I spent an incredible day at Dami Exploration Park in Shenzhen with my two kids, and I can confidently say this is one of the best indoor family entertainment centers I've ever experienced. Spanning three massive floors and eight themed exhibition halls, this 30,000-square-meter wonderland offers something for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents. We raced virtual cars in the Racing World, came face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs in the Jurassic Zone, built our own creations in the Science Lab, and even took a mini train journey through a tunnel filled with over 300 model trains. With interactive exhibits, VR experiences, thrilling slides, and surprisingly affordable dining, this park delivers a full day of non-stop fun without breaking the bank. If you're visiting Shenzhen with children, this place deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Trip Overview
When: December 2020 (Perfect year-round destination due to indoor location)
Duration: 1 day (9 AM - 6 PM recommended)
Travelers: Family with children
Budget: ~¥200-250 per person (~$28-35 USD) for entry + meals
Transportation: Taxi or subway to Longgang District
Day 1: A World of Wonder Awaits
Arrival and First Impressions
As the holiday season approached in December 2020, I was searching for the perfect indoor destination to take my energetic kids somewhere that would keep them entertained without freezing in the winter chill. That's when I discovered Dami Exploration Park (大梦探索乐园), a sprawling 30,000-square-meter indoor playground that promised fun for ages 5 to 50. With an investment of 150 million yuan, this isn't your average entertainment center—it's a carefully curated wonderland featuring eight distinct themed exhibition halls.
What immediately struck me was how different this place is from typical museums. Every hall incorporates interactive experiences and multimedia displays, making learning genuinely fun. When we arrived, we were greeted by a festive Christmas tree and a cheerful Santa Claus—perfect timing for the season! The kids couldn't wait to snap photos with Santa, and they even received small gifts, instantly putting everyone in a holiday mood.
Pink Dream Pavilion: Where Imagination Comes Alive
After scanning our tickets, we stepped into a world awash in pink—the Pink Dream Pavilion. To our left, my kids spotted a massive ball pit with giant pink bubbles and an enormous high-heeled shoe sculpture. To our right, a pink carousel and Barbie doll exhibition awaited. The dreamy, romantic atmosphere immediately captivated my children, especially my daughter who gasped at the sight of the rotating carousel.
My two little ones dashed straight into the ball pit, their faces lighting up with pure joy. Watching them play, I realized this is exactly what family outings should be—laughter, energy, and a chance for parents to breathe while the kids burn off steam. The best part? Parents can join in too, making it a genuine family bonding experience.
Racing World: Speed and Adrenaline
Next, we moved to the Racing World on the main floor. This massive exhibit features a stunning three-dimensional model with miniature cars racing through lanes that weave past world-famous landmarks. The attention to detail was impressive—tiny vehicles zooming through a landscape dotted with iconic architecture from around the globe.
Beyond the diorama, I found three actual championship racing cars on display, complete with Fernando Alonso's actual racing suit. Even though I'm not a motorsport fanatic, I had to admit—it looked incredibly cool. My kids were mesmerized by the sleek designs and vibrant colors.
Then came the highlight for my older son: the racing simulator. Strapping into the virtual cockpit, he experienced the thrill of high-speed racing. The realistic graphics and motion feedback made him feel like a real Formula 1 driver. He was grinning from ear to ear, already asking when we could return.
The Jurassic Zone: Walking with Dinosaurs
Following the signs, we entered what became my kids' favorite section—the Dinosaur Research Institute. This was Jurassic Park brought to life! Over ten life-sized dinosaur replicas moved and roared, their tails swaying as they emitted realistic sounds. The immersive atmosphere transported us back millions of years.
High Adventure: Testing Our Limits
Feeling brave, my kids convinced me to try the high ropes course. Watching my youngest gear up with safety harnesses and eagerly climb to the elevated platforms filled me with pride. These are exactly the kinds of experiences that build confidence and courage in children.
But the real adrenaline rush came from the slides. There's a terrifying 7-meter vertical slide that drops at nearly 90 degrees, and an even more thrilling 12-meter spiral slide that winds from the third floor all the way to the ground level. I must admit, I tried the spiral slide multiple times myself—it was that addictive! This is definitely a must-try attraction that has become quite popular on social media.
After the excitement of the slides, my kids settled into some creative activities. They tried the dinosaur coloring game, where their drawings came to life on screen through digital projection. Watching them concentrate on their artwork reminded me how fortunate children are today with such interactive technology—I certainly didn't have anything this cool when I was their age!
If you have time, don't miss the deep-sea VR cinema, which screens different ocean-themed films daily. It's a mesmerizing way to experience underwater worlds without getting wet.
Mecha Dream Hall: A Collector's Paradise
On the second floor, we discovered the Mecha Dream Hall—possibly the most expensive toy collection I've ever seen! With over 1,000 rare and classic action figures on display, this place made even me, a casual observer, feel overwhelmed. From Iron Man and Captain America to Astro Boy, the collection spans decades of pop culture.
My younger son was completely absorbed, staring at the displays with wide eyes. The sheer value of these collectibles—many worth thousands of dollars—made me appreciate how Dami Exploration has managed to bring such treasures together under one roof.
After admiring the exhibits, we tried the VR Mecha Warrior experience. Transforming into giant robot fighters in virtual reality proved incredibly fun. My older son was completely immersed in the experience, laughing and moving with the game. It's a fantastic activity for bonding with your children.
