Shanghai Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Shanghai with kids.
Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Shanghai.
Shanghai Disneyland
The only Disney park in mainland China features unique Chinese-inspired attractions, the spectacular Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the enormous Zootopia land. The most magical day out for families in all of Shanghai.
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
Four floors of interactive science exhibits covering space exploration, robotics, virtual reality, ecosystems, and human biology. IMAX cinema shows 3D documentaries about the ocean and space.
Century Park Cycling and Boating
Shanghai's largest park offers spacious cycling paths suitable for small children, pedal boats on the lake, playgrounds, and picnic lawns. Families can rent bikes and tandems at the main entrance.
Shanghai Zoo
Home to over 600 animal species including giant pandas, which are the main draw for children. The zoo is spacious and well-maintained with a children's zoo area allowing interaction with smaller animals.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Gondola Ride
A gondola ride through 1,700-year-old canals under ancient stone bridges is a magical experience for children. The gondoliers often sing traditional songs, and the town's food stalls offer endless snacking.
Shanghai Natural History Museum
The spectacular green-roofed museum has life-size dinosaur skeletons, a giant blue whale model, interactive children's exhibits, and an immersive human origins gallery. Children are captivated by the prehistoric life section.
Xiaolongbao Making Class
A hands-on dumpling making class where children learn to pleat Shanghai's famous soup dumplings under the supervision of a patient local chef. Eating the results is the best part.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in Asia with a 168-meter underwater tunnel walkway passing through tanks with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The Penguin Land and Polar Ocean sections are particularly popular.
Oriental Pearl Tower Glass Floor
Walking on the glass floor sphere at 259m height is a thrilling (and slightly terrifying) experience for older children. The Shanghai History Museum at the base engages with life-size recreations of old Shanghai.
Chenshan Botanical Garden
Shanghai's most beautiful botanical garden with a children's nature exploration area, the extraordinary quarry garden, and extensive cycling paths through seasonal floral displays. Cherry blossoms in March are magical for families.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Shanghai Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
The most family-friendly hotel in Shanghai with a dedicated kids' club, outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and spacious family rooms. Located in Pudong close to the Science Museum.
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
The Four Seasons extends its legendary service to families with dedicated children's programs, a beautiful rooftop pool, and spacious connecting rooms. Staff are notably attentive to children's needs.
HALO Hotel Pudong
Adjacent to Shanghai Disneyland with a shuttle service to the park, HALO is the obvious choice for Disney-focused family trips. Themed rooms, a kids' pool, and Disney character decor throughout.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Most sit-down restaurants in Shanghai welcome children and have high chairs available
Shanghai's own xiaolongbao are a great interactive eating experience for children — watch the steam, dip in vinegar
Kids' menus are available at international chains (McDonald's, KFC) and hotel restaurants; local Chinese restaurants less so
Street food is generally safe and very engaging for children — jianbing (crepes), tanghulu (candied fruit skewers), and fresh-cut fruit
Hotpot is exciting for older children who can supervise their own cooking in the broth
Many bakery chains (Breadtalk, 85°C Bakery) have sweet pastries children love at very low prices
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
The Shanghai Metro has priority seating and most platforms have elevators — navigating with a stroller is manageable
Shanghai Disneyland requires advance booking; buy FastPass options to reduce queue time at key attractions
Chinese New Year festivities (temple fairs, lanterns, fireworks) are spectacular for children but very crowded — hold hands
Most major attractions have English signage; staff at hotels speak English and can assist with children's needs
Pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes — essential for street food adventures with children
Children under 1.2m typically enter most attractions free, and those under 1.4m ride the metro free
Shanghai Disneyland has proper facilities including nursing rooms for infants and first aid stations
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.