25 kid-friendly restaurants around Beijing

Going to a restaurant with young kids can be either really fun or a challenging ordeal. For those worrying about the latter, we scoured the city for restaurants offering kid-friendly spaces and facilities to make life easier, and dining more pleasurable). Some of the things we looked at include play areas, diaper-changing stations, a kid-friendly space (such as just being able to run around) and also activities especially targeting a younger audience. Here are some of our top recommendations for restaurants to help keep tummies full and parents chill.

Any favourites that we might have missed? Let us know by sending us a message or leaving us a comment below, and we'll check it out and add it to our most updated list on our website.

     Dongcheng     

The Cheesecake Factory

Photo: The Cheesecake Factory

It's pretty hard not to love The Cheesecake Factory, with its big portions and an even bigger menu with all sorts of mouth-watering dishes to choose from. The restaurant gets a spot on this list for good reason: this emporium of indulgence takes the extra mile by, despite the mall having a family-friendly toilet on the same floor, also being very baby-friendly, with its own baby-changing area in its own toilet so that you're never too far away for too long from your meal.

The Cheesecake Factory. Fourth Floor, 412-419 WF Central, 269 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng district (6525 1238) 东城区王府井大街269号4层412-419室 

The Rug Café (WF Central)

Photo: Vincent Pung

Similar to its branch near Chaoyang Park, WF Central's The Rug Cafe not only serves the Western classics the brand is known for but also has a small play area to keep kids entertained. When the kids are done with their meals, let them head off to play while the adults enjoy their drink of choice, from caffeinated drinks to even a cocktail or two.

The Rug Café (WF Central). First Floor, WF Central, Daruanfu Hutong, Dongcheng district (6528 3966) 东城区大阮府胡同中环1层西座112室.      

Café Zarah

Photo: Zarah Cafe

While it may not seem like it at first, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and possibly a few smokers in its beautiful courtyard space in the back, the hip Gulou spot is actually pretty welcoming when it comes to families, with a few kid-friendly activities hidden away in a shelf to the right on your way to the back of the cafe and some family-friendly activities during certain special weekend events. Enjoy the vaulted wooden ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows and its beautiful courtyard space in the back while the kids let out their creative side on several sheets of paper. 

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

     Liangmaqiao     

Tribe

Photo: Tribe

For a kid-friendly restaurant at Solana serving healthy food options, head to Tribe. The restaurant serves a wholesome menu that's great for families trying to keep fit and also has a small indoor play area great for kids under 5. Tribe also occasionally plays host to family-friendly activities during special events on weekends, so make sure to watch out for those promotions.

Tribe (Solana) L-BS-51a, Building 9, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang district (5905 6256) 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾9号楼L-BS-51a 号 

Din Tai Fung 鼎泰丰 (Yuyang branch)

When searching for the some of the best dumplings in town, make sure to add Din Tai Fung to your list. But not all Din Tai Fungs are created equal, and we reckon that its Yuyang branch is the most kid-friendly. It has a padded-walled kiddie room that, though pretty bare on the inside, has a TV that keeps the kids entertained and lots of opportunities for the imagination to take over thanks to the practically empty space. Then bring them back to the table once your mouthwatering xiaolongbao's are served.

Din Tai Fung 鼎泰丰 (Yuyang branch) 24 Xinyuanli Xili Zhongjie, Chaoyang district (6462 4502) 朝阳区新源西里中街24号（进渔阳饭店).  

Via Roma

Photo: Via Roma

Via Roma's weekly Little Italy Sunday Buffet was such a hit that its kiddie area is now going to have a permanent stay in this Italian-styled bistro. Enjoy Italian classics with the kids then watch them zoom off to the play area as you enjoy the rest of your meal, now available any day of the week.

Via Roma, Kempinski Hotel Lufthansa Centre, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (6465 3388) 朝阳区亮马桥路50号. 

Seasonal Tastes

Photo: Seasonal Tastes

The Westin Chaoyang's restaurant, which features all-day dining of both local and Western cuisine, has now partnered with Oishi to provide families a kid-friendly space just by the entrance of the restaurant. Kids can explore and hang around at this area but one parent or guardian has to stay with the child. There are several play stations and activity walls for children to choose from and if they get hungry, there are also snacks and drinks available.

Seasonal Tastes 知味自助餐厅. Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district  (5922 8880) 朝阳区东三环北路7号

Uncle Park's Barbecue 朴大叔烤肉 (Xinyuanli)

Photo: Jackie Park

Quell that Korean BBQ craving you've been having with a trip to Piao Dashu Kaorou (Uncle Park's Barbecue in English). The menu has a variety of meat options to feed your carnivorous cravings. Several other popular Korean specialties are also available such as bibimbap, seaweed soup and more. Kids are also in for a special treat: they not only get a free meal but they can also play with a little shaker that they can put their rice into shake and turn into little rice balls. Make sure to ask for it though; our fuwuyuan almost forgot about it on our last trip there but fortunately, the kids were quick to remind them about it!

