29 of the best events for kids and families this week

May looks to be a pretty busy month. This week sees the extended Labour Day holiday happening from Wednesday 1 till Saturday 4. Next Sunday is Mother's Day. For the husbands reading this article, you're welcome. And then, of course, there's the need to start preparing for summer. Are you traveling abroad? Are you looking for summer camps for your kids? If it's the latter, stay tuned; we will be releasing our list of upcoming summer camps, some which you can get discounted prices for if you book them this May. 

For the movie-goers out there, several family-friendly films are coming out this month, including Aladdin, with the genie voiced by the charismatic Will Smith, Thomas the Train and more.

These are just some of the many highlights of the month. We couldn't put them all in one post so you'll be seeing more events in the days to come. To see our complete listing, our menu is just a few taps away.

And as always, have a great month, Beijing! 

  Open day events   

YCIS Beijing

Photo: YCIS Beijing

YCIS Beijing. Thu 9 and Tue 14 9am-noon. Free. 

YCIS Beijing is holding two Open Day events this month. Visit their downtown campus located by the beautiful Honglingjin Park on Thursday 9 for their primary and secondary school open day or Tuesday 14 for their ECE Open Day. More information here. 

Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang district (186 0125 6721. [e-mail]) 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园

Jazzy Preschool (Dongzhimen)

Photo: Jazzy Preschool

Jazzy Preschool. Sat 18 9am-noon. Free. 

This trilingual preschool is opening its doors on Saturday 18 to families with children 1 to 6 years old at their Dongzhimen branch. It is located in the heart of Beijing's embassy district, nestled in a warm and secure, Chinese Suzhou-styled traditional garden. Throughout its 6-year existence, Jazzy Preschool has developed a unique education for gifted students aged 1 to 6 in English, French and Chinese, with an international curriculum accredited by the Chinese government and recognised by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. See what a day at Jazzy Preschool is like by meeting the preschool's English, French and Chinese education professionals as they introduce the preschool and answer your questions. Some exciting and playful activities are also planned for the kids to enjoy.

Jazzy Preschool 杰思幼儿园. 13 Sanlitun Dongsijie, Chaoyang district (6417 9960. [e-mail]) 朝阳区三里屯东四街13号

The Children's House (Oceanwide International Campus')

Photo: The Children's House

Children's Montessori School, Oceanwide. Fri 31 3-5pm. Free. 

Discover what a Montessori class experience, the Montessori philosophy and a Montessori environment is like at Children's House Montessori School's upcoming Open House. Contact the school to book your slot.

The Children's House International Montessori Kindergarten 巧智博仁国际幼儿园 (Oceanwide branch). 1 Taojiayuan Bei Lu, Haofeng Tiyu Gongyuannei, Chaoyang district (8556 4611; [e-mail]) 朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内

Stay updated on the latest Open House events around town by scanning the QR code below and bookmarking our Open House listings page

   Spring fairs and markets   

DCB Car Boot Sale

Photo: Roundabout

Dulwich College, Beijing. Wed 1. 9.30am-12.30pm. Free. 

This Wednesday 1, bring your pre-loved items over and register to sell your used items at Dulwich College Beijing's Car Boot Sale. The fee is 50RMB, and all profits, including registration fees, go to Roundabout. Event is free for buyers. Unsold items can be donated to Roundabout as well. Unless otherwise authorised by Dulwich, sale of food and drinks is prohibited. More information here.

Dulwich College Beijing (北京德威英国国际学校) 89 Shoudu Jichang Lu (Capital Airport Road), Shunyi district ([e-mail]; WeChat: 13901217224) 顺义区首都机场路89号丽京花园7区

Farm to Neighbors: Back to the Hutong

Photo: Farm to Neighbors

Port Apartments. Fri 3 -Sat 4. noon-6pm. Free. 

Farm to Neighbors (F2N) is heading back to the hutongs this weekend, taking the farmers market back to the traditional courtyards of Beijing. Come check out everything and anything from artisanal local cheeses and handmade rice wine, to beautifully crafted ceramics and jewellery. Savour some delicious vegan desserts or skewers while you roam the market. Join in for a full day of exploring and buying local while you delve into what local Beijing talent and craftsmen have to offer.

