Stroll Through Night Parks
As temperatures rise day by day, daytime parks under the scorching sun become deserted, but when evening comes and the heat fades, a whole new scene emerges. This summer, many parks are open 24 hours, and plenty extend their hours until 9:00 PM.
Nighttime park access is available across all districts—just pick one close to home. Don’t forget to bring a fan to waft some air and, of course, apply mosquito repellent. Here are just a few parks with special features:
Zhongshan Park boasts huge camphor trees, a vast lawn, blooming lotus flowers these days, and a dedicated children’s play area;
Huangpu Park is actually quite small—just a small green space—but its location is great, right near Waibaidu Bridge, with high green coverage, making it a perfect resting spot after a walk along the Bund;
Xujiahui Park lets you stroll along the covered bridge and watch the swans;
Hongqiao Park has a lush green lawn full of life, with wide-open space ideal for flying remote-controlled airplanes;
Jing’an Sculpture Park is lovely—a rare green space in the city center that connects with the Shanghai Natural History Museum. The park features winding paths and a section that resembles a Japanese dry landscape garden. Kids can run along the corridors while parents relax on benches;
Mengqingyuan Park by the Suzhou River is a water-themed park that also has a children’s playground. It’s great for flower viewing, fish watching, and leisurely strolls.
Catch an Open-Air Movie
Watching open-air movies is such a nostalgic activity. Back when I was a kid, every summer my neighborhood community (or more accurately, street committee) would screen outdoor films. Everyone would bring little stools, watch the movie, and try to swat away mosquitoes—it feels like such a distant memory. These days, kids from the 2000s and 2010s have probably never even seen one. This summer, Shanghai has brought back open-air movies, but apparently on the opening night on July 1st, there were only 20 audience members at the square park... pretty quiet...
I checked the screening schedule—movies like *Zootopia*, *Finding Mr. Right*, and *The Imitation Game* are fairly recent. The green spaces and parks curate their film selections thoughtfully, and many have added animated films this year to attract children.
iKids tip: Open-air movies are shown at People’s Park, Jing’an Park, Haishu Green Square, Changshou Park, Quyang Park, and Yanchun Park, with showtimes around 6:30–7:00 PM.
Ride a Ferris Wheel
Location: Jinjiang Amusement Park, 201 Hongmei Road
Ticket Price: Single ticket with 6 rides + Ferris wheel for 118 RMB
The Ferris wheel at Jinjiang Amusement Park used to be my favorite—it was once the only amusement park in Shanghai. Now with Disneyland and Legoland around, hardly anyone remembers Jinjiang Amusement Park. But going there at night is still pretty nice. In addition to the Ferris wheel, there are plenty of retro rides, and thrill rides like the log flume are especially perfect for summer. It’s easy to have a blast with your little ones ^_^
Of course, there’s also a Ferris wheel at Joy City, but that mall focuses on a romantic vibe, and aside from the Ferris wheel, there’s not much else for kids.
Evening Cruise Along Both Banks of the Huangpu River
Each district has great spots to enjoy the night view with a river breeze.
Xuhui Riverside: Nanyuan Riverside
North Bund: Music Gate, Rainbow Bridge
Pudong: Riverside Avenue
Yangpu: Fashion Center
The Nanyuan Riverside area in Xuhui Riverside may have a modest entrance, but it holds delightful surprises inside, including a children’s play zone for sand digging and climbing. When cooling off here, you’ll often see kids catching small fish. At Nanyuan Riverside, you can watch the boats slowly pass by on both sides of the Huangpu River, with the Lupu Bridge nearby.
The North Bund, located in the Hongkou District, was once where Royal Caribbean cruise ships docked. These days, the ships have gotten so big they can no longer fit into this port... This part of the North Bund is peaceful, less crowded, and scenic, but it never really developed, making it a great spot for a family stroll.
Below is the iconic landmark of the North Bund—the Music Gate. Three large, differently shaped and colored objects suspended in the archway create an air of mystery. There’s also the Rainbow Bridge, which is beautifully designed. Standing on it with your child, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Huangpu River and the Lujiazui skyline in Pudong.
Riverside Avenue in Pudong is well-known and often crowded, but it’s definitely a great place for families. It’s one of the few spots where you can dine, shop, sightsee, and enjoy Huangpu River views all in one go. The benefit of its commercial maturity is the abundance of shops and eateries, plus there's Super Brand Mall for shopping and entertainment. Walk along Riverside Avenue to the dock, and if your child enjoys ferry rides, they can take a 2-RMB trip to see both sides of the Huangpu River.
The Yangpu Fashion Center is a relatively trendy hub in greater Yangpu, featuring numerous outlet stores and a "Toy Tumble" (the Wujiaochang branch had to close, but this one stands strong). Heading toward the river, you’ll find a musical fountain, a large wooden boardwalk, and it’s a delightful experience to enjoy the breeze with your little one. One more thing: the parking is free, which is quite rare in Shanghai’s riverside areas.
Water Park Night Session
Tropical Storm
Address: No. 27, Xinzhen Road, Minhang District
What kid doesn’t love water? Going to a water park during the day can lead to sunburn, so nighttime is the perfect way to enjoy it. Tropical Storm, located in Xinzhuang, is the most established water park around. It’s highly recommended for parents living nearby to grab a night ticket and have some fun—the night session starts after 6 PM every day, and the prices are more affordable than during the day.
Maya Beach Water Park
Address: No. 888, Linhu Road, Sheshan Town
Maya has been making waves in recent years, known for its thrilling rides, generally suitable for children over 1.3 meters—parents definitely need to keep a close eye. But it’s way out in Songjiang, so it’s best to go on a Friday, spend the night there, and enjoy a mini weekend getaway before heading back.
Alright, that’s all for today’s post—feel free to add more suggestions. Even if parents have to work during the day, they’re still doing their best to give their kids a fulfilling summer vacation~