Piao Dashu Kaorou 朴大叔烤肉 (Xinyuanli) 45 Xinyuan Jie, Erxiaoqu, Chaoyang district (6466 8190) 朝阳区新源街二小区45号楼

Hello Mart 

Photo: Jackie Park

This 7,000sqm urban market has its own cafe, supermarket, beauty salon, art centre, laundry service and most importantly for parents, its own dining area with a special kid-friendly table. Head to the gourmet food court and have your pick from over 200 live seafood varieties and have them cooked on the spot (the half-dead ones are cheaper). Be sure to get seats at the large round tables that have an animated projection in the middle of the table that'll keep the kids entertained for quite awhile. If that's not enough, Hello Mart also has a Science Centre where parents can opt to leave their kids at for a few hours (or the whole day even) after finishing their meals.

Hello Mart 城市市集 48 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (5382 2114) 朝阳区亮马桥48号

Opus Lounge

Photo: Four Seasons Hotel

Sunday mornings at Opus Lounge in the Four Seasons Beijing turn into a little family haven thanks to its kid-friendly amenities. Featuring impressive artwork inspired by striking Chinese landscapes, the restaurant is a grand two-storey space that offers all-day dining, including Asian and Western specialties, and daily afternoon tea. Kids get to have their own fun as well at the little play corner and a special food station with mini burgers and sweets. Free for kids 0-6, 234RMB (plus 15 percent surcharge) for kids ages 7-12 and 468RMB (plus 15 percent service charge) for adults. The kiddie areas are only available for Sunday brunch. 

Opus Lounge, 48 Liangmaqiao Lu Chaoyang district (5695 8888) 北京四季酒店朝阳区亮马桥路48号   

     798/Lido     

Feast (Food by East)

Photo: Feast (Food by East)

The restaurant serves both buffet and a la carte and is a favourite amongst expat families. It's also known for its family-friendly events during special holidays and celebrations and its very accommodating children's room. The room has a good variety of toys, a TV, and best of all, nowhere else to escape to but towards the dining area where the parents are enjoying their meals. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and prices range from 128RMB to 298RMB, with discounts if you buy packages via their WeChat account.
Feast (Food by East), EAST, Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (8426 0888) 朝阳区酒仙桥路22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 look 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 out back, behind the restaurant facing Side park. Park Square also has a diaper-changing area for those with little ones.

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

Blue Frog (Indigo Mall)

Photo: Jackie Park

Known for its massive (and massively delicious) burgers, the popular burger joint's Indigo Mall branch also happens to have a small kid-friendly space with activity wall panels to keep the kids busy and entertained. Best for kids under 6, the area isn't that spacious nor offers much to the imagination but it does the job for those with young children. Kiddie menu also available. 

Blue Frog (Indigo Mall) First Floor, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (8426 0017) 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号1层167号 

Ponte

Photo: Jackie Park

Like Annie's, the up-market Italian eatery from the brains behind Beijing institution Annie's is also serving a variety of Western favourites from croissant to pasta and more. Its kid-friendly factor isn't just in the location, the tasty dishes, the kiddie utensils, its gelato options nor the high chair it provides; like at Annie's, little guests get to make their own little pizzas and then eat it after a quick trip to the oven. For those with a drummer in the family, there's a drum set as well but make sure to ask the staff permission before trying it out. 

Ponte. Building 1, Zone 1 (outside Upper East Side), 6 Dongsihuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district （6501 2934）朝阳区东四环北路6号1区15号楼106号

Yixuan Dumplings 一轩饺子馆

Photo: Jackie Park

The Chinese restaurant may specialise in freshly-made dumplings that guests can watch from behind a glass window by the kitchen area, but that shouldn't stop you from ordering any of the other dishes on its menu. The restaurant also serves up a variety of local dishes (yuxiang rousi and tangsu liji to name a few) and is a great place to bring guests to thanks to its many options, including vegetarian ones. For those coming in a group, its Lido branch has rooms you can book in advance to keep the kids inside. Their toilets are also kid-friendly, with a diaper-changing area and kiddie toilet seat.

Yixuan Dumplings 一轩饺子馆 101 Xiangcun Julebu, Metro Park, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang district (6432 1288) 朝阳区将台路6号丽都维景饭店乡村俱乐部101室   

     CBD     

Kerry's Kitchen

Photo: Kerry Hotel

Kerry’s Kitchen, located in the Kerry Hotel, is a cavernous dining room clustered around a central kitchen with a sushi bar, a carving station and other live-cooking stations– a sort of one-stop East-meets-West eatery. For those bringing kids, the restaurant's Sunday buffet dinners and brunch also include a free pass for the kids to Adventure Zone, their play centre space for toddlers to 12-year-olds, with drop slides, ball pits, net towers, themed party rooms, interactive games and more for the older kids and a small children's area for the younger kids. Sunday buffet dinners are 338RMB per adult and 169RMB per child while buffet brunches are at 418RMB per adult and 209RMB per child. Kids 6 and below get to dine for free. 

