Things to do in Nanjing with kids: 14 Must-Try Family Stops

The first time I brought a tour group with kids to Nanjing, one six-year-old burst into tears at the security gate of Nanjing Museum. Not because of the bag check — but because his parents had assumed an international credit card would get them in. It didn't. That's when I realized: visiting Nanjing with children requires a different playbook. Alipay and WeChat Pay are your real tickets. So after hundreds of family trips across the city, I'm sharing the exact 14 things to do in Nanjing with kids that I've personally worked into my itineraries — plus the money-saving, crowd-skipping hacks that make them work. If you're here for the short answer: hit the city wall by 8:30 AM, book the science museum a day ahead, and always carry cash for tiny snack stalls.

Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Family Trip to Nanjing

Before you land, understand the payment system — it's your biggest obstacle. Most attractions, cafés, and even some taxis in Nanjing only accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. International credit cards are rarely usable, especially at smaller eateries and entry gates. You'll need to set up Alipay (it works with international cards) and WeChat Pay before you arrive. Always carry ¥200–300 cash for backup — hotels can exchange money, but train stations and banks have better rates. Note: Some ticket machines for subways accept cash, but they don't give change, so use small bills.

Navigation is another hurdle. Google Maps is unreliable in China. Use Apple Maps (which works decently for walking) or download Alipay's AMap (高德地图) — it supports English and gives accurate transit routes. For metro journeys, always use the same app to find the nearest exit; exit numbers matter more than the station name.

Booking ahead is non-negotiable for major sights. Nanjing Museum, the Zhongshan Mausoleum, and the Science Museum require real-name reservation with your passport number. Many official WeChat mini-programs are Chinese-only and a nightmare. I recommend booking through Trip.com or Klook — their English interfaces handle foreign passports smoothly. The same goes for the Qinhuai River cruise, which often sells out on weekends.

Connectivity keeps your plan intact. Purchase a China SIM card or eSIM with a VPN already configured — many international VPNs get blocked. I tell my families to download the essential apps (Alipay, WeChat, AMap, Trip.com) before departure. Offline translation apps like Apple Translate work well, but learn basic Chinese phrases for taxis: “qù” (go to) plus the name of your destination works.

The 14 Best Things to Do in Nanjing with Kids

1. Zhonghua Gate City Wall

Climbing the ancient city wall is my number-one pick for kids who need to burn energy. Zhonghua Gate (中华门) is the largest Ming-era gate in Nanjing, and the ramparts are huge. Kids love the hidden escape tunnels and arrow towers. Address: 1 Tongxin Street, Qinhuai District. Tickets are around ¥50 for adults; kids under 1.4m go free. Open 8:30–17:00. Take Metro Line 1 to Zhonghuamen Station, exit 2, then walk 10 minutes. I suggest going right at opening time — by 10 AM tour groups flood in. Wear good shoes; the brick pathways are uneven. Pro Tip: The south slope has fewer steps, making it easier for strollers (but you'll still carry them up the towers).

2. Taicheng (台城) and the Nanjing City Wall Museum

Taicheng is the most scenic stretch of the city wall, overlooking Xuanwu Lake and the modern skyline. It's connected to the Nanjing City Wall Museum, which has a 3D model of the ancient city that amazed my young clients. Address: 1 Taicheng, Xuanwu District. The wall section costs ¥30, museum included. Free for children under 1.4m. Open 8:30–17:00. From Zhonghua Gate, take Metro Line 3 to Jimingsi Station, exit 4, then walk 8 minutes. The eastern path is more crowded; use the west entrance for a quiet stroll. You'll need to store strollers at the ticket office — not all stairs are stroller-friendly.

3. Xuanwu Lake Park

Xuanwu Lake Park is a free, open-air playground where kids can run wild. Rent a pedal boat (around ¥100/hr) or take the little train. Address: 1 Xuanwu Lane, Xuanwu District. Entrance is free. Open 24/7, but boathouses close at 17:00. Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station, exit 3, walk 5 minutes. The park is huge — pick the South Gate entrance if you want boats right away, or the West Gate for quieter paths. There's a small snack zone near the South Gate, but prices are higher than outside. My trick: bring a picnic blanket and snacks from the nearby supermarket.

