Shanghai With Kids 2026: The Ultimate Family Guide – Top Things to Do, Attractions & Essential Tips

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN SHANGHAI, CHINA

There is no shortage of fantastic hotels in Shanghai. All you high rollers can live it up at The St. Regis on the Bund (formerly The Wanda Reign on the Bund), offering breathtaking views of the stunning panorama where the shimmering waves of the Huangpu River and the skyline of Pudong complement each other.

For the rest of us, there’s The Portman Ritz Carlton.  It is ideally located with kid-friendly restaurants and a Western grocery store just steps away, the hotel offers toddler-proofing kits, babysitting services, and boasts indoor and outdoor pools, and a playground.

And for a wallet-friendly stay, Ming Town Etour Youth Hostel can’t be beaten. You’ll find this charming hostel down a quiet alley in the heart of real Shanghai but just minutes from the action at People’s Square. With a quiet courtyard, a shared TV and lounge area, and family rooms, it’s actually a great option for budget family travel.

Shanghai Hotel Deals Here!

• The St. Regis On The Bund, 538 Zhongshan Dong Er Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200010, www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/shaxb-the-st-regis-on-the-bund-shanghai/overview
• The Portman Ritz Carlton, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai, +86 21 6279 8888, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sharz-the-portman-ritz-carlton-shanghai/overview
• Shanghai Etour Youth Hostel, 55 Jiangyin Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, xinyitu88@163.com, www.yhachina.com

More Family Favorites:

• Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai, 88 Songshan Rd, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200021, +86 21 2310 1234, shanghai.andaz.hyatt.com
• Four Seasons Pudong, 210 Century Ave, Pudong, Shanghai, China, +86 21 2036 8888, www.fourseasons.com
• Le Royal Méridien Shanghai, 789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai, 200001, China, www.leroyalmeridienshanghai.com
• The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, 1008 Beijing West Road Shanghai, Shanghai 200041 China, www.starwoodhotels.com
• Somerset Serviced Apartments Xu Hui Shanghai, No 888 Shaanxi Nan Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai, +86 21 6466 0888, www.somerset.com

SHOPPING WITH KIDS IN SHANGHAI, CHINA

Shopping is, arguably, the official pastime of Shanghai. For glitz and glamour, head to Huaihai Lu where you can ogle handbags that cost as much as a small car. Not far away is Xintiandi, a gentrified pedestrian shopping area featuring cafes, restaurants, and many upscale local brands.

For great deals on kids’ toys and apparel of questionable authenticity head to Nihong Children Shopping Plaza on the corner of Pu’an Lu and Jinling Lu. And for an afternoon of browsing, check out Tianzifang on Taikang Lu, Shanghai’s arts street. You’ll find a warren of back alleys and a converted candy factory that now houses cafes, artists’ studios, and local fashion and interiors brands.

Moganshan Lu is Shanghai’s gallery district and is a surprisingly great place to explore with kids. Pop in and out of small galleries and studios, take in some impressive street art and snap a few photos for Instagram, and maybe pick up a piece of art for your collection.

Others:

• Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Road, near Madang Road, +86 21 6311 2288
• Nihong Kids Plaza, Main entrance on the Northwest corner of Pu’an Road and Jinling Road
• Tianzifang, Lane 210 Taikang Road near Sinan Road, +86 21 3425 0265 50
• Moganshan Lu, 50 Moganshan Rd, Putuo, Shanghai, China, +86 21 6266 7125

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO EAT/DRINK IN SHANGHAI, CHINA

Shanghai’s food scene is thriving.  Check out one of UnTours Street Food Tours for a taste of real Shanghai fare. The Hands On Dumpling Delight Tour features a cooking class and is sure to be a hit with little gourmands. Yang’s Fry Dumplings is a local legend, and lines can stretch on and on.

But, the Sheng Jian Bao is worth the wait. The plump pockets of pork and scalding hot soup topped with sesame and scallions are street food classics and Yang’s fries up the platonic ideal of a dumpling. For a warming meal on a cold day try HaiDiLao Hot Pot. At each of their locations around the city, guests cook their own soup right at the table so it’s totally customizable to discerning (picky?) palates. There’s also a fun little noodle dance, kid-friendly tableware, and a playground. For coffee, head to Sumerian!

