12/31/2009

2010 ENERGY YOGA

Every Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8:00pm, you can take your child to yoga class at Shin-Hai Road Sec 1, no. 22, 1F.  Run by the Taiwan Yoga Assn.

Cost: 2000TWD for the course
Dates: Jan 13 through March 10
Tel: 02-23655615 (Mr Ding 丁先生)
Address: Shin-Hai Road Sec 1, no. 22, 1F (台北市中正區幸亥路1段22號1F)

2010 JAN FREE STORYTELLING @ WENSHAN CULTURE ED'N CENTER

Suitable for ages 3 to 5, free storytelling is running again at the Wenshan District Culture Education Center. 
Stories are usually in Chinese.
Time: Every Wednesday afternoon 2:30-3:30pm
Address: Jing-Wen Street No. 32, Wen-Shan District, Taipei (Behind MRT Jingmei Exit 1)
Tel: 02-2933-2199

2010 JAN - 123 TRIAL WOODWORKING CLASS

The children's woodwork workshop is offering trial classes.

Time: Jan 3rd and Jan 31, 10am and 1:30pm
Address: No. 39 Fu-Guo Road, Shilin District, Taipei City (台北市士林區福國路39號)
Cost: 250TWD
Tel: 02-2835-7526

2010 JAN CLOUDGATE FREE TRIAL CLASSES

From Jan 1st to Jan 31st, Cloudgate Dance Company is offering free trial classes for children aged 3 to 18.  Cloudgate is a highly-revered modern dance company, and has several studios around Taiwan.  Their music and movement classes are designed to encourage childrne to use their bodies to express themselves, and to develop imagination.

You can call their toll-free number 0800-088-633 or go online http://www.cgds.com.tw/ to arrange a free class.

2010 JAN 23,24 CHILDREN'S MUSICAL

Paper Windmill Performance Theater will present a musical for children, about a gifted magician father.  To get his work done, he works and works without stopping.  During his journey in the forest, he learns about Taiwan's aboriginals, and attends a caterpillar race.

From the pictures in the flier, it looks like a show full of color and movement.

Place:  Community Theater Hall (No 25 Bade Road Sec 3, Taipei City)
Times: Jan 23 2:30, 7:30; Jan 24 10:30am, 2:30pm
Cost: 300/500/700/3000  (through "Nian Dai")
Tel: Paper Windmill Ass'n 02-2392-6170

Dec19-Jan17 2010 - Fantasy Garden Exhibits

2010 will see Taipei hosting an International Flower Show.  Whilst personally I am not too impressed with how they have destroyed the Taipei Art Museum Park or started building permanent fixtures for the exhibits*, the event might bring some color to the city, and their first event at Da-An Park is supposed to be very nice.

Events at Da-An Park:
Jan 2: Some kind of music event from 2:30 until 4:30pm, at the music stage
Jan 3: Flower song from 4pm until 5pm, at the children's performance stage
Jan 9: Modern dance from 3pm until 4pm, at the music stage
Jan 10: Impressionist performance from 3pm until 4pm, at the dance stage
Jan 17: Flower song from 3pm until 4pm, at the children's performance stage

Da-An Park Address: Between Hsin-Yi Road Sec 2, Jien-Guo South Road, He-Ping East Road Sec 1, and Hsin-Sheng South Road.

Transport:  Lots of buses; MRT Muzha Line to Da-An Station and walk 10 minutes; drive and park in the underground carpark for 30TWD/hr


The Taipei Water Park also has a flower garden that is open from Dec 19 until Jan 17.  Entry is free.  This is the park at Gong-guan, Shui-Yuan Road.

*Christchurch, New Zealand also host a huge annual flower show.  It boast elaborate exhibits and a lot of different shows, classes, etc.  The whole thing is temporary, and the parks it is held at come out unscathed when everything is removed.  I just don't see why Taipei has to go and destroy some perfectly good parks to put up these fixtures, especially in this day and age when we are supposed to care about the environment and lessen waste.

Official site:  http://www.2010taipeiexpo.tw/welcome/welcome.html

12/21/2009

Christmas Events around Taipei

This is a link to an English-language page listing some activities going on in Taipei area through to New Year.

The blog follower who kindly gave me this link visited the Christmas Alley at Shr Pai and said, there is nothing there anymore, so don't waste your time going to that one.  If you can, it is probably best to try to find a telephone number for places listed in this page, and check things are really as they are written!

http://mag.udn.com/mag/newsstand/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=221322

12/17/2009

Photographs with Santa - Taipei

I heard through the Facebook grapevine that the Forumosa Regent Hotel is hosting Santa, and that he will let you get a picture of your children with him for a fee of $100 per picture.

Address: Grand Forumosa Regent, 1st floor, 41 Chung Shan N.Rd, Section 2, Taipei (02)2523-8000


Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00-5pm. Mon-Thur 6:30-10pm. Fri-Sun 6-10pm.  Until Dec. 30, 2009


Hsinyi Area's Mitsukoshi A4 building has also put up a snow ball with Santa in it for a photo shoot.

12/16/2009

Forumosa.com - How to Join the Women's Forum

This post is a bit of an experiment in getting information "out there", so if there are men who follow this blog, please don't feel alienated!

First of all, let me say http://www.forumosa.com/ is a great place to get information about practically anything Taiwan-related.  There are a number of people on the forum who carry a fountain of knowledge about Taiwan, and if you can take the hard time you might get when you post there, it can be a great place to have an online discussion with other expats in Taiwan.

