Schools stuff into a limited space: the playground area includes an inflatable playhouse, large trampolines, a mechanical bull, a merrygo-round with Technicolor unicorns and an infrequently washed indoor playhouse. Other attractions include the fishing pond, climbing wall and mini-golf – the latter attracts few customers, so don’t worry about triplebogeying each hole. The altar is a great place to watch weathered gentlemen fly kites. If you need a snack, Schindler’s Filling Station, the Stone Boat Bar and Xiheyaju all have terraces opening onto the park. Free. Daily 6am-8pm (summer), daily 6.30am-8pm (winter). 6 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (8561 6301) 日坛公园, 朝阳区日坛北路6号 Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) The crowds that cluster predictably around the buildings and ruins in this imperial abode may dissuade you from visiting with the kids, especially on a spring day in cherry blossom season. The key to a happy family outing is to explore the little known corners of this vast park. Walk around the far lakes, rent a boat and then sit in the shade of a weeping willow and enjoy a picnic. RMB 30 (Apr-Oct), RMB 20 (Nov-Mar), students half price. Daily 6.30am-8pm (last ticket 6pm); 7am-7pm (Nov-Mar: last ticket 5pm). Yiheyuan Lu, Haidian District. (6288 1144) 颐和园, 海淀 区颐和园路 Taoranting Park Why schlep the kids all the way down to Taoranting? Here are six reasons: 1) Its intelligently designed and clean playground, with padding on the ground, tall covered slides, swings, trampolines and more; 2) Water Land, an enormous water park; 3) Peacock Park, a weird, Yunnan-themed retreat with Dai-style buildings, the eponymous birds, monkeys and rabbits; 4) The symphony of colors that is the rose garden; 5) Car-shaped paddleboats; 6) Priceless signage: “No hunting animals in park,” “Transparent swimming suits are not allowed,” “Those swimming while drunk will be fined RMB 10-50.” RMB 2, RMB 1 (students), free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 6am-9.30pm (last ticket at 9pm). 19 Taiping Jie (near National Ballet of China), Xuanwu District. (6353 2385) www.trtpark.com 陶然亭公园, 宣 武区太平街19号 Zhongshan Park Elegantly formal, with a Sun Yat-Sen statue, rockery, ancient cypresses, bamboo groves, cherry trees and covered walkways, Zhongshan Park offers a poetic escape from the crowds in Tian’anmen Square. Take in some of Beijing’s best views by renting a boat and paddling along the Forbidden City’s moat. If old buildings leave your offspring cold, there’s always the bumper cars (festooned with the Statue of Liberty) and Merry Land, the park’s indoor playground, with its sea of balls, slides and funny mirrors. Entrance: RMB 3, RMB 1.5 (students), free (kids under 1.2m). Daily 6.30am-8pm (winter), 6am-9pm (summer). West of Tiananmen Gate, Dongcheng District. (6605 5431 ext 270) www.zhongshan-park.cn 中山公园, 东城区天安门西侧 Zizhuyuan Park Daily 6am-8pm (winter), 6am-9pm (summer). 45 Baishiqiao Lu, Haidian District. (6842 5851) 紫竹院公园, 海淀区白石 桥路45号
Playgroups & Activities Beijing International Festival Chorus This group of highly talented amateur singers performs Western classical music three times a year at the Forbidden City Concert Hall. Also has a children’s choir and a chamber choir. www.beijingifc.org China National Children’s Center Although the language of instruction is only Chinese, this center hosts a number of creative classes for children, such as music, art and drama. Tue-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm. 43 Ping’anli Xidajie, Xicheng District. (6616 4010) www.ccc.org.cn 中国儿童中心, 西城区平安里西大街43号 The Clubhouse at Qijiayuan Qijiayuan Parents (mostly moms) gather to socialize while their offspring roam the padded playroom. Age range currently eight weeks to about
4 years old. Fri-Wed 7am-9pm, Thu 10am12pm. Qijiayuan Diplomatic Compound (The Clubhouse is situated at the left of the lawn, next to the tennis courts), 9 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (8532 1782) 朝阳区齐 家园服务楼, 朝阳区建国门外大街9号 (网球场旁 边,草坪的左边) The Hutong 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong (southeast of Beixinqiao subway station), Dongcheng District. (6404 3355; 159 0104 6127, info@the-hutong.com) www.thehutong. com 东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号(北新桥地铁站 东南边） International Festival Children’s Choir The IFCC was founded in 2006 to foster new talent and contribute to Beijing’s cultural life. It is open to children aged 7-12. Rehearsals are held every Saturday morning from 10-11.30am. There are two terms - September to December and January to May, with a concert at the end of these two terms. Auditions last about 15 minutes and auditionees will be required to sing a song of their choice, followed by a short listening test. Audition slots are available by contacting childrenschoir@beijingifc.org. Rehearsals held at Harrow Anzhenxili Campus: 5, 4th Block, Anzhenxili, Chaoyang District. (childrenschoir@beijingifc.org) 