Visiting Shanghai with Kids: Attractions, Hotels & Travel Tips
Shanghai is one of the easiest cities in China for families with kids, especially for first-time visitors. Because it has convenient transportation, family-friendly hotels, international dining options, and a wide range of activities for all ages. We recommend spending 3 to 5 days in Shanghai,, combining classic sights like the Bund, kid-friendly museums, Disneyland, and relaxed local experiences.
Read on to discover why Shanghai is often one of our top recommendations for families visiting China.
Odynovo customer in Shanghai
Top 5 Things to Do in Shanghai for Families
There are plenty of attractions and things to do in Shanghai, but choosing the right ones and planning activities that suit different family members can be challenging. To help you make the most of your trip, we have compiled the key features of Shanghai's iconic attractions along with our recommended family-friendly experiences.
Stroll Along the Bund (Fun for All Ages)
The Bund in Shanghai
You may have seen many beautiful photos of Shanghai's skyline - most of them were taken at the Bund. It is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors.
It is a free attraction, and you can visit there any time. When walking along the Bund, you'll find impressive colonial-era architecture on one side, while on the other, you'll see the city's futuristic skyline. The wide, paved promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll and is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Travel Tips:
- Choose a hotel near the Bund so you can easily visit in the early morning or enjoy the spectacular city lights in the evening. It's a wonderful place to take a relaxing walk with your family.
- The Bund is close to several major attractions, such as Yu Garden and various museums, you can easily combine it with other activities in Shanghai.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Visit an Interactive Museum for Your Kids
Shanghai is home to more than 30 museums covering a wide range of themes, including science, nature, art and history, etc. To help you choose, we've compiled some of the best museums in Shanghai for different age groups:
- Shanghai Natural History Museum: Best for toddlers and school-age children. You will see over 11,000 animal specimens, impressive dinosaur skeletons and models. In the interactive discovery areas, you can even touch some exhibits. It is a fun and educational experience for children.
- Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: Ideal for children aged 5 and above. The museum offers a variety of hands-on exhibits covering AI, space exploration, robotics, and the human body. It's a great place to inspire curiosity and a love of science.
- Shanghai Museum: A great choice for teenagers, older kids, and multi-generational families. Home to over 120,000 cultural relics, it is especially famous for its ancient bronzes, ceramics, and Chinese paintings. It's an excellent place to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture.
There are also many other family-friendly museums in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Children's Museum, China Maritime Museum, Shanghai Railway Museum, and Museum of Art Pudong (MAP).
If you're unsure which museum is right for your family, simply talk to our travel experts. We can help design a personalized Shanghai tour based on your children's ages, interests, and travel preferences.
Spend a Magical Day at Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland
This is one of the most popular family attractions in Shanghai, with different experiences suitable for children of all ages. The park features several unique themed lands that you won't find at other Disney Parks, such as Zootopia and Toy Story Land.
Another advantage is that food, souvenirs, and tickets are often more affordable than other Disney parks. To make your visit smoother, keep these travel tips in mind:
- Plan to spend a full day at the park rather than combining it with other attractions.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, as there are free water refill stations throughout the park.
- Consider purchasing a FastPass or Premier Access to reduce wait times for popular rides.
- The park is easily accessible by metro, but there is still a fairly long walk from the station to the entrance. If you're traveling with small kids, a private transfer can be a more comfortable option.
Experience Shanghai's AI and Technology Innovation
Shanghai is one of China's leading centers for innovation, and you can experience it throughout the city, including at the Spacelab “zero gravity” restaurant, where food and drinks are delivered through a futuristic overhead rail system.
Or visit the WhalesBot robotics manufacturing base, the world's leading educational robotics brand, to learn how robots are designed, built, and programmed. For those interested in drones, the DJI Flagship Store offers opportunities to explore and test some of the latest consumer drone technology.
Travel Tips:
- The Spacelab "Zero Gravity" Restaurant is very popular and can have long wait times during weekends and holidays. If your schedule is flexible, visiting on a weekday often provides a more comfortable experience.
- Visits to the WhalesBot robotics factory typically require advance reservations and a minimum group size of 20 participants. Our travel specialists can help arrange the visit and confirm the latest booking requirements.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Enjoy Panoramic Views from the Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable buildings and an excellent spot to find panoramic views of the city from its observation decks and glass walkway. It’s an attraction that everyone can enjoy. You’ll find multiple exhibits inside, including information on how Shanghai has evolved into a world-renowned destination and a transparent observatory that lets you peek down at the streets below.
Travel Tips:
- Book tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Consider visiting the History Museum at the foot of the Oriental Pearl Tower for a more comprehensive look at Shanghai’s past.
- There’s a transparent observatory floor at 259 meters high, where the floor is made entirely of glass. If you’re afraid of heights, we recommend that you do not walk through this particular corridor.
How to Choose a Hotel in Shanghai?
