Beijing is a kid friendly city, with parks,shops and museums all aimed at the little ones. While many restaurants might not have a children’s menu,they are generally very accommodating for families. Affordable clothing and gifts also makes Beijing a great place to stock up on Christmas goodies early.
Sightseeing
Beijing Aquarium: Despite being located within the grounds of the shabby Beijing Zoo, no expense was spared during the Aquarium’s 1999 overhaul, and it houses several impressive themed areas, quality souvenirs and an enormous marine theatre that seats 3,000 people. Professional dolphin and sea lion shows take place daily at 11am and 3pm, and visitors get a chance to take photos of the animals up close afterwards. Packing in 18,000 tons of artificial saltwater, the rest of the centre features hundreds of different marine wildlife – look out for the incredible dolphin-sized Amazonian Arapaima fish.
Chaoyang Park: With loads of rides, including a roller coaster, sky swings and merry go round, there’s plenty for children to get excited about here. Kite flying, boating and expanses of green mean there's loads of potential activities to enjoy together, and there’s even a Sony Explora Science Museum within the grounds too.
Crab Island: This large wooded area about a 40 minutes drive from downtown has everything from dog riding to fishing for imported marine life. But the highlight is the huge (artificial) beach and swimming area with waves. Behind the beach are fun flumes and a large kids-only pool with a bewildering array of mini-slides and play frames.
Restaurants
Steak and Eggs: With its kids menu and child-friendly atmosphere (not to mention patient staff), Steak & Eggs serves up all-American breakfasts, hearty lunches and fun dinners. Burgers, sausage, eggs benedict, waffles and a great carrot cake all feature, as well as salads and make your own pizzas.
Westin Financial Street Bubbly Sunday Brunch: Parents get to feast on caviar, lobster and champagne while kids dip fruit in the chocolate fountain and enjoy their first taste of Peking duck. The whole experience is an extravaganza, with magicians, a band, ballroom dancers, balloon artists, and even a DVD corner for the children that flock here. Book ahead.
Din Tai Fung: This restaurant lays claim to being the best and most foreigner-friendly dumpling joint in town. Clean, efficient and with an easy to navigate English menu, the traditional jiaozi (dumplings) and baozi (steamed buns) are delicious. And if the kids get restless, just pop them in the restaurant’s supervised play room.
Shops:
Chaterhouse:Located on the third floor of The Place (see Shopping, page 101), this bookstore has a good kids section, with everything from Dorling Kindersley titles to Harry Potter and teen fiction.
Yashow Market: Whether you’re after affordable baby or toddler clothes, or your teenage daughter wants a pair of ‘designer’ jeans without you having to fork out for them, Yashow market has the answer. Five floors of cheap gear await at this popular market and you won’t come away empty handed.
New China Children’s Store: Beijing’s biggest toy store stocks everything from traditional toys to the latest Barbies, bikes and stuffed animals. It’s located on the bustling Wangfujing shopping street just east of the Forbidden City too – a good way to bribe the little ones into a day of sightseeing.168 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng district (6528 1774). Open 10am-10pm daily. 东城区王府井大街168号