged in a fun and healthy activity that builds confidence and promotes a healthy life style. The camp will teach two dance styles, hiphop and jazz, so you can choose according to your preference. There will be two sessions: Dec 26-30 (Hiphop) and Jan 9-13(Jazz). All camps will run 10am-noon.

Where: W Plus Dance studio
When:  Dec 26-30 (Hiphop) and Jan 9-13 (Jazz)
Price: RMB 2,380/session
Ages: 7-12

“Junior Chefs” Christmas Camp

BSK will be organizing a weekend holiday cooking camp in their cozy courtyard. The kids will learn to make some delicious Christmas treats with the assistance of a professional chef. To make this experience even more fun for the kids, The Courtyard Institute will also run a different craft program each day. The camp will take place during Christmas weekend, Dec 24-25, and the price for the camp is RMB 1,880/kid. But it’s not only about the kids. If the parents decide to have Christmas dinner at the courtyard, they’ll get a bottle of BSK house wine as a gift.

Where: The Courtyard Institute
When: Dec 24-25, 9am-5pm
Price: RMB 1,880/kid (sibling discounts available)
Ages: 5-12

Coding Camp

Young Coders Academy will be hosting a week-long coding camp this winter where young minds will get to explore the Minecraft game design and let their imagination run wild. The kids will learn the basics of coding and programming skills while creating their own digital winter wonderland. The camp is suitable for kids 7-15. To sign up and get more info please scan the QR code on the poster.

Where: Young Coders Academy
When: Dec 19-24, Dec 26-30, 10am-3pm
Ages: 7-15

Images: Courtesy of the organizers, Pexels

Most of us aren’t traveling this CNY and with many schools extending the holiday to comply with new Olympic safety protocols, the kids need something to do! Here are a few local camps to spark their creativity, athleticism, and curiosity.

That’s Mandarin Cultural Camp: Kids and teens participate in Mandarin classes, as well as cultural activities like paper cutting and lantern making coupled with day trips to the Capital Museum and Great Wall. Contact a representative for pricing and available dates as well as full itineraries for specific age groups.

Modern Poets Rap Camp: Pingo Space will be holding a unique camp at Chao Hotel in Sanlitun. This five-day camp will focus on teaching the basics of rhythm, rhyme, and movement as students are guided to write and perform their own original slam poetry on the final day. This course is taught in English by native speakers and features both local and expat campers for a true cultural exchange experience. Camp runs from Jan 14-18, 9am to 5pm. Lunch is provided. RMB 7,580. Please contact Melody for more information at the QR code below.

Imagine Ski Camp: Held at Nanshan Ski resort this five-day sleep away ski camp is appropriate for students age 7 and older. Sessions run from Jan 31 to Feb 18, and the RMB 11,780 cost includes transportation, instructor fees, lift pass, and rental equipment. To schedule a consultation and find out more, scan the QR Code below.

BSC Ski Camp: Beijing Yuyang Camp is holding its own ski camp as well. Located just 40 minutes from the city center this camp is for young athletes aged 6-14, who will work with trained and certified instructors on two exclusive trails. Four sessions will run between Jan 14 and Feb 18, and prices include hotel accommodation, food, and equipment rentals. Parents receive daily feedback and updates on their progress. Prices start at RMB 7,980. To speak to a consultant scan the QR code below.

Model UN Camp: Haidian Foreign Language School will host this UNESCO Certified Model UN Camp. Participants will act as diplomatic representatives of different countries, debate, and research policies then write and vote on proposals. Plenty of outdoor activities including sports and horseback riding help participants form strong bonds as they learn to become global citizens. Two sessions of the program run this winter from Jan 23-29 and Feb 6-12. Participants should be between 9-12 years old. The cost of the seven-day program is RMB 11,800 which includes accommodation, meals, and transportation.

For more information about applying contact Wechat ID: nanguatian10

KEEP READING: Unlimited Play Time + Massage & Workouts For Parents 

Images: Model UN, BSC, Pingo Space, Canva

We’re talking a lot about gratitude this year, and in order for kids to understand gratitude, they must first understand other’s people’s feelings. The more they can feel what others feel, the more empathy they have. If they feel empathy, they’re more likely to want to help people because they’ll put themselves in another person’s shoes, as the saying goes. But how do you nurture empathy in kids? How do you encourage them to care about others?

