Things to Do in Shanghai with Kids: 15 Fun Activities

Shanghai with kids? Honestly, it's a blast — if you plan right. I've lost count of how many family groups I've rescued from ticket-booking nightmares. The good news? You don't need to be one of them.

When you're hunting for things to do in Shanghai with kids, most guides miss the real pain points: where to pay, how to get around, and what actually keeps kids entertained. That's what this guide solves. Between us, the ultimate secret is timing: hit the cool museums in the morning, save the outdoor parks for late afternoon, and always book through Trip.com or Klook instead of wrestling with WeChat mini-programs. And here's another thing — forget Google Maps; it's useless in Shanghai. Use Apple Maps or AMap. Now let's dive into the best 15 activities I personally recommend.

Top Theme Parks for Kids in Shanghai

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is the crown jewel for any family trip. I always tell my clients to arrive before 8:30 AM to beat the security line — but even then, you'll wait. The park has unique rides like Tron Lightcycle Power Run, which my own kids adore, and the Pirates of the Caribbean battle. Tickets range from around 400 to 700 RMB depending on the day; you can skip the official app chaos and book via Trip.com — make sure everyone's passport numbers are ready because they're required. The metro line 11 to Disney Resort Station takes you right to the gate. And here's a tip: the afternoon parade draws huge crowds, so stake out a spot near the castle at least 30 minutes early. Or skip it entirely and ride vehicles while the parade passes — you'll have the lines to yourself.

Happy Valley Shanghai

Happy Valley Shanghai is a thrills-packed amusement park that's a fraction of Disney's price. Located in Songjiang District, about an hour from downtown. Entry is around 230 RMB per adult, and kids under 1.2 meters get in free. The park has over 100 rides, including a wooden coaster that my daughter always makes me ride twice. To avoid the worst queues, go on a weekday or after 2 PM on weekends when tour groups start leaving. You can get there by metro line 9 to Dongjing Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride. The official website is all in Chinese, so use Trip.com or Klook to book — they'll send you a QR code that scans right at the gate. Note: some rides have height restrictions, so check the board before dragging your little one in line.

Educational Museums That Beat Boredom

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

This is hands-down the best indoor activity for kids in Shanghai. I've brought my own kids here more times than I can count. The museum is massive — four floors of interactive exhibits — and most of the displays are bilingual. The kids can play with robots, experiment with physics, and even walk through a simulated tropical rainforest. Admission is 45 RMB, and children under 1.3 meters are free, but you must book your time slot in advance on the official WeChat account. If that sounds painful, use a booking agent for a small fee, or go to the on-site ticket office early — but be prepared to wait. The museum is at 2000 Century Avenue, right across from Century Park (so you can pair it with outdoor time). Metro Line 2 to Science and Technology Museum Station, exit 7. I recommend spending at least 3 hours here, and mornings are less crowded.

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Dinosaurs! That's the first word your kids will say when they see the giant skeleton in the atrium. This museum, part of the Shanghai Museum system, is a modern architectural gem and a hit with families. The exhibits cover everything from ancient life to human evolution, and there's a kid-friendly discovery zone where little ones can touch fossils. Tickets are 30 RMB for adults, 12 RMB for children, and again, booking is mandatory — I always use the official Shanghai Museum website in English or Trip.com. The museum is located in Jing'an Sculpture Park at 399 Yan'an Middle Road. Take metro line 13 to Natural History Museum Station, and use exit 1. Pro tip: the café on the second floor has decent coffee and sandwiches, so you don't have to rush back out.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

If your kids love sea creatures, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is a must. It's one of the largest in the world, with a 155-meter-long underwater tunnel that will make your jaw drop. I once spent 30 minutes just watching the sharks circle above me. Admission is around 160 RMB for adults, 110 RMB for children, and you can buy tickets at the door (though cash might not be accepted — have Alipay ready). The aquarium is in Lujiazui, near the Oriental Pearl Tower, at 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road. Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. To avoid crowds, go right at opening time at 9 AM. The line gets long by noon.

Outdoor Adventures and Green Spaces

Century Park

Century Park is Shanghai's largest park — the perfect spot to let kids run wild. With lakes, lawns, and even a small beach area, it feels miles away from the city's skyscrapers. I always tell families to bring a picnic blanket and some snacks; there are also paddle boats to rent. The entrance fee is only 10 RMB, and children under 1.3 meters are free. The park is accessible via Metro Line 2 at Century Park Station. There are several gates; the main gate is on Jinxiu Road. Rent a tandem bike or a family quad bike — it's the best way to cover ground. Note: the park closes at 6 PM, so plan to arrive before 3 PM to enjoy a few hours.

