With this series we want to help you plan the perfect weekend out with the family through highlighting great activities going on in different neighborhoods around the city. We hope this helps you to make the absolute best of your weekend leisure time! All of the venues listed on either Saturday and Sunday are in the same area, which will allow you to easily get between places conveniently on foot or with public transportation.

Saturday in Sanlitun

Sanlitun (best pronounced with a proper Beijing “rrr” at the end) is in some ways the expat epicenter of the city. But it’s better known for its bars and malls than its family-friendly experiences. However, here’s a day out that’ll put the family fun into Sanlitun.

Play at Little Player

The legendary Fundazzle, grotty but beloved play center near the Worker’s Stadium, is now just an unhygienic memory. But a new breed of play centers is springing up to replace it, places where they actually clean the balls in the ball pit. Little Player (小玩家儿童主题乐园, xiǎowánjiā értóngzhǔtílèyuán) is one such place. Nestling at the top of Shimao Department Store, this “children’s paradise” promises hours of fun, without added germs.

Age 3-10, height 75cm-140cm. RMB 150 per session. 10am-9pm. 4th floor, Shimao Department Store, 13 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District. (6466 8980) 工体北路13号世茂广场工三4层南侧(便宜坊旁).

Lunch and a Movie at Taikooli

This fashion-oriented mall doesn’t have much for kids, apart from a fountain to dance in. But it does have a huge range of restaurants, with something to please even the fussiest of eaters. Healthy food at Wagas? Burgers at Blue Frog? Japanese at Hatsune? Tacos at Cantina Agave? Pizza at Pizza Marzano? A whole world of flavors awaits you. And afterwards, you can take in a movie at Megabox while letting it digest.

All ages. Check restaurant listings for times and prices. Tai Koo Li Mall. 19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District. (6417 6110) www.taikoolisanlitun.com/en. 朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里屯太古里南区

A Soccer Match at the Workers’ Stadium

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at a Beijing Guo’an match. Even if you think you don’t like the Beautiful Game, the chants, flags, and spectacle will enthrall you. This weekend is particularly special, as arch rivals Shanghai Shenua are coming to town. Buying tickets from official sources is nearly impossible (because China), but don’t worry, you can just buy from a scalper outside the ground like everyone else does. Enjoy the walk to the ground, with the crowds, the merchandise stalls, and the excitement, but get to your seats in good time, because seating allocations are viewed as mere guidelines. Jia you Guo’an!

This post has been amended to correct an error: Beijing Guo’an played Shanghai Shenhua on Friday June 14, not Saturday June 15. Apologies for any confusion caused.

Check here for Beijing Guo’an match dates and times: www.espn.com/soccer/team/fixtures/_/id/2052

All ages. Workers’ Stadium, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6501 6655 ext 5033) 朝阳区工体北路

Sunday in Hegezhuang

Beijing’s north, while often praised for its cleaner air and more abundant greenery than downtown, can sometimes appear a little lacking in culture. To counter that reputation, here’s an elegant Sunday schedule, particularly suitable for sophisticated Dads this Fathers’ Day. (The distances involved are perhaps a little too far to cover on foot, but are perfect for a family bike ride… or Didi, if you want to take advantage of the free-flow wine at Orchard!)

Brunch at the Orchard

The Orchard is an oasis in Hegezhuang, a haven of fabulous food at reasonable prices and beautiful gardens in which to relax. Its Sunday brunch is justly celebrated, with a wide range of meats, veg, cheese, nibbles, and of course all the dessert you can eat. Free-flow wine, beer, and fizz are available for the adults. Make sure to book, as it’s understandably popular.

