Enter Shanghai with children and you’d be forgiven for envisioning neon and crowds and nothing else, but the city wastes little time reminding you otherwise. Between the shady streets, the English placards on metro maps and the strangers waving to kids onboard the Huangpu ferry, it feels strangely welcoming. Parents scanning for what to do in Shanghai with kids quickly find themselves with the Disney rides and the Ming‑era gardens, the bubble tea and the White Rabbit candy. That contradiction is what makes Shanghai memorable, and to miss it would be like skipping an entire chapter of your trip.
Best Things to Do with Kids: Family-Friendly Attractions
Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai Disneyland: Magic Beyond Mickey
Shanghai Disneyland isn’t a quick detour; it’s the centerpiece of a family trip. Parents often schedule a full day here, as it combines classic Disney magic with attractions that are unique to Shanghai. Here, the Tron Lightcycle Power Run is the park’s star ride, so futuristic that children compare it to racing through a video game. I once watched a kid hesitate at the start, his father whispering reassurance. He returned with a pale face but a grin so wide it could pass for victory — and in that moment you understand why families keep returning when searching for things to do in Shanghai with kids.
The new Zootopia zone has quickly become a favorite. Shops are stacked with plush Nick Wildes, and queues for themed snacks snake far into the street. Food is pricey — a hot dog costs almost ¥60, bottled water is about ¥10 — so many parents bring small snacks in bags or pre‑book meals on Ctrip to cut costs. Crowds are heavy on weekends, with lines for popular rides stretching past two hours. Booking online in advance isn’t just a tip, it’s a survival tactic for families wanting their day to stay magical rather than stressful.
Shanghai Disneyland Ticket Price 2025:
- Weekdays: ¥399 (weekday entry)
- Peak Days: ¥719 (weekends, holidays, special events)
- Children under 1.0m: usually free, but always confirm
- Online booking: CTrip often offers discounts and e‑tickets for faster entry
Wanna check how much a day at Disney will set you back? See the full breakdown here: Shanghai Disneyland Ticket Price 2025
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium & Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Also connected to the Ocean Pearl Tower is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium which is the world’s longest underwater tunnel and a great attraction for families taking into consideration what to do in Shanghai with kids. On weekends, local kids and visiting families jostle year-round to press their faces to the glass as hammerhead shark glide above. The constant buzz of the water pumps contributes to the underwater ambiance, and a giant stingray zooming silently overhead is known to produce gasps. It is one of Shanghai’s most fun places for the kids which combines education with entertainment all in one visit.
Many families then make their way down to the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, another quirky entry on the list of things to do in Shanghai with kids. It’s kitschier than educational — bursting with neon lights and featuring cutesy English voice-over intoning “Space…time…journey” — but kids can’t seem to get enough. The combo ticket with the aquarium only offers a small reduction in price (you can expect to pay ¥180–220 per head), but having two of Shanghai's biggest draws under one roof may be a convenience worth considering for parents planning a fun day outing with the family.
Curious if the glowing ride under the Bund is worth it? Find out here: Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai: Worth the Ride or Just a Gimmick
Oriental Pearl Tower & World Financial Center Observation Deck
Majestic in all its glory on those postcards from Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower will also fascinate kids, who’s reaction you may find, will border on the hilarious or terrifying, stood as the do on the glass, transparent floor! Many younger visitors crawl gingerly along, and others stomp their feet, seeing if they’ll crack, and laughing at the sensation.
Parents, budget carefully for Shanghai: ¥199 per adult and ¥120 per child in the main levels. Combining a view with a shopping mall is the World Financial Center, whose famous “bottle opener” tower provides an observation deck yet higher still, with tickets costing about ¥180–210, depending on the package. Both are available on Trip. com with family ticket alternatives — so they’re a worthwhile places for parents wondering about things to do in Shanghai with kids.
Yu Garden & Old City Adventures
Yu Garden isn’t huge, but the details matter—stone bridges, koi ponds, carved dragons on walls. Families often make it a treasure hunt: spot the nine‑turn bridge, count the goldfish, try not to trip on the uneven stones.
Vendors outside sell Nanxiang steamed buns, often described as Shanghai’s most famous snack. I once overheard a group of tourists laughing because the sign said “Steamed Buns with Supper Inside.” Supper or soup, the taste is still perfect. Tickets for the garden are around ¥40 per adult, kids under 1.3m usually free, available on Ctrip.