It's not well-known that http://www.forumosa.com/ also has a Women's Forum, which is only open to women.  It is a place where you women can comfortably discuss issues or ask questions specifically related to women, with women.  I recently attended a get-together of members of the Women's Forum, and it was really refreshing to be with a diverse mix of just women, especially here in Taiwan where it can be hard to find women in situations similar or even different to yours to share fun times with.

For instructions on how to sign up to the Women's Forum on Forumosa, follow this link:
http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=83625

12/12/2009

Taipei City Playgroup

This is an informal, casual playgroup that meets every Wednesday morning at various locations around Taipei City, as well as holding events (Easter,Christmas, and two charity rummage sales) throughout the year.

There are over 150 members on the list.  The events can have between 50 and 100 members and their families attending.  Turnout for Wednesday playgroup is anywhere from a couple of children to 15 or 20.

There are no fees, no obligations, and no restrictions on who can attend.  It is an English-language playgroup which was set up by parents wanting to give their mixed-heritage children a regular place to use English and to meet children like themselves in Taiwan, but the group has grown to include adults and children from all over the world and all kinds of family situations.

If you would like to attend don't feel shy about it!  Parents who attend are friendly and willing to share a lot of information about parenting in Taiwan, even they might seem busy with their children or chatting with others when you first arrive. 

Sign up for email notifications from the playgroup: cityplaygroup-subscribe@parentpages.net
Check out this and other playgroups in Taiwan at parentpages:  http://www.parentpages.net/ - at the bottom of the forum list.

National Taiwan Arts Education Center

Situated in the Botanical Gardens on Nan-Hai Road, the center boasts a number of facilities open to the public, and aimed at promoting arts activities.  We recently discovered the Outdoor Gallery and Nan Hai Arts and Cultural Square, as well as the library, which is a delightful little place to take the kids.

If you enter the center from the main entrance on Nan-Hai Road, the gallery and performance hall will be on your right.  At the time of writing, they have a small exhibit showcases children's paintings that got special commendations in the World Children Art Exhibit.  Walk past this building and head for the building past the small pond.  You walk up the stairs and see three buildings. 

On the right is a small library.  This is a small, intimate library with books and magazines for adults in the front, and a wonderful little reading room for children in the back.  The English books have been donated by US libraries, schools, and individuals.  There is also an audio-vidual room where you can watch DVDs with your children.  They have story-telling events in English on Wednesdays 4:30-5pm, and in Chinese on Thursdays at the same time.

The building at the back is an art gallery for children.  It is being set up to show another exhibition, and should have been ready on Dec 8th.  Then, on the left is another resource room, more suitable for adults interested in art.

Opening hours:
Closed Mondays.  Tues-Sun 9am-5pm
Address: No. 47, Nan-Hai Road, Taipei, ROC
Website:  http://www.arte.gov.tw/
Tel: (02)23110574

Transport: MRT to CKS Memorial Hall Ext no. or 2, or Xiaonanmen Exit 3; or bus along Roosevelt Rd to Nanmen Market

11/25/2009

Dec 4 and 5 - German Christmas Market at the Grand Hyatt

This is the first year the Hyatt has run an event like this for Christmas. I will be there with my friend Jennifer Chau, selling her beautiful handcrafted jewelry and custom-made gift baskets. If you go to this event, please come and make yourself known.


From the organiser:
"I am very excited to inform you about Grand Hyatt's first Christmas market. Whoever has been in Germany knows a visit to a christmas market is a must to feel the unique seasonal ambience. The market will not just offer you lots of delicious food and sweets from the German Executive chef, but also offer a variety of little stands where you can buy beautiful christmas decoration from Germany like nutcrackers & smokers, toys and unique handicraft items as gifts for your families. A series of children activities, including story-telling, santa claus, kids entertainer, board games and doing handcraft with the kids will also will be highlights of the Christmas Market.

Date: December 4 & 5
Time: 2.00pm to 9.00pm (opening at 12:00 noon on Saturday)
Venue: Grand Hyatt Taipei, Grand Residence II&III
Tickets are available for NT$650 per adult or NT$325 for children under 12
family tickets are available at NT$1800 for two adults and two children under 12
Enroll also early for the children's Gingerbread House Cooking session for additional NT$550 per person as it is only limited to 10 people per session.
For more information or to make a reservation please contact the Grand Hyatt on 02-2720 1200 ext 3198 or visit the website: http://www.grandhyatttaipei.com.tw/"

11/22/2009

Kaohsiung Children's Museum of Art

This museum is situated in Kaohsiung's Museum of Fine Art (高雄市立美術館).

Exhibit "Faces 100--Play Tricks with the Face" runs through until August 23, 2010.  This exhibit encourages children to do further studies of the face, and learn about the connection between emotions and expression.  Masks, dramatic theater, and  hands-on experiences work together to teach youngsters about the magic of the face.

Exhibition Venue: Gallery 101, Children's Museum of Art
Address:  80 Meishuguan Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel: (07)555-0331
Hours: Everyday, 9am-4:30pm
Website: http://english.kmfa.gov.tw/DesktopKMFA2.aspx?tabindex=6&tabid=6

[Nov 28, 2009] Taipei European School Christmas Bazaar

Taipei European School's primary campus is holding it's annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov 28.  There will be games, food, drinks, and lots of Christmas goodies for sale.

