family
Child’s play Gemma Shaw discovers the best indoor play centres for rainy days
Photo: Baumhaus
Legoland Discovery Centre
Hong Kong’s weather is, how shall we say this, changeable. So, it’s good to have a host of indoor play areas up your sleeve to escape the heat, rain, typhoon or haze. Here’s our pick of the best places to let off steam.
Baumhaus One for younger children, Baumhaus has two learning centres that are perfect for tiny tots. Sign up for music and drama classes, or simply drop in for a play – both the Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui branches feature large birch wood “tree houses” surrounded by plenty of soft play space and wooden toys to explore. Mums and dads will appreciate the on-site coffee shops, offering a range of healthy snacks and drinks. The Wan Chai branch opens daily from 9am and 6pm and the Tsim Sha Tsui branch from 9.30am to 6.30pm. Tickets are priced at $100 for the first child and $60 per subsequent sibling. Note that Baumhaus is currently operating at 50 percent capacity with registered students given priority. baumhaus.com.hk
Donut Playhouse Also located in K11 Musea, Donut Playhouse is home to Hong Kong’s largest indoor slide, designed by world-renowned
20 | EXPAT PARENT
At a whopping 30,000 square feet, Legoland Discovery Centre opened in K11 Musea earlier this year and features 10 impressive themed areas designed to entertain and educate. The city-themed soft play area includes a fire academy where children can play at being a firefighter by braving the heights of the climbing wall or build with the giant Lego bricks. Other highlights include Miniland, an awe-inspiring display of Hong Kong’s most famous buildings and landmarks including scaled-down versions of Star Ferry Central Pier, Peak Tram, Tai O and Temple Street. Open from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and 11am to 9pm on weekends and public holidays. Day passes are priced from $240 and annual passes from $1,099. Note that sessions are limited to three hours. legolanddiscoverycentre.com
Danish playground designers Monstrum. The rooftop Peacock Playground features a stunning climbing frame leading to a sixmeter tubular slide. The Nature Discovery Park on the eighth floor is Hong Kong’s first urban biodiversity museum showcasing urban farming, rare local species and an outdoor aquarium. Open to children aged three to 12 years old from 11am to 7pm daily. Entry is $220 per child for a 40-minute session on weekdays and a 60-minute session on weekends and public holidays. k11musea.com
Funzone A classic crowd-pleaser that’s a sure-fire hit with the toddler-to-tween demographic. Funzone’s three convenient locations (Kennedy Town, Ma On Shan and North Point) mean that you’re never too far away from an air-conditioned soft play when the need arises. All three branches offer ample space for cooped-up kids to run, jump, clamber and slide to their hearts’ content. You’ll also find dedicated toddler zones, complimentary wi-fi and on-site cafés for convenient refuelling. Opening times and admission prices vary. From $100 per child. tickikids.com
