Where to go with children in Shanghai and suburbs

Best places for family vacations: amusement parks, zoos, aquariums and nature attractions. All within 1–2 hours from Shanghai.

Guide's advice: There are a huge number of entertainments for children of all ages in Shanghai and its suburbs. From the world-famous Disneyland to unique eco-parks with bamboo groves and harvest activities. We have selected the most popular and proven places where both children and adults will have fun. All excursions can be adapted to your pace and interests.

Theme parks and zoos

Shanghai Disneyland

Most popular 30 km 0+

The first Disneyland in mainland China with unique attractions: Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure, and the largest castle among all Disney parks. Shows, parades and meet-and-greets with beloved characters await you in the park's themed areas.

Unique attractions Tron, Pirates of the Caribbean, "Soaring Over the Horizon".
For little ones Classic zones: Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, carousels.
Shows and parades Evening light show on the castle, fireworks.
Guide's tip Buy tickets in advance, arrive at opening time.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 11 to Disney Resort station, exit 1.
  • Entry: from 399 yuan (weekdays) to 599 yuan (weekends).
  • Opening hours: 8:30 – 20:30 (subject to change).
  • Time needed: Whole day.

Happy Valley – amusement park

Extreme & family 20 km 5+

Happy Valley is one of the largest amusement parks in Shanghai. Extreme roller coasters, family rides, water shows and seven themed zones. Suitable for teenagers and thrill seekers.

Main coasters "Abyss Drop" with vertical fall, "Wooden Coaster".
Family zones Gold Mine, Ancient City, Happy Sea.
Water rides Rafting, water slides (seasonal).
Park size 600,000 m² – 7 themed zones.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 9, Sheshan station, then bus or taxi.
  • Entry: 230 yuan (adult), 150 yuan (children).
  • Opening hours: 9:30 – 18:00 (weekdays), until 20:00 (weekends).

Legoland Discovery Centre

Indoor park in the centre 2–10 years

Legoland Discovery Centre is an indoor theme park for LEGO fans. Located in a shopping mall, ideal for children under 10. Mini Shanghai made of bricks, 4D cinema, workshops, slides and free play areas.

Miniland Miniature Shanghai from 1 million bricks.
Rides Merlin’s Apprentice, laser maze, carousel.
Workshops Building lessons from master model builders.
Cafe & shop LEGO sets available for purchase.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 2, Lujiazui station, exit from Jin Mao Tower.
  • Entry: 200 yuan (children and adults).
  • Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Aquarium

Marine world 50 km 0+

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is a huge oceanarium with zones imitating different parts of the world: the Arctic, Antarctica, tropics, open ocean. Shows of killer whales, belugas, dolphins; a tunnel with sharks, penguins, polar bears. There are also rides and slides.

Killer whale show Daily performances (check schedule).
Arctic zone Polar bears, seals, arctic foxes.
Underwater tunnel 30-meter tunnel with sharks and rays.
Rides Roller coasters, carousel.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 16 to Dishui Lake station, then bus.
  • Entry: 330 yuan (adult), 190 yuan (children).
  • Opening hours: 9:30 – 17:30.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Safari 35 km 3+

Shanghai Wild Animal Park is a safari park where animals live in conditions close to natural. You can see pandas, tigers, elephants, giraffes. Bus tour through the predator zone, dolphinarium, sea lion show, petting zoo.

Safari zone Bus ride through enclosures with lions, tigers, bears.
Pandas Giant pandas – one of the main attractions.
Dolphinarium Dolphin and fur seal show.
Feeding You can buy food and feed animals in designated areas.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 16 to Wild Animal Park station, then bus.
  • Entry: 130 yuan (adult), 65 yuan (children).
  • Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00.

Adventure and nature for the whole family

Sandu Mountain Adventure Park

Active leisure 100 km 7+

Sandu Mountain Adventure Park is an outdoor adventure park. Ziplines, climbing walls, rope courses, mountain bikes and hiking trails. Suitable for active families with teenagers. Picturesque views, fresh air.

Ziplines Several tracks of different lengths and heights.
Rope park Routes of different difficulty for children and adults.
Trekking Hiking trails to waterfalls and viewpoints.
Picnic Rest areas and cafe available.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 1.5 hours by car from Shanghai.
  • Entry: 80 yuan + fee for activities.
  • Recommended time: Whole day.

Jiaolong Canyon – Dragon Ravine

Glass bridges 180 km 8+

Jiaolong Canyon is a picturesque 6 km long gorge with breathtaking glass viewing platforms, bridges and waterfalls. You can walk across the "Flying Dragon" bridge over the abyss, admire mountain landscapes and breathe fresh air.