The school's events are really nice for families.  The whole campus is open for the children to enjoy. It's a nice, safe environment where parents can relax.  I took my two young children to the last event they had, and we had a great time.

There is a public car park right next to the school. 
Time: 10am-4pm
Address: 727 Wen Lin Road, Shilin District, Taipei City

You can see photos of the campus at the TES Website: http://www.taipeieuropeanschool.com/tbs/

11/09/2009

Nov 22 (Sunday) City Playgroup Charity Rummage Sale

I am personally involved in this event. It covers, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYLE and SHARE very well.

Get ready to rummage, at the 2009 Fall/Winter Charity Rummage Sale on
Sunday, November 22, 2009, at 1F #80 Tianxiang Road in Taipei City, 10 AM
to 1 PM. (台北市中山區天祥路80號1F)*

This has become a semi-annual event organized by Parent
Pages & Taipei City Playgroup. Twice a year, we encourage members of
both communities to declutter their homes of children's outgrown
clothes, toys, books, shoes, videos, and other baby/child/maternity
gear, as well as solicit donations of the same from our friends.
We've received some incredibly generous donations, including infant
and toddler car seats, strollers, highchairs, playpens, maternity
clothes, baby carriers, and more!

What's the cost of admission? It's FREE!

Is the money donated to charity? Yes! This rummage sale, we will donate the proceeds to Garden of Hope.**

What about all the things that are left over? All unsold goods will
be donated to charity too! They are picked up at the end of the day, for distribution to aboriginal families in need.

Can I get a table to sell things myself? We have a small number of
"private tables" available. (NT500/table,
all proceeds donated to the same charity). It’s “first-in-first-served” so email us at crescentcitytaiwan at gmail dot com to see if there are any available.

How can I help? First, you can donate some of your child's outgrown
clothing, toys and other gear! Consider keeping a box or bag handy,
and throughout the day as you pick up and put away toys, books,
laundry, declutter all the outgrown items. Don't wait--put it right
into the box! (Or you'll forget!!) See just how much you can
declutter up until the week of the sale, then give us a call to
arrange pick-up.

Second, consider volunteering. You can help us sort the night before
the sale (about 7:00 - 9:00 pm), sort and price the morning of the
sale (7:00 - 9:30 am), or (wo)man one of our tables for an hour.

Finally, come to the sale! Even if rummage sales don't interest you,
consider coming to meet some new friends, and buy a snack from the
lemonade stand (staffed by some of our playgroup children),.

Can someone pick up my donation(s)? We have volunteers willing to
receive your donations or pick them up.

Taipei City - Colleen (0958-191-910)
Jingmei/Muzha/Xindian - Katrina (0928-059-020)
Nankang/Hsinyi/Neihu – Tracy (0920-097-111)

Can I deliver my donation(s)? We usually don't receive donations at
the venue until the day before the sale, however, if you are leaving
Taiwan and have something you would really like to donate ahead of
time, we might be able to make special arrangements. Please contact
one of the coordinators to discuss this.

What condition should my donations be in? All clothing should be in
either like-new or gently-worn condition. All clothing should also be
clean and free of rips or permanent stains. Check books to be sure
there aren't any pages missing or torn. Check toys with multiple
pieces to see that they're complete, or at least with enough pieces
that a child can still get enjoyment from it--obviously, this doesn't
apply to puzzles.

What about things like pajamas, onesies, burp cloths, and bibs that
might have milkstains? These are okay as long as they're not ripped.

Still have questions? Join the discussion at the Family Forum! [url]www.parentpages.net[/url]


*Google map link: [url]http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=zh-TW&sourceid=gmail&q=tian+xiang+road+no.+80+taipei+city+map&lr=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=104+Taiwan%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%B1%B1%E5%8D%80%E5%A4%A9%E7%A5%A5%E8%B7%AF&ei=eQv5Sob7FoeekQWPqtzBCw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAsQ8gEwAA[/url]

**The Garden of Hope (GOH) works to help children and women victim of violence and prostitution. Established in Taipei in 1988, GOH started out by setting up a halfway house for girls victim of prostitution, the first non-government run halfway house in Taiwan. Later on, in order to tackle the more deep rooted causes of child prostitution, GOH confronted the sex industry as a whole by starting the Anti-Child Prostitution Social Movement (1993). Now, while still working to prevent child prostitution and help its victims, GOH also assists women and children victim of sexual abuse and domestic violence by offering emergency shelter, legal counseling and psychological counseling. The Garden of Hope is active in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung.
Website: [url]www.goh.org.tw[/url]

11/05/2009

Fares Academy for Martial Arts - Children (and Adult) Classes

This school is based in Teinmu, next to TAS.  Two things about their website caught my eye.  The first was the obvious dedication to the school and what they offer Tony has.  The second was the fact they offer free classes to low-income families.  In a place where so many are pushing to make money out of children's after-school activities, this gesture stood out to me.