Some local Beijing artists have ideas, and it starts with the winter camps they offer.

Tie is the program director at TIE Family Club, a language and art center driven by the desire to transform lives and improve communities through language and art. He believes that empathy serves an even bigger purpose to “help children to build a sense of security and stronger relationships with other children.” The arts can help, he says, because “art is intertwined with feelings, emotions, and creativity, therefore it can induce greater empathy in people, especially children.”

His winter camps integrate storytelling, music, and drawing, all to help children observe and experience the world around them. He’ll use illustrations to “focus on the expressions of the characters and try to feel their feelings; music stimulates the autonomic nervous system which controls feelings and emotions, so they will feel connected and feel empathy,” and the entire camp builds not just on their skills as artists but will also have “transformative powers for building empathy,” Tie claims.

Research backs him up. We sing in a soothing voice to even the youngest babies so they will feel our calmness and mimic the feeling. I’ll never forget holding my nine-month-old close when I was upset and feeling the soft pat pat of his hand on my back, helping me to feel better the way I helped him.

Yet children need to understand and process their own emotions as well, and that’s where Martina Morrocchi, a theatre director, writer, actress, and teacher hopes her English art, acting, and writing camp can help. “Art is the way to let people think secretly about emotions. You don’t have to share; you can, but you can also use metaphors and keep your secrets. This is why art is the best way to let kids discover emotions and empathy because it is a delicate way to let them express without the need for talking.”

Based on children expressing their freedom and creativity, Morrocchi explains how her camps “give [students]the tools but we don’t ask them to follow a specific path, so they have to work in teams, respect each other, and understand when it is time to have a private moment or when is time, [to work with your team]. Students learn how to listen, understand, brainstorm, find a deal — even if they don’t agree sometimes they have to let it go — and even students that have a strong attitude will start to understand [that being]strong is not the only way.”

Knowing how to recognize and manage your own emotions will also help you see other people’s feelings for what they are, and perhaps even know how you might help them. In a winter break when we aren’t able to travel as far as we’d like and we might be settling into many more months of staying put, helping your kids comprehend how their own mental health could even help their friends might be just what the artists ordered.

See information about Tie and Morrochhi’s winter camps below, as well as a few others that can stimulate artistic and scientific expression in your child.

TIE Family Club 2020 Christmas Camp: Storytelling, Music, and Arts

Who: Ages 7-12 
When: Dec 28-Jan 1 (10am-3.30pm)
Where: Today Art Museum
What: Storytelling: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe; guitar time; and Pastel Nagomi art workshops
Fee: RMB 3,900-4,100*
*Half days available. Full camp days include lunch and snacks.
WeChat ID: TieFamilyClub
Tel: 135 2218 6203

Who: Ages 6-10 
When: Dec 21-31
Where: Xingfuyicun Xili Lianbao Garden 5-2C, 北京市朝阳区幸福村中路联宝公寓5号楼2C
What: English Art & Acting
Fee: Scan QR code for info
Tel: 185 1470 0179

Who: Ages 11-17
When: Dec 21-31
Where: Xingfuyicun Xili Lianbao Garden 5-2C, 北京市朝阳区幸福村中路联宝公寓5号楼2C
What: English Art & Acting
Fee: Scan QR code for info
Tel: 185 1470 0179

Montessori Toddler Winter Camp
Who: 18 months – 3 years
When: Dec 21-25 (9am-12.15pm). Snack and lunch included.
Dec 28-31 (9am-12.15pm). Snack and lunch included.
Where: The Children’s House International Kindergarten, Haofeng Sports Park, Yaojiayuan north road, Chaoyang (in sports park) (朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内巧智博仁国际幼儿园)
Fees: RMB 1,750 1st week, RMB 1,400 2nd week
Tel: 139 1070 6224 or Scan QR code

