"Nice Pace?"
Remember when we were little and finger painting was the way to go? Well, we hate to say it, but now that we're older and have got kids of our own, it's not so fun anymore, and a quick peek at the carpet will tell you why. But since depriving our kids of the same kind of fun we enjoyed would just be cruel, we suggest enrolling them in one of Happy Land Arts & Crafts Center's painting classes, the perfect release for all your child's creative needs. Now it's time to find a real interior designer. Tel: 8046-4055

Piece O' Cake!
If you're like us, the scent of freshly baked goods only makes you more nostalgic for home. That's why we like to pop over to Jenny Lou's for the sweet range of easy, baking options. From devil's food cake to blueberry muffins to double fudge brownies (yes, please!), the store has it all. As an added bonus, kids will love picking out their favorite desserts and getting in on the cooking fun. Hint: Adding Nutella to any recipe makes for an even sweeter option. Tel: 8046-2316 (Shunyi)

Got Milk?
In celebration of the upcoming warmer months, treat the kids to one (or two if they're on their best behavior) of the famous milkshakes available at Grandma's Kitchen, just ￥25 for your choice of chocolate, banana or peanut butter. Feeling brave? For just a little extra, we dare you to order up a three-in-one combo, guaranteed to be a sugary taste of heaven. Word of warning: it may be hard to move for a while. Tel: 6503-2893 (Jianguomenwai)

What's Cookin'?
Now, there are the things that we miss about home, and then there are the things that we miss when we are home: like a hot steaming plate of jiaozi. To ensure that you never have to worry about when your next bite of authentic dumplings will be, bring the kiddies to The Hutong for one of Chef Robert Bock's cooking classes. Of course, the hard part may be getting the kids to cook it for you when you want them to, but have a little faith. Tel: 6617-5617

When the Moon Hits the Sky...
Now that this Haidian favorite has joined the Gongti crowd, the words"pizza" and"Kro's Nest" have become nearly synonymous, with people flocking to the popular eatery every time they need a pizza pick-me-up. And while we're not one to simply follow the herd, this is one bandwagon that we're hopping on and we suggest you do the same. Our personal favorite is the Kro's Special, followed by a bowl of their crunchy fries doused in ketchup. Oh and just so you don't make the same mistake we did, Kro's doesn't serve food until noon on weekends, providing you and your family with just one more reason to sleep in (although we doubt you actually needed it). Tel: 6553-5253

Domo Arigato
If you haven't already, swing over to the China Science and Technology Museum for a high-tech lesson in dance from Asimo, the dancing robot. Kids and adults alike will love mimicking the fancy moves he's got up his robotic sleeve, making for a photo-op that's one for the books (hint hint). 
Tel: 6237-1177

Es Deliciosa!
Sichuan spicy a little too fiery for you? Then how about a visit to Peter's Tex Mex Grill? If you have yet to visit this tex-mex staple, take our advice and order up a serving of the kid-sized enchiladas on the children's menu that's not too spicy but all too delicious. The best part? Once the kids have had their fill, they can scurry over and release their newfound energy in the play area, giving parents a much-needed moment to get over that food coma. Tel: 5135-8187

The Road Less Travelled
Ah, the sun. You know what that means: it's time to get out and get moving. The Beijing Hikers club provides the perfect alternative for families looking for ways to see a different side of Beijing outside of your typical Great Wall or Forbidden City excursions. Weekend hikes cost just ￥200 per person or ￥150 for children, including transportation, entrance fees (if any), maps and nutritious post-hike snacks. The only downside is that you'll have to wake up early to make the 8:30am meeting time, but trust us, once you're out in the open country, you won't care in the least. http://www.beijinghikers.com

Call me "Picasso"
Now don't get us wrong; crayons and watercolors are fun and all, but sometimes they just aren't enough. Thankfully, the Five-Color Earth Craft Center is here to fill the creative gap by letting kids have a go at tie-dying, painting, embroidery and even pottery if you call in advance. And in case sitting around and watching your kid have all the fun for two hours isn't your cup of tea, the center also specializes in recycling Miao and Dong minority fabrics into clothing, purses and covers. Tel: 6415-3839

Sweet as Honey
If you haven't already, snatch up a copy of "Bee Movie," created by comedian Jerry Seinfied himself. Featuring the voices of Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick and Chris Rock (as a mosquito no less), it's easy to see why this cartoon flick is so buzzworthy, pun intended. Here's a tip: Stock up on some movie munchies and turn off all phones to ensure an uninterrupted evening of laughs.

Hasta la Vista, Daddy
Boys will be boys, especially if you provide them with the right tools. So leave the girls alone and escape to Star Trooper Laser Tag for an afternoon of high-tech action amidst fog, laser beams and heart-thumping music. For extra fun, call up a few of your buddies since groups of six or more can rent the whole venue for ￥1280 per hour. We like the idea of sons versus dads, but maybe that's just us. Tel: 6475-8329

Ball O' Fun
For those of you who have always wondered what it was like to walk on water, now is your chance. For ￥20 per person, kids and adults alike can find their sea legs and enjoy a hilarious ten minutes walking inside a giant, transparent ball on the lake in Chaoyang Park. Afraid to go it alone? For ￥30 per person, you can pair two to a ball, although we strongly advise against it since laughter aside, the walking alone could leave you flat on your face-to the delight of everyone else, of course.