My eight-year-old nephew is obsessed with Paddington Bear, and no matter how many times we’ve watched the movies, for him, it’s never enough. Now the cute little bear from Peru has made his way to Beijing, big brown suitcase and all.

The Peninsula Beijing’s latest afternoon tea is perfect for kids, perhaps more so than for grown-ups. The hotel has put together an afternoon tea, a little photography setup, and some hands-on activities for kids.

While you have a fancy afternoon with your kids over chocolate hazelnut brownie shaped like a piece of luggage, orange and yoghurt cheesecake with a tiny paw print on top, and Victoria sponge finished with a chocolate parasol, all made to look like elements from Paddington’s adventures.

On the savoury side, there’s Mrs. Brown’s Traditional Beef Pie, a Coronation Chicken Wrap, orange-marinated salmon with English muffin and crab roe, and a spiced bread with pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and berry glaze.

The tea set goes for RMB 588 for two people. If someone wants the Paddington Marmalade Fizz Mug or a Red Chocolate Flight, those cost extra RMB 98 and RMB 280, respectively.

There’s also a small atelier space set up in The Lobby. It’s split into two areas where people can take photos to remember their experience.

One corner looks like the front door at 32 Windsor Gardens, complete with wisteria. Another, just like Paddington’s bedroom, where he keeps his blue coat and whatever treasures he’s hidden away. It’s not trying to be anything more than a place for families to snap a few pictures.

Later, starting May 9, they’ll also start offering Paddington-themed kids’ activities for RMB 680 per child. The pastry team will help children make their own marmalade sandwiches while playing games.

It’s best to call in advance if you plan on taking the kids for an afternoon of Paddington-themed fun.
Tel: +86 10 8516 2888 ext. 6759

Find it:
The Lobby (The Peninsula Beijing) 大堂茶座
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号王府半岛酒店

Last October at Langyuan Station, “Roundabout Pop-Up Store” (众爱循环快闪店) quietly opened its doors. Donated clothes, bags, and little treasures without owners all found a second life and new homes.

The wait is over. The second Roundabout Pop-Up is here, and this time, it’s landing in Beijing’s creative heart: Xidian Memory Funstown.

Find it:
Roundabout Pop-Up Store · Xidian Memory Station
April 17 – April 26 from 10 AM – 8 PM daily
Building D6, Black Sugar Plaza, Xidian Memory Funstown, Chaoyang District

At a time when fast fashion and overconsumption dominate, the Roundabout Pop-Up invites you to slow down. Every item here is hand-picked for quality, character, and quiet charm. You won’t find random clutter. Instead, you’ll find curated second-hand goods from clothing, bags, accessories, home decor, and more, all in good to excellent condition. You’ll discover rare gems at scarcity prices: limited-edition pieces, one-of-a-kind finds, and vintage surprises that won’t break the bank. And above all, you’ll experience the satisfaction that what you no longer need becomes someone else’s treasure.

Let’s be honest: sustainability can feel abstract. But holding a well-made jacket from last season, or discovering a leather bag with its own story, that’s personal. The pop-up is small by design, but big in spirit. It’s not about shopping more. It’s about choosing differently. Reducing waste.

Stop by Xidian Memory Funstown from April 17 to April 26 between 10 am and 8 pm to see what you can discover. Come alone, bring a friend, or drag your whole family. No pressure to buy. You might leave with something unexpected.

Want to give Roundabout a hand? They’re looking for more volunteers!

Spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the extended daylight. I hereby announce that spring is officially here in Beijing! Now, you all may be wondering what to do out in the beautiful (tragically pollen-filled) days of spring. Not to fret, I got you covered. The Beijing Wildlife Park, 北京野生动物园, is full of animal surprises to keep you entertained for at least one whole day. I got some great reasons to visit and some tips to make your visit fun! So settle in, grab some snacks, cuddle your favorite stuffed animal, and see what the Beijing Wildlife Park has to offer.

