Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Indulge

Michelin-Starred Chef Tano Simonato Cooks up a Storm at Barolo,  Jul 12-14
All ages. World famous Michelin-starred Chef Tano Simonato will be at The Ritz-Carlton with Chef Amedeo Ferri from July 12-14 to introduce a renowned combination of authentic Italian cuisine at Barolo. Chef Tano offers a five-course set menu showcasing Red Chard Marinated Dried Codfish with Sweet Garlic Mayonnaise, Langoustines, and Red Prawns cooked in Lemon Consommé and Stripped Lamb Rack with Honey on Cocoa, and more. He incorporates virgin olive oils and locally sourced seasonal products into the menu to excite your taste buds. He believes that keeping the original flavor of the ingredients is essential for creating incredible culinary experiences. Every guest will also have a chance to win exquisite crystal glass by Baccarat. For reservations call 10 5908 8151. RMB 888 net per person, 5 course set menu. 6-10pm. Barolo. 2/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, China Central Place, 83A Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区建国路甲83.

Healthy Brunch at Feast, Jul 15,16,22,23
All ages. Feast’s award winning semi-buffet brunch features an Asian section of freshly made noodles, soups, spicy crawfish and dim sum, a Western cold cuts and salads station, fresh seafood, French cheeses, pastries, and more. On July 15, 16, 22, and 23, indulge in a special healthy brunch. Come and enjoy organic salads and special dishes tailored to 4 famous tummy trimming diets as well as a fresh juice bar to keep you fit this summer. For reservations, call 8414 9820. Feast (Food by East). EAST, Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 朝阳区酒仙桥路22.

Rmb 80 All-You-Can-Eat-And-Drink at Mr. Shi Sanlitun, until Jul 30
All ages. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings is offering a special promotion. Spend RMB 80 and enjoy unlimited dumplings, dishes, draft beer, and seasonal fruits. The deal requires a minimum of 5 people. Contact the store to make a reservation by calling 131 6100 3826 or 6415 6388, or by emailing laoshisj@qq.com. Mr. Shi’s Dumplings Sanlitun Branch. No. 37 Sanlitun South, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区 三里屯南37号楼

Explore

Children’s Book Expo & Beijing Science Festival, Jul 7-16
All ages. Already in its third consecutive year, the China Children’s Book Expo is back and this year’s event is combined in one space with the Beijing Science Festival. Browse and buy children’s books from over 40 children’s publishers and participate in a wide range of interactive activities themed around children’s books and science.  Once you’ve explored children’s books until your heart’s content, move on to discover a whole world of science fun! RMB 120 per person, free entry for children under 0.9m tall. 10am- 5pm. Beijing Exhibition Center. 135 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District. 西城区 西直门外大街135号.

Author Study of the Month, July 15
Ages 6-12. An author study is an excellent way to investigate and celebrate the work of a writer. On July 15, R3 Discover Readers’ Club is featuring one well-known children’s book author, Eric Carle, who is recognized for his most famous work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Option 1: Kids only – RMB 480; Option 2: Kids & Parents – RMB 680; *with one book to take home. 10-11.30am. R3 Discover Readers’ Club. (WeChat ID: R3Discovery, 185 1133 4363 [Chinese]; 151 0160 5808 [English], r3discovery@sina.com). 9th Floor, JingChao Building, No. 5 NongZhan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. 朝阳区农展南路5号京朝大厦9层众舍空间.

Experience the Avengers, until Aug 20
All ages. One of the world’s favorite comic series comes to Beijing! Following stops in Times Square, Paris, Las Vegas and Singapore, this interactive comic book experience hits Beijing, giving kids, families, and fans a chance to see Avengers memorabilia up close and to learn more about their favorite heroes. RMB 198 on weekdays, RMB 258 on weekends. Chaoyang Park West Gate. 8 Square, 4th Gate West Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang, Beijing. 北京 朝阳区 北京朝阳公园西4门－－08广场.

Living Digital Forest and Future Park, Tue-Sat until Oct 10
All ages. ‘Living Digital Forest’ is an exhibition of twelve digital works, which includes ‘Future Park’, an interactive, dynamic playground where kids can explore, experiment, and play. Click/tap here for more details about the exhibition. Click/tap here to buy an e-ticket (page in Chinese) or follow Pace Beijing’s WeChat (ID: pace_service). RMB 80 (weekdays), RMB 150 (weekends). 10am-6pm.  Pace Beijing, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798艺术区8502信箱

Volunteer for Roundabout, every Mon-Sat
Roundabout is a charity store whose proceeds pay for medical costs for orphans and others less fortunate, sheltered housing for the elderly, warm blankets, food, and other basic needs. Roundabout aids a wide range of people, including the elderly, children in orphanages and from poor families, mentally or physically challenged people, and women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteer to help sort out the huge donation goods that the organization receives, such as by checking puzzles, assembling games/toys, separating stationery items, testing electronics, dressing dolls, assembling furniture/tents etc. Donating your time will make a huge difference to so many lives – including yours. 9.30am-5.30pm. Roundabout. (WeChat ID: CHOWLZHOU, 150 1018 7653, chowlilyzhou@yahoo.com). Yuyang Road West, Off An Hua Road, Shunyi District. 众爱商店，顺义区榆阳路.

