Places to go

All Month: Shanghai Disneyland

Two years after it officially opened, Shanghai Disney Resort has welcomed over 11 million tourists, proving to be the eternally-popular destination for families. From adrenaline-inducing rides and dazzling musical performances to sing-along parties and mesmerizing fireworks, the theme park is designed to induce the child in all of us. You can now buy discounted tickets directly from Urban Family, via the link below.

9am-9pm; From RMB385. Shanghai Disneyland. Book tickets here.

All Month: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai

It might take another couple of years until Shanghai opens its own LEGOLAND theme park, but for the time-being, brick-aholics can visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center to get their fix. With attractions like hands-on play area, jungle gyms and fun rides, this interactive play center inside the Changfeng Joy City makes a fantastic weekend destination for families to visit.

10am-8pm; RMB200. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shanghai. Book tickets here.

All Month: Indoor Rock Climbing Experience

Rock climbing can be an extreme sport. It can keep you fit, train your brain and build your self-confidence and the kids love it. This summer, visit the premier rock pavilion in Shanghai: Park Climbing Gym. It boasts the highest indoor artificial rock wall in China, the longest roof in Asia and a panoramic sunroof on the ceiling to make sure you’re getting in all that natural light. It’s an excellent place for you to experience what it feels like to be Spider-Man.

10am-10pm; RMB110. Park Climbing Gym. Book tickets here.

All Month: NBA Playzone

Being the first NBA-themed indoor attraction designed for children and their families in China, the NBA Playzone will bring NBA excitement to you alike through a variety of basketball-inspired play areas and activities. The 1,500-square-meter destination is a great option for you and your little ones during the warmer summer months.

10am-8pm; From RMB158 (One Adult + One Child). NBA Playzone. Book tickets here.

All Month: Jump 360

Want to learn fancy moves and show off to your friends? Drop by Jump360 and have their coach show you how to do this ‘out of the world’ backflip dunk! Jump 360 is a large trampoline and extreme sports park, where they have sporting activities an abundance of trampolines as well as obstacle courses and bubble football.

10am-9pm; RMB196 (two hours). Jump 360. Book tickets here.

Things to see
The 5 best events this week

June 23-July 1: Martha

Famed for its reproduction of classic fairy-tales, the award-winning Catherine Wheels Theatre Company is bringing Shanghai audiences a slightly different imaginary tale. Martha tells the story about the importance of independence and friendship, narrated through live action and puppet theater.

June 23-24 & 30 & July 1, times vary; RMB240. Art Space for Kids. See event listing. Book tickets here.

June 23-24: Commune Market

Commune Market is back at its favorite Taixing Square location ready to deliver a blend of gourmet food, international culture, drinks and unique retailers together for a fun and vibrant weekend. Come to visit and check out Shanghai's best handmade crafts, one-of-a-kind pieces in fashion, beauty, jewelry, accessories, art, kids' corner, organic foods and so much more.

11am-6pm; Free entry. Zhang Yuan. See event listing. 

Till June 30: Era - Intersection of Time

A multimillion-dollar stunning acrobatic extravaganza, the first of its kind in China, ERA is a multimedia odyssey inspired by the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. As Shanghai Circus World will have its renovation starting from July, ERA, which has accompanied the city for 13 years, will bid farewell at the end of this month. So, grab your tickets now to watch this entertaining show before it finishes.

7.30pm; RMB250-750. Shanghai Circus World. See event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: Charles Chaplin: A Vision

Presented in chronological order, the aim of “Charlie Chaplin: A Vision” is to help us better understand the modernity of Charles Chaplin and of his timeless character by shedding new light on the deep humanism. Who was Charles Chaplin? What had he seen of this world and how did it influence his art? You will find the answers here.

10am-9pm; RMB150. Yuz Museum. See event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: Movies Hitting Chinese Theaters This Week

There is no better way to enjoy the vacation than sitting in the cinema and having a visual feast. Go to the theaters this week and see blockbusters including Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, The Incredibles 2 and Phoenix Forgotten.

Click here for more recent movie releases in China this month. 

The 5 Upcoming events 

July 5-8: PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue"

If your child is a diehard PAW Patrol fan, then you are in luck because the live show is coming to Shanghai. The TV series is popular around the world and has been aired in over 160 countries and the show features the similar action scenes and delivers practical knowledge for kids to learn. What are you waiting for? Take your kids to the adventure-packed show with many surprises and laughter in store.

English version: Sat July 7, 3.30pm. Chinese versions: Thu-Fri July 5-6, 7.30pm; Sat July 7, 10.30am; Sun July 8, 10.30am or 7.30pm. RMB180-580. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Jul 20-22: Classic Picture Book Play: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny

Based on classic bedtime stories, the play features likable rabbit characters with the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery that never fails to infuse young viewers. Mermaid’s staged adaptation of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

English versions: Sat July 21, 2.30pm or Sun July 22, 10.30am. Chinese versions: Fri July 20, 7.30pm; Sat July 21, 10.30am or 4.30pm; Sun July 22, 2.30pm. RMB180-480. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Jul 25-31: Cats the Musical

CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. Since its premiere, it has been presented in over 30 countries, translated into 15 languages and seen by over 73 million people worldwide. With "timeless music, spectacular sets and a superb cast" (Daily Mirror), breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable song 'Memory,' it is a magical musical like no other.

2pm or 7.30pm; RMB380-1,080. Shanghai Grand Theatre Lyric Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here. 

Aug 16-19: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

This summer, Shanghai Culture Square will present you with the dance production Cinderella. Unlike the classic fairytale, we are familiar with, the show is set in London during the Second World War. Directed by the UK's most popular and successful choreographer and director, it has been a hit ever since its premiere in 1997. If you haven’t planned anything during Aug 16-19, grab your little ones and expect a thrilling and evocative war-time romance.

Aug 16-17, 7.30pm; Aug 18-19, 2pm & 7.30pm; RMB180-880. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Aug 16-19: Cirque du Soleil: TORUK - The First Flight

The world’s greatest circus is coming to Shanghai! The show brings James Cameron’s record-breaking 2009 blockbuster Avatar to life. The show has garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences alike with its thrilling plot and world-famous acrobatics. It’s the mind-blowing world of Avatar like you've never seen before. 

3pm or 7.30pm; RMB280-780. Mercedes-Benz Arena. See event listing. Book tickets here.