Tucked away just outside the Fourth Ring Road is a restaurant that’s made for the inner paleontologist in all of us. Jurassic Club 侏罗纪博物馆餐厅 runs like it’s never heard of the word copyright. It’s essentially a restaurant that’s turned itself into its own version of Jurassic Park.

Before you even walk into the restaurant, you know you’ve found the right place because you come face-to-face with a gigantic T-Rex with a burger in its mouth.

From the moment you walk in, you know that whoever owns this place is as obsessed with dinos as you are. There are giant dinosaurs all over the place and lush greenery that looks like you’re in a jungle. Life-sized T-Rex skeletons tower over the dining area, a gentle brachiosaurus peeks through the foliage, and detailed murals depict scenes from the Jurassic period. It’s a visual feast that captivates the imagination before the first course even arrives.

The restaurant masterfully balances a menu of delicious and approachable comfort food designed to please every member of the family. Think juicy burgers, crispy golden fries, hearty pastas, and pizzas that are a hit with both kids and adults.

The real treat, especially for the younger dino enthusiasts, is the restaurant’s meet and greet. Aside from their giant dinosaur installations, the restaurant also has “live” dinosaur appearances. Periodically, their resident dinosaurs come out to roam among the tables. Looking surprisingly similar to Beta from Jurassic World, the little velociraptor is always a hit, especially when you keep missing the raptor meet and greet when you visit Universal Studios.

Jurassic Club offers special birthday packages that often include a reserved “expedition site” (a private table area), a themed birthday cake, and a special visit from the dinosaurs to lead the crowd in a roaring rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Instead of traditional party games, kids are treated to an educational and exciting show about these magnificent creatures. It’s a party that will be talked about on the schoolyard for weeks to come.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more kids’ birthday party ideas in Beijing, check #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList for our recommendations of venues, entertainers, photographers, and tips on how to save money while having fun.

So, if you’re in Beijing and ready to embark on a culinary adventure 65 million years in the making, make your reservation at the Jurassic Club. It’s where the magic of the prehistoric world meets the joy of a family meal.

Find it:
2/F, Wanli Center, Jinchan Beilu, Nanmofang Township, Chaoyang District (north side of Roma Plaza, above Starbucks)
朝阳区南磨房乡金蝉北路弯里中心2层罗马
广场北侧(星巴克楼上)
Tel: 135 2152 2918

Want more family-friendly restaurant recommendations? Join the FamFriendlyEats WeChat group and get real recommendations from other families in Beijing. Add TBJButler on WeChat to request to join.

Images: Dianping, Douyin

If you have little dinosaur enthusiasts at home, there’s an amazing event taking place at the Meet You Museum in the 798 Art District. “Dinosaurs Unearthed – 200 Million Years of Earth’s History” is a dinosaur exhibition that is sure to thrill and educate children of all ages from now until Oct 7.

The exhibition is a captivating journey back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. As you step through the doors, you are immediately transported to a prehistoric world filled with life-sized dinosaur models that seem to come alive right before your eyes. From the mighty T-Rex to the gentle Brachiosaurus, the variety of dinosaurs on display is truly astonishing.

Not only are the dinosaur replicas visually impressive, but they are also accompanied by detailed and engaging information. Kids can learn about the different species, their habits, and how they lived millions of years ago. Interactive displays and educational panels make the learning experience fun and accessible, ensuring that children absorb knowledge while having a great time.

The exhibition also offers hands-on activities that allow kids to get up close and personal with the dinosaur theme. Kids can literally measure up to giant dinosaurs and even get a feel for what their favorite reptile might have felt like back when they roamed the earth. This combination of visual displays and interactive elements keeps children engaged and entertained throughout their visit.

What makes this exhibition particularly special is its ability to spark the imagination and curiosity of kids. It encourages them to ask questions, explore, and develop a love for science and history. Whether your child is already a dinosaur expert or just starting to show an interest, this event provides a wonderful opportunity to deepen that passion.

