Study Dinosaurs
At The Bookworm’s Explore Festival, kids will squeal with delight at the seven-meter triceratops and the ability to touch real fossils. Older children can also appreciate the history of transportation with Beijing Postcards. For more information and exclusive interviews with some of the festival’s guests, see Playing Inside.
Bite Into A Mooncake
Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival on September 12. On this special occasion, give boxes of sweet and savory mooncakes to your friends and family. For places to purchase them, see Events.
Indoor Fun at The Familier
Young crawlers and walkers will love exploring The Familier, a two-level facility with a ball pit, gym equipment and a café. The center also offers classes for both children and adults – from storytelling to art classes. There is also half-day childcare for busy parents.
Marvel at the Ming Tombs
Visit and explore the Ming tombs, the final resting place of 13 out of the 16 Ming emperors, including seven concubines’ tombs and a eunuch’s tomb. Marvel at how it took more than 200 years to build ending in 1644. Next to the Badaling Great Wall, you can make it a full day of sight-seeing.
Play Parkside
Take a walk in Ritan Park, one of Beijing’s oldest parks. It’s a perfect place to people-watch, rock climb and fly a kite. Grab a bite before heading home at one of the top-notch restaurants such as XiaoWangFu.
Ready, Aim, Fire
Let the kids loose at Star Trooper Laser Tag, where they can dash, dart, hide and shoot. Each game lasts 15 minutes. Kids must be taller than 1.3m. It is RMB 40 for the first game and RMB 30 for additional games.
Get Swinging
Head to the driving range or tennis court to perfect your swing. It’s the perfect
combination of a superb workout and quality time with the kids. For golf, try the Greystone Golf Center, where a basket of balls is RMB 30. For tennis, try Junwangfu Sports Center, which varies from RMB 60 to RMB 100 per hour.
Greystone Golf Center: Daily 7am-9pm. 1 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District (8450 7173) 朝阳区香江北路1号
Junwangfu Sports Center: Daily 9am-11pm. 200m east of Chaoyang Park South Gate, Chaoyang District (6591 7755) 朝阳区朝阳公园南门向东200m郡王府体育中心
Ride a Rollercoaster
If an adrenaline rush is what you are after, head to Happy Valley Amusement Park. With over 40 rides, an IMAX theater, more than 100 games and seven cinemas, there is plenty to do and see. There are also live performances and parades. RMB 160 (April 1-Nov 14); RMB 120 (Nov 15-March 31). Half price for kids 1.2-1.4m, free for kids under 1.2m.
Visit Furry Friends
If you’ve got an animal lover in the family, head to the Beijing Zoo and Aquarium. At the zoo, children can feed the giraffes (for an extra fee), pet a goat at the children’s zoo and watch the monkeys swing from limb to limb. And of course, see China’s beloved pandas. The aquarium hosts dolphin and sea lion shows. Paired admission to the Beijing Zoo and Aquarium is RMB 120.
Craft A Science Project
Who knew science could be fun? Learn about the science of vibration while making a neat craft in the meantime. To learn how to make a clucking chicken cup, see Playing, Kid Craft.
This article is excerpted from beijingkids September 2011 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
