The 17 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong With Kids
I know what you’re thinking, “The name of this blog is ‘Pale Ale Travel’, I’m not bringing my kid to a bar,” or “What would this guy know about things to do in Hong Kong with kids?”.
Well, you’re in luck because this isn’t one of those types of posts because as a man now in his mid-thirties, my weekend activities have heavily shifted away from tossing back cold ones with the gang to more wholesome family-oriented activities with married friends and their children.
And you know what? I ain’t hating it. So, I feel more than well-equipped to write this article.
I was also once a kid, which I think bolsters my credibility.
Further, if you’re anything like my parents, you know that you can never have enough inspiration and ideas for how to keep your kids occupied, as it’s neverending. A stacked Rolodex of activity ideas is essential for maintaining harmony in the household, exposing your kids to healthy, constructive, and cultural experiences, and ensuring they burn off some energy and go to bed at a reasonable hour.
So, whether you live here or are just visiting and want to cross your t’s and dot your i’s with a list of the best things to do in Hong Kong with your kids, I’ve got you covered.
Spend a Magical Day at Hong Kong Disneyland
This is where you want to be for the 8 PM momentous nighttime spectacular.
What kid wouldn’t want to spend the day at the happiest place on earth? Even as an adult, I can emphatically state that Hong Kong Disneyland is well worth it. While it’s technically the ‘smallest’ Disneyland park in the world, that doesn’t mean it’s short of the classic nostalgia, rides, and experiences that you’d find elsewhere. If anything, it means that you can feasibly tackle all 8 themed areas in a single day.
It also means that there is a decreased chance of hitting that step count where your 12-year-old wants you to carry him or her around. But you’ve got a bad back, and they are nearly a teenager so that just isn’t in the cards. And, the park is designed in adherence to Chinese tradition and feng shui, and with the gorgeous backdrop of Lantau Island in mind.
Beloved Disney attractions and rides like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (don’t miss the 8 PM ‘momentous nighttime spectacular’), Space Mountain (‘Hyperspace Mountain’ in Hong Kong), Main Street U.S.A., and It’s a Small World, all allow for a day of suspending disbelief (and allowing you to even channel your inner kid), while Hong Kong exclusive experiences like Mystic Manor and the World of Frozen give it that extra magical oomph.
Other must-visit attractions include the 3-D motion Iron Man Experience, Ant-Man and the Wasp Nano Battle, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars (the best rollercoaster at the park!).
One of my best Disney experiences as a kid was staying at one of the park hotels and doing the Disney Character Dining, where I was able to meet all my favorite characters and get their autographs (except Jafar as I was too terrified).
The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel’s Enchanted Garden Restaurant features a cast of popular Disney Characters for you and your kids to meet, while the Crystal Lotus restaurant (adjacent) offers a one-of-a-kind Disney Dim Sum experience and gastronomic tour of four major culinary regions in China.
Disney characters in chef attire can also be found at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, while the Disney Explorer’s Lodge offers meet-and-greet opportunities with Mickey and the gang, who are all decked out in explorer’s attire.
Keep in mind that you will need to reserve these experiences ahead of time! Everything can be booked on Klook for a discount (non-affiliate link).
For a more ‘magical’ and immersive Disney experience, or to cut out needing to take the MTR or a morning bus to get there, consider staying at one of the several resort hotels. For the best deals, make sure to snag a hotel plus park package!
Get Up Close & Personal With Marine Life Ocean Park
Yours truly getting ready to hop on a rollercoaster at Ocean Park many years ago.
While the happiest place on earth is always a stellar choice for a trip with your kids, it isn’t Hong Kong’s only theme park. Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s animal and marine-themed park on the south of Hong Kong Island, integrating both entertainment and education, and conservation advocacy. It also just so happens to be the ‘original theme park’ in Hong Kong (opened in 1977).
Not only is it easier to get to than Hong Kong Disneyland, but it typically boasts fewer crowds and is more affordable, making it much more suitable (and feasible) for an impromptu theme park day. Ocean Park can easily be done in just a half-day and paired with other attractions and experiences on Hong Kong Island (like The Peak).
It’s also the perfect spot for nature and animal lovers who want to get up close and personal, as animal exhibits can be found across the park – including a giant panda habitat, rainforest, and massive aquarium.
