March marks the advent of Spring. Is there anything funny to do in this Spring? Yes, there are some.

Plant a Tree. Celebrate Chinese Arbor Day on March 12 with the Goose 'n' Duck Ranch in Huairou County. Order your own little plum, cherry, almond or maple tree to plant with the kids. Call Zoe at 139 1040 0853 to make a reservation (English spoken). You can purchase a day package for your family, which includes a shuttle service departing from the Goose 'n' Duck Pub, located at S1, Green Lake International Tower (east side of Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang District. (010-65381691) www.gdclub.net.cn

Refine Your Sweet Tooth. Compromise with the kids-you'¡¯ll spring for dessert before dinner if you get to pick the place. Newly opened Il Sole has a range of sweet treats (think tofu and almond blancmange, and homemade ginger ale) that will appeal to grown-ups craving something more than cupcakes, as well as a heavenly hot chocolate and light chiffon cake that will more than appease the rest of the crew. Il Sole Caffe (English menu, but little English spoken). Daily 12pm-2am. 79 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District. (010-64073730)

Go Fly a Kite. Beijing's blustery springs are perfect for kite flying. For a classic kite, make a beeline for the San Shi Zhai Kite Store. It's packed with beautiful handmade kites constructed from bamboo, silk and paper. The extra-long centipede kite is especially impressive. San Shi Zhai Kite Store (No English spoken). Daily 9am-7pm. 25 Di'anmen Xidajie, east of Lotus Lane, Xicheng District. (010-84044505/64030393)