I have never been to the school, so please go and check it out for yourself.

http://www.antoinefares.com/EN/academy.html


●Tian-Mu Dojo

No. 736-1, 2F, Zhong Shan North Road, Section 6, Taipei
(Next to Pizza Hut. One minute walk from Taipei American School)

Antoine Fares - Chief Instructor

Mobile: 0922-131649
Email: ajfares@hotmail.com

11/04/2009

Fun Formosa - sport, dance, and more

Based near Gongguan MRT station, Fun Formosa offers activities in English.  Most of the teachers are expats.  The cost of the activities is very reasonable, and the whole program is designed to let children really enjoy themselves.  At the time of writing, they seemed to be updating their site.

http://www.funformosa.com/

Soccer, ballet, basketball, gymnastics are some of the activities offered.  Here is information for the latest soccer session, from their site:

Fall 2009 Soccer Signup
We are pleased to announce that Fun Formosa Soccer is starting up again this month!
Times: 9:30-10:30 for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten and Grade 1) and 10:00-11:30 for ages 7-10 (grades 2-4)
Dates: Saturdays on 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12
Location: Gong Guan Elementary School Field
Cost: Ages 5-6: NT$1500, Ages 7-10: NT$ 2000. T-shirts separate: NT$250 per shirt.
Players will need to bring their own balls, water, and sunscreen to every session.

Sign up: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDBRSktGX1h3V2NUeTRRTXpvR0x1T0E6MA

Nov 28, 2009: Light Up the Night Outdoor Concert

From the official site of The National Theater Concert Hall:

"Christmas is just around the corner. This year the "Light Up the Night" program has invited the Keng-Hau & Geng-Hwa Chang installation arists to construct an enormous girl-like installations. The giant little girl decorating the Christmas tree, with her disproportional size, is in fact a gift to the public that crystallizes the moment of the pursuit of happiness and hope. The live performances will include Christmas Carols by the choir, the mime show, "Hip Hop Storm" teamed by Alun and various street dancers and live music by the fusion jazz band DOMs. We invite you all to form the warmest and wildest memories under the early winter sky."

There is no time listed for this event.  It could be "cool" for older children.

Transport and other information: http://www.ntch.edu.tw/englishAudience/showFaq

National Theater Family Show List Online

This is a direct link to the National Theater's information on upcoming events for the family.  You will have "refresh" the link if you enter from my link below:

http://www.ntch.edu.tw/englishProgram/showByCategory?categoryName=program_family

2009 Taipei Fireworks Festival

Taipei Dadaocheng Fireworks Festival at Dadaocheng Wharf starts at 3:00 p.m,November 7, between Water Gate No. 3 to 5. The fireworks display will be held from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m.

There will be street performers, concerts, DIY activities, an art exhibition and more.

Transport information (from official site):
Festival Shuttles

Time: 15:00~22:30
Fare: 1-section city bus fare
1. From Shuanglian MRT Station go to the Minsheng W. Road intersection (Dadaocheng Wharf) stop, near Water Gate No. 5.
2. From Taipei Main Station (East Gate 3) go to the Chung Shing Hospital stop, near Water Gate No. 3.
3. From Zhongshan MRT Station go to the intersection of Nanjing W. Rd. and Tacheng St., near Water Gate No. 4.
※ The Danshui MRT Line will also increase train frequency before and after the event.
※ Traffic controls will be in place on the day of the event. It is suggested that event-goers take public transit for transportation convenience and safety.

Dadaocheng Wharf, Yanping Riverside Park

English website link:
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0015370

10/31/2009

Taipei Minatures Museum

This museum really surprised me, and I would label it one of the hidden delights of Taipei city. My two children (aged 3 and 5) loved the experience of seeing all the dollhouses and learning the related history/geography. I enjoyed it, too. The attention to detail in the dollhouses is amazing. California’s Rose Mansion, 19th Century kitchens, Gulliver’s Travels in minature, Roman ruins, Tudor Palace, a Brussels Chocolate shop, it’s all there. And, you can see the world’s smallest working television in action.


Before you go in, pay an extra 20nt and get a museum passport. Children can look for the stations around the museum to put stamps into the passport. You can turn this into a reading and matching experience for the children, making sure they are stamping the right pages. The house names are in Chinese and English, as are most of the descriptions in the museum.

You have to walk through the store at the end of the museum. They sell some tacky items, but they also have things to help you make your own scale-model dollhouses.

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (No entry after 5pm). Closed for New Years’ Eve but open the rest of Chinese New Year.

Admission: Adults $180; Students, soldiers, over 65’s 150; Elementary school and preschoolers over 90cm $100; Groups of 20 more enjoy 10% discount.

Address: Jian Guo North Road Section 1, No. 96, B1 (台北市建國北路一段96號B1) – Near the corner of Jian Gou and Chang An East Rd Sec 2
Tel (02) 2515-0583
Car parking under Jian Guo Overpass

Website: http://www.mmot.com.tw/

10/25/2009

Da Hu Park Swimming Pool

This is one of the favorites of the Taipei City Playgroup I belong to.  It used to be quite "out of the way" for many people in Taipei City, but with the new MRT line it should be much easier to get to.

The pool is right next to Da Hu Park in Neihu.  There are:
  • Outdoor lap-pool
  • Outdoor children's pools with lazy river, water slides, and water shallow enough for toddlers to walk in
  • Indoor lap-pool
  • Indoor kid's pool
  • Indoor water-spa area
  • Sheltered tables outdoors
  • Non-slip mats around outdoor pools
  • Showers and changing facilities
  • Basic food area (canned drinks, instant noodles, hotdogs for sale)
  • Car parking in the grounds and along the road by the facility
  • Special chairs with disabled access to the pool
  •  
Admission is really reasonable, something like 80 for adults and 50 for children. 