The Bund

No trip to Shanghai is complete without a walk along the Bund. It's free, open 24/7, and your kids will be amazed by the skyscrapers across the river. The classic route is from the Waibaidu Bridge to the Yan'an East Road, about 1.5 kilometers of walking. I recommend going early in the morning (around 7 AM) to see the city come to life, or just before sunset when the lights turn on. There are plenty of places to sit, but the walkway can get packed in the evening. Also, the famous "Bund Sightseeing Tunnel" is a tourist trap — skip it. Instead, take the ferry across the river for just 2 RMB; it leaves from the Jinling East Road Pier and offers a better experience. Metro Line 2/10 to Nanjing East Road, then walk east about 15 minutes.

Shanghai Zoo

Shanghai Zoo is home to giant pandas, golden monkeys, and more than 600 species. It's not as modern as some international zoos, but kids love it. The star attraction is the panda house, which is usually crowded. Arrive right at opening time (7:30 AM in summer) to see the pandas active. Tickets are 40 RMB, with discounts for children. The zoo is at 2381 Hongqiao Road, and you can get there via Metro Line 10 to Shanghai Zoo Station. There are electric shuttle cars inside, but walking is more fun. The animal shows are a bit dated, but my boys still crack up at the sea lion performances. Pack your own lunch — the food stalls are overpriced and meh.

Fuxing Park

Fuxing Park is a charming French-style park in the former French Concession. It's smaller than Century Park but perfect for a morning stroll or a picnic. Kids can run on the lawns, watch elderly people practicing tai chi, and sometimes there are puppet shows on Sundays. It's completely free and open all day. The best part? The surrounding streets — Fuxing Middle Road and Wukang Road — are shaded by plane trees and packed with cute cafés. I often grab a coffee at a nearby café and let my kids play in the park. Metro Line 10 to Xintiandi Station, walk about 10 minutes. No special permits needed.

Cultural Experiences Kids Will Actually Like

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is an ancient classical garden that kids can appreciate if you turn it into a treasure hunt. The rockeries, koi ponds, and dragon walls are visually spectacular. Ask your kids to count the dragons on the Wenchang Pagoda or find the hidden characters in the carvings. Tickets are around 40 RMB, and children under 1.3m are free. The garden is in the Old City, and the surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is a maze of shops and street food. Be prepared for crowds — weekends are packed with domestic tourists. I suggest going on a weekday morning, right at 8:30 AM opening. You can book tickets via Trip.com to avoid the ticket line. Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station, exit 1, then walk 5 minutes.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum in People's Square is a world-class museum that's completely free — and that's a win for families. The ancient bronzes and ceramics are stunning, but the real hook for kids is the "Treasures of the Maritime Silk Road" exhibition and the interactive tablets. You need to make a free booking with your passport on the museum's official website or via Trip.com. Plan to spend 2 hours here. The museum is at 201 Renmin Avenue, right above People's Square Station (Lines 1, 2, 8). Pro tip: the whole building is stroller-friendly, and there's a kids' activity room on the lower level on weekends.

Qibao Ancient Town

Qibao Ancient Town is a smaller, more authentic water town that's actually easy to reach from downtown. It's not as touristy as Zhujiajiao, and the entrance is free (individual attractions cost 5-10 RMB). Kids will love wandering the narrow streets, trying street snacks like stuffed tofu and candied hawthorns. There's also a tiny canal where you can take a boat ride for around 50 RMB per person. The town is located in Minhang District, about a 30-minute metro ride from the city center. Take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station, exit 4, then walk 10 minutes. My favorite memory here was watching my daughter negotiate a souvenir price with a stall owner — she got a paper fan for 20 RMB. Go early to see the town without the crush.

Unique Shanghai Experiences for Families

Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is the second-tallest building in the world, and the view from the 118th floor will make your kids gasp. It's a unique way to show them how massive Shanghai is. Tickets are around 180 RMB for adults and 120 RMB for children. Go on a clear day, preferably in the late afternoon, to see the sunset and the city lights turn on. The tower is across from the Oriental Pearl Tower in Lujiazui. You can book online to skip the ticket line. Note: the elevator ride is a science lesson in itself — it travels at 18 meters per second. If your kids are prone to ear pressure, have them chew gum or swallow. Also, there's a glass floor layer (119F) but it's paid extra. Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station.

