Don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a theme park every time you head to Shenzhen? Shenzhen actually has a whole set of completely free parks — new facilities, plenty of space, and all reachable by metro, perfect for taking the kids out for a half-day of burning off energy. Below are 8 free family spots organised by border checkpoint area. All are free to enter; some facilities charge separately.
1. Nanshan / Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Area
1. Shenzhen Bay Park (Nanshan + Futian)
Shenzhen's most popular waterfront park, covering 108.07 hectares, stretching along Binhai Boulevard and divided into more than a dozen themed zones: Zhongwan Yuehai Plaza, Haiyun Garden, Egret Slope, Beiwan Egret Harbour, the Universiade Torch Tower, Liuhua Hill, Crescent Moon Valley, Sunrise Theatre, Tidal Wetland, Wedding Plaza, the Sea-Viewing Boardwalk, Sea Breeze Sports Plaza and more. The 26-metre-tall Universiade Torch Tower is one of Nanshan's landmarks. Cars and motorbikes are banned inside the park, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians — you can fly kites, cycle and watch the sunset; part of the park even looks out towards Tin Shui Wai in Hong Kong and the Shenzhen Bay Bridge.
- Tickets: Free (bike rental etc. charged separately)
- Opening hours: Park open all day (lights go off in some areas at night)
- Getting there: There's an entrance right opposite the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint as you exit; or around Shenzhen Bay Park Station on Line 9
2. City Centre Area (Luohu / Futian)
2. Shenzhen Children's Park (Tongle Road, Luohu)
Shenzhen Children's Park is at 12 Tongle Road, Luohu District, and is the only municipal park in Shenzhen mainly serving children and teenagers. After two years of major renovation it reopened in August 2026, with free entry and new play facilities. It's about a 5-minute walk from Shaibu Station on Line 3, and only a few metro stops from Luohu Checkpoint — the top choice for letting kids burn off energy in the city centre.
- Tickets: Free
- Opening hours: Open during the day (subject to on-site notices)
- Getting there: 12 Tongle Road, Luohu District; about a 5-minute walk from Shaibu Station on Line 3 (follow on-site signs)
3. Lianhuashan Park (Futian)
The "big lawn park" in the heart of Futian. The summit plaza overlooks the Shenzhen skyline, and it's a favourite spot for locals to fly kites and picnic. Inside there are large lawns, jogging paths and children's play facilities. Free entry, within walking distance of Children's Palace Station.
4. Xiangmi Park (Futian)
Located in the Xiangmihu area, with a children's play zone and large lawns. It's quiet with plenty of shade — more comfortable than the downtown parks. Free entry, good for a relaxed half-day.
5. Lizhi Park (Futian)
A long-established city park near Hongling, with lake views, shade and children's play facilities. Free entry and easy to reach — a handy rest stop between shopping mall stops.
3. Luohu Checkpoint Area
6. Donghu Park (Luohu)
The largest reservoir park in Luohu District, with a greenway and hiking trails along the reservoir for walking and cycling, plus open lake views. The park has lawns and play facilities, free entry — the easiest nature option after crossing at Luohu.
4. Longgang Area (Add-on Stop)
7. Longgang Children's Park (Longgang)
A large children's-themed park in Longgang District with climbing frames, sand pits and slides. Free entry, suitable for kindergarten to lower-primary kids. If you're already heading to Longgang (for example Hong Cube or the Universiade area), it's an easy add-on.
8. Shenzhen Central Park (Futian)
Another big lawn in Futian District — lots of people camp and play football here at weekends. Free entry, and a useful backup when you don't want to battle the crowds in a mall.
Quick Transport Guide to the 8 Parks
| Park | District | Nearest metro / checkpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Bay Park | Nanshan | Right outside Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint; or Shenzhen Bay Park Station on Line 9 |
| Shenzhen Children's Park | Luohu | About a 5-minute walk from Shaibu Station on Line 3 |
| Lianhuashan Park | Futian | Children's Palace Station on Lines 3 / 4 |
| Xiangmi Park | Futian | Xiangmihu area — use Amap to pick the nearest exit |
| Lizhi Park | Futian | Around Hongling / Tongxinling Station |
| Donghu Park | Luohu | Near Shenzhen Reservoir — use Amap |
| Longgang Children's Park | Longgang | Longgang District — use Amap |
| Shenzhen Central Park | Futian | Around Civic Center — use Amap |
Different metro exits for the same park can mean several times the walking distance. Before setting off, search the park name on Amap and pick the nearest exit from the "metro exit" column — that's the practical approach.