Ocean Park is divided into two key areas, the Waterfront, and the Summit, which are connected by a scenic cable car system and funicular (like The Peak Tram).
The Waterfront is popular for its giant panda habitats, gator marsh, penguin enclosure, and world’s largest dome aquarium, along with lively animal and flora trails and other activities geared for younger children. The Summit is geared towards older kids, boasting zippy rollercoasters like the Hair Raiser and Arctic Blast, and other thrill rides like the Whirly Bird, Wild Twister, and Crazy Galleon (the classic theme park pirate ship!).
In my humble opinion, Ocean Park’s roller coasters (and rides) in general are far superior to those at Disneyland, so I consider it a far better experience for those with teenagers.
Discounted tickets can be purchased via Klook (non-affiliate link)!
Take a Trip Up to The Peak
After landing on Hong Kong Island, The Peak will inevitably be one of the first things that catches your eye. As it should, it’s the spot to go for the best views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, and even surrounding islands (ex. Lamma Island).
There are several ways to reach the top. However, the most iconic is taking The Peak Tram from Central, the city’s first reversible cable funicular railway that slingshots you up to the top at roughly 6 meters per second, taking roughly 10 minutes.
My other preferred way to reach The Peak, which is popular with families looking to stretch their legs and burn off some energy, is hiking up via the Morning Trail. At a brisk pace, it takes just under 50 minutes, offering unobstructed sweeping views of the city’s skyline and a great photo opportunity at the Ancient Indian Rubber Tree (pictured below).
Once at the top, consider taking that family photo at either The Peak Galleria Rooftop Terrace viewing point or Lion’s Pavilion. Both can get quite crowded, however, the Lion’s Pavilion is generally my go-to and far less busy during morning hours. Lookout Point also offers stunning views of the south side of the island and the adjacent High West mountain peak.
Taking a stroll along Lugard Road (aka the ‘Peak Trail’) yields further scenic vistas and bird’s eye views of the city.
I’m always in awe of this tree on Lugard Road.
Stroll around The Peak and its sprawling leisure and shopping complex (The Peak Galleria), grabbing a bite at one of the many restaurants, Rajasthan Rifles being the go-to for Anglo Indian cuisine, and both Mak’s Noodle and Tai Cheong Bakery for authentic Cantonese cuisine and snacks (egg tarts for the win). I’d also be remiss not to point out that there is a Starbucks and Burger King, both of which I’ve been known to drop some doll-hairs.
The Peak Galleria is also home to one of Hong Kong’s only Build-A-Bear Workshops, where you can customize your very own stuffed animal or furry friend and commemorate your trip to Asia’s World City!
Pale Ale Travel Tip: I recommend skipping the Madame Tussauds Museum at The Peak. The life-size wax replicas of celebrities, politicians, and athletes aren’t anything special or worth the HK$250-plus it costs.
Go Zombie Hunting at Sandbox VR
Zombie hunting with the guys for a birthday.
While I was never one for The Walking Dead or Plants vs. Zombies, I do enjoy lighting up zombies in virtual reality once or twice a year. There’s something cathartic about doing so. My go-to place?
Sandbox VR is Hong Kong’s premier hyperreality experience for futuristic, socially immersive, full-body gaming. Groups of up to six friends can choose from a wide range of virtual experiences, including futuristic gladiator fights, space and sci-fi battles, pirate treasure hunts, and of course zombie thrill rides, strapping in with state-of-the-art gear before giving free rein to explore these immersive worlds together.
It gets heated. And it’s an absolute blast. Experiences last for roughly 45 minutes to one hour, after which, you’ll receive a streamed video of your gameplay to relive the moment!
Adults! The Sandbox VR isn’t only for kids. This is something that I’ve done with a crew of friends on more than a handful of occasions (generally for birthdays). So parents, know that you can all hop in and shoot some zombies, collect some pirate loot, or partake in your very own Squid Games.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Curious about what it might cost to spend a day or week in Hong Kong? It might surprise you how affordable things can be (except for accommodation). Make sure to read my post answering ‘Is Hong Kong Expensive to Visit?’ for an insider look into expected costs when traveling to Asia’s ‘World City’.
Ride the Beloved Star Ferry
Riding the Star Ferry is, and will always be, my favorite activity in Hong Kong.
