Travelling with kids is a challenge especially for parents who do not have the slightest idea on where to take the children. Travelling to Hong Kong will make the task easier because this small country is popular as a must-have item in every kiddie adventure.
Hong Kong might be a small city, but its tiny size does not equate to the numerous surprises it has for its visitors. Hong Kong is one of the most visited cities in Asia, usually because of its fast-growing economy and world-class learning institutions. It is home to a huge population of expats from around the world who prefer a modern lifestyle, amid innovation, skyscrapers, and hurried streets. Most people choose to go to Hong Kong and build a family beneath the tall buildings. Tourists with kids also have Hong Kong in heir list of Asian destinations, due to the city’s many child-friendly adventures. From fascinating theme parks to light shows and kid museums, Hong Kong is every child’s paradise. So if you’re in Hong Kong or planning to visit the city with your kids, this list of 15 things to do in Hong Kong will help you plan an itinerary.
Cost: $30 to $45
For centuries, Walt Disney has been every child’s friend. We have all dreamed of living in castles, dressed up in gowns, and waiting for our princes. Today, Disney has the same influence on the children. Their daily lives are spent watching shows from the largest cartoon and animation creator in the world, and a face-to-face encounter with their favorite Disney characters will mean the world to them. One of the most complete Disney experiences is offered at Hong Kong Disneyland. A favorite of kids and even adults, Hong Kong Disneyland boasts of 7 themed parks to be explored. Kids can enjoy Fantasyland, Toy Story Land and Adventureland, as well as other unique rides like Mad Hatter Tea Cups, It’s a Small World, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Mystic Manor, Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, and Hyperspace Mountain. They can take photos with the characters, too (They’ll love Minnie and Mickey Mouse, for sure!). They can also watch the Festival of the Lion King and the Flights of Fantasy Parade, which are two of the most awaited experiences in a day at Disneyland. You can also book a Disneyland VIP Tour if you don’t have much time (say three hours only) in the theme park. At the end of the day, your whole family can watch a grand fireworks display at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Hong Kong Disneyland is open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission for each child (age 3 to 11) is $30 and $45 for an adult. We recommend booking a room in one of the Disneyland hotels, so your kids can enjoy having breakfast with their favorite Disney characters. Hong Kong Disneyland is easy to find, as it is located on Lantau Island, which is just a stone’s throw away from the HK airport.
Cost: $15 to $19
If you want something unique for your kids, take them to the Noah’s Ark in Hong Kong, which is China’s very first Bible-themed amusement park. The Noah’s Ark is a full-size replica of the legendary biblical boat. In fact, it is considered the world’s only replica of its size. Located in Ma Wan Park, the Noah’s Ark boasts of 67 pairs of life-sized animal figures as stated in the biblical story. The Ark also has five interactive attractions for all guests. In short, the Noah’s Ark is not just a typical attraction which allows people to look at the displays and structures, but it is also an amusement park. Kids can explore Noah’s Adventureland, which has rides such as the Giant Swing and the 3D Giant Ladder. Moreover, the ark has various exhibits as well as state-of-the-art facilities, which teach children about appreciation for nature, culture, and traditions. Lastly, the kids can go to the Solar Tower to have a view of the activity on the sun’s surface in real time. A trip to the Noah’s Ark in Hong Kong will be a biblical, educational, and wonderful experience for the kids. You can visit the Ark from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Admission fee is at $15 for each child and $19 for an adult.
Cost: Free to $40
The world’s largest permanent light and sound show happens in Hong Kong at 8:00 p.m. daily around the Victoria Harbour. The perfect experience to end a day-out with the kids, the Symphony of Lights at Victoria Harbour showcases colored lasers and lights coming from the top of 44 buildings which comprise the Hong Kong skyline. The show lasts of 13 minutes, and is accompanied by a recorded music by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. You can watch the lights and sounds show from a harbor view room at the Four Seasons Hotel, the harbor view restaurants, Avenue of the Stars, and the IFC terraces on Podium 3 and 4. You can also book a Symphony of Lights tour on Aqua Luna, a traditional Hong Kong red-sailed junk, or on the Star Ferry. Surely, the kids will be fascinated with the synchronization of lights and sounds, which prove to be the best spectacle there is in Hong Kong. Watching the Symphony of Lights show is an experience you and your kids should not miss!
