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Best Summer Fun For Kids

We choose some of the best summer activities for kids to do in Hong Kong 

July marks the start of summer vacations, and Hong Kong offers plenty to do for kids and the whole family, at minimum hassle for the adults. Despite the crowded streets and hot weather, Hong Kong is surprisingly children-friendly, in part because its superb public transport allows easy access to almost everywhere. Plus the city is eminently safe. Best of all, in addition to top-drawer attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, there are varied activities for kids of all ages to join in and enjoy. Whether it’s organised games, museum experiences, public playgrounds, outdoor adventures, fun learning, or kid-friendly places to eat, Hong Kong has them all. Check out our top picks and enjoy a wonderful summer in Hong Kong.
 
Cool public playgrounds
Hong Kong’s playgrounds are plentiful and well-equipped. Best of all they’re free.
 
Hong Kong Park Children’s Playground
This beautiful park is home to an aviary, several colonial buildings including the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, gardens and a children’s playground consisting of six platforms at different levels, along with all the play equipment a kid could dream of. 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong.
 
Kowloon Park Children’s Playground
This large public park is famous for its flamingo pond and gardens. The ample children’s playground is a nice hidden gem, with all the usual play equipment. Don’t forget to check out the Discovery Playground featuring a three-storey tower and a gun emplacement. Tsim Sha Tsui.
 
Pirate Ship Playground at Sai Wan Ho
Who doesn’t want to be a pirate? This playground at Aldrich Bay in Sai Wan Ho has won awards for its offbeat design. Kids can play and roam around the playground while the water area features a fully fledged pirate ship. Combine a visit with a stroll along the typhoon shelter promenade, or visit the Museum of Coastal Defence, just a 10-minute walk away. Aldrich Bay Playground, Oi Tak Street, Sai Wan Ho.
 
Active fun and games
Physical activities to help kids work off their boundless energy while having loads of fun.
 
Ryze – Ultimate Trampoline Park
Jump to your heart’s delight! This fun place is a kids’ heaven, with trampolines and other energetic activities galore. Ideal for a group outing or birthday party. 3/F Kodak House 1, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. Tel: 2337 8191
 
Ice-Skating at Mega Box
Enjoy air-conditioned comfort while watching your kids ice-skate at Mega Box’s ice-skating rink, one of the city’s largest. Perhaps you want to give it a whirl yourself? You can rent skates, and instructors are also available. It’s a sure hit with kids and teenagers. Enterprise Square V Tower 2, 38 Wang Chiu Rd, Kowloon Bay.
 
CORE AQUA PARK at Tai Po
Hong Kong doesn’t have a major water park – there are plenty of beaches and marine sport options, after all. But if water slides and an aquatic obstacle course are your thing, then head to this giant inflatable water park located on a recreational lake in Tai Po. 2 Hung Lam Dr, Tai Po Kau, Tai Po; 2465 3468
 
Learning while having fun
Try out these edutainment opportunities
 
Hong Kong Space Museum
A popular museum for kids, the Space Museum recently reopened following renovation. Visit its planetarium, Space Science Hall, or watch Amazon Adventure, an exploration odyssey along the Amazon River, at the Omnimax Theatre. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
 
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Did you know that Hong Kong has an expansive wetland area with mangrove swamps and marshes, providing a haven for migrating birds? Visit the Hong Kong Wetland park, a conservation and educational tourism facility, where the kids will enjoy some of Hong Kong’s unique fauna and flora, including an impressive cast of birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Wetland Park, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories.
 
Kadoorie Botanical Farm and Gardens
Tucked away in the New Territories, this scientific farm is an education and conservation facility set up to promote biodiversity of plants and animals. It makes for a rich and rewarding day trip for the family, as the children  immerse themselves in seeing how a working farm operates. And maybe drop by the famous Wishing Tree at Lam Tsuen on the way. Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories. Tel: 2483 7200.
 
Enjoying the great outdoors
Hong Kong’s great outdoors is not to be missed – enjoy it with the whole family.
 
Cheung Sha beach for swimming and clamming
A trip to one of Hong Kong’s many beaches is a must. All the most accessible and popular have lifeguards and changing/shower facilities. Visit Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau Island – one of Hong Kong’s longest, and after a swim try your luck digging for clams. You can rent a bucket and shovel at the stores there or bring your own. Cheung Sha Beach, Lan Tau Island. Lantau. 
 
Family bicycling between Shatin and Tai Mei Tuk, Tai Po
Hong Kong’s most popular bike path is set up for family riding, with a gorgeous view across Tolo Harbour. The dedicated path between Sha Tin and Tai Po (about 13 km) is perfect for a relaxed ride untroubled by traffic or fatigue. Rent bikes at either end. Shing Mun River, Sha Tin, New Territories.
 
Family nature walk at Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
How about an enchanting walk for the whole family in natural tranquillity? On this easy, tree-lined walk around Pok Fu Lam Reservoir on Hong Kong Island, you’ll hear birds chirping and enjoy the diverse flora. Picnic facilities are also available. Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Hong Kong.
 
Eat and play
 
Origami Kids Café
This rooftop restaurant caters exclusively to kids. It combines a play zone, creative workshops and relaxed family dining. Set in a garden on top of the cruise terminal, it offers panoramic views of the harbour and a closeup look at visiting cruise ships. Rooftop, North End, Zone B, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 33 Shing Fung Road, Kowloon Bay. Tel: 6063 7470
 
Charlie Brown Café
Everyone loves Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends from the Peanuts cartoon strip. This café serves up a casual dining menu plus yummy desserts, and plenty of Peanuts-themed merchandise as souvenirs. G/F, Fortuna House, 58-60 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tel: 2366 6315
 
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Your children may be too young to remember Forrest Gump, the lovable character from the eponymous film, but just the same they’ll love this popular restaurant on the Peak, Forrest Gump–themed throughout. Tuck in to delicious Cajun food, including various signature shrimp dishes. Shop 304-305, 3/F, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak. Tel: 2849 2867
 

 

(Edited on 3 July 2018)

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