Learn

Creative Writing Workshop, second and last Saturday of every month
Ages 14-19. Join the Beijing Youth Literary Review (BYLR) for creative writing workshops to learn about Blackout Poetry, Collaborative Stories and more. 2pm. For more information, follow BYLR on Facebook, Instagram (@beijingyouthlit), and WeChat (beijingyouthlit). #13 Unit 6, Building C, Xiangjiang Bei An, Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing. 北京市朝阳区香江北路香江北岸C座6单元底商13号

Weekly Drawing Classes, until Nov 25
All ages. The weekly art sessions will run until November 25. They’re perfect for families with children that have a passion for art. Students at the SLab can learn correct drawing techniques, how to draw portraits and even papier mâché. Come join the Academic Drawing Class from 1-3pm, and/or the Creative Drawing Class from 4-6pm. RMB 290 per class. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). R102 Building 5, No.15 DongzimenWai Street Dongcheng Street. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Dumpling Cooking Class, Wed and Thu until Dec 31
All ages. Come to the courtyard KUCINA Cooking Studio to learn how to make traditional Chinese dumplings. Come on your own or bring your friend friends for a dumpling cooking class, which includes a meal around the table. Call to make a reservation one day in advance. 10.30am. (150 1133 7590). 44 Liushui Xiang, Dongsi Wutiao, Dongcheng District. 东城区 东四五条流水巷44号.

Relax

Pop-Up Yoga @ Café Zarah, Starting Jul 3 & every other Monday onwards
All ages. Tired of sitting the whole day? Your neck is sore and your eyes hurt from staring at your laptop? And your brain feels like a squeezed mango? Then just head over to Zarah every other Monday starting from July 3rd and squeeze some office yoga into your schedule for a good & healthy start of the week! Yoga instructor Yiyang will be lead special sessions of Pop-Up Yoga at Café Zarah. There is no need for reservations, no participation fee and you don’t need to bring your yoga mats either! Free. 3-3:30pm. Café Zarah. (8403 9807, info@cafezarah.com). Guloudongdajie No.46. 北京东城鼓楼东大街46号.

The Ming and the Manchus: a Walk and Discussion at the Forbidden City, Jul 15
All ages. For nearly 600 years, the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties governed China from behind the high red walls of the Forbidden City. This walk and discussion looks at what life was like in the palace for the men and women who lived and worked there. During this talk, you will learn about the differences between the two dynasties. Book here. RMB 300 (RMB 260 for members of The Hutong) includes all guide fees, tips, and admission tickets. 10am-1pm. Forbidden City. 4 Jingshanqianjie, Dongcheng District 北京市东城区景山前街4号

Daddy & Me Time, every 2nd & 4th Sat
Ages 6-30 months. Busy Hands Playgroup is organizing a Daddy & Me Time event every second and fourth Saturday of the month. This event not only gives moms a well-deserved morning off, but it also highlights the importance of fathers, particularly in a child’s early years, and gives fathers an opportunity to seek support from each other. Scan the QR code found here to sign up. 10am-noon. RMB 120. Little Park. (WeChat ID: Hi32kids). 10, Jingda International Apartment 9D 11 Chaoyang Park Road Chaoyang District.

Hike

Jiankou – Gubeikou Great Wall Hiking and Camping (2 days), Jul 29- 30
Ages 5+. If you love the outdoors, you won’t want to miss this epic Great Wall hike that covers 2 fantastic sections of the Beijing Wild Great Wall:  the amazing Wild Jiankou Great Wall and Gubeikou, Beijing’s oldest Great Wall. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. Day 1 departure at 9.30am, day 2 arrival in Beijing at 7pm. RMB 1600 (RMB 1440 for kids 7-17, RMB 1280 for membership, RMB 800 for kids younger than 7). ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

1 Day Sunset Great Wall Hike, Jul 29
Ages 5+. Hike 8 km on a recently restored Wild Great Wall section with stunning views on Beijing’s highest Great Wall in the north, miles and miles of the Great Wall in the south, and the Chen Castle General Tower in the east. You will need an average to good physical condition and some balance for this trail. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. Departure at 11.30am, arrival in Beijing at 10pm. RMB 600 (RMB 540 for kids 7-17, RMB 480 for membership, RMB 300 for kids younger than 7)  ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

Sunset Great Wall Camping (2 days), Jul 24-25
Ages 5+. This hike will take place along 10km of the beaten path Great Wall and hikers will pitch their tents on top of the Great Wall. You need a good physical condition and some balance for this trip as it is a 1.5-hour uphill hike. The camping spot is magical, with a view of the highest Great Wall in the north, miles and miles of Great Wall in the south, and the Chen Castle General Tower in the east. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Follow ChinaHiking on Wechat and get last minutes’ discount: ChinaHiking_Beijing. Day 1 departure at 9.30am, day 2 arrival in Beijing at 12.30pm. RMB 1000 (RMB 900 for kids 7-17, RMB 800 for membership, 500 RMB for kids younger than 7). ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