Cost: $4.8 to $12.6
At 428 meters above sea level, The Peak offers the most spectacular view of the entire Hong Kong. This is another of the city’s widely visited attractions which you can take your kids to. For sure, they will love the ride going to the top as well as the view they’ll get once there. The Peak may be reached through taking the Peak Tram. If you ride the tram, you will be able to experience the steepest (27 degree at the most extreme) funicular railway in the world. The experience lasts a little less than five minutes, and the journey covers 1.4 kilometers. During the ride, the kids will feel exhilarated as if the buildings are leaning on some mountains. When you finally reach the top, you can of course pose for a photo with the Hong Kong city lights as your background. The kids can also visit the Trick Eye Museum, the Art of Chocolate Museum, and the Madame Tussauds in the Peak Galleria (still undergoing renovations at the time of writing, and will re-open in April 2019). After admiring the picturesque views from the top and exploring the playgrounds at Peak Galleria, your whole family can sit together for a sumptuous dinner at the Peak lookout. You can also stroll around the Peak Circle Around as a treat before going down. The Peak will definitely make the kids ecstatic about visiting more of Hong Kong.
Cost: $10 to $20
If your kids are tired of running and playing around in theme parks or posing for pictures in Hong Kong, you can take them to the Hong Kong Science Museum located at Tsim Sha Tsui East in Kowloon. The Hong Kong Science Museum, as the name implies, is home to scientific journey and discovery which will engage your kids’ interests. It hosts more than 500 exhibits about science and technology, including a Cathay Pacific’s first DC3 airliner displayed suspended in the air. At the Hong Kong Science Museum, kids can explore the interactive exhibits, such as driving a car simulator to avoid accidents. There is also an Energy Machine which the kids will surely not leave untouched. A visit to the Hong Kong Science Museum is a welcome break for the kids to mix fun and learning.
Cost: $30.5 to $61
One of the best things about Hong Kong is its many attractions for children despite its small size. There’s Disneyland and all sorts of museum, and there is also the Ocean Park Hong Kong which is another must-have destination in your list of adventures for the kiddos. Ocean Park Hong Kong is not a typical aquarium like you know at home, as this aqua park boasts of an aquarium, a zoo, and an amusement park. Inside the Ocean Park, kids can do all sorts of wonderfilled activities, like finding Nemo and Dory in the Grand Aquarium, which is home to numerous marine creatures including but not limited to sharks, turtles, and stingrays. The kids can watch exhibits featuring sea lions, seals, penguins, and walruses in the Polar show as well. Or if they prefer a dolphin show, there’s also an exhibit for them. And who doesn’t love the adorable pandas? At the Ocean Park Hong Kong, kids can have a close look at a real panda. Likewise, when the kids have seen all the animals, they can spend the rest of the day playing in the playground, which has cable cars, roller coasters, and many other kiddie rides. The children will definitely have a happy smile pasted on their lips throughout the day and even when you go home! Oh, and just a note, try booking your tickets in advance to skip the long lines at the entrance.
What’s a vacation without going outside the city, right? If you think Hong Kong is nothing but a modern city with just skyscrapers and commercial establishments, you got it wrong. Actually, Hong Kong has more than 200 outlying islands, which you can explore with the kids. You can ride a ferry to popular islands, such as Lamma Island, Po Toi, Peng Chau, and Cheung Chau. For one, kids will love a little boat adventure. It will be a break from the usual crowded streets and noisy streets you see every day. When you go to Lamma Island, Peng Chau, Po Toi, or Cheung Chau, you have to try the fresh seafood offered in the resort. The kids can also go kayaking and swimming on the lovely beaches. In Lamma Island, the kids can visit the Fisher Folk’s Village, where they can learn all about the lifestyle in a fishing village as well as how to care for a starfish. They can also try their hand at fishing! Of course, the whole family can feast on the fresh seafood offered by the restaurants before riding a ferry back to the city area.
Cost: Free to $1.2
Located in Sha Tin, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is another fun and unique place in Hong Kong where you can take the kids. At this museum, kids would not be bored as they can explore the Children’s Discovery Gallery – which is a space specifically designed for children visitors. Inside the gallery, the kids can play in any of the eight play zones while learning about topics in history, archaeology, and nature. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is open daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays), except on Tuesdays. We suggest going to the museum on a Wednesday, because the museum charges zero admission fees. Otherwise, expect to pay $1.2.
