Best Things to Do with Kids in Beijing

Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: April 07, 2026

I still remember bringing a family with young kids to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. There was that initial hesitation—would Beijing feel too serious, too historical for them? But everything changed on the way down, when the kids took the toboggan slide off the Wall—laughing the whole way, asking to go again.

If you’re searching for the best things to do with kids in Beijing, you’ll find a city that quietly adapts to families. It doesn’t try too hard to entertain—instead, it lets children discover things at their own pace, turning even iconic sights into moments they genuinely enjoy.

1. Family Fun at Mutianyu Great Wall: A Kid-Friendly Great Wall Adventure

Looking for a section of the Great Wall that’s perfect for kids? Mutianyu Great Wall is your best bet — combining history, nature, and a whole lot of fun in one unforgettable outing.

Family tour with kid at mutianyu Great Wall — Family Fun at Mutianyu

Start with a Scenic Cable Car Ride

Skip the steep climbs and hop on a cable car that takes you right up to the wall. It’s stress-free, stroller-friendly, and ideal for families with younger kids.

Walk the Wall at Your Own Pace

The paths at Mutianyu are wide and well-preserved, making it easy for children to walk and explore. Climb up a few watchtowers, enjoy the views, and soak in the centuries of history.

End with a Toboggan Ride

The highlight for most kids? The toboggan slide down the mountain! It’s a safe, exciting way to end the trip — and a memory your kids will talk about long after.

Mutianyu is where Great Wall history meets family-friendly adventure!

2. Shougang Park: Explore Beijing’s Coolest Industrial Heritage Site

Beijing’s old steel mill has found new life! Welcome to Shougang Park (首钢园) — a once-thriving industrial complex turned into a vibrant cultural hub. Here, you can walk through towering blast furnaces, sip coffee under giant steel pipes, try Olympic winter sports tech, and dive deep into China’s industrial past.

Shougang Park in Shijingshan In Beijing — **Shougang Park**

If you’re looking for a unique day out — combining history, tech, sports, and great food — this is it.

Blast Furnace Guided Tour (with Former Engineers!)

Join a bilingual tour led by former Shougang engineers or industrial heritage experts. You’ll explore the iconic No. 1 and No. 3 blast furnace sites, learn about how iron was made, and discover how these massive machines were transformed.

Bilingual audio guides available (Chinese & English)
Get insights on Shougang’s evolution from factory to cultural icon

High-Tech AR Interaction

Slip on a pair of AR glasses and watch the furnaces come back to life! You can even simulate pouring molten iron — a thrilling and surprisingly educational experience.

Hands-on and immersive
Great for older kids and adults

Winter Olympics Zone: Sport Meets Technology

Curling Simulator

Step into the Winter Olympics Exhibition Hall and try your hand at digital curling. Learn the basics, then test your aim in a simulated match.

¥30 per game
Great for first-timers!

VR Ski Training

Put on a VR headset and hit the slopes — virtually! Experience alpine downhill runs and slalom courses from the comfort of the simulator.

¥50 for 15 minutes
Feels surprisingly real

Chill with Industrial Vibes

Starbucks in a Steel Mill?

Yes, really! Enjoy a latte at the Starbucks Oxygen Plant Café, located inside a renovated steelmaking building. The decor includes giant pipes, valves, and a very cool industrial-chic vibe.

Try the exclusive “Steel Slag Mocha”
Instagram-worthy interior!

Silo Café (筒仓简餐吧)

Dine inside a converted cement silo with Western-style meals and craft beer.

Avg. ¥80/person
Recommended: “Steelworker Set” — German sausage + local brew

Opening Hours & Event Schedule

Activity	Time
Shougang Park	Open daily 06:00–22:00
Furnace Tours	Daily at 10:00, 14:00, 16:00 (30-person limit per tour)
Winter Sports Zone	09:30–18:00 (till 19:30 on weekends)

Monthly Special: Night Tour + Light Show

Every first Saturday of the month, join the “Blast Furnace by Night” tour. It features lighting effects, sound installations, and an immersive performance among the giant steel towers.

