Shanghai’s Best Luxury Kids’ Clubs and Activities

Shanghai is a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modernity, and this extends to its world-class offerings for families. For parents seeking the ultimate luxury experience for their little ones, the city boasts an impressive array of high-end kids’ clubs and activities. From immersive play spaces to exclusive cultural workshops, here’s your guide to the most opulent and engaging options for children in Shanghai.

The Ultimate Luxury Playgrounds

1. NEOBIO Family Club

Located in the heart of Xintiandi, NEOBIO is a premium play space designed to stimulate creativity and imagination. The club features a sprawling indoor playground with themed zones, including a mini supermarket, a construction site, and even a pretend veterinary clinic. What sets NEOBIO apart is its attention to detail—think organic cotton play mats, imported wooden toys, and a dedicated café serving artisanal snacks for parents.

2. Lilliput Kids Club

With multiple locations across Shanghai, Lilliput offers a high-end, membership-based experience for families. The club’s flagship outlet in Jing’an District includes a state-of-the-art play area, a STEM lab, and even a mini theater for kids’ performances. The VIP membership grants access to exclusive events like private storytelling sessions with renowned children’s authors.

3. Twinkle Kids Club

Twinkle is where luxury meets whimsy. This boutique play space in Pudong is designed like a fairy-tale village, complete with a treehouse, a dress-up salon, and a gourmet kitchen where kids can take cooking classes with professional chefs. The club also offers personalized birthday party planning, complete with bespoke decorations and gourmet catering.

Exclusive Cultural Experiences

1. Shanghai Disney Resort’s VIP Tours

While Disney is a global brand, Shanghai’s version takes luxury to the next level. The VIP tour service allows families to skip lines, enjoy private meet-and-greets with characters, and even access backstage areas. For an extra-special touch, book the "Fairy Tale Suite" at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, where kids can sleep in a Cinderella-themed bedroom.

2. The Bund’s Children’s Art Workshops

Several high-end galleries and cultural centers along The Bund offer exclusive art classes for kids. The Rockbund Art Museum, for example, hosts weekend workshops where children can create their own masterpieces under the guidance of professional artists. These sessions often include private viewings of current exhibitions.

3. Traditional Chinese Calligraphy for Kids

For a taste of local culture, the Long Museum in West Bund offers luxury calligraphy classes for children. Using premium brushes and ink, kids learn the art of Chinese characters in a serene, private setting. The experience often concludes with a tea ceremony, making it a perfect blend of education and indulgence.

High-End Sports and Adventure

1. Little Kickers Shanghai

This premium soccer program for kids aged 18 months to 7 years is held at some of the city’s most exclusive venues, including the Kerry Sports Center. The classes are led by professional coaches, and the equipment is top-tier—think Adidas balls and custom jerseys.

2. Shanghai Circus World’s Junior Acrobat Program

For families with a taste for adventure, the Shanghai Circus World offers private acrobatics lessons for kids. Under the guidance of seasoned performers, children can learn basic tricks and even participate in a mini-show at the end of the course.

3. Pudong Sailing Club’s Kids’ Regatta

Located in the luxurious Pudong area, this club offers sailing lessons for children as young as 5. The program includes private coaching, custom-sized life jackets, and even a mini-regatta where kids can showcase their skills.

Gourmet Delights for Little Foodies

1. Mini MasterChef at The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, offers a bespoke cooking class for kids. Little chefs get to prepare dishes under the guidance of the hotel’s executive chef, using the finest ingredients. The experience ends with a five-course meal where kids can enjoy their creations.

2. Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula

The Peninsula Shanghai’s "Teddy Bear Tea" is a luxurious twist on traditional afternoon tea. Kids receive their own teddy bear to take home, along with a tiered stand of gourmet treats. The hotel also offers a dedicated children’s menu featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients.

3. Chocolate-Making at Jean-Georges’ L’Atelier

For a sweet indulgence, book a private chocolate-making session at L’Atelier de Jean-Georges. Kids get to craft their own truffles and bonbons using premium Valrhona chocolate, with a personal pastry chef guiding them every step of the way.

Bespoke Birthday Celebrations

1. The Waterhouse at South Bund

This chic boutique hotel offers customizable birthday packages, including a private rooftop party with panoramic views of the Huangpu River. The hotel’s event planners can arrange everything from themed decorations to a live magician.

2. The Middle House’s Kids’ Spa Party

For the ultimate pampering experience, The Middle House offers a spa-themed birthday party. Kids can enjoy mini manicures, facials, and even a mocktail bar serving organic fruit smoothies.

3. Private Yacht Party on the Huangpu

For families who want to go all out, chartering a private yacht for a birthday celebration is the epitome of luxury. Companies like X-Yachts offer fully catered packages, complete with a DJ, a bouncy castle, and even a fireworks display.

Shanghai’s luxury kids’ clubs and activities are designed to cater to the most discerning families. Whether it’s a day of imaginative play, a cultural deep dive, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the city offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories for your little ones.