When choosing a hotel for your family, it's important to consider more than just the location. Based on our experience, we recommend considering below factors before booking:
- Are there restaurants, convenience stores, and shopping malls nearby?
- Is the hotel close to the attractions you plan to visit?
- Is the room spacious enough for your family?
- Can an extra bed or baby cot be added if needed?
To help you get started, we've outlined some of the best areas to stay in Shanghai below.
People’s Square & East Nanjing Road
These areas are in the middle of Shanghai, close to Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8. You'll also be close to popular attractions such as Nanjing Road, the Bund, and many museums and shopping districts.
Best For: First-time visitors, families who want easy access to transportation, and looking for a wide range of accommodation options across different budgets.
Former French Concession
If you'd like to experience Shanghai's French heritage and romantic charm, the Former French Concession is an excellent choice. It is a lovely tree-lined district close to several parks, cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. You'll find a good selection of mid-range and boutique hotels here.
Best For: People who want a quieter neighborhood, and those who enjoy green spaces, local cafés, and leisurely walks.
Jing’an Area
If you'd like to experience Shanghai beyond the major tourist attractions, Jing'an is a great place to stay. This area offers a mix of historic temples, local markets, and peaceful parks, giving you a glimpse into the city's everyday life.
Best For: Travelers who want a more authentic local experience and those interested in exploring Shanghai's culture, food, and daily life at a slower pace.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai with Kids
For most families, we usually recommend visiting Shanghai in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–November). The temperatures are generally pleasant for walking and outdoor sightseeing. If you're planning a first trip to Shanghai with kids or multi-generational families, these seasons often provide the most relaxed travel experience.
If you're visiting during below seasons, our travel specialists also can help adjust your itinerary to match the season and your family's travel style, for example:
- Summer (July–August): Shanghai can be hot and humid in these two months, especially during the afternoon. To keep the experience comfortable, we often arrange outdoor sightseeing in the morning or evening and include more indoor attractions, family-friendly museums, and interactive experiences during the hottest hours of the day.
- Winter (December–February): While winter is cooler and occasionally damp, it rarely disrupts sightseeing. Popular family attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland, Zhujiajiao Water Town, and Yu Garden remain enjoyable, often with fewer visitors than during peak seasons.
- Holiday Crowds: If your travel dates are flexible, we recommend avoiding China's major public holidays, particularly Golden Week (October 1–7) and the Labor Day Holiday (May 1–5). During these times, attractions and hotels are significantly busier than usual.
Is Transportation Convenient in Shanghai?
Yes. For most international travelers, Shanghai is one of the most convenient starting point for a China journey.
As China's largest international gateway, Shanghai has many direct flights from North America, Europe, Australia, and many countries across the world.
Getting around the city is also straightforward. Most major attractions are located within the urban area, and travel times between places such as the Bund, Yu Garden, the Former French Concession, and Shanghai Tower are typically manageable. This means less time spent in transit and more time enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.
Many of our travelers, especially families, enjoy the robotaxi experience. It offers a unique opportunity to see autonomous driving technology in action and experience firsthand how Shanghai is shaping the future of transportation.
If you're concerned about language barriers or navigating a new city, we can arrange private transfers and knowledgeable local guides throughout your trip. With transportation, logistics, and daily arrangements taken care of in advance, you can focus on enjoying quality time with your family.
Travel Tips for Family Travelers
Street view of Shanghai
These practical tips can help make your Shanghai journey smoother and more enjoyable. If you have any specific concerns, our travel specialists are always happy to offer personalized advice.
- Keep essential travel documents easily accessible, including passports, travel insurance information, flight confirmations, hotel reservations, and emergency contact details.
- In most tourist districts, English signage is common in major stations and on tourist routes. You will find Shanghai is safe and easy to navigate.
- If you're traveling with toddlers or young children, pack a few favorite toys, books, or snacks to help keep them comfortable during long flights and transfers.
- For parents with young children, much of the city is stroller friendly. Children under 1.3 meters can ride the metro for free. DiDi is also a popular taxi alternative.
- If your family requires special accommodations, such as connecting rooms, an extra bed, or a non-smoking room, it's best to let your hotel know in advance.
- Shanghai is one of China's best cities for food lovers. Most of our customers enjoy trying local favorites such as Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and Scallion Oil Noodles, both of which are widely available and generally kid-friendly.
- Mobile payments are commonly used throughout China. We recommend setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip so you can pay easily at restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- When planning your days, try to balance sightseeing with downtime. A relaxed coffee break, a visit to a local park, or some free time at the hotel can help keep children energized and make the overall experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Discover Shanghai with Odynovo
Shanghai is one of the top destinations in China, and once you visit, you’ll understand why it’s so popular. If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly balances legacy, culture, and history with a completely modern feel, it’s an excellent choice.
Let us help make your Shanghai dreams a reality. Contact us through our website or email us at [email protected] and talk to one of our specialists today.
