Perhaps you are looking for playing facilities to take your little one to on an eventful weekend, but Universal Studios or Happy Valley might seem like too much. If that’s the case, these places are the spots that you want to take your kids to this summer.

1. Nangong Wuzhou Botanical Paradise 南宫五洲植物乐园

There are a variety of children’s amusement programs here, including the Heavenly Feast in Huaguo Mountain, the East China Sea Treasure Hunt, the Parade Heavenly Palace in the Water Curtain Cave, the Spin Hot Wheels, the mini driving school in the Greenhouse Park, and the parrot show in the Bird Paradise … the list goes on. Your kids will have a lot of fun and won’t want to leave. These attractions are all indoors, so you don’t have to worry about being exposed to the wind and sun at all.

Find it:
Inside Nangong Tourist Scenic Area, 1 Nangong Nanlu, Wangzuo Town, Fengtai District
丰台区王佐镇南宫南路1号南宫旅游景区内

Tickets: RMB 80/person
Opening Hours: 9.30am-5.30pm (no entrance starting from 5pm)
Tel: 8331 8649 / 010-8331 8032

2. China Science and Technology Museum 中国科技馆

As the only national comprehensive science and technology museum, this museum not only imparts scientific knowledge, but it also has a science park, dome, giant screen, 4D, and other special effects theaters for children aged 3-8. The museum has a whopping 48,000 square meter area and a building scale of 102,000 square meters, which is already making me want to go there very badly.

Find it:
5 Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District (1km away from the Bird’s Nest)
朝阳区北辰东路5号（距鸟巢1公里）

Tickets: Main exhibition area – Regular RMB 30, Student RMB 20 (free for children under 8 years old, those older than 60, and people with disabilities)

Children’s Science and Technology Park – RMB 30/person/session

Special Effects Theaters: Regular RMB 30, Student RMB 20. Must book 7 days in advance through WeChat (中国科学技术馆) or website (https://cstm.cdstm.cn/)
Opening Hours: 9am-5.30pm (no entrance starting from 4.30pm)
Tel: 5904 1000

3. Beijing Zoo 北京动物园

This was China’s first-ever zoo, and with only a ticket price of RMB 15, you can see animals such as giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, flamingos, giraffes, as well as more than 500 different types of animals. I guess summer is the perfect time to let your kids learn a little more about wildlife, right?

Find it:
137 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng District
西城区西直门外大街137号
Tickets: RMB 15, free entry for children under 6 years old, under 1.2m, and the elderly over 60 years (with ID certificate)
Opening Hours: 7.30am-6pm (no entrance starting from 6pm)
Tel: 6839 0274

4. Beijing Aquarium 北京海洋馆

The aquarium is just north of the Beijing Zoo, and has plenty of wildlife, including penguins, sharks, Chinese sturgeons, and 50,000+ more types of marine species. There are also beluga and dolphin shows daily to keep your kids entertained if they are tired of standing up and walking around a lot.

Find it:
18b Gaoliangqiao Xiejie (6 Qixiang Lu), Haidian District
海淀区高粱桥斜街乙18号（气象路6号）
Tickets: RMB 175, discount ticket RMB 85 for individuals under 18 and those over 60, free for children under 1.2m.
Opening Hours: 9am-5.30pm (no entrance starting from 5pm)
Tel: 6217 6655

5. Military Museum 军事博物馆

China’s first comprehensive military museum, this museum displays pistols, airplanes, tanks, and even large weapons like the Dongfeng 1. The scene is spectacular, and every corner is not worth missing out on.

Find it:
9 Fuxing Lu, Haidian District
海淀区复兴路9号
Tickets: Free
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm (no entrance starting from 4pm, closed on Mondays)
Tel: 6686 6244

6. Shougang Blast Furnace · SoReal Science Fiction Park 首钢一高炉·SoReal科幻乐园

If you are looking for a place that is full of exciting technological exhibits and VR facilities, then SoReal Science Fiction Park is the place to be. With a total of six floors, it is recommended to start on the fifth floor and progress top to bottom, because there is a major VR facility that is definitely not worth missing on the fifth floor. If you are too late, sorry, but you might have to wait in line. There is also a six-story climbing tunnel, so if your child wants a physical challenge, then they might also be interested in this!

