This venue has closed.
Despite separate areas of the building housing Little Bugz being developed over the summer, which led to the location looking somewhat unpromising, that hasn’t stopped this 2014 newcomer becoming a hit with downtown parents. It opened its doors in April, founded by a Singaporean mother looking for a safe, clean play area for her child. Unable to find one that met her standards she created Little Bugz in Xuhui district. The exacting standards of its founder has attracted a largely expatriate clientele, who make up 80 percent of the customer base.
Although not the largest play area in our roundup, Little Bugz has everything you’d want and expect. There are swings, slides, ball pools, sand pit and bean bags to nap on. There are some high tech features as well. Little Bugz has installed EyePlay, a virtual indoor playground that allows players to interact with colorful graphics and sounds projected onto floors or walls, and is one of only handful of places in China to feature the software.
The space was created by a French designer and the wooden features of the play area give the space a quality, organic feel. The large windows and plants hanging from the ceiling further the feeling of an inviting natural environment. Parents will be happy to sit down and work, taking advantage of the free WiFi, and enjoying the soothing classical music that plays over the speakers.
The café is noteworthy, too. The coffee (latte, 30RMB) is decent and a range of fresh juices (apple, carrot, watermelon, pear, all 30RMB) are a healthy alternative not often found at other play areas.
For other great play centres, read Time Out Family's roundup of Shanghai's best indoor play areas.
