Science Exploration

Kick off the weekend with an engaging visit to the China Science and Technology Museum.

Their Children's Science Paradise is specifically designed for younger children, featuring interactive exhibits that introduce basic scientific concepts through play. It's a wonderful indoor option, especially for a Friday evening.

Ideal for children aged 3-10, with hands-on displays that encourage curiosity and exploration. Stroller-friendly and plenty of restrooms available. Plan for approximately 2 hours of exploration before closing time. It's an excellent place for kids to burn off some energy while learning.

Family Dinner Delight

Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Grandma's Home (Nai Po Jia) in the nearby Olympic Green area.

This restaurant chain is known for its delicious Hangzhou cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere with a wide variety of dishes that cater to both adults and children, often at very reasonable prices.

Kids will love the diverse menu options, including sweet and sour dishes, and usually a lively, welcoming environment. High chairs are available, and the early timing allows for a pleasant meal before heading home for bed. Portions are typically generous, making it easy to share.

Beijing Zoo Exploration

Spend your morning exploring the vast Beijing Zoo, home to over 450 species of land animals and 500 species of marine animals, including the beloved Giant Pandas.

It's an expansive park, perfect for a long morning stroll.

Kids aged 3-12 will be captivated by the variety of animals, especially the pandas. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a stroller for younger children as there's a lot of walking. Restrooms and snack vendors are plentiful throughout the zoo. Plan for 3-4 hours.

Riverside Picnic & Play

After the zoo, head to the nearby Purple Bamboo Park (Zizhuyuan Park) for a budget-friendly picnic lunch and some relaxing playtime.

This beautiful classical Chinese garden offers peaceful bamboo groves, lakes, and playgrounds.

Pack a lunch to save money and enjoy the scenic views. There are open grassy areas perfect for a picnic blanket, and dedicated children's play areas with slides and swings. Kids can also enjoy watching boats on the lake. Facilities include public restrooms. It's a great way to let kids run freely after a structured zoo visit.

798 Art District Wander

Experience the vibrant and eclectic 798 Art District.

While it's an art hub, many galleries are open and welcoming, and the industrial architecture itself is fascinating. Look for street art, unique sculptures, and quirky shops that can spark children's imaginations. Some spaces might even have interactive installations or kid-friendly art.

This is a free-roaming activity where kids can enjoy the visual stimulation, explore the open spaces, and discover interesting sculptures. It's stroller-friendly, and there are many cafes for a quick snack break. Encourage kids to point out their favorite art pieces. Plan for 2-3 hours.

Dinner & Dessert

Enjoy an early dinner in the 798 Art District, which offers a variety of cafes and restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale options.

Follow it up with a fun dessert. Many cafes have delightful pastries and ice cream that kids will love.

Choose a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly options. Pizza, noodles, or simple rice dishes are usually available. The early dinner helps with bedtime routines. Conclude with a special treat like a colorful ice cream cone or a sweet bun from a bakery.

Temple of Heaven Park

Start your Sunday with a visit to the expansive Temple of Heaven Park.

While the temples themselves are fascinating, the park is a hub of local life, where families can witness locals practicing tai chi, flying kites, playing shuttlecock, and even singing opera. It offers vast open spaces for kids to run around and explore.

This is a great free activity where kids can observe local culture and enjoy the open air. There are plenty of shaded areas, restrooms, and vendors selling snacks and drinks. The sheer size of the park allows for both active play and quiet observation. Best for all ages. Stroller-friendly paths are abundant.

Interactive Story Time

Visit a local public library for a relaxing and educational afternoon.

Many libraries in Beijing, like the Capital Library of China, offer children's sections with story times or quiet corners for reading and simple craft activities. This is a wonderful indoor alternative, especially if the weather is chilly.

Perfect for unwinding and encouraging a love for reading. Check the library's website for specific children's program schedules (story times, craft workshops) which might be offered on Sunday afternoons. Suitable for children aged 3-8. Facilities are excellent with restrooms and quiet reading areas.

Playground Fun & Treat

Wrap up the weekend at Chaoyang Park, one of Beijing's largest urban parks, which features several fantastic playgrounds.

Let the kids burn off their last bursts of energy before heading home. Grab a small treat like a hot dog or some ice cream from a park vendor.

Chaoyang Park has large, well-maintained playgrounds suitable for a range of ages, ensuring the kids can play freely. It's an excellent way to wind down the weekend. Ample space for parents to relax while kids play. Restrooms are available throughout the park. Suitable for all ages.