One of the top tourist destinations in the world, Hong Kong is a city of myriad possibilities. Its fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, breathtaking harbour views, family-friendly attractions like Disneyland and Ocean Park, and shopping districts are so varied and numerous that one trip won’t be enough to see them all. It is the perfect place for kid-friendly activities too—whether you take them hiking, sailing, on a culinary tour of the local cuisine, or inside the many museums and galleries that dot the city, they will have their interest piqued and attention engaged.
Here are five of the top experiences for children in Hong Kong.
As Hong Kong’s longest-running family-friendly theme park, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a treasured attraction with fun activities and thrill rides, dining spots, and educational options all packed into one convenient setting. The theme park makes for a perfect day trip for both families in the city as well as travellers who wish to experience a true, authentic Hong Kong with their kids. Check out attractions such as the world-class, marine-themed “Aqua City,” an interactive exhibit called “Amazing Asian Animals” and the activity-filled “Whiskers Harbour.” Don’t miss a trip to the Ocean Park Tower, a rotating, 360-degree observation tower that soars 200m above sea level for guests to appreciate the gorgeous views of Aberdeen and the outlying islands.
Hong Kong Disneyland, located on Lantau Island, is definitely a must-visit and needs no convincing for your little one. Opened in 2005, it features seven themed lands, including Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and the world’s only Frozen themed land. Visitors can meet beloved Disney characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and watch stunning live shows and parades.
The park is family-friendly, offering attractions for all ages, from gentle rides for young children to exciting roller coasters and simulators like the Iron Man Experience. The traditional Disney magic is infused with Hong Kong's distinct style, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Seasonal events, like Chinese New Year celebrations, add a local touch to the park's festivities.
Hong Kong’s biggest trampoline park is lined with over 40 trampolines wall to wall, along with foam pits and rope swings that allow the daring to unleash their inner ninja. The slackline experience tests kids’ balance while suspended over thousands of foam cubes, the trapeze zone is a fun way to try out acrobatic skills, and the “bounce boards” make for good training for children interested in snowboarding, skating, surfing, and other board sports. Visitors have to sign a liability waiver but once they are in, they can bounce, flip, and jump to tremendous heights, all to their heart’s content.
Located in the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, the 61-hectare park demonstrates the diversity of the island’s wetland ecosystem and highlights the need to conserve them. The natural trails, bird hides and viewing platforms make it a handy and excellent spot for birdwatching. Go on the mangrove boardwalk to see mudskippers, fiddler crabs and snails; the zone where saltwater crocodile Pui Pui lives; the butterfly garden; and the “Wildside Walk,” a trail that encompasses seasonal pools, woodlands and grasslands.
Located at the seaside of Tsim Sha Tsui, the Hong Kong Space Museum is the first local planetarium for the popularisation of astronomy and space science in the city. The unique egg-shaped dome makes the 8000-square-metre museum one of the most famous landmarks in Hong Kong. The permanent exhibitions, titled “Hall of the Cosmos” and “Hall of Space Exploration,” feature around a hundred exhibits out of which over 50 per cent are of interactive design, while the astronomy shows span topics like solar superstorms and space food. Arguably the most popular annual activity at the Hong Kong Space Museum is the “Young Astronaut Training Camp” where 30 local secondary school students are sent to Beijing for a summer astronaut training programme.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is an arts and cultural hub where performance and exhibition centres, green open spaces, and a waterfront promenade perfect for enjoying sunset views and evening strolls can all be found in one place. On the west side of the district is Art Park, an open green space where kids can relax, play or picnic on the lawns. Take the children to the free art and cultural series Freespace, where live music, performances, workshops, handicraft stalls and other attractions are held on the second Sunday of each month between September and March. Follow this up with a tour of M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Their collections from Hong Kong, Greater China, and other locations within Asia and beyond encompass visual art, design and architecture, and the moving image. For street art murals and mosaics, check out the Yau Ma Tei and Jordan districts which are northeast of the West Kowloon Cultural District.