We don't know about you but there's only so many times you can go to the park or Jump 360 before you all confess, "I'm bored!". Lucky for you, we've scoured the city (and dug deep in our network) to present a wide variety of family-friendly activities and events happening this August. From movies to immersive exhibitions, sports activities, fairs, rollercoasters and more, you might just be the perfect day out idea!
Here are our top favourites:
Summer Blasts and Sensational Treats at Shanghai Disney Resort
If there's one thing we wouldn't miss out on this summer it's a trip to Shanghai Disney. Thanks to controlled ticket sales and lack of tourists flocking to the city, queues for the resort's delightful range of family-friendly rides are shorter than ever. And if the thought of waiting for your turn to ride Tron (arguably the resort's best, most thrilling ride) in the heat has you keeling over with figurative heatstroke, be sure to watch the Summer Blast Castle Show – a splashtastic performance featuring all your favourite characters grooving to the tune "Gonna get wet, gonna get wet!". Be aware, you will get soaked – but in this heat, you’re gonna need it!
To further chill-lax and satisfy sweet cravings, we recommend trying one of the new summer-inspired gelatos, like the cute and creative Watermelon Ice-Cream Sundae, Olu Mel Honeymelon Ice-Cream Waffle Cone, or the Mickey Sea Salted Cheese Ice-Cream Waffle Cone. Although, nothing beats a gooey chocolate cookie from Remy’s Patisserie. Before you clock off and head to The Cheesecake Factory for a ginormous burger/nachos, wander through the resort's night market in Disneytown offering all sorts of knick-knacks, delicious snacks, live music performances, plus on the spot caricatures.
Where: Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong District
When: Night Market on until the end of August
How to book: www.shanghaidisneyresort.com
Shanghai Family Student Voices
Calling all mini David Attenboroughs and environmental activists! Shanghai Family and Parents&Kids is hosting a brand new platform for students to vocalise their thoughts on the future of our planet. To enter, record a 60-second video detailing a problem and proposed solution to editor@shfamily.com by 9th August 2020.
Dulwich 'Earthquakes' 2020/21 trials
The designated event for all footie fans! This August, the San Jose Earthquakes are proud to partner with Dulwich College International to deliver a football camp like no other. Through player development and academic achievement, the Quakes organization hopes to nurture not only a student’s love of football but also the ability to transfer skills learned on the field into their academic and personal lives.
When: 27th – 29th August/28th-30th August
Where: Golden Bridge Field, Lan’An Road, Biyun Road (behind Jinqiao Starbucks and Jinqiao Decathlon)
How to join: Visit http://dulwichpudong.mikecrm.com/cEXAwXU
For more info, contact Dulwich - DEQ@dulwich-shanghai.cn
Age: 8-18
Hutong School Kids and Teens Summer Camp
Keep your kids busy with this fun and educational summer experience at this Kids & Teens Summer Camp from Hutong School. Participants will learn lots about Chinese culture, improve their Mandarin with daily classes and cultural activities, all the while making new friends!
Where: 969 Wuding Road, Jing'an District
When: Now-8th August, 3rd-15th August
Price: Starting from 4,900 RMB
Duration: 1 or 2 weeks
Age: 7-17
How to book: 021 3428 0099
UnTour First Annual Jianbing Cook-Off
Is your tween obsessed with jianbing and can't get enough? Join UnTour, Shanghai’s greatest food touring group, as they dare local expat food wizards to produce the best ever jianbing in a head to head, Shanghai shifu challenge. Be sure not to eat before you go as there will be nine stations to sample… and you will be expected to vote on your favourite, so don’t be shy. There will also be discounts on all kinds of jianbing merch – hell to the yes!
Where: Cages, 3F, 428 Jiangning Road, near Wuding Road
When: Saturday 8th August, 11am
Price: 100 RMB per person
How to book/more details: WeChat - UnTourFoodTours
Live Green Love Eco Pop-up
Browse 15+ natural, sustainable brands at this pop up promoting eco-consciousness and sustainability. An engaging, diverse range of zero-waste activities, DIY, work-out sessions and eco fun learning experiences, perfect for families!
When: Now-2nd August, 10am-10pm
Where: LifeHub@Upbund, 917 Zhoujiazui Road, HongKou District, near Zhoushan Road
Price: Free
Hans Christian Andersen Awards of IBBY 50th Anniversary Exhibition
The Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international recognition given to an author and an illustrator of children's books. This exhibit features 328 whimsical and gorgeous original artworks from 26 Hans Christian Andersen Award recipients.
When: Now-31st August, 10am-10pm
Where: THE PLACE, 100 Zunyi Road, Changning District
Price: 88 RMB per person, 159 RMB for 2. Free entry for one child under 1 metre when accompanied by a ticket paying adult.
Original Illustration Exhibition of Chen Bochui International Children's Literature Award: Fifth Anniversary Special Exhibition
One of the longest-running literary prizes in China, the Chen Bochui International Children's Literature Award was founded by Shanghainese children's writer, Chen BoChui, to honour writers and illustrators who have made great contributions to Chinese children's literature. This exhibition features 300+ works from 20+ different countries that are sure to inspire you and your kids.
When: Now - 23rd August, 12pm-6pm
Where: Duounxuan Art Gallery, 1188 Tianyaoqiao Road, Xuhui District
Price: 98 RMB/ adult ticket, 78 RMB/ child ticket (ages 3-12)
The Starry Gallery of Shanghai
This gallery consists of a series of magically decorated rooms, elaborate hanging light displays, mirror tunnels, and feathered walls. Perfect for snapping the latest additions to your family photo album or your WeChat moments!
When: Open daily, 10am-6pm on weekdays, 10am-8pm on weekends & holidays
Where: Shanghai Starry Art Museum, B2, 531 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District
Price: Adults: 68 RMB, couples: 135 RMB, or 125 RMB for a family ticket (1 adult + 1 child, 1.2-1.5m in height), free entry for children under 1.2m
How to book: Dianping, 247tickets
All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum
A charming spot for a leisurely weekend lunch or brunch with your family. Features a delectable array of Cantonese desserts, soup, and savoury platters – ideal for foodies!
When: Daily, 11:30am-2:30pm
Where: Ming Yuan Chinese Restaurant, 2F, Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund, 19 Gong Ping Road
Price: 198 RMB/person
How to book: Dianping, 247tickets
Live Boston Lobster Seafood Dinner Buffet
Who doesn’t love a bit of lobster! This hearty meal of freshly prepared Boston lobsters and other seafoods is the perfect way to treat the family. Be sure to check out their delicious selection of desserts and tastes from a variety of world cuisines.
When: Now till 26th September, Fridays-Saturdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: The Atrium Café, 1F, The KunLun Jing’an, 250 Hua Shan Road, Jing'an District
Price: 238 RMB per person, 148 RMB per child (aged 7-12)
Magic Jungle
Are you and the kids sports addicts? Check out this challenging obstacle course made up of climbing nets, trapezes, climbing walls, twisting slides, and much more! Be sure to confirm that you and your family are in good medical and physical condition before arrival. All staff trained in emergency training, and harnesses are provided. Lockers are available.
When: Now-30th September, 12pm -7pm
Where: Magic Jungle, Shanggang Cruise City, 500 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District
Price: 90-236 RMB per person, Kids Course 150-168 RMB per person
Restrictions: Due to the nature of this course, the Magic Jungle is not open to those under 140cm and weighing over 80kg. Those with cardiovascular or other medical conditions should proceed with caution.
Kayaking Summer Camp
This Summer, Insight Adventures is offering an adventure learning and expedition style summer camp. This 5-day training course focuses on teaching children how to develop advanced kayaking skills and improving their social and communication skills all while navigating challenging, soaktastic outdoor activities. All meals, activities, accommodation, and transportation are included. What better way to have your young Bear Grylls surround themselves with nature.
Where: Haiwan Forest National Park, 1677 Suitanghe Road
When: 17th August
Price: 6,580 RMB
How to book: insight-adventures.com/WeChat – Insight_Adventures
Age: 12 – 18
In Cinemas
A Dog's Purpose
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Purpose has returned to Shanghai's cinemas! This funny and heartwarming film tells the story of one devoted dog who, through many reincarnations and lifetimes, tries to find the meaning of his own existence.
When: starting 20th July
Where: Cinemas across Shanghai
Price: Avg - 15-25 RMB/person
Rating: PG
A Dog's Journey
The story of Bailey, the canine protagonist in A Dog's Purpose, continues in this heartrending sequel. As in A Dog's Purpose, Bailey reincarnates through a number of different lifetimes and breeds as he strives to better the lives of the humans he loves.
When: Now
Where: Cinemas across Shanghai
Price: Avg - 20-35 RMB/ person
Rating: PG
Coco
Shanghai cinemas are reopening with a rerun of this touching animated film about a 12-year-old musician who goes on an unforgettable journey into the Underworld. Whether it's your family's first time watching or the fifth, this movie is sure to make you laugh and cry and walk out of the cinema smiling.
Where: Cinemas across Shanghai
Price: Avg 10 -50 RMB/person
Rating: PG
Zootopia
Coming back to the cinemas starting on July 24th, Zootopia is the hilarious adventures of a bunny cop and a foxy outlaw trying to bring peace and harmony to the animal citizens of Zootopia.
Where: Cinemas across Shanghai
Price: Avg - 15-50 RMB/person
Rating: PG