For my school PYP (Primary Year Program) project, I chose to study endangered species. I felt like I could connect with my project more if I saw some of these animals in person. Therefore, the Beijing Wildlife Park is just perfect to do some research about different animals and species! Seeing all those adorable Red Pandas and fierce Siberian Tigers really was a major thrill. This visit surely will come in handy with my PYP exhibition. I learned a lot observing these stunning animals and how the zookeepers keep them healthy and happy. If you are an animal lover, this is a wonderful place to enjoy seeing many exotic creatures. Sometimes random animals walk around randomly, and you spot one of them easily.

The Beijing Wildlife Park, 北京野生动物园, not only has animal exhibits, there are many playing areas for kids as well! There are slides around the exotic bird section, miniature carousel rides near the baboons. Near the capybara exhibit, there are several amazing playgrounds! Seeing the cute capybaras is not the only thing you can do. You are permitted to feed them and run off and play on the jungle gym right next door. And these playgrounds are actually legit and enjoyable, not like those duller rusty ones they have at hospitals. You surely will think that this was the best way to enjoy a day.

Pro Tip: At the entrance of the park, there is a stand where you can get a bag of animal feed to feed to the animals. This is included in your entrance ticket, so you do not need to pay any extra fee. However, carefully read the signs before feeding anything because there are exhibits that will prohibit you from feeding the animals.

If you are planning to visit, here are some tips that you certainly should know before you go to the Beijing Wildlife Park. First things first, you do not have to worry about packing your own snacks and supplies when going to this park. The park has provided many restaurants and food stalls where you can easily grab a bite. My eel lunch set, which included mixed rice, a large portion of eel, and steamed vegetables, costs RMB 78, and the strawberry ice cream cup costs RMB 30. It was nice to walk around the park with a soft serve in your hands.

Secondly, try to come a bit early because the park is very large.  When we went, it was not particularly crowded, and the animals were more active. However, around noon and after lunchtime, the animals are resting and taking a break under some cool shade, not as lively as before. So, if you want the best experience, come early. The animals will be mostly sleeping around noon and in the afternoon.

Note: the baboon area near the tigers is still very active and energetic even during the noon.  Also, since the park is so large, there are also many electric mini cars that you can rent and drive around the park to cover more ground.  There is also a golf car service that will drive you around the park, hitting all the most popular spots.

Some animals are allowed to be petted and fed. Like in the deer exhibit, you are allowed to pet the deer, except for the ones that the park staff stand in front of.  If you see them there watching over a pack of deer resting, you are not permitted to pet those deer. Also, if an animal is looking stressed or confused, and does not look like it wishes to be crowded by a mob of obsessed animal petters, please take a hint.  Give them some space and do not pet them. Animals deserve respect as much as we do. In one section of the Wildlife Park, you are allowed to feed the glorious lions through a hole in the glass. We would have done it, but we were not sure how safe for the lions to be fed by us without any training, and we did not want to accidentally harm the lions.

Last but certainly not least, TAKE PHOTOS.

Taking photos is a great way to keep these memories alive on your phone or camera. There is so much to see around the zoo! Even the architecture! The buildings around the exhibits have traditional Chinese styles woven into the walls and roofs.  The park did a good job of incorporating many cultural elements in the park. Another great way to savor these moments is to draw! You do not have to be an artist to sketch anything. If you enjoy sketching and drawing, just go for it! No one can stop you from doing what you love!

There is also a “Safe Driven” safari option, where you can drive your own vehicle through the park and view the animals. We did choose to do this option, but it is conveniently available!

So, there you go. Another article from me. And as always … Stay tuned. And stay reading!!!

Find it:
The Beijing Wildlife Park, 北京野生动物园
中国北京市大兴区榆垡镇
Hours: April-October: 08:30-5:30
Fee: RMB 390 for two adults and one child

If you’re looking for more family friendly things to do in Beijing, be sure to join our Events group on WeChat. Add Wilhelmina87 to join.

