A Day at Jiurushan with Kids is Never Enough – A Paradise for Craft Lovers and Aesthetic Enthusiasts

If you're traveling in Shandong and want to take your kids to Jiurushan for a day of natural adventure and hands-on crafts, you'll quickly realize it's impossible to experience everything! It's simply never enough‼️ After returning, I told my friends that a two-day, one-night trip is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the romance of mountain living at night, while during the day, let your kids gain a sense of achievement through hands-on activities, and adults can rediscover relaxation amidst the scenic landscapes. Deeply experience the "day + night" charm of Jiurushan for a more chill vibe. Visiting Jiurushan in June with kids perfectly combines summer retreats with nature education, offering over 30 craft workshops for a one-stop fun experience. Kids can appreciate natural aesthetics and artisan spirit amid the mountains and waters, making it a cost-effective "dream-making journey" for families! 🔴Day 1 Arrival: Hiking × Stream Play – Awakening Wilderness Energy 1⃣️First stop: Take the kids to explore the Jiurushan Waterfall Group and hike along the wooden trails. Walk along the 10-kilometer solid wood trail, visiting the "Eight Pools, Nine Waterfalls, and Twenty-Four Springs." Recommended spots include Zhifu Pool and Tengshe Pool, where you can feel the coolness of the canyon. The waterfalls are abundant with misty sprays, making every photo a masterpiece. In summer, families can wade in gentle streams (e.g., near Liuhe Pool), letting kids splash barefoot, catch fish, or chill watermelons and drinks in the stream for a natural "refrigerator" experience. 2⃣️Deep breaths in the forest oxygen bar: Jiurushan has 97% vegetation coverage and over 70,000 negative oxygen ions/cm³. Along the way, observe insects and identify plants to help kids feel the vitality of nature. 3⃣️Evening: Mountain Camping × Starlight Party – Summer Romance. Enjoy chilled camping and picnics in the mountains, setting up tents at Haomeng Gathering or Xunhua Wenliu campsites. Bring your own food or try the grilled fish and lamb skewers provided by the scenic area, paired with chilled drinks, while feeling the cool mountain breeze. (Dress warmly—it gets cold🥶) In June, there are family night activities like bonfire parties, where everyone gathers to listen to folk songs, play games, and release fireflies (June exclusive). Kids can also enjoy open-air movies with cartoons projected on the lawn, lying under the stars while parents relax. --- 🔴Day 2: Immersive Crafts × Artistic Experiences – Unlocking Family Creativity. After personally exploring Jiurushan’s 30+ craft workshops with my kids, here are the top five most popular ones (ranked by popularity): 1⃣️Baking Workshop 🔥🔥🔥: Kneading dough, shaping molds, and baking cookies—this simple and therapeutic DIY process fills the air with a milky aroma. Kids can taste their creations, making it perfect for younger children. 2⃣️Dried Flower Sachet Workshop 🔥🔥🔥: Create sachets with dried flowers, preserving the mountain’s fragrance. In June, you can also make mugwort sachets for the Dragon Boat Festival. 3⃣️Lipstick DIY Workshop 🔥🔥: Melt beeswax, mix pigments, and customize your own shade—moms and daughters can become "beauty gurus" together. 4⃣️Handmade Soap Workshop 🔥🔥: Heat and shape natural ingredients, adding petals or essential oils to create eco-friendly and beautiful soaps. 5⃣️Chocolate Workshop 🔥🔥: From grinding cocoa beans to molding chocolate, families can collaborate on sweet creations and even pack them as gifts. ‼️Tips: ✅Workshops are scattered around lakes and forests, so plan your route in advance and choose 3-4 nearby experiences. ✅Some activities require extra fees (~¥50-100/item), but you can take the finished products home—great value! -- For a two-day, one-night stay at Jiurushan, here are some recommended accommodations for a fairy-tale × glamping experience: 1⃣️Cat’s Nest Homestay: Nordic-style wooden cabins with adorable pets. Fall asleep to the sound of waterfalls outside, and family rooms come with kids' tents—attention to detail is impeccable. 2⃣️Hongyanrong Barrel Hotel: Lakeside barrel-shaped cabins where you can enjoy starry lake views at night, complete with family bathtubs and a picture book area. 3⃣️Norman Castle Hotel: The most enchanting castle-style building with 270° mountain-view floor-to-ceiling windows and private hot springs to soothe hiking fatigue—ideal for families seeking luxury. --- Here are some tips after my trip with kids: ✅Tickets: Adults ¥120, children (1.2-1.4m) ¥80, free for kids under 1.2m. The "Craft Combo Ticket" (includes 3 experiences) offers better value. ✅Transport: Drive from Jinan city in 1 hour; public buses are available, but driving is recommended for day trips. Buy the shuttle ticket (¥30 round-trip) to save energy. ✅Dining: Try grilled fish and dry-fried chicken at the wooden cabin restaurant. Bring snacks—free tea stations are available. ✅Gear: Sun-protective clothing, mosquito repellent, water shoes, and a small fish net.