Parties for kids
Throwing a party for your child is the easiest, most difficult thing in the world. You know as well as they do that they'd be happy to just to load up on sugar and run head first into the nearest wall. But any parents expecting a big occasion this May Holiday will know kids tend to accumulate more energy as spring grows warmer, and need something that matches their growing restlessness.
Whether the big day comes in the form of a birthday, surprise treat or family getaway, here are some suggestions to make planning for the forthcoming vacation easier.
A family expedition:
On Thursday, May 2, TreeHouse organizers will whisk parents and kids out of town to the northern district of Huairou, a short 50 minute bus ride from the playground's central location in Sanlitun SOHO.
Children of all ages can enjoy fishing in Huairou, though the TreeHouse has also cast a wider net for families looking to spread their wings for the day. Horse riding will also take place, as well as mountain climbing, ensuring that kids kick-start an active summer.
Indoor Jungle Adventure
For birthday parties involving a large group of kids, Fundazzle play center, located on the corner of the north and east gate of Worker's Stadium, charges 50 yuan ($8) per child for three hours of playtime. The play center includes areas for babies and toddlers, as well as climbing frames and an indoor football pitch.
Refreshments are available at Fundazzle, though personal picnics are welcome. Bring all the cake and juice your birthday hamper can hold. These tykes will need all the energy they can get, between the giant jungle slides and the ball pit.
Pick your theme
Suzie Party organizes parties for kids with a special gimmick, allowing parents to theme their child's special day according to their best loved fantasy characters. The cost climbs quite high, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 yuan. The cheaper option allows kids to paint their own t-shirts, hats and masks. The more de luxe options include:
The Princess Party: 5,600 yuan
Children get to dress in princess outfits and are served princess cakes. Games revolve around fairy tales. One includes the Snow White game, in which children stand in a ring and pass around an apple to music. The child holding the apple when the music stops is 'poisoned' by an evil queen and loses the game.
Little Scientists: 6,000 yuan plus
At this bash, an expert host demonstrates experiments, showing how liquid nitrogen plays an active role in the making of ice cream (so you don't have to add it to the shopping cart).
Superman Party: 5,600 yuan
Each child gets a Superman outfit, so be prepared for spats over who gets to be the 'real' Superman, as well as the clever devil who excitedly elects instead to be Clark Kent. But as per all themed parties with Suzie Party, these little men of steel will be able to lose themselves for a day in a world of your making. Good job, Supermom!