Top Things to Do in Beijing with Kids: A Family Travel Guide in 2026

Written by Wendy Mo | Updated April 22,2026

Beijing has long been regarded as a rather “serious” city with a great heaviness of history, but that doesn’t stop it from being a family-friendly destination with a lot of interesting things that you can do with your kids.

This article will introduce you to the top 13 things to do in Beijing with kids, including camping on the Great Wall and making your own shadow puppets. You’ll certainly find some activities that can be included in your Beijing tour plan.

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• Outdoor Recreations in Beijing
• Fun & Educational Experiences in Beijing
• Historical Explorations in Beijing
• Interactive & Cultural Experiences in Beijing
• Travel Tips for Visiting Beijing with Kids
• Have a Family Tour to Beijing with China Xian Tour
• FAQ about Visiting Beijing with Kids

Outdoor Recreations in Beijing

1. Conquer the Great Wall: Choose the Kid-Friendly Sections

The Great Wall is certainly a must-visit site in Beijing when traveling with your kids. Though with a rugged tarrian, there are still some sections are exceptionally well-facilitated for families, such as Mutianyu and Badaling. There are cable cars, toboggans, and diverse on-site foot options make hiking an enjoyable and easy adventure for all ages. 

Mutianyu Great Wall

• Cable car price: CNY 100/single trip (USD 14.67). CNY 140/round trip (USD 20.54)
• Toboggan ride price: CNY 100 (USD 14.67)
• Free tickets for kids under 1.2m

If visiting Mutianyu, you can take the cable car to go up and go down by toboggan ride. This option is easy, scenic, and interesting. If your kids can handle a short climb, consider taking the cable car to NO.14 tower, and hiking to No.6 tower to take the toboggan ride.

If your kids still need a stroller, then you might only take cable cars to go up and down. Your stroller can be deposited at the cable car boarding hall for free.

Badaling Great Wall

• Cable car price: CNY 100/single trip (USD 14.67). CNY 140/round trip (USD 20.54)
• Toboggan ride price: CNY 80/single trip (USD 11.74). CNY 120/round trip (USD 17.61)
• Free tickets for kids under 1.2m

When hiking the Badaling Great Wall, you can going up to and getting down from No.7 tower by cable car, or by toboggan ride at No.4 tower (the ride in Badaling supports both up and down tours). Still, if you have a stroller, deposit it at the entry, and there are staff looking after it for you.

One thing special about Badaling is that it has a Badaling Bear Park at the toboggan ride boarding point. Many family travelers will combine it with a Great Wall visit.

Tip for visiting both sections:

• Tickets for the toboggan ride can only be bought at the boarding point, and usually it’ll have long queues. Add extra waiting time to your plan.
• You can find restaurants near both sections, around the entrance but not on the Wall.So it’s necessary to bring some snacks and water, especially in summer.
• Except for climbing the Great Wall, camping on the Great Wall is also a good choice for family visitors. Service is only available on certain sections, such as Gubeikou Great Wall. Contact us to get more information.

Recommended Tours:

2 Days Wild Great Wall Trekking & Camping Tour

One Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Lunch

2. Meet the Pandas in Beijing Zoo

Ticket Price:

• Ticket package (zoo entry+panda house): CNY 19 (USD 2.79)
• Entry ticket: CNY 15 (USD 2.2)
• Panda house ticket: CNY 5 (USD 0.7)
• Child under 1.2m/6 years old: free

You don’t have to go to Sichuan to see pandas, since the Beijing Zoo also has its panda house. Currently, there are 11 pandas living in this zoo, with nine of them displaying to the public. Except for pandas, there are also lions, tigers, bears, golden monkeys, antelopes, and in total more than 500 species. In general, it’s a perfect place for your kid to get close to nature and animals.

The zoo is huge, if your kids cannot take a long-distance walk, bring a stroller. If you don’t have one, you can rent one on site at the south gate. Panda house is always crowded, and you’d probably need to wait for a long time to see the “star pandas” like Menglan.

Recommended Tour:

2 DAYS

2 Days Beijing Highlight Tour

Explore This Tour

3. Splash Into Fun at Water Park in Water Cube

Ticket Price:

• Weekdays: Children (1.2m to 1.5m) CNY 159/person (USD 23.33). Adults 199 RMB/person.  (USD 29.2)
• Weekends and Holidays: 229 RMB/person (USD 33.6)
• Children under 1.2m are free. 

This water park is one of the largest in China, with an astonishing interior design. There are water activities designed for both adults and kids. Facilities like the fountain slide, Bubble Party, Finding Nemo, and Rubik’s Cube Castle are all designed for younger kids. However, some more exciting rides have age and weight requirements.

The children’s pool is at a constant temperature, so no need to be afraid of catching a cold. Remember to bring essential stuff like swimwear, anti-slip socks (slippers are not allowed in the park, shower area is fine), swim ring, bath towels, changing clothes, and baby diapers if necessary. But don’t bring too many things, the storage space is limited.

4. Experience Magic Day at Universal Studios Beijing

For detailed information of ticket price, please see: Universal Studios Beijing: Everything You Need to Know

Universal Studios gives children a “dream-come-true” experience. It’ll be a magical day to take your kids walking in their favourite film worlds. Younger kids may be more interested in Minion Land, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness. While Jurassic World Isla Nublar and Transformers Metrobase also have child-friendly rides.

It’s recommended to start your day early, which allows as much time in the park as possible. You can check the height and age restrictions of each ride on the official app (which can be downloaded straight from the app store) in advance to avoid any frustration. Stroller rental service is also available on site in the visitor center (CNY 150/day, USD 22.01).

5. Embrace A World of Playful Collectibles at Pop Mart Wonderland

• Ticket (same for both children and adults): CNY 88-148 (USD 12.91-21.72). In peak days: CNY 118-178 (USD 17.31-26.12).
• Free tickets for kids under 1m
• Stroller: CNY 20/time(USD 2.93). Deposit: CNY 100 (USD 14.67)

In recent years, Pop Mart has become one of the most popular toy brands in the world. In Beijing, there’s actually a Pop Mart-themed amusement park, where you can introduce your kids to all the iconic characters that they may be interested in, like Labubu, and see these cute figures performing. The park also sells some limited editions of toys that you can’t buy anywhere else.

Activities suitable for children include basically all non-motorized rides, Ocean Battles, A Journey of Wishes, and shows in all areas.

Tip: Part of the park is currently under construction. The available activities depend on the announcements made on the day. So some visitors have commented that the highlights here are not rides, but the shopping experience and photography.

Fun & Educational Experiences in Beijing

6. Enjoy Science at Play in the China Science and Technology Museum

• Ticket: CNY 30 (USD 4.4)
• Free ticket for kids under 8 years old or under 1.3m
• Reservation needed.

China Science and Technology Museum is a highly preferred option among all, standing out for many experiential activities. There’s also a Children’s Science Park, where little kids (3-8 years old) can play.

It’s one of the most popular areas in the museum, where children can explore Space Castle, mechanical interaction, and there’s a section for them to experience different occupations that they may take in the future. If time allows, also explore the 4D dome theater.

7. Appreciate Ancient Wonders at the National Museum of China

Ticket: Regular exhibitions are free. Advanced booking is required.

The National Museum of China is a perfect place to learn about China’s grand history. The museum is incredibly large, with 1.43 million items in its collection and 48 exhibition halls. If traveling with younger kids, you can consider visiting the galleries that showcase animal-shaped artifacts (such as terracotta figurines and bronzes).

Porcelain or clothing exhibits are more preferred by travelers with kids, as the many artifacts are brightly colored and some even have adorable designs. The clothing gallery features 3D projections, making your visit both informative and entertaining. Many children are drawn by the souvenirs and the bronze-themed ice cream.

Tip: strollers are allowed to enter, but NOT electronic ones.

8. Journey Through Nature at Beijing Natural History Museum

• Ticket: free, but booking is required. Do it as early as possible.

