Beijing with Kids: Universal Studios & Science Museum in

A family trip with the Forbidden City and the Mutianyu toboggan, plus the science museum, the Bird's Nest, Universal Studios and the National Museum of Natural History.

Planned around one highlight per day, this suits families with school-age children: the Forbidden City and Jingshan; the Mutianyu Great Wall with its cable car and toboggan; the China Science and Technology Museum and the Olympic Park; a full day at Universal Studios; and on the last day the National Museum of Natural History and the Temple of Heaven before departing from Beijing South Railway Station. Stay in Wangfujing for the first three nights, then move to the Tongzhou area near the park for the Universal night to avoid morning and evening commutes.

Summer vacation is the busiest time. Book tickets for venues and Universal Studios 7–14 days ahead.

Day by day

Day 1 · Tiananmen, the Forbidden City & Jingshan

Beijing（Tiananmen Square、The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)、Jingshan Park）

Take the Airport Express and then the subway (about 1 hour) to Wangfujing, then explore Tiananmen and the Forbidden City on foot. Exit through the Gate of Divine Prowess and climb Jingshan for a panoramic view.

The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. Rent an audio guide so the kids can listen to the stories.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 2 · Mutianyu Great Wall Toboggan

Beijing（Great Wall at Mutianyu）

Take a chartered car (about 1.5 hours) to Mutianyu, ride the cable car up to the Great Wall and the toboggan back down. Return to the city in the afternoon (about 1.5 hours).

The toboggan has height and age restrictions for children and does not run in the rain.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 3 · China Science and Technology Museum & Olympic Park

Beijing（China Science and Technology Museum、Olympic Green (Bird's Nest & Water Cube)）

Take Subway Line 8 (about 30 minutes) to the Olympic Park. Visit the science museum in the morning, see the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube in the afternoon, and take the subway back in the evening.

The science museum is closed on Mondays. Exhibition halls and special-effects theaters require separate reservations.

Stay: Wangfujing

Day 4 · Beijing Universal Resort, Full Day

Beijing（Universal Beijing Resort）

After checking out, take the subway (about 1 hour) to Universal Resort Station. Spend the whole day in the park and stay near the resort that night.

Queues for popular rides are long, so consider buying Universal Express. Light snacks may be brought into the park.

Stay: Tongzhou · Universal Beijing Resort

Day 5 · National Museum of Natural History & the Temple of Heaven

Beijing（National Natural History Museum of China、Temple of Heaven）

Take the subway (about 1 hour) to Tianqiao. Visit the National Museum of Natural History in the morning, cross the street to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon, then take a taxi (about 15 minutes) to Beijing South Railway Station in the late afternoon.

The Museum of Natural History is free but requires a reservation. It is closed on Mondays.

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