Suit Up for the beijingkids Father’s Day Pool Party
This year, Father’s Day falls on June 17. To celebrate, beijingkids is hosting a Family/
Father’s Day Pool Party at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang on June 16. Bring your swimsuit and join the family fun! For more ideas, check Event listings.
RMB 280, RMB 170 (ages 3-12), RMB 120 (beijingkids Club members), RMB 50
(kids under 3). 10am-2.30pm. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 Dongsanhuan Beilu
(events@beijing-kids.com)
Eat Zongzi for Dragon Boat Festival
On June 23, the moon will be at its strongest, thus marking the beginning of Dragon Boat Festival (known in China as Duanwu Jie or 端午节). The three activities associated with this holiday are preparing and eating zongzi (glutinous rice with fillings wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves), drinking wine, and watching dragon boat races. To catch the action, head to Houhai Lake or Qinglonghu Park.
Better Yourself, Inside and Out
On July 30, the International Newcomers’ Network (INN ) focuses on health for its monthly meeting. “Feeling Great in Beijing” brings together holistic health experts specializing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diet and nutrition, exercise, fitness, stress management, and more.
RMB 50 (covers coffee, tea, and pastries). 10am-noon. The Capital Club Athletic Center, 3/F, Low Rise Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (8486 2225 ext 136, innbeijing@hotmail.com) www.innbeijing.com 朝阳区新源南路6号京城大厦京城俱乐部康乐中心3层
Embrace Your Inner Graffiti Artist
From June 16 to August 18, the biggest graffiti show to ever hit China will be in town. “Do Not Erase” features work by six influential street artists from Brazil, France, Switzerland, and the US . In addition, there will be artist talks and workshops at UCCA, live painting on commercial trucks, organized tours for schools, creative conferences, and a competition for local artists.
Free. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. G-Dot Art Space, Central Gallery Street, Songzhuang
Art District, Tongzhou District (6057 3345, g_dotartspace@sina.com) www.g-dotartspace.com 贵点艺术空间，通州区宋庄画家村艺术东区中心画廊街
Can You Say “Brain Freeze”?
Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month in the US ? Treat yourself to some ice cream, a smoothie, or bingsha (shaved ice cream topped with red beans and condensed milk). Check out Top 5 Places for where to pick up these cold treats.
Go Day Tripping
Tired of the big city? Leave the smog behind for a refreshing trip to the countryside. The greater Beijing area abounds with interesting sights and sounds, from plunging gorges to soaring mountains. Venture out to the mysterious Silver Guyaju Cliff Dwellings or scale the heights of Huanghuacheng Great Wall. For more ideas, turn to Feature.
Jump In, the Water’s Fine
Many outdoor pools and water parks are opening in June, offering some much-needed relief from the heat. Try Crab Island, Happy Magic Water Cube, Splash Recreation Club, or simply hit up a hotel pool. Alternatively, sign up for water-centric summer camps with Aqua Warriors or Sports Beijing.
Hit Up Your Favorite Park
Take advantage of the beautiful weather to revisit your favorite park. Ritan Park offers a surprisingly wide range of kid-friendly activities, including rock climbing, fishing, mini-golf, carnival rides, and trampolines. The colossal Chaoyang Park is also popular with expats.
Smooth Sailing
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the wind in your hair and the rocking of the waves as you sit in a boat. Aofan Sailing Club and Beijing Sailing (pictured here) are both sailing organizations based in Beijing that offer summer sailing camps for kids in Beijing and Hebei. To find out more about Aofan, check out Playing Outside.
Just Wing It This Summer
No plans? No problem. Besides parks and museums, Beijing has a host of play centers, aquariums, laser tag arenas, go-karting circuits, and bowling alleys to keep boredom at bay. When the kids start whining about having nothing to do, turn to Feature and whisk them out the door for a day of unplanned family fun.
This article is excerpted from beijingkids Jun/Jul 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