Images: Clark Yap

8“What does it mean for a child to ‘have a voice’ – and who gets to decide when that voice is heard?”

 It’s a simple question, but one that reaches far beyond childhood. For many neurodivergent people, finding their voice, learning how to express needs, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves is something that happens much later than it should.

We often think of self-advocacy as an adult skill, but it begins much earlier, in the small everyday moments where children are listened to, respected, and given space to express themselves.

Because for many neurodivergent people, being heard is not something they were taught early on; it’s something they are still learning.

Across all ages, having a voice shapes how we move through the world. It influences whether we feel able to ask for help, explain what we need, or say when something doesn’t feel right.

Many neurodivergent adults describe learning, often from a young age, to stay quiet, push through discomfort, or adapt themselves to fit the expectations around them. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and a growing disconnect from their own needs.

At its heart, the idea of neurodiversity reminds us that there isn’t just one “right” way to think, feel, or experience the world. And with that comes an important question:

If someone’s experience is different, are we creating space for them to express it?

 So why does having a voice matter so much, and what happens when it isn’t supported early on?

Having a voice is about far more than speaking.  It’s about being able to express needs, make choices, set boundaries, and feel safe saying “no.” It’s about understanding what helps, what doesn’t, and what feels overwhelming.

When children are listened to, they begin to learn something powerful: my needs matter.

Over time, this builds confidence and a sense of trust in themselves.

But when those signals are dismissed, a different message can take hold: maybe my needs don’t matter, or maybe I shouldn’t trust them.

 Self-advocacy isn’t something that appears overnight. It grows slowly, through repeated experiences of being heard and understood. Yet in many everyday moments, children’s voices aren’t intentionally silenced – but they are often overlooked.

This usually doesn’t come from a place of harm. It can look like rushing a child to answer, speaking for them, or brushing off discomfort with phrases like “you’re fine” or “just try it.” Often, it comes from a desire to help, to protect, or simply to keep things moving in a busy day.

But over time, these moments add up. When adults consistently step in too quickly, children have fewer chances to practice speaking for themselves. And sometimes, what we see on the outside doesn’t match what the child is experiencing on the inside.

Because sometimes, the voice is already there, we’re just not recognizing it.

Children communicate in different ways. A meltdown may be a response to overwhelm. Avoidance may signal anxiety. Silence may mean processing, uncertainty, or simply needing more time. Refusal may be a boundary.

When we begin to see behaviour as communication, rather than something to correct, everything shifts. We stop asking, “How do I fix this?” and start asking, “What is this child trying to tell me?”

 Because if we don’t recognize the voice, we can’t respond to it.

So, if children are already communicating in their own ways, our role isn’t to speak for them, but to support them in being heard.

This doesn’t mean stepping back completely. It means stepping back thoughtfully.

It might look like pausing before answering for them. Giving them time to respond, even if it takes a little longer. Encouraging them to express their needs in their own way, even if it’s not perfect.

These moments can feel small, but they matter. They give children the opportunity to practice having a voice, rather than relying on someone else’s.

And this shift doesn’t require big changes, it starts in everyday interactions.

In practice, building self-advocacy can be simple.

Offering choices: “Do you want to do this now or later?”
Teaching small phrases: “I need a break” or “That’s too loud for me.”
Encouraging children to ask for help themselves.
Respecting “no” when it’s safe and appropriate.
Allowing time to process and respond.

These small moments give children repeated opportunities to recognize their needs and express them in ways that feel manageable.

Over time, those moments build confidence.

Children who grow up feeling heard are more likely to become adults who trust themselves. They are more likely to set boundaries, ask for support, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

For those who aren’t given these opportunities, the experience can be very different. Many adults describe struggling to express their needs, pushing through discomfort, or feeling unsure of how to advocate for themselves.

The ability to speak up doesn’t suddenly appear later in life. It is built gradually, through everyday experiences.  So perhaps the question isn’t whether children have a voice, but whether we are creating the space for it to grow.

