For families in Beijing, finding a welcoming and low-pressure environment for toddlers can feel like a treasure hunt. For Rebecca Carter, a British mom with two boys, ages three and 18 months old, in Beijing, that treasure is found at British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun—even though it’s an hour-long taxi ride from her home.

We spoke with Rebecca to find out why the BSB Sanlitun playgroup has become a non-negotiable part of her weekly routine.

Rebecca’s journey with BSB began last year during a special summer playgroup session. At the time, she brought both of her sons, then 2.5 years old and 9 months old. While her oldest has since started at a local kindergarten, her youngest has become a regular attendee. “We attend most weeks,” Rebecca shares.

So, what keeps them coming back? According to Rebecca, it’s the perfect blend of structure and freedom. “It’s very fun,” she says. “It’s such a relaxed atmosphere, and there’s a lot for the kids to do.” Each week, the playgroup offers a variety of activities designed to engage little ones. “Each week they put out a different messy play for the kids to enjoy, and there’s always blocks, soft play, books, and mini cars for them to zip around on.”

And the best part, it’s free!

For Rebecca’s youngest son, the routine is clear: “He always makes a beeline for the messy play corner. Then he goes and climbs all over the soft play area. He also loves the trampolines, the little cars, and the basketball area.” After about an hour of burning off that energy, the pair settles down for a snack and a drink, which gives Rebecca a chance to chat and make friends.

Living in Haidian, Rebecca admits the commute isn’t trivial. However, she believes BSB Sanlitun offers one of the best activities for families in Beijing. “I’ve watched my youngest grow and gain confidence. At first, he clung to me and needed me to go where he went. Now he roams freely, checking in occasionally.”

The community is another major draw.

The group evolves as children grow and move on to daycare, Rebecca says the core remains welcoming. “The same people tend to go each week, so generally you see the same faces, and everyone is friendly.” That sense of community recently extended beyond the playgroup. When the session was cancelled for one week, one of the mums organized a group outing to a different soft play center. For Rebecca, who lives in an area with few foreign parents, the opportunity for English-speaking “mum talk” is invaluable.

She also appreciates the school’s respectful approach. “Obviously, we were asked if we wanted to join the school (we do), but when I told them we lived too far away and couldn’t, there was no pressure put on us, and we weren’t asked again.”

If you are considering attending, Rebecca says you can expect a diverse and welcoming crowd. “A mix! There are Chinese families, but also a wide range of European and North American families. Kids’ ages range from about eight months to three years, so your child will surely find a play friend.”

Rebecca is already looking forward to the summer, and she has her eye on a new attraction. “I’m extremely excited to see the new pool opening in the summer and perhaps take my son swimming.” She has also heard great things about other offerings at the school. “I have also heard that the Baby Dance and Book Club are great as well from other mums who live locally.”

Her advice to other parents is simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re a bit shy or if you’re nervous about playdates. “I would absolutely recommend joining! I hope to see others at BSB soon. Please come and say hi if you join!”

Images: British School of Beijing Sanlitun

If your family’s idea of a perfect day out involves tasty food, sunshine, and plenty of space for little legs to run around, then mark your calendars: Juicy Burger Fest is rolling into Beijing from May 1-4 at Chaoyang Park, and this year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and more family-friendly than ever.

The burgers are the star of the show (think juicy patties, creative toppings, and buns that hold it all together), but there’s so much more for families to enjoy. Set against a fun Wild West theme, the festival will have a line-up of Beijing’s best burger joints, plus out-of-town guests that you can only get a taste of at the fest.

Best of all? Entry is free!

Want to make a day of it? Treat the kids (and yourself) to a VIP package that includes a cowboy hat, bandana, and 10% off all food and drinks – perfect for getting into the spirit.

Expect plenty of space to spread out, a lively but relaxed atmosphere, and food that’ll satisfy even the pickiest little eaters. Whether you’re a burger purist or love trying something new, this is a festival the whole family can sink their teeth into.

Calling All Vendors:

Got a standout burger joint or a signature creation you want the city to taste? Vendor applications for Juicy Burger Fest Beijing are now open! Just scan the QR code in the poster below to get in contact with us.

