As the city gears up for the traffic nightmare that is going to be the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference from November 7-15, all local schools and “non-essential” government offices will close for the event. Luckily, many recreational venues and culture organizations are rushing to fill in the gap with workshops, camps, and other kid-friendly activities. Here’s a survey of upcoming events taking place during APEC.
Fri, Nov 7
Rollerblading and Games with Imagine
Ages 7-14. Rollerblading is the first of three activities offered over the APEC break by multi-sports organization Imagine. Instructors will teach kids tricks according to skill level. Between rollerblading sessions, they’ll also participate in team challenges with ropes, balls, and blindfolds. Open to students from any school. RMB 180. 1.30-3pm. ISB Dome (186 1045 3101, info@imagine-china.com)
Mon, Nov 10
Trash Bash and Games with Imagine
Ages 7-14. Make music with objects at Trash Bash, where kids will improvise their own instruments, explore different sounds, and create rhythmic compositions together. In the afternoon, there will be team challenges and games. RMB 450 (non-members), RMB 400 (Beijing Riviera members). 1.45-3pm. Beijing Riviera (186 1045 3101, trashbash@imagine-china.com)
Tue, Nov 11
Indoor Skiing with Imagine Snowsports
Go skiing with international instructors from Imagine Snowsports; participants will be divided by level to be taught new skills. No experience or equipment needed. 10.30am-2pm. Qiaobo Ice and Snow World (186 1045 3101, info@imagine-china.com)
Mon, Nov 10 to Wed, Nov 12
Blue Bridge APEC Three-Day Workshop
Ages 3-12. Blue Bridge Education will hold art workshops for kids at both its CBD and Lido centers. Activities will be divided according to two age groups (3-6 and 7-12) and follow the themes of “Princes and Princesses” and “Book Illustration and Design” respectively. The younger group will explore stories like Cinderella, Snow White, and Aladdin while the older group will write and illustrate their own books. RMB 1,680. 9am-4pm. Blue Bridge Education (CBD Center: 5900 0270, Lido Center: 5947 2275)
Mon, Nov 10 to Wed, Nov 12
O’le Sports APEC Break Camp
Ages 6 and up. O’le Sports will hold a three-day sports camp with rock climbing, box climbing, soccer, bouldering, and slacklining. The activities will be supervised by the center’s instructors. RMB 1,100 (lunch not included). 10am-6pm. O’le Sports Center (oleclimbing@gmail.com)
Mon, Nov 10 to Fri, Nov 14
November Holiday Workshop: Back to the Future
Ages 5-12. Kids will imagine what it’s like to live in the year 3044 in this Atelier workshop, imagining and creating their own cars, cities, houses, and even daily objects. RMB 1,500. 9.30-11.30am (ages 5-8), 1.30-4pm (ages 9-12). Atelier (6416 1614, atelier@atelier.cn.com)
Photos: Courtesy of Atelier, Imagine, and O’le Sports
