These places will get the kids snow excited for outdoor play.
This winter, Beijing's snow machines are back at work, gushing out snow with just a flip of the switch creating little winter wonderlands at snow parks and even ski resorts in and around the capital. We even have our own artificial snow and ice cave too.
Artificial snow caves? Learn more here
Not all snow parks are open yet, unfortunately. Make sure you're following our weekly listings to know once they are!
But prepare these things before you go:Certain activities require a deposit, such as the snow tubes for rent when going down the snowy slopes which are generally 200-300RMB per tube. Also, keep your deposit slips safe otherwise you may not get your deposits back!
Get the kids to dig their little hands into the snow instead of into their warm pockets by giving them waterproof and insulated gloves and shoes.
Snacks and a few bottles of waterThough Beijing parks generally have convenience stores selling snacks and drinks, choices are limited so we recommend packing a few of your own. Also, the ones within the snow parks themselves tend to be overpriced.
Let the kids make the most of the snow with snowball makers, mini luge's or sleds, sand toys, ski scooters and more.If you've never done skiing before, then here are some places to try. From our experience, children as young as three could learn how to ski, too. There are generally instructors available for hire and it'll keep the kids busy while you learn or practise your skiing skills.Longtan Park's Snow Carnival 龙潭湖冰雪嘉年华
Photo: Beijing Longtan Park/WeChatThe park's 9th Snow carnival opens today with various activities in store for adults and kids alike. Get ready to shred some snow with snowmobiles, slide down high slopes with a snow tube (100RMB per hour; 300RMB deposit fee) and more. Make the most of your day by heading to the frozen Longtan Lake, where you can skate away or put the pedal to the metal on an ice bike (30RMB/15min). Weekday tickets are 30RMB per person and holiday and weekend tickets are 50RMB. Get in a snowmobile, upgrade your skiing skills, slide down a hill on a snow tube or just throw some snowballs around. The closest entrance is from East Gate 5. Tickets are 30RMB per adult and 20RMB for children under 1.2m. Park tickets are 5RMB.Water Olympic Snow World 水奥雪世界
Now open to snow enthusiasts everywhere, the former Olympic Whitewater paddling stadium come wintertime transforms into the Water Olympic Snow World. Expect snowsports, get ready for some snowball fights, skate away on its 8,000sqm ice rink and spot the different cartoon characters dotting the stadium. Entrance to the park is free while entrance to the snow world is 40RMB. Bird's Nest 5th Ice and Snow Festival
Photo: Beijing Olympic Park/WeChat
For an enclosed snow park, flock with your tribe to the Bird's Nest and enjoy the snow activities within the former Olympic stadium. If a high slope to slide down on your tube is what you're looking for, you might want to head to the other parks instead. This park does offer a variety of activities where kids can head off on their own and watch a few performances, head into an indoor play area for those who feel too cold, play around several snow sculptures and ride on at the kiddie go-kart area. Most likely to open during the second week of January, staff shared that official information regarding its opening date will be announced on their WeChat account soon.
10th Taoranting Snow Festival 陶然亭公园冰雪嘉年华
Taoranting Park's Snow Festival has more than just the white stuff to look out for. The annual festival is also known to have penguins (how many exactly differs year on year) and, in previous years, a miniature ice maze, a mega, 25-lane-wide, snow slope for sliding down on a snow tube, Zorb balls to ride around in, a mini snowmobile for your little driver wanna-be's, a laser tag section and more. The snow park can get packed on weekends, so go early or during the week if you can. It opens during the first week of the new year, though staff have suggested following their official WeChat account for updates. Or better yet, follow our stories (WeChat: Time Out Family) where we'll be announcing it as well!