Eateries

• Yang’s Fried Dumplings - many branches throughout Shanghai though—this one near People’s Square is especially famous
  • 97 Huanghe Road (near Fengyang Road), Shanghai
• Hen Jiu Yi Qian
  • B1, 167 Yincheng Road (near Jimo Road), Pudong District
  • 3/F, 1313 Dingxi Road (near Xuanhua Road), Changning District
  • No. 799 Shenchang Road, Building B, 1st Floor, Units 108–1114, Hongqiao Tianjie Mall
• Lao Ji Shi — various locations
• Gui Man Long  — various locations
• Da Dong (Peking Duck) — 3 locations
• The Cheesecake Factory — 3 locations

Coffee/Boba

• Manner Coffee
• Hey Tea
• Seesaw Coffee
• % Arabica
• 1diandian
• Chagee

Cafe/Brunch/Pastries

• Pain Chaud
• Luneurs
• Butterful & Creamorous, 1st floor of the Xintiandi Style Mall, Xintiandi, accessible via Subway Line 1 Exit 1 or Line 10 Exit 6
• Green & Safe, 1438 Hongqiao Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China, 200051
• Polux by Paul Pairet, North Alley-5, Lane 181, Taicang Road, Xintiandi area

High-End Dining

• Mercato by Jean Georges, 6th Floor, No. 3 The Bund (3 Zhongshan East 1st Road), www.jean-georges.com/restaurants/china/shanghai/mercato
• Mr & Mrs Bund by Paul Pairet, 6th Floor, No. 18 The Bund (18 Zhongshan East 1st Road), www.mmbund.com

Book Mr & Mrs Bund Here

Others:

• UnTour Shanghai, info@untourshanghai.com, untourfoodtours.com
• Yang’s Fry-Dumpling, No.269, Wujiang Road, F2, Huangpuhui, Shanghai, China, +86 21 6136 1391
• HaiDiLao Hot Pot, Various Locations, www.haidilao.com
• Sumerian, 415 Shanxi Bei Lu, Jing’an, Shanghai, China, +86 135 6475 5689, www.facebook.com/sumeriancoffee
• Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, 85 Yuyuan Lu, Yu Garden, Shanghai, +86 21 6355 4206

FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS, TODDLERS, TEENS IN SHANGHAI, CHINA

Start your trip to Shanghai with a ride up the Shanghai Tower for a stunning view of the city from the 128th floor. But, go on a clear day; otherwise, all you’ll see are clouds. Not far away is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium which houses a stunning collection of rare fish from around the world. The crowds can be thick, so avoid coming here on a weekend.

Explore the Bund on an early morning, taking in dancing grannies and tai chi practitioners, and kites soaring above the city. On a nice day, wander around Yu Yuan Garden in the Old Town where you can feed the fish, tour through shops selling curios various and sundry, and enjoy some xiao long bao at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.

Check out the Shanghai Acrobats ERA at Shanghai Circus World for a truly mind-blowing example of theater and athleticism. For Dinosaur fans, there’s the Shanghai Natural History Museum which boasts a life-sized mechanical dinosaur. Outside the museum is the Shanghai Sculpture Park which is worth a wander. It’s a great place to burn some energy and work up an appetite for lunch in the Jing’an District.

Wheely Bike Tours is a must. Cruise down tree-lined streets, explore quiet lanes of traditional Shanghai Shikumen and take in the stunning skyline while rolling through the city on two wheels. Wheely Bike Tours are a great way for families with bigger kids to get to know the heart and soul of Shanghai. The tour will take you through parks, past the charming old houses of the Former French Concession, through markets, and down little alleyways where real life in Shanghai is lived much as it was years ago.

Pudong District

• Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney with Chinese characteristics!  www.shanghaidisneyresort.com

Buy Tickets Here

• Shanghai Wild Animal Park - An urban safari experience! www.shwzoo.com
• Shanghai Haicheng Ocean Park, www.haichangoceanpark.com/en/home-en

Buy Tickets For Shanghai Haicheng Ocean Park Here

• China Maritime Museum, www.shmmc.com.cn/EnglishV2/Museum
• Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom, No. 1 Fenghe Road, Lujiazui, Shanghai,  www.shinsect.com
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium,  No 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, www.sh-aquarium.com

Buy Tickets Here

• Century Park, Jinxiu Road in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai
• Shanghai Tower, 479 Lujiazui Huan Lu, near Dongtai Lu, Lujiazui Residential District, Pudong, Shanghai, China. Opens 9am-9pm.

