Good, Wholesome Fun: Family Friendly Activities in Chengdu

While fun things to do in Chengdu are seemingly limitless, a lot of them are not suitable for kids. However, there are plenty of educational and recreational family friendly activities in Chengdu that merit mentioning. Whether your family is visiting Chengdu or you are simply looking for reasons to get out and do something fun with the kids, a range of local family friendly activities are in close vicinity. So, next time when you're wondering how to entertain the kids, consider these fun things in Chengdu. 

Photo: jutour.com

1) Chengdu Polar Ocean World 成都海昌极地海洋世界
Ocean World is the only theme park of its kind in west China. Although Chengdu is far, far away from the ocean, its ocean aquarium doesn't disappoint – Killer Whales and Great White Sharks are in the house! Families can enjoy spectacular whale and dolphin shows, see penguins frolic about on a beach, and view other animals like sea lions, walruses, giant turtles and various sharks. Transportation here for the animals probably wasn't that simple, but in contrast visitors should have no problem getting to this aquatic wonderland.

Add: 2037 Tianfu Dadao, Huayang Town, Chengdu
地址: 成都市华阳镇天府大道南段2037号
Price: 130 RMB per adult. Children under 1.4 meters pay 65 RMB. Children under 1.2 meters are free when with an adult (1 kid per adult)
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00
Getting there: The Chengdu Subway line takes you directly there from the center of Chengdu.

2) Huanglongxi Ancient Town 黄龙溪古镇
Over 45 kilometers west of Chengdu, this ancient town is still easily reachable via the Xinnanmen bus station in Chengdu. Ancient towns near Chengdu abound, but the fun that Huanglongxi offers makes it stand out. This place just seems more authentic, and better kept, than the others. Stroll along the narrow, zigzagging alleys featuring traditional Sichuan style architecture from the Qing Dynasty; watch workers beating in various sugared candies and wheat based snacks with huge wooden hammers; browse the shops filled with inexpensive jewellery and clothes; or take a boat ride on the lazy Huanglong River. And be sure to munch on the various Sichuan snacks offered here as well.

Add: Huanglongxi Ancient Town, Shuangliu County, Chengdu
地址: 成都双流县黄龙溪古镇
Price: No entry fee
Opening Hours: Most shops and restaurants close around 22:00

3) Happy Valley Theme Park 欢乐谷
Happy Valley is Chengdu's best amusement park. The roller-coasters are pretty mild, and only thrill the most amateur of riders. This makes the rides here perfectly suitable for kids. Try the swinging pendulum, wet rides, and lift and drop ride as well. Other things like local opera, ceremonies and shows can be enjoyed. A fair share of classical park snacks like ice-cream, cotton candy and popcorn are available too. Try the Turkish ice cream stand．

Address: 16 Huaxi Dadao, Chengdu
地址: 成都华西大道16号
Price: 150 RMB per person. Children's tickets are 90 RMB.
Opening hours: 09:00-20:30

Photo: flickr.com

4) Chengdu Panda Research Base成都大熊猫繁育研究基地
Maybe this sounds redundant if you are a long time resident, but what child doesn't enjoy watching pandas chow down on bamboo? You can even hold one if you are willing to fork out 1,000 RMB. Most importantly, the Panda Research Base offers families in the area a chance to learn about panda reproduction and about the current state of the species. After all, pandas are native to Sichuan, and there is no better place on earth for seeing them. The red pandas here are quite active, and seem to be a curious mixture of a raccoon, panda, dog and cat. Getting there is easy via bus lines from Chengdu. A taxi costs roughly 40 RMB.

Add: 26 Da Xiongmao Dadao, Northern Suburb, Chengdu,
地址: 成都外北熊猫大道26号 
Price: 58 RMB for adults; 29 RMB for primary and middle school children (must have proof)
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00

Photo: flickr.com

5) Jinsha Museum 金沙博物馆
Here is an educational activity in Chengdu that will be enjoyable for your kids. As perhaps the most worthwhile museum in Chengdu, Jinsha Museum is full of archaeological discoveries dating back to the Shang Dynasty and to the Zhou Dynasty. This is pre-Qin state, from a time period spanning from 1200-650 B.C. It is also on the land of the Shu Kingdom (221-263). Some artifacts are over 4,000 years old. The gold, jade and ivory artwork here is simply phenomenal, as is the mesmerising and elegant Golden Phoenix. After learning some history, families can enjoy an interactive video that truly engages you.

Add: 成都遗址路2号
地址: 2 Yizhi Lu, Chengdu
Tel: 028 8730 3522　
Price: 80 RMB per person
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 (summer season); 08:00-17:30 (winter season)
Website: www.jinshasitemuseum.com

6) Enjoy Chengdu's Nature Spots
Nature spots in Chengdu do exist and are popular getaway options for those in need a break from the city. Choosing the right one for you and your family depends on personal preference. North Lake (北湖) and East Lake (东湖) provide space to walk, relax at a teahouse, and even play sports. Going trekking at the Taoist Qingcheng Mountain (青城山) or at the sublime Emei Mountain (峨眉山) provide chances to work out and experience mystical sides of Sichuan. Du Fu's Cottage (杜甫草堂) and Wangjiang Park (望江公园) are filled with traditional Chinese landscape architecture and history about the famous local poets Du Fu and Xue Tao, respectively. Not only are these spots enjoyable for kids, but they also provide a healthy dose of fresh air.  
 

Related links
Find Some Air: The Best Nature Getaways Outside Chengdu
Space Away from the City: Chengdu's Best Nature Spots
Fun Times: 5 Things You Must Do in Chengdu