I’m always on the lookout for an outdoor pool in Beijing – I attribute it to growing up in Singapore where outdoor pools are the norm thanks to our tropical climate. So, when I spotted this joint set up with deck chairs around a small blue outdoor pool, I just had to check it out.

Alas, the pool at Blue Ark isn’t a swimming pool, or even a wading pool. It really isn’t a pool at all, according to the owner of gelato shop Beiping Gelato. Lacking in any filtration systems whatsoever, the “pool” is just meant to be a backdrop for summer-esque photographs. Well, it certainly worked – those photographs I saw on social media really lured me in.

Thankfully, Blue Ark’s open-air poolside has more to offer – with a smattering of cafes (like D.A.O Coffee), Baddie Sandwiches, a Yunnan cuisine place, Mosto restaurant (described as “Authentic Western Cuisine”), a bakery and even an izakaya place round the back, there’s plenty to snack on while you work on your suntan on their deck chairs. There are outdoor beanbags for kids to lounge on, too. What’s more, the place is dog-friendly – we even saw fur babies sitting with their owners inside D.A.O Coffee, which also offers a pet menu!

Pro Tip: While you’re there, try out the hyperlocal “hot pot” ice cream flavors at Beiping Gelato! For our full review of their ice-cream, follow jingkids International’s Dianping account.

The whole area is part of Dongfeng International Sports Park, which is just down the road from the south entrance of Chaoyang Park. There are soccer fields, a golf putting green, and basketball and badminton courts available for rent too. While they strongly discourage getting in the water since they can’t vouch for its cleanliness, kids are allowed to bring water guns to play with around the pool.

It’s worth checking out next time you’re in the area after exploring Chaoyang Park and want to try somewhere new for a little R & R! As with most places in Beijing, do note that it’ll be pretty crowded on the weekends!

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

It’s getting cold fast but we all know the real Beijing winter isn’t quite here yet, so I’m taking every advantage of this time to get the kids out and about while the leaves are still on the trees – which is also a great way to admire the beautiful yellows and reds of autumn. So I’m happy to share my discovery of the Beijing Chateau Star River park, which is well-sized, well positioned (within the fifth ring road, and walking distance to Joy City mall) and best of all, completely free!

The Star River park is located across the street from another free park – the Kids’ Theme Park, which in itself is worth a quick visit if you have really little ones below 5. It’s got cute kid-friendly features like a sand pit, slide, mini rock wall and a tiny playground. Beginner cyclists will also enjoy going over the easy cycling bumps around the park. But for a much larger and open play space, cross the street and head over to the Chateau Star River park!

PRO TIP: There’s only one entrance on the east side of the park, and while the sign there may read No Dogs, the park was full of them! It’s a bit of a hit or miss though, as we did see the security turn away a local lady with her dog, citing complaints from others that “there were too many (dogs?) inside”. I did successfully bring my dog inside the park on the occasion I visited, but there are no guarantees. I believe going earlier in the day will increase your chances of entering with your pet!

The park itself spans a pretty large area that took us over an hour to fully explore. It doesn’t have any amusement parks or arcades; only a small basketball court on the far west side. But there are sprawling willow trees around a pond and open green spaces where we spotted many a yoga practitioner, kite-flier, and families picnicking. It seems silly to get excited about picnicking in a park, but if you’ve been chased off of the grass by security as often as we have in parks around Beijing (once by turning the sprinkles on us), you’ll understand.

On our visit, we secured a wide area for ourselves to play with the football, frisbee, and bicycles we brought with us. For lunch, we had pizza delivered to the park entrance where we picked it up and ate in the shade of the trees. We could have just as easily walked the 1 kilometer distance to Joy City Chaoyang and dined at one of the many restaurants there.

If you’re looking for a nice, quiet park where you and your family can roam freely and do just about anything you want (within legal limits of course), this is definitely the place to visit!

KEEP READING: Day Trip to Badaling Wildlife Park: Worth the Drive?

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush