Shanghai With Kids

Today's little emperors have all sorts of fun options for activities, from parks and museums to restaurants. Free English-language magazines such as City Weekend devote pages and sometimes entire issues to kids.

Century Park. Run them ragged in this large green space with pedal cars, cycling, rollerblading, and boating. When they get tired, take a picnic in the designated areas.

Aquaria 21. Kids can go scuba diving in this huge underground theme park with an emphasis on sea life. There are also exhibits on animals like whales and penguins.

Oriental Pearl Tower. Kids can survey the endless sprawl from the space-aged, kitschy, pink "pearls" and then check out the History Museum on the bottom floor. There's a restaurant at the top for lunch with a view.

Science and Technology Museum. Walk through an indoor rain forest and check out the IMAX cinemas along with a wide range of hands-on activities. There are also changing exhibitions that are often free of charge.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre. Marvel at the extensive models of Shanghai. Kids particularly love the IMAX virtual tour of the city. There are various, if somewhat tacky, multimedia displays and lots of maps and photos. In the basement is a street scene from Old Shanghai with shops and cafés.

Bund Tourist Tunnel. Take a psychedelic trip under the river in clear pods and see a light show that includes strobes, lasers, and tinsel. It isn't quite what one expects under a river, but it's good for a giggle.

Shanghai Acrobats. Children are usually delighted to watch the performers twist themselves into all sorts of challenging positions, squeeze into barrels, and spin plates on sticks. Just make sure they don't try this at home.

Super Brand Mall Ice Rink. For the little Chen Lu, Shanghai's giant Super Brand Mall offers ice-skating, cinema, and restaurants. Parents can shop while the kids skate.

Dining with Kids

Now that many expat families are moving to Shanghai, restaurants beyond the usual American fast-food chains have become more child-friendly. Some now have playing areas or children's menus. Also, in many local restaurants, the waitstaff is more than happy to play with kids. Just keep in mind that toilets might be a little dodgy. Blue Frog, Mesa, and O'Malleys are some of the city's most child-friendly restaurants; many of the foreign restaurants on Hongmei Lu also accommodate kids.

Other Experiences Kids Love

Take the 911 double-decker bus down Huaihai Lu for a bird's-eye view of the town.

Go fast on the Maglev from Pudong.

Fly a kite in People's Square.

Visit the fish and the birds at the Bird and Flower Market.

Cook your own food at a hotpot restaurant.

Buy new clothes and toys in the Puan Lu Children's Market.