The Children’s House: Scout’s Honor
Who: Ages 3-6
What: The Children’s House is pairing with TTCLUB International Scouts to solve age-appropriate problems and tasks, such as directional tracking, Roman chariots, tent-building, and so much more.
When: Dec 21-25 (9am-3pm) Snacks and lunch included.
Where: The Children’s House International Kindergarten, Haofeng Sports Park, Yaojiayuan north road, Chaoyang (in sports park) (朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内巧智博仁国际幼儿园)
Fees: RMB 3,500
How: 139 1070 6224 or scan QR code

The Children’s House: Chinese Treasures
Who: Ages 3-6
What: Children will experience rich and colorful activities, such as the Chinese tea ceremony, Beijing opera, shadow puppetry,  and the carefully designed architecture of famous landmarks. There’s also a surprise field trip.
When: Dec 28-31 (9am–3pm). Snacks and lunch included.
Where: The Children’s House International Kindergarten, Haofeng Sports Park, Yaojiayuan north road, Chaoyang (in sports park) (朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内巧智博仁国际幼儿园)
Fees: RMB 3,000
How: 139 1070 6224 or scan QR code

What: Stop Motion Animation Workshop
Who: Ages 8-12
When: Dec 26-Jan1 (7 days, includes the opening and closing day)
Where: Xizhou, Dali
Fee: RMB 12,800/student, RMB 3,800/accompanying parent, RMB 5,800/two accompanying parents (includes teaching, teaching materials, family activities, accommodation and meals in LC hotels, innovation education seminars; excludes transportation to Xizhou)
How: Scan QR code below

We have some updates on all the great winter camps around Beijing, which now have options for kids as early as 18 months! So don’t fear, parents, you have lots of choices for all ages, and all kinds of educational fun the kids can enjoy on their holiday break. The new additions are at the top.

Many of these camps are in Beijing, but some travel elsewhere. Please be aware that if you travel outside of Beijing for any reason, many schools in Chaoyang District require students to provide a nucleic acid test within seven days of returning to school. The requirements can change at any time with new information, so use caution when making plans. – Acting Editor’s Note

The Children’s House Winter Camp Programs

Montessori Toddler Winter Camp
Who: 18 months – 3 years
When: Dec 21-25 (9am-12.15pm). Snack and lunch included.
Dec 28-31 (9am-12.15pm). Snack and lunch included.
Where: The Children’s House International Kindergarten, Haofeng Sports Park, Yaojiayuan north road, Chaoyang (in sports park) (朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内巧智博仁国际幼儿园)
Fees: RMB 1,750 1st week, RMB 1,400 2nd week
How: 39 1070 6224 or Scan QR code

The Children’s House: Scout’s Honor
Who: Ages 3-6
What: The Children’s House is pairing with TTCLUB International Scouts to solve age-appropriate problems and tasks, such as directional tracking, Roman chariots, tent-building, and so much more.
When: Dec 21-25 (9am-3pm) Snacks and lunch included.
Where: The Children’s House International Kindergarten, Haofeng Sports Park, Yaojiayuan north road, Chaoyang (in sports park) (朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内巧智博仁国际幼儿园)
Fees: RMB 3,500
How: 39 1070 6224 or scan QR code

The Children’s House: Chinese Treasures
Who: Ages 3-6
What: Children will experience rich and colorful activities, such as the Chinese tea ceremony, Beijing opera, shadow puppetry,  and the carefully designed architecture of famous landmarks. There’s also a surprise field trip.
When: Dec 28-31 (9am–3pm). Snacks and lunch included.
Where: The Children’s House International Kindergarten, Haofeng Sports Park, Yaojiayuan north road, Chaoyang (in sports park) (朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内巧智博仁国际幼儿园)
Fees: RMB 3,000
How: 39 1070 6224 or scan QR code

The Hutong Ski Winter Camp

Stop Motion Animation Workshop

Who: Ages 8-12
When: Dec 26-Jan1 (7 days, includes the opening and closing day)
Where: Xizhou, Dali
Fee: RMB 12,800/student, RMB 3,800/accompanying parent, RMB 5,800/two accompanying parents (includes teaching, teaching materials, family activities, accommodation and meals in LC hotels, innovation education seminars; excludes transportation to Xizhou)
How: Scan QR code below

Weekend Camps at Culture Yard

If you’re just looking for weekend camps this winter, scan the QR code for the Culture Yard to find out more about their programs.

