Shanghai Natural History Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Natural History Museum?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Interactive fossil digs, Butterfly Room and hands-on ecosystem tanks keep children under 12 engaged for hours, and free entry under 1.3 m plus stroller rental lower costs; queues can be long on holidays.
Positives:
- Family-friendly amenities: Strollers and wheelchairs for rent and free luggage storage make moving with kids easy.
- Interactive exhibits: Hands-on zones and AR app keep kids engaged and learning as a family.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowds: The museum gets busy on weekends and holidays; exhibits may feel crowded.
- Limited English signage: Some exhibit labels are in Chinese only; use the Visitor App for English descriptions.
What is Shanghai Natural History Museum?
- A museum that houses extensive collections of fossils, minerals, plants and animal specimens tracing Earth’s geological development and biodiversity
- A purpose-built building inspired by a nautilus shell, featuring over 44,000 square meters of thematic exhibition space
- A collection of more than 10,000 artifacts from all seven continents, illustrating life’s evolution from ancient dinosaurs to contemporary ecosystems
What is so special about Shanghai Natural History Museum for with kids?
- Interactive ecosystem zone lets kids touch live marine specimens
- Dinosaur hall features Asia’s largest skeleton and baby dinosaur embryo
- Hands-on fossil digs teach paleontology skills
- Free AR app and treasure hunt game add fun for the whole family
- 4D movies like Panda Gungun deliver immersive wildlife experiences
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 3 to 4 hours is enough to explore all major exhibits and let kids enjoy hands-on activities without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Natural History Museum
Ecosystem Zone:
Explore live specimens in freshwater and seawater pools plus the butterfly room.
Tip: Let kids touch fish during the Touch! Touch! sessions and spot colorful butterflies.
Dinosaur Hall:
Walk among giant dinosaur skeletons and view the baby dinosaur embryo.
Tip: Use the Visitor App’s AR feature to bring the Mamenchisaurus back to life on your phone.
Fossil Excavation Area:
Kids dig and compare real and replica fossils.
Tip: Bring small dusters and brushes like a paleontologist; staff on site can guide you.
4D Movie:
Watch Panda Gungun or African Savannah in 4D.
Tip: Book seats online 7 days in advance via the museum WeChat mini-app to get good spots.
Treasure-Hunt Game:
Use the free app to follow clues and collect digital stamps throughout the galleries.
Tip: Download the Visitor App before arriving to play seamlessly.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Natural History Museum
- Buy tickets online: Reserve general and 4D-movie tickets via the WeChat mini-app to skip the line.
- Early arrival: Arrive at opening time to explore popular zones before peak visitor times.
Reviews of Shanghai Natural History Museum
Serene Chong
Beautiful museum with a good mix of interesting things for children to see and learn. The children enjoyed it very much!
Ngoc Tr.
I went there on sunday, have to wait 30+ mins to buy ticket (the ticket only available to purchase online if you want to buy it in advance, and it request Chinese number). The staff at the ticket booth was very nice. Children under 13 are free to enter, but if you bring children along I recommend to go on weekday because it super crowded on weekend (as you can see in the picture)
Michael Anh Bui
A really big venue to explore everything regarding animal, geographic, humanity,... with detail description per information/inforgraphic; if you are not Chinese speaker, please book a transcriptor device for better experience here.
Friendly Notary
So AMAZING!! 5 Levels inside this Museum and the price is very reasonable! It does get crowded with many kids from nearby schools. If you have kids I highly recommend coming here at least for half a day in Shanghai.
Oleksandr Protsenko
Must see museum! Huge, interesting, educational.... you are to book entrance if you have chinese phone number. Foreigners are to pay 30¥ at cashier with passport registration. There are many thematic halls. You won't regret it. Enjoy!
When is the best time to visit Shanghai Natural History Museum (Shanghai, China)?
Check the ‘What’s On’ schedule for special storytelling sessions and workshops during school holidays and Golden Week.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (30 RMB x 2) | CNY 60 |
| Child admission (age 12, 30 RMB x 1) | CNY 30 |
| 4D movie (30 RMB x 2 kids) | CNY 60 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 150 |
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 Natural History Museum
Address: Jing'An, China, 200041
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About Shanghai Natural History Museum
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