Happy Father’s Day For Dad’s special day on Sunday June 19, make him breakfast in bed, then burn it all off with some family-friendly Heyrobics in Chaoyang Park. There’s more fun to be had with a day of activities at The Familier. Or go to a delicious brunch at either the Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Hilton Beijing, or The Westin Beijing Financial Street. See June 19 listing. Make it a weekend of fun and head to the beijingkids Father’s Day Pool Party at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang on Saturday June 18. See here.
Rack Your Brain On Wednesday June 15, test your knowledge for a good cause at the Magic Hospital Quiz Night. If general knowledge was never your strong point, just sit back and enjoy good food, good beer and good friends. Did we mention there will be prizes up from grabs? See here.Splish Splash
Cool off on a hot summer day by visiting one of the many fun water parks in Beijing. Check out the enormous Merry Water World or Happy Magic Water Cube next to the Bird’s Nest. Have a blast on the awesome water slides and the wave pools, and lap up a good time watching your children splash to their hearts’ content. For details and more places to swim, see Feature.
Fundazzle 2.0
Young kids will have a ball at the newly revamped Fundazzle. Climb on the two-story jungle gym, bounce on the trampolines, and dive into the ball pit. If you had more sedate activities in mind, your kids can try making an arts and crafts project or joining in a sing-along.
Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 9am-7pm. Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6593 6208)
Dinosaur Dig
Trek out to Liaoning Province to dig up fossils at the Yizhou Fossils and Geology Park. Parents and kids will enjoy the authentic experienceof playing archeologist in a real dinosaur quarry. As night falls, snuggleup in a yurt and practice your stargazing. For details, see Feature.
Pool Side, Park Side
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Chaoyang Park. Picnic on the grass, get wet on the log ride, catch a zip line above the trees, and have a water fight on the bumper boats. If the only thing you have the energy for is cooling off in the pool while your kids splash in the shallows, visit the Beach Theme Park. For details, see What’s Fun In.
Home Away From Home
Why not go on a family vacation without leaving Beijing? With the money you’ll save on flights, you can treat the crew to a weekend at a luxury hotel. Enjoy swimming in the pool, eating five kinds of dessert at brunch, and most importantly – not worrying about who’s going to clean up the mess. If it’s kids cooking sessions you’re seeking, try the Saturday classes held at Hilton Beijing Wangfujing (pictured). For details, see Feature.
Valley Kids
Have a rip-roaring good time at Happy Valley Amusement Park – it’s what your kids have been dreaming about all winter. You’ll be blown away by the selection of rides, games and movie theaters. The lines on the weekends can reach epic proportions, so exercise caution and go on a weekday. RMB 160 (April 1 – Nov. 14), RMB 120 (Nov. 15 – March 31). Half price for kids 1.2-1.4m, free for kids under 1.2m. Wuji Beilu, Dongsihuan Lu, Chaoyang District. Daily, 8.30am-10pm.
We All Scream for Ice Cream Who doesn’t like ice cream, especially on a hot day? But why eat the preservative-filled, chemical-colored local ices when you can make your own? Homemade ice cream is surprisingly easy to make, even the kids can get in on the action. See Food For Thought. For less labor-intensive desert options, see Top 5 Places to Chill Out With Dessert .
Giddy Up
Round up your cowboys and cowgirls and head to Equuleus International Riding Club for a day of horse riding. Equuleus welcomes beginners to advanced riders, offering training in flatwork, as well as jumping and basic horse care. For details, see Playing Outside.
