Beijing Weekend Getaway with Kids: 5 Short Trip Destinations to Explore with Your Little Ones

1. Aranya · Artsy Seaside Family Trip (Qinhuangdao, Hebei)

Transport: ~3.5h drive from Beijing, or 2h high-speed train to Beidaihe Station + 30min taxi.

Best for ages: 3+ (beach, art galleries, kids' activities)

Must-do:
- Beach digging & seaside swings: Aranya's fine sand is perfect for kids to play.
- Lonely Library & Aranya Chapel: Great photo spots with artistic vibe (reservation required).
- Children's Farm: Slides, trampolines and mini garden for toddlers.
- Seaside Market: Buy fresh fruits/ice cream for beach picnics.

Eats: Seaside Canteen (¥50/person), Yellow River to Sea (NW Chinese cuisine).

Stay: Anlan Hotel (kid-friendly amenities) or vacation rentals (with kitchens).

Tips:
- Arrive Friday night to avoid weekend crowds.
- Rent a camping cart (¥50/day) for easier transport.

2. Gubei Water Town · Jiangnan-Style Escape (Miyun, Beijing)

Transport: 1.5h drive or tourist bus from Dongzhimen (¥48/person).

Best for ages: 4+ (ancient town, crafts, night views)

Must-do:
- Children's Play Center: Huge indoor playground (¥80/child).
- Simatai Great Wall night tour: Cable car for panoramic views (best for 5+).
- Tie-dye/kite making: Traditional crafts (¥50/activity).
- Boat rides: Paddle through waterways (¥80/adult, half-price kids).

Eats: Gubei baked pears (¥15), bridgehead cakes (¥5).

Stay: In-town inns (ticket discounts) or nearby farm stays.

Tips:
- Don't miss the 8pm drone show!
- Strollers may struggle on cobblestones.

3. Tianjin Binhai · Ocean World & Beach (Tianjin)

Transport: 30min high-speed train to Binhai Station or 1.5h drive.

Best for ages: 2+ (aquarium, beach, museums)

Must-do:
- Polar Ocean World: Belugas, penguins & underwater tunnel (¥200, free under 1m).
- Dongjiang Bay Park: Free clam digging (bring buckets/shovels).
- National Maritime Museum: Interactive exhibits (book free tickets).
- Binhai Library: Instagrammable "book mountain".

Eats: Three Fishermen seafood (¥100/person), jianbing (¥10).

Stay: Polar Ocean Hotel (ticket packages) or budget hotels.

Tips:
- Check tide tables for best clam-digging.
- Schedule aquarium visits around nap times.

4. Yanqi Lake · Lakeside Fun (Huairou, Beijing)

Transport: 1h drive or bus 916 + taxi.

Best for ages: 3+ (cycling, boating, playgrounds)

Must-do:
- Family bike rides: Lakeside cycling (¥50/hour).
- Hiking trails: Free views of conference center (best for 5+).
- Water activities: Summer boating (combo ticket ¥100).
- Tongniu Film Town: Fairytale-themed playground (¥60, 20min away).

Eats: Rainbow trout BBQ (¥80/person), cornbread (¥10).

Stay: Lakeside B&Bs or Sunrise Oriental Hotel.

Tips:
- Best May-Oct; limited winter activities.
- Bring picnic mats for lakeside relaxation.

5. Thaiwoo Town · Mountain Retreat (Zhangjiakou, Hebei)

Transport: 1h train to Taizicheng Station or 2.5h drive.

Best for ages: 4+ (cable cars, outdoor sports)

Must-do:
- Cable car rides: Mountain views (¥80, half-price kids) with summit playground.
- Luge tracks: Thrilling downhill rides (¥120/ride, 6+).
- Petting zoo: Feed alpacas/deer (¥20/food).
- Mountain biking: Family bikes (¥60/hour).

Eats: Alpine Cabin (Western, ¥100/person), craft beer bars.

Stay: Thaiwoo Hotel (cable car tickets included) or Hyatt.

Tips:
- Summer retreat - pack jackets for cool evenings!
- Weekend live music + markets create great atmosphere.