Hong Kong for Children and Families, too
From Parks to Attractions, Chinese Island Pleases People of All Ages
Feb 16, 2009
Hong Kong may seem like a destination for adults. However, the attractions designed for children who live in the area are pleasing to visiting youngsters as well.
Ocean Park
This huge combination playland and learning center is a favorite with residents and visitors alike. It’s divided into three areas, which are connected to each other by a cable car and extremely long escalator. Stars of the huge complex live in its Giant Panda Habitat and the Sea Jelly Spectacular. The latter attraction offers underwater voyages in which passengers can view the more than 1,000 sea jellies from around the world (address, admission fees)
Teddy Bear Kingdom
This paradise for Teddy Bear lovers is divided into four main areas – a museum and three “zones.” The Teddy Bear Museum contains 400 teddies from around the world. At the Edutainment Zone, youngsters can create their own bears, along with the bears’ birth certificates. The Play Zone features more than 100 different kinds of interactive games, while the Zone focuses on . There are also gift (souvenir merchandise) and leisure (food) zones. (12 Salisbury Road, Kowloon; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily; adults, $30; $50 on weekends).
Hong Kong Science Museum
Inside this futuristic, three-story building, more than 500 exhibits – many of them interactive – and audio displays can keep a family occupied for hours, if not days. From finding out how the most basic appliances work to studying the more complex robotics and computers, even visitors who think they don’t understand science will have a good time. Children will be especially impressed by the huge Energy Machine – it’s more than 66 feet (33 metres) high. Exhibits include lots of cellphones, early day computers and Cathay Pacific’s first airliner, a pioneer DC-3. (Monday-Wesnesday, Friday, 1 p.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Adults, $25 (free admission on Wednesdays; Tsim Sha Tsui district, Kowloon)
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Opened to the public in 1864, the Botanical Gardens and Zoo are known world-wide for breeding endangered species. It’s a wonderful place to spend warm afternoons as the foliage seems to ameliorate the heat. The gardens are divided into two parts, but linked by a subway. The eastern part, or Old Garden, contains a children’s playground, aviaries, a greenhouse and the Fountain Terrace Garden. Mammals and reptiles live in the New Garden. The gardens are free and open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., although the greenhouses have shorter hours (northern slope of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island).
Festival Walk Glacier
Billed as “The Coolest Rink in the City, Festival Walk Glacier is also the largest ice rink in Hong Kong. Several sessions are held daily, with more frequent sessions on Friday and Saturday. Although it’s a regular oval ice rink as far as most westerners are concerned, it’s interesting to watch nonetheless. Prices per session, which include ice skates if needed, range from $45 HK to $70, depending on day and time (80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon).
Hong Knog Toy Museum
Although it’s called a museum, this is primarily a commercial enterprise. The selection of stuffed animals, toys from yesteryear, miniatures and toy soldiers is extensive, so both young and old will have a great time looking at them. (10 Chater Road, Hong Kong; free; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily)
Street Markets and Other Outdoor Attractions
Depending on their ages, children will also enjoy many of the same attractions as adults,
like street markets and boat rides. They will also be fascinated seeing some a harborside light show by walking along the Tsim Sha Shui waterfront between Avenue of the Stars and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Kowloon (nightly at 8 p.m.).
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