Top 15 Best Things to Do in Shenzhen With Kids 2026

Window of the World is an iconic Shenzhen theme park showcasing 130 replicas of global landmarks at miniature scale, including the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Niagara Falls. Kids love posing beside scaled-down wonders from every continent, and live performances run throughout the day. Tickets are approximately CNY 180 (HKD 195). Located next to Happy Valley in OCT, making both parks easy to combine over a weekend.

Splendid China Folk Village combines two parks: Splendid China (miniature reproductions of China's greatest monuments) and China Folk Culture Villages (life-size reconstructions of ethnic minority villages with daily cultural performances). It's a fascinating living cultural experience for children learning about China's diversity. Admission is around CNY 200 (HKD 215) and the park is located in the OCT area of Nanshan.

Shenzhen Safari Park (深圳野生动物园) is one of China's largest open-plan safari parks, home to over 10,000 animals including giant pandas, African lions, giraffes, and white tigers. Families can choose between a guided safari bus tour or the walk-through zone. Admission is CNY 220 for adults and CNY 110 for children (approx. HKD 235 / HKD 120). It's in Nanshan district and typically requires 4-5 hours to explore properly.

The Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (仙湖植物园) spans 590 hectares in the Luohu hills and is Shenzhen's premier outdoor family escape. Highlights include a scenic lake with paddle boats, a dinosaur fossil museum, a bamboo garden, a greenhouse with tropical plants, and easy walking trails suitable for young children. Entry is free and the garden is just 15 minutes from Lo Wu station. Best for ages 2 and up; bring a stroller.

The Shenzhen Children's Palace (深圳市少年宫) in Futian is a purpose-built education and activity centre for children, featuring a planetarium, science exploration hall, arts studios, and interactive STEM exhibits. It's especially popular with local families at weekends and offers an authentic slice of everyday Shenzhen family life. The main public areas are free to enter; individual activities may require a small fee. Best for ages 5-15.

Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园) is a 15km scenic coastal park running along the bay between Nanshan and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary. It's perfect for cycling, kite-flying, and watching migrating birds with direct views across to Hong Kong's New Territories. Bike rentals are available for CNY 20/hour. Entry is free, parking is paid. The mangrove wetlands section is especially educational for children interested in wildlife and ecology.

The Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve (深圳湾红树林) is an internationally recognised wetland and vital stopover for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Boardwalks let families walk through the mangrove forest while birdwatching; over 190 species have been recorded here. Entry is free. The reserve is located near Futian border crossing and is an excellent educational outing for children aged 4 and up.

The Shenzhen Museum (深圳博物馆) tells the story of Shenzhen's transformation from a fishing village to a megacity in just four decades, alongside a comprehensive history of ancient Guangdong. The Ancient History Gallery and the Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Gallery are highlights for older children. Entry is free (passport/Shenzhen Pass required for registration at the gate). Located in the Civic Centre area of Futian.

OCT Loft (华侨城创意文化园) is a repurposed industrial estate turned arts and design hub in Nanshan, filled with indie galleries, street art murals, quirky cafes, and design boutiques. It's an excellent introduction to contemporary Chinese creative culture and a great spot for a relaxed family afternoon. Entry is free. The weekend market is particularly lively and kid-friendly. Also home to the B10 Live music venue.

Window of the World is an iconic Shenzhen theme park showcasing 130 replicas of global landmarks at miniature scale, including the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Niagara Falls. Kids love posing beside scaled-down wonders from every continent, and live performances run throughout the day. Tickets are approximately CNY 180 (HKD 195). Located next to Happy Valley in OCT, making both parks easy to combine over a weekend.

Splendid China Folk Village combines two parks: Splendid China (miniature reproductions of China's greatest monuments) and China Folk Culture Villages (life-size reconstructions of ethnic minority villages with daily cultural performances). It's a fascinating living cultural experience for children learning about China's diversity. Admission is around CNY 200 (HKD 215) and the park is located in the OCT area of Nanshan.

Shenzhen Safari Park (深圳野生动物园) is one of China's largest open-plan safari parks, home to over 10,000 animals including giant pandas, African lions, giraffes, and white tigers. Families can choose between a guided safari bus tour or the walk-through zone. Admission is CNY 220 for adults and CNY 110 for children (approx. HKD 235 / HKD 120). It's in Nanshan district and typically requires 4-5 hours to explore properly.

The Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (仙湖植物园) spans 590 hectares in the Luohu hills and is Shenzhen's premier outdoor family escape. Highlights include a scenic lake with paddle boats, a dinosaur fossil museum, a bamboo garden, a greenhouse with tropical plants, and easy walking trails suitable for young children. Entry is free and the garden is just 15 minutes from Lo Wu station. Best for ages 2 and up; bring a stroller.

The Shenzhen Children's Palace (深圳市少年宫) in Futian is a purpose-built education and activity centre for children, featuring a planetarium, science exploration hall, arts studios, and interactive STEM exhibits. It's especially popular with local families at weekends and offers an authentic slice of everyday Shenzhen family life. The main public areas are free to enter; individual activities may require a small fee. Best for ages 5-15.

Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园) is a 15km scenic coastal park running along the bay between Nanshan and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary. It's perfect for cycling, kite-flying, and watching migrating birds with direct views across to Hong Kong's New Territories. Bike rentals are available for CNY 20/hour. Entry is free, parking is paid. The mangrove wetlands section is especially educational for children interested in wildlife and ecology.

The Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve (深圳湾红树林) is an internationally recognised wetland and vital stopover for migratory birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Boardwalks let families walk through the mangrove forest while birdwatching; over 190 species have been recorded here. Entry is free. The reserve is located near Futian border crossing and is an excellent educational outing for children aged 4 and up.

The Shenzhen Museum (深圳博物馆) tells the story of Shenzhen's transformation from a fishing village to a megacity in just four decades, alongside a comprehensive history of ancient Guangdong. The Ancient History Gallery and the Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Gallery are highlights for older children. Entry is free (passport/Shenzhen Pass required for registration at the gate). Located in the Civic Centre area of Futian.

OCT Loft (华侨城创意文化园) is a repurposed industrial estate turned arts and design hub in Nanshan, filled with indie galleries, street art murals, quirky cafes, and design boutiques. It's an excellent introduction to contemporary Chinese creative culture and a great spot for a relaxed family afternoon. Entry is free. The weekend market is particularly lively and kid-friendly. Also home to the B10 Live music venue.