Outside of climbing or tramming up The Peak, for unforgettable panoramic views of the city, there is no other experience as iconic in Hong Kong as riding the Star Ferry – especially at night. The Star Ferry and Hong Kong go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly. It’s nearly 140 years of Hong Kong history, packaged in a double-decker, double-ended, ‘sausage body’ white and green boats.
While it’s only a 10-minute trip across Victoria Harbour from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui (and vice versa), it can be easily paired with countless other activities like a walk along the Avenue of Stars, a trip around the towering Central Harbourfront Observation Wheel, or used as a way to ‘break-up’ the day. Or, simply hop on, hop off, grab a Mister Softee ice cream cone in Tsim Sha Tsui, and ride it back!
You can also charter the once daily Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Star Ferry.
Don’t worry about booking tickets or scheduling anything around it, as the Star Ferry runs every 6 to 12 minutes (depending on the time of day), and is one of the most prompt forms of transportation in the city.
It truly is an institution that proves the best things in Hong Kong are free or incredibly low cost (single journey trips are less than USD 1!).
Visit the Noah’s Ark Hong Kong Theme Park
Located on the small, mellow, (mostly) residential island of Ma Wan is one of Hong Kong’s more peculiar attractions – the Noah’s Ark Theme Park. Ma Wan is undergoing a major transformation at the moment, with several leisure, creative, and cultural events being introduced to this tiny island in hopes of making it a go-to lifestyle hub.
At the heart of the island is the evangelical Christian theme park which incorporates themes of education, nature, art, and love, alongside the world’s first full-size Noah’s Ark replica built to biblical specifications. The park itself has 67 life-size pairs of exotic animals, birds, and other small creatures (primarily reptiles), a zoological garden, an obstacle and ropes course/tunnels, and climbing walls.
Keep in mind that as an evangelical Christian theme park, it operates under a creationist narrative. So, if Judeo-Christian and religious messaging and Creationism aren’t up your alley, it might be worth giving this a pass and/or taking it for what it is, one of Hong Kong’s more eccentric sites.
My main piece of advice is that no commitment to any religious causes or beliefs is needed when a ropes course is in play. Pick and choose what works for you and your family and ignore any messaging/avoid any specific activities that lean heavily towards something that conflicts with your beliefs.
Watersports & Lounging at the Beach
You can also never go wrong lounging on Lamma Island for the day.
Unbeknownst to many, Hong Kong isn’t just an urban jungle with densely packed buildings, stressed bankers and lawyers in suits, and pollution. It’s actually home to some incredible beaches, country parks, and natural landscapes.
The beauty of going to the beach in Hong Kong is that one minute you can be smack-dab in the city’s CBD and lounging on a pristine beach somewhere within just 45 minutes.
Hong Kong’s beaches don’t get the love or respect they deserve in Asia. Both gazetted and non-gazetted beaches line the shores of nearly every single corner of the city, including top spots like:
- Chung Hom Kok,
- Repulse Bay,
- Shek O,
- Lamma Island (any beach),
- Lower Cheung Sha Beach,
- Big Wave Bay, and
- Clear Water Bay Second Beach.
Almost every one of the above beaches has BBQ pits, several (or more) restaurants, bathrooms, and watersport activities available. My personal favorite is Chung Hom Kok as it is slightly off the beaten path, has far less traffic, and is breathtaking at sunset.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Looking for more ideas on what to do when visiting my favorite city on Earth? Here is my complete list of the best things to do on Hong Kong Island – the primary area most tourists visit and spend the bulk of their time in. Hint: Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (and Hong Kong Park) make for a great activity with kids!
Go on a Family-Friendly Hike
The view from Devil’s Peak.
I’ll never forget going on one of the toughest hikes in Hong Kong I’ve ever done, I stopped to catch my breath for the umpteenth time, head pounding, unsure if I was developing heatstroke and questioning all of my life choices that led me here, only to be passed by a group of kids roughly 1/5th my age. All of them had barely broken a sweat and weren’t hiking, they were running.
It was at that moment that I realized that kids don’t know what it’s like to feel tired compared to adults. I also realized that most kids might be half mountain goat, half human. Kids have a lot of excess energy and have not yet been beaten down by the banalities and obligations of everyday life, which means getting out on the trails is a perfect way to spend a day in Hong Kong.
Roughly 80% of Hong Kong’s land is uninhabitable, as the bulk of the land is designated for country parks, nature reserves, mountainous terrain, and other woodland. That lends itself to a city with over 500 hiking trails, 400 walking trails, and nearly 150 running trails.
