Beijing makerspaces where kids can learn to create

Nurturing creativity, logic and problem solving skills, makerspaces are collaborative places to share ideas, practise new skills and dive into technology and computer science projects. Many international schools around town have makerspaces available to students. Here are two more options, which are open to the public and have classes catered toward children, that will have them constructing robots, getting creative with 3D printers, even writing their own computer games.

Atelier Fablab

Last year the popular Beijing art school branched out into the tech space. Atelier Fablab offers project-based courses for kids that last 40 weeks and cater to two age groups (8-12 year olds and 12-15 year olds).

Kids can enroll in courses like coding, Arduino and 3D printing. The Atelier space is also stocked with supplies for processing film and sewing machines. For those not enrolling in a class, the space is open for general play (200RMB for four hours) and one-on-one training (from 1,200RMB for a two-hour session). Run by trusted teachers, Atelier Fablab offers everything families expect from the beloved Beijing art school, now with a tech and science focus. 

Techplay

Located in Beijing tech hub Zhongguancun, Techplay offers hands-on courses for a variety of age levels starting at four years old. Largely offered in Chinese (English-speaking instructors subject to availability), class topics include 3D printing, robotics and programming, and start out with easier courses that kids must pass before moving on to more difficult classes.

The space also offers a project incubator for teens where they can get the support and mentorship needed to make their ideas come to life. 

For venue details, tap 'Read more' at the bottom of this page.

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