Train Museum: A Journey Through Time
The Train Museum was another eye-opening experience. A long tunnel lined with over 300 meticulously crafted train models from around the world creates a magical pathway. Each model represents the most iconic locomotives from different countries, beautifully detailed and historically significant.
The highlight for my children was the "Happiness Station" mini train ride. This charming railway takes you on a circular journey through a beautifully designed Taiwan-themed landscape. Both adults and children can ride, and my youngest son was so enchanted that he rode it over ten times! He absolutely refused to get off, and I had to practically drag him away to see the rest of the park.
Interactive Games and Music Hall
Passing by the "Third Grade Class Three" area, we stumbled upon an impromptu competition—spoon ping-pong ball relay! Joining in with my kids, we actually won a small prize, which made the experience even more memorable. It's these unexpected moments that make family trips special.
Next, we visited the Dream Music Hall, which displays traditional Chinese instruments alongside unique musical instruments from around the world. For music-loving children, this is a wonderful place to explore and appreciate global musical culture.
Throughout the park, I noticed the walls feature stunning mosaic artworks made entirely from building blocks. The Brick Dynasty exhibition showcases incredible creations—the Forbidden City, Potala Palace, Taj Mahal, spaceships—each piece meticulously constructed and absolutely breathtaking. Even my kids kept exclaiming "Amazing!" at the craftsmanship.
Since we couldn't travel abroad due to pandemic restrictions at the time, the African Savannah exhibit offered a wonderful alternative. Featuring realistic animal models, it provided a taste of African wildlife and a simulated safari experience that satisfied our wanderlust.
Science Paradise: Learning Through Play
The Science Paradise quickly became my personal favorite. This interactive laboratory makes learning physics fun and accessible for children. Various hands-on experiments explain natural phenomena in engaging ways, fostering critical thinking and curiosity. I found myself just as fascinated as the kids!
We also discovered a vibrant Fruit Paradise, where colorful fruit-themed games and activities created a playful environment for younger children.
Transfer Classroom: Creative Workshops
The Transfer Classroom attracted many families for hands-on craft activities. While I'm not particularly skilled at arts and crafts, my kids excelled. My son created a beautiful parrot through the DIY transfer process, and the pride on his face was priceless. These workshops offer excellent opportunities for parent-child bonding.
Shows and Entertainment
Dream Stage Performances
The Dream Stage hosts various shows throughout the day. During our visit, we caught a festive Christmas performance with songs and dancing. The atmosphere was electric, and the highlight came at the end when all the children rushed to Santa Claus for gift boxes. The pure joy on their faces made the entire day worthwhile.
Before leaving, I snapped a photo of the park's show schedule for future reference. The diverse daily programming ensures there's always something exciting happening. After a full day of chasing my energetic kids around the park, I was exhausted—but seeing their happy faces made every moment worthwhile. I promised them we'd definitely return!
Dining and Refreshments
Third Floor Restaurant
Spending an entire day at the park works up quite an appetite, and fortunately, the third-floor restaurant delivers. With its cheerful, colorful decor, the dining area lifts your spirits immediately. But what truly impressed me was the price—just around ¥50 per person (approximately $7 USD) for a satisfying meal. In Shenzhen, that's incredibly reasonable!
The menu offers variety for all ages, from kid-friendly options to adult preferences. Whether you're a parent or child, you'll find something delicious to refuel for the afternoon adventures.
Jungle Coffee
When fatigue sets in, head to Jungle Coffee on the third floor for a coffee break. A cup of milk tea or coffee provides the perfect energy boost to continue exploring. It's an ideal spot to rest while the kids recharge.
Essential Information
📍 Location & Getting There
Address: Building A, Wanguo City, No. 9 Pinglang Road, Pingji Avenue, Longgang District, Shenzhen (深圳龙岗区平吉大道平朗路9号万国城A栋1~3F)
Chinese Address (for taxi drivers): 大梦探索乐园 (Dàmèng Tànsuǒ Lèyuán)
Transportation: Take Shenzhen Metro Line 3 to "Danzhutou Station" (丹竹头站) and take a taxi for the remaining 10-minute ride
💰 Costs & Budget Tips
Entry Fee: ~¥180-220 per person (check official website for current pricing) Meals: ~¥50 per person at the third-floor restaurant Total Budget: ~¥250-300 ($35-42 USD) per person for the day VR Experiences: Some included in ticket, premium experiences may have small additional fees
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (check for seasonal variations) Best Days: Weekdays to avoid crowds; weekends and holidays are busier Recommended Duration: 6-8 hours to fully experience all exhibits Peak Times: 11 AM - 3 PM; arrive early for popular attractions like the slides
🎯 Pro Tips for Families
Download the app: Check for park maps and show schedules before visiting Wear comfortable shoes: You'll walk 10,000+ steps easily Bring socks: Required for the ball pit area Charge your phone: You'll want to capture all the amazing moments Plan your route: Start with popular attractions like the slides early to avoid lines Check show times: Plan around the Dream Stage performances
Final Thoughts
Dami Exploration Park exceeded my expectations in every way. What could have been a simple day of entertainment transformed into an educational adventure that engaged both my children and myself. The combination of interactive exhibits, thrilling activities, and thoughtful design creates an experience that's rare to find.
If you're visiting Shenzhen with children—or even if you're an adult who appreciates creativity and interactive experiences—this park deserves a full day of your itinerary. At roughly $35 per person for an entire day's worth of activities, it's excellent value for money in a city known for its expensive attractions.
My only regret? Not discovering this place sooner. But that's just another reason to return to Shenzhen. Until next time, Dami Exploration Park!