CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
1. Natural History Museum
As long as you steer them clear of the partially dissected human bodies, children will love this place, with its animatronic dinosaurs, prehistoric skeletons, and stuffed animals of all (see Natural History Museum).
Display at the Natural History Museum
2. Latitude
Anping Street, Houshayu, near Beijing Capital International Airport • 8047 6556 • Subway: Houshayu • Open 10am–9pm Mon–Fri, 9am–10pm Sat & Sun • Adm
Ideal for older kids, this indoor gym features trampolining, rock climbing, beam battle and dodge ball amongst a host of other thrilling activities. A great way to get the whole family active.
3. Beijing Aquarium
Located in the northeastern corner of the zoo, this is a very impressive attraction that will keep children happy for hours (see Natural History Museum).
4. New China Children’s Store
168 Wangfujing Dajie • 6528 1774 • Subway: Wangfujing • Open 9am–9:30pm daily
A four-storied children’s store on Beijing’s main shopping street, with everything from carry-cots and strollers to local and imported toys. There’s even an in-store play area.
5. Happy Valley
Xiaowuji Bei Lu, East 4th Ring Road • 6738 3333 • Open 9:30am–10pm daily • Adm; children under 4 ft (1.2 m) free
This Disneyland-style park has 120 attractions over six themed regions. The park’s aim is to keep both parents and children content by providing interactive education experiences. Thrill-seekers can enjoy no fewer 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.
Thrilling ride at Happy Valley
6. Water Cube
Olympic Park, 11 Tianchen Donglu, Chaoyang District • 8437 0112 • Subway: Olympic Sports Center • Open 10am–10pm daily • Adm; children under 4 ft (1.2 m) free
The 2008 Olympics Aquatics Center is now a water park. Water slides and giant inflatable rides will excite young fans, while the Bullet Bowl “plug hole” descent on a four-seater dinghy is a thrill for any age (see National Aquatics Center/Water Cube).
Aquatic fun at the Water Cube
7. Blue Zoo Beijing
This small but beautifully done aquarium has an enormous coral reef tank containing an array of visually exciting marine life, including eels, rays, and sharks. Tanks are set low enough for toddlers to peer into them. There’s also a “marine tunnel”, and shark-feeding sessions are held twice-daily.
8. Chaoyang Park
Subway: Liangmaqiao
There are plenty of rides and activities here, including zip-lining, for both children and adults. This is one of the few parks in the city where visitors walk, run, do yoga, kick balls, or lay down on real grass by the lake. Go early, take a picnic, and enjoy the day.
9. Kerry Center Adventure Zone
Kerry Center Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu • 8565 2490 • Subway: Guomao • Open 10am–9pm Mon–Fri, 9am–10pm Sat & Sun • Adm
Parents and children can play together at this fun center with a three-story jungle gym, a tree house, vertical slides, and colorful cars. All areas are age specific, and weary adults can always take a break to relax at the nearby café.
10. Science and Technology Museum
This museum has lots of hands-on exhibits for kids to pull, push, and even walk through. There is also an IMAX-style movie theater and an indoor play area in a separate building north of the main entrance.
Science and Technology Museum
