FAMILY

Child’s play

Gemma Shaw discovers the best indoor play centres for rainy days

Photo: Baumhaus

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 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

Legoland Discovery Centre

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

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

Maggie & Rose

Dreamt up by Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor back in London in 2006, Maggie & Rose is a modern family private members’ club which offers a unique space for children to play, in surroundings that appeal to grown ups too. Since its opening, Maggie & Rose has grown to include two Hong Kong locations – Repulse Bay and Causeway Bay. Kids are spoilt for choice with an outdoor play area, movie room, soft play and creative classes. Open from 9am to 6pm daily (Repulse Bay location is open until 7pm), the club is running special holiday memberships throughout the summer. Check out the website for more details.

hk.maggieandrose.com

Ryze Hong Kong

If you’d rather no more monkeys jumping on the bed, then pack them off to a trampoline park to expend pent-up energy. Located in Quarry Bay, Ryze’s obstacle course and slack-line challenge make this indoor venue a great island-side option. The park requires you to sign a waiver before entering and operates strict safety rules. Walk-ins are welcome, however booking to guarantee your flight is recommended during the holidays. Open daily from 9am to 9pm. $95 per hour for kids under six and $150 per hour for age six and over. ryzehongkong.com

EpicLand

If bigger means better in your household, then look no further than Epicland, located in Discovery Bay’s North Plaza. At 14,000 square feet, daredevils can test their nerves on the sky-high Air Trek obstacle course, while down below you’ll find a mini golf course, trampolines, laser tag, foam ballistics room, climbing wall, playground and dedicated toddler area – the list goes on. You can also take advantage of DB’s family-friendly restaurants and make a day of it. Open from 9.30am to 7.30pm, tickets from $148 per child on weekdays and $188 per child during weekends (includes admission of one adult). epiclandhk.com

Docodoco

“Noa and her little friends went to Docodoco at The Lohas in Tseung Kwan O last week. It’s an indoor digital playground dreamt up by Japanese Game Center Namco. There are specific areas for little ones aged from six to 24 months. Highly recommended.” thelohasmall.com Aude Camus, mum to one-year-old Noa

The Big Things

“We’re huge fans of this themed playground at The Mills in Tsuen Wan. I love that it’s been created using sustainable materials and is built to encourage child development through play. It’s suitable for ages two and above.”

thebigthings.com

Alix Delahaye, mum to two-year old Henry and seven-month-old Diane

Lee Garden Two

“A friend recently introduced me to the cute and free-to-use indoor play areas for toddlers and kids at Lee Gardens Two. There are plenty of books to read and toys to play in cosy corner spaces.”

leegardens.com.hk

Gemma Shaw, mum to one-year-old Sophia