Awesome Weekend Getaways with Kids from Beijing! These 5 Short-Distance Destinations Are Superb

1️⃣ Aranya • Transportation: Drive from Beijing via Jingha Expressway (G1) to Beidaihe exit (approx. 300km, ¥245 toll, 3 hours). Alternatively, take high-speed rail to Qinhuangdao Station then transfer by taxi/bus. • Accommodation: Recommended stays include Suka Hotel, Anlan Hotel, or spacious Airbnb villas with courtyards in Area 3. • Dining: Multiple affordable canteens (¥50-80/person). Must-tries: grilled hairtail at Fish Market Pier, and Xilaixian Seafood BBQ & Dumplings outside the community. • Activities: Visit the iconic Lonely Library (app reservation required), beach play, and pony watching/riding (for kids over 130cm) at Aranya Equestrian Club. 2️⃣ Gubei Water Town • Transportation: Direct buses/tour coaches from Beijing, or drive via Jingcheng Expressway to Miyun then transfer. • Accommodation: Stay at characteristic inns (some include meals) like Gubei Water Town Grand Hotel or Hot Spring Inn. • Dining: Local snacks include Gubei BBQ, lüdagun rolls, and candied haws. Recommended restaurants: Comfy Restaurant and Water Town Family. • Activities: Explore Ming-Qing architecture, watch shadow puppetry/lion dances, enjoy night illuminations, and take cable cars for panoramic views. 3️⃣ Tianjin Binhai • Transportation: 1-hour high-speed rail from Beijing South Station to Tianjin Binhai Station. • Accommodation: Convenient hotels like Renaissance Tianjin TEDA Hotel or Holiday Inn Tianjin Binhai. • Dining: Try jianbing guozi, ear-hole fried cakes, and Goubuli buns at malls/food streets. • Activities: Visit TEDA Aircraft Carrier Theme Park (flight shows), Dongjiang Bay Beach, and Polar Ocean World (dolphin performances). 4️⃣ Yanqi Lake, Huairou • Transportation: Drive via Jingcheng Expressway to Huairou then transfer, or take bus 916 to Huairou downtown. • Accommodation: Lakeside hotels like Yanqi Lake Hotel or Qihu Holiday Resort (some with pools/kids' facilities). • Dining: Local farmhouse dishes include stewed fish, chicken, and wild mountain vegetables. • Activities: Boating, cycling, lakeside picnics, and autumn foliage viewing. 5️⃣ Thaiwoo Town, Chongli • Transportation: 2-3 hour drive via Jingzang/Jingli Expressway, or bus/high-speed rail to Zhangjiakou then transfer. • Accommodation: Well-equipped hotels/apartments like Thaiwoo Ski Town Hotel or Reignwood Hotel. • Dining: Western/Chinese options plus Bashang specialties like roasted lamb and youmian noodles. • Activities: Summer activities include grass skiing, cycling, rafting, plus farm/garden strolls.