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.