Find it:
68 Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan District
石景山区石景山路68号
Tickets: RMB 76, free for children under 3 years old
Opening Hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays 10.30am-8.30pm, Fridays-Sundays 10.30am-9.30pm, closed on Mondays
Tel: 8829 5181 / 172 0039 7875

Images: Dianping, Pexels

Since having my boys, I’ve realized the importance of having a chance to have a cup of coffee and a friendly chat with other adults (which, let’s face it, we all need sometimes). But of course, it’s not all about what we need. It’s also about what our kids need, and playing with a bunch of exciting new toys and socializing with other children of similar age is highly beneficial for their development. Playgroups are an excellent way for both parents and kids to get out of the house and make new friends. Luckily, there are some great places you can visit with your babies or preschoolers to learn, interact, and have fun.

Playgrounds and Playdates

KIDults Playground

Even though it’s not an organized playgroup per se, parents do tend to use the B2B offer and make arrangements with other parents in a group and set up playdates for their kids. For B2B members, KIDults offers a great deal: Unlimited playtime from Monday to Thursday for RMB 100, and from Friday to Sunday for RMB 188. If you’d like to add a kids’ meal, the price is RMB 158 weekdays and RMB 238 on weekends. Adults also enjoy 20 percent and 10 percent discounts, respectively. The format usually involves free play – they have a slide, a kitchen and a bunch of other toys and spaces for the little ones to explore. The playground is really baby-friendly with wet wipes, diapers and changing facilities available. It’s also small enough so parents can pretty much let their older kids loose to explore while they enjoy a well-deserved coffee. Scan the QR code to join the group.

Find it:

KIDults playground, 3/F, Damei Center, Qingnian Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区青年路达美中心3层

Up Natural Park

Up Natural Park is a huge outdoor play space located near the South Gate of Longtan Zhonghu Park in Dongcheng District. You can easily spend a few hours there (we certainly have) with the kiddos burning off their energy whizzing down the slides, climbing structures and nets, balancing on swings, zip-lining and just running around. The playground features a huge range of play equipment, suitable for both toddlers and bigger kids. The best part of the playground (at least according to my almost-6-year-old) is a three-story tower with multiple slides, all accessible by rope ladders and stairs. The space also has a super fun ice slide during winter. Up Natural Playground is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9.30am-6pm, and B2B members get to enjoy this exciting wonderland at a special discounted price: RMB 138/one adult + one kid (weekdays) and RMB 158/one adult + one kid (weekends).

Find it:

Up Natural Park, Longtan Zhonghu Park, Zuo’an Men West Road, Dongcheng District (Walk 150m straight after entering Longtan Zhonghu Park southwest gate)
东城区龙潭中湖公园西南门入园直走150米右转

Little Oasis at The Place

If you have a little one aged 0-6, you must have heard about Little Oasis. As its name suggests, it’s a little piece of heaven for both kids and parents located at The Place shopping mall. Equipped with everything from a ball pit to a toddler-safe climbing structure, air-purification system, library, cafe and a lounge, this is a must-visit playground for parents with little kids. B2B members get to meet other parents and children at the morning playgroups every Tuesday, 10am-1pm, and afternoon playgroups on Wednesdays any three hours after 2pm. The discounted price for B2B members is RMB 120 for one parent and one child. It’s limited to ten families, so if you want to attend, you should sign up early. An invitation by a current group member is required to join the group.

Find it:

3/F, Shimao Tianjie Beijie, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District

光华路9号世贸天阶北街三层

SPRING in Solana

B2B members can arrange playdates for their little ones at this super baby- and toddler-friendly playground in Solana every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm. SPRING is perfect for crawling babies and toddlers, who get to explore the various fun play spaces while their parents get a well-deserved chat with other adults. There are only three spots available each week and the cost is RMB 180/two adults and one child. Babies younger than 12 months old get in for free. An invitation by a current group member is required to join the group.

Find it:

SPRING Early Childhood Learning Centre & Playground, A09, Bldg 20, SOLANA, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳公园路6号SOLANA蓝色港湾20号楼KA09号

Supported Playgroups:

HoK Playgroup

If you’re a parent of a little Calf, Tiger or a Bunny, you can join the weekly playgroup at House of Knowledge International Kindergarten. You’ll get to meet other like-minded parents, and give your child an opportunity to play with age-appropriate toys in their sensory room and socialize with their peers. If the weather is nice, you can take the playgroup outside to the garden and enjoy the fresh air. The playgroup runs every Friday, 9am-10am, and it’s free. To join the group, scan the QR code.