Find it:
Juicy Burger Fest 2026
May 1- 4 at Chaoyang Park

Images: The Beijingers

As a parent, finding an activity that checks all the boxes of being safe, engaging, physically active, and actually fun for both kids and adults isn’t as easy to come by as one might think. Sure, the indoor playgrounds are fun for the kids, but how many adults can honestly say that they’re genuinely having a good time in there? There’s a reason why so many of them put massage chairs in there now…

SURFPARK 温泉冲浪·深水冲浪体验店 in Chaoyang is a bit of a different story. Rated #1 on the Chaoyang District Sports Venues list with a stellar 4.9 score on Dianping, this place isn’t just a trendy spot for young adults; it is a fantastic destination for families looking to make a splash any time of the year.

The first concern for any parent is safety. The idea of indoor surfing might sound intimidating for a child, but SURFPARK has mastered the art of the introduction. They offer zero-entry, 1-on-1 guidance that’s suitable for beginners.

Here, while the surfing pool is exhilarating, the facility is designed for comfort. The fact that it’s an indoor facility means you don’t have to worry about Beijing’s unpredictable weather or air quality. The inclusion of free showers and the warm spring amenities mean you can make a full afternoon of it without the usual post-swim scramble to warm up a shivering child.

SURFPARK is located in a cultural and creative industrial park, with ample space and well-maintained plastic flooring to prevent slips. Whether you have a teenager looking for an adrenaline rush or a younger child eager to try something new, this place adapts to your needs. They even offer free sliding experience tickets if you want to test the waters before committing to a full lesson.

If you are tired of the same old trampoline parks, SURFPARK is a breath of fresh air. Watch your kids build confidence, get some exercise as a family, and leave with huge smiles all while staying warm and dry when you’re not in the water.

Find it:
Opening Hours: 1-9PM daily
Building A, Chenyuan Cultural and Creative Industrial Park, 9 Jia, Shuangqiao Middle Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区双桥中路甲9号院辰园文化创意产业园

Looking for more cool things to do with the family? Join our Family Friendly Events group on WeChat. Add Wilhelmina87 to join.

Images: Dianping

At just 16 years old, Tony Ding is already thinking about how to grow lacrosse in China. A junior in high school who balances his passion for diabetic biology studies with his love for the sport, he recently launched Laxmeter, a website designed to connect players across the country and help build a community around a game still finding its footing in Beijing.

A former student at Beijing World Youth Academy, Tony’s own journey began only three years ago when he entered high school in the US as a freshman. He played thirds lacrosse and was, by his own admission, terrible at it. It took him a week just to learn to successfully catch and throw the ball. But despite the steep learning curve, he fell in love with the fast pace, the aesthetic motion of a well-aimed shot, and the way the varsity team celebrated a win where everyone sprinted onto the field to high-five their goalie. For Tony, the beauty of lacrosse lies in that tension between fierce body contact and delicate stick movement.

With lacrosse set to return to the Olympics in 2028, he saw an opportunity.

The sport is growing in China, but there’s no platform bringing players together. When his parents suggested that hiring a professional to build one would be too expensive, Tony took matters into his own hands. Drawing on what he learned in AP Computer Science and a post-AP data structures course, he programmed Laxeter himself.

Right now, the site features a rankings system meant to motivate more players to participate in games. But his ambitions are bigger: he wants to eventually rank players by stars and help them build profiles that college coaches can see.

His vision doesn’t stop online. Tony is now working to establish a school lacrosse league among Beijing’s international school communities. He’s calling it BALL (the Beijing Academia Lacrosse League), and he’s already reaching out to schools to invite them in.

The plan is to start with a 3v3 format and scale up to a more competitive Tier I league for players with real talent and drive. For anyone interested in starting, he recommends BUX Lacrosse Club and the Beijing Lacrosse Association as great places to begin, filled with passionate athletes and professional coaches ready to help.