Port Apartments. Wankepo Yu, Beiluoguxiang branch, Dongcheng district  (WeChat: F2NMarket) 东城区 万科泊寓北锣鼓巷店

3e Charity Community Day

Photo: 3e International School

3e International School. Sat 4. 10am-noon. Free. 

3e International School's annual Charity Community Day is back this weekend and all are invited to come and attend. Browse its flea market and try to score a treasure or two for a bargain while the family is kept entertained with the various games and activities available. Families are also invited to book a table and sell their second-hand goods such as toys, books and other household items. Booking a table costs 100RMB, which will be donated to Living Water Children's Home.

3e International School (3e国际学校). 9-1 Jiangtai Xi Lu, Lido, Chaoyang district (6437 3344; [e-mail]) 朝阳区将台西路9-1号

Camera Stylo Vintage Market

Photo: Camera Stylo

Camera Stylo. Fri 3 1.30-11pm. Free. 

Trying to find somewhere cool and unique to hang during the Labour-Day holiday? Try your luck at Camera Stylo's Vintage Market and find something cool amongst the knick-knacks being sold. There will be over 20 vendors selling things ranging from vintage clothing, jewellery, antiques, film cameras, ethnic handicrafts, and even an on-site body piercer and an artist who will draw up your portrait. The market runs from 1.30pm till near midnight, and every three hours, the best vintage-dressed guest will be presented a best-dressed award along with a 200RMB cash prize at the vintage clothing shop and a drink on the house. Come 8pm, there will also be a film screening on the rooftop terrace.

For more information, click here.

Camera Stylo. 64 Dongsishiyitiao, Dongcheng district (188 1171 5156) 东城区东四十一条64号

Spring in the City

Photo: BCIS

BCIS. Sun 5 10am-2pm. Free. 

BCIS' annual Spring in the City fair is back once more, and this year's theme is 'The Future!' There will be live entertainment, including a creative design showroom by students, over 20 stations of games and activities for children, delicious dishes from all over the world, a range of vendors for both children and adults and a raffle draw with amazing prizes from its sponsors, including items such as Lego for boys (Avengers set!); Lego for Girls (Disney Magic Castle set!); dinosaur baskets; packages from the BCIS Leadership Team; PTA baskets; vouchers and coupons from Beijing restaurants, coffee shops and more. The event is free and open to the public, but guests must show either an ID card for current BCIS families or a form of identification for guests along with an e-invite.  Click here for more information.

Beijing City International School (北京乐成国际学校) 77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang district (8771 7171; [e-mail]) 朝阳区百子湾南二路77号

Global Community Day at YCIS

Photo: YCIS Beijing

YCIS Beijing. Sat 11 10am-3pm. Free. 

YCIS Beijing is holding its annual Global Community Day (GCD) on Saturday 11. This school fair, which celebrates global citizenship and cultural diversity,  is open to the public and admission is free. In addition to the many fun activities, beautiful performances, great food and artistic demonstrations that will be on offer, the school's students will also be hosting their first ever Wellness Conference where students will share the wellness projects, under the 'U R OK' banner, that they have been developing as part of their G100 lessons this term. The students will be holding workshops or 'Ted Talk'-style presentations alongside seminars and workshops run by outside experts on topics like yoga, Jindafit, CrossFit, nutrition and parenting. This student-run Wellness Conference will be a great opportunity for families across Beijing to learn valuable information that can benefit their adolescent children and themselves. 

Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang district (186 0125 6721; [e-mail]) 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园

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Founder’s Day 2019: Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich

Photo: Dulwich College, Beijing

Dulwich College, Beijing. Sat 11 3-9pm. Free. 

Saturday 11 is Founder's Day at Dulwich College, and is the school's biggest annual event. This year, the international school will be highlighting the 400th anniversary of their founding school in London, Dulwich College. The day will feature family-friendly activities, live music entertainment involving hundreds of students, and an International Food Festival with stalls run by DCB parents.

Dulwich College, Beijing. 89 Shoudu Jichang Lu (Capital Airport Road), Shunyi district (6454 9000) 顺义区首都机场路89号丽京花园7区

Rumble in the Jumble: Buddha's birthday bazaar

Photo: Artem Bali/Unsplash.com

Modernista. Sun 19 noon-6pm. Free. 