Mad Science Bilingual Engineering Camp

Who: Ages 6-12
When: Dec 14-Dec 18
Where: Shunyi
What: Bilingual Engineering Camp (lamp building; treehouse design, building, testing, and decoration; roller coaster study, building, testing, and modification)
Fee: RMB 5,980
Tel: Lisa, 132 6928 5353
WeChat: madsciencebeijing123

Mad Science Secret Agent Lab

Who: Ages 4-10
When: Dec 28-Jan 1 (9am-4:30pm)
Where: Shunyi
What: Junior Detective Camp (Secret messages; gizmos and gadgets; crime scene adventures; insect helpers; liquid testing; and laser bouncer)
Fee: RMB 5,980
Tel: Lisa, 132 6928 5353
WeChat: madsciencebeijing123

WanTrain Christmas Holiday Coding Camp

Who:  Ages 6-10
When: Dec 21-24 (9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm)
Where: Krypton Space, Liangmaqiao
What:
Day I: Scratch beginner
Day II: Scratch intermediate
Day III: Kodu game Lab
Day IV: Sphero robotics

Who: Ages 11-17
When: Dec 28-31 (9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm)
Where: Riviera Club, Shunyi
What: Scratch advanced; Sphero robotics; build video games with Python PyGame I; build video games with Python PyGame II.

Fee: 750 RMB/day or 2800 RMB/camp*
*Bring a sibling or a friend along and enjoy RMB 300 discount
**Includes snacks and soft beverages, and each student will receive a free programmable robot, a coding booklet for training, and a certificate of completion!
Tel: 130 2197 1700

TIE Family Club 2020 Christmas Camp: Storytelling, Music, and Arts

Who: Ages 7-12 
When: Dec 28-Jan 1 (10am-3.30pm)
Where: Today Art Museum
What: Storytelling: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe; guitar time; and Pastel Nagomi art workshops
Fee: RMB 3,900-4,100*
*Half days available. Full camp days include lunch and snacks.
WeChat ID: TieFamilyClub
Tel: 135 2218 6203

BIBA Winter Camps

Wild China Beijing Winter Olympics Camp

Who: Ages 12-16 
When: Session 1: Dec 26-31; Session 2: Jan 26-31
Where: Chongli
What: Ski camp and learning survival skills for the winter, including snow shelters, identifying natural disasters, and night exploration hike.
WeChat ID: WildChina_Journeys (or email education@wildchina.com)
Fee: RMB 9,100 

Age: Group A: 8-18 y/o, Group B: 14-18 y/o
Price: RMB 4,000/block
Dates: Block 1: Dec 21-25, Block 2: Dec 28-Jan 1
Location: Tianjin
Transport: Departure from BSB SLT at 7.30am, arrival at JCST Center at 8.45am; Departure from JCST Center 3pm, arrival at BSB SLT at 4.15pm
Departure from ISB Shunyi 7.45am, arrival 8.45am; departure from training center 3pm, arrival 4pm
Transport fee: Contact for fees. If fewer than 10 participants, the transport will be canceled.
Flips & Kicks Plus and its cooperative partners are not responsible for any delays caused by traffic or other factors in relation to the transport. If there is interest, transportation from SLT/CBD can also be arranged.
Food: Flips & Kicks Plus supplies water and fruit each day. Participants can bring their own lunch or order Chinese food at the venue.
Food fee: RMB 250/block.

Stay Over: Why not stay over in Tianjin during the week and enjoy the beautiful landscape surrounding the training center? For more information please contact us.