When we slow down, listen, and give children space to express themselves, in whatever way that looks like, we are doing more than supporting them in the moment.

We are helping them build the confidence to carry their voice into the future. So, in the everyday moments, at home, in classrooms, in conversations, it’s worth pausing to ask:

Whose voice is being heard?

And what small change could we make today to help it grow?

Kelsie Fitzgerald is an Irish educator and SENIA Beijing board member dedicated to fostering inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming learning environments. As Membership Chair, she helps connect families, educators, and professionals across the city, strengthening community support for diverse learners.

With a background in literacy, multilingual education, and student-centred pedagogy, Kelsie focuses on practical, compassionate strategies that make classrooms and school communities more accessible for all children. Her work blends creativity, reflective practice, and evidence-informed approaches to support students’ academic growth and emotional well-being.

She is passionate about helping every learner feel safe, capable, and understood, and believes that genuine inclusion begins with listening to students’ needs and celebrating their strengths.

Images: SENIA

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when you take a child to an exhibition that was clearly made with them in mind. You watch their usual restless energy settle into focus, wonder, that quiet hum of engagement that every parent recognizes as a small victory. The Love Monster: Spring Reverie of Love exhibition, running now at Li Gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art District, offers just that.

If you’ve been looking for something to do with your kids that feels a little more thoughtful than the usual weekend rotation, this one is worth the trip.

From the moment you walk into Li Gallery, your children will find themselves surrounded by the world of Love Monster. Instead of cold white walls and roped-off installations, the space has been transformed into something warm and inviting.

What makes this exhibition particularly successful for families is its pacing. It’s not so large that kids become overwhelmed or exhausted halfway through, but it’s substantial enough to feel like a proper outing. You’ll probably spend about 45 minutes to an hour inside, which for most young children is the sweet spot between “engaged” and “over it.”

And the best part, the entire exhibition is completely FREE!

Find it:
Li Gallery 骊画廊
Middle 2nd Street, 798 Art Zone
No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路2号
798艺术区中二街

Images: Toni Ma

In what administrators are calling the “most ambitious pivot in educational technology since the invention of the whiteboard,” the experimental Genesis Global Academy (GGA) in Haidian District, Beijing’s very own Silicone Valley, announced today that it has begun beta testing a fleet of student-robot doubles, designed to attend classes, absorb curriculum, and socially interact on behalf of flesh-and-blood students.

The program, called Project ECHO, aims to solve a perennial problem facing international schools: student absenteeism, lack of engagement, and the logistical nightmare of getting teenagers out of bed before noon.

“The idea is simple,” explained Dr. Alexander Luther, the school’s Head of Innovation, during a press conference held via a slightly glitching hologram. “Why force a child to sit in a traffic-choked SUV for forty-five minutes to sit in a hard chair when a perfectly calibrated, AI-driven proxy can do it for them? We are beta testing robots that learn a student’s unique linguistic tics, behavioral patterns, and even their specific way of sighing dramatically when a teacher mentions homework.”

The robots, sleek white humanoid units dubbed S-1s (Student-One), are currently being piloted in three Grade 8 classrooms. According to the school, each unit is assigned to a specific student. For the first month of the beta, the robots are in “observation mode,” shadowing their human counterparts.

“It’s a little weird at first,” admitted Liam, a 14-year-old beta tester, while controlling his robot remotely from his bedroom via a gaming headset. “I named my bot Gio. It’s freaky accurate. Yesterday, it mimicked my sneeze so well that the kid next to it said ‘bless you’ without looking up. We’ve got AI everywhere nowadays, and Gio’s just taken it to the next level.”

The technology focuses heavily on linguistics. Engineers have programmed the S-1s to master the complex, evolving dialect of the modern international school student. Early demonstrations showed the robots flawlessly executing phrases such as: “This is fire,” “You’re just being salty,” and, when asked for a late assignment, “I emailed it to you yesterday, did it go to your spam?”

