If the weather is smoggy or rainy and being at home has lost its allure for the kids, here are some suggestions of some indoor play areas. Wangjing has seen the introduction of Mitty Jump to the indoor play zone scene. To get a better handle on how it stacks up against the competition, I’ve added it to the breakdown list from our archives.
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Fundazzle
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Mitty Jump
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Family Box
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Free Wireless
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Food and Beverages
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Processed snacks and bottled drinks
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One vending machine inside, but Costa Coffee is on the ground floor of the mall along with other options.
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Fresh-baked goods from Tous les Jour bakery, brewed tea and coffee, fresh squeezed juice, fresh fruit, free water
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Multi-Level Climbing Area
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Yes
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Sort of. There’s a series of suspension bridges encased in safety netting.
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Yes, seems better thought-out and safer
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Toddler Area
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Yes (largest of the three)
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Yes
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Yes
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Ball Pit
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Yes, Beijing’s biggest, but no adults allowed
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Yes, series of small pools and rivers in a volcano
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Yes, two small ones for different ages
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Sandbox
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Yes, but costs RMB 15 extra
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No
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Yes
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Slides
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Yes
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Yes, small
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Yes, massive
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Pretend Grocery Store
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No
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Yes, small
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Yes
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Water Play Zone
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No
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No
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Yes, but half the features were not functioning properly and the center was very stingy with bubble soap.
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Swimming Pool
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No
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No
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Yes, but must be a member to use
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Bouncy Castle
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No
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Yes
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No
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Train Ride
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No
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Yes
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No
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Mini Soccer Pitch
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No
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Yes
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No
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Toys for Sale
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Yes
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One – Mitty doll
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No
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Coin-Operated Games
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Yes
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No
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No
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Dining Area
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No
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No
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Yes
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Comfortable Seats
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None, some pads on ground, some bar stools on second floor
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Bench seating along the wall
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Yes, even Ikea chairs (though people tend to sleep in them)
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Cribs for Little Ones
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No
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No
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Yes
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Kid-Friendly Bathrooms
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No
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Yes, little sinks and toilets, changing tables, and training potties, also a room for nursing mothers
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Yes, little sinks and toilets
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Sit-Down Toilets
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Attentive Staff
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Only if adults are in ball pit or kids are playing on rides without paying, or big kids are in the toddler area
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Yes
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Very. Staff will play with children and learn their names
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Slippers/Socks
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Disposable socks on sale for RMB 1
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Yes
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Yes, slipper socks
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Cost
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RMB 50 per child for 3 hours + RMB 15 per adult on the weekend
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RMB 160 per child for all day admission. Can buy multiple entry card to reduce rate to under RMB 100 per visit. Add RMB 50 per adult on weekends
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RMB 480 per child for all day admission
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If cost is the main factor, Fundazzle is still the winner hands down. It is centrally located and big enough for older children and toddlers alike. Fundazzle is the clear choice for hosting a play date or to let kids burn off some energy for a couple of hours on a smoggy or rainy day.
Click here for more details.
This post first appeared on
Photo by Christopher Lay