Want to wander through Shanghai’s most enchanting classical garden? Check it out here: Discover the Magic of Yu Garden: Shanghai’s Hidden Gem in the Old City
Outdoor Things to Do with Kids: Family Parks and Green Escapes
Lujiazui
Century Park & Fuxing Park
Century Park is Shanghai’s biggest green lung, a huge stretch of lawns, paddle boats, and even a mini amusement zone. Families love it because children can run, ride, or just chase kites while parents relax. Tickets are only about ¥10 per person, making it one of the cheapest ways to spend a whole afternoon. In spring, the sky fills with kites—some shaped like pandas, others as Marvel heroes. I once saw a boy lose grip of his string, and his dad casually rented a boat to chase it across the lake, turning a regular outing into a funny story worth retelling.
Fuxing Park feels different, almost European, with its roses, fountains, and tree‑lined paths. Retirees gather for morning tai chi or ballroom dance, and kids often join in with clumsy moves. Parents can grab a latte from Luckin Coffee across the street and watch children blow bubbles under the plane trees. It’s the kind of calm corner that balances out the high energy of the city—a mix of noise and peace that makes you smile.
Lujiazui Central Green & People’s Park
Lujiazui Central Green hides beneath the skyscrapers like a pocket of quiet. Ducks swim across the pond while kids race toy cars, and parents snap pictures with the skyline as backdrop. Entry is free, which feels rare in such a pricey district, and families often picnic here to escape the malls. A short metro ride away, People’s Park draws attention for its quirky “marriage market” on weekends. Grandparents set up umbrellas covered with profiles of young men and women, and explaining this to kids can be equal parts hilarious and cultural. For families curious about everyday Shanghai, both spots add color to the list of things to do in Shanghai with kids.
Cultural Things to Do with Kids: Learning Spaces and Fun Shows
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
This is one of the most hands‑on places in Shanghai. Kids can press buttons, turn levers, and even walk through a “rainforest” alive with insects and tropical plants. The dinosaur skeletons tower over everyone—children point and shout, while parents try to keep track of how many halls are still left to explore. Tickets are ¥60 per adult, half for kids, and still a bargain. I once saw a school group doing worksheets, which made my own children want to play scientist for the afternoon.
Shanghai Circus World: ERA Show
Not every child enjoys sitting still for theater, but this show hooks them with nonstop energy. Motorbikes roar inside a steel globe, acrobats flip in midair, and the audience gasps like it’s a live cartoon. The smell of popcorn mixes oddly with incense drifting from the lobby, but it sticks in your memory. Tickets are ¥280–480, and they sell out quickly on weekends and holidays, so booking online in advance is the safest bet.
Unique Museums (Children’s Museum, Glass Museum, Railway Museum)
Shanghai’s smaller museums are unexpected gems for families. The Children’s Museum offers science puzzles that kids can actually solve, keeping them engaged rather than bored. The Glass Museum feels modern, with workshops where children paint on glass and bring home their art. The Railway Museum lets kids climb aboard vintage trains and pretend they’re driving. Prices are modest, usually ¥20–60, and most staff can speak enough English to guide you. Less crowded than the major sites, they make perfect breaks in a family itinerary.
Food Things to Do with Kids: Snacks, Dumplings and Themed Dining
sheng jian bao
Street Snacks and Dumpling Favorites
Eating in Shanghai is part of the adventure, especially with kids. A plate of sheng jian bao (pan‑fried buns) goes for ¥8–12, and the crackling sound of dough in hot oil fills the street corners. Little ones press their noses to the glass to watch cooks flip buns in huge pans, squealing when sparks of oil fly. Parents often laugh and say it feels like their version of fast food—cheap, fast, and surprisingly addictive. Queues at Yang’s Dumplings are long, but locals insist it’s worth the wait. On Ctrip, family vouchers sometimes knock a few yuan off, which helps when you’re feeding a hungry crowd looking for things to do in Shanghai with kids.
Sit‑Down Meals for Families
When street food chaos gets overwhelming, places like Din Tai Fung provide calm. Service is polished, menus bilingual, and baskets of xiaolongbao arrive steaming. It costs more—around ¥150–200 per person—but the comfort of clean restrooms, high chairs, and predictable taste makes it a family favorite. Parents with toddlers especially appreciate the space, though weekends mean waiting. I once chatted with a Canadian couple who swore by the place: “Our kids don’t fight here, they just eat.” Moments like that make the meal worthwhile.
Themed Dining and Playful Cafés
Shanghai also loves novelty, which kids adore. At the robot‑run restaurant in Global Harbor Mall, dishes arrive by moving machines, and the squeals of excitement rival any metro ride. Over at the Hello Kitty café, even the rice comes pink, with parents snapping endless photos. Not every dish is great—sometimes presentation wins over flavor—but children rarely complain when noodles are shaped like cartoon faces. Expect to pay ¥100–180 per person, and check reviews before you go. For families, it’s more about fun than fine dining, and that’s often all you need on a day of adventures.