Glass bridge 300-meter bridge at a height of 300 m.
Waterfalls Several cascades, especially beautiful after rain.
Viewpoints Transparent floors showing the bottom of the gorge.
Ascent Cable car or walking (about an hour).

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 2.5–3 hours by car.
  • Entry: 180 yuan, cable car +50.
  • Tip: Better to go for 2 days, combine with overnight stay.

Xianqiaodong Park – caves and rides

Karst & adrenaline 160 km 5+

Xianqiaodong Park in Hangzhou is famous for its karst caves with stalactites, where you can see the Tyndall effect (sun rays through the mist). There are also extreme rides: roller coasters, zipline, swings over the cliff.

Caves 800 m long, lighting, stalactites.
Tyndall effect Best visible on a sunny morning.
Rides Glass platform, zipline, slides.
For children Rope park and playgrounds available.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 2.5 hours by car.
  • Entry: 120 yuan + rides separately.
  • Best time: sunny morning.

Sheshan Mountain: bamboo harvesting

Seasonal tour 30 km 4+

Harvesting young bamboo shoots in the bamboo groves of Sheshan. A trendy activity in spring and autumn. Children love searching for sprouts and digging them up. After harvesting, you can cook the bamboo for lunch. A walk on the mountain, visiting the old basilica.

Season April-May (spring) and September-October (autumn).
Equipment Spades and bags provided.
Cooking class Cooking bamboo with meat at a local cafe.
Walking Easy trails, suitable for toddlers.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Metro line 9 to Sheshan, then taxi.
  • Price: from $250 (group up to 4 people).
  • Duration: about 5–6 hours.

Caojing Shuike Eco Park

Boats, lotuses 50 km 2+

Caojing Shuike is a unique ecological park in the south of Shanghai. 41 rivers, over 70 islands. Boat trips, lotus park (blooms in summer), treehouse, bookshop. An ideal place for a quiet family vacation in nature, picnics and photo sessions.

Boats You can rent a boat and sail through the canals.
Lotuses July-August – peak bloom, very beautiful.
Treehouse Playground, swings.
Cafe A place to eat, you can bring your own food.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 1 hour by car from the centre.
  • Entry: 50 yuan, boat extra.
  • Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00.

Longemont Animal World

Lakeside zoo 120 km 3+

Longemont Animal World is the largest wildlife theme park in Eastern China. Located by Taihu Lake. Thousands of animals from around the world, drive-through safari, walking areas, animal shows. You can feed giraffes, elephants, kangaroos.

Safari Ride a special bus through the predator area.
Walking zone Enclosures with tame animals, birds.
Shows Animal performances several times a day.
Children's corner Pet rabbits, ponies.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: 2 hours by car.
  • Entry: 300 yuan (adult), 200 yuan (children).
  • Tip: Book a full-day tour.

Unusual activities

Yizun Fishing Club

Fishing for beginners 30 km 5+

24-hour fishing base 30 km from the centre. Extremely high fish density – catch guaranteed even for beginners. Free tackle, umbrellas, chairs. Staff will teach you the basics. BBQ area – you can cook your catch on the grill. Ideal for family recreation.

For children Kids' fishing rods, bait, instructor assistance.
BBQ Grills, charcoal, you can bring your own food.
Facilities Cafe, toilets, parking.
Price From $250 per group up to 4 people (all included).

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Transfer from hotel.
  • Opening hours: 24/7, better during daytime.
  • Tip: Bring snacks and drinks.

Frequently asked questions about family excursions

Which amusement parks in Shanghai are best for children?

The main park is Shanghai Disneyland with unique attractions. Also popular are Happy Valley (extreme and family rides), Legoland Discovery Centre (for construction lovers) and Haichang Ocean Park with killer whale shows and penguins.

Are there zoos and aquariums in Shanghai?

Yes, Shanghai Wild Animal Park (safari park, you can feed animals) and Haichang Ocean Aquarium with unique shows. Also near the city is Longemont Animal World by Taihu Lake.

Where can you go with children to nature near Shanghai?

We recommend Xianqiaodong Park with karst caves and the Tyndall effect, Sandu Mountain Park with rope courses, Jiaolong Canyon with glass bridges (for teenagers), and Caojing Shuike Eco Park with boats and lotuses.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Useful tips for family travel

Buy tickets online On official websites or through a guide – often cheaper and without queues.
Strollers and rental In large parks you can rent a stroller (about 50 yuan).
Food Parks have food courts, but you can bring your own snacks (except Disneyland, where it's strict).
Weather Summer is hot – bring caps, water, sunscreen. On rainy days, choose indoor parks (Legoland, oceanarium).

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