5 places to exhaust your kids
From statue-filled gardens to historic areas, here are the best places where your kids can cut loose and you can relax
The quilted outerwear is off, and with the change comes the sinking feeling our children will have more energy to burn and fewer hours of daycare to sap it.
Moreover, the past months have seen the disappearance of our favorite stand-bys: from the playground at O'Malleys to soon-to-be-closing Mesa.
Luckily, kids adapt easily. Take note of these fall-backs and you'll easily forget there ever was a Barbie Store.
1. North Bund
Price: Free.
Even kids running in circles will stop (at least momentarily) in wonder at the the International Cruise Terminal.
The main Bund strip is so last year. This summer families can have their promenade -- and then some -- on the north Bund waterfront.
Landscapers are putting the final touches to the walkway that passes by Shanghai's two new cruise terminals, the accompanying ships, winding gardens, a retail park and an outdoor performance space.
Don't leave without: Bringing your little ones to see the "Shanghai Chandelier," the three amorphous "pods" dangling from the International Cruise Terminal that'll offer food, drink and public art. Sponsored by Ferrari, no less.
While the kids play, the grown-ups ... take in the tremendous views of Pudong.
Huangpu River walk, between Suzhou Creek and Xinjian Road tunnel 在苏州河与新建路隧道之间
2. Ambassy Club
Price: From RMB 150 per course, contact venue for year-long membership fees.
More than just a pool space, Ambassy Club now runs both outdoor and indoor distractions for kids.
The Ambassy's outdoor pool club is a scene to behold: yummy mummies, snug Speedos and the squeals of their ayi-guarded children. But indoor facilities have been notoriously lacking -- until now.
The dire downstairs playrooms have been transformed by Color-Me, a U.S.-owned sport and art club that promotes imagination and healthy development. There's also a soft-play space upstairs, Saturday swim groups, and drop-in ballet and kickboxing in the dance studios.
Don't leave without: Playing indoor polo using scooters and Nerf mallets.
While the kids play, the grown-ups ... grab a beer in the new café, within eyeshot of the playrooms.
Color-Me, Ambassy Club, 1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu 淮海中路1500号, 近乌鲁木齐路, +86 21 6437 9800
