Think your kids are hard to impress? From clowns who might scare you more than them, to science shows that make physics slightly less terrifying, to disco and ABBA tribute nights at The Pearl, we've got a lineup that'll keep them entertained and you slightly sane. These are the kind of events that make you look like a parenting genius... or at least less like you're winging it.

Theatre and Performances

The Tale of Nobody Nose is a non-verbal visual theatre and clown performance by the UK’s Goofus Theatre. Using puppetry, physical comedy, and music, the show takes audiences on an imaginative journey where both kids and adults become part of the experience. Designed for all ages, it’s an interactive and playful performance built entirely on movement and visual storytelling.

“That Physics Show: Let's Play With Science” is an interactive science theatre show that brings classic physics experiments to life. Kids can participate in over 20 experiments, exploring mechanics, optics, electricity, and sound, guided by top theatre and science professionals.

A Russian interactive theatre experience where children step directly into the story through water play, physical exploration, and participatory storytelling. The show transforms the theatre space into a playful “rainy sea world” where kids become part of the action rather than just watching.

This is a playful classical concert where audiences are encouraged to clap, stomp, and interact with the musicians. ORTHEMIS Orchestra from Spain performs a lively mix of classical and film music, offering a fun introduction to music for children age 3 and up. The concert features surprising twists and audience participation for a unique experience.

This performance is a creative installation theatre piece featuring a single performer and a small box with endless imaginative possibilities. Children and adults alike experience humor, interactive props, and a playful, whimsical world designed by Ornan Braier. The show blends projection, mime, lighting, and sound to create a unique, highly engaging 50-minute performance. Recommended for audiences age 3 and up.

Get ready for Disco Night at The Pearl, featuring live performances by The Red Stars Band, Kat, and Grace, alongside dazzling choreography from The Pearl Dancers. Groove to 70s and 80s disco hits, from ABBA to Michael Jackson, in a vibrant, nostalgic atmosphere. This is your chance to relive the golden age of disco—grab your friends, put on your glitter, and dance the night away!

Celebrating Abba’s golden times, The Pearl presents one of their finest tribute shows. A night of mirror balls and sequins awaits! It's ABBA, the four Swedish blonds who were once responsible for basically Sweden’s entire GNP. Paint on your hip huggers, bell bottom jump suits and paisley, slide onto one of the disco-est dancefloors in town and dance the night away with one of the most popular bands of all time. Tickets are for general admittance only. 

Exhibitions and Interactive Experiences

If all that isn't enough to tire them out, there's a second round of chaos waiting: Madame Tussauds, LEGO Discovery Centre, aquariums full of things that may or may not bite, and chocolate experiences that'll make them hyper enough to test your patience. Basically, a buffet of ways to drag your little monsters out of the house—and maybe even leave them begging for more.

Peppa Pig World of Play (PPWOP) is an in-door play attraction designed for pre-school children under 7 years old. It has 10 fantastic themed areas that promise endless fun. Enjoy a picnic in the Campervan, fuel up at Grandpa Dog's Garage, and discover secret slides in Peppa's Treehouse and George's Castle. Join a musical School Bus Trip, relax with Peppa Pig episodes in the cozy Little Theater, and splash around in Muddy Puddles. At Peppa's House, learn about recycling and make delicious sandwiches. Explore the Sensory Garden's wonders, shop at the Supermarket, and navigate Rebecca Rabbit's carrot-filled tunnels. Open since October 23, 2018, tickets start at just 195 RMB for a child (up to 1.3m tall) with one adult.

This is the chance to meet the superstar icons in your dreams, all at once. Located on the tenth floor of the New World Building, Shanghai's branch of the world famous Madame Tussauds allows visitors to mingle with the rich, famous and (sometimes) deceased. Walk down the red carpet with Hollywood celebrities to meet your favorite Marvel superheroes, take your pictures Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, or the best athletes and the cleverest scientists throughout history — maybe with the help of a VR gadget to watch them coming into life. You can also walk through Madame's maze of horror, appropriately named "Scream," which promises to leave you terrified!

Shanghai LEGO Discovery Center is an indoor amusement park focused on family activities, built with tens of thousands of LEGO bricks. Operated by Merlin Entertainments, it is the first LEGO Discovery Center in China and the 17th worldwide. The center includes 12 themed areas, providing a 2-3 hour play experience. The edutainment concept aims to stimulate children's imagination and creativity while they play. Ticket prices range from 160 to 215rmb. Children 90cm tall and under, as well as children aged 3 and under, can enter for free. Please bring your ID for admission.

Changfeng Aquarium is a National 4A Scenic Area, combines fun and education with a focus on marine conservation. Located 13 meters beneath Silver Hoe Lake in scenic Changfeng Park, this aquarium is home to over 300 species and thousands of marine creatures. It features zones like Dancing with Rays, Starfish Touch Zone, Tropical Rainforest Wonders, Seahorse Kingdom, Colorful Coral Zone, Deep Sea Mystery, Shark Tunnel, and Penguin Exhibit. It serves as a national youth science education base and a specialized science museum. Ticket prices are 160rmb for adults and 130rmb for children, with opening hours from 8:30am to 5pm. Approximately 15 minutes walk between the two museums from Aquarium to Stingray Bay. The venue is located near Park Gate 4. Its recommended entering through the gate opposite Changfeng Joy City shopping mall (Northeast Gate, marked by a Lego giraffe outside).

Zotter Chocolate Theatre is in Shanghai and they are giving a complete chocolate tour including a 17-minute documentary titled "Hello, Cocoa." Your golden ticket to the chocolate factory is here and you don't need to tear through hundreds of chocolate bars to find it. Learn about the history of chocolate manufacturing, participate in a DIY chocolate session, and taste more than one hundred kinds of chocolate. Note: Please make an appointment at least one day in advance. Open on Mondays from June 24th to August 31st.