Buy Tickets For Shanghai Tower Here

Jinshan District

• LEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort, Fengjing, Jinshan District, Shanghai, China, 201605

Find Out More Here

Buy Tickets Here

Huangpu District

• Shanghai Starry Sky Art Museum, 3rd floor of Yuehui Plaza, No. 353 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Buy Tickets Here

• Yu Gardens, 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Buy Tickets Here

• Shanghai City God Temple, 249 Fangbang Zhong Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, 352 East Zhongshan No. 1 Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Huangpu River Cruise

Buy Tickets Here For Huang Pu River Cruise

Jing An District

• Shanghai Natural History Museum, 510 Beijing W Lu, Jing'an, Shanghai, China, +86 21 6862 2000, http://www.snhm.org.cn/
• Shanghai Mao Zedong Former Residence — Maoming North Rd

Xuhui District

• Former French Concession — Wukang Road

Putuo District

• Chang Feng Park, 451 Daduhe Rd, Putuo, Shanghai, China, 200062
• Legoland Discovery Center Shanghai, 196 Daduhe Rd, Putuo, Shanghai, China, 200062

Buy Tickets Here

Minhang District

• Qibao Ancient Town — 七莘路与富强街交叉口

Qingpu District

• Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, China, Shanghai, Qingpu District

Other Shanghai Adventures:

• Shanghai Insiders Tour - Explore the city from a motorcycle sidecar.  www.shanghaiinsiders.com
• MagLev - Take a trip to the airport at 300 kilometers per hour. www.smtdc.com/en/
• Bund Sightseeing Tour, website
• Natural Wild Insect Kingdom, website
• Century Park, website
• Shanghai World Financial Center Observation Desk, website
• Wheels Bike Tours, info@wheelybiketours.com, http://www.wheelybiketours.com
• Yu Yuan Garden, 137 Anren Jie, near Fuyou Lu, Old Town, Shanghai, +86 21 6326 0830
• Shanghai Circus World, 2266 Gonghe Xin Lu, Shanghai, http://www.era-shanghai.com

MUST-DOWNLOAD APPS WHEN TRAVELING WITH KIDS TO SHANGHAI, CHINA

When in Shanghai with kids, your phone becomes your ultimate travel buddy! From navigating bustling streets and booking day trips to finding the best local eats and staying connected, apps are the secret weapon for a smooth adventure in China’s megacity. With cashless payments, ride-hailing, social sharing, and even family-friendly attraction tips all packed into your phone, you’ll breeze through the city like a pro.

Here’s a handy list of must-download apps when traveling with kids to Shanghai—covering payment, shopping, navigation, and more.

• Alipay — While cash is still acceptable, most vendors go cashless. There are also 'mini apps' within Alipay where you can order food (饿了么), Didi Travel (for Uber), Hello Ride (to rent a bicycle to roam around), Air & Rail (to book air and rail tickets of if you decide to go to nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou for day trips).
• WeChat — Even though you can use WhatsApp with a roaming data plan, WeChat is still mainly used in China, especially if you need an alternative contact app.
• Little Red Book (小红书) XHS — Equivalent to IG/Tiktok. Most influencers recommend attractions on XHS so downloading it is your best bet!
• Dian Ping (点评) — Similar to XHS, this is more of a lifestyle app where you can find restaurant recommendations, attractions, hair/nail salons, etc.
• Didi — China’s version of Uber (you can use the mini app in Alipay too)
• Baidu Maps — China’s version of Google Maps
• Ctrip (携程旅行), China’s Trip.com (they own trip.com), to book flights, trains, and hotels.

TIPS AND TRICKS WHEN TRAVELING TO SHANGHAI, CHINA WITH KIDS

• Skip The Crowds: Try to avoid Shanghai during national holidays when tourist spots are jam-packed and public transport becomes overwhelming.

*DO NOT TRAVEL to China in the first 2 weeks of October which is the Golden Week holiday period. The country experiences extreme crowds and high travel demand, as millions of people take advantage of the holiday to visit family and tourist sites, leading to a very busy and potentially overwhelming experience.

• Best Times To Visit: Late September to early November is perfect—blue skies, pleasant weather, and fresh air. Spring is also a great option with mild temperatures, though do pack rain gear for sudden showers.
• Getting Around: The subway is cheap, fast, and covers the city well, but not always stroller-friendly. A lightweight, foldable stroller will make life much easier for carrying up and down stairs.
• Language Barrier: English isn’t widely spoken, especially with taxi drivers. Save your destinations in Chinese characters (screenshots work great!) and simply show them to your driver for a smooth ride.
• Internet & Apps: China’s Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, and many other sites. Install a VPN before you arrive. Google Maps won’t work without it, so Apple Maps or Baidu Maps are good alternatives.

*VPN recommendations? Astrill, Express VPN

• Health & Safety: Pharmacies can be tricky since most medicines are labeled only in Chinese. Pack a small first-aid kit with the essentials your family might need—just in case.