As with all pools in Taiwan, you must wear a swimming cap.  You can buy them at the counter.  Also, the outdoor pools are open in summer months.

Location:Neihu District, Chenggong Rd. Sec. 5, #31

Transportation:Bus 0 East, 267, 278, 284, 287, 613, 617, 620, 630

10/24/2009

Oct 24&25 -Sanjhih Waterbamboo & Waterwheel Festival

Very late notice, but there is a festival in Sanjhih today and tomorrow.  You can enjoy family activities, food, great scenery, performances... from 10am until 8:40pm Saturday and 10am until 5pm tomorrow.

Sanjhih is just past Danshui.  Too bad the weather is not so good this weekend in North Taiwan

Official Site (Chinese) http://www.sanjhih.com/index.html

[Sat Nov-28] Taipei European School Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, November 28, 2009


10am to 4pm
727 Wenlin Road, Shilin District
Nearest MRT Zhishan Station, less than ten minutes' walk
Limited parking
Open to the public, with a small admission fee

Lots of stalls, with handicrafts, Christmas cards and ornaments, raffles, food, entertainment, and more.  This is a really fun event for kids!

Sat Nov-7: Taipei European School Fireworks Night

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

5:00 - 9:00 PM
727 Wenlin Road, Shilin
*Games, food, fun, and fireworks*
Nearest MRT ZhiShan Station, less than a 10 min walk from TES
Limited parking so public transport or taxi might be better
Open to the public, small admission fee

Nov 14: Flea Market sponsored by the TAS Orphanage Club

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at Taipei American School
800 Zhong Shan N. Road, Section 6, Tianmu, Taipei
Great place to pick up second-hand goods including toys, books, household. Go early! Usually opens 9am, open to the public. There might be a small admission of NT10 or so.

If you'd like to sell your own things, registration of Flea Market tables is from Oct. 26th, 2009 on every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the main lobby. Cost for a table at the cafeteria and hallway is 1200NT and 1500NT respectively. As usual, there will be a mandatory cleaning deposit of 300NT. The table number will be by first come first serve basis. All payments must be made on the day of registration.

For more details, please email Mrs. Koh at weehueykoh@yahoo.com.

10/21/2009

Nov 7-Dec 26, 2009: WenShan Art & Cultural Festival

Whilst this festival is not all for children, there are a number of activities and performances suitable for young ones.  Events take place in several places, from JingMei to Muzha.

Official site: http://pas36.tw/

Tickets available through http://www.artsticket.com.tw/, tel 02-2341-9898

Nov. 14&15, 2:30pm:  "If Theater" performs "The girl who loved to get angry"

Suitable age: 3 years and up
Venue: Jingmei, JingWen St, No.32 (tel 02-2938-3567
Language: Chinese

10/14/2009

Bo Jia Sports Park, Muzha

This "sports park" is actually a building just off Muzha Road Sec 4. (A short walk from the MRT station.) It's not large but it does offer a place to take your children.
On the first floor, there is a play area with climbing equipment including a "rock-climbing" frame (plastic). It also has an outdoor play area and garden. (No eating indoors but there is a water machine in the indoor area).  Some local moms I know have playgroups there, including small-group storytelling.

B1 is a swimming pool with 6 lanes. The two outer lanes are for free play/children swimming. It's a 25-m pool. Lanes are 2 meters wide, middle depth 140cm, either end is 120cm, temp is 29 degrees. Water is warmed up and chlorine etc checked every two hours. Water is completing changed once a month. There is extra heating next to the pool so you won't get cold too easily. Pool is open from 5:30am to 9pm, in 4 sessions: 5:30-7:20, 8:30-11:15, 1:30-4:15, 6pm-8:40pm. You can use floaters, swim rings etc for kids, but need to bring your own.
2F is a reading room and will later have a library. There is also a small gym, with 3 running machines and a couple of other things.
3F has two rooms which you can use for meetings, such as reading clubs or whatever you fancy.
This facility, including swimming pool, is free for residents of Wen-Shan district, Neihu, beitou, Nankang (Nangang), Shilin ("taipei area 5"). If you're not from these areas, you pay adult 110 or 80 kids (students, or under 110cm). Over 65s half price.

Address; Muzha Road Sec 4, Lane 159, No. 16
Tel: 2239-5494

10 min walk from Muzha Line's Muzha station.

Take buses: 251, 252, 647, 660, 666, 902, 915, S10, BR3, BR7, get off at Bo Jia Elementary School stop.
 
Carparking in the basement.
Remember to take ID, and swimming caps if you use the pool.

10/07/2009

October 11, 2009: Children’s Woodwork Workshop

Sunday October 11, 10am-1:30pm
Cost: 450TWD
Address: Taipei City, Shilin District, Fu Guo Road No. 39
Contact: 02-2835-7526

Workshop November 7-December 12: Work with puppets to create a cartoon movie

This is is a six-week course, held every Saturday from 11/7 to 12/12, 10am-noon.  They are “looking for the movie cartoonists of the future”.  Every participant finishing the course will be issued a certificate.
Suitable for: Middle and upper Elementary school students (they also welcome parents to join in)
Cost: 3000NTD, including all materials (enroll before 10/11 to enjoy 5% discount)

Address: Taiwan Puppet Theater (Civil Boulevard Section 5, No. 99, 2F)
Contact: 02-2528-9553 Extn 203 Mr Lee
Language: Chinese

Neihu Sports Park

Neihu Sports Park has some equipment available that is not so often seen in Taipei parks, and it’s all free. As everything is outdoor, you do have to plan your trip according to the weather.


