Big day out

Beat the boredom blues

1Camping A night away from everything might be just what you and the little ones need. Classic camping sites like those in country parks are great if you’ve got the gear already. If not, air-conditioned star-gazing domes (yes, glamping) on Cheung Chau might be more your thing. Sai Yuen, Cheung Chau. saiyuen.com 2 Go to the park Get some fresh air and head to one of Hong Kong’s wonderful public parks. Pack a frisbee, a bat and ball, even Rik Glauert suggests 15 mood-boosting activities for when schools are closed

a picnic, to make a day of it. Our favourites are Victoria Park (plenty of football pitches), Hong Kong Park (massive play area) and Caine Road (popular with all those Mid-level mummy types).

Kong’s premier attraction. The Peak Circle Walk is perfect for families as the gentle 3.5 kilometre trail is flat and bike-friendly. 7 Dolphin watching This activity is fun, outdoorsy and educational. A dolphin watching tour leaving from Tai O on Lantau Island lasts five hours and includes a presentation, information sheets and light refreshments. hkdolphinwatch.com 8 Geoparks Hong Kong’s eight UNESCO Global Geopark locations are full of wonderful rock formations sure to spark the interests of your budding geologist. Our favourites are around Sai Kung. Sharp Island, best visited at low tide, is just a short sampan ride from the Sai Kung Pier.

3Get baking Now is the time to put that oven to work. Perfect your recipes for scones, cakes, muffins, croissants, buns and breads with an extra pair of hands to help. Grab a stool so your little one can reach the kitchen counter and be prepared for flour to go everywhere. 4 Arts and crafts There is an endless amount of arts and crafts projects to do at home. From sand art to weaving friendship bracelets, there’s no end to fun, creative indoor activities. Check out @5.min.crafts and @artbarblog on Instagram for some inspiration. 5 Movie night at home If you haven’t yet got round to getting a Netflix

account, now is the time. Choose a flick, whether it is a family favourite or a new blockbuster and gather the family on the sofa. Create a sense of occasion by making popcorn and turning off all the lights. 6 Stroll around The Peak Make the most of the light traffic and lack of tourists with a visit to Hong

9Cycling Hong Kong has plenty of open spaces far from the crowds to blow off some pent up steam on a bicycle. Flat waterfront trails near Ma On Shan are family friendly. Meanwhile, the 20-kilometre Yuen Nam Kam Circuit near Yuen Long, or an even longer track from Sha Tin Science Park through Tai Po to Plover Cove, are more challenging options.

10 Island hopping If you can brave the close confines of the Hong Kong ferry service, the open beaches and trails of the outlying islands will make for a great day trip with your little ones. Try cycling around Cheung Chau or hike Lamma Island and explore its 6,000-year fishing history. 11 Self-defence courses Encourage your kids to burn off some of that cooped up energy. Create mini assault courses in your largest room with objects to jump over, things to duck under or step in and around. Remember to stay away from the kitchen and pad sharp corners with pillows and cushions prior to the activity.

home with your budding scientist. Popular options include making slime, playing around a balloon and static electricity and making crystals. 13 Art classes A number of kid-friendly play groups and art classes are still open. Things may change, so it’s worth checking before heading out. But at the time of publishing, Rhythm and Rhyme, Messy Jam and Busy Hands Playgroup are still open.

12 Home science projects There is a host of science experiments and spectacles you can do at

14 Sports classes Likewise, some sports centers and camps are also still open during these weeks. Minisport, ProActiv Sports, Rugbytots, and CrossFit Asphodel were all open when we last checked.

15 Spontaneous vacation You might find the best option is to leave the city altogether. Make the most of cheap plane tickets and fly to your dream destination for some time away from all the stresses and strains of Hong Kong.

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