Taking a Pram / Going with Elderly Visitors — What to Watch Out For
- Shenzhen Bay Park's waterfront promenade is flat, making it the easiest for prams and wheelchairs; parks that require climbing to a summit, like Lianhuashan and Science Park, have more slopes and stairs and may not be suitable.
- Big parks are far apart with few supply points along the way — remember to bring enough water and snacks.
- Large city parks are busy and safe during the day; some areas switch off lights at night, so it's not advisable to stay too late with young children.
6 Tips for Visiting Free Parks with Kids
- Avoid midday: Shenzhen's summer UV is strong — go before 9am or after 4pm
- Bring water and sun protection: Parks have few supply points, so bringing your own is safest
- Bring mosquito repellent: Parks near water and with lots of trees have more mosquitoes
- Weekends are crowded: Arrive early or go on a weekday if you want it comfortable
- Toilets: Toilets in Shenzhen's main parks are generally clean, and large parks have them along the way
- No booking needed: Parks are generally free and open; only free venues (such as science museums) require booking
Sample Half-Day Itinerary (No Tickets Needed)
- 09:30 Cross at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and head straight into Shenzhen Bay Park
- 10:00 Walk or ride a shared bike along Binhai Boulevard, see the Universiade Torch Tower and the Sea-Viewing Boardwalk
- 12:00 Walk to a nearby mall (Coastal City area) for lunch
- 14:00 Indoor play area in the mall, or head back to the park to keep playing
- 16:30 Stock up at the supermarket and buy daily essentials to take back to Hong Kong
- 17:30 Head back, avoiding the evening checkpoint rush
FAQ
Is it really all free?
Entry is free; individual facilities, bike rental and venue hire are charged.
Can you buy food there?
Large parks have small kiosks, but choice is limited — bring your own water and snacks.
What's the best time to go?
Before 9am or after 4pm, to avoid the midday sun.
Can you take a pram in?
Most parks yes, and the waterfront promenades are flatter and easier to push.
Do you need to book?
Parks generally don't require it; only free venues (science museum, museums) need real-name booking.
Which park is best for ages 2–5?
Shenzhen Bay Park and Shenzhen Children's Park have the most complete facilities and flat paths, best for prams; summit parks (Lianhuashan, Science Park) suit slightly older kids.
What are the indoor options if it rains?
You can switch to a children's play area in a mall, or a free museum or science centre that requires booking; check opening hours before you set off.
3 More Free Parks (All Metro-Accessible)
- Shenzhen Talent Park (Houhai, Nanshan): A waterfront park opposite the Houhai CBD, with Wuyou Plaza, Starlight Bridge and children's play facilities, plus a building light show on weekend and holiday evenings; about a 10-minute walk from Exit D of Houhai Station on Lines 2 / 11. Free.
- Bijiashan Park (Futian): A hill park in the city centre with large lawns, jogging paths and a children's play area, and you can hike to the summit for city views; around Huangmugang Station on Line 7. Free.
- Honghu Park (Luohu): A city park famous for its lotus flowers, with lake views and greenery, good for walking and picnics; Honghu Station on Line 7. Free.
Together with the 8 above, central Shenzhen actually has more than a dozen free places to burn off energy. If you're bringing kids, prioritise large parks within 5 minutes of a metro station that have toilets and kiosks — that makes for the most relaxed trip. Note that some parks have few parking spaces, so going by metro is the practical choice.
A reminder: most municipal parks in Shenzhen have free toilets and drinking water fountains, so bringing a water bottle saves on drinks; big parks are far apart with few supply points along the way, so remember to bring enough water and snacks. If you have a pram, waterfront and flat parks are easiest to push, while summit parks (such as Lianhuashan and Bijiashan) have more slopes and stairs and may not be suitable.
If you want to visit two parks in one day, the smoothest combinations are "Shenzhen Bay Park + Shenzhen Talent Park" (same checkpoint area, walkable), or "Shenzhen Children's Park + Honghu Park" (near Luohu Checkpoint); connect the two parks with a single metro stop to save time and effort.
Tip: most municipal parks in Shenzhen have free toilets and drinking water fountains, so bringing your own bottle saves on drinks; for this kind of park, the main daily costs come down to transport and food. Remember to bring an umbrella — parks are open and there aren't many places to shelter from rain.
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