朝阳区安贞西 里4区5号 Kids Ray Creation Teaching Center Kids Ray specializes in home-schooling interactive teaching according to parents and children requirements. The education is based on international school curriculums with environment for toddlers’physical and mental development. The age of the kids is from 18 to 36 . Child Care class 9-11.30am (Mon to Fri); English Activities: after 4pm (Mon to Sun). (132 4045 4090) Kids Ray创意教学, 朝阳区东直 门春秀路海晟名苑俱乐部B1 Kinderdudou Art Center Originating from western style art classes for kids, Kinderdudou encourages children to explore and experience new ideas in class and provides an interactive channel to develop childrens language skills with native English & Chinese speakers. All courses are available in English and Chinese with guidance. Mon-Fri: 2pm-7pm; Sat-Sun: 9am-7pm. 1) Beiyuan Center: Rm 3816, Times Manor, 18 Hongjunying Donglu, Chaoyang District. (8496 0095, kinderdudou@126.com); 2) Wangjing Center: Rm 707, LOFTEL Plaza, 1 Huguangzhong Jie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District. (6470 3505, kinderdudou@126.com) http://www.kinderdudou.com 肚兜美术中心, 1) 朝阳区北苑校区：红军营东路18号时代庄园 3816; 2) 朝阳区望京校区：望京湖光中街1号 LOFTEL大厦707 Kishow Kids Club Children can sign up for the Mad Science course and learn how to make water rockets or build marshmallow molecules. Also hosts birthday parties in the wacky experiment room complete with real scientists (well, science majors) in white coats and lots of bubbling beakers. Non-scientists can sign up for classes in Chinese calligraphy, Chinese traditional painting, pottery, drama and other subjects. Bilingual staff, though the majority of classes are taught in Mandarin. Suitable for children between 4 and 12 years old. RMB 4,000 (three-month membership or 24 hours), RMB 11,200 (12-month membership or 96 hours), RMB 18,700 (24-month membership or 192 hours). 1) Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 8am6pm. 2/F, Yulin Plaza Building, 5 Xiangjun Nanli (west of the Jingguang Building), Chaoyang District. (5131 1001 ext 17); 2) Fri 4-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm. 4024-4028, 4/F, Jinyuan Xinyansha Mall, 1 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District. (8886 1300) 疯狂家族, 1) 朝阳区向军南里5号 雨霖大厦2层(京广大厦西); 2) 海淀区远大路1号 金源新燕莎大厦4层4024-4028商铺
LaFaFa Music Through age-appropriate music and movement activities, Kindermusik brings parents and children closer together while helping children develop a lifelong love of music and learning. 24/F, Bldg A, Vantone New World Plaza, 2 Fuchengmenwai Dajie, Xicheng District.
(8832 0818) www.lafafa.cn 西城区阜成门外大街 2号万通新世界A座24层 Lego Education Department These lego programs are designed to help children of different ages to discover their creativity, develop problem solving ability and language skills. Classes are one hour long for 3-6 years, RMB 180; two hours long for ages 7-16, RMB 200. 207, Bldg 529, The Atlantic City’s Chamber , Nanhu Nan Lu, Chaoyang District. (6471 2077, 6471 7585) 乐高工作室, 朝阳区南湖南路10号大 西洋新城中心会所二层207室（529号楼) Mitty Jump 9.00am–9.00pm. 4th floor of the Lotus Shopping Mall and Poly Wanhe Cinema on Futong West Street in Wangjing, Chaoyang District. (8421-0908) http://www. mittyjump.com/ 米蒂跳, 朝阳区北京市朝阳 区望京东园一区１２０号楼四层（卜蜂莲花购 物中心） Music Together of MiCho Education Offers weekly 45-minute classes for 0-6-yearold children and their parents or caregivers. Activities include songs, rhythm chants, movement, and instrument play. These activities are presented as informal, nonperformance oriented musical experiences - developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers. 1) Club House, Apt 9, 9 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (michoedu@yahoo.com.cn); 2) Claire’s Music Studio, L507 Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Shunyi District. (michoedu@yahoo.com.cn) http://michoedu.com/ 1) 朝阳区朝阳公园西路9 号9室会所; 2) 顺义区顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号 欧陆广场, 5层, 507室 My Little Mozart Studio Comprehensive music program offering keyboard, violin, guitar, vocal and other instrumental lessons. Group and private classes taught by qualified and experienced teachers. Music and movement classes for ages 0-4. Curriculum focuses on providing a well balanced music education for every student. Harmony Road music course is offered at the studio. Musical birthday parties can also be arranged. Room 108, Building 5, Lishui Jiayuan, Liulitun, Chaoyang District. (135 2256 3767, Kristinkoh@mylittlemozart.com) www. mylittlemozart.com 朝阳区六里屯丽水嘉 园5号楼108室 The Wiggly Tots Founded by licensed Kindermusik educator Alicia Tan, The Wiggly Tots offers Kindermusik and Tutu Tots Ballet classes for newborns and toddlers. Bond with your child as you play, sing, dance, and giggle together. Your child will learn and grow through activities that stimulate brain growth, build motor skills, enhance social-emotional development, and much more. Call or email to book for a free trial class. Classes take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am to 10.45am. Studio, 1/F, Fuli Club (R&F Club), 59 Dongsanhuan Lu, Shuangjing, Chaoyang District. (183 0158 8133, info@ thewigglytots.com) www.thewigglytots.com 朝阳区朝阳区双井东三环路59号富力会健身俱 乐部1层 Tree House A family-friendly spot to relax and enjoy organic food while the kids are happily play with friends or take a multilingual class. Available to hire for kids’ parties. Also a drop off point for Roundabout. Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. Sanlitun SOHO, building 1, B1-115, Chaoyang District. (8590 0746, 158 1132 5578, thetreehousebj@yahoo. com) http://www.thetreehousebj.com/ index_en.htm 朝阳区北京市朝阳区三里屯SOHO 1座B1—115 Who Am I – Family Play Center TueSun 9am-7pm. 5-128, Bldg 5 (street level), Sanlitun SOHO, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (400 068 5855) www.whoamibj.com 朝阳区工体北路三里屯SOHO5号商城楼5-128室 Youth Choir Youth Choir auditions for kids ages 13-18 will be held at the start of the school year at the Western Academy of Beijing. For more information and to register for an audition, e-mail Kenna George at kgeorge@isb.bj.edu.cn. (youthchoir@ beijingifc.org) www.beijingifc.org
Directories
Theme Parks Happy Valley Amusement Park Beijing’s best amusement park sprawls out across a square kilometer of land outside the East Fourth Ring Road and offers 40 rides, an IMAX theater, more than 100 games and seven cinemas. The park is divided into a number of themed areas inspired by such civilizations as Mayan Central America, Minoan Greece and Shangrila – the little kiddies play in Ant Kingdom. The roller coasters are world class, the park is well maintained, and the lines for rides are fairly reasonable. RMB 160 (April 1-Nov 14); RMB 120 (Nov 15-March 31). Half price for kids 1.21.4m, free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 8.30am10pm. Wuji Beilu, Dongsihuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (6738 9898 ext 0, 6205 0088, happyvalley@bjoct.com) http://bj.happyvalley. com.cn/park/ 北京欢乐谷, 朝阳区东四环路小 武基北路
Schools Educational Services Eliott’s Corner A therapy center, offering speechtherapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for children from 0-12 years of age. Experienced therapists work with children, helping a wide range ofissues - from communication and articulation to handwriting to balance and coordination. Eliott’s Corner is a division of Olivia’s Place, Shanghai’s premier pediatric therapy clinic. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Rm 19-05, Block 2, Condo 360, 10 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6461 6283, jac@ oliviasplace.org) www.oliviasplace.org 胡宝小 屋, 朝阳区东四环北路10号瞰都国际2号楼19－05 室 (东风北桥东北角） Dragon Show Founded in 2004, Beijing Dragon Show Culture and Arts Exchange Co. Ltd. designs culture-related school assembly programs, educational trips, and extracurricular activities for international schools. E-805/806 Shang8 Culture Zone, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District. (65447057/58, info@dragonshow.com) www.dragonshow.com 朝阳区高碑店陈家林甲2 号尚巴里文创园E座805-806 Side by Side Side by Side provides support for individuals with special needs and learning difficulties through music therapy, learning support, and a daytime special education program. Side by Side’s team members are fully qualified and experienced professionals who conduct services in English. Music therapy is also available in German. We also offer community support such as workshops for schools, community groups, parents and other members of the community, arranging vocational training within the community, support with life skills such as basic finances, shopping, cooking, personal hygiene or social skills, support with parenting skills, advocacy, family and school support with transition and/ or behaviour issues, support for those dealing with a new diagnosis and work experience for high school students or new graduates. We also provide support with finding organizations and professionals to assist in the development, diagnosis and assessment of children with special needs, or suspected special needs. Mon-Fri 8am-6pm (after hours by appointment). Capital Paradise 3336, Shunyi Distrcict, Shunyi District. (8046 3858, info@sidebysidebeijing.com) www.sidebysidebeijing.com 顺义区后沙浴名 都园3336号 The Learning Center (TLC) The Learning Center opened in 2004 to meet the specific educational needs of local and expatriate students in Beijing. They aim to address the individual challenges of students by offering a nurturing environment, small classes or 1:1 tutoring, and experienced, specialized teachers who design tailor-made programs for each child. By helping them realize their academic potential, The Learning Center cultivate not only students’ skills, but also their confidence and self-esteem. The Learning Center has worked with more than 1,000 local and
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