Rumble in the Jumble returns on Sunday 19, and this month, the popular hutong market is dedicating it to Buddha's birthday. Here you'll find a variety of knick-knacks and little delights, from craft foods, handcrafted jewellery and second-hand items to works of fine art. The list of vendors changes monthly, ensuring variety and making it the perfect place to find pretty unexpected vendors including on-site craft workshops, storytelling, reiki, caricature drawing, and many other unique services.

Modernista. 44 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district (136 9142 5744; [e-mail]) 东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同44号

WAB Rock in the Park

Photo: WAB

Western Academy of Beijing. Sun 26 2-8.30pm. Free. 

WAB's biggest annual event, Rock in the Park, is back. The event attracts over 500 families from the international community. This event is run in conjunction with the WAB Fun Fair event which is organised by Parent Link volunteers and last year, these two events combined welcomed more than 5,000 people. Expect a variety of international school student bands, tons of delicious food, a massive play area for kids with inflatable structures, water activities, tons of games and more.

Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) (北京京西学校) 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu, Chaoyang district (5986 5588; [e-mail]) 朝阳区来广营东路10号

   Talks and workshops   

Hat-making and morning tea party workshop

Photo: Elisabeth Koch

Elisabeth Koch Millery. Fri 3 9.30am-12.30pm. 500RMB. 

Make your own fabulous hat at the Elisabeth Koch Millinery Studio in Sanlitun, while enjoying Twining's English Breakfast tea and delicious bites on the side. The workshop costs 500RMB and is inclusive of all materials, tea, tuition and of course, a proper hat box to take your creation home in.

Elisabeth Koch Millinery Studio. 102D Jinxiuyuan Club House, Xingfucun, Zhonglu, Chaoyang district (139 1043 1832; WeChat: amazinghats) 朝阳区幸福村中路锦绣园公寓D座102单元

Deepen your relationships

Photo: Belle Collective/Unsplash.com

The Bookworm. Sat 11 10am-12.30pm. 300RMB for one session. 

Virginie and Eike, two professional relationship coaches, will be holding an Open Space to talk about relationship challenges you are having within your family and with your partner. In a safe and confidential space, they will explore these challenges and provide you with concrete tools for effective communication conflict resolution and addressing your needs in an intimate setting.

The Bookworm (书虫) Inside Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district (6503 2050; [e-mail]) 朝阳区工体北路4号院 

Wilderness First-Aid Certification

Photo: DLG Images/Flickr.com

The Hutong. Fri 3-Sat 4 8.30am-5.30pm. 2,200RMB

Learn basic life support skills and general medical concepts at the Hutong's Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification workshop. The two-day course will focus on hands-on activities and will be taught by professional instructors, and certificates are valid for three years.

The Hutong. 1 Zhongxiang Hutong, Jiudaowan, Dongcheng district (131 4614 6639; [e-mail]; WeChat: rossmxh) 东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号

Atelier Art Outing and Workshop at Song Art Museum

Photo: Zhi Xia/Song Art Museum

Song Art Museum. Sat 11-Sun 12, Sun 19, Sat Jun 8. 10am-3pm. 750RMB. 

Atelier will present art workshops along with the exhibition of Louise Bourgeois at the very beautiful Song Art Museum which is surrounded by the ancient dancing pine trees. It is a full-day art workshop designed for children eight and up. The workshop will focus on the theme of sewing in Louise Bourgeois’ corpus. The Eternal Thread exhibition will be taken as a metaphor for the students to develop their own story thread, from the imaginary suggested by the artworks. The teacher will show six artworks, of various scale and materials but all revolving around this theme. The workshop includes a tour led by Atelier, a sketching and drawing session, a lunch break and 3D creation using techniques such as cardboard assembling, papier-mâché and painting.

Song Art Museum (松美术馆) Gelasi Lu, Tianzhu Zhen, Shunyi district (132 4018 4908; WeChat: jojoinchina) 顺义区天竺镇格拉斯路

Children's House Montessori's Art Exhibition by Children

Photo: Children's House Montessori, Oceanwide Campus

The Children's House International Montessori Kindergarten 巧智博仁国际幼儿园 (Oceanwide branch) Sat 25 9.30-11am. Free. 

