Taking kids on an overseas holiday can be fraught with danger - strange food, over-excitement and tiredness can be challenging with school-age children. Yet there's plenty of appeal behind one of China's most intriguing and ancient cities and if the opportunity to travel in Beijing beckons, don't be intimidated. One of the most important decisions you will need to make is where to stay in Beijing. There are plenty of accommodation options, from a discount hotel in Beijing to a luxury boutique hotel. Beijing has no shortage of choice, especially after key districts were expanded to meet demand for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. If you're on a tight budget, you may need to consider a discount hotel. Beijing has some quality, affordable accommodation about 10km from the centre of the city in the Wudaokou district. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of Beijing's boutique hotels, discount hotels such as the Wudaokou Hotel and the Jin Ma Sprint Hotel offer good value for families. If you can stretch your finances just a little to a Beijing luxury hotel you will not be disappointed. Hotels such as the retro Hotel-G not only offer well-appointed rooms for families, but in-house dining options and are well-versed in catering to western travellers. While there are plenty of hotels in Beijing, it's wise to make an advance booking as finding yourself in a strange city with tired kids in tow and nowhere to stay is not much fun. Top things to do with kids in Beijing The Beijing Zoo has to head the list of attractions for families on a visit to Beijing. Located to the west of XiZhiMen subway station, next to the Beijing Exhibition Hall, the Beijing Zoo and Aquarium is popular with kids (young and old!). The giant pandas and golden monkeys are a highlight and there are also animals from across the globe, including polar bears and kangaroos. Allow plenty of time to traipse its extensive grounds and be prepared for a quiet night in with the kids - if you've chosen to stay at a luxury boutique hotel make the most of its in-house dining! The Summer Palace is another fantastic outing with children. Enjoy the gardens and lakes of this former summer retreat from the main imperial palace (now the Forbidden City). Kids will love the magic of a ride on the dragon boats or you may choose to hire a small boat and paddle out onto the lakes for a different view of the Summer Palace. Located between the fourth and fifth ring roads, the Summer Palace is easy to find from any of the hotels in Beijing. Take the subway or ask the receptionist at your luxury boutique hotel in Beijing to write your address and destination on a piece of paper to give to a taxi driver. Travelling to a foreign city with kids in tow requires some careful planning but is well worth the effort. The cultural and historical perspectives unique to Beijing go far beyond a classroom education!