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China/Things to Do in Shanghai, with kids

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Ocean Aquarium?

92%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: School-age kids enjoy touch pools, penguin and shark feeding shows, scavenger hunts and clear exhibits; stroller rental, family tickets and a baby-care room support a stress-free 2–3 h visit.

Google
Reviews4.2/ 5
(from 476 reviews)
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. One of Shanghai's Best Attraction
30 min
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Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. One of Shanghai's Best Attraction
3.9K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Climate-controlled indoor space: Enjoy marine exhibits comfortably year-round, rain or shine.
  • Interactive hands-on areas: Kids stay engaged at touch pools and feeding shows.

Challenges:

  • Peak-time crowds: Tunnel and show areas become busy on weekends and holidays.
  • Limited dining choices: Café has few children’s meal options and fills up at lunch.
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🏖️ Explore Shanghai Ocean Aquarium with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Shanghai Ocean Aquarium?

  • One of the world’s largest man-made seawater aquariums, located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial District
  • A pyramidal architectural complex housing nine themed exhibition zones representing aquatic environments from five continents
  • A zoological and conservation institution caring for over 450 species and 12,000 marine creatures, including endangered and nationally protected animals

What is so special about Shanghai Ocean Aquarium for with kids?

  1. Walk through a 155m acrylic tunnel under sharks and rays
  2. Interact with marine life at the Ocean Classroom touch pool
  3. Catch seal, penguin and shark feeding shows daily
  4. Explore nine themed zones across five continents
  5. Indoor, hands-on exhibits keep kids engaged rain or shine

Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours

Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the tunnel, touch pool, feeding shows and a relaxed walk through all themed zones without rushing kids.

(View Shanghai Ocean Aquarium on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

155m Underwater Tunnel:

Walk through a clear acrylic tunnel under sharks, rays and schools of fish.

Tip: Go first thing at opening to avoid crowds and get a clear view from the center.

Ocean Classroom Touch Pool:

Interact with starfish, sea cucumbers and “doctor fish” in a supervised area.

Tip: Check the daily schedule at the entrance and join a guided session for hands-on fun.

Animal Feeding Shows:

Watch seals, penguins and sharks get fed at set times throughout the day.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for the 9:45 seal or 10:00 penguin feedings for best views.

Themed Zone Scavenger Hunt:

Explore nine zones representing continents and ocean habitats.

Tip: Print a simple checklist (penguin, sea turtle, jellyfish) to turn it into a game for kids.

Souvenir Shop:

Browse ocean-themed toys, plush animals and DIY craft kits.

Tip: Set a small spending limit with your kids before you enter.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

  1. Early start: Arrive at 9am opening to beat the lines at the tunnel and shows.
  2. Plan around show times: Check feeding schedules at the entrance board and map out your route.
  3. Download the map: Grab the aquarium map online to highlight must-see zones for your kids.
🏖️ Tour Shanghai Ocean Aquarium like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

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Nicky

Nicky

Nov 2025

There are several sparse tanks with depressing conditions for the fish and most notably the seals. The two seals at this aquarium only have a small space to swim back and forth in with only a hard flat blue surface on the bottom. There should be an attempt to recreate their natural conditions, and give them more space to swim and play in. They looked so sad I cried the whole rest of the trip. Also...

Naga Pavan Kumar

Naga Pavan Kumar

Oct 2025

Shanghai Ocean Park is an amazing place to visit! The entire park is beautifully maintained and very well organized. The variety of marine life is impressive — from colorful tropical fish to huge sharks and playful penguins. The underwater tunnel is absolutely stunning and gives a real “wow” experience. It’s a great place for families, couples, or anyone who loves nature and the ocean. The staff ...

Steven Ball

Steven Ball

Oct 2025

A great place to take children, the aquarium has 5 floors and it highly impressive. It is fully air-conditioned so if you need to get out of the Shanghai heat in the summer, it's an interesting activity for all ages

Ainy S

Ainy S

Sep 2025

This aquarium was so crowded even at 9.30AM. I saw more people than fish! People would crowd around infront of the exhibits and wouldn't let others enjoy the view. When I did manage to squeeze myself to have a peek at the fish, people would shove their way infront of me, shove their cameras front of me or straight up grab my shoulder to push me away. I couldn't enjoy any of the feeding shows eithe...

Aleksandar Ilic

Aleksandar Ilic

Sep 2025

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is an amazing place to visit, offering one of the most impressive collections of marine life in Asia. The highlight is the long underwater tunnel where you can walk through and admire sharks, rays, and colorful fish swimming above and around you. The exhibits are well-organized, educational, and suitable for both kids and adults. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is...

When is the best time to visit Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (Shanghai, China)?

Summer weekends draw large crowds and humidity. Visit on a weekday off-peak or late autumn for shorter lines in this indoor space.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Shanghai on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
2 Adult ticketsCNY 320
2 Child ticketsCNY 240
Snacks and drinksCNY 50
Souvenir toyCNY 80
Total EstimatedCNY 690

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 Ocean Aquarium

Address: 1388 Lu Jia Zui Huan Lu, Lujiazui, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200031

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (Shanghai)?

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About Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+86 21 5877 9988

Average price

US$ 21.76
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Average price

US$ 21.76
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