7 Ways to Entertain your Kids in Shanghai

Mums Tips

Travel with kids

Published on Friday, 19 July 2013 14:50

Last Updated on 09 July 2013

Marta Lopez

1 Comment

If you’re thinking that Shanghai isn’t the most child-friendly destination in the world, then we’re here to prove you wrong! Clean, safe and full of culture, there’s plenty to see and do in this brilliantly vibrant city. A hybrid of Chinese traditions and up-to-the-minute modernisation, Shanghai is an excellent place to explore with no end of things to see and do. Check out our top selections for the best ways to keep your kids entertained!

 

Discover the delights of Shanghai Sculpture Park

It might not sound like it from the name, but the Shanghai Sculpture Park is just bursting with activities to keep kids entertained. A huge open space, filled with grass, lakes, man-made beaches, you can even go zorbing on the water, rent a boat or bounce around on the Fuma Fuma Dome – a highly bouncy, inflatable mound. It’s a lovely place spend a sunny afternoon with a picnic!

2000, Century Av. Pudong New Area               shanghai-sculpture-park.com.cn       9am-5pm

Go under the sea at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Take a trip under the sea at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and you’ll discover the world’s longest underwater tunnel, filled with rare aquatic life from all over the ocean.  Here you’ll be faced with the likes of sharks, sea dragons, eels, seahorses and jellyfish. There’s even a goldfish lovingly named Bruce Lee. What secrets will you discover hidden under the sea?

1388, Lujiazui Ring Rd. Pudong Area               sh-aquarium.com                9am-6pm

 

Climb the heights of the Oriental Pearl Tower

Clamber to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower for a spectacular view that the entire family will enjoy. Although the Jin Mao and the World Financial Centre are both taller, the bright pink spheres and neon lights of the Pearl Tower are sure to be a highlight with the kids and at night, there’s even a magical LED light sequence. Once you reach the top, you can look down over the whole of Shanghai, as if your head is in the clouds. Amazing!

Century Ave, Pudong           orientalpearltower.com

 

Take to the water with a Huang Pu river cruise

See Shanghai from a brand new perspective and hop on a cruise down the Huang Pu River. From here you can see both the magnificent colonial buildings of the Bund to the west and the glittering Pudong skyline to the east. Kids will love the chance to ride along on a boat, happily pointing things out as you pass. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to traditional China, east meets west.

Various cruises available

 

Chase high speed thrills on the Shanghai Maglev train

The fastest commercial train in the world, the Shanghai Maglev is a thrill for the whole family. A magnetic levitation train, it doesn’t even touch the ground as it whooshes along at an incredible 268miles/431km per hour. Effortlessly transporting you from the airport into the centre of Pudong, the journey covers 18 miles in 7 minutes (parents: imagine that on your commute) and is a high speed experience not to be missed!

smtdc.com

 

Explore the mysterious world of traditional China

An excellent way to introduce children to the traditions of Chinese culture is by visiting the Yu Yuan Gardens. Children will enjoy feeding fish and making wishes at the Bridge of Nine Turnings. They can even get their names written in Chinese calligraphy and watch the ancient Chinese tea ceremony at the famed Huxingting Tea House.

218 Anren St, Huangpu      yuyuantm.com.cn

 

Marvel at the Shanghai Acrobats

Show casing amazing feats of agility and skill, breath-taking acrobatic shows take place all across Shanghai. Our choice is Shanghai Circus World where stunning acts of hoop diving, fire spinning and gravity defying are performed to spectacular degree. Contortionists will have you wincing and daredevil leapers will take your breath away. Adults and children alike will marvel at the adrenaline rush it gives and you’re sure to leave feeling exhilarated!

Shanghai Circus World, 2266 Gonghexin Lu  

 

So there you have it! Shanghai might just be the place for you if you’re after something a little different for your family holiday in a place that the kids will love too. What’s more, with quick and cheap flights to Shanghai available from Expedia, a family holiday has never been easier to choose.