Shanghai gives families a scale of ambition that few cities match, where Shanghai Disneyland anchors one end of the experience and a gondola ride through Zhujiajiao's 36-bridge water town sits at the other. The city's history runs deep beneath the modern skyline: the 1933 Old Millfun, a converted Art Deco slaughterhouse in Hongkou, is the kind of discovery that makes exploring off the main tourist routes feel worthwhile. For soup dumplings, Jia Jia Tang Bao near People's Square has been running the same family recipe since 1986, and the queues are part of the ritual. Download Alipay before you arrive because cash is genuinely rare in the city now, and the metro Jiaotong Card handles everything else from day one. FamiVentura's Shanghai guide covers 15 picks across activities, food, hidden discoveries, and excursions, plus 2-day and 5-day itineraries, a neighbourhood guide, and a survival guide for a city that rewards families who look beyond the Bund.
These itineraries are designed to give your family a feel for what the city has to offer when you don't have fixed plans. Think of them as a starting point: swap in your favorite picks from our guides, add that restaurant a friend recommended, or skip a stop to linger somewhere you love.
Day 1
Riverside Walks and Quiet Afternoons
Begin with a gentle riverside walk, return for a midday nap, then visit a neighbourhood park and neighbourhood park. Early dinner wraps up the day. This rhythm prioritizes rest and prevents the overstimulation that unravels toddler evenings.
09:00
The Bund Riverside Promenade Walk
activity
90 min
Start at the south end of the Bund (near Jing'an Park) and walk north along the riverside promenade. The 1.5km walk is flat, wide, and stroller-perfect. The Huangpu River is on one side, colonial buildings on the other. Toddlers enjoy the steady movement (lulls them toward sleep), river sounds, and spotting boats. Stop at benches every 15 minutes. The promenade is safe and open. Bring bread to feed ducks if there's a suitable spot.
10:30
Brunch at Riverside Cafe
food
60 min
From the Bund walk
Stop at a riverside cafe with outdoor seating and high chairs. Order simple brunch: yogurt, fruit, soft pastries. Toddlers can nibble finger foods while you enjoy coffee. The pace is relaxed. Many cafes have high chairs or changing tables. River views provide pleasant background for feeding.
13:30
Century Park Toddler Playground
activity
90 minutes
15-minute taxi from The Bund
Century Park is the largest park in Pudong and the toddler playground near Gate 7 has soft-ground equipment sized for under-fives. The park itself is flat, shaded by mature trees, and has a lake with pedal boats (though these work better for kids over 4). The lawns are perfect for crawling, walking practice, or just sitting on a blanket with snacks. There's a small café near the south gate. The park charges a nominal entry fee but it's worth it for the space and shade.
Day-by-day itineraries (2-day and 5-day)
The full Shanghai guide includes 78+ picks, 2-day & 5-day itineraries, and personalized PDFs to share with family and friends.
One-time purchase. Yours forever.
FamiVentura
Shanghai
Family travel guide for every age
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14:30
Jing'an Sculpture Park Visit
activity
90 min
Short taxi from hotel (10 mins)
After nap, take a short trip to Jing'an Sculpture Park, a peaceful open space with modern sculptures, walking paths, and benches. The park is flat, shaded, and family-friendly. Toddlers enjoy the open space, sculptures to observe, and room to run safely. Bring a snack and water. The pace is completely relaxed. This is gentle outdoor time without structure.