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 webeditor@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.
Featured Events This Month
The 7th Longines Beijing Masters, Oct 13-15
All ages. A record field of 170 pairs of horses and riders including Ludger Beerbaum, Christian Ahlmann, Henrik von Eckermann, Sergio Moya, Roger-Yves Bost, Marus Ehning, Tiggany Foster and lauren Hough will all join into this year’s completion, promising the biggest and most spectacular event of its kind since the inaugural event in 2011. RMB 80-2800. (https://piao.damai.cn/128901.html)
Sino 10’s Rugby Tournament, Oct 21
All ages. Organized by the Beijing Aardvarks Rugby Club, an expat club consisting of students and young professionals since 1999, we are pleased to bring the 4th annual Sino 10’s tournament to China. A family day full of sport, good food, good beers, this is certainly an event not to miss for rugby fans young and old. Free, 9.00am– 5.45pm. Dulwich College Beijing (8450 7676)
beijingkids 11th Annual Halloween Costume Party, Oct 28-29
All ages. Join us for a delightfully ghoulish Halloween extravaganza at the Canadian International School of Beijing. Expect a mixed bag of tricks and treats that will surely possess you with all of the essential ingredients needed for a frenzied All Hallows’ Eve that’s suitable for the entire family. Space is limited to approximately 2,000 people so reserve your spot today. 010 5941 0368
Fun for Kids
Flips & Kicks plus Gymnastics, until Dec 8
Ages 3-12. At Flips & Kicks they’re dedicated to giving all their students the opportunity to reach their full potential while still keeping the emphasis on fun. They offer children the chance to improve their fitness, coordination, concentration, self-esteem, and confidence in an environment that is stimulating, challenging, and safe. Prices vary from RMB 1430-2100. Western Academy of Beijing ( 137 1846 2044, info@flipsandkicksplus.com)
Weekly drawing class, 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 Dongzhimenwai Street Dongcheng.
Fun for Family
BSB Baby & Toddler Group Friday Mornings, until Dec 8
Ages 0-18 months. Come to BSB’s Baby & Toddler Group to meet other expat families, enjoy playing with age-appropriate toys, creating seasonal crafts, singing, actions and lots more! Free to attend. Drinks and snacks provided. Free. BSB, Shunyi (8047 3588, play@britishschool.org.cn)
Fun-filled Mom and Child Playground, Every Saturday
Ages 1.5-5. Join this fun-filled mom and child playground at Happy Family Kindergarten every Saturday morning. This playground is aimed for children 1.5-5 years old and moms to meet new people while spending some quality time together with their little bundles of joy. The kids will engage in storytelling, arts and crafts activities, as well as music and movement. Free. 9.00am-11.00am. (RSVP: 136 9573 7808)
Food and Dining
Flavor of Sorrento, Oct 31
All ages. Newly arrived chef Antonio Borriello will lead you on a journey of flavors from his native town. Sorrento is a famous small town in the south of Naples. Lemon, citrus fruit, wine, nuts and olives are all quite famous here. Chef Antonio with his talent for matching different ingredients together will make your tongue dance with delight. 5:30–10:30pm. The Westin Beijing Financial Street (010 6629 7815)
Outdoor Activities
The Beijing Warlord Tour, Oct 18
All ages. Take a tour of 1920s Beijing with a soldier of fortune and get the lowdown on the ferocious warlords that are tearing China apart. During the tour you will learn how a bad foot helped the real last Emperor ascend to the throne; discover why the most powerful man in China fell from power and become a lowly landlord; and find out how the “dog meat general” earned his nickname. RMB 190 for adults, 120 for kids under 14. (138-1777-0229, info@newmantour.com)
The Beijing Ghost Tour, Oct 29
All ages. Why do Chinese zombies bounce? Why is the ghost of the tragic Bell Tower Lady always saying thank you? In order to learn the answers to these questions and many more, check out this great tour brought to you by the folks at Newman Tours. As Beijing’s first ever Ghost Tour, this is the perfect activity to put you into the Halloween spirit as you explore haunted hutongs. RMB 260 for adults, RMB 190 for kids under 14. 7-9pm. Exit B North Beihai Metro Station (138 1777 0229, email info@newmantour.com)
The Forbidden City Tour, until Oct 31
All ages. This unique tour brings the ceremony, pomp, and intrigue of Beijing’s Imperial Palace back to life. Combining carefully researched information about how and why it was constructed, with shocking anecdotes about the 24 men to whom it belonged. RMB 290 for adults, 220 for kids. 1.30-3.30pm (138-1777-0229, @infonewmantours.com)
Workshops and Seminars
YCIS Beijing Active Parenting Workshop, Oct 16
Adults. Active Parenting will give you skills to achieve a fuller, more satisfying family life and help your children achieve greater happiness and success. This course will show you a proven-effective approach to parenting that will lead to more harmony and happiness for you and your children. Free. 8.30am–10.30am. (8583 3731)
MOMS MEET FOR TREATS AT MOPS,Oct 9- 23
Adults. Join Mothers of Pre-schoolers (MOPS) as they journey and grow together through different stages of motherhood. A series of mommy meeting addressing issues ranging from how to worry less, designing a family plan, creating a family vision and culture, simplifying your life, and more are lined up for this year. Free. 10am-12pm (RSVP: mops@bicf.org, WeChat: MOPS 2017-2018)
Cool Culture
La Voix Humaine – Beijing Music Festival, Oct 19
All ages. Belgium’s premier new opera company Muziektheater Transparant is invited by the Beijing Music Festival to bring “La Voix Humaine” in a concept of director Wouter Van Looy, soprano Naomi Beeldens and pianist Jean Malaise. This one-act opera for soprano and orchestra is composed by Francis Poulenc on the basis of a written work by Jean Cocteau. RMB 180. 7.30pm. (www.bmf.org.cn )