Planning a trip to Shanghai China with kids is one of the easiest ways to introduce your family to China: the city is modern, safe by big-city standards, stroller-friendly, and packed with theme parks, museums, and green spaces that children genuinely enjoy.[2][5] As a Singapore-based travel and property researcher who has visited Shanghai repeatedly from Changi with my own kids, this Shanghai China with Kids: Family Travel Guide focuses on what Singaporean families and international visitors really need to know—safety, convenience, and value—while also helping you connect the experience to longer-term lifestyle or investment plans in Asia with Homejourney.
This article is a focused cluster guide within Homejourney’s broader Asia lifestyle and relocation content, and links back to our main pillar on Shanghai travel and living Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney .
Why Visit Shanghai China with Kids
Shanghai is one of the most family-friendly cities in China: metro stations have lifts in most major hubs, pavements in central districts like People’s Square and Lujiazui are wide and stroller-friendly, and attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland, museums, zoos and parks are designed with children in mind.[2][5] From Singapore, the direct flight is around 5–6 hours, which is manageable even with preschoolers—similar to flying to Seoul but shorter than many Europe routes. The city also offers a good mix of modern comforts (clean public toilets in malls, cashless payments) and authentic Chinese culture through water towns, old streets and local food.[2][4]
Best time to visit:
- March–May (spring): Pleasant 15–25°C, flowers in parks; light jackets needed.
- September–early November (autumn): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures; my top pick if you’re coming from humid Singapore.
- Avoid peak summer (July–August) if your kids struggle with heat and crowds; temperatures can exceed 35°C and popular attractions get packed.[4][8]
Getting there from Singapore: Major carriers like Singapore Airlines and China Eastern usually operate direct flights between Changi and Shanghai Pudong (PVG); budget carriers sometimes fly to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA). Flight time is typically around 5 hours 15 minutes non-stop, which most school‑age kids tolerate well with one meal and an in‑flight movie.
Currency and payments: Shanghai uses the Chinese yuan (CNY). Most tourist-facing outlets accept Visa/Mastercard, but QR-code payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are extremely common.[8] For Singapore-based families, it’s usually cheaper to exchange SGD to CNY in Singapore (e.g., at Raffles Place or People’s Park) before departure rather than at the airport. Homejourney also supports CNY within our tools to help you compare Shanghai trip budgets or property prices against Singapore dollars when you start considering investments.
Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Shanghai
Here are the core things to do in Shanghai with children, based on repeat trips and cross-checked with recent family travel guides.[1][2][5]
1. Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland is a headline Shanghai attraction for families and is consistently rated one of the city’s top kid-friendly experiences.[1][2][5] It features the world’s largest Disney castle, unique rides like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, plus gentler areas for younger kids.[1][4]
- Location: Pudong, about 30–40 minutes by taxi from Lujiazui (traffic-dependent).
- Tickets: Dynamic pricing (roughly ¥400–¥800 per adult depending on date; kids discounted). Pre-book online and avoid mainland public holidays for shorter queues.
- Insider tip from a Singapore parent: Treat the day like a full Sentosa + USS day—arrive at opening, plan a midday rest in the shade or at a café, then stay for the nighttime castle show.
2. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Right beside the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is famous for having one of the world’s longest underwater viewing tunnels, with over 400 marine species.[2] Primary-school kids especially love the China Zone showcasing Yangtze River species and unusual animals like salamanders.
- Best for: Half-day visit combined with The Bund or Lujiazui skyline viewing.
- Stroller note: Elevators are available but can be busy on weekends; baby carriers are convenient inside.
3. Shanghai Zoo
The Shanghai Zoo is a classic family outing spot, housing around 5,000 animals including giant pandas, South China tigers, golden monkeys and Yangtze alligators.[2] If your kids love animals but you don’t have time to visit Chengdu, this is a practical panda option within the city.
4. Science & Nature Museums
For rainy or colder days, Shanghai’s museums are excellent and very educational.[2][5]
- Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: 11 themed halls, including World of Robots and Space Navigation, designed for hands-on learning.[2]
- Shanghai Natural History Museum: More than 11,000 exhibits covering dinosaurs, fossils and global ecosystems—kids can follow recommended trails for easier understanding.[2]
5. The Bund & Huangpu River Cruise
The Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront, with 52 historic buildings in different styles facing the futuristic Pudong skyline.[2][5] For kids, the simplest formula is:
- Visit in the late afternoon.
- Take a short Huangpu River cruise to see the lights switch on.
- End with supper nearby to avoid overtired meltdowns.
6. Zhujiajiao Water Town & Century Park
Zhujiajiao, called the “Venice of Shanghai”, is an easy family day trip with boat rides, bridges and temple visits; it gives kids a glimpse of old China without long travel days.[2] Inside the city, Century Park offers cycling, kites, boating and picnic lawns—very similar to an afternoon at Singapore’s East Coast Park but with lakes and landscaped gardens.[2]
For a broader list of things to do Shanghai, cross-check this guide with Homejourney’s pillar article Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney .
Practical Travel Tips for Families
Visa & Entry
Visa rules for China change periodically, and some nationalities may benefit from visa-free transit schemes.[8] Always verify the latest requirements with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore or your home country’s foreign ministry before booking. Singapore citizens may need a visa for most standard tourist stays; use only official channels or reputable visa centers recommended by the embassy.
Getting Around Shanghai with Kids
Shanghai’s metro is one of the most convenient ways to move around: stations are clearly signed in English, and most have escalators and lifts, especially in central lines.[2][4]
- Metro: Cost-effective, typically a few yuan per ride; avoid 8–9am and 5–7pm rush hours with young kids.[2]
- Taxis & ride-hailing: Metered taxis are widely available; ride-hailing through local apps can be more convenient but may require local payment methods.[8]
- Walking: Distances between key downtown attractions (e.g., Nanjing Road to The Bund) are manageable—15–20 minutes—but consider a stroller for under-7s.
Safety Considerations
Shanghai is generally safe for families, with low violent crime rates in tourist districts, but you still need basic big-city precautions.[5][8]
- Agree a meeting point at each attraction in case you get separated.
- Use hotel business cards (in Chinese) in your kids’ pockets for taxis back if they get lost.
- In busy areas like Nanjing Road or The Bund at night, hold hands or use a child wristband.
- Drink bottled or boiled water; be cautious with raw street food for very young children.
Homejourney’s core values—verification, transparency and safety—carry into our travel content: we recommend cross-checking attraction opening hours and ticket prices on official sites before visiting, as conditions can change.
Money-Saving Tips
- Visit big-ticket attractions (Disneyland, aquarium) on weekdays outside Chinese school holidays to avoid surge pricing.
- Use the metro instead of taxis for medium distances; it’s usually faster and cheaper.[4][8]
- Have breakfast or simple dinners in local noodle shops rather than hotel restaurants for substantial savings.