It’s one active city. And, the best way to experience it is to strap on some sturdy hiking shoes, lather your face up with some sunblock, and get moving!
Several family-friendly trails and walks that I recommend are:
Pale Ale Travel Note: I don’t think using the term ‘family-friendly hike’ is so much for kids, rather, it’s for us ailing adults.
- Lamma Island Family Walk Trail – A relaxed 5 km loop from Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier on Hong Kong’s ‘hippie’ outlying island, Lamma Island, which offers incredible views of gorgeous beaches, coastline, World War II caves, and bustling back alleys. Make sure to take a dip at the Lamma Power Station Beach or Lo So Shing Beach!
- The Peak – For roughly three years, one of my best friends and I would hike The Peak nearly every Friday (a tradition I continue to do to this day). On days when his three boys didn’t have school, they’d join us. It’s a relatively tranquil retreat just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the city. And as noted above, you’re rewarded with some of the best views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon!
- Sir Cecil’s Ride – A leisurely, forested trail behind Tai Hang, Quarry Bay, and Tai Koo that takes you to one of the best perches in the city for sunset views. Difficulty-wise, there are only several patches of semi-steep stairs. But overall, it’s an easy hike that should take no more than 1.5 to 2 hours (there and back).
- Devil’s Peak – Don’t let the name fool you, Devil’s Peak is an easy to moderately challenging 3 km to 4 km hike that takes you through abandoned military relics and other historical sites of Hong Kong’s past. The payoff? Panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, Junk Bay, and Kowloon.
- Dragon’s Back – Considered the quintessential Hong Kong hike, Dragon’s Back offers sweeping views of Shek O, Big Wave Bay, its spinal dragon ridge, and Tai Tam Bay. Make sure to start your journey in To Tei Wan so that you can finish with a snack and a swim in the otherworldly Big Wave Bay.
- Wisdom Path – This is a great short walk to pair with the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. When facing the steps of the Buddha, continue left and follow the path until you reach the base of Lantau Peak, marked by a gaggle of 8 to 10-meter wood columns with Chinese calligraphy.
- Bowen Road Fitness Trail – A short 3 km to 4 km trail and flat tarmac that starts in Mid-Levels and carves through the Wong Nai Chung Gap (just above Wan Chai), ending in Happy Valley. Bowen Road is the go-to for “many an expat” and local’s morning run/walk.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: For a complete list of both easy and strenuous hikes, all with incredible and memorable views, check out my post breaking down the best hikes in Hong Kong.
Learn Something New at a Museum
If you’re traveling to Hong Kong between April and September, there is a high chance that you’ll encounter a rainy day or two. Make sure to read my post breaking down the best rainy day activities in Hong Kong so that you don’t miss a beat.
Several favorite museums that always serve as a formidable and educational experience are the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and Hong Kong Science Museum – both of which offer immersive, experiential, and educational exhibits, events, and workshops.
The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, located in Star Ferry Pier No. 8 (Central) is the perfect warm-up before setting sail across Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry.
It explores all aspects of Hong Kong’s shipping and maritime heritage and culture, history, science, and art via a comprehensive library and collection of 2,000-plus ship models, paintings, artillery, ceramics, and other goods. It’s piece de resistance? A 2,000-year-old ceramic ship model tracing its origins back to the Han Dynasty.
Just across the harbor in Tsim Sha Tsui is the Hong Kong Science Museum, known for an actual Cathay Pacific DC-3 airliner known as ‘Betsy’ dangling from its ceiling and an interactive computer area for kids. Visitors can try their hand at various driving simulations, learn how ‘energy conversion’ works at the 22-meter high ‘Energy Machine’, and explore the Earth Science and prehistoric Extinction galleries.
Live experiments are held daily for children, including demonstrations showing how to lie on a bed of pins, charge your phone with renewable energy, and how recycled plastics could change our world.
Children under 120 cm can participate in the ‘Big Kid’s Work Site’ at the Children’s Gallery, where they can work together to build a house or play with building stones, trolleys, and a crane.
Admission is free on Wednesdays!
Shop For New & Nostalgic Toys at Toy Street
Richmond Shopping Arcade in Mong Kok is another popular spot for action figures.