For Tony, this moment matters. “This is a pre-Olympic stage of Lacrosse (as I would like to call it), so every player is a pioneer. They’re not just learning a sport—they’re building a community from the ground up. That sense of ownership makes their journey deeply personal, which not only creates future influencers in the lacrosse community to publicize this sport we love more, but also presents opportunities (colleges, national teams, branding, etc.)” says Tony. The story of lacrosse in Beijing, he believes, is ultimately one about belonging and identity.

When asked what advice he’d give to kids who want to pick up a stick, he quotes his high school’s varsity goalie, John: “Lacrosse is an easy sport to pick up, but a hard sport to excel in.” What matters most, Tony says, are the friends and connections you make along the way. Whether you’re playing in big games, tossing the ball with a neighbor, or doing wall-ball with music in your ears, you’ll find yourself improving with a smile on your face. And then he adds John’s signature send-off: “Let’s go hit the wall.”

For kids in Beijing who want to give the sport a try, it’s easy. “I am working to create lacrosse teams at every high school that shows interest in this sport. Not only can they come to play at BUX lacrosse club, but they can also aid me and convince their teachers about including this sport in their school. We have professional coaches who are happy to show up and teach you the tricks!”

Inspired? We know we are! If you’re a teen with an incredible achievement, let us know! Get in touch with Mina Yan via email at minayan@beijing-kids.com or WeChat (ID: Wilhelmina87).

Images: Tony Ding

If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot in Beijing that mixes excitement, safety, and real fun, then take a trip west to Haidian. Minas Adventure Land (米那斯冒险乐园) is tucked inside the busy Huaxi LIVE · Wukesong Ice and Snow Entertainment Center. It’s a bit of a drive for Chaoyang families, but the place has everything from restaurants to museums to indoor adventure zones, so it’s easily an all-day family activity.

The park is packed with fun, thrilling play zones for kids of every age. There are tall, twisty slides and safe climbing structures that let kids burn off all their energy while building confidence. For the little ones, there are soft, gentle play areas, and for older kids who love bigger challenges, there are more active, exciting spaces. Safety is a top priority here, with dedicated shoe-changing areas, clean on-site restrooms, and well-kept equipment, so parents can relax and enjoy watching their kids play without stress.

You can buy single-item tickets, which cost RMB 93 on weekends and holidays, great for quick visits. If you plan on coming more often, there are value packs like the 4-ticket bundle for RMB 323, which saves you over 50%. They even sell non-slip socks for RMB 9.9 to keep kids safe while they play. Tickets can be purchased on site on Dianping.

What makes this place awesome is that it actually feels like stepping into a real-life video game. The whole park is designed with fantasy and adventure themes. Kids love the immersive vibe, and parents love that it’s fun, visually interesting, and age-appropriate.

Whether they’re racing down slides, climbing walls, or exploring little hidden corners, there’s always something new and exciting to do. It’s the kind of place where a quick 30-minute stop easily turns into a full afternoon of laughing and playing.

And let’s not forget the parent-friendly perks. For the parents who want to sit back and relax a bit, there are comfortable seating areas where you can sit and watch your kids play, clean restrooms, convenient shoe-changing zones, and flexible booking that works with last-minute changes. It’s a win-win: kids get to have a blast, and parents get a chance to relax.

Find it:
Minas Game Land
米那斯冒险乐园金
B1–B2 Floors, Bloomage LIVE · Wukesong Ice Sports & Entertainment Center
No. 69 Fuxing Road, Wanshou Road Subdistrict
万寿路街道复兴路69号华熙LIVE·五棵松冰上商娱中心B1-B2层
Looking for more indoor places to take the kids? Check out this list.

Images: Dianping

Is your child a budding storyteller? Are they full of energy but need a positive outlet? Or perhaps they’re a little shy and looking for a safe space to come out of their shell?

This winter, step away from the screens and into the spotlight. We’re excited to introduce a unique winter program designed not just to teach performance, but to build unshakable confidence, creativity, and communication skills that will benefit children for a lifetime.

This isn’t your average drama club. It’s a journey of self-discovery, all while having a ton of fun!

What’s the Camp All About?

