Moms juggle numerous responsibilities, and finding a balance between socializing with friends and catering to their children’s needs can be a challenge. Now, imagine a place where moms can gather to enjoy drinks and conversation while their children are entertained in a safe, dedicated play area. These (well-thought-out) restaurants provide a haven for parents to connect, unwind, and share experiences, all while knowing that their kids are being entertained in a safe and enjoyable environment. Basically, they’re the kid-friendly girls’ night out restaurants in the city.
So, where can you find such a place? Check out our recommendations:
Haidilao
They’re not going to have the greatest selection of drinks, but the food is delicious, and like with everything else that the restaurant chain offers, their kids’ room goes above and beyond with teacher-led activities and even an iPad provided for parents so they can watch their kids while they eat. Haidilao mainly offers beer and baijiu on their menu, but they do allow diners to bring in outside drinks.
It’s worth noting that the kids’ room isn’t open 24 hours like their restaurants. Each location may have their own operating time, so it’s best to call in advance.
Click here to read more about why parents love Haidilao.
FEAST at EAST Hotel
They’ve got the crème de la crème of free kids play areas in town. The restaurant renovated its entire private dining room and turned it into the coolest play area that is filled with ball pits, slides, swings, climbing things, and toys.
Prices (all include free-flow drinks):
Weekday lunch (Mon-Fri) for RMB 248
Weekday dinner (Mon-Thu) for RMB 268
Weekend brunch (Sat-Sun) RMB 398|
Weekend dinner (Fri-Sun) RMB 328
*free for kids aged 6 and under; half price for kids aged 7-12
FEAST is a semi-buffet, which means your starters, desserts, and drinks are laid out buffet style and you order your main course a-la-carte. Personally, by the time your main course comes, you’re probably going to be full, so the FEAST team will pack it (*ahem* your perfect hangover food) for you to take home for an additional RMB 60.
Find it:
2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店2层
Tel: 8414 9820
The Rug at Chaoyang Park
I’ll be frank, it’s not the nicest play room, but it’s big. There’s a climbing wall and a few toys that kids can play with while you enjoy some wines, cocktails, and tasty dishes. We end up going to The Rug time and time again because of the comfort food and laid-back vibe. And even though the play room is pretty much the bare minimum, it does have enough things to keep toddlers busy while you sit down and enjoy a few hours with your girlfriends.
Find it:
Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu (opposite South Gate of Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4号楼(朝阳公园南门对面)
Tel: 131 6174 2511
Looking for more restaurants with play areas? Add TBJHelper to join the jingkids FamFriendlyEats WeChat group and get first-hand feedback from other parents in Beijing.
Images: Romee