Hong Kong has a market dedicated to almost any major necessity or luxury you could think of. Need a high-res curved monitor for gaming? Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po is for you. Want to fill up your fish tank with tropical aquarium pets? There’s the Goldfish Market for that. Think it would be hilarious to have a t-shirt with a giant cat head that has rhinestones for eyes? That will be the Wan Chai Market.
Looking for vintage action figures, Barbie dolls, costumes, rare LEGO® sets, remote control cars, board games, zany gadgets, and other toy collectibles? Head to either Tai Yuen Street Toy Market in Wan Chai or Fuk Wing Street (Toy Street) in Sham Shui Po.
Both are bustling, vibrant shopping streets that consist of dozens of stores and stalls dedicated to toys. They’re especially popular around holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Chinese New Year, offering holiday-themed toys, costumes, and decorations, all at an affordable price.
Make a day of perusing the various stalls, grabbing classic Hong Kong street snacks and souvenirs along the way.
Pottinger Street in Central is also another popular shopping destination for costumes, so if you find yourself and your kids in Hong Kong during a major holiday (ex. Halloween) and want to get in the festive spirit, this is your spot.
For a quirkier look into all that Hong Kong has to offer, consider pairing a trip to the Shui Po Toy Street with a quick stop at Sneaker Street, the Goldfish Market, and the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, all of which are in Mong Kok.
Take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car to the Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
The views from the top are worth the 268 steps up.
One of Hong Kong’s most celebrated sites is its 34-meter, 250 metric ton bronze statue of the Buddha which overlooks the verdant rolling hills and mountainous terrain of Lantau Island and coastal scenery of the South China Sea. But it’s not just the Big Buddha himself that makes this one of the most memorable attractions in all of Hong Kong, it’s the whole experience of getting there.
These wood columns are inscribed with verses of the Heart Sutra, rules from Mahāyāna Buddhism.
The best way? A glass-bottom cable car that stretches from Tung Chung to the quaint hillside Ngong Ping Village. Enjoy a crystal clear bird’s eye view from your cabin as you take in views of Hong Kong International Airport, Tung Chung Bay, Lantau Island, and the whole Ngong Ping plateau. Move over Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, Ngong Ping 360 is here.
After touching down in Ngong Ping Village, climb the 268 steps leading up to the mammoth Buddha sitting on a lotus before heading down to the adjacent Po Lin Monastery for a local vegetarian dim sum lunch. Peel off for a several-kilometer walk along the Wisdom Path, which takes you to the base of Lantau Island and makes for the perfect photo opportunity with its giant timber columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra (pictured above).
Personally, this is one of my all-time favorite day trips in Hong Kong. It can be extended and made even more legendary with a short taxi or bus ride to the traditional fishing village of Tai O. It’s an authentic look into a bygone era of the southern Chinese Tanka people (aka ‘Boat Dwellers’) via their stilted houses, markets with fresh seafood and snacks, and small waterways and inlets.
It also boasts an easy, serene 45-minute hike up the Fu Shan Viewing Point, which has some of the best views of the South China Sea, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and Tai O. On a clear day, you might even be able to see Hong Kong’s elusive pink dolphins from the top!
To avoid large crowds, I recommend heading to all of the above sites during the week, as both attractions can become somewhat overwhelming with the number of tourists and locals who make the pilgrimage each Saturday and Sunday.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Read more about this itinerary in my post ‘Visiting Hong Kong in May’, where I walk you through all the finer details, dish out some insider tips, and show you exactly what it is like!
Visit Exotic Animals & Birds at Kadoorie Farm
Located up in the northwest of Tai Mo Shan Country Park in the New Territories, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden is a one-of-a-kind destination in Hong Kong.
Originally founded to assist poor farmers in Hong Kong’s northern parts, it shifted gears in later years, focusing on the promotion and education of biodiversity in the city and south China region.
Today, it’s a nearly 150-hectare farm, conservation sanctuary, and rehabilitation and educational center for flora and fauna, where sustainable agricultural and living practices aren’t just preached, they’re lived.
Farmgoers can easily spend an entire day here, weaving in and out of the farm’s vegetable terraces, walking trails, streams, education stations, flora and fauna exhibitions (including a raptor sanctuary and reptile lookout), and other natural heritage attractions.
It’s even home to the famous saltwater crocodile, Pui Pui, who became somewhat of a local celebrity after being spotted swimming in the Shan Pui River back in 2003.