19:00–21:00
¥128/person (extra ticket required)
Stunning for photography lovers

Ticket Options & How to Book

Ticket Prices

Type	Price
Blast Furnace Guided Tour	¥80 adult / ¥50 student
Curling + Skiing Combo	¥168 adult / ¥98 child
Night Tour	¥128/person (extra ticket)
General Entry	Free — park is open to all

Booking Guide

Official Channel (Recommended):

WeChat: Search “北京首钢园”
Tap “工业探秘” (Industrial Exploration)
Fill in participant info
Pay and get your e-ticket QR code

Group Bookings (10+ People):

Visit “汉卓团建” platform for custom routes
Includes lunch + activity insurance
Pricing starts at ¥200/person

Getting There

By Car:

Navigate to “Shougang Park Xiuchi Parking Lot (首钢园秀池停车场)”
5-minute walk to the blast furnace
¥8/hour parking fee
EV charging stations available

By Subway & Bus:

Subway Line 6 → Jinanqiao Station, Exit C
Transfer to Bus Special Route 108 → Get off at Shougang Experimental Plant Station (首钢试验厂站)

Shougang Park is where Beijing’s industrial past meets the future — and it’s surprisingly fun. Whether you’re exploring blast furnaces or throwing a virtual curling stone, this site offers a one-of-a-kind, photo-worthy experience.

3. Jingtailan Bilingual Workshop Guide for Families

Looking for a hands-on cultural experience that’s creative, educational, and family-friendly? The Jingtailan Bilingual Workshop in Beijing is a fantastic opportunity to explore one of China’s most iconic traditional crafts — cloisonné enamelware (景泰蓝).

**Beijing Enamel Factory (Beijing Cloisonné Art Museum)**

Led by nationally recognized masters, this workshop offers foreign families a chance to get up close with this intricate art form, learn its history, and create their very own piece to take home.

What You’ll Do: A Step-by-Step Cloisonné Experience

Try Two Signature Techniques:

Wire Bending (掐丝): Shape thin metal wires into patterns using traditional tools
Enamel Filling (点蓝): Fill the shapes with colorful enamel paste to create a vibrant design

Under expert guidance, you’ll craft a personalized cloisonné item such as a pendant, bookmark, or keychain — a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

🏷️ Custom Option: Have your finished piece engraved with your English name or a personal message
🌍 International shipping available (postage charged based on destination)

Bilingual Support Throughout

No language barrier here! The entire workshop includes professional bilingual instructors who explain:

The history of cloisonné
Key techniques and tools
Step-by-step crafting instructions in both English and Chinese

Perfect for both kids and adults, whether you’re new to Chinese culture or already a fan of traditional arts.

Schedule & Availability

Workshop Sessions:

Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Times:
- Morning: 10:00–12:00
- Afternoon: 14:00–16:00
Each session lasts 2 hours and is limited to 15 families
Advance booking required at least 3 days ahead

Museum Access:

Open daily: 09:00–16:30 (last entry at 15:30)
Free entry included — pair your visit with the workshop!

Location & How to Get There

Venue:
Beijing Enamel Factory (Beijing Cloisonné Art Museum)
No. 10 Anlelin Road, Yongwai, Dongcheng District, Beijing

By Subway:

Take Line 14 to Jingtai Station, Exit B.
Walk about 8 minutes to the museum.

By Car:

Free parking is available on-site, but spots are limited — arrive early to secure a space.

Pricing & Booking Info

Ticket Type	Price
Adult	¥180/person
Children (5–12 years)	¥120/person
Museum Entry	Free

Prices include materials and basic tools

How to Book:

By Phone:

Call the Beijing Enamel Factory at 010-6768 9177
Provide: Name, age, and contact info

The Jingtailan Workshop is a beautiful way to experience Chinese craftsmanship and creativity in a family-friendly setting. Whether you’re visiting Beijing or living here with kids, this bilingual workshop is a hidden gem worth discovering.

4. Forbidden City with Kids: Join the “Little Beasts Treasure Hunt” Adventure

Traveling to Beijing with kids and looking for a fun, hands-on way to explore Chinese history? The “Hidden Little Beasts” Family Tour (探秘隐藏的小怪兽) at the Forbidden City is an unforgettable experience designed especially for curious young travelers.

The "Hidden Little Beasts" i the Forbidden City — **The “Hidden Little Beasts” i the Forbidden City**

This interactive journey brings the ancient palace to life, blending storytelling, treasure hunting, and creativity — all in one magical 2.5-hour adventure.

Part 1: Treasure Hunt for Roof Beasts

Kids receive a multi-language audio guide (available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) and embark on a mission to spot 10 mythical creatures hidden on the rooftops — including dragons, phoenixes, lions, and more.