This program is specially designed for first-time performers and children with limited stage experience. Forget the pressure of being perfect—the goal here is to feel comfortable, confident, and expressive.

Over the course of the camp, your child will learn to:
Command the room: Build genuine stage presence and beat those first-time jitters.
Become a character: Dive into the fun of understanding a character’s thoughts, feelings, and personality.
Express themselves: Learn how to communicate ideas and emotions clearly and creatively.
Develop creative habits: Build a foundation for future learning in the arts and beyond.

The focus is on the process, not the product. It’s about giving kids the tools to express themselves authentically, whether they’re on a stage or in a classroom.

What kind of kids is this camp for?

This camp is a perfect fit for a wide range of kids, especially those who are curious and imaginative and love to make-believe and tell stories, as well as first-time performers who will find it the ideal place to start even with no experience whatsoever; it’s also a wonderful opportunity for shy or introverted children to gently step out of their comfort zone in a supportive, pressure-free environment, while equally serving as a healthy, creative outlet for energetic and talkative kids to channel all that wonderful energy, ultimately making it a fantastic choice for any young confidence-builder looking to improve their communication skills and make new friends in a fun setting—no previous acting experience is required, and every child is welcomed and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

 The Quick Details

Price: RMB 12,998 – 15,998
Dates: March 7 – June 5
Time: Saturday mornings, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Nanyang Gongxiangji (Near Dongsi)
Sign-up Deadline: March 1

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! For more information or to register your child, please contact us on WeChat: DFCOMEDY17

Images: Donnie Fan

Have you ever experienced a snow day and wanted it to never end? I sure had one of those days last weekend. A snowy winter day is definitely one of the most magical things to see, especially at one of the most famous places in Beijing- the Forbidden City. My family and I have been to the Forbidden City or Palace Museum several times. However, we have never been during the winter. A few days ago, a snow day gave us a perfect excuse to explore this familiar space in a different way.The Forbidden City is the most popular sight in Beijing, or maybe even China, so you can be sure that there is always a crowd! However, you can avoid this by visiting during the colder months. Winter can be much less stressful to visit in comparison to spring, summer, and fall.

In these seasons, the Forbidden City can be packed with tourists, locals, and foreigners alike, preventing you from really enjoying this historical sight. Also, visiting in the Summer can be incredibly hot, even for a history lover like me; I had a hard time enjoying this magnificent Palace Museum in the brazen heat. While Spring is mild and can be pleasant, if you are like me and suffer from seasonal allergies, Spring can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable. So, if you can endure the cold, consider coming to the Forbidden City this winter.

If you are planning on visiting the Forbidden City during the winter, there are some things you should know and do to stay warm in the harsh weather. First things first, dress warmly. Dress well, thick and in many layers, so that the heat molecules trapped inside your body stay insulated, and conduction does not occur while you are exploring the Forbidden City. In other words, try to stay heated! If you have any heat packs, be sure to bring them! They could come in handy for your hands and feet! Although stomping in the snow just once or twice will not kill you, do not go stomping and playing in the snow too much, unless you are wearing waterproof shoes.  I learned this lesson the hard way.  Trust me, cold, wet feet are an unpleasant experience, no matter how beautiful the Forbidden City is.

It is a good idea to pack a thermos with a hot drink to soothe your throat and warm your body. And also, a little helpful tip! If you are a foreigner and did not reserve an entrance ticket, not to fret!  Get dropped off at Dongmen Gate and follow the sign and crowd around the moat toward the entrance. You can use your passport to purchase a ticket on the day.  Do not go to the main entrance by Tiananmen; the lines are extremely long, and security is more strict.

Recently, there has been a new section of the Forbidden City that been opened to the public, Qianlong Garden. This section of the Forbidden City has not been open for twenty-five years due to renovation. So, it was the perfect and very exciting opportunity explore a newly opened area. But FYI, Qianlong Garden ticket fee is not a part of the entrance fee; it is RMB 10 for adults and RMB 5 for children.

