This Week’s Best Events and Dining Deals

Let’s dive into this week’s collection of fun family-friendly events and dining deals right here in Beijing.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Sat, Sep 11

Shutterbugs as young as 6 are invited to join this special day trip to Red Snail Temple, one of the largest and most extensive Buddhist temples in the Beijing region. As well as learning about the history behind the temple, participants will be guided through some of the site’s best photography spots, with plenty of tips and tricks to be learned along the way. All levels of experience and types of cameras are welcome so everybody is sure to get a frame-worthy picture to take home!

10.30am-6.30pm. Pickup at Agricultural Exhibition Center. RMB 358 for adults, RMB 168 for kids 6-12.

Make a Brooch by Chinese Knot Button & Celtic Knot

Here’s a great event for the crafty kids in your house: a brooch-making workshop that combines traditional Chinese and Celtic knot traditions. Over the course of the three-hour workshop, you’ll learn all about the history and symbolism behind knotting – which can represent family, loyalty, strength, protection, friendship, love, and more – and produce your own personalized brooch or lapel. This workshop requires dexterity so isn’t great for small children.

10am-noon. Guanxiang Art Museum. RMB 280.

Countryside Cycling to the “Sea of Flowers”

With the weather turning cooler by the day, it’s the perfect time to get on your bikes for a day trip! This great new offering from Beijing Hikers is ideal for those who get tired with long walks, but still want to explore the beautiful countryside around Beijing. Kids as young as 6 can enjoy a safe, peaceful ride through the suburbs, wander through the gorgeous “Sea of Flowers,” and play around a nearby stream. Bikes and helmets are provided, but please note that the trip is not suitable for children under 130cm tall or those who don’t have bicycle experience.

8am, first departure. Bus pickup from Lido and Liangmaqiao. RMB 300 for adults, RMB 180 for kids 6-12, RMB 160 for kids 4-5.

Kid-friendly dining deals

Kids Under 6 Eat Free at Zarah Sunday Brunch

Now that’s a good deal! At Zarah Cafe, kids under 6 eat totally free, while those aged 6-12 can enjoy the fabulous Sunday buffet brunch for just RMB 98, instead of the usual adult price of RMB 198. Every Sunday from 10am-3pm, come down as a family and enjoy a big range of cheeses, cold cuts, smoked salmon, eggs cooked every way, and (our favorite) the DIY jianbing station. Zarah is great at providing a balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and parents can also enjoy free-flow alcohol for just an extra RMB 100.

And don’t forget about these ongoing events and exhibitions…

Meet Egypt: The Exhibition of the Golden Mummies (ends Oct 15) What is it about Ancient Egypt that seems to enchant children? If you’ve got budding archeologists at home, this exhibition, which showcases over 100 pieces and explores the fascinating world of the afterlife in Ancient Egyptian culture will keep them enthralled for hours.

Miyazaki Hayao and Ghibli’s World Animation Art Exhibition (ends Oct 10). Kids absolutely love the rich and magical world of Studio Ghibli animations, and this exhibition gives them a chance to experience it all up close and in person! We even came up with a special Quiz Mission for your kids to dig into as they explore this out-of-this-world exhibition!

2021 Beijing International Light Festival (ends Oct 10). Pretty lights, lasers, stunning displays…this is one nighttime event worth keeping the kids up for.