In the words of Picasso, 'Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.' On Saturday 25, the Children's House Montessori Oceanwide campus' young students will be showcasing their fine artworks in their very first art exhibit where guests can see how they have expressed, interpreted, matured and developed as individuals and artists through diligence and the power of unbridled imagination. The works will display a diverse range of skills, talents and techniques, not to mention great creativity, vision, and dedication. During the exhibition, guests have the opportunity to participate in an interactive artwork inspired by Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi to create a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned for charity.

The Children's House International Montessori Kindergarten 巧智博仁国际幼儿园 (Oceanwide branch) 1 Taojiayuan Bei Lu, Haofeng Tiyu Gongyuannei Chaoyang district ([e-mail]; 8556 4611) 朝阳区姚家园北路豪丰体育公园内

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  Explore  

UnTour Food Tours' Beijing Hutong Breakfast

Photo: 247tickets

Unspecified Venue. Every Wed from May 1-29. 8-11am. 420RMB for adults; 210RMB for children 6-12 years old. 

Heard about Beijing’s hutongs, but not sure what to do or where to go? Get off the crowded roads and onto the backstreets with UnTour Food Tours and sample the most authentic and delicious breakfast delicacies that are hiding in plain sight. Wake up early and explore the culinary scene with our trusted vendors, your bilingual guide and a small group of new foodie friends. Over the course of three hours, you’ll eat your way through China’s 5,000 years of culinary history, try new foods and gain an appreciation for the artisans making these handmade treats.

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Overnight rock-climbing for families

Photo: ET Climbing

Sidu Nature Park. Fri 3 1-9.30pm-Sat 4 7am-4pm. Prices vary

Join E.T. Climbing on a two-day outdoor climbing event that also includes camping, barbecue, and fun outdoor activities including trying out a slackline, playing beach volleyball and soccer, BBQ and two days of climbing. Archery, the tree adventure and a Via Ferrata is also available but require a separate payment. The event will take place at the Sidu nature park in Fangshan district.

Fees are 500RMB per member for an overnight stay, 300RMB per member per day. 990RMB per person for non-members for two days, 550RMB per non-member per day. Fees include admission to attractions, rental of paddle board, two dinners and one breakfast (including BBQ for the first day), camping fees, instructors' fees and insurance. Bringing one's own camping equipment and wall-climbing equipment is highly recommended, but for those who do not have the equipment, rental from E.T. Club is also available.

For more information including location, please add the organiser (135 8154 4100; [e-mail]; WeChat: Alexguan0606) directly.

Day Trip to Tianyunshan Glass Bridge

Photo: BJMS

Tianyunshan Glass Bridge. Sat 18 7.30am-6pm. 258RMB. 

Dare to walk across a glass bridge?

The Tianyunshan Glass Plank Road, at 160m in length, is the longest glass plank bridge in Beijing, 100 metres longer than the popular Zhangjiajie's glass bridge. The event will take place on Saturday 18, but the registration deadline is on Monday 13. Tickets for adults are 258RMB while tickets for children under 1.2m are 200RMB. There is also a cable car option available. One way is 100RMB. Guests are requested to bring their own lunch and water. Minimum of 15 people.

For more information, call the organiser up at 6508 1026 or 8441 8391 or add them on WeChat (ID:13910050890)

Beijing Mandarin School. E-tower 904 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district ([e-mail]; WeChat: 13910050890) 朝阳区光华路12号数码大厦904室

   Films   

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Photo: IMDb.com

In cinemas from Fri 10. Rated PG.

When ace detective Harry Goodman mysteriously goes missing, his 21-year-old son decides to go find out what happened. Aiding him is his father's former Pokémon partner, Pikachu, who is somehow able to communicate with him and only him. The two join forces on an adventure through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City, where both humans and Pokémon peacefully co-exist. But the duo soon uncovers a plot that plans to destroy this peaceful co-existence between the two species and threaten the Pokémon universe.

Aladdin

In cinemas from Fri 24. 

