Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city, offers a wide range of attractions suitable for families with children. Whether you're looking for educational experiences, thrilling rides, or peaceful outdoor activities, Shanghai has something to offer for everyone in the family. With world-class museums, exciting theme parks, beautiful parks, and interactive exhibitions, the city promises a fun and enriching experience for children and adults alike.
1. Shanghai Disneyland Resort
No trip to Shanghai with kids would be complete without a visit to Shanghai Disneyland Resort, one of the city’s most iconic family-friendly attractions. Opened in 2016, it offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages. This is not just another amusement park – it's a place where children can meet beloved Disney characters, experience thrilling rides, and enjoy the enchanting Disney ambiance.
Highlights for Kids
- Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure: This thrilling ride brings to life the world of pirates in a way that kids (and adults) will love.
- Enchanted Storybook Castle: The largest Disney castle in the world, perfect for a photo op and a visit to the Disney Princesses.
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic: A 3D movie experience that immerses visitors in the Disney universe with characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
- Toy Story Land: A vibrant area where children can interact with their favorite Toy Story characters and enjoy rides like the Rex’s Racer.
Top Tips
- Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Make use of the FastPass system to skip the regular lines for popular rides.
- Arrive early to make the most of your day.
2. Shanghai Natural History Museum
The Shanghai Natural History Museum is an excellent place for children to learn about the world around them. Located in the People’s Square area, the museum offers a fascinating and interactive experience with exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to human evolution.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Dinosaur Hall: This impressive section features life-sized dinosaur skeletons, which will leave children awestruck.
- Wildlife Exhibits: Children can learn about animals from all over the world, from the Arctic to the tropical rainforests.
- Interactive Exhibits: With hands-on displays, kids can get a close look at various natural phenomena, making the visit both fun and educational.
Why It’s Perfect for Kids
- The museum is very interactive and offers plenty of exhibits designed to engage young minds.
- The vast space allows for a relaxed visit where children can explore at their own pace.
3. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
For families with children who love marine life, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium offers an exciting and educational experience. Located near Lujiazui, the aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea creatures, including sharks, penguins, and jellyfish.
Highlights to See
- The Glass Tunnel: Walk through an underwater glass tunnel where you’ll be surrounded by sea creatures swimming overhead.
- Sharks and Rays: Kids will be fascinated by the massive sharks and rays that swim gracefully through the tanks.
- Penguin Zone: The cold-water penguin exhibit is a highlight, where families can watch these playful birds waddle around.
Why It’s Great for Kids
- The aquarium’s design makes it easy for kids to interact with the exhibits and learn about ocean life.
- The variety of animals and exhibits ensures that children stay engaged throughout the visit.
4. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is one of the largest science museums in China and a fantastic place for children to learn through fun and hands-on activities. It’s perfect for kids who are curious about the world of science, technology, and innovation.
Family-Friendly Exhibits
- The Earth Hall: This exhibit takes children on an educational journey through Earth’s history and the natural world.
- The Robot Exhibition: Kids can see robots in action and even interact with them.
- Space Exploration Area: Children can learn about space and the universe, featuring space-related exhibitions and interactive displays.
Interactive Fun
- The museum features many interactive exhibits where children can experiment and engage with scientific principles in a playful way.
- It’s a great way to nurture curiosity and spark an interest in science.
5. Century Park
For a more relaxed day out in nature, Century Park offers an expansive green space perfect for a leisurely family outing. The park is Shanghai’s largest public park and provides ample room for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities.
Kid-Friendly Activities
- Boat Rentals: Children can enjoy paddling around the park’s large lake in pedal boats.
- Children’s Playground: The park features well-equipped playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing frames for young children.
- Cycling and Walking Paths: For families who enjoy active outings, the park offers bike rentals and scenic walking paths.
Why Century Park is Great for Families
- The wide-open space allows kids to run and play freely.
- It’s an ideal place for a family picnic or to simply relax amidst nature.
6. Fuxing Park
Located in the former French Concession area, Fuxing Park is a beautiful and quiet park that is perfect for a family day out. It has a European-style design with lovely green spaces and winding paths.
Family Fun Activities
- Botanical Gardens: Children will enjoy walking through the park’s many gardens, observing the variety of plants and flowers.
- Pond and Swan Boats: The pond in the park is home to many swans, and families can rent paddle boats to enjoy a fun boat ride.
- Traditional Chinese Games: Older children might enjoy watching or even participating in traditional Chinese games like Jianzi (foot shuttlecock) or Tai Chi.
Why It’s Ideal for Families
- Fuxing Park offers a peaceful, less crowded environment perfect for a relaxed family outing.
- Its central location makes it easy to access, and it provides a great contrast to the more tourist-heavy spots.
7. Happy Valley Shanghai
For an action-packed day, Happy Valley Shanghai is an exciting theme park that provides thrill rides, entertainment, and attractions for all ages. The park is located on the outskirts of the city but offers easy access by public transport.
Top Attractions for Families
- Roller Coasters: For kids who love an adrenaline rush, Happy Valley offers several thrilling roller coasters.
- Water Rides: There are numerous water-themed rides, perfect for hot days and for kids who enjoy splashing around.
- Themed Zones: From the Cartoon Town to the Adventure Land, the park has several themed areas designed for younger children.
Tips for a Family Day Out
- Plan ahead to avoid peak hours as the park can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Make use of the family-friendly facilities, including stroller rentals and nursing rooms.
8. Shanghai Zoo
The Shanghai Zoo is a great place to take young children who are excited to see animals. With over 6,000 animals and birds from around the world, it’s a fun and educational experience for children to learn about wildlife.
Highlights for Kids
- Giant Pandas: The zoo is famous for its panda exhibits, which are always a hit with kids.
- African Savanna: Kids can marvel at the sight of giraffes, zebras, and lions, giving them a mini safari experience.
- Children’s Zoo: A dedicated area where kids can get up close and personal with farm animals and smaller creatures.
Why It’s Great for Families
- The zoo is well-organized with plenty of shaded areas, making it comfortable for families to explore.
- Children can learn about animals from different continents while having fun.
9. Shanghai Children's Museum
For young kids, the Shanghai Children's Museum offers an engaging and interactive environment filled with hands-on exhibits that stimulate creativity and learning.
Interactive Exhibits
- Science Exploration: Children can explore various scientific phenomena through interactive displays.
- Art and Creativity Zone: A space where kids can engage in arts and crafts activities.
- Role-playing Zones: Children can pretend to be doctors, chefs, or firefighters, encouraging imaginative play.
Why It’s Perfect for Younger Kids
- It’s specifically designed with young children in mind, offering a safe and stimulating environment for them to explore.
10. Lujiazui Green Space and The Bund
For a family-friendly stroll with a combination of modern architecture and scenic views, Lujiazui Green Space and The Bund are perfect options. Located along the Huangpu River, both areas offer stunning views of the skyline and provide relaxing walks with plenty of photo opportunities.
Family-Friendly Features
- Lujiazui Green Space: A peaceful area with green lawns where families can relax, have a picnic, or let the kids play.
- The Bund: Take a family stroll along the waterfront to admire the historical buildings and modern skyscrapers of the city.
Shanghai offers a wide array of family-friendly attractions, ranging from thrilling theme parks to peaceful green spaces. Whether your family enjoys educational museums, animal encounters, or just relaxing outdoors, there is something in Shanghai for everyone to enjoy.