The Meet You Museum has taken great care to create an environment that is both educational and enjoyable. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and guide visitors through the exhibition. The museum’s facilities are top-notch, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for all.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational outing for your kids, head over to the Meet You Museum in the 798 Art District and let them embark on a dinosaur adventure they won’t forget. It’s an event that promises to bring the wonders of the prehistoric world to life and leave a lasting impression on young minds.

Check out the “Dinosaurs Unearthed” exhibition at Meet You Museum Monday through Thursday from 10am to 5.30pm and Fridays from 10am to 6pm.

Ticket prices:
RMB 69 per kid
RMB 89 per adult
RMB 129 for 1 adult + 1 kid
RMB 199 for 2 adults + 1 kids

Find it:
Meet You Museum
Bldg E02-1, Taoci Yi Jie, 798 Art District
798艺术区陶瓷一街E02-1楼遇见博物馆

Images: Dianping

Draw a Dinosaur Day started nine years ago as a fun way to share all the different ways that kids – and let’s face it, their grownups – can draw a dino. Even though it was on Jan 30, there’s no end to the fun of these giant creatures. Dinosaurs are one of the earliest obsessions with most kids, and it’s always the cutest day when they first learn how to sound out the word “eks-teek-int”.

A fascinating tie between Beijing and dinosaurs is that local fossils “opened a window on the moment when birds broke away from other dinosaurs and evolved new forms of flight and ways of feeding. They reveal details about most of the digestive, respiratory, skeletal and plumage adaptations that transformed the creatures from big, scary meat-eating dinosaurs to something like a modern pigeon or hummingbird,” according to a May 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article. Well, you learn something new every day, and now your whole family can learn and draw together.

Maybe the best way to draw a dino is to take a little field trip to the Beijing Museum of Natural History and sketch what you see, but if you’re huddled at home, here are cool tutorials you can use for family drawing time! And don’t forget to throw some bird drawings in there too to learn a little history while you draw!

Step by Step Online Drawing Lessons

I found this one, along with a number of other tutorials, on a simple website called Online Drawing lessons. I find these step by steps easy to follow and a great way to show kids how to make larger or bigger shapes depending on the body part. It’s also a cool way to illustrate the parts of one’s body in relation to a dino’s!

How to Draw Dinosaurs

Easy Drawing Guides

These shapes are a little more complex, but the finished product has a cartoon feel all littles are sure to enjoy. Either download each lesson one by one or use their downloadable book of drawing lessons.

https://easydrawingguides.com/draw-cartoon-dinosaur/

Art For Kids Hub

The YouTube channel Art for Kids Hub is super fun, with a dad and son teaming up for their drawing adventures. They used black markers at first and allow a lot of space for creative expression within a structured format. Their Pinterest Page also outlines each drawing tutorial for you in very simple and magical ways!

www.artforkidshub.com/how-to-draw-a-stegosaurus/

Hello Kids

I found this site while looking specifically for how to draw a triceratops. These are easy to draw and look like they’re made with a crayon, which broadens the appeal for younger kids who might feel intimidated using markers. Plus, they have all of the dinosaurs!

Drawing a really lovely way to both connect with your children and see how they express themselves. No matter your talent level, simply taking a blank piece of paper and following these steps to create a dino can be quite the relaxing bonding experience after stressful days of e-learning!

KEEP READING: Guilt Free Math Lessons For When You Need Time to Work, Shower, or Just Drink a Glass of Wine

Photos: Beijing Museum of Natural History, courtesy of websites

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

BSB Shunyi Summer Fayre, Jun 16

Come along for some summer fun at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi’s (BSB Shunyi’) Summer Fayre. This is one of the biggest events of the year at BSB Shunyi. Bring your friends and family along, it’s open to the whole Beijing community. Families can enjoy lunch, snack and drinks from our many food vendors, fun with games, water park, bouncy castles and enjoy visiting a variety of stalls indoors and outdoors. The Grand Charity Raffle will have many fantastic prizes to be won too. The charities supported are Migrant Children’s Foundation, Roundabout and Hope – Riding for Disabled Children. All ages. Free admission. 12-4pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi)

Coaching and Coffee, Jun 14

Enjoy a morning of meaningful conversation with yourself and others in a session created just for moms to participate in positive psychology and mindfulness activities. Certified Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Practitioner, Siana Braganza will be showing moms how to let go of the “roles” they play; mother, partner, and daughter to support reconnecting with oneself. Adults. RMB 100. 11am-1pm. (WeChat: sianalynn) Moleskin – Yard 19, Sanlitun Road, S2 OF Taikoo Li.