Kadoorie Farm is the perfect escape from Hong Kong’s frenetic city center and my recommended place to see a side of Hong Kong that many living here don’t even know about!
Go LEGO® Crazy at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center (TST)
Kids are still crazy for Legos these days, right? I know I was.
Located in one of the city’s most popular malls (K11 Musea), thanks to its positioning along the Avenue of the Stars and Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is considered Hong Kong’s mecca for interlocking plastic bricks and block toys.
Inside, LEGO® lovers can find 10 indoor, themed play areas and other attractions, including a miniature LEGO® replica of iconic Hong Kong buildings and its skyline, a themed soft play area where kids can climb and build with giant LEGO® bricks, a 4D cinema studio, LEGO® racetrack to build and race vehicles, a creative workshop, and magical potion ride.
But that’s not all. LEGO® has gone high-tech (I wish this was around when I was a kid), offering a high-octane virtual reality racing adventure and experience, where drivers rev their engines and speed through various environments in the LEGO® universe.
This is the ultimate LEGO® playground for kids (and kids at heart) to spend upwards of several hours and forge unforgettable memories.
Pale Ale Travel Note: If your child ends up getting a LEGO set here and you end up stubbing your toe on it at a subsequent point in time, just know that I’m sorry for suggesting this.
Explore Hong Kong’s UNESCO Geopark
Photo courtesy of the Geopark’s website!
Remember how I mentioned that roughly 80% of Hong Kong’s land is uninhabitable? Well, you now know another reason why. It’s home to a wide range of volcanic rock, sedimentary rock, granite, mudstone, sea caves and arches, and other deposition landforms of assorted colors.
This makes for one of the best activities in Hong Kong with kids on a clear and sunny day.
In 2011, UNESCO anointed the Hong Kong National Geopark as a member of its Global Geoparks Network. Specifically, Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is broken down into two specific areas:
- Sai Kung’s Volcanic Rock Region, and the
- Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region.
Both are filled with captivating rock formations and volcanic tufts from various geological periods, including the Devonian and Paleogene periods.
From imposing sub-vertical, straight-sided columns, columnar-jointed rocks, cliff coastlines, sea caves, sea arches, and hexagonal rock columns (with an average diameter of over 1 meter), to halophytic mangroves, feng shui forestry, some of the best preserved coral reefs in the region, traditional Hakka walled villages, and other historic sites (ex. temples), the Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark is rich in both cultural heritage and ecology, making for an unforgettable experience.
The most popular of locations is the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, with trips to Sharp Island, Yim Tin Tsai, and Tai Long Wan (by boat) a must. Sai Kung’s Waterfront Park is also home to the Volcano Discovery Center, a perfect starting point for Geopark visitors who want to better understand volcanology and volcanic eruptions before exploring.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: For more interesting tidbits about the city, make sure to check out my post breaking down 30+ fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong.
Ride Bikes Around an Outlying Island
Cheung Chau is by far my favorite Outlying Island in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands don’t get enough love. Many who live here and/or visit, generally stick to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (there’s nothing wrong with that). However, there is another side of the city that should be explored and celebrated, one that is typically a preserved relic of Hong Kong’s fishing villages and origins.
Islands like Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, and Lamma Island are where the city becomes almost unrecognizable. It’s a completely different way of life.
Relaxed seafood dinners along the water, serene coastline hikes and walks, granite rock carvings and plutons galore, traditional snacks, and of course, bike rides by the waterfront and through bustling back alleys.
In all of my seven years living in Hong Kong, there aren’t many days I consider better than one where an ex-girlfriend and I rented bikes on Cheung Chau and spent the day riding across the island, stopping to take a swim at whatever beach caught our fancy, pulling off for a quick bite here and there.
Everybody rides bikes out on Cheung Chau!
Simply exit the ferry for whatever outlying island you decide on and there should be a bike rental station (or three) where you can secure a sports bike, tandem bike, or even family rickshaw-style bike for around HKD$20 per hour (with a deposit of course).
Other popular spots to rent and ride bikes are along the Shing Mun River between Sha Tin and Tai Mei Tuk (including Tai Po Waterfront Park), Yuen Long, and the West Kowloon Park Promenade.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Hong Kong can be surprisingly more affordable than you might first be led to believe. However, accommodation typically is where you’ll need to shell out a bit extra. Luckily, I’ve put together a list of some of the best affordable hotels in Hong Kong that don’t sacrifice amenities or luxury – so that you can stay in Asia’s World City in style and have more money to spend on experiences with your children.
