Hong Kong is an ideal family vacation spot, boasting big-name theme parks, idyllic beaches, and world-class zoos.
Ride the Peak Tram and experience breath-taking views of Victoria Harbour and distant islands – perfect for all ages. This UNESCO Geopark experience awaits! Cathay Pacific offers San Francisco to Hong Kong flights now.
1. Ocean Park
Ocean Park is the world’s largest amusement, animal theme, marine mammal and oceanarium park and an excellent way to spend an enjoyable family outing. Boasting zoo animals such as pandas and panda bears as well as the Grand Aquarium with rides and fairground amusements such as Penguin Beach and Arctic Fox Den for young ones and faster roller coasters for older teens, Ocean Park provides something fun for everyone in your family to do at its vast amusements park.
Ocean Park is easily accessible, taking just 10 minutes by taxi from Central or taking Citybus Route 629 that leaves from Star Ferry Pier and stops at Admiralty before proceeding directly to Ocean Park. Soon, South Island MTR train line will also open, providing even faster transportation services to Ocean Park.
Ocean Park is divided into two sections – Waterfront and Summit halves – offering rides, animal attractions, shows and other things to do in each. To maximize your visit and avoid long queues throughout the day it is advisable to arrive early at Ocean Park. Sassy Mama Tip: Many visitors start from Waterfront then work their way towards Summit but doing it the other way round may be preferable as you’ll work against crowds rather than with them!
If your kids aren’t quite ready for fast-paced roller coasters, there are still plenty of gentler rides they’ll love to experience. Raging River, which allows participants to sit in log shaped cars as they descend into a small body of water; and Castle of Redd, with its impressive adventure kingdom full of mazes and challenges will certainly keep them busy for an afternoon or two!
Avoiding heat and humidity by spending time indoors is the ideal way to doze off, such as the Grand Aquarium, Penguin Beach or Arctic Fox Den. A Sassy Mama who recently enjoyed her staycation at Ocean Park Hotel explained how convenient its proximity was as she could easily escape indoors when needed – something her kids greatly appreciated in Hong Kong weather!
2. Madame Tussauds
No matter if it is just a stopover on your travels or you plan to holiday in Hong Kong with kids, there is plenty of family-friendly fun waiting. From visiting theme parks and exploring local culture to learning about Hong Kong’s history – here are the best kid friendly experiences Hong Kong has to offer.
Madame Tussauds offers the ideal environment for creating Instagram-famous family photographs. Situated atop The Peak, this famous wax museum houses more than 100 celebrity figurines from across the globe – including international pop star Ariana Grande and avant-garde Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama! Additionally, Marvel heroes will greet you here too; take selfies with your favorite celeb and even get their autograph!
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong wax museum opened its doors for business in 2000 as one of Asia’s first of its kind. Here you will find highly realistic figures in themed sections like Hong Kong Glamour, Music Icons, Historical Heroes and National Heroes as well as The Champions.
After exploring all the floors of an attraction, your children may need a break. Luckily, the museum features an on-site restaurant so that they can indulge in delicious meals after all their star-spangled adventures!
Another wonderful aspect of this museum is that it does not display too many Western celebrities; this allows your children to connect with the wax figurines as though they’re spending time with their heroes!
If you plan on visiting a museum, booking your tickets online in advance can help avoid long queues at the door and is much cheaper than purchasing them directly at the museum!
There’s plenty to see and do in Hong Kong with children, but sometimes the smaller experiences make your trip truly special. A ride on the Star Ferry will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your visit – your kids will love glimpsing Hong Kong’s stunning skyline at night while taking part in this unique activity – they will certainly remember this trip for a long time after!
3. Star Ferry
Locals might take for granted, but for tourists it is an absolute must – National Geographic even named it one of its Top 50 Travel Experiences! A ride on the Star Ferry provides quick, entertaining transportation across Victoria Harbour while giving passengers unparalleled views of Hong Kong’s skyline from every angle.
No matter if you prefer sitting with your little ones on the second-floor seats or prefer standing out on the upper deck, the Star Ferry has been delighting passengers for over 100 years. Operated by Star Ferry Company’s fleet of historic green-and-white vessels which carry 26 million people each year!
Central’s Star Ferry Terminal is an exquisite historical building converted into an engaging museum and shop for visitors of all ages to experience Hong Kong life before 1941, complete with recreated street scenes such as traditional tea shops, pawnshops, tailor shops, grocery stores and more! Families will delight in exploring this interactive exhibit!
Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring this old-world 1920s decor that pays homage to Hong Kong’s original Star Ferry vessels (morning Star, evening Star, rising Star and Guiding Star) that were plying the waters during its early days. Make it extra memorable by visiting during nightfall for an immersive Symphony of Lights show aboard Star Ferry!
Families looking for an enjoyable ferry and harbor cruise should consider purchasing the Hong Kong Ferry Pass, which includes admission to both the Star Ferry as well as several family-oriented attractions and tours. Valid for up to six months, this ticket can be bought either online or at Hong Kong International Airport/Central Ferry Pier.
The Star Ferry provides an easy, relaxing way to reach outlying islands that provide welcome relief from Hong Kong Island’s hectic pace. A quick boat ride can take you to Cheung Chau Island, famed for its annual Bun Festival held each May; or Lamma Island where there is more of an informal fishing village vibe.
4. The Peak
Victoria Peak offers one of the world’s most famous city views and it should be at the top of every visitor’s must-do list when in Hong Kong. For easy and rapid transport up there, taking the Peak Tram may be your best bet, though long queues could become frustrating to young children waiting in hot Hong Kong temperatures for this ride to arrive.
Avoiding lines is best achieved by walking up the mountain on one of the many ‘plank roads’ which run along cliff edges and offer breathtaking views along their length. Not only is this an enjoyable and healthy way to experience The Peak, but you will pass by its iconic viewing terraces – which often attract hordes of tourists!
At The Peak there is a small children’s playground and free Flagstaff House Teaware Museum to break up your journey. If you plan on dining on The Peak itself make sure you book in advance as this tourist hot spot can get busy quickly!
At night, it becomes an excellent spot to watch the Symphony of Lights show which showcases hundreds of colorful lights dancing around Hong Kong Island.
If you’re curious to experience more of Hong Kong, hop aboard one of Hong Kong’s specially-curated double decker bus tours that cover its top neighbourhoods for families. Tours offer hassle-free sightseeing with easy on/off access.
Uncover another side of Hong Kong on this exciting excursion! From bus tours and rides up the Peak Tram for spectacular panoramic city skyline views, to Ocean Park and Disneyland for two full days of roller coasters, games, marine life exhibits, accommodations at an area hotel as well as transportation back and forth from the airport, you will experience Hong Kong like never before on this unforgettable experience.