Maglev Train

Riding the Maglev train at 430 km/h is like being on a rocket — pure joy for kids. It connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station in just 7 minutes. I always suggest making it part of your airport transfer. It costs 50 RMB one way if you show your boarding pass. The kids will love watching the speedometer climb. You can buy tickets at the station or via the Shanghai Metro app. If you're not flying out, you can still ride it from Longyang Road to the airport and back — and there are family tickets for around 80 RMB round trip. The train runs from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, roughly every 15 minutes. Pro tip: sit in the front car for the pilot's view.

Huangpu River Cruise

A nighttime cruise on the Huangpu River is a memorable way to see the illuminated skyline. Boats leave from several piers, but I recommend the ones at Shiliupu Wharf or the Bund. Tickets range from 120 to 300 RMB depending on the boat and level of luxury. Book via Trip.com or Klook — some boats have open-air decks, which are great for kids to run around. Evenings are when the city is most dazzling, so aim for a 7:30 PM departure. Keep in mind that the cruise is about 50 minutes, and there are snack bars onboard. Also, life vests for kids are available. If your little one gets restless, the top deck is usually less crowded.

How to Handle Payments, Transport, and Booking in Shanghai with Kids?

Now let's cover the nuts and bolts that will make your Shanghai trip smooth. These are the things I warn every family about before they step off the plane.

Payment and Money

Most places in Shanghai are going cashless. I've seen too many tourists stuck when their credit card was declined.

• Alipay and WeChat Pay are your best friends. Set them up before you come and link your international credit card. You'll need to verify your passport.
• Cash is still accepted but you'll get weird looks. Small shops and street vendors might not have change for large bills.
• Carry some small change for public toilets and temples.

Getting Around

The metro is the most efficient — and stroller-friendly if you know the right exits. Buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card or just use Alipay's metro QR code. Taxis are everywhere, but drivers rarely speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese. Don't rely on Google Maps; use Apple Maps or AMap (set to English). For ride-hailing, Didi Chuxing is the local Uber, but the app is in Chinese — you can set it to English in the settings.

Booking Attractions

Many top attractions require advance booking with passport numbers. I recommend using Trip.com or Klook — they have English support and will handle the reservation. If you want to book directly, look for the English section on official sites. Note: some WeChat mini-programs are unavoidable — if you arrive at a museum without a booking, they'll turn you away. Don't be the family crying at the gate.

Wi-Fi and VPN

You'll need a VPN for Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to work. China blocks these. Install a reliable VPN before you arrive, and download offline maps and translation apps. Apple Translate works decently offline. Also, buy a local SIM card at the airport or rent a pocket Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in malls and hotels is decent, but it may require a Chinese phone number to log in.

Here's a quick comparison of the top activities mentioned above:

How to Plan a Day with Kids in Shanghai?

This is a proven schedule I've refined over dozens of trips with families. It balances indoor and outdoor activities, and includes plenty of breaks. Tweak it to match your kids' energy levels.

1. 9:00 AM – Start at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. You can spend 3 hours without the kids getting bored. Take metro Line 2.
2. 12:00 PM – Grab lunch at the nearby Kerry Parkside mall – there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants like Din Tai Fung.
3. 1:30 PM – Walk across the street to Century Park for fresh air and a boat ride. Rent a bike and circle the lake.
4. 3:30 PM – Take Line 2 to People's Square and visit the Shanghai Museum. It's free but requires booking. Spend 1.5 hours here.
5. 5:30 PM – Head to the Bund. Walk along the river, watch the lights come on. Yes, it's early, but the view is perfect.
6. 7:00 PM – Dinner at a local restaurant near the Bund, then take a River Cruise at 8:00 PM.

Insider Advice: If it's raining, swap the Century Park for the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium — it's nearby and just as fun. And if your little ones are under 5, cut the museum in the afternoon and let them nap at the hotel instead. Don't try to pack too much; a tired kid is a cranky kid.

If you only have a half-day, pick one indoor and one outdoor activity — for example, the Science Museum plus Century Park, or the Bund plus Yu Garden.

FAQ: Things to Do in Shanghai with Kids

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.