Experience the Magic of a Family Trip to Hong Kong
Embark on an unforgettable city trip to Hong Kong with your kids. We spent eight incredible days exploring the city’s numerous attractions. Hong Kong is not only a bustling metropolis but also a child-friendly destination with plenty to offer. If you’re considering a visit or already planning one, we’ve compiled a list of the most exciting activities for kids in Hong Kong. We’ve also included the costs and transportation details for your convenience. Here they are, in no particular order:
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Activities in Hong Kong
1. Disneyland Hong Kong: A Magical Experience
Yes, Hong Kong does have a Disneyland! Floris and Lotte, being huge Disney fans, couldn’t miss out on this magical destination after visiting Disneyland Paris and Orlando. Disneyland Hong Kong, although slightly smaller than its Paris counterpart, is even more beautiful and well-maintained. The park is spotless and visually stunning. We stayed at the Disney Hotels’ Explorer’s Lodge and explored the park over two days at a leisurely pace. However, if you’re short on time, it’s possible to explore the park in a single day. Disneyland is a must-visit when you’re in Hong Kong, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Costs: Adults HK$ 619, kids HK$ 458 a day entrance fee, excluding hotel.
How to get there: Disneyland is located on Lantau. You can take a cab or the subway. If you choose the subway, take the Disneyland line at Sunny Bay station.
2. Ngong Ping 360: A Breathtaking Journey
Ngong Ping 360 is a luxurious cable car ride that takes you up the mountain to the village of Ngong Ping in about 35 minutes. You can choose between gondolas with or without a see-through floor. Despite Kev’s initial fear of heights, the view from our gondola with a see-through floor was absolutely breathtaking. The ride offers a panoramic view of the city and the impressive Hong Kong skyline. As you ascend, the landscape becomes greener, and near the top, you can spot the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) from the gondola, a truly wondrous sight.
Exploring Ngong Ping and Its Attractions
Ngong Ping offers a variety of experiences, from buying a cable car ticket to embarking on a guided tour or exploring other sights atop the mountain. You can visit the Tian Tan Buddha or the Po Lin monastery. From there, you can take a bus to other attractions located further away.
Cost and Transportation
The cost for adults is HK$ 290, and for kids, it’s HK$ 180 for a return ticket in a “crystal cabin” with a see-through floor. To get to Ngong Ping, which is located on Lantau, you can take a cab or the subway. The last stop is Tung Chung, and Ngong Ping 360 is just a 2-minute walk from the station.
3. Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha
Upon reaching the top of the mountain in the village of Ngong Ping, a visit to the Tian Tan Buddha is a must! The village path leads you towards the Buddha, where you might encounter cows wandering around. Prepare for a climb up a flight of 268 stairs to reach the 34-meter high Buddha.
The climb might be challenging, but the breathtaking view over the valley from the top is well worth it! You can walk around the Buddha to view all sides and see the statues surrounding the Buddha too.
Cost of Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha
Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha is free of charge.
4. Exploring Hong Kong: The Ngong Ping Cable Car
For an exciting journey, consider taking the Ngong Ping cable car. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and sporty, you can also opt to walk. Please note that walking is not recommended if you’re traveling with young children.
Experience the Thrill of The Peak
Floris and Lotte are huge fans of The Peak, particularly the tram ride to reach it. This tram is one of the oldest and most famous in the world. It covers a distance of 1.363 meters with an altitude difference ranging from 28 to 396 meters. The route is quite steep, with a maximum incline of 27 degrees.
Upon reaching the top, you’ll find a shopping mall complete with a Madame Tussaud’s on the ground floor, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. We took the elevator initially and then the escalator to reach the highest point: Sky Terrace 428. This is the city’s highest 360-degree lookout point.
When we first arrived, the view was obscured by mist, but after about 10 minutes, it cleared, revealing a spectacular view of the city. With plenty of entertainment options, you can easily spend a significant amount of time at The Peak. Don’t forget to visit the museum downstairs, which tells the history of the unique tram. The Peak tram and Sky Terrace 428 are must-visit attractions when you’re in Hong Kong with kids.
Cost: Adults HK$ 99, Kids HK$ 47 (includes tram, lookout point, and return ticket)
How to get there: We took a tram to the Cotton Tree Drive stop and walked for about 10 minutes.