West Jiankou to East Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall, various dates in July
Ages 5+. The 18-km Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall camping offers an in-depth exploration of the Wild Jiankou with a finish on the restored Mutianyu Great Wall. Dates: Jul 19-20, Jul 22-23, Jul 27-28. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Day 1 departure at 9.30am, day 2 arrival in Beijing at 7pm. RMB 1600 (1440 RMB for kids 7-17,  1280 RMB for membership, 800 RMB for kids younger than 7).  ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

Jiankou Great Wall Camping (2 days), various dates in July
Ages 5+. Hike 10-km on Jiankou wild Great Wall and pass numerous watchtowers overgrown by flowers and trees. Hikers will have a chance to pitch their tents on the Great Wall or in a watchtower and gaze at the stars while sitting around a campfire. This Great Wall hike has total ascent of 600 meters, so you’ll need a fair bit of energy to reach the top. But your efforts will be rewarded as this trail is a mecca for photographers. Dates: Jul 19-20, Jul 29-30. Hike level: 3 medium/strong. Day 1 departure at 9.30am, day 2 arrival in Beijing at 1pm. RMB 1000 (RMB 900 for kids 7-17, RMB 800 for membership, RMB 500 for kids younger than 7). Hike level: 3 medium/strong. ChinaHiking Beijing. (156 5220 0950, info@chinahiking.cn, http://www.chinahiking.cn/)

Camp

Fashion Summer Camp, whole month of July
Ages 8+. Get ready this July 2017 for an exciting new set of fashion themed programs available at the SLab. From designing to sewing, students will learn a variety of skills that brings out creativity and exercises dexterity skills. At the Slab’s Kid’s Summer Camp, the four key fashion topics that will be explored are Machine Sewing; Textile Crafts; Needlework; and Drawing. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). Room 102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzhimen Outer Street (Haolou South Gate) Dongcheng District, Beijing. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Storytelling Summer Camp, whole month of July
Ages 8+. In this age of technological advancement and accessible social media platforms, there are no limits to what we can create and share with the world with just the phones in our hands. With limitless sources for output, there comes a tendency to lose sight of the importance in foundational elements. Just take a look at the sheer amount of lifeless narratives in the Summer blockbusters, an explosion of images with no clear objective. The SLab brings you a whole new theme of Storytelling workshops, where students will be able to explore three different methods to tell stories, from illustration to photography to film.  Come build stories and narratives with The SLab’s three available programs: Movie Making; Comic Creation; and Visual Diary. The SLab. (138 1121 8031). Room 102 Building 5, No.15 Dongzhimen Outer Street (Haolou South Gate) Dongcheng District, Beijing. 北京东城区东直门外大街15号楼5单元102室.

Atelier Summer Camps, various dates in Jul
Ages 4+. Like every year, Atelier’s team has created a series of epic and adventurous workshops through art history, literature and history, and science! This July, Atelier is running the Art Nouveau, Frida Kahlo and Mexico, and Marco Polo workshops. Also, help your kids discover their inner engineer by signing them up for Atelier Fablab’s Make your own 3D printer workshop. Room 10L, Building 7, Julong Garden, No. 68 Xinzhong Lu, Dongcheng District. 北京市东城区新中街68号聚龙花园7号楼10L室

Summer Camp with Flips & Kicks Plus and Kerry Sports, various dates in Jul & Aug
Ages 4-12. Due to the positive response from previous summer camps, FLIPS & KICKS PLUS in proud cooperation with KERRY SPORTS will host additional ones. Three upcoming camps will take place on July 10-14, August 7^–11, and August 14^–18. Registration is required. For more information or booking please contact the Kerry Center (8565 2460, hbkc@thekerryhotels.com). RMB 3,200-4,500. 9am–2.30pm. Kerry Centre. Guang Hua Lu no. 1. 光华路一号

Sea Touring Kayak Training Summer Camp, various dates in Jul & Aug
Ages 8-18. Beijing Warren Kayak Club is organizing the first kayak summer camp in Beijing history. The purpose of the camp is to teach ACA (American Canoe Association) sea touring kayak level 1 and level 2 lessons. Students will learn and master long distance paddling, practice rescue drills, and learn about kayak trips. At the end, the students’ learning will be assessed, and their skill levels will be certified by ACA. English is the main language of the kayak summer camp, but the instructors are more or less able to communicate in Chinese. (WeChat ID: Kayaking_China, 151 0166 2018, boston5678@qq.com).

Photos: MsHLamb, tanvimalik, NicolePina via Pixabay; Andy Penafuerte; other photos courtesy of the organizers

More stories by this author here.