This week we’re mixing it up a bit: as well as a range of fun family-friendly events that you can attend virtually from around the world, we’ve also included some carefully selected small, in-person events so you and your family remain safe during this time of increased COVID security measures.
As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.
Friday, Jan 29
CISB’s TEDxYouth – Purpose of Life
Here’s a fantastic way to start your weekend: this Friday afternoon, the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) is hosting a TEDxYouth event featuring presentations by three special guest speakers, as well as five CISB middle and high school students. The subject of this year’s event is ‘Purpose of Life’, and will be streamed live around China and around the world. If you and the kids can’t make it to either the live event on campus, or the live webinar, it will also be featured on the TED official channel and on the school website after it’s completed.
4-6pm. The Canadian International School of Beijing, and online. Free
Saturday, Jan 30
First Aid Training Focus on Children
Have you been meaning to brush up on your first aid skills, and haven’t gotten around to it? Perhaps now is the time: on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, International Medical Center Beijing will hold a First Aid courses specifically about child safety. This 3-hour course is suitable for parents, grandparents, teachers, pretty much anyone who comes into contact with kids. On Saturday, the course will be taught in English, and on Sunday in Chinese.
9am-12 noon. IMC. RMB 500.
Longqingxia Ice Festival and Tang Dynasty Caves
Saturday is a big one for the Beijing Hikers: they’ve got three separate hikes planned, including one along the White River and another in the west of Beijing, but this one is particularly great for kids and families and as you’ll be spending lots of time outdoors, quite covid-safe. First, the group will visit a series of marvelous inter-connected cave homes that were created sometime between 618-907AD, then stop for an early dinner at a countryside restaurant, before continuing on to the Longqingxia Ice Festival, which is sometimes referred to as a ‘mini Harbin Ice Festival’ to take in the spectacular ice sculptures and light displays. This is an easy day trip, suitable for little kids, although not stroller-friendly.
11am departure. Pickup from Liangmaqiao and Lido. RMB 500 / RMB 450 for members, RMB 250 for under 12s
Resilient Kids Virtual Wellness Sessions
“From as young an age as possible, our children need to understand that when the branch breaks they can trust their wings”. That’s the ethos over at Resilient Kids, a UK based organization centered around helping children develop resilience in their lives. This wellness session is specifically designed for kids 8-10 years old, and will touch on how to overcome fears and anxiety, develop a ‘can-do attitude’, a growth mindset and so much more in a safe and welcoming environment. Kids from all over the world regularly attend, and parents are welcome to sit in with their child in the beginning if they are feeling anxious or shy.
5pm Beijing time. From RMB 80 (£8.92)
Bao Buns 2 Ways Family Friendly Online Cooking Class
We admit it, it does seem a bit odd to join an online cooking class, hosted in the UK, about a fundamental of Chinese cuisine while living in China.. but stay with us! Chinese food has spread all over the world, acquiring wonderful new flavors and local ingredients. Join up for this class with Nonna Chong, and you’ll learn how to make tasty bao buns, in two ways: firstly the familiar twisted dumpling, and secondly as a taco-like vessel for delicious marinated meat. Be sure to sign up early and allow time to get your ingredients prepped.
5.30pm Beijing time. RMB 160 (£18)
KEEP READING: Pandemics Among Us: How Roleplaying Games Help My Kids Through Covid
Images: courtesy of the event organizers
