This study measured concentrations of seven phthalates in gas-phase, particle-phase and dust/soil in kindergarten indoors and outdoors in Beijing, China, during May to July 2012. We analysed phthalate pollution characteristics, examined phthalate co-occurrence and estimated intake of phthalates via dust ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption through direct air-through-skin using Monte Carlo simulation. Phthalate pollution level indoors were higher than outdoors. Di (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) and Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) was the most abundant phthalate in dust, gas-phase and particle-phase indoors, respectively, with an average contribution of 48.4%, 41.0% and 41.1%. DEHP was the most predominant phthalate in outdoor sampled medias, and the average contribution was in the range of 45.5%–48.6%. Indoor phthalate concentration in dust is not related to the sampled surface and grade, and is related to the sampled kindergartens. The co-occurrence of phthalates is related to the type of phthalates and sampling medias. The pollution level of DiBP and DnBP in dust and airborne is more serious in kindergarten in China, which should be paid more attention. Total intake of DiBP is the most in kindergarten. Outdoor phthalate exposure is much lower than indoor, only contributing from 2.68% to 7.07% to total intake. Dermal absorption is the main exposure pathway for indoor exposure of DiBP and DnBP, contributing 57.8% and 60.3%, while dust ingestion is the main exposure pathway for indoor exposure of DEHP, contributing 74.4%. We should take some control approaches to decrease the phthalate exposure for pre-children. •Indoor and outdoor exposure to phthalates for pre-school children was first studied in kindergarten in China.•DEHP, DiBP and DnBP was the most abundant phthalate in dust, gas-phase and particle-phase indoors, respectively, with an average contribution of 48.4%, 41.0% and 41.1%. DEHP was the most predominant phthalate in outdoor sampled medias, and the average contribution was in the range of 45.5%-48.6%.•The pollution level of DiBP and DnBP in dust and airborne is more serious in kindergarten in China.•Phthalate pollution level indoors were higher than outdoors; moreover, outdoor phthalate exposure is much lower than indoor, only contributing from 2.68% to 7.07% to total intake.•Total intake of DiBP is the highest. Dermal absorption is the main exposure pathway for DiBP and DnBP, contributing 57.8% and 60.3%; while dust ingestion is the main exposure pathway for DEHP, contributing 74.4%.