All ages. Various prices. 11am-3pm. From Jingshun Lu, turn left (west) at Shunbai Lu Intersection, (turn at the driveway just west of the Hegezhuang Village Sign) Chaoyang District (6433 6270) 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村(过何各庄村路标往南转

Afternoon at Red Brick Art Museum

Red Brick Art Museum is one of Beijing’s best galleries for contemporary art. Away from the dazzle and commercialism of 798, it presents the work of world-renowned artists in a cool, contemplative setting. Until June 26, you can see an exhibition of winners and nominees of the Marcel Duchamp Prize, France’s foremost award for experimental art. Contemporary art is often an easier sell to kids than traditional oil paintings, as it can be surprising, immersive, even interactive. But if your little ones aren’t inspired, the maze-like grounds of Red Brick are the perfect place for hide-and-seek or tag.

All ages. RMB 130, RMB 110 for students and seniors, free under 1.2m. 10am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm). Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District. (8457 6669). www.redbrickartmuseum.com/en/top/index.html. 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村，邮编 100103

A Concert at La Plantation

La Plantation is a hidden gem, a state-of-the-art, purpose-built concert hall for chamber music. This Sunday (June 16) it’s hosting a piano recital by rising star Jin Wenbin, but check their website for the details of their other jazz and classical performances. You’ll need to have kids old enough to sit quietly throughout, but it’s a lreaxing, elevating way to round off your weekend.

All ages. RMB 180 advance, RMB 200 on the door (RMB 80/ RMB 100 students). Art base 1, D area, Shunbai road, Hegezhuang village, Chaoyang district . (5166 1201, WeChat: chineseliving) 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村一号地国际艺术园D区

Photos: Uni You, thebeijinger.com

Chinese contemporary art used to be dominated by Western collectors’ ideas of what Chinese art should be, namely political, performative and angry. In recent years, the script has switched and Chinese collectors/curators are now the largest, most courted market. While this does mean that ancient bronzes and calligraphy are more valued than ever, it also signals a new willingness and risk-taking approach to engaging with and exploring new media and contemporary pieces, especially those by young Chinese artists.

So speaking of ancient bronzes and calligraphy, if you and your family are done with exploring room after quiet room of them in the National Museum or the Palace Museum, Beijing is home to a host of high-quality contemporary art museums and galleries. In the past decade, Beijing has seen a flurry of new art spaces rise and, most notably with the hutong art scene, fall. Here is but a small selection of some excellent art museums and organizations that are going strong, organized into districts perfect for a full day of art exploration.

798 Art District

Once the premier stop for contemporary art, 798 is nowadays somewhat a victim of its own success. It’s long since become “Nanluoguxiang-efied” with increasingly rampant tourist shops, cute boutiques and bubble tea kiosks, but that also means it’s much more convenient and easier to visit with kids. Pace yourself; there is really too much to see in one visit. Wander around a few galleries that pique everyone’s interest, walk the Highline and see the old train station on the far eastern side of the complex, then get some fro-yos afterward.

M WOODS Contemporary Art
Housed in a stark, minimalist building in the industrial landscape of 798, M WOODS offers a millennial counterpoint to the Ullens Center. Boldly youthful, this not-for-profit houses an impressively eclectic permanent collection spanning from avant-garde video art to ancient Indian paintings. They’ve also got a fun gift shop, and once the weather warms up, check them out for occasional daytime outdoor parties featuring live music and artisanal goodies.

The current exhibition, ending February 11, features young Chinese artist Yu Yang, whose eye-meltingly colorful Buddhist, anime, and video game-inspired mixed media work has to be seen to be believed.

RMB 60 for adults, RMB 40 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10.30am-6pm) D-06, 798 Art Zone, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District (8312 3450) 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798艺术区中二街D-06号

Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA)
Opened over ten years ago, UCCA has been a sturdy stalwart amongst 798’s increasing commercialism. Frequently exhibiting major international and Chinese contemporary artists, they also have a kids’ playroom on site and plenty of kid-friendly events in their monthly programs. Currently up is the Music is Art exhibition, running until February 11 and featuring work by Taiwanese pop idol Edison Chen. The playful work looks particularly fun and ridiculous.