Cost: $25 to $45
Your little girls might have learned of this restaurant in Hong Kong if she is a huge Hello Kitty fanatic. The Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine is the world’s first ever Hello Kitty-themed dim sum restaurant. Located in Kowloon, this restaurant is a must-try for Hello Kitty fanatics… and well, for everyone. Kids can order a helping of the famous dumplings shaped and decorated into Hello Kitty shapes. The restaurant is open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 to $20
Thinking of an activity you can do after all the physical activity in the theme parks and museums? We have the perfect suggestion for you: a ride on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The Observation Wheel, which is a recently opened attraction in Central Harbourfront, is a giant Ferris wheel which provides a 20-minute fun-filled ride. The Wheel offers an unobstructed view of Victoria Harbor, so it is best to ride the Wheel when it is the same time as the start of the Symphony of Lights show at 8:00 p.m. Don’t worry, this is a safe ride for the whole family. You can bond together while watching the spectacular lights show and the excellent view of Hong Kong City.
Probably the highlight of every day out with the kids is a chance for them to get new toys. In Hong Kong, treat your kids to a toy shopping spree at Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po. This particular street is particularly designed to sell toys, which you can get at affordable prices. Dolls, balls, gadgets, you name it. You can also buy toys in bulk if you want to get some souvenirs. Also, you can try Tai Yuen Street in Wan Chai if the toys at Fuk Wing Street did not appeal to your child, or if the latter is far from your planned stops. Regardless of which street you visit, you are sure to find toys which will delight the kids.
Cost: $14 to $25
If you are a new visitor or an expatriate in Hong Kong and still finding your way through the city, you need relevant information to help you warm up. Many people are amazed at how Hong Kong, a tiny city and special administrative region of China, has become one of the world’s fastest growing cities. They always ask, how come this city has grown so popular and huge in terms of finance and industry? Well, we suggest you and the kids visit the Hong Kong Museum of History, which is just beside the Hong Kong Science Museum. This museum lets you explore the history of Hong Kong – from its birth to what it currently is. And please don’t think for a moment that the kids will just be bored inside the Hong Kong Museum of History. In fact, the kids can do lots of fun things inside, such as climbing on boats, hiding from stuffed animals, and watching lion dances. A visit to this museum lets you in on an unparalleled knowledge about Hong Kong as well as precious moments with the children.
Cost: $1.9 to $3.8
One other museum in Hong Kong which you should not miss when you are with the kids is the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. This museum is built on a pier and provides a great view of Kowloon from the building’s floor to ceiling windows. It has four levels, which tell the story of Hong Kong Maritime. More than learning about Hong Kong’s maritime history, the kids can explore various activities to amuse them. They can peek through the telescopes. They can steer the simulator and feel like captains for a day. They can imagine driving the ship against storms and strong currents, and emerge victorious and unharmed. You can visit the Hong Kong Maritime Museum at the Central Ferry Terminal. The entrance fee for each child is $1.9 and $3.8 for each adult.
Cost: $11 to $27
What’s a visit to Hong Kong if you would not be able to see the Big Buddha? Located inside the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island, the Big Buddha or Tian Tan Buddha is visited by most pilgrims and tourists in Hong Kong. The Big Buddha may be reached through a bus ride or a cable car ride. We recommend taking the latter option through Ngong Ping 360, which offers regular cable cars, private cable cars, and even glass-bottom cable cars. Each cable car will drop you off at Ngong Ping Village, where you can reach the Po Lin Monastery, shopping centers, restaurants, and of course, the Big Buddha. After paying your respect to the Big Buddha, you and the kids can walk to the Wisdom Path and pose for a family photo. Before heading home, you can visit the Tai O Village, which is considered the oldest fishing village in Hong Kong, to buy dried seafood products. This activity provides you and your kids both a cultural and entertaining experience.
Cost: $12 to $56
When your kids love the sea, they would love seeing the dolphins in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a rare and special dolphin species in its oceans – the Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphin or the pink dolphins. Kids can only see these pink dolphins in Hong Kong. In order to commence this activity, you have to book a tour with a tour company. We recommend the Hong Kong Dolphin Watch company, although hotels have their usual recommendations, too. On this tour, you can learn more about the dolphins. You can also contribute in protecting them. Spotting the dolphins will be a great family activity, as you will be together in a private boat waiting for the dolphins to show up and swim. A note, however, is to warn your kids prior to the activity about the importance of preserving endangered creatures, like the pink dolphins.
The above list is but a few of the countless adventures you can do in Hong Kong with the kids. As you visit this small city, you’ll understand that size really does not equate to the limitless joy and entertainment you can give your kids.
Have the most fun in Hong Kong!
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