Hidden Things to Do with Kids: Local Gems and Creative Escapes
M50 Art District
Tianzifang & M50 Art District
Tianzifang and M50 aren’t parks as traditionally defined, but they sparkle with energy if your kids are fans of color and creativity. Enter Tianzifang and you’ll be led into a labyrinth of narrow lanes, filled with studios, small galleries and souvenir stalls. One afternoon I saw a painter who invited my daughter to paint one brushstroke on his half‑complete canvas, a thrill she still talks about today. The lanes are crowded, yes, but that energy is part of their appeal, and children love peeking inside quirky shops stuffed with handmade trinkets and crafts.
At M50, teens snap selfies against graffiti walls while parents sip tea in a warehouse café that feels cool yet casual. Families often stumble upon cutting‑edge art shows that spark questions, and the open courtyards give children space to catch their breath between photos. Entry is free, but snacks and souvenirs are hard to refuse, so bring some spending money—it’s easy to while away an hour or two without even realizing how much time has flown.
Day Trips to Water Towns (Zhujiajiao, Suzhou, Hangzhou)
If you have time up your sleeve, then Zhujiajiao water town is the perfect family escape. A short drive or metro ride from Shanghai, it brims with stone bridges, wooden boats and kids throwing breadcrumbs to ducks on the canal — it’s like plunking down on a movie set. Families drift down cramped lanes crowned by snack stalls, or take a short boat ride that can seem like something frozen in time — at least until children lean over the side to snake fingers through the water.
By high‑speed rail, Suzhou and Hangzhou are a bit of a trek (¥40–80 per round‑trip ticket), but they also operate as family day trips. The trains have space for strollers, seats are comfortable, and the novelty of 300 km/h speed will usually keep kids looking out the window with gazes wide open. Suzhou’s gardens, such as the Humble Administrator’s, offer room to play, and run around and explore, while Hangzhou’s West Lake has boat rides and covered walkways that are perfect for a family.
FAQs and Practical Things to Do with Kids — Tips for Families
F: Do I need to speak Mandarin?
A: Not really. The big attractions all show English signs, and metro apps like MetroMan display stations clearly. Taxi drivers may not speak English, so having your address written in Chinese is useful. A couple of simple words such as “厕所” (toilet) or “票” (ticket) can help. Many families download Pleco or Google Translate for quick checks, and locals are usually patient when you try.
F: Is Shanghai stroller‑friendly?
A: Mostly yes. Nearly every metro station has elevators, though you might need to follow the sign “无障碍电梯.” Staff are ready to help, and passengers sometimes lend a hand with stairs. Parks and malls are wide enough, but narrow Old City lanes can be bumpy for wheels.
F: What’s the best season to visit with kids?
A: Spring and autumn are easiest. Summer can be humid and very hot (35°C+), while winter is damp and chilly. April–May is blossom season, and October is cool and lively. July and August are tough for small children outdoors, so most families shift to indoor venues then.
F: Is Shanghai safe for families?
A: Very safe. Streets are bright at night, police are visible, and crime rates are low compared to most big cities. The main issue is the dense crowds during holidays or festivals. Keep bags close on busy metro rides.
F: How to buy tickets easily?
A: CTrip and Ctrip work well for foreigners, both accept Visa and MasterCard. Many sites use QR code entry now, letting you skip ticket windows. Make sure you have internet access or save the e‑ticket before you go.
F: Can kids eat local street food?
A: Usually yes, especially at popular stalls with high turnover. Tanghulu (candied hawthorn) is a child favorite. Parents often avoid raw seafood or anything left out too long. A bowl of noodles at a small shop costs about ¥20–30, filling and safe.
F: Where to stay with kids?
A: International chains like Marriott, Shangri‑La, and Hyatt accept foreign passports and provide cribs or family rooms. Some budget hotels may not host foreigners without a Chinese ID, so confirm first. People’s Square or Lujiazui are central and family‑friendly.
F: How much should I budget per day for a family?
A: Plan for ¥800–1200 per day for a family of four, covering metro rides, meals, and tickets. If you eat mostly in malls or international brands, the cost goes up closer to ¥1500. Street snacks and metro passes help balance spending.
F: Are metro rides easy with children?
A: Yes. Metro fares are ¥3–8, and kids under 1.3m usually ride free. Trains are frequent, air‑conditioned, and well signed in English. Avoid rush hours (7–9am, 5–7pm) as they can be overwhelming with kids.
F: Do attractions offer child discounts?
A: Yes. For most sites, children under 1.3–1.4m pay half-price; the under-6s are often free. In some locations, staff measure height at the entrance, sometimes using a ruler fixed to the wall, which can be a fun moment for kids though slightly stressful for parents. Rules vary across attractions, and seasonal events may adjust the policy, so it’s best to confirm on official websites or ask at the ticket counter before paying. Many families also note that showing a passport helps confirm age-based discounts, especially if a child is tall for their years.