Location: JCST action film training center in Tianjin
Age:  Group A 4-7 y/o, Group B 8-12 y/o
Cost: RMB 4,000/block
Dates: Block 1: Dec 21-25. Block 2: Dec 28-Jan 1
Time: 9am-2.30pm (full day only)
Transport: Departure from BSB SLT at 7.30am, arrival at JCST Center at 8.45am; Departure from JCST Center 3pm, arrival at BSB SLT at 4.15pm
Departure from ISB Shunyi at 7.45am, arrival at JCST Center at 8.45am; Departure from JCST Center at 3pm, arrival at ISB Shunyi at 4pm
Transport Fee: Contact for fees.  If fewer than 10 sign-ups from each transportation venue, the transport will be canceled.
Snack & Food: Flips & Kicks Plus supply fruit per day and water. Please bring your own snacks. In case you like to order Chinese food at the venue it’s an additional RMB 250/block.

KEEP READING: Bundle Up and Join the Holiday Cheer All Across Beijing!

Photos: Pexels, from organizers

As much as we’re all looking forward to turkey and delicious pies, December winter break also looms large, with fewer options for getaways than in past years. Winter camps, then, will be key for any families trying to fend off boredom and too much screen time. Luckily, we already have arts, science, survival training, coding, and even secret agent training on the agenda! Here are our top picks for winter camps for ages 4-16:

Mad Science Bilingual Engineering Camp

Who: Ages 6-12
When: Dec 14-Dec 18
Where: Shunyi
What: Bilingual Engineering Camp (Lamp building; treehouse design, building, testing, and decoration; roller coaster study, building, testing, and modification)
Fee: RMB 5,980
Tel: Lisa, 132 6928 5353
WeChat: madsciencebeijing123

Mad Science Secret Agent Lab

Who: Ages 4-10
When: Dec 28-Jan 1 (9am-4:30pm)
Where: Shunyi
What: Junior Detective Camp (Secret messages; gizmos and gadgets; crime scene adventures; insect helpers; liquid testing; and laser bouncer)
Fee: RMB 5,980
Tel: Lisa, 132 6928 5353
WeChat: madsciencebeijing123

WanTrain Christmas Holiday Coding Camp

Who:  Ages 6-10
When: Dec 21-24 (9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm)
Where: Krypton Space, Liangmaqiao
What:
Day I: Scratch beginner
Day II: Scratch intermediate
Day III: Kodu game Lab
Day IV: Sphero robotics

Who: Ages 11-17
When: Dec 28-31 (9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm)
Where: Riviera Club, Shunyi
What: Scratch advanced; Sphero robotics; build video games with Python PyGame I; build video games with Python PyGame II.

Fee: 750 RMB/day or 2800 RMB/camp*
*Bring a sibling or a friend along and enjoy RMB 300 discount
**Includes snacks and soft beverages, and each student will receive a free programmable robot, a coding booklet for training, and a certificate of completion!
Tel: 130 2197 1700

TIE Family Club 2020 Christmas Camp: Storytelling, Music, and Arts

Who: Ages 7-12 
When: Dec 28-Jan 1 (10am-3.30pm)
Where: Today Art Museum
What: Storytelling: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe; guitar time; and Pastel Nagomi art workshops
Fee: RMB 3,900-4,100*
*Half days available. Full camp days include lunch and snacks.
WeChat ID: TieFamilyClub
Tel: 135 2218 6203

BIBA Winter Camps

Wild China Beijing Winter Olympics Camp

Who: Ages 12-16 
When: Session 1: Dec 26-31; Session 2: Jan 26-31
Where: Chongli
What: Ski camp and learning survival skills for the winter, including snow shelters, identifying natural disasters, and night exploration hike.
WeChat ID: WildChina_Journeys (or email education@wildchina.com)
Fee: RMB 9,100 

KEEP READING: So You Want To Be a Game Developer: What It Takes To Make Gaming a Career

Photos: Pexels, from groups

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. 

Winter break is coming soon, Christmas and the New Year is approaching and you’re wondering what to do with the kids. Not to worry! Check out the following winter camps available for the upcoming vacation.

Chinese Winter Camp, Dec 16, Jan 6

Spend your winter in China learning Mandarin and get involved in culturally enriching activities and field trips. The winter camps organized by That’s Mandarin are suitable for students from 7 to 17 years old. They offer
professional teachers and engaging, inspiring and fun activities, with an emphasis on being educational and safe. The camps are usually from one to four weeks.

