Don’t miss this week’s excellent events that are fun for the whole family. E-mail newsletter@beijing-kids.com to get each issue sent to your inbox. Check the beijingkids website for full event listings, www.beijing-kids.com. 

Thursday 17 September – Fish and Chip Night

It’s almost the end of the week – time to relax, unwind and de-stress. Enjoy the beautiful weather while its still here and take the kids to Houhai for a boat ride around the lake. Then walk to Fish Nation in Nanluogu Xiang and take part in a great British tradition: the fish and chip night. Fish Nation (6401 3249).   

Don’t Forget: Nanluogu Xiang can get a little crowded at night, making strollers hard to maneuver. Parents with little ones should opt for a baby sling instead.

Friday 18 September – Cats (of the musical kind)

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi-award-winning Broadway musical, Cats, arrives in Beijing tomorrow, Sep 19! Make sure you book your tickets today for a chance to hum along to your favorite songs. Suitable for kids ages 8 and over. Tickets start from RMB 280. Performing at the Beijing Exhibition Theater from Sep 19-27. For tickets, visit www.piao.com.cn.

Don’t Forget: Piao.com accepts international credit cards, and they deliver the tickets to your door for free the following day.

Saturday 19 September – Hilton Kids’ Cooking Class

Little chefs can check out the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing’s weekly kids’ cooking class. Kids get to make a range of yummy foods in Vasco’s beautiful open kitchen, as parents relax nearby with a cup of coffee or tea. For kids ages 5 and up. RMB 88 (includes a hot chocolate). 3-5pm. For reservations, call Jason Chen 5812 8888 ext. 8411.  

Don’t Forget: Bring wet wipes and top for your little one to change into just in case the kitchen gets messy.

Saturday 19 September – Get Your Kilt On

Join the Caledonian Society for a ceilidh. For those of you who aren’t Scots, that means a fun evening of Scottish music and dancing. This event is for families with kids over 8 years old. Tickets include welcome drink, buffet supper, free beer and soft drinks. To purchase tickets, e-mail beijingcaledoniansociety@gmail.com RMB 100 (children), RMB 120 (society members), RMB 140 (non-society members). Starts 7.30pm. Details at www.beijingcaledoniansociety.com.

Don’t Forget: You never know how far back your family tree goes! Start by researching your family tartan online at Tartans.scotland.net

 Sunday 20 September – Xu Xing, Dinosaur Hunter

Dr. Xu is responsible for naming more than 30 new dinosaur species, including the four-winged Microraptor and the bucktoothed Incisivosaurus. Older kids will love to hear all about his amazing adventures in the Gobi Desert and the wilds of Mongolia. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Xu’s firsthand accounts of what it’s like to be a modern-day Indiana Jones. For details and prices, call The Bookworm (6586 9507).

Don’t Forget: Pick up a copy of the beijingkids Family Guide, chock-full of useful info for newly arrived expat families and seasoned Beijingers alike. 

Upcoming Events:

Saturday 26 September – Beijingkids Family Games and Sports Day

Beijingkids presents a fun sports and activities day at O’le Sports Arena on from 11am to 4pm for kids who are above 3 years old. Sign ups are currently underway: RMB 100 per person, RMB 80 for Beijingkids club members. Events will include rock-climbing, football, sack races, face painting, arts and crafts and more! The day’s challenges include a tug of war game and a football tournament. Each kid will receive a free lunch box and goodie bag. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event – call Victoria at 5820 7700 ext 855 or e-mail marketing@beijing-kids.com to book a place before Wed, Sept 23.