Dive into this week’s collection fun family-friendly events from all over the world that you can attend virtually from right here in Beijing.
As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.
Thursday 11 – CNY Eve
PetSpace Pals – Live Puppet Show
Need to keep the kids occupied for 20 minutes while you get on with New Year’s Eve preparations? This live puppet show is just the ticket. Meet some adorable cat and dog puppets and their other PetSpace pals as they act out a variety of fun stories for the whole family. And if your kids like it, they can tune in again the following week.
8am Beijing time. Free
Creative Kids: All Creatures Great and Small
Get crafty in the evening with this activity, suitable for kids aged about 2 years and older. The idea is to make a ‘stained glass’ decoration for your windows, following a wild animals theme. The session is free to attend, but you are encouraged to make a donation.
7pm Beijing time. Free, suggested donation of RMB 45 (£5)
Friday 12 – Chinese New Year
Family workshop with Colourful Minds: Recycled Big Bugs
When they said we should “bug in”, is this what they meant? This crafty event starters pretty early on Chinese New Year day, which again, could be useful if you need to keep the kids occupied while you prepare for the day. They’ll use found objects from around the home, plus glue, paint, and coloring materials to create fantastic Big Bugs. The organizers say it’s suitable for all ages, but kids under 8 will probably need support.
7.30-8.30pm Beijing time. RMB 45 (£5)
Saturday 13
Kids Paint-Along Class: Sleepy Fox
Bust out the canvas this Saturday morning with a fun paint-along class, in which US artist Sophie Mumford will guide your kids through a step by step class and learn some clever techniques so they can paint a cute sleepy fox just like in the image above. The event does start pretty early for us here in Beijing (7.30am) but if you purchase tickets you will receive a recording of the entire class so you can enjoy it at any other time. Suitable for kids 7 and older, you’ll need to prepare canvas and paints in advance.
7.30-9am Beijing time. RMB 65 ($10 USD)
Sunday 14 – Valentine’s Day
The Kids’ Kitchen – Valentine’s Baking Edition
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than baking some delicious treats? This kid’s baking class runs from 6-9pm, and guides kids through the process of baking a chocolate box cake. The class is vegetarian, and certain substitutes are given but you can also contact the organizers in advance if you have special queries or dietary requirements.
6-9pm Beijing time. RMB 310 (£34.98)
Valentine’s Jewellery Making Workshop
Don’t fancy baking? Maybe your kids will enjoy this jewelry making workshop instead, especially if you already have some of the materials at home. Though not specifically aimed at kids, this workshop is suitable for all ages. During the 2 hour class, participants will learn how to make a range of items and accessories, including key rings, beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and even learn some tips on how to fix broken jewelry.
7-8pm Beijing time. Free
Monday 15
Take a deep breath… because this Monday is a holiday! This free workshop, running at 10am Beijing time, is all about yoga and breathwork for kids aged 8-12.
10am Beijing time. Free
Tuesday 16
Zen out this Tuesday evening with this mindful drawing workshop specifically designed for kids aged about 8 and older. Led by artist Ann O’Shaughnessy, all you need to supply is drawing materials and paper. During the 2 hour workshop, your children will get to practice drawing various patterns and designs, culminating in a beautiful ‘Zen Doodle’ inspired piece of wall art. The class is suitable for children aged 8 and above.
6-7pm CST. RMB 133 (£15)
Wednesday 17
Kids Interactive Music Sessions
Let’s finish the Lunar New Year break with a bang! A very melodic, musical bang, that is. Presented by The London Contemporary School of Piano, this free class is aimed at children between 6-12 and is designed to enhance their musical appreciation and lift their creative inspiration. Kids will be inspired to look at music differently, create their own songs, get them up on their feet, and cover other vital aspects of music appreciation and theory that are generally not found in standard school music programs. Sounds good to us!
7pm Beijing time. Free
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Images: courtesy of the event organizers
