Beijing's best al fresco dining spots for kids

While Beijing can be the perfect city for al fresco dining when the warmer weather hits, not all restaurants are kid-friendly. Which is why we've created a list of places that are perfect for taking the kids to dine al fresco. Watch out for flying catkins and make sure to pack a sun hat and some sunblock, especially if your kids are the running and exploring types!

  CBD  

Xiheyaju (羲和雅居)

Photo: Jackie Park

Located within the embassy district in the Ritan area, this exquisite Ming Dynasty-style courtyard is a popular place to dine outdoors. The restaurant serves up Chinese cuisine and we highly recommend its Peking duck. While dining indoors is an option given its elegant Chinese decor, you'll want to make the most of spring and sit in its courtyard outside. Feast to the sounds of its resident bird chirping merrily in the background while the restless kids wander about its garden in bloom.

Ritan Dong Lu, northeast corner of Ritan Park (8561 1915) 朝阳区日坛东路坛公园东北角

Blue Frog (CBD)

Photo: Blue Frog official website

Blue Frog is often the default restaurant when looking for easy family-friendly fare and some peace of mind ('fuwuyuan, crayons and colouring sheets, please!'). But what makes this China World branch extra special is the gorgeous view of the surrounding urban vista you get from its outdoor terrace and a space for the kids to play around in. If Blue Frog's menu doesn't appeal to you, head over to Hana next door, or Migas one floor up for the equally spectacular view to match the cuisine of your choice.
Sixth Floor, China World Mall Beiqu, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district (8535 1186) 朝阳区建国门外大街1号院17号国贸商城北区六层

  Gulou  

Café Zarah

Smack in the centre of Gulou, the cafe has a courtyard in the middle of its space where you can dine outdoors. Before trying out the cafe's many offerings – come in the morning for its great continental breakfasts – head to the little cubby on the ground floor to pick up children's books and colouring materials that will keep the kids entertained.

46 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district (8403 9807) 东城区鼓楼东大街42号

  Lido/798  

Feast by East

The stylish space in East Hotel that's walking distance from 798 is a favourite for families, especially during its weekend brunch that's hard to beat. Best yet, it has an indoor playroom in a corner stocked with books and toys that will keep the little ones occupied while the grown-ups eat. 

22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (8426 0888) 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

Eudora Station Bar and Restaurant

Photo: Eudora Station official website

Firmly established on the Lido scene, this stalwart is very much the hub for expats living in this part of town. A kid-pleasing menu of lasagnas, pasta dishes, burgers, pizzas, soups and buffet fodder should get even the most reluctant child eating. They can then run off all that carbs in its huge yard along with all the other kids making the most of the weather.

6 Fangyuan Xi Lu Lido, Chaoyang district (6437 8331) 朝阳区芳园西路6号

Park Square

Photo: Jackie Park

A little play area on Park Square's outdoor deck facing the road advertises that the restaurant is kid-friendly, nevermind if its chic interiors looks anything but. Besides this deck, where you'll want to sit to keep an eye on the kids on the slides, it also has a second al fresco space, with fresher air, behind the restaurant facing Side park. Park Square also has a diaper-changing area for those with little ones and because its a classy venue thats great for those with kids, it is a good venue for children's parties and birthday celebrations. 

9-3 Jiangtai Xi Lu, Lido, Chaoyang district (6823 8880) 朝阳区丽都将台西路9-3号

  Liangmaqiao/Sanlitun 

Element Fresh

Photo: Element Fresh Sanlitun


Staple Western fare that never lets you down with healthy options and plenty of locations. Of the many Element Fresh branches offering outdoor dining, we recommend checking out the terraces at the Sanlitun and Lido branches. Keep the kids entertained with Element Fresh's activity booklet and crayons. 


833, Building 8, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district (6417 1318) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯南区8号楼833

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Photo: Jackie Park

This popular beerhouse serving authentic German food isn't just gorgeous on the inside. Its outdoor area offers a great view of its sculpted garden where the kids can explore and watch the fish swim around in little ponds.   

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (6465 3388 EXT. 4212)  朝阳区亮马桥路50号

Brotzeit

Another German restaurant with an al fresco dining option is Brotzeit at The Grand Summit, where families can enjoy dishes such as roast pork knuckle, fried pork schnitzel and freshly baked pretzels while the kids roam around the Grand Summit's quadrangle. Colouring sheets and pens also available on request. 

First Floor, F109, Building 5, Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang Dong Lu, Chaoyang district (8531 5166) 朝阳区东方东路19号楼一层F109

  Shunyi  

The English Tearoom

Photo: Jackie Park

Though many of the restaurants along Shine Hills' food street have also filled its front deck with tables, The English Tearoom deserves a special mention for being one of the few dining spots here that has baby-changing facilities and an indoor play area, in case the AQI suddenly rises or if it starts to rain.  

Building 10, 101 Shine Hills Beiqu, 9 Antai Dajie, Shunyi district (8047 9661) 顺义区安泰大街9号院中粮祥云小镇北区10号楼101铺

Agrilandia Italian Farm

Photo: Jackie Park

Escape the concrete jungle and head to Shunyi's Agrilandia. Spend the day enjoying nature and Italian dishes, made with produce grown in their own farm. Dine al fresco and watch as the children explore or simply run about its massive grounds. There are also a variety of activities are available at the farm-resort, including a petting zoo, a culture club and a kids' centre.

Baige Zhuang, Mapo Zhen, Shunyi district (6940 7280) 顺义区马坡镇白各庄

For those with older kids

For more options if you have older kids or if you have a meal free of the young ones, then perhaps this list of Beijing's 25 best al fresco dining spots might suit you better. 

Click Read More for family-friendly bars around town 

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