I’ll be honest with you, when someone first suggested we take our toddler to Shanghai, I laughed.

A massive Chinese megacity. A kid who naps at unpredictable times. A husband with an optimistic idea of how far we can walk before someone melts down.

But after two weeks in Shanghai with our little one, I’m here to tell you it’s one of the most surprisingly family-friendly cities in Asia — once you know how it actually works.

This is our real itinerary. Not the Instagram version. The one with the detours, the nap reschedules, and the moment my kid decided the Chocolate Museum was the greatest place on earth.

Let’s dive in,

Nic x

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Why Shanghai Actually Works with Kids

Before we get into the day-by-day, here’s why Shanghai kept surprising us:

• The metro is spotless, stroller-friendly, and has elevators at most stations. Kids under 150cm travel free with an adult.
• Alipay handles almost everything — skip the paper ticket queues entirely.
• The city is genuinely walkable between major areas, with wide footpaths and plenty of shaded spots.
• Food options for fussy eaters are everywhere — McDonalds, local dumplings, and everything in between.
• English signage is solid in tourist areas. You won’t feel lost.

Now let’s get into it.

The 5-Day Shanghai Family Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, Settle, and Explore the Bund

Don’t try to do too much on arrival day. Check in, get your Alipay sorted if you haven’t already, and take a slow walk down to the Bund at sunset.

The Bund is free, spectacular, and completely manageable with a pram. The skyline across the Huangpu River at dusk is one of those moments that makes you remember why you travel.

• Walk the Bund promenade (allow 1 hour)
• Cross to Pudong via the ferry (2 RMB — the cheapest view in Asia)
• Dinner at the Bund area — plenty of Western options if the kids need familiar food on Day 1

Day 2: Shanghai Disneyland — The Honest Review

Right. Let’s talk about Disneyland.

🎥 Check out my YouTube video on how to make the most of your day at Disneyland Shanghai here.

Day 3: The Chocolate Museum + People’s Square

This was supposed to be a low-key day. Then we found the Chocolate Museum and lost three hours.

The Choco-Story Shanghai is genuinely interactive — kids can make their own chocolate and the exhibits are hands-on enough to hold a toddler’s attention. It’s not huge, but it’s a perfect half-day.

Pair it with a walk through People’s Square and the Shanghai Museum (free, air-conditioned, and has a kids’ section).

Day 4: Yu Garden + Xintiandi

Day 5: French Concession + Departure

The French Concession is Shanghai at its most charming — tree-lined streets, independent cafes, boutique shops. A slow morning wander before heading to the airport.

Take the Maglev from Pudong Airport. Even if you’re not flying from there, the train journey at 430km/h is worth a detour for the kids alone.

What to Pack for Shanghai with Kids

Beyond the obvious (nappies, snacks, wipes, patience), here’s what we actually used:

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Shanghai With Kids

Q: Is Shanghai stroller-friendly?
A: Major attractions and public transportation are generally accessible, but some older areas may have uneven surfaces.

Q: Are there child-friendly dining options?
A: Yes, many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and high chairs.

Q: What’s the best way to get around?
A: DiDi is convenient for families, and the metro system is efficient and affordable.Final Thoughts

Q: Is Shanghai Safe for Families Traveling With Kids?
A: This is the MOST asked question about traveling to Shanghai with kids. The answer is yes. Shanghai is incredibly safe to travel with children. A lot of China is. Shanghai has low violent crime rates, good transport and an overall family-friendly culture.

Is Shanghai Worth it With Kids?

Yes. A thousand times yes.

It’s one of those cities that feels overwhelming on paper and completely manageable the moment you arrive. The infrastructure is excellent, the food is incredible, and two weeks in we were genuinely sad to leave.

Book it. You won’t regret it.

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