Beijing Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Beijing
This weekend itinerary for Beijing focuses on balancing free, engaging family activities with exciting, worthwhile ticketed experiences. It considers the interests of children aged 3-12, offering interactive learning, outdoor play, and unique cultural encounters. We've included practical tips for transport and dining to ensure a smooth and budget-conscious trip.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, January 2Zoo Animal Wonders
Visit the Beijing Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in China, famous for its giant pandas and diverse collection of animals from around the world.
Arriving in the late afternoon allows for slightly smaller crowds and a chance to see some animals become more active as evening approaches. Focus on the main attractions like the Panda House.
Perfect for all ages, especially 3-12. Kids will love seeing the pandas, elephants, and monkeys. Stroller accessible, with numerous restrooms and snack vendors. Plan for about 2-3 hours. Consider bringing a light snack and drinks. In case of cold weather, some indoor exhibits are available.
Easily accessible by subway (Line 4, Beijing Zoo Station). Parking is available but can be crowded, so public transport is recommended for families. Stroller-friendly paths throughout the zoo.
Family Dinner Delight
Enjoy an early casual dinner at a family-friendly restaurant near the Beijing Zoo.
Many restaurants in the Xizhimen area offer a variety of cuisines suitable for children. Look for places offering dumplings, noodles, or simple stir-fries.
Focus on establishments with high chairs, kid-friendly menus, and a relaxed atmosphere. Early timing ensures kids aren't overtired before bedtime. Many places offer small playgrounds or coloring activities. Duration: 1 hour.
Walkable from Beijing Zoo. The area is well-served by public transport. Taxis are also readily available.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, January 3Science Museum Fun
Spend the morning at the China Science and Technology Museum, which features numerous interactive exhibits perfect for children of all ages.
Kids can explore concepts of physics, chemistry, space, and robotics through hands-on displays.
Ideal for curious kids aged 5-12, but younger children will also find plenty to engage with. Expect large crowds on weekends, so arrive early. Stroller-friendly with accessible restrooms and food options. Duration: 3-4 hours. Offers a fantastic indoor option in case of cold weather.
Accessible by Subway Line 8 or 15 (Olympic Green Station). Plenty of parking is available, but public transport is recommended to avoid potential traffic. The museum is a short walk from the subway station, with wide sidewalks suitable for strollers.
Picnic & Play
Enjoy a budget-friendly picnic lunch at Olympic Forest Park, just a short distance from the Science and Technology Museum.
The park offers vast green spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails perfect for kids to run around and burn off energy after lunch.
Pack sandwiches, fruits, and snacks to save money. There are multiple playgrounds suitable for various ages. Plenty of open space for kids to play sports or simply enjoy nature. Facilities include public restrooms. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
A short taxi ride or a longer walk/bus ride from the China Science and Technology Museum. Multiple entrances, some with parking. Subway Line 8 (Olympic Forest Park South Gate Station) is convenient. Wide paths are perfect for strollers.
Kids' Indoor Playground
Head to an indoor children's play center for an hour or two of active fun, especially good for colder weather.
Beijing offers many options, such as 'Cool Play Kids Club' or 'Kidzania Beijing', which provide various play structures, slides, and interactive games. Since Kidzania Beijing focuses on role-playing, we'll suggest a general indoor playground for younger kids.
Most indoor playgrounds are suitable for ages 2-10. Kids will love climbing, sliding, and exploring. Expect clean facilities, dedicated play zones for different ages, and adult supervision areas. Restrooms and cafes are typically available. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Varies by specific venue. Many are located within shopping malls, offering ample parking and subway access.
Evening Noodles
Enjoy a relaxed early dinner at a local noodle house.
Beijing is famous for its noodles, and many small eateries offer delicious and affordable options perfect for families. Kids often love watching the noodle-making process if it's visible.
Order a variety of noodles (e.g., Zhajiangmian, Lanzhou拉面) to share. Most noodle places are very casual and family-friendly. Consider an early dinner to allow for a calm wind-down and bedtime. Duration: 1 hour.
Walkable or a short taxi ride depending on location. Public transport is usually an option.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, January 4Temple of Heaven Visit
Explore the majestic Temple of Heaven Park.
While the temples are historically significant, the expansive park itself is a vibrant community hub where local families gather to exercise, fly kites, play traditional games, and practice tai chi. Kids can enjoy the open spaces and observe local culture.
The park is suitable for all ages. Kids can run, play, and watch locals. Stroller-friendly paths. Restrooms and snack stalls are available. The main temple structures require separate tickets, but the park itself is a great, affordable experience. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Easily accessible by Subway Line 5 (Tiantandongmen Station - East Gate) or Line 8 (Tiantan Hospital Station - West Gate). Limited parking available at some entrances, but public transport is best. Wide, paved paths within the park are excellent for strollers.
Library Story Time
Visit a local public library, such as the Beijing Children's Library or a branch of the Capital Library of China, which often hosts free story times or craft workshops on weekends.
This offers a quiet, educational, and free indoor activity.
Check the specific library's schedule online closer to the date for story times (usually for ages 3-8) or craft sessions. Libraries are quiet, stroller-accessible, and have restrooms. Great for winding down and fostering a love for reading. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Varies by library branch. Most are well-connected by subway and bus. Parking may be limited at some locations.
Park Playground Fun
Conclude the weekend with some free play at a local park playground.
Beijing has numerous neighborhood parks with excellent play structures. Find one close to your accommodation for an easy final activity before heading home to prepare for the school week.
Let the kids burn off their last bursts of energy on swings, slides, and climbing frames. Bring some snacks and drinks. Ensures an early wind-down before dinner and bed. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Walkable if close to your accommodation, otherwise a short taxi ride. Public transport options will vary by park.
This weekend itinerary for Beijing can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.