Summer is a time of adventure, relaxation, and new experiences. In this series, we asked our readers to share their summer stories. From exciting travels to peaceful moments at home, from learning new skills to forging precious memories with loved ones, every tale is a window into the diverse and wonderful ways people spent their summers.
Let’s find out more about this mom of two, Svetlana Orem and her family did this summer.
Every summer, our family takes spontaneity to a whole new level. We make exactly zero plans—zip, nada, nothing. We’re all about embracing the unknown, letting adventures and surprises take the wheel. It’s a bit like a game of roulette; we never know when or where the vacation will happen, but one thing’s for sure—it will happen.
Take last year, for instance. My husband surprised me with a birthday getaway to Thailand. It was my first time there, and I brought along my father (who was visiting us), our daughter, and, oh yeah, a massive eight-month-pregnant belly! Talk about an entourage.
This summer? Well, it came with a plot twist: our entire family decided to visit. We went from a cozy little unit to a rambunctious group of 15! Yes, you heard right, 15 people under one roof. “Go big or go home,” they say, and boy, did we go big. It was like hosting a reality show, minus the cameras, but with twice the fun.
One of the highlights was a trip to Sanya with my mom and our two girls. It was our youngest’s first time on the beach, and let me tell you, it was priceless. And as for me, I embarked on a solo parent adventure, flying back with just me and the two girls. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as hard as I’d imagined—thank goodness for those super helpful flight attendants!
With my husband’s side of the family, we headed to Qingdao, where we devoured amazing local food and braved the freezing sea. Note to self: check the swimming season next time!
Back in Beijing, our nephews and nieces became our partners in crime as we hit every fun spot imaginable—Mayan Water Park, Happy Valley, you name it.
We even discovered that Beijing is packed with escape rooms where language isn’t a barrier—perfect for our mixed-language group! The puzzles and challenges were so engaging that we ended up going to these escape rooms seven days in a row!
To top off our indoor fun, we became total board game fanatics, thanks to a haul from Roundabout. We played until the wee hours, channeling our inner teenagers and happily ignoring bedtime, because why not?
After the family visit, we extended the fun by heading to Club Med Yanqing, just outside of Beijing. We spent almost a week there—the four of us plus my mother. It was a blast! We had daily swims, enjoyed some horse rides, watched our three-year-old bravely tackle the “trapèze volant” (yes, really!), and took peaceful walks in the mountains. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.
Lately, my daughter and I have been on a creative kick, crafting 3D and pop-up books. This summer’s theme? Evolution. We dove deep into dinosaur territory, complete with Dino theaters, museum visits, and anything else to make learning fun and unforgettable.
And because summer isn’t just about play, I also teamed up with CAN (Clothing Auction Network) to organize clothing auctions, with all proceeds going to those in need. If you’re curious, scan the code and join the cause—it’s rewarding and fun!
We also just recently discovered an amazing hidden gem in Shunyi, Manmangu petting zoo, where I felt like Snow White when feeding the birds. They have all kinds of fun there, my daughter loved the foam party a lot.
As summer winds down, we’re squeezing in every last bit of adventure. Today’s agenda? A Pirate scavenger hunt, endless pool fun, and BBQ parties! What about you? What’s your next adventure?
Images: Svetlana Ore