Find it:

House of Knowledge Kindergarten, 15 Victoria Gardens, Chaoyang Park Xili South Area, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳公园西里南区维多利亚公寓好思之家幼儿园

Playgroups at BSB Sanlitun

There are three different groups you and your child can attend at BSB Sanlitun: the baby playgroup, book club and dance group. These classes are designed  specifically for little kids aged 0-3, with lots of fun and interactive activities, opportunities for parent-child bonding and socializing with other kids. The playgroups are free, but registration is required as places are limited. To register, scan the QR codes below.

Find it:

7 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯北小街7号

Playgroup at YCYW

The playgroup at YCYW is designed for 2-4 year olds and is held every Thursday at their Yizhuang Campus. Playgroups for toddlers are an excellent way to provide a safe, social interaction for children, and can help with language and fine and gross motor development. They are also tons of fun! To sign up for the weekly teacher-led playgroup, scan the QR code on the poster.

Find it:

29 Liangshuihe Erjie, BDA, Daxing District
亦庄凉水河二 街保华国际教育园

Images; Pexels, Courtesy of the organizers, Sanja Stojkov

How many times have you wished that there were simply more free outdoor playgrounds available in Beijing? Earlier last month the Beijing Municipal Planning Commission issued the “Design Guidelines for the Unitization of Space under Brides in Beijing,” which pushes to make the most of Beijing’s precious central real estate.

Recently, Beijing Daily reported that the city’s first multi-functional fitness and playground space has opened to nearby residents under the Tianningsi Bridge. No longer reserved for trolls and ogres, the space under bridges is now for everyone! However, when Jingkids went to visit the site, the playground indeed looks ready for everyone to enjoy, but there was a sign on the fence that says it won’t be open until May 1.

Located in the southwest corner of the 2nd Ring Road in Xicheng District, this newly opened free outdoor activities area was created to give local residents just that.

The large space was previously underutilized due to its inconvenience and lack of direct sunlight, according to local residents.

During an interview with CCTV13, a representative said that this space will serve as a prototype for similar projects to come. With so many bridges taking up valuable real-estate in Beijing, it’s another step towards turning our city into a modern metropolis that serves everyones’ needs.

Images:

Beijing parents are always asking “Where can I throw a birthday party for my kid?” Well, we’re here to tackle that big bouncy question as we explore different types of venues all over the city, and give you an in-depth look at your kids’ party options. Search #BigBeijingBirthdayPartyList for more recommendations from us.

The other day I was browsing through Dianping, searching for options for a lazy late afternoon with my kids, and I found this place that was quite far for me, but I decided to give it a shot.

Located in Fengtai District and reachable by Line 10 on the subway, my newest finding is a huge indoor playground with everything to keep the little ones entertained for hours. Boreal Star & Flower Land is actually a part of Borui Sports Complex, a big indoor venue that features a basketball court, a tennis court, an archery hall, indoor skiing and rock climbing halls, indoor go-karting, a fitness arena, a trampoline park and more.

To get to the play area, you need to walk down a long hallway, pass the rock climbing hall and turn right into yet another long hallway that takes you to a flight of stairs. Go up the stairs and you’ll find little lockers to leave your stuff in (not mandatory) and that’s where a huge children’s paradise will unfold before your very eyes.

My kids couldn’t wait to kick their shoes off and dive into a massive ball pit. It was Wednesday afternoon, but I still couldn’t believe how empty it was. The whole place was ours to explore and I love, love, loved that the kids could run around freely. With padded walls, posts, and flooring, every surface is as safe as it gets.

There are trampolines, slides of different sizes, climbing structures, a mini carousel, activity panels, foam play pieces, and also interactive walk-on piano keys that my toddler found scary at first, but as soon as he figured them out I couldn’t drag him away from them. As for Noa, he finds air tubes fascinating, and since the playground has them in every play area he got pretty busy watching balls whizz through tubes. There is, of course, a dress-up room, a supermarket, and a play kitchen for the kids to enjoy.

The playground includes a lot of interactive play equipment and activities for kids of different age groups, but I’d say that kids aged 0-10 can all find something to keep themselves entertained. And dear fellow tired parents, don’t fret! There’s something for us, too. Those nice, big massage chairs inside the playground are there so you can sit, relax and watch your kids going all excited while you get a well-deserved time-out.

