Hong Kong for Kids
Lightfoot Travel’s guide to the family friendly Fragrant Harbour
Tuesday, 7 Jan 2014
Think Hong Kong is merely an adult playground? Just when you thought bringing the entire family to the most densely populated city on the planet was a mad idea, our travel partners at Lightfoot Travel are here to keep you from getting Hong wrong. Here’s a list of all-time favorite activities for family friendly Hong Kong, brought to you by Lightfoot Travel. Bring on the fun!
WHAT TO DO:
DisneylandThe Happiest Place on Earth is filled with high quality rides made even more enjoyable by bumping into your favourite Disney characters throughout the park. Disneyland Hong Kong is manageable in terms of crowds, making it easier to navigate with tots in tow. Not to be missed: the quintessential fireworks-infused Disney parade and Broadway-inspired shows.
Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 3550 3388. Opening hours: 10am – 8pm weekdays, 10am – 9pm weekends and public holidays.
Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 3550 3388. Opening hours: 10am – 8pm weekdays, 10am – 9pm weekends and public holidays.
Ocean ParkAn alternative to Disneyland is the home-grown Ocean Park, great for kids of all ages. If the 3-storey Grand Aquarium, shark walk, daily show with killer whales and other sea animals aren’t enough, the park’s thrill rides will definitely get your heart pumping. Try out the electrifying, spine-chilling coaster, The Dragon, for extra fun. Definitely not for the faint hearted!
Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 3923 2323. Opening hours: 10am – 6pm weekdays, 10am – 8pm weekends and public holidays.
Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 3923 2323. Opening hours: 10am – 6pm weekdays, 10am – 8pm weekends and public holidays.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical GardensAnimal lovers should head straight to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest in the world, for a wonderful Sunday stroll. Look out for birds and monkeys: a jungle within the concrete jungle. You can also take in a game of Chinese chess, played religiously by the locals out in the open air under the trees.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Albany Road, Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2530 0154. Opening Hours (open daily): Fountain Terrace Garden-5am-10 pm, Green House/Education and Exhibition Centre-9am-4:30 pm. Other Areas-6am-7pm.
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Albany Road, Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2530 0154. Opening Hours (open daily): Fountain Terrace Garden-5am-10 pm, Green House/Education and Exhibition Centre-9am-4:30 pm. Other Areas-6am-7pm.
The Peak and beachesFor a more nature-oriented day trip, our two faves are the Peak Tram and the beaches all around the island (yes, beaches in Hong Kong!). The ride up on the iconic tram will likely score you “cool points”, whilst a day at the beach is the perfect quick get away from the city. You can even try your hand at surfing at Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong’s official surf beach.
Peak Tram Lower Terminus, 33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2522 0922. Tram Operating Hours: 7am-12 midnight (Mon – Sun & Public Holidays). Frequency: Departs every 10 to 15 minutes.
Peak Tram Lower Terminus, 33 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2522 0922. Tram Operating Hours: 7am-12 midnight (Mon – Sun & Public Holidays). Frequency: Departs every 10 to 15 minutes.
Hong Kong Space MuseumGet your head out of the clouds and head straight to the Hong Kong Space Museum to learn more about our solar system, thanks to the establishment’s numerous exhibits. Don’t forget to take in an Omnimax movie while you are there for an entertaining and educational experience.
Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2721 0226. Opening Days and Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday-1-9 pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday-10am-9pm, Closed on Tuesdays (Except Public Holidays).
Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2721 0226. Opening Days and Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday-1-9 pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday-10am-9pm, Closed on Tuesdays (Except Public Holidays).
WHERE TO EAT:
Café Deco Bar & GrillWhat better way to finish a fun day than by filling up your stomachs with scrumptious food? If you are heading up the Peak, the Café Deco Bar & Grill’s afternoon tea is not too be missed. Kids will enjoy the view as well as the mouth-watering menus.
Café Deco Bar & Grill, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong, +852 2849 5111. Opening Hours-Sunday to Thursday-11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday-11am to 11:30pm.
Café Deco Bar & Grill, The Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong, +852 2849 5111. Opening Hours-Sunday to Thursday-11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday-11am to 11:30pm.
Lily & BloomKids, and parents alike will love Lily & Bloom’s brunch. Not only is the food delectable, but the eatery has set up a dessert station for the kiddies allowing them to express their creativity through their food. Keep a look out for budding Chefs!
Lily & Bloom, LKF Tower, 5th & 6th Floor, 33 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2810 6166.
Lily & Bloom, LKF Tower, 5th & 6th Floor, 33 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2810 6166.
ZumaCraving Japanese cuisine? Head straight to Zuma, which offers one of the best family brunches in town. Kids will not be bored thanks to the restaurant’s playroom as well as colouring books and pencils. Parents won’t mind the free-flowing Perrier-Jouet champagne or delectable sashimi either!
Zuma,15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong,+852 3657 6388
Zuma,15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong,+852 3657 6388
The Verandah and Spices at Repulse BaySpices and The Verandah, both on the island’s South side, overlook the famed Repulse Bay and allow kids to roam their garden. To enhance your outing, couple your dining experience with a double decker bus ride out to Stanley Market.
The Verandah and Spices, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2292 2822 and +852 2292 2821.
The Verandah and Spices, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2292 2822 and +852 2292 2821.
Top Deck at JumboTop Deck, located atop the Jumbo floating restaurant, has a killer tandoori grill and constant brunch promotions (unlimited Bloody Marys or champagne, anyone?) Bonus: the restaurant comes with a playroom and children’s entertainer to keep the little ones happy. To add a little excitement to your outing, head there by ferry.
Top Deck at Jumbo, Sham Wan Pier Dr, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 2552 3331.
Top Deck at Jumbo, Sham Wan Pier Dr, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 2552 3331.
WHERE TO STAY:To make your stay in Hong Kong memorable, we have selected our favourite hotels, our homes away from home…
The Upper House
At the heart of Hong Kong’s business district lies The Upper House, a small luxury hotel designed by Hong Kong architect Andre Fu. In the vicinity, numerous tourist attractions and the largest commercial and retail centres in the city (Pacific Place).
The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Pacific Plaza, Admiralty, Hong Kong, +852 2918 1838.
At the heart of Hong Kong’s business district lies The Upper House, a small luxury hotel designed by Hong Kong architect Andre Fu. In the vicinity, numerous tourist attractions and the largest commercial and retail centres in the city (Pacific Place).
The Upper House, 88 Queensway, Pacific Plaza, Admiralty, Hong Kong, +852 2918 1838.
The Ritz-Carlton
Located in the tallest building in Hong Kong, you are bound to get an eyeful during your stay at The Ritz-Carlton. The hotel boasts amazing views of the city and is ideally located in the vibrant west Kowloon, perfect for a day of shopping or heading out to one of the outlying islands for some fresh air.
The Ritz-Carlton, ICC International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road W, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2263 2263.
Located in the tallest building in Hong Kong, you are bound to get an eyeful during your stay at The Ritz-Carlton. The hotel boasts amazing views of the city and is ideally located in the vibrant west Kowloon, perfect for a day of shopping or heading out to one of the outlying islands for some fresh air.
The Ritz-Carlton, ICC International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road W, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2263 2263.
Sea Dream IILooking for an alternative to staying on land? Hop aboard the Sea Dream II, a luxury yacht equipped with all the finer things in life to make your trip all the more pleasurable: on-board fitness centre and spa, water sports marina, water-based activities, ultra-comfy lounging areas and, of course, 5 star wining and dining. Contact us at Lightfoot Travel for the 2014 schedule.
This article was brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a Singapore-based luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services.
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