Shanghai Weekend Activities & Things to Do

Lujiazui Green Space

Enjoy a serene retreat amidst Shanghai's iconic skyscrapers at Lujiazui Central Green Space, offering beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and tranquil water features.

It's a great spot for leisure activities and admiring the stunning panoramic views of the city's skyline.

Suitable for all ages. Kids can run freely on the vast lawns and enjoy the open space. The park features a lake, sculptures, and plenty of seating. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.

The Bund Evening Stroll

Experience the magic of Shanghai with an evening stroll along The Bund.

Witness the historic colonial buildings illuminated on one side and the dazzling modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River. It's a quintessential Shanghai experience for the whole family.

Engaging for all ages, especially with the vibrant lights. Younger children might enjoy identifying famous buildings. Consider bringing a light jacket as it can be breezy. Duration: 1-1.5 hours, followed by dinner in the area.

Natural History Museum

Delve into the wonders of the natural world at the Shanghai Natural History Museum, housed in a nautilus-shell-shaped building within Jing'an Sculpture Park.

It features over 10,000 artifacts, including impressive dinosaur fossils and diverse animal specimens, offering an immersive educational experience. The museum is open with extended hours for the Spring Festival period.

Ideal for children aged 3-12 with interactive exhibits, 4D films (extra cost), and a focus on dinosaurs, evolution, and diverse ecologies. Children under 1.3m or 6 years old are free. Expect to spend 3-4 hours.

Indoor Play & Lunch

Enjoy lunch at Mini Mars Changning, a space-themed indoor play center that also features a family-friendly restaurant.

Kids can fuel up and then dive into various play zones including an ocean ball pool, sand pit, and trampolines, providing active fun.

Designed for families with diverse play zones suitable for toddlers to early teens. A dedicated baby zone is available. It's a great option for active kids, especially on a chilly or rainy day. Duration: 2-3 hours including lunch.

Science & Technology Museum

Explore the interactive exhibits at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, a large science education hall designed to spark curiosity.

Through various modern equipment and rich displays, families can learn about natural science and engage with hands-on activities.

Excellent for children aged 3-12, with many interactive zones covering topics from space to robotics. Children under 1.3m are free. Recommended duration: 2.5-3 hours.

Century Park Fun

Unwind at Century Park, Shanghai's largest urban park, offering vast lawns, tranquil lakes, and winding paths. Families can enjoy the fresh air, rent tandem bikes or paddleboats, or let children explore the playgrounds and open spaces.

Perfect for burning off energy before dinner. Kids will love the playgrounds and green spaces. You can rent bikes (extra cost) or just enjoy a leisurely walk. Free entry for children under 1.2m. The park is open 24 hours.

Children's Museum Fun

Visit the Shanghai Children's Museum, China's first children's museum, dedicated to providing engaging and educational content for children aged 3-10.

Kids can explore a space room, ocean room, play musical instruments, and utilize the playground.

Highly interactive exhibits perfect for younger children, fostering curiosity and discovery. Features include an ocean vessel simulator and a life-size submarine model. General entry is free, though some specific activities may have a small fee (CNY 20-50). Duration: 2-3 hours.

Shanghai Zoo Animals

Spend the afternoon at Shanghai Zoo, a large metropolitan zoological garden home to over 6,000 animals, including giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and various other species from around the world.

It offers a spacious and visitor-friendly environment for a family outing.

Engaging for all children who love animals. The zoo is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Stroller rentals are available. Kids under 1.3m or 6 years old enter for free. Duration: 2-3 hours.

Children's Library Reading

Wind down the weekend at the Shanghai Children's Library, a cultural hub offering a vast collection of books and a comfortable reading environment.

The library often hosts various engaging and interactive activities for different age groups, promoting a love for reading and learning.

Ideal for children aged 4-16. It's a peaceful indoor activity, perfect for relaxation and quiet exploration. Check their official channels for any specific storytime or workshops during your visit. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.