9 Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Shanghai for Family Fun ❤️

Shanghai’s vibrant energy is perfect for families, but sometimes you need a day trip to spark joy for kids and parents alike. From thrilling amusement parks to serene water towns and animal adventures, these 9 destinations, all easily accessible by metro or high-speed rail, offer unforgettable experiences for children of all ages. Each spot blends fun, learning, and relaxation, with practical details to make your family outing a breeze. Dive into these kid-friendly escapes and discover Shanghai’s surrounding treasures! 1️⃣ Shanghai Disneyland: A Magical Wonderland In Pudong, Shanghai Disneyland dazzles with classic Disney magic, featuring eight themed lands: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Disney Pixar Toy Story Land, and Zootopia. The Enchanted Storybook Castle, the tallest Disney castle worldwide, anchors the park with its princess-themed grandeur, housing dining and character meet-and-greets. Vibrant parades like Mickey’s Storybook Express and nightly fireworks captivate all ages, while rides like TRON Lightcycle Power Run thrill teens and Hunny Pot Spin delights toddlers. ❤️Ride the family-friendly Dumbo the Flying Elephant, explore Treasure Cove’s pirate ship play area, or enjoy one of the fantastic live performance shows. 🚝 Getting There: Take Metro Line 11 to Disney Resort Station, about 1 hour from central Shanghai. Follow signs for a 5-minute walk to the park entrance. 2️⃣ Changzhou's China Dinosaur Land: Jurassic Excitement In Changzhou, Jiangsu, China Dinosaur Land (often called Changzhou Dinosaur Park) is a thrilling blend of education and entertainment, open year-round with a seasonal water park in summer (June–August). Just under an hour by high-speed rail, it features the China Dinosaur Museum with real fossils like Sinosauropteryx, plus rides like the 4D Dinoconda roller coaster and Dinotoon’s kid-friendly attractions. The summer-only Jurassic Water Park features slides, splash zones, and water play areas designed for kids. ❤️ Tour the museum’s dinosaur skeletons, ride the rollercoasters, or splash in Dino Water Town’s water slides 🚝 Getting There: Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Changzhou North Station, then a 15-minute taxi to 60 Hehai Road, Xinbei District. 3️⃣ Shanghai Wild Animal Park: Safari Thrills In Songjiang, this vast park is home to over 200 species, comprising more than 10,000 animals in total, including pandas, tigers, and giraffes, providing a safari-like experience. Bus tours through open enclosures provide safe animal sightings, while a children’s zoo with petting areas engages younger visitors. The chance to see rare animals up close, combined with interactive zones, creates a thrilling yet safe adventure for animal-loving families. ❤️ Hop on a guided bus tour to spot tigers, feed animals in the children’s zoo, or watch a live animal performance. 🚝 Getting There: Take Metro Line 16 from Longyang Road Station to Shanghai Wild Animal Park Station (上海野生动物园站). 4️⃣ Tongli Water Town: Gentle Canal Adventures In Jiangsu, near Suzhou, Tongli is a 1,000-year-old water town with picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and the UNESCO-listed Tuisi Garden. Its calm atmosphere and family-friendly activities offer a cultural escape about 1 hour from Shanghai. Gentle boat rides and explorable gardens provide a relaxing outing that introduces kids to Chinese history in a fun and accessible way. ❤️Glide along canals on a rowboat, explore Tuisi Garden’s pavilions, or enjoy snacks at canal-side cafes. 🚝 Getting There: Take a direct tourist bus from Shanghai Stadium or People’s Square — it drops you at Tongli’s entrance in 1.5 hours, no transfers. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Suzhou and a taxi to Tongli from there. 5️⃣ Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park: Underwater Wonders In Pudong, this marine-themed park combines an aquarium with amusement rides, featuring penguins, dolphins, and sharks in underwater tunnels. Live shows and attractions like the Polar Express roller coaster cater to all ages. The blend of marine education and thrilling rides creates a dynamic experience for families, with interactive shows sparking kids’ curiosity. ❤️ Watch the dolphin performance, explore the Shark Infinity tunnel, or ride the family-friendly Merry-Go-Fish. 🚝Getting There: Take Metro Line 7 to Lingang New City Station (about 1.5 hours from central Shanghai), then ride the free shuttle bus (5 mins) to the park entrance. Summer/holidays offer extended hours with night shows. 6️⃣ Suzhou: Gardens and Cultural Delights In Jiangsu, just 30 minutes by high-speed rail, Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed classical gardens and historic streets offer a cultural adventure. The Humble Administrator’s Garden (arrive early to avoid crowds) and the shops along Pingjiang Road offer spaces for children to roam and parents to soak in history while enjoying serene landscapes. ❤️ Stroll the Humble Administrator’s Garden, take a canal boat ride, or visit the Suzhou Silk Museum for hands-on weaving demos. 🚝 Getting There: Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Suzhou Station, then a taxi or Metro Line 4 to Gusu District. 7️⃣ Shanghai Greenhouse Garden: Nature’s Modern Marvel In the Shanghai World Expo Culture Park, Pudong, this cutting-edge attraction features three pavilions—Coastal Adventure (featuring tropical plants and a baobab tree), Cloudy Forest (featuring a misty 35m waterfall), and Desert Secret (featuring arid flora)—showcasing global ecosystems through zero-carbon design. Opened in 2024, its zero-energy design and interactive exhibits make it a standout. ❤️ Explore the Cloudy Forest’s suspended trails, Coastal Adventure’s baobab, or join a terrarium-making session. 🚝 Getting There: Take Metro Line 13 to World Expo Museum Station (10-minute walk). Book timed-entry tickets online in advance! 8️⃣ Hangzhou: West Lake and Temple Magic In Zhejiang (45–60 mins by high-speed rail), Hangzhou’s UNESCO West Lake and Lingyin Temple offer serene boat rides and ancient rock carvings. Tea plantations add cultural depth. ❤️ Cruise West Lake (book boats online), explore Lingyin’s grottoes, or tour a tea farm. 🚝 Getting There: Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou Station (best for West Lake) or Hangzhou East, then taxi/Metro Line 1 to sites. 9️⃣ Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Ancient Charm Near Shanghai In Qingpu District, about 1 hour by metro or car from central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is a 1,700-year-old water town known as “Shanghai’s Venice” for its picturesque canals, stone bridges, and Ming-Qing Dynasty architecture. The town’s Kezhi Garden and Fangsheng Bridge offer a cultural experience, with serene waterways and historic streets creating a magical, time-travel vibe that captivates kids and parents, providing a contrast to urban Shanghai. ❤️ Take a gondola ride along the canals, explore Kezhi Garden’s pavilions, or try zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) at North Street’s food stalls. 🚝 Getting There: Take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station (Exit 1; 15-minute walk). Buses from Shanghai South Station run four times a day. These destinations are family-friendly treasures—dive into the fun for a day of laughter and memories! Search "Shanghai" to get more ideas and travel tips from our Local Guide! #shanghaifamilytrips #shanghaidaytrip #chinatravel #localguides #shanghai