 
Main features of the park:
Large pond that is filled over the warmer months and suitable for water-play (Covered seating near the pond for picnicking)
Large sandpit with fun tunnel between the two sandpit sections
Purpose-built running track with interesting turns incorporated
Child-friendly climbing wall (not very high, lots of footholds, soft landing material on the ground)
Spacious lawn

 

 

 
Points to note:

The park is easy to miss if you are not familiar with Neihu. It is on the same street as NeiHu Costco just north of it. It is on top of the Water Treatment Plant. There are steps leading up to the park from both sides

If driving, you need to park either across the road from the park, or in the office carpark at the back entrance (it says No Public Parking, but so far I haven’t heard of anyone being towed)

There are toilets and a drinks machine, but as there are no places to eat around the area and just for the sheer pleasure, pack a picnic

 
Address: Jiuzong Rd Sec.2 #2 ( near Tiding Blvd)

 
In Chinese it is called the NeiHu Yuin Dong Gong Yuan (exercise park)

臺北市內湖區舊宗路2段2號. 服務電話:02-87911152或02-87919494轉108


 

Kindermusik in English

So often, I hear parents' whose children have attended the classes run by Jennifer Chau say, "This was my child's favorite play experience" or "My child learned so much from this class" or "When my child hears music from this class, he/she gets excited/calm/some other positive emotive state."

My son attended her classes, and two years later, he still talks about the classes and how good they were.  You can find more information on her site:

http://kmjoy.blogspot.com/

Baby Signs Class in English

This class is run by a friend of mine, Angie Chang.  If you are looking for a way to communicate with your baby, and want to a chance to meet some other families in  a relaxed setting, this might be for you.

There is also some good information on her site.

http://www.signandplay.blogspot.com/

10/05/2009

October’s performances at the Wen-Shan branch of Taipei Cultural Center

Saturday October 10, Sunday October 11, 2:30pm: The Wolf Who Became a Vegetarian (IF Theater)


In an effort to make friends, the wolf becomes a vegetarian. This show reflects on how, as we grow up, we forget how being yourself and doing what is right are important.

Language:Chinese
Suitable Age: 3 and up
Medium: Drama
October 17&18, 2:30pm – Rainbow Fish (Nine Song Children’s Theater)

Language:Chinese
Suitable Age: 3 and up
Medium: Drama &Puppet


October 24&25, 2:30pm –The Ugly Duckling (Little Frog Theater)

Language:Chinese
Suitable Age: 3 to 9
Medium: Small and Life-Size Puppet

October 31st, 2:30-4pm – Secrets of Performance

Professional actors come together to teach child and parent the secrets of acting on stage. Parent and child will work together to learn the tricks of being confident and successful when performing.

Language:Chinese
Cost: 100TWD/person
Places limited to 60
Go to the 5th floor office of the Wen-Shan Hall to enroll, starting end of September.

Weekend Morning Activities (週末早點名)


Saturdays 10:30-11:30am
The puppets that will be used in the afternoon will be on show and available for families to use in little plays of their own.
Suitable for children aged 3 and up
Venue: 1st floor of the hall

Sundays 11-11:30am
Introducing Gershwin’s music through story.
Suitable for children aged 3 to 5
Venue: 1st floor of the hall

Address: 11670 No.32 Jingwen St. Wenshan Dist.,Taipei City (Behind Exit One, Jing Mei MRT)
TEL:(02)2933-2199 FAX:(02)2933-2172

Wen-Shan Branch of the Taipei Cultural Center.

This is little gem to be found behind Exit 1 of the JingMei MRT station. The multi-floor building holds:

-Children’s library, featuring artist-type books, mostly Chinese (open 9am-5pm – closed Mondays)
-DIY space (classes are run year-round, with special summer classes July and Aug)
-Exhibit floor (open 9am-5pm – closed Mondays)
-Children’s theater, especially designed to present shows to little ones.


Every weekend, there are shows especially for children, in the theater in B2. Each show is about 60 minutes long. Tickets are 200NTD per person, and you can enter the theater 30 minutes before the show. You will not be allowed in 15 minutes after start-time. Rules are:
  • No talking or swapping seats
  • Turn all beeping equipment off
  • No eating or drinking in the theater
  • Take all your trash with you when you leave


You can buy tickets at www.artsticket.com.tw or 7-11’s I-Bon. For more information call (02) 3393-9999
Discounts: 10 or more 10% off, 20 or more 15% off, contact artsticket.com.tw

In addition, every Wednesday (2:30-3:30) you can take your little ones along to a live story-telling activity. Suitable for children 3 years and up.  Free admission.  Just wait in the 1st floor auditorium.

Link to English site of Taipei Cultural Center (address page) :
http://www.tmseh.gov.tw/english/index-english.asp



October 10/11: Helen Keller – A Story of Never Giving Up

一元布偶劇團(Yi Yuan Puppet Theater) was founded in 1987. The group takes stories of famous people to explore relationships between parent and child with their family audience. They work with music groups, magicians, and martial arts groups, creating new kinds of performance.


This story of Helen Keller is told by puppets and real people. Helen Keller could neither see nor hear, yet her parents never gave up on her, and through love and patience Helen Keller learned several languages, enjoyed horse riding and swimming, and presented her story to people the world over. Using dance and song, 一元布偶劇團 share a story of the spirit of life.

