Hong Kong Park – an oasis in the city

Please don’t think of Hong Kong as just a stop-over.  This family friendly destination has much to offer and is worth a trip in its own right.   Hong Kong was our first overseas destination ever as parents – we visited with our three month old baby and were blown away by the friendliness of the locals to us as a family unit.  Fast forward eight years and we took our expanded brood of five to Hong Kong this May.  Having read about the tried and true attractions in Hong Kong like Ocean World and Victoria Peak I wanted to compile a list of alternative activities to enjoy with kids in Hong Kong.  Okay, I couldn’t give Hong Kong Disneyland a miss but there are few others here that you might not have heard of…

Get out on Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour

If there is water at a destination you can bet that we will being either on it, near it or in it.  When visiting Hong Kong we decided to get out on Victoria Harbour and weren’t disappointed.  There are many options for taking in the parade of vessels and scenery on the Harbour – boarding an authentic Chinese junk, or a dinner cruise.  We chose to keep things simple, getting the kids out on the Star Ferry – part of the public transport system.

Riding the Star Ferry – Victoria Harbour

Hong Kong Park

Spying turtles and dragonflies in Hong Kong Park

Featuring an aviary, fountains, greenhouse, ponds with turtles and playground Hong Kong Park is an oasis in the midst of the Hong Kong metropolis.   In the warmest months plan to visit early to avoid the heat of the day.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland has many of the classic Disney rides as well as some local originals

Hong Kong Disneyland offers a traditional Disney park experience, with a Chinese edge.  We took two days visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, appreciating the shorter queues than those we experienced at the North American parks.  My kids loved the rides (It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and Alice’s Tea Cups are some of the tried and true rides there).  I loved the entertainment – fantastic parades and shows.  We value added to the entire Hong Kong Disneyland experience by staying onsite at the Disney Hollywood Hotel and incorporating character dining experiences.

Madame Tussauds

Hong Kong Madame Tussauds is on this list by default.  While in Hong Kong my littlest was hospitalised with an acute illness (thank goodness for travel insurance).  I was out of action with her in hospital and my son used my family absence as an opportunity to convince his dad to take him to Madame Tussauds (it wasn’t on my well researched itinery).  While my five year old was slightly befuddled by the celebrity wax works, Madame Tussauds hit a real high note with my eight year old, and it was one of the highlights of his trip.  He loved posing next to Micheal Jackson and Wolverine.

Divine Dim Sum.

Dim Sum in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is famous for its cuisine with the local Dim Sum the jewel in the crown of the local dining options.  If you are staying at a hotel with buffet breakfast, take the time to try the dim sum included in the Chinese breakfast section.  My own team of dim sum diners recommend Maxim’s Palace on the 2nd floor of City Hall where the dim sum is served on traditional carts.  For more extensive advice RE Hong Kong family dining check out Together We Roam’s great suggestions.

Hong Kong Observation Wheel

http://togetherweroam.com.au/guide-to-bali-with-kids/

For a different perspective of Victoria Harbour hop on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.  Open every day from 10-11am, and located near Central Piers 9 and 10, the relatively short ride (15 minutes) is manageable even with a high energy toddler in tow.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

While the Hong Kong Maritime Museum was not explicitly family focused it provides a valuable perspective on the history of Hong Kong’s Harbour and maritime culture.  I visited the Hong Kong Maritime Museum with a group of five children under 8 and despite them being a little disappointed that there weren’t specific child interactive displays, where nonetheless engaged.  The modest entry price meant that we were happy to stay at the Museum for only an hour and a half.

A few extra tips for families visiting Hong Kong

-Despite pre-booking (and paying) for an infant car seat we were unable to access one during our entire stay in Hong.  I’d suggest taking your own car seat to Hong Kong to ensure your child is as safe as possible on the roads.

-Use the MTR (trains).  They are accessible, signs are in English, and if you do get lost, there are plenty of people around to ask for help.

-It is worth purchasing an “Octopus Card” a universal Hong Kong monetary card.  We were able to use ours on the MTR, Star Ferry, at Disneyland (even in the hotel’s vending machines) and in convenience stores.

-Expect crowds.  Truly, I’ve never been in the midst of so many people as we were in Hong Kong.  Negotiating the crowds with a stroller was a little intimidating, however my confidence grew as our stay progressed.

-Stairs – they are everywhere!  We found that there was often a relatively easy way to get from A to B avoiding stairs but that you need some inside knowledge to do so.  Hotel concierges were very helpful in pointing out the best stroller friendly routes to train stations, restaurants and shops.

Where to stay

We splurged by staying at the majestic Hong Kong Grand Hyatt.  Offering a level of service unsurpassed in our own travelling experience, as well as perhaps the best Cantonese restaurant I have dined in (One Harbour Road) the hotel is surprisingly child friendly.  The rooftop pool was well used by our brood as was the rooftop playground.

Disclaimer – This post is sponsored by Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

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