5. Trick Eye Museum
Regrettably, we were unable to visit the Trick Eye Museum due to ongoing renovations. This interactive museum, filled with 3D art forms, seemed like a perfect fun-filled destination for kids. Despite our missed opportunity, this child-friendly museum certainly deserves a spot on this list of things to do in Hong Kong with kids.
Note: The cost of admission was not available on the website during renovations. The museum is located on the third floor of the Peak Galleria, accessible via the Peak tram.
6. A Ride in One of the Trams
On Hong Kong Island, we found the brightly colored, double-decker trams particularly charming. The kids were eager to ride the tram, so we took one to the Peak tram. Sitting on the top level, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the bustling Hong Kong streets. Despite the crowded and bumpy ride, the kids were thrilled and wanted to ride the tram everywhere. This fun and affordable activity is definitely worth considering when you’re in Hong Kong with kids.
Cost: Depending on your route, adults HK$ 2.30, kids HK$ 1.20. Trams can be boarded at any stop in the city.
7. Experience the Magic of Spotting Pink Dolphins in Hong Kong
Embark on an unforgettable journey to spot the unique “pink dolphins” in the waters surrounding Hong Kong. These fascinating creatures, born grey, lose their pigment as they age, resulting in a distinctive white/pinkish hue. Our adventure began with a boat ride in search of these wild dolphins.
Setting Off on the Dolphin Watch
A convenient van service picked us up from a hotel in Kowloon and transported us to the harbor at Lantau. During the journey, we learned about the pink dolphins and their near-extinct status. Our guide informed us that these elusive creatures are spotted 97% of the time during the excursion. However, as they are wild animals, no guarantees could be made.
The Dolphin Watch Experience
The tour lasts from 09:00 to 13:00, including the bus transfer. We were fortunate to spot the dolphins at the very last moment, just as we were nearing the harbor. The sight of these elegant creatures gliding through the waves was truly impressive, and the kids were thrilled. We even saw a pink mother dolphin with her grey baby.
The boat maintained a respectful distance, ensuring the dolphins were not disturbed. As naturally curious creatures, the dolphins chose to draw closer to us, and by the end of the excursion, we found ourselves surrounded by 10 of them. It was a truly special experience.
Booking Your Dolphin Watch Trip
Reservations for this excursion can be made by emailing [email protected]. It’s advisable to book in advance as the dolphin watch trips are often fully booked.
Costs and Transportation
- Costs: Adults HK$ 460, Kids HK$ 230
- How to get there: Take a cab to the harbor of Lantau or use the shuttle bus from Kowloon.
8. Experience the Symphony of Light
Every evening at 20:00, the Symphony of Light transforms Hong Kong Island and Kowloon into a spectacle of music and light. This show involves 40 buildings and can be viewed from Victoria Harbor. However, the experience can be affected by external factors such as bright moonlight or noise, which may hinder the visibility of lasers and the audibility of music.
Cost: Free
How to get there: The show can be watched from Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai, a 5-minute walk from Wanchai MTR (subway) station.
9. Visit Kowloon Park
One of the unique features of Hong Kong is the abundance of playgrounds in the city. They are well-maintained, clean, and can be found on almost every street corner. Kowloon Park is a prime example of this, boasting a large playground that promises fun for all. In addition to the playground, the park also houses flamingos and other tropical birds, a large fountain, a swimming pool, and a Mc Café for a quick snack.
Cost: Free
How to get there: Kowloon Park is easily accessible via the MTR. You can reach it from Tsim Sha Tsui Station (exit A1), Jordan Station (exit C1), or Austin Station.
10. Monastery of the 10,000 Buddha’s
For those fascinated by Buddha statues, the Monastery of 10,000 Buddha’s in Sha Tin is a must-visit. After several days of exploring the city, a relaxing afternoon at the pool can be a nice break from cultural excursions. The monastery, located on a mountain, can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs for about 15 minutes. Along the way, you’ll find a Buddha statue every 10 to 15 steps, making it a unique and memorable experience for kids.
Costs: Free
How to get there: Take a cab or the MTR to Sha Tin Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
For more family-friendly activities in Hong Kong, check out this list of things to do in Hong Kong with kids and this ultimate guide for all the Hong Kong tips you need to know.
Hong Kong has a lot to offer, especially for families. The Wandermust Family has compiled a list of the best things to do in Hong Kong with a toddler. If you have any additions to our list, we’d love to hear them.