Beijing Amusement Park

An old-style fairground with a Ferris wheel, teacup merry-go-round, mini rollercoaster, and go-kart track set lakeside in grassy Long Tan Park. Avoid at weekends and on public holidays, when the place gets uncomfortably crowded.

• 1 Zuo’an Men Nei Dajie, west entrance Long Tan Park

• 6711 1155

• Subway: Tiantan Dong Men

• Open 9am–6pm Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm Sat, Sun

• ¥120; children ¥80; under 4 ft (1.1 m) free

• www.bap.com.cn

Beijing Zoo

Most children will remain happily oblivious to the poor conditions that many of the animals are kept in and which are likely to upset older animal lovers. However, the pandas are well cared for and the setting is pleasant and leafy (see Beijing Zoo).

Beijing Aquarium

Located in the northeastern corner of the zoo, this is a new and very impressive attraction that will keep children happy for hours, especially the dolphin shows (see Beijing Aquarium).

Fundazzle

Fundazzle is a massive indoor kid’s playground. Loud and bright, it has a two-story jungle gym, a vast plastic ball-filled pool, trampolines, swings, and a host of other activities and enticements with which to reward young children who’ve just had to endure hours of being dragged round the Forbidden City.

• Gongren Tiyuchang Nan Lu, south side of Workers’ Stadium

• 6593 6208

• Subway: Chaoyang Men

• Open 9am–5pm Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm Sat, Sun

• ¥30 for 2 hrs

• www.fundazzle-nc.com

Natural History Museum

As long as you steer them clear of the horror show that is the exhibit of partially dissected human bodies, children will love the giant animatronic dinosaurs and prehistoric skeletons, as well as the plethora of stuffed animals of all species and sizes (see Natural History Museum).

China Ethnic Culture Park

Like an overgrown model village, “China World” is filled with colorful models of buildings representing all the nation’s many and varied ethnic minorities. Some of the models are huge, and it’s all very colorful, as are the regular performances by ethnic musicians and singers in full costume (see China Ethnic Culture Park).

Blue Zoo Beijing

Not to be confused with Beijing Zoo, this is a small but beautifully done aquarium. It has an enormous coral reef tank containing an array of visually exciting marine life, including eels, rays, and sharks. A big plus is that the tanks are set low enough that toddlers can peer into them. There’s also a “marine tunnel” and twice-daily shark feeding sessions (see Blue Zoo Beijing).

Science and Technology Museum

Lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits for children to pull, push, and even walk through. There is also an IMAX-style movie theater and an indoor play area on the third and fourth floors of a separate building north of the main entrance (see Science and Technology Museum).

Happy Valley

Disneyland-style theme park divided into six themed regions, with 120 attractions. The park’s aim is to keep both parents and children content by providing interactive education experiences. Thrill-seekers can enjoy no less than 40 rides, of which ten are “extreme,” including a “Drop Tower” in which riders fall at 45 mph (72 km/h) in a terrifying simulated plunge to earth. There is also a shopping complex, and an IMAX cinema.

• Xiaowuji North Road, East 4th Ring Road

• 6738 9898

• Open 9:30am–10pm daily

• ¥100–¥199; under 4 ft (1.2 m) free

New China Children’s Store

A monster children’s store on Beijing’s main shopping street, with four floors of everything from carry cots and strollers to masses of local and imported toys. There’s even an in-store play area.

• 168 Wangfujing Dajie

• 6528 1774

• Subway: Wangfujing

• Open 9am–9:30pm daily