Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Shanghai

If you’re traveling to China with children, consider a visit to Shanghai, a city that offers a myriad of kid-friendly activities. From Century Park to the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, there are plenty of options to ensure your children have a memorable experience. The following are some of the top attractions where you can engage your kids in fun and educational activities.

Century Park (世纪公园 | Shiji Gongyuan)

• Description: Shanghai’s largest park
• Location: Pudong
• Opening hours: early morning until sundown
• Admission: sometimes free, sometimes a ticket is required based on the time of year
• Getting there: metro stop Shiji Gongyuan

Dino Beach Water Park

• Description: Shanghai’s largest water park
• Location: Puxi outer suburbs
• Opening hours: Summer mid-June through early September, generally 10am-10pm
• Admission: varies depending on the day of the week and age

Fuxing Park (复兴公园 | Fuxing Gongyuan)

• Description: lovely small park in the French Concession area
• Address: Fuxing Road at Chong Qing Road
• Opening hours: early morning until sundown
• Admission: free
• Getting there: no metro

Eday Town

• Description: education and entertainment center themed around real occupations
• Address: 5/F, Zhongsheng World Mall, 5001 Dushi Lu, Minhang
• Opening hours: Daily 10am – 2pm / 3:30-7pm
• Admission: check for current fees
• Comments: Ideal for kids aged 3-8, with role-playing activities guided by adult helpers.

Jin Jiang Amusement Park

• Description: large children’s playground and amusement park
• Address: 201 Hong Mei Lu
• Opening hours: daily 8am-9pm in summer, 8am-5pm in winter
• Admission: check for current fees
• Comments: Enjoy various rides including carousels and roller coasters.

New World Ice Skating Rink

• Description: Small all-year indoor ice skating rink
• Address: Located on the 6th floor of the New World Department Store, 2 Nanjing Xi Road
• Opening hours:: daily 9:30am-10pm
• Admission: check for current fees
• Getting there: Metro – People’s Square Station

Ride a Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus

• Description: inexpensive ride on the open-top bus
• Address: Several routes, catch one on the north side of Huai Hai Middle road.
• Comments: An enjoyable activity that requires minimal planning.

Huang Pu River Cruise

• Description: Short boat ride along the Huang Pu River
• Address: Buy tickets on the west side of the river promenade
• Comments: A fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective.

Shanghai Luwan Sports Center (上海卢湾体育馆 | Luwan Tiyuguan)

• Description: sports center with outdoor soccer pitch and track
• Address: Jianguo Xi Road 135
• Opening hours: daily 6-9am and 6-9pm
• Admission: free
• Getting there: Metro Line 9, Dapuqiao Station

Shanghai Public Security Museum

• Description: a museum focused on Shanghai’s public security, namely police and fire departments
• Address: 518 South Ruijin Road
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
• Admission: check for current fees
• Comments: Offers interesting exhibits, though some may not be suitable for younger children.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

• Description: Asia’s largest aquarium
• Address: Yincheng Bei Road 158, near Oriental Pearl Tower
• Opening hours: daily 9am-8:30pm
• Admission: free for children under 80cm
• Getting there: Metro stop Lujiazui
• Comments: The aquarium features a walk-through glass observation tunnel that’s a highlight for kids.

Shanghai Railway Museum

• Description: a small museum dedicated to the history of Shanghai’s railway
• Address: 200 East Tianmu Road
• Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri 9am-11:30am, 1:45pm-4:30pm; Sat 9am-4pm
• Admission: check for current fees
• Getting there: metro stop Baoshan Road
• Comments: Perfect for train enthusiasts, with historical exhibits and a simulated ride experience.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (科技馆 | Kejiguan)

• Description: interactive museum offering various engaging activities for kids
• Address: Century Avenue 2000, Pudong
• Opening hours: 9am-5:30pm (Closed Mondays)
• Admission: check for current fees
• Getting there: metro stop Shanghai Kejiguan
• Comments: Suitable for all ages with a dedicated area for toddlers.

Shanghai Sculpture Park (She Shan)

• Description: expansive park with a man-made beach and family-friendly activities
• Address: 1158 Linyin New Road, She Shan National Holiday Area
• Opening hours: daily 9am-6pm
• Admission: check for current fees
• Comments: A lovely spot for picnics and enjoying nature.

Shanghai Sculpture Space

• Description: outdoor garden featuring large sculptures with surrounding galleries and cafes
• Address: 570 Huai Hai Road
• Opening hours: Daily 10am – sundown
• Admission: free
• Comments: A quiet space perfect for relaxing while the kids play.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park (Shanghai Yesheng Dongwuyuan)

• Description: drive-through wildlife park
• Address: Nan Hui San Zao Zhen, Pudong
• Opening hours: daily 8am-5pm
• Admission: check for current fees
• Getting there: no metro stops
• Comments: Experience wildlife up close in a safari-like setting.

Shanghai Zoo (上海动物园 | Dongwuyuan)

• Description: a zoo offering a variety of animal exhibits
• Address: 2381 Hong Qiao Road
• Opening hours: daily 6:30am-5pm
• Admission: free for kids under 1.4m
• Getting there: Shanghai Zoo Station Line 10
• Comments: The zoo upgrades have improved animal conditions significantly.

YK Pao Summer Camp Program

• Description: 14-day Mandarin immersion programs for children aged 7-12
• Address: YK Pao School Campus, Jiangsu Road
• Camp Operation: July-August
• Admission: check for current fees
• Comments: Ideal for families seeking cultural immersion and language learning.

The Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom

• Description: a “zoo” for insects and other creepy crawlers
• Address: 1 Fenghe Road, near the Oriental Pearl Tower
• Opening hours: daily 9am-5pm
• Admission: free for kids under 80cm
• Getting there: no metro stops
• Comments: Features interactive areas where kids can feed fish and observe reptiles.