Try Some Famous Hong Kong Snacks
Curry fish balls from a stall in Tai O.
Eating in Hong Kong is one of the easiest things to do – especially with kids. It’s an eclectic and full-bodied blend of both Western and Asian cuisine, meaning there are always options (even for picky eaters).
But it wouldn’t be a true trip to Asia’s World City without sampling some of its most famous traditional snacks. Spots like Temple Street Night Market, Central Market, ferry piers for all outlying islands, and the back streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Sham Sui Po are all packed with snackage.
Temple Street Night Market is an absolute smorgasbord of Hong Kong and international snacks.
I mean, who doesn’t love a fluffy, sweet, hot egg waffle topped with strawberries or chocolate? Shops like Mammy Pancake (a chain), Modos, Mouth Full (一口齊小食店), and Fung Kee Egg Waffle, all knock it out of the park. Personally, that’s my starting point when it comes to introducing out-of-towners to Hong Kong snacks.
After a bubbly egg waffle as your warm-up, grab a sweet, top-crusted pineapple bun (not actually made with pineapple) from Fu Wah Cafe or Kee Wah Bakery, egg tarts from Bakehouse, Macau Restaurant, or Gold Garden Restaurant, siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) from Boo Dim Lui Lee or any dim sum restaurant like Lin Heung Lau, or curry fishballs from a vendor in Tai O or one of the Outlying Islands.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: Unsure of where to eat for dinner? Make sure to check out my Hong Kong mega-page, which has numerous restaurant guides for both Cantonese and international cuisine!
Visit M+ on a Family Drop-in Day
A view of Hong Kong Island from M+.
While both the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and Hong Kong Science Museum mentioned above are fantastic, M+ deserves an entire section of its own.
Built as Hong Kong’s answer to the United Kingdom’s Tate Modern, New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and France’s Centre Pompidou, M+ is the city’s premier contemporary, design, and visual art museum. Highlighting 20th and 21st-century visual, design, and architectural collections across 65,000 square meters and 33 galleries, M+ prioritizes creative interactions, social connection, and public participation.
But it’s not just M+ that’s worth making the trip over to Kowloon for, it’s the West Kowloon Cultural District in which it’s situated, which seeks to blend art, education, and culture across 40 hectares of reclaimed land and open space.
Oh, and it boasts a waterfront promenade and cycling track that overlooks the most stunning skyline in the world.
Sundays at the end of select months is when the museum holds family days, which offer a variety of interactive experiences, drop-in activities, and workshops for adults and children. Past activities have included imaginative ‘free builds’ in the museum’s playground, interactive painting, creative light and ‘Pinhole Cinema’ box experiments, and abstract collage workshops.
There’s No Shortage of Things to Do in Hong Kong With Kids
I also just love exploring the wall art in SoHo and Sheung Wan (Poho).
Hong Kong is the perfect mix of East meets West, which makes living and/or traveling here with kids far easier than one might initially imagine. There’s both comfort and adventure around every corner, something which has kept me here for nearly seven years now.
Rain or shine, there’s always something to do.
And, most kid-friendly activities in the city are easily accessible by public transport, so it’s never more than a 15 to 20-minute trip.
If you have any questions about traveling or moving to Hong Kong, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and I’m more than happy to help! I’d also love to hear what some of your favorite family-friend activities in Hong Kong are, so shoot me a message at info@palealetravel.com.
For those who live in Hong Kong and want to be kept in the loop about upcoming events, restaurants, bars, and other experiences, make sure to subscribe to my super secret newsletter.
Finally, I provide customized itineraries for travelers of all budgets, so if this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please inquire about pricing!
Travel well everyone,
Big Body
Big Body is a voracious lov…eater, a cowardly fighter, and a self-proclaimed curry goat BBQ-eating champion (don’t forget the donkey milk) who likes Stoicism, baseball, and writing in the third person. Having worked for himself for the last 7 years, he isn’t particularly successful but he does still drink ice-cold Sapporo draft beers with the best of them and knows his way around a Dai Pai Dong or two. He is based in Hong Kong but you can still find him in Saigon, Osaka, and Vienna for extended periods.