Shanghai Astronomy Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Astronomy Museum?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Children under six enter free, ages 3-12 get the “Curious Planet” zone and maker labs, safety railings guard all exhibits, but parents must reserve play sessions early to avoid fully booked slots.
Positives:
- Free child admission: Kids under 6 enter free with each paying adult (max two children per adult).
- Stroller and wheelchair rental: Borrow free strollers or wheelchairs at the Visitor Centre to move younger kids around easily.
- Undercover café: Recharge at the Galaxy Supply Station on B1; it has seating outside exhibition halls for snacks.
Challenges:
- Advance show booking: Dome movie tickets must be booked online three days before; shows fill up fast.
- Weather-dependent sessions: Outdoor telescope viewings may be canceled in poor weather—verify upon arrival.
- Limited English labels: Some exhibit descriptions are in Chinese only; download the museum map app or ask staff for help.
What is Shanghai Astronomy Museum?
- A sprawling 38,000-square-meter museum dedicated to astronomy and space science on the shores of Dishui Lake in Shanghai’s Lingang district
- A signature spiral-shaped main building that mirrors celestial orbits and integrates a circular skylight, an inverted dome and a dome theater in a landmark three-body structure
- A comprehensive institution whose exhibitions—Home, Universe and Journey—reveal the laws of celestial movement and chart the story of human exploration of the cosmos
What is so special about Shanghai Astronomy Museum for with kids?
- Hands-on rocket ride and lab workshops in 'Curious Planet'
- Interactive gravity and meteorite exhibits in 'Home'
- Free shows: optical star projector and outdoor telescope viewing
- Immersive 23m dome movie for older kids
- Stroller-friendly layout with free child admission under 6
Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours
Why 2-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Split time between interactive zones, shows, and telescope sessions without rushing younger kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Astronomy Museum
Explore 'Curious Planet' kids’ zone:
Ride a rocket simulator to Flower King and Ice Mars with guided stories and meet aliens.
Tip: Reserve one of three daily sessions (10:30, 13:00, 14:30) at the info desk after entry.
Touch real meteorites in Maker Lab:
Handle meteorite samples and do simple experiments in a hands-on workshop.
Tip: Sign up for a free lab session early to secure one spot per ticket.
Interactive experiments in 'Home':
Feel varied gravity by pressing weighted apples and walk around a half-Earth model.
Tip: Visit this zone first to avoid midday crowds and take photos at the meteorite displays.
Outdoor telescope viewing:
Observe the sun or moon through telescopes on the Wangshu Observatory platform.
Tip: Reserve a free 15-person slot on your phone after entry; sessions at 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30.
23m Ultra-HD Dome Movie:
Watch 'Flying Across the Galaxy' on a giant curved screen for an immersive show.
Tip: Book 3 days in advance online; ensure kids meet height or age requirements.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Astronomy Museum
- Plan session times: Align lab and optical show reservations with telescope slots to reduce waiting.
- Start early: Arrive at opening to grab lab and kids’ zone spots before they sell out.
- Download the WeChat mini-program: Use it to reserve free shows and check live session availability without queuing.
Reviews of Shanghai Astronomy Museum
Christian J. Loferer
Very Nice Architecture Its Hard to get entrance to all Shows if you have no Chinese Mobile Number - not pretty inviting for a tourist But: the Staff was amazing friendly
Michael Kesuma
My family and I had an amazing experience at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum! The architecture itself is stunning and feels futuristic, perfectly matching the theme of space. Inside, the exhibits are both educational and exciting — from interactive displays to realistic simulations of planets and galaxies. The planetarium show was a highlight, truly immersive and breathtaking. I also appreciated ho...
Grace Tang
It's probably one of the best museums i have been. Bit far from the CBD, otherwise all wonderful packed with knowledge and interactions.
William Gunawan
An architectural marvel. This place is so beautiful and extravagant from the outside, but the inside is no less breathtaking. The exhibition is also pretty exciting even to someone who know nothing about astronomy. But do remember to book in advance as they require ticket and it is usually runs out pretty fast. Learn a lot of thing, but 3 hours time limit is not enough, so many thing i still l...
Tim P.
This is easily one of the best museums I've ever visited. I might be a bit biased because I've always been very interested in astronomy, but even if you are not that into astronomy this museum is very interesting. The architecture of the building is gorgeous. The models are impressive and the museum is covering so many topics within astronomy, with explanations in both Chinese and English. But th...
When is the best time to visit Shanghai Astronomy Museum (Shanghai, China)?
Spring and autumn offer clear skies for outdoor telescope views. Bring water in summer; wear warm layers in winter. Check telescope session status on rainy days.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Dome movie tickets (4) | CNY 160 |
| Parking fee | CNY 20 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 180 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Shanghai Astronomy Museum
Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Huan Hu Xi San Lu, 交界处 CN 上海市 浦东新区 临港大道 和 邮政编码: 201308
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