Steeped in a mystical and fascinating ancient history, Beijing may not, at first glance, seem ideal for travel with children. But those who look past the old buildings and temples will find more than enough fun activities and attractions while on holiday with kids in Beijing.The Summer Palace is a good place to start sightseeing with the kids. With magnificent gardens open to visitors, children will have plenty of space to run around. The Happy Valley Amusement Park never fails to entertain and thrill the whole family as moms can wander around the shopping centre while the kids are at play. Milu Park ranks as one of the best places to enjoy a picnic outdoors and do some milu deer spotting, while spectacular sealife waits at Beijing Aquarium. Another highly entertaining park is Chaoyang, which is the biggest in Beijing.On rainy or particularly hot and humid days, visitors can take the kids to Le Cool, an indoor ice skating rink, or to one of the many indoor playgrounds around the city, such as Fundazzle. It's a great way to ensure happiness and tiredness.
The Beijing World Park is must see on the itinerary of those traveling with children through Beijing. The park features about 100 miniature models of some of the world's most famous tourist attractions from over 50 countries across the globe, and is designed to let visitors experience a trip around the world without ever having to leave Beijing. It has become such a popular spot for taking photos that many couples have used it as a backdrop for their wedding photos. The sights include Egypt's Great Pyramids, France's Eiffel Tower, India's Taj Mahal, England's Stone Henge, and even New York City's Manhattan Island, complete with landmarks like the Empire State Building. Although the park can be a bit empty, depending on the season, it is a great place for kids to learn and enjoy naming the attractions as they stroll through the replicas. Summer is the best time to visit Beijing World Park, as it is a venue designed for sunny weather.
Address : 158 Dabaotai, Huaxiang Fengbaolu, Fengtai District
Website : www.beijingworldpark.cn
Transport : Bus routes 477, 480, 987, and 692 provide transport to Beijing World Park.
Opening times : Open daily 8am-5.30pm (April to October); 8am-5pm (November to March).
Admission : CNY 100 per person
This amusement park, which opened in 2006, is a fantastic place to spend the day with the little ones, or even without little ones! Happy Valley features about 40 rides, such as the Energy Collector, Trojan Horse and the Crystal Wing Rollercoaster, an IMAX Theatre and even a shopping centre. It is very similar in style and layout to Disneyland, featuring six theme parks: Firth Forest, Atlantis, Ant Kingdom, the Aegean Sea, Lost Maya, and Shangri-La. Atlantis is probably the favourite of these, with a massive palace built in its centre. There is a mini train that circles the outer rim of the park offering scenic tours. Kids of all ages will have a screaming good time at the Happy Valley Amusement Park, and in the right conditions it is a wonderful way to spend a few hours for the whole family. However, Happy Valley gets very crowded on the weekends, with queues of up to three hours for rides; during the week, when it is much quieter, not all the rides stay open. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, visitors are advised to find out ahead of time whether the state-of-the-art roller coasters will be running when they visit. Happy Valley is best when it is warm and sunny.
Address : Xiao Wu Ji Bei Lu, Dong Si Huan (East Fourth Ring Road)
Website : bj.happyvalley.cn
Telephone : (0)10 6738 9898
Opening times : Mid-March to mid-November: 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday; 9am - 5.30pm weekends. Mid-November to mid-March: 10am - 5.30pm daily.
Admission : CNY 260 (mid-March to mid-November); CNY 200 (mid-November to mid-March). Discounts for children are based on height.
The fascinating Sony ExploraScience museum is an interactive educational centre that encourages children to take an interest in science. The museum features live science shows and interactive educational exhibits combined with Sony's latest digital technology. The museum is divided into four themed sections, covering illusion, refraction, light and sounds. Attractions include robotic dogs that play soccer, musical sculptures, soap bubble rings, and much more. All small enquiring minds will love a trip to the Sony ExploraScience, but it is probably an experience best-suited to kids aged five to 12. Tickets can be purchased from the Sony booth outside the south gate of Chaoyang Park, to avoid paying for park admission separately. Profit made from ticket sales goes towards supporting rural education in China, so it is money spent for a good cause. The Sony ExploraScience museum is located in Chaoyang Park, the largest park in Beijing, which boasts multiple attractions including lakes, swimming pools, a bungee jumping tower, sports fields, a wetland area, fountains and a funfair. It is a beautiful area and a fun place to spend the day, especially for those travelling with children in Beijing.
Address : Inside Chaoyang Park South Gate (Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanmen
Telephone : (0)10 6501 8800
Opening times : Open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am - 6.30pm.
Admission : CNY 30 (adults); CNY 20 (children)
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