The Beijing Natural History Museum is very popular for families with kids. They can explore animals’ lives and evolutionary history through interactive activities. It has 8 permanent exhibitions, the most recommended include the Aquatic Life Pavilion, the Dinosaur Park, and the Amazing Africa Pavilion.

The Aquatic Life Pavilion is like a small aquarium, with various colorful koi. The Dinosaur Park has the biggest dinosaur fossil in Asia. The Amazing Africa Pavilion has a design that looks quite similar to the scenes presented in The Lion King.

Tip:

Strollers are allowed. However, there’s No elevator or lift inside. So if you need to bring one, opt for a lightweight type.

Historical Explorations in Beijing

9. Walk in Royal Footsteps at the Forbidden City

Tickets:

• Adults: CNY 40-60 (USD 5.87-8.8)
• Minors under 18: free
• Booking required. For more detailed information, please see: How to Buy Forbidden City Tickets.

China has a long and profound history, and the Forbidden City is the best witness to the passage of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Here you can introduce your kids to the palaces where ancient Chinese emperors lived and worked. The magnificent architecture and relics preserved inside really show Chinese traditional aesthetics.

In Spring, there will be various blossoms, attaching a greater sense of vitality. It is recommended to rent traditional royal costumes for all the family members, and take a unique family photo in the palaces.

The Forbidden City has passages accessible for wheelchair and strollers. Remember to ask the staff to show you the way. However, since the ground is all paved with bricks and stones from ancient times, pushing a stroller here is not as smooth as pushing it on flat ground.

Recommended Tour:

1 DAYS

Beijing Bus Tour: 1 Day Badaling Great Wall Tour

Explore This Tour

10. Discover Old Beijing Life in Hutong

Ticket:

• No ticket required.
• Rickshaw tours charge separately.
• Tips: Hutongs are generally accessible for strollers. However, when entering some small shops, it could feel crowded.

Hutong is an alley or narrow street flanked by traditional courtyard residences. It is where the everyday life of local residence unfolds.

Activities suitable for kids, including a rickshaw tour and exploration of historical sites. Some of the most popular Hutongs are Nanluoguxiang, Liulichang Cultural Street, and Mao’er Hutong. However, except for these iconic hutongs, there’s one with a unique experience that is specifically suitable for doing a citywalk with your kids.

Yangmeizhu Xiejie

This Hutong has a lot of boutique and gift shops. Many of them sell special handmade souvenirs that have typical Beijing characteristics. Many visitors have commented that paper-cutting, paper-making, and Cloisonne themed stores are most interesting. These works are not only delicate but also bear memories of the local people. And generally, they are not very expensive.

If your kids feel tired, cafes and restaurants are everywhere. It is rewarding to sit on the roadside and feel the old Beijing vibe.

Recommended Tour:

5 DAYS

5 Days Beijing Tour Package with Panda Encounter

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11. Boat Rides or Winter Skating at the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is one of the most beautiful gardens in Beijing. Here you can see how the Su-style architectural style blended with Beijing’s imperial grandeur. The buildings here are extremely beautiful, but the highlights for kids would be boat rides on Kunming Lake. And in winter, the Lake will transform into a playground for skating.

Boat ride:

Ticket:

• Entry: CNY 30 (USD 4.4)
• Large boat: CNY 40/person (USD 5.84). It’ll take a full tour around the lake.
• Small boat: CNY 200/boat (USD 29.34). One boat can have 6 passengers. Deposit is CNY 600  (USD 88.03) and you can take it for 1 hour.

If you take the small boat, you’ll ride it yourself. Pay attention to the time limit, it’ll charge you extra if you go overtime. The scenery is fabulous, don’t forget to take photos.

Winter skating:

• Entry to the skating rink: CNY 20 (USD 2.93)
• Ticket package (skating and entry to the Palace): CNY 50 (7.34)
• Free tickets for Children under 1.2m/6 years old
• Ice vehicle rental services are available. One-seat vehicle costs CNY 50 (USD 7.33), two-seat vehicle costs CNY 100 (USD 14.66).