We got the tickets on Dianping for RMB 98 which included two hours of play for a child and a parent (we got there after five so there was no point buying the unlimited play ticket). However, there are different options ranging from RMB 98 to RMB 158.

The downside? I had to buy two tickets for two kids and two parents, as there was no option for getting a deal for two kids with one parent (but that’s something that’s very common in China).

Another thing: While there is a nursing room where you can feed and change your babies that also has a few potties for young kids, the actual toilet is on the ground floor, so you need to walk downstairs through the hallway from the beginning of this article if you or your older child needs to use the restroom.

Boreal Star & Flower Land offers a birthday package with a very affordable price tag. RMB 888 will get you unlimited play for the kids, and for an additional RMB 1,000 they will provide snacks, cold salads, sandwiches, soft drinks and even dessert. Decorating the party room will cost you an additional RMB 200. You can also opt for having a professional clown entertain the kids for RMB 600.

So, whether you want to find an affordable place to host your kid’s birthday party or just a new place to let your kids run their energy off while you sip your coffee in a comfy massage chair, we highly recommend this experience. And who knows, maybe you end up going back for go-karting or rock climbing!

Find it:
Boreal Star & Flower Land 博锐星朵主题乐园
2/F, Yuquanying Hall (west side), Borui Sports Complex, 89-16 Jijiamiao, Fengtai District
丰台区纪家庙89-16博锐体育综合体玉泉营馆西侧二楼
Tel: 136 8137 2991

Images: Sanja Stojkov

The Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) 2019 will be held on February 23-24 at Kerry Hotel, Kerry Mall, and Kerry Sports.

In addition to an extensive weekend of amazing education-related activities, the Kerry Center is also full of other activities so that you can top it all off with a complete day full of family-friendly entertainment. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite restaurants and play spaces in neighboring areas, as well as information on how to get to the Kerry Center, to make your JISE jaunt a fun experience for the whole family.

Getting to JISE

By car:

You can park your car at Kerry Center parking lot and scan the QR code in the parking lot to pay the fee (RMB 8/hour).

By subway:

Jintaixizhao Station (Line 10), exit D (southwest)

Guomao Station Line 1, exit E2 (northwest)

Guomao Station Line 10, exit B

By taxi or Didi

Kerry Hotel address: 1 Guanghua Lu, Guomao, Chaoyang District 朝阳区光华路1号

Restaurants

Kerry’s Pantry

The Kerry Hotel’s bakery offers a variety of baked pastries, coffee, juices, fresh fruit, and salads to help you stay energized at JISE. Along with plenty of dining tables and chairs in the dining room, this makes it an ideal spot to take a load off.

Average price: RMB 59
Address: F1 Kerry Hotel
Contact: 8565 2788

Element Fresh

This is a well-known Western-style restaurant with characteristically light food, where guests can enjoy salads, pasta, wraps, smoothies, and sandwiches, as well as a smattering of Asian standards. A safe choice for both parents and kids.

Average price: RMB 128
Address: B1 Kerry Center Mall
Contact:  8529 8680

Wagas

Wagas provides daily sandwiches, pasta, salads, cakes, fresh fruit juice, and gourmet coffee. The industrial style of the decor fosters a business-oriented environment.

Average price: RMB 81
Address: F1 Kerry Center Mall
Contact: 8529 6512

RE

This Western restaurant features healthy meals like fresh vegetable dishes, seafood, and Costa Rican hand-brewed coffee. In addition to this, it is also a clothing store, a grocery store, and even a bike shop all rolled into one. A fantastic place to spend some relaxing minutes between visiting schools or lectures throughout the weekend.

Average Price: RMB 127
Address: B1 Kerry Center Mall
Contact: 6585 7717

IPPUDO

A Japanese restaurant offering authentic Japanese ramen with quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Its quiet environment means it is an ideal place for families to kick back and relax with a hot bowl of noodles or other classic Japanese comfort foods.

Average price: RMB 103
Address: B1 Kerry Center Mall
Contact: 8529 8771

Bellagio Cafe

Mixing Taiwanese cuisine with Guangdong, Sichuan, Hunan, and other local flavors has given this chain its own unique characteristics. Their Pineapple Fried Shrimp is the most popular dish with almost every table ordering it, and the sweet fruit flavor is also a hit with children. Bellagio offers child-friendly tableware.