Ages 7-17. RMB 3000 per week. 9am-4pm. Building 2, No.7 Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District. RSVP: info@thatsmandarin.com. 

Beijing Field Trips for International Schools, until Dec 31

Beijing Field Studies help students connect with nature and learn about the environment through a hands-on, interactive approach. Field trips will focus on science, history, and the natural world, and help your child develop a lifelong passion for the great outdoors. Beijing Field Studies is able to develop bespoke workshops and materials to align with your school’s curriculum requirements and your age group. If you are interested in going as an individual or setting up a small group trip of your own, please contact Beijing Field Studies, there are some opportunities available. Visit their website for more information or email oliver@atlaseducation.org or antovilardo@atlaseducation.org. 

Grades 1-8. RMB 200 per student, Monday – Friday. 1-4pm. Shenglu Heligan Garden.

Hit the slopes this winter with Imagine’s Ski Camps, until Feb 3

Outdoor sports organizers Imagine are also getting their winter holidays in order with various opportunities to hit the slopes across Asia over the next few months. Perhaps the largest events are the Chongli Ski Camps, which are overnight trips for students age 7-14 at the Olympic Thaiwoo Ski Resort in Hebei Province, just two and a half hours from Beijing. Between December 16 and February 3, Imagine will be hosting six week-long trips that will help even the most novice of skiers become seasoned pros.

Ages 7-14. RMB 2380-8580. 8am-7pm. The Olympic Thaiwoo Ski Resort, Chongli. (For more details, please contact: info@imagine-china.com, 010 -5739 4933, 135 2066 0490)

Winter Camp at Daystar Academy in Beijing, Dec 23, Dec 30

Flips and Kicks Plus in proud cooperation with Daystar Academy in Bei Gao offers your child a fun and active time during the winter with multi-sports camps. Try loads of new and fun sports like martial arts, gymnastics, football, and fencing. Classes are conducted in the spirit of Flips & Kicks Plus with expert sports coaches. The coaches speak both English and Chinese.

Ages 4+. Half day price RMB2500 /Block, Full day price RMB3600 /Block. Half day 9am-12noon, Full day 9am-2.30pm. Daystar Academy (Beigao), No 2 Shun Bai Lu. (For more details, please contact: info@flipsandkicksplus.com (cc yderstrom@hotmail.com), 137 1846 2044)

Winter camp “Bauhaus” with Atlier, Dec 30 – Jan 3

Atelier has prepared seven exciting Christmas camps for students. Bauhaus Design camp is one of these camps. “Bauhaus” is not a name or a long-defunct design school, it is more of a design trend, design system or a design concept. In this Winter camp, students will learn the story and art works of Bauhaus and transform into small designers and design their own “Bauhaus style”.

Ages 5-7/8+. RMB 2000 above. 10am-12 noon (ages 5-7), 1-3.30pm (ages 8+).  Atlier Sanlitun Campus, Room 502, Unit 1, Buliding 8A, Julong Garden, No.68, Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District. (For more details, please contact: Contact@atelier.cn.com, 010-6416 1614)

Spring Festival Chinese Culture Camp, Jan 28 – 31

While holidays are meant to be for fun and relaxation, that doesn’t mean the kids should simply sit around the house all day. So why not take this opportunity offered by Cultural Keys and let your kids have fun while learning about and experiencing authentic traditional Chinese culture on their Spring Festival Chinese Culture Camp! Running for 4 afternoons, kids will learn about the history, legends, and activities of Spring Festival, try their hands at calligraphy, painting, rice model making, and knotting, take a tour of the local hutongs and put on a performance of the legend of the Spring Festival monster, Nian!

Ages 10-16. RMB2288 per child (includes all activities, all materials, drinks and snacks). 10 children max for this camp. 2-5pm. Beixinqiao, Beijing. Email events@culturalkeys.cn, or add AJDonnelly on WeChat to get more information.

Photos: courtesy of event holders.