HANGZHOU · FAMILY TRAVEL
Hangzhou with kids
Hangzhou is a relaxed city well suited to families — West Lake is stroller-friendly, the watertown day trips are manageable, and the Alibaba-driven prosperity of the city means infrastructure is modern. Children are generally welcomed warmly in local restaurants.
West Lake Boat Ride
Ages All agesCovered boat tours across the lake include Xiaoyingzhou island and the Three Pools Mirror Moon pagodas; calm and scenic for all ages.
Getting there: Boat piers along Hubin Road, near Hubin metro (Line 1)
Zhejiang Museum of Natural History
Ages 4–14Dinosaur hall and natural science exhibits in a modern building; compact and manageable for younger children.
Getting there: Metro Line 1, Longxiangqiao station
Songcheng Theme Park
Ages 5–14A Song-dynasty–themed park with live performances, a traditional street scene, and rides; the main show is theatrical and colourful.
Getting there: Metro Line 4, Hangzhou Theatre station then shuttle
Longjing Tea Farm Walk
Ages 5–14Tea picking in spring (March–April); tea farmers are welcoming to children and the terraced landscape is easy to walk.
Getting there: Bus Y1 from Wulin Square; taxi from West Lake
Hangzhou Safari Park
Ages 3–14Safari vehicle drives through open enclosures; elephant and tiger sections; a children's zoo at the exit.
Getting there: Shuttle from central Hangzhou; approximately 1 hour by road
Hubin Park along West Lake has paved paths, open lawns, and a calm atmosphere for young children. Taiziwan Park (metro: Line 1, Longxiangqiao then bus/walk) has a children's play area adjacent to the Zhejiang University campus. Xiaoshan Wetland Park in the southern part of the city is good for birdwatching and relaxed cycling on flat paths.
The Grandma's Home Restaurant (外婆家) chain originated in Hangzhou and remains one of the best-value family options — Hangzhou-style home cooking at accessible prices with picture menus. The food courts in Hangzhou's modern malls (MixC, Hangzhou Tower) have child-friendly seats and high chairs. West Lake–area restaurants generally cater to tourist families and often have English menus.