Winter skating is a really popular activity in Beijing. It can be crowded if you’re visiting on weekends and holidays. Every year, the opening time of the ice rink will change, and daily opening hours are usually 9:00-17:00.

This site is stroller-friendly, with accessible paths available throughout.

Interactive & Cultural Experiences in Beijing

12. Be Amazed by a Live Chinese Acrobatics Show

Recommended theaters:

• Chaoyang Theater (CNY 280-980/ USD 41-143.65)
• Red Theater (CNY 280-704/ USD 41-103.2)

Compared to Peking Opera, the Chinese Acrobatics Show may be more acceptable to younger kids. The show is exciting and thrilling, and more importantly, both the stage design and performance style have incorporated traditional Chinese techniques and cultural heritage. So the highlight is not just high-difficulty moves, but the story that lies behind.

13. Make Shadow Puppets Come Alive at Jingxi Intangible Heritage Park

Location: 800 meters east of Baishuiwa Road, Shangzhuang Town, Haidian District, Beijing

Ticket price:

• CNY 100/person (USD 14.67)
• Free for kids under 1m

Shadow puppet is a Chinese traditional art. The performer will use a delicately made shadow puppet to tell a story. In this heritage park, kids can study its history, watch a show, and most importantly, they can make a shadow puppet and perform by themselves.

This site is only open on weekends and holidays, and there are only two formal performances every day. In the off-season, they might even be canceled. So it’s better to check the schedule before going.

Travel Tips for Visiting Beijing with Kids

• Most museums introduced above (except for the shadow puppet park) are popular all year round. It can be extremely hard to secure a slot, especially in peak seasons. Tickets are normally released seven days in advance, so it’s important to book as soon as your preferred slots are available.
• Many rides in amusement parks and water parks have height/age/weight requirements. Detailed information will be shown on their official apps or websites.
• If you want to focus on outdoor activities, check the weather before going out, especially in summer. Bring enough water and a portable fan, as Beijing’s summer can be really hot.
• When eating in local restaurants, make sure the dishes don’t include any ingredients that may trigger allergies. And bring medications that your kids might need.
• Strollers are accessible in basically all tourist sites.
• Children under 1.3m can take the subway in Beijing for free, but they’ll need to be accompanied by adults.
• Always hold your children’s hands tightly, especially in crowded spots during peak seasons.

Have a Family Tour to Beijing with China Xian Tour

Beijing is many tourists’ first destination in China. Its cultural and historical heritage has attracted people from all over the world. If you are traveling with your kids to Beijing, you can contact China Xian Tour and our travel advisor will plan a trip for you that meets all of your needs. To offer you and your family a smooth trip, we’ll be there 24/7 to handle every detail. Stop hesitating, your perfect Beijing family tour can start right here!

FAQ about Visiting Beijing with Kids

Is it easy to find baby-care rooms when exploring attractions in Beijing with my kids?

Well, it depends where you’re going. In attractions like the Forbidden Palace, the Summer Palace, or Universal Studios, they do have clean and equipped baby-care rooms. However, the rooms can be hard to get since the attraction is way too large.

A great tip is to grab a map or check facility location with the staff at the entrance so you can plan your tour accordingly.

Note that, in attractions like the Great Wall, it’ll be even harder to find baby-care rooms, and even an average toilet is difficult to reach. If it’s necessary, consider shortening your trip by taking cable cars.

Is it easy to find kid-friendly food if my child is a picky eater?

Yes, but it helps to know where to look. If your kids are not adapted to Chinese flavors, large malls, tourist areas, and theme parks usually have Western options like burgers, pizza, and fries.

In local restaurants, you can order simple dishes like egg fried rice, noodles, dumplings, or steamed buns, which are generally mild and not spicy. When ordering, you can say “bu yao la” (不要辣) to request no spice.

Another important thing to notice is that food allergy in China is relatively less common than in Western countries. So many local restaurants’ menus do not list information on allergens. If you’re concerned, confirm with the restaurants in advance.