“The vocal inflections are spot on,” said Ms. Chen Wei, a math teacher participating in the trial. “This morning, one of the robots looked me dead in the optical sensor and said, ‘Ms. Chen, we’re not going to be tested on this, right?’ It sounded exactly like Kevin, the student it’s assigned to. I actually apologized to it before I realized what was happening.”

The ultimate goal, according to a leaked internal memo obtained by this publication, is to reach a point where students no longer need to physically attend school at all. Instead, they will “telematically inhabit” their robotic avatars, allowing them to receive a full international education from ski slopes in Switzerland, beach resorts in Phuket, or, most commonly, their own beds.

“Why disrupt the child’s natural habitat when we can bring the classroom to them?” Dr. Luther added. “The robots handle the physical presence. The student handles the learning. It’s perfect synergy.”

News of the beta test has already sent shockwaves through Beijing’s international school community. Sources indicate that representatives from Northern Academy of Beijing (NAB) and English School of Beijing, Shunyi  have requested “exploratory meetings” with GGA’s tech team. Meanwhile, Birmingham College Beijing is rumored to be considering a competing model involving drone-based attendance.

“We are working out the kinks,” Dr. Luther assured. “We just pushed a software update to address the ‘sass’ parameter.”

When asked for comment on the expansion plans, a spokesperson for the Beijing Education Commission responded with a single laughing emoji before declining to elaborate.

As for the students, reactions are mixed. While many appreciate the opportunity to “attend” school in pajamas, some worry about the long-term implications.

“I mean, what’s the point of having a robot learn to be me,” said Liam, “if eventually the robot is just going to realize it’s smarter than me and just leave to go to a better school?”

The beta test is scheduled to continue through the end of the academic year, provided the robots do not unionize.

Images: FreePik

For families in Beijing, finding a welcoming and low-pressure environment for toddlers can feel like a treasure hunt. For Rebecca Carter, a British mom with two boys, ages three and 18 months old, in Beijing, that treasure is found at British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun—even though it’s an hour-long taxi ride from her home.

We spoke with Rebecca to find out why the BSB Sanlitun playgroup has become a non-negotiable part of her weekly routine.

Rebecca’s journey with BSB began last year during a special summer playgroup session. At the time, she brought both of her sons, then 2.5 years old and 9 months old. While her oldest has since started at a local kindergarten, her youngest has become a regular attendee. “We attend most weeks,” Rebecca shares.

So, what keeps them coming back? According to Rebecca, it’s the perfect blend of structure and freedom. “It’s very fun,” she says. “It’s such a relaxed atmosphere, and there’s a lot for the kids to do.” Each week, the playgroup offers a variety of activities designed to engage little ones. “Each week they put out a different messy play for the kids to enjoy, and there’s always blocks, soft play, books, and mini cars for them to zip around on.”

And the best part, it’s free!

For Rebecca’s youngest son, the routine is clear: “He always makes a beeline for the messy play corner. Then he goes and climbs all over the soft play area. He also loves the trampolines, the little cars, and the basketball area.” After about an hour of burning off that energy, the pair settles down for a snack and a drink, which gives Rebecca a chance to chat and make friends.

Living in Haidian, Rebecca admits the commute isn’t trivial. However, she believes BSB Sanlitun offers one of the best activities for families in Beijing. “I’ve watched my youngest grow and gain confidence. At first, he clung to me and needed me to go where he went. Now he roams freely, checking in occasionally.”

The community is another major draw.

The group evolves as children grow and move on to daycare, Rebecca says the core remains welcoming. “The same people tend to go each week, so generally you see the same faces, and everyone is friendly.” That sense of community recently extended beyond the playgroup. When the session was cancelled for one week, one of the mums organized a group outing to a different soft play center. For Rebecca, who lives in an area with few foreign parents, the opportunity for English-speaking “mum talk” is invaluable.

She also appreciates the school’s respectful approach. “Obviously, we were asked if we wanted to join the school (we do), but when I told them we lived too far away and couldn’t, there was no pressure put on us, and we weren’t asked again.”