Language: Chinese
Dates: Saturday October 10, 2009, 2:30 & 7:30pm; Sunday October 11, 2009, 2:30pm
Address: 台北親子劇場 (台北市市府路1號2樓) Taipei Family Theater (Taipei City, City Hall Road No. 1, 2F)
Purchase Tickets at 年代售票系統 (Tel 02-2341-9898)
Ticket Price: 300, 500, 700, 900

9/30/2009

Until 10/31/09 - Artist/author Jimmy's exhibit Starry Starry Night

Jimmy (機米) has published over thirty books since 1998, which have been translated into nine languages worldwide.  His stories have been made into movies (eg"Turn Left Turn Right" starring Takeshi Kineshiro), music theme CDs (eg "The Sound of Colors").  In 2008, he worked with British author Joyce Dunbar to produce his first picture-book for children in English, "The Monster Who Ate Darkness".  I remember buying his first book when it came out in Taiwan.  My children (aged 3 and 5) love looking at the pictures in his books.

Until October 31st, you can enjoy Jimmy's The Starry Starry Night exhibit at the Huashan Creative Park.  The theme of this picture book is about growing up.  The exhibit itself is a cooperation between fourteen artists and designers, and uses a variety of styles and mediums to help us explore how people form their ideas about art and culture.

A mother I talked to today who has been to the exhibit describes it as an exhibit that will capture children's attention, with all kinds of wonderful things to discover.  She did warn that there are parts that are not suitable for taking strollers up and down (stairs), but said that you could just miss these small parts if it was too much trouble to get to them.

Tickets are 200/person.  Exhibit hours are 10am-10pm, everday.  There is a basic information booklet in English.
Taipei Huashan Creative Park Building 1.  (Bade Road Section 1, No. 1)

Chinese information (from the site):

幾米星空特展

展覽地點:台北華山創意園區中一館(台北市八德路一段一號)
展覽日期:即日起至2009年10月31日
開放時間:每日早上10點至下午10點(無休館日)

Official site (English section under construction):
http://www.jimmyspa.com/news/jimmynewsdetail.aspx?id=130

9/28/2009

Oct 3rd '09: Voyage in Musical Land - NSO Theme Park with Ifkids Theatre Co.

Go on a treasure hunt with Zhan Yi-Fang and his magic stick.  You will witness dances in the Candy Kingdom, bullfighters in Spain, peculiar dwarves in underground caves, and even a beautiful Persian princess.  Ifkids theatre company has also arranged surprises in all corners of the venue.

You can buy tickets at the ticket office of the Cultural Hall, through agents, 7-11 ibon, or online at http://artsticket.com.tw/

Session 1: 10am-1pm  Session 2: 2pm-5pm
National Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center's Cultural Hall  (CKS memorial hall, Chungshan Sth Rd, Taipei)
Tel: 02-3393-9888
$400/ticket (Friends of NSO 10% off; Family tickets 4 or more 15% discount; for other group discounts, call the number above)

Outdoor Area Shingkong Mitsokushi Hsin-Yi District building A8 4F



Go up to the fourth floor, and head out the doors next to the GIANT bicycle area. This open space is open during department store hours. It’s pretty hot out there during the middle of the day, but later in the afternoon it is very nice.


There is:
- A little sit-on train that you can ride once for free with any receipt from Mitsokushi for that day. Otherwise it is 20NT/circuit.
- Giant mechanical animals that you drive by pushing the accelerator and steering.
- Little merry-go-round and other sit-on toys.
- Basketball game

*All these need 10 coins. There is a change machine near the basketball game. The operator of the train can change your larger notes into 100NT bills if needed.
-Very nice free playground equipment. It gets a bit hot around noon, though.
-You can take drinks and food outside, and you have a nice view of Hsin-Yi district. Play area probably best suited for preschool-aged kids.

Address: 台北市松高路12號4F(新光三越信義A8店4F)  Song Gao Road No.12, 4F

9/15/2009

Taipei Water Park - Swimming, museum, and more

This water park and museum is situated right behind Gongguan.  The park I am describing here is the public one, not the large private spa that is next to it. 

The water park area is great for kids, as the water is really shallow.  There is a playground in the middle of the pool which is constantly spraying out water, so if kids are afraid of getting water in their eyes, its best to take some goggles.   If your kids are really little, they can just play in the small pools at the entrance.

If you don't want to take your children swimming, you can do the easy walk up to Taipei's first water reservior, and let them run through the water pipe display.  There is also a museum that is fairly "hands-on", letting children learn a little bit more about where their household water comes from.

The best things about this place are, it's cheap, it's easy to get to, and it's got lots of different things to explore.

