Don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on theme parks every time you head north? Shenzhen actually has a batch of completely free parks with new facilities, plenty of space, and all reachable by metro — perfect for a half-day of burning off your kids' energy. Below are 8 free family spots grouped by border crossing, all free admission, with some facilities charged separately.
1. Nanshan / Shenzhen Bay Port 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 Lugang, Universiade Torch Tower, Liuhuashan, Crescent Moon Valley, Sunrise Theatre, Tidal Wetland, Wedding Plaza, Sea View Boardwalk, Sea Breeze Sports Plaza and more. The 26-metre-tall Universiade Torch Tower is one of Nanshan's landmarks. Motor vehicles and motorbikes are banned in the park, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians — you can fly kites, cycle and watch the sunset; part of the park even overlooks Hong Kong's Tin Shui Wai and the Shenzhen Bay Bridge.
- Admission: Free (bike rental etc. charged separately)
- Opening hours: Park open all day (some areas have lights off at night)
- Transport: Entrance directly opposite Shenzhen Bay Port once you clear customs; or around Shenzhen Bay Park Station on Metro Line 9
2. Futian Port Area
2. Shenzhen Children's Park (Futian)
One of Shenzhen's oldest children's parks, reopening after renovation in August 2026 with new play facilities added, free admission — the top choice for burning off kids' energy in Futian District.
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: Open during the day (subject to on-site notices)
- Transport: In Futian city centre, reachable by one metro ride after clearing Futian Port; specific exit subject to on-site signage
3. Lianhuashan Park (Futian)
Futian city centre's "big lawn park", with a summit plaza overlooking the Shenzhen skyline — a hotspot for locals to fly kites and picnic. The park has large lawns, jogging trails and children's play facilities, free admission, within walking distance of Children's Palace Station.
4. Xiangmi Park (Futian)
Located around Xiangmihu, with a children's play area and large lawns, quiet surroundings and plenty of shade — more comfortable than city-centre parks, free admission, great for a leisurely half-day.
5. Lizhi Park (Futian)
A long-established city park near Hongling, with lake views, shade and children's play facilities, free admission, convenient transport — a good rest stop between mall visits.
3. Luohu Port Area
6. Donghu Park (Luohu)
Luohu District's largest reservoir park, with a greenway and hiking trails along the reservoir for strolling and cycling, with open lake views. The park has lawns and play facilities, free admission — the easiest nature option after clearing Luohu Port.
4. Longgang Area (Add-on Along the Way)
7. Longgang Children's Park (Longgang)
A large children's-themed park in Longgang District, with climbing frames, sand pits, slides and other facilities, free admission, suitable for kindergarten to lower-primary kids. If you're already heading to Longgang (e.g. Red Cube, Longgang Universiade area), you can add it along the way.
8. Shenzhen Central Park (Futian)
Another big lawn in Futian District — many people camp and play football there at weekends, free admission, a handy backup for "don't want to squeeze into malls".
6 Tips for Taking Kids to Free Parks
- Avoid midday: Shenzhen summer UV is strong — go before 9am or after 4pm
- Bring water and sunscreen: Parks don't have many supply points, so bring your own
- Bring mosquito repellent: Parks near water and with many trees have more mosquitoes
- Crowded at weekends: Arrive early or go on a weekday for comfort
- Toilets: Toilets in major Shenzhen parks are generally clean, and big parks have them along the way
- No booking needed: Parks are generally free and open; only free venues (e.g. science museum) require booking
Half-Day Itinerary Sample (No Tickets Needed)
- 09:30 Clear Shenzhen Bay Port, head straight into Shenzhen Bay Park
- 10:00 Stroll or ride a shared bike along Binhai Boulevard, see the Universiade Torch Tower and Sea View Boardwalk
- 12:00 Walk to a nearby mall (Coastal City area) for lunch
- 14:00 Indoor playground at the mall, or return to the park to keep playing
- 16:30 Stock up at the supermarket, buy daily necessities to take back to Hong Kong
- 17:30 Head back, avoiding the evening border-crossing peak
FAQ
- Really all free? Admission is free; certain facilities, bike rental and venue rental are charged.
- Can you buy food? Big parks have kiosks but limited choices — bring your own water and snacks.
- Best time to go? Before 9am or after 4pm, avoiding the midday sun.
- Can you push a stroller in? Most parks yes; the waterfront boardwalk is flatter and easier to push.
- Do you need to book? Parks generally no; free venues (science museum, museums) require real-name booking.
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