RMB 60 for adults, RMB 30 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm) 798 Dashanzi Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5780 0200) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区4号路尤伦斯当代艺术中心

Pingod

The stark skyscrapers and brash shopping mall commercialism of Shuangjing are also home to a strong arts district in “Pingod,” or Apple Community, just south of Tonghui river. The main draw at Pingod is Today Art Museum, but there are other smaller galleries and art institutions located in the same plaza. Afterwards, wander around the Pinggu Beiqu Art Street, which has several cafes and many sculptures to pose with.

Vitamin Creative Space
Also in the Apple Community Complex, Vitamin Creative Space specializes in site-specific projects around China as well as conceptual art, architecture and urban planning. Exhibiting in Art Basel Hong Kong this year, Vitamin has worked with a number of well-known artists working in new media, like Cao Fei, known for his virtual Second Life “RMB City” and Olafur Eliasson’s massive dramatic light installation spaces. They are most known for their sprawling Mirrored Gardens project based in Guangzhou, but their workspace,

The Pavilion, is conveniently located in Apple Community. The space has ongoing projects, so stop by and check it out after visiting Today Art Museum.

Free Admission (Mon-Fri, 1pm-6pm) 2503-B, Building 2, Northern District, Pingod Community, No.32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District (5826 3440) 朝阳区百子湾路32号2503-B-二号楼

Today Art Museum
Located right in CBD, Today Art Museum arguably houses Beijing’s finest collection of big ticket Chinese contemporary artists like Yue Minjun and Fang Lijun. Although they specialize in large scale contemporary painting, their collection and traveling exhibitions feature video and digital media.

Two years ago, Today Art Museum exhibited a massive, ambitious exhibition called Future of Today that featured VR technology, augmented reality, and a virtual exhibition. The massive space itself is an architectural wonder, and they’ve got a good museum shop and bookshop downstairs. Call for future shows as their website is not updated regularly.

Free admission on the first Saturday of each month. RMB 20 for adults, RMB 10 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm) Pingod Space, #32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District (5876 0600) 朝阳区百子湾路32号

Far Flung

Many impressive art venues in Beijing aren’t in particularly downtown neighborhoods. As is the same worldwide, higher rents in centralized areas of the city forced artists into the suburbs, creating art districts like Caochangdi. On the same note, larger museums and university art galleries can operate in more isolation and with larger plots of land in the suburbs.

Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) Museum
CAFA Art Museum is housed in a smooth, soapstone-like structure created by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. CAFA always has thought-provoking pieces and has many shows packed with young, visually stimulating new media work, so would be loads of fun with kids.

Currently, CAFA is showcasing a retrospective from Li Hua. Li is regarded as a woodcutting master, which makes him a fine subject to mark the Central Academy of Fine Art’s “Hundred Years of Glory,” a series of exhibitions and events to commemorate the longstanding institution’s centenary. An extensive collection of his work has been installed in stunning backlit wood boxes filled with both the prints and the woodcuts, which undeniably enhances the experience of this otherwise antiquated art form.

RMB 15 for adults, free for kids. (Tue-Sun, 9am-5.30pm) 8 Huajiadi S St, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (6477 1575) 王景区花家地南街8号中央美术学院美术馆

Red Brick Art Museum
Named after its stunning industrial red-brick Chinese garden environs, Red Brick Art Museum is a cutting-edge, privately owned museum focused on avant-garde, contemporary art. Currently on exhibit is a retrospective from Dan Graham who has been at the forefront of many of the most significant developments in art, including video and film installation, performance, and site-specific sculptures.
Be sure to head to the gardens after enjoying the art. The stunning brick architecture that fuses both traditional Chinese and industrial aesthetics is worth the visit alone, and there is plenty of space for kids to run around.

RMB 60 for adults, RMB 40 for students. (Tue-Sun, 10am-5.30pm) Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District (8457 6669) 朝阳区中国北京市朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村

Photos: Kipp Whittaker
This article appeared on p30-33 of beijingkids February 2018 issue.