Shanghai with Kids

Shanghai with Kids

While in the past, there was little in the way of entertainment catered especially to children, today's little emperors have all sorts of fun options for activities. From parks and museums to restaurants that cater to kids, yours will be begging to stay.

Century Park. Run them ragged in this large green space with pedal cars, cycling, and boating. When they get tired, take a picnic in the designated areas. Alternatively, pack the rollerblades as the paths are perfect for cruising.

Aquaria 21. Kids can even go scuba diving in this huge underground theme park with an emphasis on sea life. There are also exotic exhibits such as whales and penguins.

Oriental Pearl Tower. It's appealingly space-age, and kids can survey the endless sprawl of Shanghai from the kitschy pink "pearls," and then check out the History Museum below. There's a restaurant at the top for lunch with a view.

Science and Technology Museum. Walk through an indoor rain forest and check out the IMAX cinemas along with a wide range of hands-on activities. There are also changing exhibitions that are often free of charge.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. Marvel at the extensive models of Shanghai. Kids particularly love the IMAX virtual tour of the city. There are various, if somewhat tacky, multimedia displays and lots of maps and photos. In the basement is a street scene from Old Shanghai with shops and cafés.

Bund Tourist Tunnel. Take a psychedelic trip under the river in clear pods and see a light show that includes strobes, lasers, and tinsel. It isn't quite what one expects under a river, but it's good for a giggle.

Shanghai Acrobats. Children are usually delighted to watch the performers twist themselves into all sorts of challenging positions, squeeze into barrels, and spin plates on sticks. Just make sure they don't try this at home.

SuperBrand Mall Ice Rink. For the little Chen Lu, Shanghai's giant Super Brand Mall offers ice skating, cinema, and loads of restaurants. Even better is that parents can go shopping while their offspring spin around the ice.

Dining with Kids

Now that many expats are moving to Shanghai with their families, restaurants beyond the usual American fast food chains have cottoned on to the idea that they need to be child-friendly. Some now have playing areas or at least children's menus. Also, in many local restaurants, the wait staff is more than happy to play with kids. Just keep in mind that toilets might be a little dodgy. Blue Frog, Mesa, O'Malleys and Mimosa Supper Club are some of the city's most child-friendly restaurants.

Other Experiences Kids Love

Take the 911 double-decker bus down Huaihai Lu for a bird's-eye view of the town

Go fast on the Maglev from Pudong

Fly a kite in People's Square

Visit the fish and the birds at the Bird and Flower Market

Cook your own food at a hotpot restaurant

Buy new clothes and toys in the Puan Lu Children's Market