2025 Hot Spots for Taking Kids Out
These places are less crowded, beautiful, and free! 8 secret spots treasured by moms, the last one is amazing! 👶✨
🌟 Underrated Kid-Friendly Destinations for 2025
→ Hejiawan, Langshan, Hunan: Free "Little Guilin" Water Play Paradise
Navigate to "Hejiawan by the Fuyi River," a hidden gem known only to locals. The Fuyi River is shallow, perfect for kids to wade and play in the water. Look up and you'll see the General Rock, one of Langshan’s Six Wonders (75 meters tall, resembling a general in armor). There's a famous saying by poet Ai Qing: "Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven, but Langshan’s scenery surpasses Guilin." While playing in the water, kids can also enjoy a lively Chinese lesson.
→ Liuhuadong, Changsha: 1.5-Hour Drive to the "Glass Stream"
About 1.5 hours by car from Changsha, Liuhuadong feels like a paradise. The stream is crystal clear, with visible sand and small fish at the bottom. Kids can catch fish and shrimp with small nets, experiencing close contact with nature. Locals rent out canopies and tables by the stream at affordable prices, and bargaining is possible, making it very convenient.
→ Banma Suhe Park, Shanghai: 1100㎡ Free Giant Sandpit
The sandpit in the park covers 1100 square meters, the largest along the Putuo section of the Suzhou River. The fine sand mixed with river water is cool to the touch. Besides sand play, there’s a water play area (where splashes create rainbows), non-powered facilities (frisbee, rocking horse, balance beam), and a camping lawn area, enough for kids to burn off energy all day.
→ Danzhu, Taizhou, Zhejiang: 25℃ Fairy Stream Trekking Spot
The Danzhu glass water pool here is crystal clear and free for stream trekking. Kids can also enjoy the unique sensation of little fish nibbling their feet (ticklish and special). It’s recommended to combine this with a visit to Guoqing Temple (where you can feed squirrels) and try local delicacies like garlic bean noodles, qian cake, and chilled herbal jelly. From Shanghai Hongqiao, take a 2.5-hour high-speed train to Taizhou, then rent a car for 1 hour to reach the spot.
→ Hadigang Square Park, Nancheng, Dongguan: The "Secret Garden" in the City Center
Located at the intersection of Dongguan Avenue and Kechuang Road, this is a rare "urban oasis." The park is shaded with trees and has open lawns suitable for tents and picnics. It also features children’s play equipment (swings, slides, climbing nets) and fitness areas, suitable for kids and parents of all ages. It’s best to visit in the early morning or evening to avoid the strong sun.
📅 Suggested Itinerary Planning
→ 2-Day Trip to Langshan, Hunan
· Day 1: Arrive in Langshan in the morning, navigate to "Hejiawan by the Fuyi River" for water play and stream trekking; enjoy local specialties like blood plasma duck and pig blood balls for lunch; in the afternoon, try bamboo rafting on the Fuyi River (12 km route, enjoy sights like General Rock); stay overnight at nearby guesthouses such as Xinglin Courtyard or Langshan Expert Building Boutique Guesthouse.
· Day 2: Hike at Bajiaozhai Scenic Area to enjoy the "Whale Stirring the Sea" sea of clouds; then visit Shitian Village to observe crested ibises (best birdwatching season is around October when their feathers turn red and look especially beautiful).
→ 1-Day Trip to Banma Suhe Park, Shanghai
Arrive at the park in the morning, let kids play freely in the sandpit and water area; have lunch resting in the park or bring your own picnic; in the afternoon, continue enjoying non-powered facilities or stroll along the waterfront path to admire the Suzhou River scenery; the cool river breeze in the evening is perfect for more playtime.
→ 2-Day Trip to Taizhou, Zhejiang
· Day 1: Take the high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Taizhou, rent a car to Danzhu, trek and play in the glass water pool; stay overnight at Tiantaishan "Lujing" Zen Hotel (offers children’s Zen classes and free Hanfu rental).
· Day 2: Visit Guoqing Temple to experience the tranquility of the ancient temple and feed squirrels; enjoy Taizhou’s local snacks for lunch; in the afternoon, choose to continue sightseeing or return based on energy levels.
📸 Photo Tips and Outfit Suggestions
Photo Spot — Best Time/Technique — Outfit Advice
Playing in front of General Rock, Langshan — Morning with front light, capture kids with General Rock in the background — Swimsuit + sun protection shirt, bright colors stand out.
In the stream at Liuhuadong — Afternoon with dappled sunlight, capture kids catching fish and shrimp — Breathable quick-dry clothes, sun hat.
Sandpit at Banma Suhe Park — Evening soft light, silhouette shots of kids playing in the sand — Comfortable cotton clothes, easy to move in.
Glass water pool at Danzhu — Sunny day underwater shots showing clear water and kids’ smiles — Swimsuit + trekking shoes, non-slip recommended.
🍜 Food Recommendations
· Langshan, Hunan: Blood plasma duck, pig blood balls, "Crested Ibis Brand" organic rice (from the crested ibis habitat, fragrant and delicious).
· Taizhou, Zhejiang: Garlic bean noodles, qian cake, chilled herbal jelly, seaweed crackers (great as snacks).
· Shanghai: Plenty of dining options around the park, or bring your own picnic.
· Dongguan: Suitable for picnics in the park, also explore local town delicacies nearby.
💡 Viral Copywriting Tips (for short videos)
1. Create Contrast and Surprise: "Stop going to crowded family parks! These free and lesser-known kid-friendly spots are the real gems!" "Catching fish and shrimp in a 'Little Guilin' river, with General Rock overhead! This scene from the Chinese textbook, I found it in Hunan!"
2. Emphasize Value and Unique Experience: "1100㎡ free sandpit! Rainbow water play area! This Shanghai park is the ultimate cost-effective spot for kids!" "25℃ glass water pool, little fish nibbling your toes! This fairy stream trekking spot in Zhejiang is perfect for summer!"
3. Emotional Resonance: "Seeing my kid laugh so happily in the stream made the 1.5-hour drive totally worth it!" "Finding such an oasis in the city center, kids burn energy, moms relax, perfect!"
4. Interactive Questions: "Which of these underrated kid-friendly spots do you want to visit most? "Got any secret kid-friendly spots? Share in the comments!"
⚠️ Practical Tips
· Transportation: Some spots (like Langshan, Liuhuadong, Danzhu) are easier to reach by car, so plan your route in advance. City parks (like Banma Suhe Park, Hadigang Square Park) are accessible by subway or bus.
· Accommodation: Langshan, Taizhou, and other places have unique guesthouses and hotels; booking in advance is recommended.
· Gear:
· Water play and stream trekking: Bring change of clothes, towels, trekking shoes or non-slip sandals, water guns, small nets, etc.
· Sun and mosquito protection: Sunscreen, sun protection clothing, hats, mosquito repellent are essential, especially in mountains and near water.
· Picnic gear: Tent, picnic mat, plenty of food and water (especially for parks).
· Safety first: Always watch your kids closely, especially near water. Follow safety rules and choose safe water areas for play.
· Eco-friendly travel: Take your trash with you, protect the environment, and leave no trace.
💎 Core of the Hot Picks: These underrated kid-friendly spots are not only less crowded and cost-effective (some even free), but also help kids disconnect from screens and immerse in nature for a unique growth experience. This is the true meaning of family travel!
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(Note: Opening hours, ticket policies, seasonal features (like crested ibis viewing periods), etc., may change. Please check official sources before traveling. Some images are sourced online; please contact for removal if necessary.)