Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. I have a son and a daughter, I often take them to try family-friendly hotels. Now, I’m sharing Shanghai’s Top 10 parent-child hotels for expats visiting China. They have fun-themed rooms, kids’ zones, and great comfort for parents—perfect for easy, quality family time in Shanghai!
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
Location: Inside Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong
Price Range: $300-600 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.7/5
Special Amenities: Character dining, early park entry, Disney shows
Hotel Features: This magical hotel brings Disney fantasy to life with Victorian elegance. Kids love meeting Mickey and friends at breakfast and watching live Disney performances in the lobby. The hotel offers 30-minute early park entry – a huge advantage for popular rides. Family rooms have special Disney themes and child-safe features. Perfect for making your China Disney trip unforgettable.
Le Meridien Sheshan Shanghai
Location: Sheshan National Tourism Resort, Songjian
Price Range: $150-300 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.6/5
Special Amenities: Outdoor pools, kids’ club, golf course
Hotel Features: Surrounded by forests and lakes, this resort offers plenty of space for children to play. The outdoor swimming pools are great for family fun in summer. The kids’ club organizes daily activities and crafts. Located near Happy Valley amusement park and Chenshan Botanical Garden. Excellent value for families wanting resort amenities without the high price tag during their China vacation.
Shanghai Sun Island International Tourism Resort
Location: Qingpu District (45 minutes from downtown)
Price Range: $200-400 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.5/5
Special Amenities: Horse riding, water sports, petting zoo
Hotel Features: This all-in-one resort on its own island offers endless activities for children. Kids can try horse riding, feed animals at the farm, or enjoy water sports. The resort has multiple restaurants and spacious family suites. Perfect for families wanting an active outdoor vacation during their China trip. Great for weekend getaways from the city.
Toy Story Hotel
Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong
Price Range: $200-400 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.6/5
Special Amenities: Woody and Buzz meet-and-greets, themed pools
Hotel Features: Every detail celebrates Pixar’s Toy Story movies, from giant Woody statues to Andy’s footprint carpets. Family rooms feature Toy Story themes and child-friendly layouts. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle to Disneyland and early park entry. More affordable than Disneyland Hotel but still provides the full Disney experience for your China family vacation.
Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai
Location: Pudong, connected to Kerry Parkside Mall
Price Range: $250-450 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.7/5
Special Amenities: Adventure zone play area, multiple pools
Hotel Features: The huge “Adventure Zone” play area makes this hotel a kids’ paradise. Located above a shopping mall with direct access to restaurants and shops. Family rooms are extra spacious with separate living areas. The outdoor playground and kids’ swimming pool are great for burning energy. Perfect for practical families who value convenience during their China visit.
Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland
Location: Sheshan, Songjiang District
Price Range: $400-800 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.8/5
Special Amenities: Underground watersports, cliffside views
Hotel Features: Built into an abandoned quarry, this architectural wonder offers unique experiences like underground swimming and boat rides. The kids’ club has educational programs about geology and nature. Family suites feature bunk beds and game consoles. Amazing photo opportunities and unforgettable memories for your family China trip guide.
Intercontinental Shanghai Dishui Lake
Location: Lingang New City, Pudong
Price Range: $180-350 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.6/5
Special Amenities: Lakeside activities, cycling paths
Hotel Features: Located by China’s largest artificial lake, this hotel offers water sports and outdoor adventures. Family cycling around the lake is popular. The kids’ club has daily activities and the hotel organizes lake cruises. Good choice for families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities during their China vacation.
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel
Location: Next to Haichang Ocean Park, Pudong
Price Range: $250-500 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.7/5
Special Amenities: Ocean park tickets, aquarium views
Hotel Features: Some rooms overlook aquariums with marine life – kids love watching the fish from their beds. Package deals include Ocean Park tickets and early entry. The hotel has marine-themed pools and underwater tunnel restaurants. Perfect for families planning to visit the ocean park during their China trip.
Shanghai Songjiang Prime Minister’s Mansion Hotel
Location: Guangfulin Cultural Site, Songjiang
Price Range: $300-600 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.7/5
Special Amenities: Ancient architecture, cultural activities
Hotel Features: This restored Ming dynasty mansion offers cultural immersion with traditional Chinese courtyard rooms. Kids can try calligraphy, tea ceremony, and traditional crafts. Located within the Guangfulin Cultural Site with ancient architecture and water towns. Unique educational experience for families interested in Chinese history during their China visit.
Shanghai Legoland Hotel
Location: Jinshan District (opening 2024)
Price Range: $200-400 USD/night (estimated)
Ctrip Rating: New opening
Special Amenities: Lego play areas, themed rooms
Hotel Features: China’s first Legoland Hotel features Lego-themed rooms and interactive building activities. Direct access to Legoland Park with early entry benefits. Multiple Lego play zones throughout the hotel and daily building competitions. Perfect for Lego fans and young children during your family China trip.
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.