Route: From Taihe Hall to Shenwumen Gate
Learn as You Go: The guide explains the symbolism of each creature and how they relate to imperial architecture
Reward: Complete the mini quizzes and win a commemorative badge!

It’s more than just sightseeing — it’s a living history lesson disguised as a game.

Part 2: Make Your Own Imperial Fan

After the hunt, head to the DIY craft station in Jiàntíng Square. Kids can design their own traditional Chinese folding fan using royal motifs like dragons or peonies.

Paint, decorate, and create
Take home a unique, handmade souvenir
Great for parent-child bonding time!

Bonus Stop: Jingshan Park Viewpoint

Once the tour ends, walk just a few minutes to Jingshan Park, located directly behind the Forbidden City. Climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion for a 360° panoramic view of the palace rooftops — perfect for family photos!

Entry to the park: Only ¥2 per person
Don’t miss the golden hour — the rooftops glow beautifully at sunset

Booking Info: How to Reserve Your Spot

Booking is simple and strongly recommended in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.

Official Booking Options:

WeChat Mini Program (Recommended):
- Search “故宫博物院” on WeChat
- Tap “购票约展”
- Select your date and ticket type
- Add the “Children’s Activity Add-On”
- Enter passport info and pay
Official Website:www.dpm.org.cn
- Best for international users
- English interface available
- Supports passport booking and electronic tickets

Note: You’ll need a general Forbidden City ticket + the add-on for this activity.

Pricing Overview

Item	Price
Forbidden City Ticket (Peak Season)	¥60/adult, Free for kids under 6
Audio Guide Rental	¥30/device
DIY Fan Kit (Optional)	¥20 per kit
“Little Beasts” Add-On	Included with booking add-on
Jingshan Park Entry	¥2/person

The “Hidden Little Beasts” Treasure Hunt is one of the best ways to make a visit to the Forbidden City exciting for kids. It’s educational, creative, and full of little magical moments that will stick with them long after the trip.

5. China Science and Technology Museum: A Fun, Hands-On Day with Kids in Beijing

Looking for an exciting, educational, and kid-approved activity in Beijing? The China Science and Technology Museum (中国科技馆) is a top choice for families. With immersive exhibits, interactive play areas, and even a 4D dome theater, it’s a perfect blend of fun and learning.

Must-Try Experiences

“Little Ball’s Big Journey”(小球旅行记)– Science Playground

Let your child become a mini engineer! Kids use real mechanical tools like gears and Archimedes screws to guide a ball through obstacle courses. It’s a fun, physical way to understand energy, motion, and teamwork.

Location: 2nd Floor, “Explore & Discover” Zone
Cost: Free with entry
Best for: Ages 5–10, great for parent-child interaction

4D Dome Theater – The Birth of Earth (地球的诞生)

Watch the universe come to life on Asia’s largest dome screen. You’ll lie back and immerse yourself in the story of Earth’s formation—complete with motion, vibration, and wind effects.

Length: 25 minutes
Showtimes: Daily at 10:00, 14:00, and 16:00 (Morning shows are less crowded)
Cost: ¥30–50/person (ask for English audio when booking)

Tickets & Booking Tips

What to Book:

Kids’ Science Playground: ¥30/person (includes child); Space Castle add-on requires separate booking and is hard to get
4D Dome Theater: ¥30–50/person
Main Hall: Free, but you must reserve in advance

How to Book:

WeChat (recommended for locals): Search “中国科学技术馆服务号” → tap “快速订票”
International visitors: Use the official website for an English interface
- Choose your ticket type and date
- Input passport info
- Pay (Visa/Mastercard accepted)
- Get your QR code for entry

Opening Hours & Schedule

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30–17:00 (Closed Mondays)
Kids’ Science Playground Sessions:
- Morning: 9:30–12:30 (cleared at 12:50)
- Afternoon: 13:40–17:00
- You can get a stamp to exit and return

Suggested Itinerary:

10:00 → Watch The Birth of Earth in the dome theater
11:00 → Explore “Little Ball’s Big Journey” in the main hall
13:30 → Play in the Kids’ Science Playground (water play or pretend jobs!)
16:00+ → Walk to Olympic Park for a night view

The “Little Ball’s Journey” and 4D Theater are the stars of this museum. Pair them with the hands-on exhibits and a scenic walk to the Olympic Park, and you’ve got a full day of science and skyline magic.

