If your kids are into all things space, there’s a really cool exhibition taking place near the 798 art district that you shouldn’t miss. We went on a Sunday morning and it was not overcrowded, so we had enough time to try almost every interactive activity without waiting in line.
Tickets can be purchased on the spot or in advance on Dianping for RMB 99 for a parent-child ticket if you go on a weekday, or RMB 128 for weekend and holiday tickets. A child’s ticket costs RMB 69, adult tickets are RMB 98, and there are also double and triple tickets available for RMB 178 and RMB 258, respectively.
The site is NOT stroller friendly, as there are two levels you’ll need to walk around and there are no elevators available. You can store your stroller at the entrance and head inside to discover the wonders of our solar system.
In order to do that, you’ll have to enter a space elevator that will take you to the stars! The ride will be shaky, noisy and visually super-cool, resembling real travel through space.
Once the elevator door opens, you’ll be facing a huge screen with moving images of the planets of our solar system. My kids stood still with their eyes glued to the screen for a good minute before they noticed the surroundings, a display of rocky surfaces complete with volcanoes and craters, which they got to climb.
If you want to take some cute pictures of your kids in little spacesuits, you can rent them for RMB 49 at the door. Seeing little astronauts running around, waving their little flags really makes the experience extra special.
From there you can take the stairs up to the second level where you’ll find quite a few areas with multimedia displays and other interactive technologies that allow you and the kiddos to learn and and have some educational fun. My 6-year-old enjoyed launching rockets into space from a huge interactive screen, while my 3-year old kept himself busy catching floating feathers.
There is also a cool space storm simulator where the little ones get to experience weather in space, but my children were too busy playing with other things, so we didn’t get to try it. Even though it’s not too big, the venue design is really innovative, and the content of each activity super informative and engaging, so whatever the kids (and adults) choose to play with, it will be fun and will keep them entertained.
There is also a room with string lights hanging from the ceiling and an interactive floor, which toddlers and younger kids found super interesting. For older kids who can read Chinese, there are quiz games they can play to test their understanding of space.
Toilets are located near the exit on the second floor in an area where there are chairs and tables available for you to rest and have a snack. After you’re done with your stroll through our Milky Way, you can go for another stroll in the art district and enjoy the cool weather and a nice cup of coffee, only available on our planet.
Find it:
度假太阳系·太空探索乐园
北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路4号751时尚广场C12栋
Open hours: Tue-Fri, 10am-6pm
Images: Dianping, Sanja Stojkov