Average Price: RMB 87
Address: B1 Kerry Center
Telephone: 8529 9883

Playgrounds

Kerry Hotel Adventure Park

The largest hotel children’s playground in Beijing is a wonderland with ocean balls, a role-playing town, a vertical slide, a small bridge, and other areas to explore. It is also worth mentioning that this adventure park is located next to the Pre-K exhibition area, so it is a good choice for you and your child to enjoy a high-quality playground experience.

Average price: RMB 395
Address: F1 Kerry Center Mall
Contact: 8565 2460

LECOOLICELINK

LECOOLICELINK international skating rink is the first rink built inside a mall in Beijing. There’s 1,450 square meters of ice, produced by a full set of environmentally-friendly ice making equipment from Canadian manufacturer CIMCO. The ice rink is open all year round, which offers children a good opportunity to learn how to skate indoors.

Monday to Thursday
RMB 30 /1.5 hours.
RMB 40 /1.5 hours from 6-10pm

Friday
RMB 30 /1.5 hours.
RMB 50 /1.5 hours

Saturday
RMB 50 /1.5 hours from 10am-10pm

Address: B2 Guomao Mall area
Contact: 6505 5776

In KIDS with LINE FRIENDS

In KIDS with LINE FRIENDS is a children’s indoor playground which features ball pits, slides and plenty of things to climb on. The Line Friends characters include Brown Bear, Cony Bunny, Jessica Cat, Leonard Frog, and Pangyo Panda, plus many other human and animal caricatures.  

Average price: RMB 399
Address: F3 Yintai Center
Contact: 8517 1506

Palace Cinema

Not far from the Guomao ice rink is the Baili Palace Cinema. The cinema is free for children under 1.3m, but there are no children’s seats, and an adult can only bring one child for free into the cinema. Children above 1.3m will need student tickets.

Average Price: RMB 61
Address: B1 North Area of Guomao Mall
Contact: 8535 1808

Photo: Courtesy of featured venues via Jingkids

The Beijing International School Expo takes place on Jan 13-14 from 10am-4pm at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel. We’ve checked out restaurants and playgrounds in neighboring areas to make your BISE journey a pleasant day for the family and the little ones.

Restaurants

Sishitongtang Retaurant

The restaurant is named for and inspired by a famous novel by Chinese writer Laoshe. Its lighting, dishes and flatware are all inspired by the story. It features old Beijing specialties including Mahjong-shaped pea cake and roast duck. The restaurant also hires performers of Beijing’s traditional arts to entertain guests in its private rooms.

Recommendations: Xiaodiao Li Tang, Sanbuzhan, Jiuzhuanfeichang, Baodu, Doupijuan, roast duck

Address: F1 Shuangzi Building, Viva Shopping Center

Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant

Du Hsiao Yueh has 120 years’ experience of serving authentic, outstanding Tainan Dan Tzai noodles that are made with local and seasonal ingredients. Its signature dish is a delicious soup made with a shrimp and pork sauce that’s cooked using a 100-year old method, and its popularity has even reached Hong Kong, Japan and the US.

Recommendations: Shrimp rolls, steamed fish, Furong Tofu, Taiwan sausage

Address: B1 Viva Shopping Mall

Yunhaiyao Restaurant

One of the main major chain restaurants serving Yunnan food in Beijing. Nicely decorated with rustic farm implements, musical instruments, and photos of minorities living in villages on the walls, the restaurant give you a taste of the minority cultures of Yunnan besides fantastic Yunnan food.

Recommendations: Niuganjun, Jisi Liangmixian, Qiguoji, Luofeiyu

Address: F3 Viva Shopping Mall

Diancaoxiang Restaurant

Diancaoxiang is a Yunnan-style hotpot restaurant with hotpot seasoning features Yunnan-produced wild mushrooms and edible herb. The interior decoration highlights  Yunnan cuisine culture and local specialties.

Recommendations: Shiping tofu, Yunnan rice wine

Address: F3 Viva Shopping Center

Playgrounds

Kids Garden

A playground full of kids-friendly toys, swing and slides, rope bridge and other game areas. Right in the shopping mall. RMB 158 for two hours. A waiting area for parents is provided.

Address: F3, Viva Beijing Plaza

Lou Kidsworld

Appropriate for 0-8 years kid, and kids under 1.4 meters(4.6 ft) of height. Lou Kidsworld includes more than 20 different contents. There are a few large facilities such as small train, corsair and mini rotating tower. They also have a large comfortable rest area for parents. RMB 155.