If you are considering attending, Rebecca says you can expect a diverse and welcoming crowd. “A mix! There are Chinese families, but also a wide range of European and North American families. Kids’ ages range from about eight months to three years, so your child will surely find a play friend.”

Rebecca is already looking forward to the summer, and she has her eye on a new attraction. “I’m extremely excited to see the new pool opening in the summer and perhaps take my son swimming.” She has also heard great things about other offerings at the school. “I have also heard that the Baby Dance and Book Club are great as well from other mums who live locally.”

Her advice to other parents is simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re a bit shy or if you’re nervous about playdates. “I would absolutely recommend joining! I hope to see others at BSB soon. Please come and say hi if you join!”

Images: British School of Beijing Sanlitun

If your family’s idea of a perfect day out involves tasty food, sunshine, and plenty of space for little legs to run around, then mark your calendars: Juicy Burger Fest is rolling into Beijing from May 1-4 at Chaoyang Park, and this year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and more family-friendly than ever.

The burgers are the star of the show (think juicy patties, creative toppings, and buns that hold it all together), but there’s so much more for families to enjoy. Set against a fun Wild West theme, the festival will have a line-up of Beijing’s best burger joints, plus out-of-town guests that you can only get a taste of at the fest.

Best of all? Entry is free!

Want to make a day of it? Treat the kids (and yourself) to a VIP package that includes a cowboy hat, bandana, and 10% off all food and drinks – perfect for getting into the spirit.

Expect plenty of space to spread out, a lively but relaxed atmosphere, and food that’ll satisfy even the pickiest little eaters. Whether you’re a burger purist or love trying something new, this is a festival the whole family can sink their teeth into.

Calling All Vendors:

Got a standout burger joint or a signature creation you want the city to taste? Vendor applications for Juicy Burger Fest Beijing are now open! Just scan the QR code in the poster below to get in contact with us.

Find it:
Juicy Burger Fest 2026
May 1- 4 at Chaoyang Park

Images: The Beijingers

As a parent, finding an activity that checks all the boxes of being safe, engaging, physically active, and actually fun for both kids and adults isn’t as easy to come by as one might think. Sure, the indoor playgrounds are fun for the kids, but how many adults can honestly say that they’re genuinely having a good time in there? There’s a reason why so many of them put massage chairs in there now…

SURFPARK 温泉冲浪·深水冲浪体验店 in Chaoyang is a bit of a different story. Rated #1 on the Chaoyang District Sports Venues list with a stellar 4.9 score on Dianping, this place isn’t just a trendy spot for young adults; it is a fantastic destination for families looking to make a splash any time of the year.

The first concern for any parent is safety. The idea of indoor surfing might sound intimidating for a child, but SURFPARK has mastered the art of the introduction. They offer zero-entry, 1-on-1 guidance that’s suitable for beginners.

Here, while the surfing pool is exhilarating, the facility is designed for comfort. The fact that it’s an indoor facility means you don’t have to worry about Beijing’s unpredictable weather or air quality. The inclusion of free showers and the warm spring amenities mean you can make a full afternoon of it without the usual post-swim scramble to warm up a shivering child.

SURFPARK is located in a cultural and creative industrial park, with ample space and well-maintained plastic flooring to prevent slips. Whether you have a teenager looking for an adrenaline rush or a younger child eager to try something new, this place adapts to your needs. They even offer free sliding experience tickets if you want to test the waters before committing to a full lesson.

If you are tired of the same old trampoline parks, SURFPARK is a breath of fresh air. Watch your kids build confidence, get some exercise as a family, and leave with huge smiles all while staying warm and dry when you’re not in the water.

Find it:
Opening Hours: 1-9PM daily
Building A, Chenyuan Cultural and Creative Industrial Park, 9 Jia, Shuangqiao Middle Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区双桥中路甲9号院辰园文化创意产业园

Looking for more cool things to do with the family? Join our Family Friendly Events group on WeChat. Add Wilhelmina87 to join.

Images: Dianping