The official English-language site has lots of information:
http://waterpark.twd.gov.tw/english/waterpark/waterpark.htm

International Kite Festival, Shimen (Oct 10&11 2009)

  • Stunts by International Performers and Traditional Kite Performances, both individual and team stunts
  • Exhibition of traditonal and modern kites
  • Kite Painting - participants in the day tour and other events will be given a DIY kite kit
  • Workshop: DIY kites, windchimes, and windmills
  •  Sales of Shimen Township's Agricultural Specialties - particularly seafood
  • Shimen Day Tour
October 10th: 2pm to 5pm   October11th: 10am until 5pm.
Free shuttles from Hongshulin MRT station.
Address : Shihmen Township, Taipei Coutny


MRT/Bus:
1. MRT: Take the Danshui (Danshuei) Line to Hongshulin Station and catch the shuttle bus
2. Danshuei Bus: Danshuei → Jinshan (Laomei Village, Shihmen → Walk about 150 meters)

Car:
1. Taipei → Chongcing North Road Interchange → Provincial Hwy 2B (Dadu Hwy) → Danshuei → Provincial Hwy 2 → Shihmen → Laomei Village (intersection of Laomei Street and Danshuei-Jinshan Highway (Provincial Hwy 2)
2. Taipei → Yangmingshan National Park → Yangmingshan-Jinshan Highway (Provincial Hwy 2A) → Jinshan → Yeliou → Shihmen → Laomei Village (intersection of Laomei Street and Danshuei-Jinshan Highway (Provincial Hwy 2)
3. Sanchong → Wugu Interchange → Guandu Bridge → Jhuwei → Denghuei Blvd. → Provincial Hwy 2 → Shihmen → Laomei Village (intersection of Laomei Street and Danshuei-Jinshan Highway (Provincial Hwy 2)
4. Sun Yat-sen Freeway → North Coastal Highway Interchange → Provincial Hwy 2 → Shihmen → Laomei Village (intersection of Laomei Street and Danshuei-Jinshan Highway (Provincial Hwy 2)
5. Second Northern Freeway) → Sijhih → Keelung-Wanli Interchange → Wanli → Jinshan → Shihmen → Laomei Village (intersection of Laomei Street and Danshuei-Jinshan Highway (Provincial Hwy 2)

English site with details of this event (and others):
http://www.culture.tpc.gov.tw/common/html/enwizard/pcontent.jsp?dptid=101&cparentid=1114
Official website (Chinese only): http://www.shih-men.com/program.html

Thank you to Chinei for telling me about this fun event!

9/13/2009

The Boy Who Sold Wings: A story about friendship

Tainan Eslite Bookstore B2 Arts Area

September 18th (Friday) 7:30pm, September 19th (Saturday) 11am, 2:30pm
Suitable for preschoolers and early elementary school students, the performance includes lively drama and enjoyable songs and music.


Cost: 300 (buy through www.artsticket.com.tw 兩庭院售票節目總表)

Family Concert: The cello looks for a wife

National Music Hall (Taipei City, Chung Shan Sth Rd No. 21-1)

台北市中山南路21-1號
September 19th (Saturday) 7:30pm
A cello born in 1690 now wants to get married! Who will he marry – the violin, the bass, or some other instrument?
Cost; 300/400/600/800/1200 (buy through www.artsticket.com.tw 兩庭院售票節目總表)
Tel: 02-3781-2306
Language: Chinese

新文明書店親子活動 Bookstore Parent-child Activities

Address: Taipei City, Chung Shan Nth Rd Sec 3, No. 30. (中山北路3段30號)

Tel: 02-2595-5558

September 19th (Sunday) 2:30-4:00pm

Discover their Dreams
Designed for children Grade 3 to Grade 6
Does your child like to draw? What is your child’s dream? Does your child have a study goal? Come along to help your child rediscover their love of learning.
Cost: 800, including materials
Language: Chinese


September 20th (Sunday) 2:30-4:00pm
The Magic to Learning Everything
Designed for children Grade 3 to Grade 6
Learn a method that will help your child learn everything easily.
Cost: 800, including materials
Language: Chinese

September 27th (Sunday) 2:30-4:00pm
Parent-child Activity
Designed for children aged 4 to 12. Using games, you can evaluate your child’s logic and communication skills.
Cost: 200, including materials.
Language: Chinese

9/11/2009

BALI MUSEUM (NEAR DANSHUI) 十三行博物館

This museum offers some interesting activities and events, such as performances in the auditorium.


Until Sep 20 – exhibition of animal fossils dug up from the ocean near Penghu during the 70’s.
Until Sep 30 – DIY soap making (Sat, Sun 10:30-12, 15:00-16:00) $60 including packaging. The flier shows a beautiful heart soap in a box.


TEL: 01-2619-1313 – MUSEUM ROAD NO. 200, BALI (八里鄉博物館路200號)
Open Tues-Sun 9:30am-6pm
http://www.sshm.tpc.gov.tw/

Sept 5&12 10;30am and 2pm – Eden Garden – The Very First Garden in the Whole World by Mini Star Theater (the first drama group performing for babies-preschoolers in Taiwan)

This seems to be a hands-on musical/art/reading/dancing event. Kidschool online bookstore (http://www.kidschool.com.tw/) will be there coordinating parent/child reading time. School children &adults $200, all younger children $250.


This is part of the Taipei Fringe Festival. I can’t find clear address information so if you are interested, please go to the site http://www.taipeifringe.org/ for more information.

9/12-13, 2:30pm The US National Theater of the Deaf Presents the Little Theater of the Deaf

This might be a little late, but it is a good example of the kind of information I will post on this blog for now.

The children’s theater wing of the US National Theater of the Deaf, combines spoken word and American Sign Language, to create a way of storytelling to be long-remembered. Free tickets available from Aug 18th at Chinese Deaf Assn ROC, twl 2521-9876, or Taipei Zhungshan Hall Info Desk 2381-3137


Tickets limited, first-come-first-served.