Hong Kong is a city of contrasts, making it ideal for families. Children of all ages will love Hong Kong Disneyland’s whimsical adventure while Ocean Park can provide thrill-seekers with roller coasters and marine life!
Tai Kwun’s historic cultural complex – once used for police headquarters and gaol, now converted into an engaging labyrinth – offers families an immersive labyrinth of discovery. There’s even an engaging seal carving workshop! Learn all about Chinese culture here! See everything the city has to offer through the Cathay Pacific Bangkok to Hong Kong route.
1. Tai Kwun
Tai Kwun was transformed from its former roles of courthouse, police station and prison compound by an $884 million restoration effort into an art destination in 2018. Visitors can stroll the historic buildings at Tai Kwun while taking in its rich atmosphere (and learning something new!). Some of its oldest structures predated Hong Kong’s founding by only 10 years; prior to this use for law and order purposes including keeping honorable guests like Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh out.
Today, 16 revitalized heritage buildings–such as the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison–are joined by two architecturally stunning new structures: JC Contemporary and JC Cube. Both provide galleries and performances spaces; their aluminum cladding made from recycled automobile wheels has a distinctive texture which reflects light differently than brick structures in their vicinity.
The complex features thematic heritage exhibitions, performing arts activities such as music and theatre performances, film screenings and education programmes to contribute to an energetic cultural scene in Hong Kong and foster local talent in the arts.
Tai Kwun offers an abundance of high-end bars and restaurants. Enjoy refined colonial fare at Madame Fu Grand Cafe Chinois or sample cocktails like Hi Lazies made with Irish whisky, pineapple juice, lime, pimento liqueur and orgeat for a truly memorable dining experience. For leisurely strolls through this heritage oasis visit Madame Fu Grand Cafe Chinois or walk along its parade ground to visit its old prison yard before ending up at Lan Kwai Fong or Soho nightlife areas – many hotels sell tickets ahead or Klook offers fast entrance service at ticket booths!
2. Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is an idyllic beachfront neighborhood filled with designer shops, fancy restaurants and high-rise apartment complexes that blend in harmoniously with traditional Chinese housing – ideal for family holidays! Although called Repulse Bay, its crescent-shaped golden sand crescendo beaches boast some of Hong Kong’s best stretches of golden sand.
Take a relaxing walk along the paved coastal track – ideal for families, runners and dogs – or enjoy an invigorating swim in the crystal-clear water of the bay before basking in the sunshine at one of the many cafes offering barbecue lunch overlooking the sea.
Tin Hau Temple can be found at the southeastern corner of the beach and is where most locals worship gods of wealth and prosperity, like Kwun Yum (a Taoist deity representing wealth, good health and protection) while there is also a small shrine dedicated to Tin Hau, the sea god.
Visit Zhenhai Tower Park and witness massive statues of Heavenly Queen and God of Mercy as well as two activity rooms within this park.
Repulse Bay in the Southern District is easily accessible, thanks to Big Bus day tours – including Explorer Tour – providing easy transportation there and back.
For longer stays, look for serviced apartments offering amenities such as private pools and gyms such as The Lily. Alternatively, for temporary stays you could book into Repulse Bay Villas and Towers which offer rooms of various sizes with different features and locations to meet all of your needs.
3. Stanley Market
Stanley Market is one of Hong Kong’s most well-known street markets and an ideal shopping spot. Here, visitors can purchase unique souvenirs at competitive prices while taking part in bargaining sessions – starting by offering half the quoted price is advised to maximize savings while supporting local vendors.
At Stanley Market, visitors often purchase silk products such as scarves and dresses made of silk; Chinese porcelain; traditional Chinese gifts like chess sets and fans; as well as brushes and ink for Chinese calligraphy.
Stanley Market offers more than shopping – it is also an ideal spot for dining and drinking! There are a number of restaurants and cafes serving Chinese, international and seafood cuisine – not forgetting one or more waterfront promenade eateries offering exquisite waterfront promenade views!
Stanley Market offers an unhurried shopping experience, providing unique souvenirs of your trip to Hong Kong. After shopping at Stanley Market, take a stroll along the beach or visit Stanley Plaza – a modern shopping mall offering access to Murray House, Tin Hau Temple, Lover’s Terrace and Blake Pier from within its square.
4. Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong may be known for its luxurious shopping and action-packed sporting events, but it’s also a wonderful family destination with fantastic beaches, fantastic theme parks and plenty of kid-friendly things to do – everything from incredible hiking trails to an amazing zoological park offer something exciting in this incredible city.
Hong Kong Disneyland offers everything that Disney fans could possibly ask for: classic rides and character meet-and-greets like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and It’s a Small World as well as new offerings such as World of Frozen that transports guests back to Arendelle – home of Anna and Elsa from Frozen!
This park is situated on Lantau Island and can be quite the journey from Central Hong Kong, but the cable car provides spectacular views. Additionally, using Hong Kong Metro provides quick and efficient transport options.
Be sure to pack a stroller and umbrella, as you’ll likely be walking a lot during your visit. Additionally, get started early as parks tend to get busy quickly. Finally, for souvenir shopping – either for yourself or the children – visit Karibuni Marketplace on Main Street U.S.A for a selection of plush stuffed toys such as Duffy, ShellieMay and Gelatoni plushies.
5. Ocean Park
The attraction consists of two areas – Headland and Waterfront – connected by scenic cable car or Ocean Express funicular railway with breathtaking views of Hong Kong.
Ocean Park is an all-year destination, but especially popular during summer holidays and special seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas. Plan ahead and purchase tickets early to avoid crowds; for visits during the summer, make sure each family member brings sunscreens, umbrellas, water bottles and battery operated fans in case temperatures soar or humidity becomes overwhelming.
As an attraction for children of all ages, Ocean Park boasts numerous interactive and educational activities designed to keep them busy, such as a giant panda habitat and rainforest/polar expeditions. You can also get up close and personal with marine life at their four-storey aquarium featuring over 20 rides and 11 animal exhibits including adorable pandas.
Downloading the Ocean Park mobile app to maximize your experience will make sure that show times and maps, tickets purchases and snacks/drinks can all be done efficiently. Bring some extra snacks/drinks as food prices within the park can be expensive. Also remember to wear comfortable shoes for all that walking; consider hiring a stroller if your children are too young for roller coasters; an Ocean Park visit can take an entire morning/afternoon depending on their ages!