Kerry’s Kitchen. First Floor, Kerry Hotel, Beijing, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district (6561 8833) 朝阳区光华路1号北京嘉里中心饭店1层

Xihe Yaju 羲和雅居

Photo: Jackie Park

With easy-to-read menus, a lovely inner courtyard area and high-quality cuisine, this Chinese restaurant is a little-known gem in the CBD area. It also has high chairs, making it a good venue for families. While there's no play area available, dine outdoors in its little garden and let the children explore and even visit the little resident birdie. Their speciality, the Peking duck, is also a must-try with their trademark blueberry sauce.

Xihe Yaju 羲和雅居 Ritan Dong Lu, Ritan Gongyuan Dongbeijiao, Ritan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district (8561 1915) 朝阳区日坛东路与日坛北路交口日坛公园东北角

San Wu Tang

Photo: San Wu Tang

For your fix of traditional Beijing food, check out San Wu Tang's popular buffet. On our last trip, the tables were all filled up within half an hour of opening time, and we're guessing the dishes, which also include some Western specialties, a carving station, salad bar and generous dessert spread using fresh vegetables harvested from the hotel's own hydroponic garden, has something to do with that. On weekends, kids can head to the little kids area for some colouring fun, and if you'd like to be seated close to that then make sure to turn into the room to your left soon after entering the restaurant and find a seat in that area.

San Wu Tang. Second Floor, Hotel Jen Beijing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district (6506 2277) 朝阳区建国门外大街1号

     Shunyi     

The English Tearoom

Photo: Jackie Park

This cute, kid-friendly English-styled tea room is a pleasant gathering spot for families, drawn in by its proximity, cleanliness, toy-filled kids’ room and charming décor. There’s food, too, of course, the brunch options a win for both parents and kids. There is also a nursing room and a diaper-changing area.

The English Tearoom 英国茶房  Building 10, 101 Shine Hills North Zone, 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

     Sanlitun/Chaoyang Park     

Cravings

Photo: Jackie Park

Creative, healthy eats from the same folks behind White Tiger Village. The menu offers sharing plates, kid-friendly nibbles and plenty of decent brunch options. It also includes an interactive play area for kids.

Cravings. 50m west of South Gate at Park Avenue Compound, Chaoyang district (5719 2684) 朝阳区公园大道生活广场喷泉北侧

The Rug (Chaoyang Park branch)

Photo: Jackie Park

Family-friendly cafe near Chaoyang Park serving healthy Western dishes and tasty concoctions. It also has a small playroom for children to keep busy soon after their meals.

The Rug (Chaoyang Park) First Floor, Building 4, Lishuijiayuan, Chaoyang Park Nan Lu, Chaoyang district (6325 7152) 朝阳区朝阳公园南路丽水嘉园4号楼1层

   Franchises   

Blue Frog

Photo: Blue Frog

We've yet to see another Blue Frog with its own play area as well, but that doesn't mean its other branches aren't kid-friendly. The popular burger joint has a kiddie menu and most branches will have kiddie activities and colouring sheets as well for the kids. Make sure to ask for it though; we've encountered waitstaff who don't always know that they even have these!

Locations vary. 

Element Fresh

Photo: Element Fresh

The Western cafe chain has branches across Beijing and serves a variety of reliable and tasty sandwiches, pasta, Asian sets and smoothies to fill tummies. Certain branches (such as its Sanyuanqiao branch) also has its own toilets and its own diaper-changing area. There are also crayons and an activity booklet for kids.

Locations vary.

Haidilao 海底捞

Photo: Jackie Park

A favourite, and with good reason: a range of soups to choose from for both adults and kids alike, and lots of seasoning to play mix-and-match with. Order the hand-pulled noodles – complete with a private hip-hop table dance. This alone is already a pretty good value for the money, yet an extra service that the Chinese hotpot chain has is for the fuwuyuan to help bring the kids over to the play area until they're ready to come back to mom and dad to eat. There's also an iPad in the room where parents can watch their children playing in the kids room. Kids also get toys from the staff while at their respective tables.

Locations vary.

Annie's 安妮意大利餐厅

Photo: Annie's/Facebook

The family-friendly chain serves decent Italian staple dishes like pizza, chicken parmesan, lasagna, Pomodoro and other pasta dishes and is available at a number of locations around the city. Dine in and your kids also get a chance to make their own mini-pizzas, where each kid is given a small batch of dough to roll and to flatten and then some veges and some tomato sauce to decorate the dough with.
Locations vary.

Find opening hours and more family-friendly dining options around Beijing, hit 'Read More'

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