Winter Family Fun in Shanghai: A Water Park for All Seasons
Shanghai's winter is cold and damp, so ditch outdoor plans and find a warm place to take your little one for a full day of fun. I've been to the Shanghai Baoyan Paradise Flagship Store more than once. With a petting zoo, water park, and all kinds of slides, play structures, and building blocks, Baoyan is hands-down the top-tier indoor amusement park in Shanghai in terms of both scale and fun.
Arriving at 11 a.m., the whole Baoyan Paradise was already brimming with Christmas spirit. There’s a large parking lot at the entrance; you can get a voucher at the front desk for 4 hours of free parking. After that, it’s 6 yuan per hour.
The entire amusement park has 5 floors, and one day never feels like enough.
1F: Petting Zoo (11:00–18:00)
The petting zoo is a must-do every visit. Here, you can feed the animals up close—they are super cooperative and eagerly gobble up food. Carrots and fish food are 10 yuan per portion and can be bought inside.
The star alpacas, plus bunnies and marmots, are masters of cuteness. There are also hedgehogs, squirrels, peacocks, and more, taking you from a jungle world to an underwater world.
1F: Slide Park
Slides that parents and kids can enjoy together, including the famous 45° and 90° slides! Only children aged 5+ are allowed, so I went up. The whole building echoed with my screams... So thrilling! That vertical free-fall sensation!
1F: 5D/7D/9D Movies
There are different age restrictions. My 3-year-old could only watch the 5D one. There’s a timetable at the cinema entrance, so plan ahead. The 5D films shown in the morning and afternoon are different. My child watched one after another, treating it like a movie theater.
My child's favorite is the building block area on the 2nd floor—giant blocks where he can sit and play for ages. We built a little house together, and he said, "This is our little home."
If Dad is up for it, Mom can enjoy a free manicure service.
On the 2nd floor, there’s also a nap room for little ones, which is super thoughtful.
There’s also an arcade area on the 2nd floor, with bumper cars, but check the bumper car opening times.
3–4F: Water Park (11:00–18:00)
In winter, if you want to take your baby swimming, Baoyan’s water park is the place to go. Not only is the water warm, but the entire area from the changing rooms to the water park is kept at a cozy temperature—no worries about your child catching a chill.
All kinds of water slides, seesaws, and the super popular rainbow slide—my child went on them again and again. The pools are relatively shallow, perfect for kids.
The family changing rooms inside deserve high praise, with private shower and changing areas. Lockers are available at 10 yuan per locker, and can be opened midway.
5F: Outdoor Adventure Zone
Every time you play here, you feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth. The pirate ship, carousel, train ride, grass slide, etc., are all free to enjoy as much as you want.
There’s also an outdoor climbing area, grass slide, and horse riding (paid), so make sure to check the schedule in advance.
Recommended winter itinerary:
Start with the outdoor activities on the 5th floor, then store your coats inside and keep playing. Save the water park for last: water play is more tiring, and you’ll save the hassle of bathing later—kids usually fall asleep on the way home.
Name: Shanghai Baoyan Paradise Flagship Store (only the flagship has a heated pool) Address: Building 11, 3825 Dushi Road, Minhang District, Shanghai Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 10:30–19:30; Sat–Sun 9:30–20:30 Ticket Prices: see photo
