Family fun

Family fun! Burn up some energy on these fabulous days out

Stanley Market Best known for its lively market, Stanley’s seaside promenade is vibrant and busy, packed with bars, cafes and restaurants - the ice cream van on the promenade is a popular treat for kids. Stanley is around a 40 minutes bus ride from Central; take buses 6, 6X, 6A, 66 or 260.

Cheung Chau This colourful island has plenty to offer year round. Visit during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival which will take place this year from May 9-13 and features a procession of colourfully clad children balancing on poles and the famous bun race. Ferries run 24-hours a day from Central Pier 5.

Disneyland The magic of Disneyland is sure to capture the imagination of little ones and parents too. With rides, shows and lovable characters, you’re guaranteed to have an action packed day. If one day isn’t enough, stay over at one of the three themed hotels located on the premises. hongkongdisneyland.com

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Right in the middle of Central is Hong Kong’s oldest park. Divided into two parts which are connected by a pedestrian subway, the eastern side is home to a large children’s playground, aviaries, and a greenhouse. The western side of the park houses monkeys, racoons, reptiles and flamingos. Albany Road, Central. lcsd.gov.hk

Toy Street Christmas will come early for your little ones after a trip to Sham Shui Po’s Toy Street. Located on Fuk Wing Street, you’ll find an abundance of shops selling toys, childrens clothes and festive decor that change with the season. Kids will love rummaging for treasure while parents will love the low price tags! 62 Fuk Wing St, Sham Shui Po.

Boat trip One of Hong Kong’s most popular summer pastimes, boats and junk boats are available for hire a can fit up to 30 people, making it the perfect party venue or weekend trip. Lazydays offers six boat options and fully catered packages from $820 per adult. lazydays.com.hk

Family-friendly hikes

Dragons Back This iconic Hong Kong hike is a must for all residents and visitors! The Dragon’s Back gets

its unique and powerful name from its hilltop undulations, spanning between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak. The hike offers spectacular views of the Shek O mansions, beautiful beaches and the glistening South China Sea and can be tackled anytime of day. With the finishing point at Big Wave Bay, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! How to get there: From Exit A3 at Shau Kei Wan MTR station, take bus 9 to To Tei Wan on Shek O Road. The hike starts up the stairs as soon as you get off the bus.

Ocean Park Roller Coasters, marine conservation, wildlife enclosures and a cable car offering stunning views of the Southside. A Marriott hotel recently opened at the theme park and construction of an all-weather water theme park is currently underway. oceanpark.com.hk

Hong Kong Science Museum Boasting over 350 interactive exhibits, the museum encourages visitors to engage in handson exploration of the mystery of science. Ignite your child’s curiosity with games, digestible bites of fun facts about electricity, earth formation, motions and many more. There is also a children’s play zone providing further entertainment. hk.science.museum

Peak Circle Walk A concrete path runs throughout this walk making the route smooth riding for little ones and the stunning views take in Hong Kong’s skyline. Starting from Lugard Road near The Peak Galleria, walk along the shaded path until you reach Harlech Road, which will soon bring you back to your starting point. The route has many seated areas and places to run around making it perfect for the whole family. How to get there: Take bus 15C from Central Pier 8 or walk from exit J2 of Central Station and take the Peak Tram from Garden Road.

Lamma Island Family Trail Spend the day exploring the serene and quiet island of Lamma. The family trail will take you across the island starting at Sok Kwu Wan and finishing at Hung Shing Ye Beach. With little snack stalls along the way (on weekends) and plenty of rest spots this hike is perfect for junior hikers. The hike can also be done in the opposite direction starting at Yung Shue Wan, depending on which ferry you take. How to get there: Catch the ferry from Central Pier No.4 to Sok Kwu Wan. Upon arrival walk through the seafood restaurants until you reach a temple. From there follow the signs directing you to the family trail.

Tai Long Sai Wan SConsidered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, this secluded spot requires an easy downhill hike through Sai Kung East Country Park to reach its powdery sand and clear waters. Those wanting a challenge can hike up the trail

back or take a speed boat to Sai Kung from one of the nearby restaurants. Sai Wan is also a very popular surfing and overnight camping spot. How to get there: From Sai Kung town take bus 29R from Chan Man Street (outside McDonalds) or a taxi and alight at Sai Wan Pavilion. Follow the signs towards Sai Wan, the hike takes around 40 minutes.

Epicland If bigger means better in your household, look no further than Discovery Bay’s Epicland. At 14,000 square feet, Hong Kong’s largest play centre is fully kitted out with fantastic facilities the kids will love. 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, vast playground, toddler rock climbing area… the list goes on. Open 9.30am-7.30pm daily. Tickets from $148 per child (includes one adult admission). epiclandhk.com

Toy Library The first of its kind in Hong Kong, the Toy Library can be found on the second floor of Hong Kong Central Library. It is aimed at children aged eight and below with four different play corners - Baby, Pretend and Imaginative, Creative, and Activities and Games. Sessions can be reserved up to one week in advance on 2921 0378. Remember to wear socks. hkpl.gov.hk

Playhouse Another multi-branch (North Point, Yau Tong and San Po Kong) indoor option that’s great for rainy or sweltering days, Playhouse has the classic soft-play format down to a T. Think slides, ball pits, obstacle courses and climbing frames, alongside other less commonplace amenities like electric driving circuits and library corners. All branches can be booked out for parties, and their San Po Kong branch also features a café. playhouse.com.hk

Superpark Spanning 45,000 square foot, Superpark is one of Hong Kong’s largest indoor play areas and consists of three unique sections, Adventure Area, Game Arena and a Freestyle Hall. With trampolines, foam pits, basketball nets and zip lines, this is the perfect place to take your children when they need to burn off some energy! G/F One SilverSea, No 18 Hoi Fai Road, Kowloon. superpark.com.hk

Children’s Play Rooms The Children’s Play Rooms are provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department with locations conveniently spread across the city. They are aimed at children up to nine years old (and whose height does not exceed 142cm). Children under the age of four must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions are held every hour for 50 minutes. Remember to check in advance for maintenance and cleaning days. lcsd.gov.hk

Ryze No more monkeys jumping on the bed! Ryze, Hong Kong’s original trampoline park, offers a fun, soft obstacle course and slack-line challenge - a great option whatever the weather. You are required to sign a waiver before entering and there are strict safety rules in operation, so read the fine print and happy jumping! Open 9am-9pm daily. $95 per hour (up until 6 years) and $150 per hour (over 6 years). ryzehongkong.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 air-conditioned soft play. All three branches are spacious, with ample space for cooped-up kids to run, jump, clamber and slide to their heart’s content. You’ll also find dedicated toddler zones and on-site cafés for convenient refuelling stops. funzone.com.hk