4. Hongshan Forest Zoo

Hongshan Forest Zoo is one of the best zoos in China for kids — and they treat animals with remarkable care. You'll see happy pandas, gorillas, and a petting area. Address: 168 Heyan Road, Xuanwu District. Adults ¥40, kids under 1.2m free. Open 8:30–16:30. Take Metro Line 1 to Hongshan Zoo Station, exit 1. This zoo is on a hill, so wear comfortable shoes. The panda house is most active in the morning — come before 9 AM. Strollers are fine on the main paths, but some side exhibits have steps. Restaurants inside are basic; better to bring snacks.

5. Nanjing Museum

Nanjing Museum is a treasure trove of Chinese history — free for everyone, but you must book ahead with your passport. The new 'Glimpses of the Ming Dynasty' virtual section is a hit with kids. Address: 321 Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District. Free entry; reserve via the official WeChat mini-program or Trip.com. Open 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays. Metro Line 2 to Minggugong Station, exit 1. Security check takes 10 minutes on weekends — book the first time slot at 9 AM to beat crowds. The museum has free lockers and a kids' activity room on the second floor. Note: No food or drinks inside, and strollers are allowed but you'll need to wheel them up a long ramp at the main entrance.

6. Nanjing Science & Technology Museum

Nanjing Science Museum feels like a hands-on lab — kids can press, pull, and build all day. There's a real-size dinosaur model and a mirror maze that never fails to get laughs. Address: 1 Ningliu Road, Jianye District. The main hall is free, but some special exhibitions cost extra. Check the official site for current prices — I've seen them change. Most interactive zones require separate tickets around ¥30. Open 9:00–16:30, closed Mondays. Metro Line 2 to Yuanrun Station, exit 4, then a 15-minute walk. I recommend arriving at opening time; school groups fill the place after 10 AM. Pay attention to the signs — some sections have a height limit of 1.2m for safety. Strollers are allowed, but leave them at the cloakroom for the mirror maze.

7. Six Dynasties Museum

Six Dynasties Museum turns archaeology into a visual feast — the purple stone walls and interactive touchscreens make ancient history accessible without boredom. Address: 11 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District. Adults ¥30, children under 1.4m free. Open 9:00–17:30, closed Mondays. Metro Line 3 to Daxinggong Station, exit 3. The museum is compact, perfect for a 90-minute visit. My favorite part is the 'Ode to Stone' video installation — kids won't get it, but they'll love the light effects. There's a small café inside with decent coffee, but no kids menu.

8. Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River Boat Ride

The Confucius Temple area is chaotic but magical at night — the boat ride along the Qinhuai River is the crown jewel. Address: 4 Daqianyou Lane, Qinhuai District. Entry to the temple itself is ¥30, but the river cruise costs ¥80–100 per person, kids under 1.2m half price. Boats run every 20 minutes from 9:00–22:00. Metro Line 1 to Sanshan Street Station, exit 2. The queue for boats at sunset is insane — I always book via the official 'Qinhuai River Cruise' mini-program or reserve through Trip.com a day ahead. Bring small cash for the snack street; some vendors don't accept cards. Strollers are tricky on the narrow bridges, so better to use a baby carrier here.

9. Lao Men Dong

Lao Men Dong is a rebuilt old-style street where kids can try traditional crafts and snack on dumplings. Address: 6 Laomendong Street, Qinhuai District. Free entry. Open all day, but most shops open from 10:00–21:00. From Confucius Temple, it's a 15-minute walk east. The original 'Grumpy Cat' dessert shop is a gimmick, but the sesame biscuits are actually good. Look for the hand-pulled candy performance — it's a sugar show for kids. Many alleys are stroller-unfriendly, but the main street is fine. Toilet breaks: the public bathrooms at the west entrance are less crowded than the ones near the food court.

10. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is a climb — 392 steps — but kids over six usually enjoy the challenge. The views from the top are stunning. Address: 3 Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Road, Xuanwu District. Mausoleum entry is free (book with passport), but the sightseeing bus from the entrance costs ¥10 one-way. Open 8:30–17:00. Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, then catch bus 34 to the site. Take the shuttle bus up to avoid the steep 1.9km walk with tired kids. The steps themselves are exhausting; I tell parents to carry a strap for toddlers. Bring water — there are few vendors on the stairs, and the ones at the top charge double.

11. Music Stage

Music Stage (音乐台) is a hidden gem just downhill from the mausoleum — kids can feed a hundred white pigeons in a beautiful stone amphitheater. Address: within the Purple Mountain Scenic Area, Xuanwu District. Adult ticket ¥10, children under 1.4m free. Open 8:30–17:00. Buy a bag of corn feed (¥5) at the entrance — kids will spend an hour chasing pigeons. The best time is 8:30 AM before the tour groups arrive. The benches get sun-baked, so carry a mat. This is a top spot for a picnic; pick up sandwiches from the convenience store near the metro before you come.