Address: Floor 2, Huachuang Life Plaza, No.16 Lincuixili, Chaoyang District

In KIDS with LINE FRIENDS

IinKids with Linefriends is a 880 square-metre (approx. 9,500 sq.ft) children’s indoor playground which features ball pits, slides and plenty of things to climb. The Linefriends characters include, for example Brown bear, Cony bunny, Jessica cat, Leonard frog and Pangyo panda plus many other human and animal caricatures. Two-hour entrance for families (two adults and one child) costs 388RMB on weekdays and 588RMB on weekends.

Address: F3 Yintai Shopping Center, No.2 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District

Photos: Dianping, Lou Kidsworld, thecoolhunter, Qunar, ebeijing 

As a mom of two very young children under three, I’m always on the look-out for indoor playgrounds for young tots to go to on those high AQI days. I was a bit downhearted though when my initial finds cost at least a hundred per kid—a bit much especially since we would probably only spend an hour or two there then go home to nap. Whichever mall we went the story was the same, and I started to wonder how young children have fun indoors here without breaking their parents’ banks.

It turns out I just didn’t know where to look.

Molly Fantasy is an indoor playground at Capital Mall in Sanyuanqiao that is EVERYTHING I’ve been looking for! It’s an affordable indoor playground perfect for babies and toddlers. The two jungle gyms and the giant ball pit give the young ‘uns all the exercise they’ll need for the day, and for their downtime they can head over to the little “shops” where kids can role-play Big People jobs. One-time entrance is just 40 RMB, but only 20RMB if you purchase their 200RMB membership card through their app (the QR Code is by their cashier). This also means that you can use the card for ten times before the card runs out. At the entrance of the play area is a staff member with her hand sanitizer-spray ready. After swiping your card she sprays this sanitizer at the children’s hands and also reminds both the guardian and child to put on their socks (for those who didn’t bring socks, the establishment is also selling them for 1RMB a pair).

Usually my older daughter is off after the sanitizing part. She squeals happily as she practically flies into the ball pit, walking through the balls to climb up the rope stairs and head for the slide. After she’s done with that she loves going to the “supermarket” where she picks up some fruits and vegetables. Then she heads over to the little kitchen to prepare something for me to eat. My younger daughter on the other hand just walks around the different shops like a little Manager and then runs back to me whenever she’s discovered something new. Earlier this week we visited the playground again and, after explaining to her that she needed to start contributing to the home, I decided she should try out being a postal worker.

It turns out that the job was a bit too big for her and so she decided that she’d rather go back to being my little baby instead.

For the price, I honestly expected a place that’s not well-maintained. On the contrary, the place is very clean and the staff reorganizes the different toys when there’s no new customer coming in. There was this one time for example when I once saw a little boy pee on the floor. After I reported it to the staff she simply brought another green square mat, came over to where the boy was and switched the stained one with the clean one. Bravo! Clean in a jiffy!

I suggest going on a weekday if possible, since these types of places are usually busier on the weekends. There are also other activities that the family can do, including riding a merry-go-round, some arcade games, and a train for a few more kuai. Suffice to say that Molly Fantasy has become our new low-cost boredom-buster.

Molly Fantasy (莫莉乐园)
3F Capital Mall, Sanyuanqiao (凯德Mall太阳宫店 )

Recently, I was at Side park in the Lido area with a friend and our kids. We are similar ages and we both have young children. We noticed the old-school playground equipment and spent a few moments reminiscing. Surely these were done away with in the West because they were dangerous, right?

It’s true that industrial springs and sharp metal piping are probably not the best materials with which to fashion a child’s playground, but there were some good play areas when we were kids. I particularly remember these bouncy horses and my kids loved them too.

In the West, it takes one injury to change a whole industry and some would argue such change is often too rash. Then again, the new playgrounds back home with Astroturf and soft edges are surely smarter. Less hazardous on our little ones is always a good modus operandi, right?

Nevertheless, I kept an eye on the swing set as my daughter pumped her legs. I remember the days when we kids enjoyed rocking the frames of those swing-sets until they pumped themselves out of the ground and wobbled violently with every to and fro of the swing.

As our kids enjoyed the old-school trampoline (their mothers joyous that it wasn’t a big plastic bouncy castle!), my friend and I looked at each other and nodded. This equipment isn’t that old, we agreed.

“After all,” she said. “We’re not dead yet!”

Photos: courtesy of Ember Swift & Jessica Meider