Beijing Family Weekend Getaways: 5 Short-Distance Destinations to Explore with Your Kids

1. Aranya • Location & Transportation: Located in Beidaihe New District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. About 3.5 hours' drive from Beijing. • Recommended Attractions: • Lonely Library: Unique architectural style facing the sea, perfect for photos. • Aranya Chapel: Minimalist and sacred architecture, one of Aranya's landmarks. • Beach: Let kids play freely on the sunny shores. • Family Activities: Join community-organized events like beach soccer or parent-child crafts. • Accommodation: Various B&Bs and hotels within the Aranya community (book in advance). • Food: Multiple restaurants offering seafood and Western cuisine. 2. Gubei Water Town • Location & Transportation: Located in Miyun District, Beijing (~120km from downtown). Drive or take public transport (direct bus from Dongzhimen or S5 train). • Recommended Attractions: • Simatai Great Wall: Night hikes for stunning illuminated views. • Kite Culture Museum: Try making traditional kites. • Yongshun Dyehouse: Experience tie-dye crafts. • Family Activities: DIY workshops like rattan weaving or movable type printing. • Accommodation: Various themed inns and hotels. • Food: Must-tries include braised pork at Sima Gang Restaurant and hotpot at Guguan Hotpot. 3. Tianjin Binhai • Location & Transportation: 1-hour high-speed train from Beijing South Station to Binhai Station. • Recommended Attractions: • National Maritime Museum: Educational ocean exhibits for families. • Dongjiang Bay Beach Park: Tide-pooling and seagull interactions. • Haichang Polar Ocean Park: Marine life shows. • Family Activities: Clam digging and crab catching at the beach park. • Accommodation: InterContinental Yujiapu with scenic surroundings. • Food: Tianjin snacks like jianbing (savory crepes) and Goubuli steamed buns. 4. Yanqi Lake, Huairou • Location & Transportation: ~50km from downtown Beijing (recommended to drive). • Recommended Attractions: • Yanqi Lake Scenic Area: Lakeside cycling with mountain views. • Yanqi Lake Water Park: Family-friendly water activities. • Family Activities: Lakeside picnics and quality time. • Accommodation: Nearby resorts and hotels. • Food: Local specialties like rainbow trout. 5. Thaiwoo Town, Chongli • Location & Transportation: In Chongli District, Zhangjiakou (take high-speed rail to Taizicheng Station, then transfer by bus/taxi). • Recommended Attractions: • Thaiwoo Ski Resort: Year-round outdoor adventures beyond skiing. • European-style Architecture: Photogenic townscape. • Family Activities: Outdoor programs like hiking and rock climbing. • Accommodation: Multiple hotels and B&Bs with beautiful settings. • Food: Local delicacies like roasted whole lamb.