6 fantastic play-in fountains for kids in Beijing

It's hot⁠ – and not the attractive kind. And while a good swim is a great way to be rid of that muggy heat, it can sometimes be a tedious task preparing the kids for the pool. So instead of escaping the heat hiding out in malls or in the comforts of an air-conditioned space, pack some extra clothes or a swimsuit for the kids and let them have a short splash around some of Beijing's run-in fountains around town. Best of all? They're (mostly) free!

Cool Rabbit Kids' Expanding World 酷酷兔少儿拓展天地

Photo: Zhang Panpan

Yes, its English name sounds pretty creative but hey we're not judging, especially since a whole day of fun here costs a mere 30RMB (for one kid and one adult) with tons of activities in store. The sprawling 800sqm outdoor kiddie paradise offers a variety of climbing facilities, slides, swings, sand and water areas, with different play areas catering to kids of different ages.

Feeling all dried out from all that fun in the sun? Then get the extra clothes on standby and let the kids play around in the park's play-in fountain. Bring your friends, some water guns, and your water gun fight battle cry. There's also a changing station for when the kids are done playing.

For parents who would like to hide away from the sun, there are a few shaded areas to hide at while the kids play. Families can also have a small picnic here or order in some food.

Cool Rabbit Kids' Expanding World 酷酷兔少儿拓展天地. Dong Jinyuan Lanyichang Lu, Haidian district (8843 4438) 海淀区蓝靛厂路东金源娱乐园内. Open Mar 15-Oct 15 10am-8pm Mon-Fri; 9am-8pm Sat-Sun. Oct 16-Mar 14 10am-5pm Sat-Sun (closed Mon-Fri). 30RMB per day per kid plus adult; extra 5RMB per adult.

Huaxi Live 华熙LIVE

Photo: Monka

This iconic building has changed names so many times we're wondering how long this one will last. Past names have included Mastercard Centre, Cadillac Arena, Wukesong Arena and LeSports Centre. But regardless of what it's called, what's caught our attention is the play-in fountain right by its entrance, where kids can splash about to their heart's delight. That's just a small part of the lifestyle complex however, which is also home to some popular brands such as Adidas and (a smaller) Ikea and several dining, shopping and entertainment establishments. Also check out the (free) two-storey outdoor slide.

Huaxi Live 华熙 LIVE. 69-1 Fuxing Lu, Haidian district (6815 7100) 复兴路 69-1号 Open 11am-8pm daily.

Sanlitun Taikoo Li 

Photo: Uncle Kou

The popular and trendy lifestyle destination is a great spot to shop, dine, wine and at times just go people-watching. But come summer, it becomes a great destination for kids to play around as well as its outdoor space just by Apple turns into a mini-water paradise, where holes in the ground blast water into the air and onto flushed shoppers. It's not guaranteed that it's always open though – the mall sometimes lets brands use the space for their displays. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the spot won't be occupied till at least mid-Autumn.

Taikoo Li South. 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district (6417 7110) 朝阳区三里屯路19号 Open 10am-10pm daily.   

Shine Hills 中粮祥云小镇

Photo: Shine Hills

Spacious at 200,000 square metres, Shunyi's Shine Hills is a family-friendly lifestyle complex perfect for a relaxing day out with the kids. For some indoor fun, shop at their kids’ stores or at big names like Uniqlo and Gap, dine at their kid-friendly restaurants and perhaps watch a movie. And once you're done with all that indoor exploring, take a big water break and let the kids get drenched in their play-in fountain, located just by Haagen Daz and the huge Let's Go play gym. 

Shine Hills. 9 Antai Dajie, Shunyi district (6040 1586) 顺义区安泰大街九号院. Fountains open from 10am-9.30pm. 

WF Central 王府中環

Photo: Jackie Park

The high-end premier mall on Wangfujing boasts a number of top brands from around the world such as Fendi, Prada and Gucci to name a few. Not that the kids will care as they'll be preoccupied with WF Central's gorgeous outdoor space where kids can frolic and play both on the (artificial) grass and the play-in fountains. Families can also dine in one of the surrounding kid-friendly restaurants, most notably The Rug, which also offers an indoor play space for kids and deliciously healthy dishes for the family. 

WF Central. 269 Wangfujing Dajie Dongcheng district (8564 8888) 东城区王府井大街269号 . 10am-10pm daily.  

Xiandai SOHO 现代城 SOHO

Video: Monka

Though more of an office space and a residential area rather than an entertainment destination like those we've just mentioned earlier, this older SOHO complex also has its own run-in fountain for kids to play in, perfect to splash around in or to just pretend it's another rainy day. 

Xiandai SOHO, in front of Oxford Baby Kindergarten 小牛津双语幼儿园. 88 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang district (8589 5779) 朝阳区建国路88号. 

     Worth a mention     

Solana 蓝色港湾

Photo: Jackie Park

Though you'll barely see the water (nor kids dramatically running through the water here), it's still been pretty amusing to see how kids enjoy trying to play catch-the-droplets at Solana's small water area. Could Solana just be saving water? We're not so sure, though all we know is that the kids still get wet here anyway and they make catch-the-droplets look more entertaining than it sounds!

Solana 蓝色港湾. 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang district (5905 6565) 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区. Open 10am-10pm.    

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