Stock Up for Jingkids Summer Fling With These 10 Essentials

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Decathlon is easily my favorite store in Beijing. A massive sporting goods emporium filled with pretty much everything you can imagine, almost all of it at hard-to-beat prices.

And if you’re gearing up for the Jingkids Summer Fling on May 22 it’s quite literally a one-stop shop to get everything you need for a day of family fun in the sun.

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Here’s 10 items to consider for your packing list. Let's call it the Beijing Dad's Picnic Essentials List if you will. If you want to order one for yourself, scan the QR code. I've made it idiot-proof for you.

1

Self-Folding Tent - RMB 699.90
(cheaper models available)

Remove this baby from its carrying bag and with a flick of the wrist – viola! It pops open automatically. Instant shade, no frustration. The interior isn’t huge but it’s enough to give you some privacy for a quick nap (or if you don’t want to share the last cupcake with the kids). You’re not climbing Mt Everest, so what are you worried about?

2

Easy Seat Foldable Chair - RMB 49.90

I’m no longer in my 20s and unlike you yoga masters, I can only sit cross-legged on the ground for so long. This ingenious chair folds flat, packs easily, and gives you something to lean up against when sitting on the grass. Plus you get to be at eye-level with your toddler and those you’re sharing your picnic blanket with.

3

Fullbreak Bedchair - RMB 699.90

For those who want full-on luxury at the park. Mom or Dad can snooze away as if they’re on the family sofa, and extra bonus for baby folk: doubles as a changing table.

4

Soft Flying Ring - RMB 29.90

We Americans call them Frisbees, but that’s a brand name so they’re simply called flying discs here. The great thing with these is that if you fling it around at the park, its pliable nature means you’re not going to accidentally break someone’s nose with an errant throw. Now as for those cups you might knock over, that’s another story…

5

Jianzi - RMB 4.90

The classic traditional Chinese version of Hacky Sack (tie-dye t-shirts and patchouli oil not included). You stand in a circle and kick it around to see how long you can keep it from touching the ground. Never underestimate the humble jianzi. It brings people from different cultures together and can keep the kids entertained for a really, really long time.

6

Hula  Hoop - RMB 19.90

Forget those Jane Fonda jazzercise videos with the hula hoops. These are great for kids to challenge each other to friendly competition. Best of all, you can also play other games with them like Targets where you lean them against a tree and throw jianzi into them.

7

Fishing Hat - RMB 59.90

This hat contains 365-degree protection for your face and neck, plus includes a drawstring in case things get windy. It’s the essential item to finish off your Beijing Dad park look.

8

Sunspray - RMB 99.90

Things are getting hot round these parts and the sun is hot and heavy. This 150ml bottle of SPF sunspray is just what you need to cover those pasty white legs that have been encased in long pants for the past six months.

9

Insulated Picnic Basket - RMB 299.90

This 25-liter monster will make you the coolest guy at the picnic. It keeps your cheese sticks, soft drinks, baby formula, and fruit nice and chilly for the day.

10

Wagon - RMB 399.90

OK you really think you’re going to carry all of that junk into the park unassisted? This rugged wagon with its all-terrain wheels is what you need to chuck all of the above in and find your perfect picnic spot. Plus it’s foldable and packs easily into the trunk of most cars.

But if you're a minimalist picnicker, you can always purchase a family ticket to Summer Fling and claim your free picnic blanket at the door. There will be plenty of summer camps leading all sorts of fun activities for the kids and delicious food vendors selling treats so that even if you showed up with just your phone, you'd still be all set for a day of fun.

COMMENT TO WIN!

What are your must have picnic essentials? Tell us in the comments below and we’ll be randomly selecting five winners on Thursday (May 13) at 3pm to receive FREE tickets to the Jingkids Summer Fling on May 22!

Images: Decathalon, pexels

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