SPLASH AND DASH: Summer fun for the family in Hong Kong
From thrilling theme parks and vibrant art and cultural attractions to family-friendly hospitality options with easy access to the city’s must-see attractions, Hong Kong is an ideal destination for families.
Here is short list of some of most sensational offerings around the city this summer, and venues destined to thrill both now and in the future:
World-Class Theme Parks
No family stay in Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s favourite theme parks, which include Ocean Park and Disneyland:
- Marine-based Ocean Park Hong Kong has remained a firm fan favourite with locals and visitors alike for four decades. Committed to raising awareness of environmental conservation, the sprawling park allows guests, big and small, to get close to some of nature’s greatest wonders, from exotic sharks that swim about in a 360-degree aquarium to furry giant pandas and waddling penguins. Aside from being a haven for animal-lovers, the park is also the perfect spot for thrill-seekers who want to test their courage on the floorless rollercoaster, or the hair-raising turbo-drop ride fitted with VR technology.
- Hong Kong Disneyland features seven exciting themed lands, more than 100 attractions and entertainment offerings, character-filled parades, and three hotels with distinctive themes that help create an unforgettable experience. In 2023 the theme park is celebrating ‘Disney’s 100 Years of Magic,’ marking the 100th anniversary of Disney.
Art and Culture
- teamLab Future Park: Art and technology meet at a new immersive experience by world-famous art collectives teamLab. There’s interactive fun, with six stunning works on display until Jan. 14, 2024, including ‘Graffiti Nature – Beating Mountains and Valleys, Red List,’ which sees the Hong Kong newt, a local endangered species, take centre stage. Other highlights are ‘Sliding through the Fruit Field’ and ‘A Table where Little People Live,’ which have already proven a huge hit with families.
- Hong Kong Palace Museum: Appreciate traditional Chinese history, art, and culture from a new perspective at the incredible Hong Kong Palace Museum. The Harbourfront institution is excellent for families to explore local culture through fascinating year-round exhibitions and multimedia installations. Families can also join hands-on, creative workshops, such as ceramic and jewellery making.
Timeless fun
- Get the best view of the city, harbour, and beyond from the lofty heights of The Peak – a must-see city attraction. And what better way to get there than by the historic (but renovated) tram, one of the world’s oldest funicular railways?
- Kids will find four storeys of space jam-packed with fun interactive activities at the Hong Kong Science Museum.
- Visitors to the island of Ma Wan will find the unlikely scene of elephants, giraffes and other wild animals walking two-by-two from a giant ship. This is Noah’s Ark, or at least the world’s first full-size replica of the Genesis vessel with many life-like animals. The themed attraction boasts fun yet informative galleries, immersive exhibitions, and family-friendly games that are all aimed at promoting the values of social and environmental harmony.
The great outdoors
Despite being one of the most highly developed regions in the world, more than 40% of Hong Kong remains protected country parkland. These verdant tropical reserves offer up some of the best hiking to be found globally, not to mention culturally enriching and health-promoting experiences for visitors of all ages. Consider these fabulous hiking trails for families:
- Peak Circle Walk(all ages): Provides a bird’s-eye vantage of all of Hong Kong’s most famous views in one short and sweet hike.
- Lamma Island Family Trail(5 and up): A day on this historical trail has it all: boat rides, heritage and religious sites, local industry, a peek at island life, and a gentle-moderate hike that is easy to handle for most primary-school aged kids and above.
- Dragon’s Back(all ages): Hong Kong’s most famous hike, the undulating Dragon’s Back Hike, is not as steep or as challenging as some of the region’s more advanced trails, but a decent level of fitness is still required – as is a good pair of trainers.
Family-Friendly Hotels
- Regala Skycity Hotel: Located in Skycity, Hong Kong International Airport, the hotel boasts several colourful themed family suites in which kids can make their dreams come true by living out their prince and princess fantasies in the princess castle suite or feeling the speed in the car racing suite.
- The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong: Surprise the little ones with a ‘Baby Shark Adventure’ at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hong Kong! Running until Nov. 30, the experience includes a thematic guestroom and a range of experiences that revolve around the popular children’s song and TV show ‘Baby Shark.’
Consider a family itinerary
www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/trip-planner/4-days-of-family-fun.html
First published at Travel Industry Today