Youth Flea Market

That’s Mandarin are hosting a Youth Flea Market, where you will find all your favorite local vendors selling beautifully handcrafted products, such as jewelry, jams, vintage clothing, and more. This is one for the not-so-little ones in your life; get the older kids out to enjoy their youth and all this flea market has to offer! Young Adults. Free. 5-9pm. That’s Mandarin – Dongzhimenwai 东直门外 1/F, Office Bldg B, Xinzhong Yuan, Xinzhong Jie Dongcheng District 东城区 新中街新中园写字楼B座1层

Romeo et Juliette, Jun 9 to Jun 23

This musical version of Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and loss is brought to life in French. Audiences have raved about the beautiful score, luxurious set design, and powerful performances. All ages. RMB 180-480 (buy tickets here). 2.30pm, or 7.30pm. Century Theater.

“A Night to Remember” Charity Concert, Jun 14

Daystar Academy, the Ivy Schools, and the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing join together for a charity evening cocktail reception… filled with a cappella magic! In their first-ever China tour, Harvard University’s all-female ensemble, the Radcliffe Pitches, and their brother group the Harvard Krokodiloes are providing a one-night-only evening of entertainment to captivate your heart and imagination. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds going to Dew Drops Little Flowers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening while making a difference in someone’s life. All ages. RMB 688 per ticket (register here). Note that children aged 6 and above need a ticket. Ages below 6 can sit on parent’s lap. 7-9pm. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. (186 0120 6155, jaw@daystarchina.cn)

Ownmade Indoor Composting Workshop, Jun 15

If, like most of us, your home in Beijing is an apartment with no garden, you may think that composting isn’t for you. This workshop will get you thinking again, as Dan from HomeGrown School shows you how you can turn your kitchen waste into rich fertilizer, even if you live on the thirtieth floor. The price includes an Ownmade Indoor Composting System. All ages. RMB 388. 9am-11am. Mammolina Children’s Home Model Montessori Kindergarten, 36 Maquanying Siqu, Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District. 

Night With the Dinosaurs, date changed to Jun 15

Explore the museum at night with Chinese Academy of Science paleozoologist Dr. Tom Stidham as your guide. With exclusive access to the museum’s exhibits after hours, you’ll get to spend the night in tents with cool dinosaur skeletons on display. Just let your imagination go wild. Awesome activities include making dinosaur t-shirts, watching a 3D movie, and even excavating your own trilobite fossil. Age 4+. RMB 580/Chaperon, RMB 680/Child. 6pm Jun 15-9am Jun 16. Paleozoological Museum of China. (1560 1647 912 Xiaofei, or 1500 1371 016 Katie)

The Wizard of Oz, Jun 13 to 30

“We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz…” And you could be too, if you get down to the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center later this month. This is a revived and refreshed version of the stage musical, sure to delight all who love the classic film, and youngsters who are new to the story. Performed in English with Chinese subtitles. All ages. RMB 280-1080. 7.30pm, Sat-Sun 2.30pm matinee. Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. Bldg 9, Tianqiao South Street, Xicheng District. (400-635-3355) www.247tickets.com/t/broadway-classic-musical-the-wizard-of-oz. 西城区天桥南大街9号楼.

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, Jun 15

Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt are holding a workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way.

Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm – Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu Chaoyang District. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me) 朝阳区 工体北路4号院

Little Kickers Super Daddy Football Tournament, Jun 16

It’s time for all Little Kickers Daddies to show off their skills and teach their children their own unique game play. This Father’s Day, instead of standing and cheering from the sidelines, it is their chance to make their children proud and show all Little Kickers their ambition and courage on the field. All ages. RMB 299/Family. Register Date: May 24-Jun 14. 8.30am-12 noon. More info check this page. Beijing Side Park – No.9 Jiangtai West Road, Chaoyang District.

Photos: courtesy of event organizers

How’s the view from your perch at the Bookworm?
Fantastic! I have top billing this year so I’m sitting pretty on the roof. It’s a great view and I get to keep an eye on all the shenanigans underfoot in Sanlitun.

How was the trip in cargo class?
I travel a lot for work and have it down to a science: I wear a compression sock on my horns to prevent edema (the lack of horn room is scandalous) and bring an amazing neck pillow – given to me by a brachiosaurus friend who knows a thing or two about neck pain. Sadly, I wasn’t offered a bite the whole journey. Good thing I found a stash of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a nearby suitcase.

How do you get on with the local dinosaur scene?
I’m originally from Wyoming, US which is a lot less populated, so the people and excitement of Beijing take some getting used to. But I’ve been living in Liaoning for the past few years and all the Chinese dinos, like the flying Pterosaurs, have been very welcoming. Jinzhousaurus taught me how to make dumplings the other night. I’m not as nimble with my forelegs as he is – but I’m getting there!

All this talk about you not being your own species (see Torosaurus) is kind of depressing. How are you dealing with it?
To be honest, it’s pretty stressful. But I try not to read all the bad press and internet rumor-mongering out there. You can drive yourself crazy listening to the critics so I just try to stay grounded and surround myself with family and sycophants.

Do you think dinosaurs get a fair portrayal in the media? If not what ‘s the truth?
Journalists never actually ask us about the pressing dinosaur issues. Yes, some dinos are bloodthirsty carnivores, but some of just want to eat plants, hang out at the watering hole and go home to a soft nest, surrounded by our hatchlings.

Also, you’ll be appalled to hear yours truly has been a victim of phone hacking a la News of the World – some scoop snoop listening to my calls with a diplodocus ex-girlfriend. Those clips of me screaming – totally taken out of context.

Who’s the coolest dinosaur – real or imaginary?
I have a lot of dinosaur heroes. Dino from The Flintstones was such a maverick. If it weren’t for the drink, he would’ve really revolutionized the field of animated dinosaurs. But if we’re talking about coolest there really is no contest: Quetzelcoatlosaurus. He has a wingspan of 45 feet!

Will you be making an appearance in Jurassic Park 4?
I really wanted to but Steven (Spielberg) and I have had some creative differences that I don’t think can be reconciled. I’m still very close with the cast and crew. I was the best man at the commitment ceremony of one of the velociraptors and am godfather to one of Jeff Goldblum’s sons. I wish them the best.

Tell us, what is that neck-frill of yours for anyway?
[Blushes] A true gentleman never tells but what can I say? The Lady Triceratops love a big neck-frill.

Anyone you’re especially looking forward to seeing at the Explore Festival?
I can’t wait to hear about movie science with astrophysicist Eric Peng. I often look up at the sun and wonder, “Could blow that up?” Plus, it took us triceratops over 100 million years to evolve from Psittacosaurus, but it seems like just yesterday … It’ll be good to see him again, a bit like a family reunion.

What do you do when you’re not at The Bookworm?
I spend a lot of time patrolling the grounds up at the Yizhou Geological Park, keeping the rest of my comrades safe from dinosaur grave robbers. You don’t want to come across my horns in a dark alley. Plus, I love a good crossword.

There are rumors that your modern-day descendants are birds and lizards. Do you agree?
Everyone knows that the true descendants of dinosaurs are dragons.

Battle stories: What’s the most vicious predator your horns have saved you from?
I’m a lover not a fighter. Hello, ladies.

You’re so thin. What’s your secret?
Zumba. I can’t resist that latin beat!

Catch Trevor at The Bookworm Explore Festival from Sep 9-29. See event listings for details.

This article is excerpted from thebeijinger.com.