1 tbjkids Treasure Hunt
Avast, me mateys! tbjkids is calling all little pirates and salty treasure seekers for lunch and a park-wide treasure hunt at Ritan Park. If it’s a pirate’s life for you, then come eat, enjoy the sunshine, and play games to win gifts and other exciting prizes. Don’t worry, we won’t make you walk the plank! The fun takes place on Saturday, April 19. 11.30am-2.30pm. For families with kids ages 3-10, RMB 70 per person. Tickets are required. Space is limited to the first 100 children that sign up before Wednesday, April 16. For more information, contact Nancy Ding at 5820 7700 ext 853 or e-mail marketing@tbjkids.com.
2 French Film Panorama
As the mercury in your thermometer creeps higher and higher, seek refuge in a cool and air-conditioned movie theater! The fifth annual French Film Panorama is being held in April, and this year it will feature movies, animated tales and documentaries well-suited for kids. From Gallic classics like Asterix at the Olympic Games to Let’s Say … (a documentary about a group of children who take on their parents’ jobs), there will be plenty of visual inspiration to justify keeping your kids in a darkened room on a sunny day. Films are screened from April 11-13 at Star City Cinema. Full details of times, prices and the movies showing can be found at www.ccfpekin.org or www.b-cinema.cn.
3 Museum Madness
Beijing is not regarded as the cultural hub of China for nothing! In addition to the countless monuments and historical buildings scattered across the city, Beijing is home to over 140 museums (a few of which we’ve featured in “Creative Spaces”) and one of the most inventive modern art scenes in the world. With its open exhibitions, inviting galleries and outdoor sculptures, the 798 Art District is a not-to-be-missed destination in Beijing. And now that admission to at least 30 Beijing museums is free (check www.beijingmuseum.gov.cn for updated information), there’s no excuse not to delve into the cultural richness of the city.
4 Bend it Like Beckham
Strap on those shin-pads and get ready to kick some grass as ClubFootball’s training courses come out of hibernation this month! Along with the usual games and courses open to kids of all ages, there is now a special girls-only Sunday course, meant to encourage equal participation in the “world’s game.” After fine-tuning their skills, participants will be selected to take part in an inter-academy tournament at ISB. Players may also be selected to represent the ClubFootball Academies at the Sports Beijing Tournament on May 31-June 1 at ISB! Courses are open to students in Grades 3-9. RMB 750 (with uniform) or RMB 650 (without uniform). For details on times, locations, or information on other courses offered this spring by ClubFootball, check out www.clubfootball.com.cn.
5 “Art by Chance” Workshop
UCCA, located in Beijing’s 798 art district, encourages youngsters and their families to engage with contemporary art through art-based activities and hands-on learning. Throughout April and May, UCCA will be offering family workshops in conjunction with their current exhibition, House of Oracles: A Huang Yongping Retrospective. In these workshops for children ages 5-12 (must be accompanied by an adult), kids can interact with artists and experiment with different mediums. The workshop is free but limited to 15 children with advanced registration. Contact 8459 9269 or e-mail eventbooking@ucca.org.cn for details. www.ucca.org.cn
6 Spring out with Style
Once you’ve cleared the closet of those heavy winter coats, is your child’s wardrobe selection looking a little bare? Or are they perhaps still wearing the same tattered T-shirt, jeans and sandals from two years ago? If so, perhaps it’s time to do some clothes shopping! Let tbjkids help you find the best look for your child this year. Our “Spring is in the Air” feature will show you all the latest fashions for kids ages 1-15, and where to find them in Beijing.
7 Beijing Playhouse Kids Camp
Anticipating that your kids will be itching for a creative outlet this spring break? The Beijing Playhouse is gearing up for a performance of the fairy tale classic Snow White, and they are inviting kids ages 6-18 to sign up for their camp. Aspiring actors, singers and dancers are welcome, and all will be cast in the play regardless of English or acting ability. Student registration and auditions are on April 27 at 5.30pm and the course will last from April 28-May 3. Tuition RMB 2,520. For details, check www.beijingplayhouse.com or e-mail performance@beijingplayhouse.com.
8 Getting enough Iron?
The event of a genuine blockbuster on the cinema screens in Beijing is rare, and if it seems like ages ago since the last time you hugged a bucket of buttery popcorn in the comfortable darkness of a movie theater, Iron Man is coming to your rescue. The film is based on the Marvel comic book character, the alter ego of billionaire industrialist Tony Stark. After a terrible accident, Stark builds himself an iron suit to keep himself alive. But what does he do when he realizes that the new suit gives him superhuman powers? Fight crime, of course! Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges. Catch Iron Man when it hits theaters across town on April 30.
9 Spring Fair at ISB
In addition to offering a fun family day, the 2008 ISB PTA Spring Fair also provides an opportunity for ISB internal student groups and ISB-approved student-sponsored charities to raise money for their organizations. The fair is a way for the PTA to raise funds to support its student curriculum enhancement, and spirit- and character-building programs such as visiting authors and booster club. It will also host activities and programs aimed at serving the ISB community, such as International Day, Teacher/Staff Appreciation, and the Guest Speaker Series. All families are invited to come enjoy the fun. April 19, 10am-4pm. E-mail isbptaspringfair@gmail.com for more information. The International School of Beijing, www.isb.bj.edu.cn
10 Pet Orientation Sessions at ICVS
Are you cnsidering adopting a pet? Or perhaps you’ve already adopted one and now need advice on how to bring them to your home country. If so, the International Center for Veterinary Services invites you to join their “Pet Owner Orientation Sessions.” Learn about the latest dog registration regulations for Beijing; free rabies vaccinations for legally registered dogs; protecting pets from heartworm, fleas and ticks; boarding and kenneling pets when traveling; and how to take your pet out of China. Sessions are all free. April 10 and 24, 7-8pm and April 12 and 26, 2-4pm. International Center for Veterinary Services, www.icvsasia.com