12. Purple Mountain Adventure Park

If your kids are over 5 and love climbing nets, the Purple Mountain Adventure Park is a safe adrenaline hit. Address: within the Zhongshan Scenic Area, near the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. Pricing is per activity — rope courses range from ¥60 to ¥120. Check the official site for that day's availability. Open 9:00–17:00. There's no metro; take bus 34 or a taxi from Muxuyuan station. The park enforces strict safety measures — harnesses are double-checked, and staff speak limited English but are patient with hand gestures. Bring socks — they're needed for the trampoline zone. Nearby, there's a snack kiosk with instant noodles and ice cream.

13. Ginkgo Lake Theme Park

Ginkgo Lake is a full-day destination that could easily stay on your list for two days — it's a family theme park with roller coasters, a wave pool, and a zoo. Address: 6 Fangheng Road, Lishui District. Adult tickets start at ¥220; kids under 1.2m enter free with an adult. Check the official WeChat account for seasonal discounts. Open 9:00–17:00, except the water park which opens at 10:00 (June–August). From downtown, drive via G42 (about 50 minutes). The high-speed train from Nanjing South to Lishui takes 15 minutes, then a taxi (¥50). This is the most expensive option on this list, but it's worth it for a full-day splurge. Buy the express pass to skip queues on weekends — it costs an extra ¥100 but saves hours.

14. Green Expo Garden

For a budget-friendly outdoor day, Green Expo Garden (绿博园) has a massive playground and a small water park in summer. Address: 3 Hanjiang Road, Jianye District. Admission is free. Open 6:00–22:00. Metro Line 10 to Lvboyuan Station, exit 1. The 'Children's Play Area' near the east gate has climbing structures, slides, and a sandpit. There's also a small farm with rabbits and goats. Rent a four-person bicycle to explore the vast gardens — it's around ¥40 per hour. Weekdays are empty, but weekends get packed with local families. Bring mosquito repellent; the greenery attracts bugs.

How to Build a One-Day Nanjing Itinerary with Kids

If you only have 24 hours in Nanjing with kids, follow this loop that I've refined over years of leading families. It balances physical activity with air-conditioned breaks, and you can swap the museum for the science center on rainy days.

For rainy days, swap the outdoor spots with Nanjing Museum, the Science Museum, and the Six Dynasties Museum. All three are near metros and have spacious indoor areas. If your kids are under 5, skip the mausoleum steps and head straight to Music Stage to feed pigeons.

Where to Eat in Nanjing with Kids

Nanjing food can be spicy, but many restaurants will tone it down on request. My family favorite is Nanjing Impressions (南京大牌档) at 1 Zhongshan East Road (next to the Nanjing Museum). The atmosphere is busy and noisy — kids love the bamboo stools and the opera singing. Order the 'Glutinous Rice with Lotus Leaf' (荷叶包饭) and the crispy duck. Servers offer an English menu at larger locations. Expect a 20-minute wait at lunch; go before 11:30 AM to skip the line. Average per person is ¥70–100. Another good option is Jiangnan Hui (江南荟) at 3 Hanfu Street, with a kids play corner inside. Prices are a bit higher (¥120 per adult) but the smooth herbal duck soup is a must.

Street-food tip: Bring your own wet wipes and hand sanitizer. The Qinhuai snack street has stalls selling steamed buns and tangyuan (sweet rice balls), but hygiene standards vary. I only recommend freshly cooked items, not pre-made salads.

Where to Stay in Nanjing with Kids

Base yourself near the metro — you'll thank yourself. My top pick for families is the Shangri-La Nanjing (adults from ¥1,200, kids stay free). Address: 5 Changjiang Road, right by the Six Dynasties Museum. It has an indoor pool and a 24-hour convenience store across the street. For mid-range comfort, Suzhou Garden Hotel (from ¥600) on Zhongshan East Road offers classic Chinese garden rooms and a kids breakfast buffet. Both are within walking distance of metro lines and major sights. If you want budget digs, look for chain hotels like James Joyce Coffetel (from ¥350) near Xuanwu Lake — but bring earplugs, as the walls are thin.

Pro Tip: Ask the hotel to write down your destination in Chinese for taxi drivers. Even with AMap, showing the address in characters is foolproof. Most front desks will happily print a card for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Nanjing with Kids