Just remember—book tickets 7 days in advance, and plan by time slots to avoid crowds!

6. Interstellar Adventure at Beijing Planetarium

If your child is obsessed with space, stars, and the mysteries of the universe, Beijing Planetarium’s “Interstellar Adventure” (星际冒险”) is a must. From 360° dome films to telescope stargazing and hands-on science, this experience is both educational and mind-blowing — for kids and grown-ups alike.

Dome Theater: The Big Bang

Strap in for a visual journey through over 10 billion years of cosmic history. This 22-minute film dives into the birth of the universe—from the Big Bang to galaxy formation. Expect dramatic visuals, surround sound, and even moving seats that simulate stellar collisions and the expansion of space.

Languages: Chinese and English (choose your slot!)
Highlights: 360° dome screen, motion seats, immersive sound
Duration: ~25 minutes including intro and seating

Stargazing with High-Powered Telescopes

Ever wanted to see the moon’s craters up close or spot Jupiter’s cloud bands? Now’s your chance. Kids and parents use professional telescopes to observe real celestial bodies under expert guidance.

What you’ll see: Moon craters, Jupiter’s cloud belts, and more
Guides: Bilingual (Chinese/English) astronomy explainers
When: Fridays to Sundays, 19:30–21:30 (weather permitting)
“Search for Aliens” Science Workshop

This hands-on workshop lets kids explore how scientists search for extraterrestrial life. Using simulated radio signals, they’ll analyze alien “data,” assess exoplanet habitability, and learn about real-life tools used in the hunt for alien civilizations.

Includes: Experiments, signal simulations, and interactive demos
Best for ages: 8–15
When: Weekends at 10:30–11:30 and 15:00–16:00
Limited to: 30 families per session — book early!

Tickets & How to Book

Ticket Prices

Experience	Price
Dome Theater	¥50/adult, ¥30/child (under 1.2m)
Telescope Observation	¥80 per pair (1 adult + 1 child)
Science Workshop	Free! But requires booking

International Visitors:

Book via the official website
Switch to English interface
Enter passport details
Pay with Visa/Mastercard
Get a QR code for ticket pickup

On-site Ticket Pickup:

Go to the West Side Ticket Hall
Show your QR code to exchange for a paper ticket
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early

7. Beijing Wildlife Park: Up-Close Animal Encounters for the Whole Family

Looking for a wild adventure just outside of central Beijing? The Beijing Wildlife Park (北京野生动物园) offers something truly special — zero-distance animal interaction （零距离互动）. From riding through predator zones in a cage car to hand-feeding giraffes and watching flamingos take flight, it’s an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.

Predator Zone Cage Car Safari

Hop into a secure, iron-barred cage car and ride through open areas where lions, tigers, and bears roam freely. The ride lasts about 50 minutes, and you can purchase meat for feeding (¥50 per tray). Pro tip: Start at the brown bear zone — the animals are most active there!

Safety First:
Double-layer protective mesh keeps everyone safe. Don’t stick hands out. Use long tongs to feed animals.
Included with basic ticket
Feeding: Optional meat tray for ¥50

Herbivore Encounters

Giraffe Plaza

Feed towering giraffes with tree branches (¥20 per stick) and get a close look at their fascinating long tongues. This area is in the pedestrian zone.

Alpaca Pasture

Pick up a vegetable bundle (¥40) to feed gentle alpacas, goats, and deer. Avoid visiting right after lunch — the animals are often full and less interactive.

Bird Shows & Flamingo Flyover

Parrot Acrobatics Show

Catch clever parrots riding bicycles and doing coin tricks! Shows run daily at 11:00 and 14:30 in the tropical bird zone.

Flamingo Flight Display

At 15:00, head to the lake area to witness dozens of flamingos soar low over the water — a dreamy pink scene perfect for photography.

