During the sweltering summer, where can you take your kids that’s cool and comfortable enough to spend the whole day? Parents, here’s a refreshing summer guide for you—enjoy!
Part 1. Museums
National Natural History Museum of China
The National Natural History Museum of China is the only national-level, comprehensive natural history museum in the country. It covers over 23,000 square meters and houses more than 400,000 items in its collection, with the largest number of rare specimens among domestic natural history museums, including many valuable national gift specimens.
The museum's main exhibits focus on biological evolution, featuring permanent exhibitions such as Ancient Reptiles, Ancient Mammals, Invertebrates, and Marvelous Africa, showcasing biodiversity and its relationship with the environment, creating a panoramic view of life's evolution on Earth.
The renovated Aquarium has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos. Following the signs, you’ll be led into a mysterious marine world by blue murals on the walls. The large freshwater fish exhibit is nearest the entrance, and in the Shark Tank and Underwater Tunnel, you can see live species like the Blacktip Reef Shark, Lake Malawi Cichlids, and Elops machnata, as well as the rare specimens of the Chinese Sturgeon and the museum's prized Latimeria fossil.
Address: No. 126, Tianqiao Nandajie (St), Dongcheng District, Beijing
National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists
National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists is located within the National Communication Center for Science and Technology in the cultural complex of Beijing's Olympic Center Area. It houses over 500 valuable historical materials, including letters, manuscripts, scientific instruments, works, audio and video recordings, and related artifacts from Chinese scientists. The total exhibition area is about 5,000 square meters.
The main exhibition, "Backbone of the Republic—Exhibition of the National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists Collection," is based on the first research results of the project collecting academic growth materials of scientists. It showcases over 400 items from 190 scientists, more than 400 photos, and over 10 large exhibits provided by research institutions. Five themed exhibitions explore topics such as Qian Xuesen's initial aspirations and beliefs, the life of Deng Jiaxian, stories of scientists returning from the U.S. in the 1950s, the Chinese engineers behind industrial heritage, and the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Flora of China.
Bring your children here to learn through engaging exhibitions, discovering the stories of Chinese scientific figures and the development of science and technology.
Address: National Communication Center for Science and Technology, No. 3 Beichen Donglu (Rd), Chaoyang District, Beijing
Part 2. Beijing Library
The design of Beijing Library is inspired by ginkgo trees and leaves, featuring 144 pillars resembling ginkgo trunks that support the entire space. The "forest canopy" formed by countless "ginkgo leaves" holds up the grand roof, creating the illusion of a lush ginkgo forest above. Since its opening, it has quickly become one of Beijing's top attractions.
The Children's Library, located in the southwest part of the first floor, covers 4,000 square meters. It offers a vast collection of books, vibrant colors, adorable story bears, and technology-rich interactive exhibits.
The Children's Library is divided into the South and North Zones. The indoor area offers Chinese and foreign books for borrowing and themed shelves that recommend award-winning books, pop-up books, and other unique literature. The Knowledge Recharge Station in the North Zone features AR interactive science displays, bilingual picture books, and various periodicals, providing digital resources suitable for children. The Children's Cinema and Theater offer multimedia reading experiences through 4D movies and immersive equipment.
Address: Building No. 3, Yard No. 1, Lv Xin Lu (Rd) , Tongzhou District, Beijing
Part 3. Indoor Water Parks
WaveTown at Wendu Water City
When it comes to Wendu Water City, you can't miss the WaveTown! Even in unpredictable weather, you can fully enjoy the fun of water activities.
From the wave pool and deep-sea tornado to the interstellar voyage, these adrenaline-pumping attractions await your experience.
WaveTown
In addition to various water attractions, the park also features Beijing's first water-themed escape room and offers high-quality Chinese and Western cuisine for you to enjoy.
Address: No. 55, Wangfu Jie (St), Changping District, Beijing
Nangong Spring Water World
Nangong Spring Water World covers an area of 16,000 square meters and can accommodate 1,500 people at the same time.
The indoor play area features an international standard swimming pool, wave pool, children's water playground, hot spring massage pool, drifting river, and large water slides. Additionally, it offers facilities like wood and stone slab baths, saunas, and more, providing a variety of water recreation options suitable for the whole family.
Address: No. 39, Fugong Lu (Rd), Fengtai District, Beijing
Part 4. Handicraft Workshops
The Arctic Ocean Yili Park
Located in Daxing District, The Arctic Ocean Yili Park is part of Beijing Yiqing Food Group Co., Ltd. It is an experience-oriented factory park that leverages the influence of the Arctic Ocean and Yili brands, with a focus on cultural creativity. Visitors can learn about the food industry and experience factory culture tourism through tours and hands-on DIY activities.
Exhibition Hall and Production Line Tours
Visitors can explore the Arctic Ocean and Yili exhibition halls to learn about the development history of these brands, as well as the history of China’s time-honored brands. A tour of the modern Arctic Ocean production line reveals the entire production process of a bottle of Arctic Ocean soda.
DIY Workshops
Using the same ingredients as those sold in the market, visitors can make their own bread, Arctic Ocean soda, and more under professional guidance, and take their creations home. Transform into a DIY expert and enjoy quality parent-child time.
Children’s playground features attractions like the Arctic Ocean can-shaped slide, bubble house, and children's cars, turning the place into a treasure trove for kids to play and explore. There is also a retro street with scenes like the old Yili food factory, Arctic Ocean Shazikou warehouse, and Yili storefront, perfect for photo opportunities.
Address: Bei 2 Men (N. 2nd Gate),, No. 6, East Section of Beixing Lu (Rd), Daxing District, Beijing
