Fun Things to Do in Shanghai with kids
Today I am thrilled to have Jess from Tripelio sharing 5 things to do in Shanghai with kids. I am very excited to have Jess share her tips for Shanghai because we hope to visit China in the near future so we can experience the beauty and history of the country. We would also like our children to have an opportunity to practice their Mandarin language skills. If you’re considering a trip to China, there are some amazing things to do in Shanghai, so be sure to add it to your list.
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What to Do in Shanghai with Kids
Shanghai may not be the first place you think of taking your children on a family vacation. It is typically thought of as being a vibrant and busy city. However, Shanghai is actually an incredible destination to take children. It is full of unique parks, museums and many other attractions that cater to children of all ages. Here are 5 places to visit in Shanghai with kids and some interesting facts about Shanghai to read before you go.
1. Century Park
Century Park is much more than a simple family park. It is the largest park in Shanghai, and is full of activities to amuse a family with children of all ages. You can find everything from a playground, mini golf course, lake cruises, green maze, fishing, cycling, kite flying, and much more.
It is the perfect place to spend a day when you need to get away from the hectic city of Shanghai, and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Photo: Creative Commons
2. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world with 30 exhibitions that feature ocean life from all over the world. You can find giant jellyfish, emperor penguins, sharks, and even frogs.
One of the aquarium’s best features is it’s underwater tunnels that stretch a total of 168 meters, the longest in the world. Your family will feel like they are actually under the sea. For the more adventurous families, you can even go diving with sharks (but I’ll stick to admiring them from a distance).
Photo: Creative Commons
3. Shanghai Wild Animal Park
The Shanghai Wild Animal Park sets itself aside from other zoos around the world as it allows families to get very close and interact with many exotic animals. You have the option to enjoy certain interactive experiences where you can actually touch and feed various animals. Families also have the option of walking through exhibits full of gentle animals, or taking an adventurous bus to see the wild animals.
The only downside to visiting the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, is that it’s approximately a 22 mile journey outside of the center of Shanghai. Thankfully, Kirsten has a great article on great apps to use when traveling.
Google maps and iTranslate will be extra helpful when navigating to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park. However, due to China’s internet censorship, you may need to find a VPN to help you access these apps (along with other popular websites like Facebook or Google) when traveling throughout China.
4. Huang Pu River Cruise
The Huang Pu River is an iconic part of Shanghai, as it runs right through the city. There truly is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the city than by boat on the river. The cruise will allow you to see all different parts of Shanghai. Throughout a Huang Pu River cruise your family will be able to witness the skyscrapers that line Shanghai’s skyline, its beautiful lights, and possibly some of the older and historical parts of Shanghai.
Traveling on the river cruise is also the perfect way to admire the hectic and glamorous city of Shanghai, without the busy crowds you may find on the streets. Traveling on the Huang Pu River will help your family see Shanghai from a different perspective.
5. Shanghai Natural History Museum
Shanghai’s Natural History Museum has something for all ages. The property spans over 11 acres of floor space and features over 10,000 artifacts from all seven continents. The building and property itself are an architectural marvel, from the building’s shape that was inspired by a nautilus shell, to the northern stone wall that gives the appearance of shifting tectonic plates and canyon walls eroded by water. It is truly unique.
There are dinosaur fossils, mummies, a 4D theater, and a sculpture park. If that’s not enough to entertain the kids for hours, I don’t know what will.
If you’re looking for other ideas, don’t miss this Shanghai weekend itinerary, it has plenty of ideas! Thanks again to Jess for sharing her thoughts and insight on Shanghai. I always love having new perspectives on family travel.
About Jess: My parents were travelers before I was born. Even in the womb, I was able to travel all over the place! Boy, things did NOT change as I grew older! Knowing there’s more to the world than the bubble I live in made me want to travel even further. Traveling is my drug and I’m addicted. (Please, no intervention!)
