5 different detailed one-day Beijing itineraries for families with children

Here are five one-day Beijing itineraries that are perfect for families with children:

Begin your day early and head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is less crowded and has more child-friendly amenities than other sections. Spend a few hours hiking and exploring the Wall.
Have lunch at one of the local restaurants near the Wall.
In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, which is a sprawling park with a lake, gardens, and historic architecture. Take a boat ride on the lake, explore the gardens, and climb up to the top of the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a great view.
Return to your hotel in the evening.

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the site of many historic events. Visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
After a quick lunch, head to the Forbidden City, a massive palace complex with over 9,000 rooms. Get audio guides for the whole family and explore the history and culture of China’s emperors.
Finish the day with a visit to Jingshan Park, which has great views of the Forbidden City and a fun playground for kids.
Return to your hotel in the evening.

Spend the morning at Beijing Zoo, which is home to giant pandas, snow leopards, and many other animals. Kids will love the chance to see these rare creatures up close.
Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then head to the Temple of Heaven, a historic complex of buildings and gardens where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Kids can run around on the grass or try their hand at traditional games like shuttlecock kicking.
Return to your hotel in the evening.

Start your day at Beijing Olympic Park, which was the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Visit the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatic center. Kids will love the chance to run around on the expansive lawn in the park.
Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then head to a nearby hutong, or traditional alleyway, for a tour. Explore the narrow streets, historic homes, and local markets. Kids will love the chance to interact with locals and learn about daily life in Beijing.
Finish the day with a visit to a local park, like Ditan or Ritan, for some outdoor fun and relaxation.
Return to your hotel in the evening.

Spend the morning at Beijing Aquarium, which is home to over 10,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. Kids will love the chance to see these creatures up close and learn about marine life.
Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then head to Nanluoguxiang, a trendy shopping and dining street with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. Kids will love the colorful street art, fun shops, and street performers.
Take a rickshaw ride through the nearby hutongs, then finish the day with a visit to a nearby park, like Beihai or Houhai, for some outdoor fun and relaxation.
Return to your hotel in the evening.