For parents looking for less structure (or that want to save money), there are plenty of playgroups in Beijing. Gymboree (010 5869 4087, 010 5166 0516, 010 8248 6191, www.gymboree.com.cn) has three locations while Kindy ROO (010 6553 6362, 010 5166 8078, www.kindyroo.com) has two. Both offer drop-in developmental classes for newborns to 4 year olds. The popular weekly Mommy and Me programme (010 6539 7171 extension 1302, www.etonkids.com) for mums and kids up to 3 years old, is open to anyone. The German Playgroup (010 8046 1840, 135 0120 1368) meets on a regular basis and is open to German-speaking children. Playground (010 6407 6889, www.myplayground.cn), a children’s activity centre located in a renovated courtyard home, has a drop off service for youngsters from toddlers to age 14, who can enjoy free time under adult supervision.