At play in the park
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NOTE
Most Chinese restaurants tend to be children friendly. The Bookworm in Sanlitun has a children’s reading corner.
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
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).
Pandas at 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
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).
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).
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).
Beijing Aquarium at Beijing Zoo
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
3.145.55.198