June 2010

You’re committed. You’ve got tickets. You’ve read the reviews and circled the family friendly pavilions you want to see. Before you gather the kids and head out to face the crowds, here are a few things you should know…

Don’t Bring
Liquids. This includes water and hand sanitizers. Milk in baby bottles is fine in small quantities, and you can bring milk powder to have mixed with boiled distilled water found in the nurseries. Cigarette lighters, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters will also be confiscated at the gate.

Distances
The site is enormous. The distances between the different zones and pavilions can be huge. So be prepared for a lot of walking. There are four modes of transportation within the Expo site. The bus and metro (four stations) and ferries are free, while the electric shuttles that carry between five and seven passengers from Zone A to Zone C are 10 Rmb per person.  

Queues
Plan to entertain your kids while waiting in lines, which are inevitable. Games like 20 Questions, I Spy, or Simon Says don’t require extra packing and will entertain a certain set for at least 30 minutes or more. Handheld games and MP4s will entertain the more wired set. On-site electronic kiosks offer reservation tickets for select pavilions, and can minimize waits – but you have to queue to use them first.

People with kids in strollers can get priority queuing,  as well as those visiting pavilions of their home countries (just remember to bring your passport).

Plan Ahead
Before heading out, pick up an Expo map to figure out which pavilions you want to visit and enter through the closest gate to minimize too much walking. Keep the plan manageable – don’t try to see too much at once. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Bring
A lightweight and collapsible stroller for little ones. Rentals can also be had with a 200 Rmb deposit, but availability and reliability can be uneven. A compact umbrella is not only handy for sudden showers, but also as a sun shade given the lack of cover in much of the site. Small snacks and fruit will ward off low blood sugar. Diaper wipes are handy for cleaning up sticky hands and faces, and are an alternative to hand sanitizers.

Nurseries
Symbolized by an icon with a child on an adult’s lap, these facilities offer diaper changing tables, boiled water for mixing formula, nursing station, and secure seating for toddlers.

Lost and Found
Those with wandering kids – there are Lost and Found information booths for lost children throughout the site. Go through a “what to do if you’re lost” routine with your older kids and instruct them to find help from a security guard or volunteer. Also, put a card with your contact info in their pockets just in case.