Tickets & How to Book

Ticket Types

Ticket	Price	Includes
Basic Admission	¥150/adult, Free for kids under 1m	Cage car ride + train tour
Self-Drive	¥200 per car (up to 5 seats)	Follow same route as cage car with freedom to stop
Add-Ons	Electric car rental: ¥400/day (2-seater) Vegetable pack: ¥40 Meat pack: ¥50

How to Book

Official Channel (Recommended):

On WeChat, search “北京野生动物园”
Tap “在线购票”
Enter passport or ID info
Pay and receive a QR code (Book at least 1 day in advance)
No need to rush on weekdays — no ticket rush unless it’s a holiday

Third-Party Discounts:

Apps like Ctrip/Trip.com offer ¥5 off if booked 1 day early
Booking must be completed at least 2 hours before entry

Hours & Route Tips

Opening Hours: Daily 08:30–17:30 (last entry 16:00)
Cage Car Ride: 09:00–15:30
Train Tour: 09:00–16:00 (1 hour, shares route with self-drive cars)

Suggested Family Route

Time	Activity
08:30	Arrive early to beat crowds
09:00	Head straight to Cage Car Safari (best feeding time!)
10:30	Hop on the Train Tour for a scenic ride
12:00	Feed giraffes at Giraffe Plaza
14:30	Watch the Parrot Show
15:00	Catch the Flamingo Flight Show
16:00	Wrap up your visit and exit the park

Note: You’ll walk roughly 18,000 steps during the visit. If that’s too much, rent an electric cart (¥400/day + ¥500 deposit).

8. Universal Beijing Resort: A Magical Journey for Families (with English Guided Tour!)

Planning a family day at Universal Beijing Resort? Want more than just rides and roller coasters? Then don’t miss the “Magical Journey” (魔法之旅)— a bilingual, interactive experience that brings your favorite movie worlds to life, with exclusive perks for English-speaking visitors.

From casting spells at Hogwarts to drifting through Kung Fu Panda’s valley, this is your chance to experience the magic, stories, and fun — with fewer lines and more meaning.

What’s Included: English Guided Tour + Interactive Fun

Explore Two Iconic Lands with a Bilingual Guide

Join a professional English-speaking tour guide who will lead you through:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Includes Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Ollivanders, and Hogsmeade
Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness™: Includes Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior and other themed zones

Your guide will explain each land’s storyline, ride features, and cultural details — in fluent English, with optional Chinese support.

Skip the long lines! The tour group gets priority access to Journey of the Dragon Warrior, cutting wait times to under 15 minutes

Magical Add-Ons & Interactive Fun

Wizarding World Extras:

Rent a robe (¥80–¥100/day) and join the fun in full costume
Use an interactive wand at 10 spell-casting spots around Hogsmeade
Take part in the Wand Selection Ceremony
End the day with the dazzling Hogwarts Castle Light Show at 19:30

Kung Fu Panda Missions:

Complete AR challenges under the Wisdom Peach Tree
Collect stamps and redeem limited-edition souvenirs at themed gift shops

Schedule & Showtimes

Activity	Time
Park Hours	10:00–21:00 (summer peak starts at 9:00)
English Tours	Daily at 10:30 & 14:00 (20 people max per tour — meet 1 hour early)
Hogwarts Light Show	Nightly at 19:30 (15 min) — may be cancelled in rain

CityWalk stays open until 23:00 — perfect for post-park dining or shopping

How to Get There

By Subway:

Take Line 1 or Line 7 to Universal Resort Station, Exit B
Walk straight into the park entrance

By Car:

Set GPS to Universal Beijing Resort Parking Lot
Regular parking: ¥150/day
Premium parking: ¥200/day (closer to the entrance)

Tickets & Pricing

Ticket Type	Price Range
Single-Day Ticket	¥570–¥710 (adult), ¥420–¥520 (child, ages 3–11)
1.5-Day Ticket	¥980 (includes entry after 14:00 on Day 1 + full Day 2 access)
English Guided Tour	¥300/person (includes priority ride access)
Express Pass	¥400–¥900 depending on number of rides (3/5/all)

How to Book

Official Channels:

WeChat Mini Program: Search “北京环球度假区官方”
- Bind your ticket
- Reserve your English tour (at least 3 days in advance)
Website or App:
- Purchase ticket + express pass combos (10% discount)

The “Magical Journey” at Universal Beijing is so much more than just a theme park day — it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings beloved worlds to life through story, design, and interaction. The English-guided tour adds depth and ease for international visitors, while the interactive features and fast-lane perks make it smooth, exciting, and stress-free.

By the end of a few days in Beijing, I often notice something shift—kids stop seeing it as a “history trip” and start claiming their own favorite moments. It might be a hands-on workshop, a wide open park, or that unexpected burst of excitement in a place you thought would feel serious.

That’s really what the best things to do with kids in Beijing offer. Not just a checklist, but a rhythm your family settles into—where learning feels natural, and the memories come quietly, then stay with you long after you’ve left.

About the Author

Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.