Disney brings Aladdin to a whole new world with this live-adaptation, with Will Smith taking on the role of the popular genie.

Aladdin is a young and kind street kid who finds a magical lamp that, thanks to the genie living within it, has the power to grant him his deepest desires which so happens to involve a beautiful Princess he has fallen in love with. But the Grand Vizier, also an evil sorcerer, wants the lamp to himself and thus begins the fight for the magical lamp.

Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie

Photo: IMDb.com

In cinemas from Fri 31. 

Nearly a year after screening at English theatres abroad, the movie finally chugs its way to the Mainland where fans of the popular train show can enjoy watching Thomas and his friends on their exciting cross-continental adventures as well. This time, Thomas and his friends venture off from their home island Sodor to see the rest of the world. In this film, the little boy locomotive travels through five continents across deserts, through jungles and over dangerous mountains where he also encounters a train engine named Nia, a female locomotive from Kenya who becomes his travelling companion.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

Photo: IMDb.com

In cinemas from Fri 31. 

Get ready for a movie of monstrous proportions in this movie filled with ancient supersized beasts. A crypto-zoological agency called Monarch faces off with creatures of titanic proportions including the mighty Godzilla and other similar monsters like Mohtra, Rodan and now his ultimate nemesis, a three-headed beast called King Ghidorah.

Avengers: Endgame

In cinemas. 

After the devastating end of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe as we know it lays in ruins. The Avengers assemble, once more, to overcome the destruction wrought by Thanos and bring to a close the 22-movie long Marvel series. And, because, for once, the cinematic gods have turned their benevolent eye towards China (and the rather lucrative box office that exists here),

  Activities  

Fun(d) Run

YCIS Beijing

YCIS Beijing. Sat 11 10.30am-noon. 60RMB

You are invited to join the races! Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is holding a Fun(d) Run on Saturday 11. There are two running options to choose from: a 5K race and a 2.5K race. The 5K race will be two laps around Honglingjin Park and the 2.5K leisure run will be one lap around the park. Prizes will be awarded to the top three 5K runners. Make your run count! This is an excellent opportunity to run for a charitable cause. All profits from our Fun(d) Run will go to help the children of New Home Foster (NHF). If you would like to participate, register and pay (60RMB) by scanning the QR code.

Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang district (8585 1859; [e-mail]) 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园

Conquer the Wall Marathon

Photo: Conquer the Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall. Sat 11 6am-6pm. 2,510RMB

Conquer the Year of the Pig by competing in the full marathon, half marathon, 10k, or 5k events at Conquer the Wall. Apparently, the first (and longest running) international marathon, this annual run-a-thon see runners traverse over 20,000 steps along the Jinshanling and Gubeikou sections of the Wall. Conquer the Wall really does mean to conquer the wall itself, with more than 90 percent of the race completed on the wall, with zero road sections. With 500 places available, it is advised you enter as soon as possible.

Registration closes Saturday 4. For more details, visit http://conquerthewallmarathon.com/. 

Waste-Free Wall

Image: Beijing Hikers

Jiankou Great Wall. Sun 19 8am-6pm. 290RMB. 

The Great Wall on the west side of Jiankou has been somewhat spoiled by a build-up of trash and litter, left by lazy hikers and careless campers. In the spirit of Earth Day last April 22, Beijing Hikers is getting together with Gung Ho! Pizza and Patagonia to collect as much litter as they can to carry it out. Join the cleanup on Sunday 19 and do your part to keep the Great Wall clean and green, and you’ll then enjoy the reward of pizza and beer at the Gung Ho Hut at Jiankou, courtesy of Gung Ho! Pizza.

For more information, email the organisers at [e-mail] or contact them at www.beijinghikers.com/contact-us/.

Run to the Beat

Photo: 247tickets

Ming Tombs Reservoir. Sun 19 7am-5pm. 178-248RMB. 

Join the Run To The Beat half marathon, 10K or 5K. Run along the beautiful Ming Tomb Reservoir Scenic Loop while enjoying live music on the course. A unique running experience you do not want to miss this May, with live bands and DJs playing along the course to cheer for the runners. The music party continues at the centre stage after runners cross the finish line. Registration closes May 15.

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