Shanghai with Kids: A Perfect Family Day
Shanghai is surprisingly family-friendly. World-class museums, expansive parks, and kid-focused activities make it easy to keep young travelers entertained.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|
| Recommended Ages | 3 years and up |
| Budget | ¥400-700 (family of 4) |
| Transport | Metro-focused |
| Essentials | Stroller, snacks, sunscreen |
Day Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Natural History Museum
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at museum metro stop | - |
| 9:30 AM | Enter museum | 30 min |
| 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Explore exhibits | 3 hours |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch | 60 min |
Afternoon (1:30 - 6:00 PM): Century Park
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|
| 1:30 PM | Travel to Century Park | 30 min |
| 2:00 PM | Enter park | - |
| 2:30 PM | Bike rental | 60 min |
| 3:30 PM | Lake boating | 45 min |
| 4:15 PM | Playground | 45 min |
| 5:00 PM | Pigeon feeding | 30 min |
| 5:30 PM | Musical fountain (if operating) | 20 min |
Evening (6:00 PM+)
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| 6:00 PM | Exit park |
| 6:15 PM | Kid-friendly dinner |
| 7:45 PM | Optional: Riverside walk |
| 8:15 PM | Return to hotel |
Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆)
Basic Info
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | 510 Beijing West Road, Jing’an |
| Metro | Line 13, Natural History Museum Station, Exit 1 |
| Admission | ¥30 (kids under 1.3m free) |
| Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:15 PM (closed Mondays) |
| Last Entry | 4:30 PM |
| Size | 44,517 m² |
Key Exhibits
| Exhibit | Description | Kid Appeal |
|---|
| Dinosaur Fossils | Life-size skeletons | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fossil Dig Experience | Hands-on excavation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 7 Continent Animals | 10,000+ specimens | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Human History | Civilization development | ⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Pro Tip: The fossil dig experience is a highlight for kids!
Museum Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|
| Booking | Reserve via official WeChat 1-7 days ahead |
| Strollers | Allowed, elevators available |
| Food | Museum cafe is pricey—bring snacks |
| Time needed | Minimum 3 hours |
Century Park (世纪公园)
Basic Info
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong |
| Metro | Line 2, Century Park Station, Exit 4 |
| Admission | ¥10 (kids under 1.3m free) |
| Hours | 24 hours (as of May 2024) |
| Size | 140 hectares (346 acres) |
Activities
| Activity | Price | Notes |
|---|
| Bike rental | ¥40-80/hour | 2-person, 4-person bikes |
| Boat rental | ¥50-100 | Pedal or electric boats |
| Pigeon feeding | ¥10 | Buy feed at park |
| Maze garden | Free | Green hedge maze |
| Mini golf | ¥30-50 | Family-friendly |
Park Highlights
| Attraction | Description |
|---|
| Century Clock | Landmark photo spot |
| Century Flower Bell | Photo opportunity |
| Musical Fountain | Light and music show |
| Lake area | Boating destination |
| Nature reserve | Walking trails |
💡 Pro Tip: The park is free 24/7 for walking, but activity rentals have separate fees.
Dining Recommendations
Near the Museum
| Restaurant | Type | Price Range |
|---|
| Museum cafe | Snacks, drinks | Higher prices |
| Jing’an area restaurants | Various | ¥50-100/person |
Near Century Park
| Restaurant | Type | Price Range | Kid-Friendly |
|---|
| Kerry Parkside | Various | ¥80-150 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Super Brand Mall food court | Various | ¥40-80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| McDonald’s/KFC | Fast food | ¥40-60 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Pro Tip: For picky eaters, McDonald’s and KFC are reliable options.
Alternative Options
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | Lujiazui |
| Admission | ¥160 (children ¥110) |
| Highlight | 155m underwater tunnel |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
Shanghai Science & Technology Museum
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | 2000 Century Avenue |
| Admission | ¥45 (kids under 1.3m free) |
| Highlight | Interactive science exhibits |
| Time needed | 3-4 hours |
Budget Summary (Family of 4)
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Natural History Museum (2 adults) | ¥60 |
| Century Park (2 adults) | ¥20 |
| Bike rental | ¥40-80 |
| Boat rental | ¥50-100 |
| Food | ¥200-400 |
| Transport | ¥30-50 |
| Total | ¥400-700 |
Practical Tips
| Tip | Why |
|---|
| Bring stroller | Large spaces, lots of walking |
| Sunscreen | Outdoor activities |
| Snacks & water | Park/museum options are limited and expensive |
| Spare clothes | Boats, playground—kids may get wet |
| Umbrella | Weather can change |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes! Both venues are stroller-friendly with elevators.
What age is this suitable for?
3 years and up can fully enjoy the day. Dinosaurs appeal to even younger children!
Is there English signage?
The Natural History Museum has English labels. No Korean audio guides available.
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Admission prices and hours may vary.