Tucked away in the north-west corner of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity area of the Forbidden City it can be a bit difficult to find but well worth the trouble. It was constructed between 1772 and 1776 and was personally designed by Qianlong Emperor after his abdication. This garden is extra special because most of the Forbidden City is all office buildings where the emperors would hold court and work. However, Qianlong Garden showed another view, another impression of the Forbidden City- where the imperial family lived, rest and relaxed.

Unfortunately, only 25% of the Qianlong Garden is open for sightseeing, while the other parts are still under renovation. You’ll experience exquisitely designed halls where the emperor sat to read edicts, his collection of porcelain vases, some bedrooms, and rock gardens with odd-shaped boulders that were imported from Jiangnan. The Qianlong Garden was also the home of the infamous Well of the Concubine Zhen. If you are looking for a thrilling story, look up the story of the infamous Concubine Zhen. The Qianlong Garden also houses the beautiful two-story opera house, to entertain the Empress Dowager, who did, in fact, enjoy opera. A lot.

I sure hope that this article will aid you if you plan on visiting the Forbidden City in the Winter. That’s all from me, and as always, stay tuned. And stay reading!!!

This winter break, move beyond the ordinary and unlock a world of adventure and discovery with our specially curated winter camps for kids. Designed to ignite passion and foster new skills, our programs offer a perfect blend of exhilarating outdoor fun, immersive cultural experiences, and hands-on creative learning – all against the dynamic backdrop of China’s capital. Let your child turn the winter months into a memorable journey of growth, friendship, and endless possibility.

Check out #wintercamp on jingkids to find info on the latest camps this winter.

This Christmas, children are invited to join a joyful holiday camp filled with creativity, exploration, and festive fun. Through a balanced mix of art, coding, robotics, and sports, students will learn new skills while enjoying an engaging Christmas atmosphere.

The camp runs for two themed weeks, and families can choose to join one or both, with new projects and challenges offered in each session.

What can the kids expect to learn?

Morning: Arts & STEM
Afternoon: Sports & Movement

What kind of kids is this camp perfect for?

The camp is aimed at students 4-11 years old.

Basic information:
Price: RMB 700 per day/ 3,000 per week
Dates: Dec. 22- 26, Dec. 29-31, Jan. 2
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: LFIP (French School)
Sign by deadline: Dec. 19

Please provide the contact information for readers to get in touch.

WeChat: WanmeiEducation

Images: Courtesy of the organizer

Gingerbread houses are adorable! And you can’t deny that they smell exactly how the holiday season is supposed to smell. *sniff sniff*

Ever since my daughter was 3 years old, we’ve made a tradition of throwing intimate gingerbread house building afternoons tea parties for friends and family at home. It’s an afternoon of delicious food, holiday music, drinks, dancing and a lot of fun and sticky, frosting-covered fingers. And if you combine all those ingredients together, the perfect holiday activity is making a gingerbread house together! Here’s where you can go to buy yourself some authentic gingerbread houses as well as some less authentic (but still delicious) ones.

Pro Tip: Top up on extra candy at the supermarket. Most kits come with the bare minimum of decorative candies. Also, get yourself a disposable plastic wrap for your table. It’s a lot easier tossing the whole thing out than scrubbing off frosting that dried and caked on your table.

IKEA makes its own DIY kit every holiday season. You can pick them up at the store or order them online. They tend to be a bit thin and minimalistic – just like every piece of furniture in their store. If this is the kit you end up choosing, be sure to stock up on some more decorative candy from the market.

You can find plenty of DIY gingerbread houses on Taobao. The one I’ve been ordering for years is from Le Le. Their cookies are hand crafted and thick so they travel pretty well. They send enough frosting with every house, and two years ago, when we received an order with a cracked cookie, I sent them a photo and they immediately replaced my entire kit for free.

Pro Tip: If you want to draw detailed patters on the walls, do them before you put your house together.

If you’re super crafty, you can make your own cookies from scratch, and if you want to go even more extra, you can do it in chocolate! Now, I’m no chocolatier, but if you’ve got the skills, a set of silicone gingerbread molds could be just what you’re looking for.

Images: Mina Yan