Many expats may not be familiar with Children’s Day. “Isn’t every day Children’s Day?” you tiredly ask. And yet, Children’s Day has a long and honorable history. According to Wikipedia, it was “universally established in 1954 to protect children working long hours in dangerous circumstances and allow all children access to an education.” In China, Children’s Day is celebrated on June 1 and known as liuyi guoji ertong jie (六一国际儿童节). Local schools usually get a full day’s break and organize fun activities for kids. This year, Children’s Day falls on Saturday – and that means plenty of events and promotions.
Saturday, June 1
Bloom of Beaming Faces Fulfilling of Kid’s Dreams on Children’s Day
All ages. Disregard the Chinglish event name. Children’s Day coincides with the anniversary of Shangri-La Hotel’s Xiang Junior kids’ club. To celebrate, the hotel is throwing a birthday party with mascot Tong Tong (a big bear) with art activities. Free. All day (8am-11pm). Shangri-La Hotel
Children’s Day at VAI Milano
All ages. On Saturday only, all kids get a 12 percent discount on the shop’s gelato and receive a small gift. In addition, kids can watch their favorite cartoon while enjoying their cold treat. 10am-10pm. VAI Milano
Children’s Day Charity BBQ
All ages. Raise money for a good cause and join Stars and Rain for a charity barbecue with food, drinks, friends, family, and philanthropy. A bus will leave from Fairmont Hotel Beijing at 10.45am. RMB 150/person. 10.30am-7pm. Stars and Rain Institute for Autism
Children’s Day Cooking Class at Traders Hotel
All ages. Traders Hotel is hosting a cooking class with pizza making and chef’s uniforms. There’s an award for “Best Pizza Chef,” and participants can eat their own creations at the end of the workshop. End the day with a gift and a children’s buffet at T-Bazaar. RMB 88 + 15% service charge (includes children’s buffet, workshop and gift). Noon-2pm. Traders Hotel, Beijing
Children’s Day Half Price Menu at The Full English
Up to age 16. On Saturday, The Full English is offering 50 percent off on their entire menu for kids and teens. Tables must be booked by May 31 to take advantage of the offer. 8am-2.30pm. The Full English
New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital Health Fair
All ages. For Children’s Day, New Century (one of Beijing’s newer hospitals) is hosting a health fair with free medical treatments, an appearance by Snow White, clowns, magic shows, a “baby catwalk,” food and more. Free. 9.30am-noon. New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Page One Discount for Children’s Books
All ages. From June 1-7, Page One is offering a 15 percent discount on all children’s books at all of its branches. During this time, all customers who spend more than RMB 61 on kids’ books will receive a Page One children’s member card. Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Page One
Splash Day at Swiss Embassy Pool
All ages. The Swiss Society Beijing’s annual pool party and barbecue falls on Children’s Day this year! The food selection includes sausages, salad buffet, soft drinks, beer and wine. (Note that guests must arrive between 11am and noon for security reasons; inform SSB if you plan to arrive later.) RSVP required by May 29. 11am-4pm. Members: RMB 200/adult, RMB 100/child. Non-members: RMB 300/adult, RMB 150/child. Free for kids under 5. Swiss Embassy
UCCA Children’s Day Special: A Day of Color
Ages 3-10. For Children’s Day, UCCA celebrates the full spectrum of colors with a kids’ workshop featuring Beijing Makerspace and Midola Art Studio. In Chinese only. All materials included. RMB 150/child, RMB 100 for UCCA members. 2-5pm. Ullens Center for Contemporary Arts
Sunday, June 2
Bethel China Children’s Day Party
All ages. Join charitable organization Bethel China as they celebrate Children’s Day with their 50 charges at their center on the outskirts of Beijing. There will be games, food, music, and more. RMB 50. 10am-2pm. Bethel China
Children’s Day Concert: Peter and the Wolf
All ages. Beijing International Chamber Orchestra (BICO) performs a program especially for children with talented young musicians. Expect pieces by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Paganini and, of course, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. All proceeds benefit Morning Tears, a charity that works with kids whose parents are in prison. Complete the day with dinner and refreshments at Green T. House Living after the show. RMB 120/adult, RMB 60/child. 4-6pm. Green T. House Living
FIZZtastic Baby and Me Sunday Brunch
All ages. Hilton Beijing Wangfujing’s Sunday brunch features the usual mix of champagne, jazz, and fresh seafood. All families will receive a t-shirt with a family photo. RSVP required. RMB 458/adult. 11.30am-3pm. Vasco’s, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Photo by Steve Willebrand (via Wikimedia Commons)
