You may imagine (or hope) that when taking children on a Hong Kong tour, they will stick to your pace, listen to the long narrations at a historical site, walk for hours on the hills, and eat the unfamiliar foods. But the reality is they soon get bored and tired, and they refuse to do the things that are not for them.
If you are planning a family tour with your kids, we recommend Hong Kong as a destination. In Hong Kong, children are more likely to enjoy visiting classic attractions in the most exciting way, having fun in some of the best theme parks, eating kid-friendly food, or even being a "sailor" for a short time. Some activities may even make you think back to your own childhood.
Here, we suggest some top experiences in Hong Kong that are also liked by kids. If you want a journey that's suitable for your whole family, just read on to find some of the best ideas.
1. Visit Cartoon Characters in Hong Kong Disneyland
Disneyland Hong KongIn Hong Kong Disneyland, young kids are excited to see their favorite cartoon characters and have great fun on various rides. Hong Kong Disneyland is not the largest one in the world, but its small size makes it suitable to visit in one day. As there are some events there that you will also enjoy, Hong Kong Disneyland is suitable for the whole family to visit.
2. See Animals and Enjoy Rides in Ocean Park Hong Kong
Ocean Park Hong Kong is another characteristic and popular theme park in Hong Kong, where you and your kids can visit animals, including pandas, as well as see dolphin performances. There are also thrilling rides to enjoy.
3. Ride a Tram to Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbour
Victoria PeakVictoria Peak is a must-see attraction in Hong Kong as there are breathtaking skyline and harbor views. Don't worry about whether your kids will like it or not because you will not have to do a long, tiring, and boring hike but will enjoy a relaxing and interesting tram ride instead.
The tram for Victoria Peak travels at a slow speed and sometimes operates on sharp slopes. Your kids are sure to enjoy the bumpy ride and the amazing scenery out of the windows.
4. Take the Ferry at Victoria Harbour
If you are going to cross Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon or vice versa, just skip the metro and ride on the Star Ferry. When your kids are excited to see the harbor view, you can also enjoy a short break.
5. Sample Hong Kong's Dim Sum
Hong Kong foodBite-sized with an appetizing appearance and a tempting fragrance - just imagine the delight expressed by your kids when they're served with some dishes of dim sum.
Dim sum is a well-prepared type of food. When you first visit Hong Kong, nothing is better than tasting some dishes of dim sum. There are plenty of choices: shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, steamed buns, as well as all kinds of noodles and congee. It's time to give the menu to your kids and let them make some decisions.
Some street food is also worth a try, such as fish balls, egg puffs, bowled cake, and milk tea.
6. Visit Museums about Science and Space Technology
Among the over 20 museums in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Space Museum are best for kids to learn about science in the most interesting ways.
Hong Kong Science Museum has over 500 exhibitions and over half of these can be operated by visitors. Children can learn about electricity, energy, and motion by playing with the devices in the museum. There is a four-level-high dropping ball device in the center of the museum, showing the changes of energy from one form to other forms.
Hong Kong Space Museum is for kids who want to be an astronaut because they can go inside a real space capsule and visit exhibits about astronomy. While you're there, you can also watch the astronomy movie that's shown on the hemispherical dome.
For older children or bookworms, Hong Kong Museum of History is a better option to learn about Hong Kong's history and development.
7. Attend Festival Celebrations
New Year firework show in Hong KongHong Kong is one of the best places in the world to celebrate the New Year countdown, Halloween, and Christmas as there are special decorations and events to be enjoyed.
Besides the festivals you are used to from your own country, some local festivals are also a good chance to enjoy a carnival atmosphere. You kids will enjoy watching the parade and the bun scrambling competition at the Cheung Chau Bun Festival or eating a sweet mooncake at the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you happen to visit Hong Kong during some festivals, don't forget to take your kids to see some events.
Hong Kong is also the location for many sports competitions.
8. Visit the Big Buddha in a Cable Car
Cable car in Lantau islandThe Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery in Lantau Island are popular attractions. However, your kids may frown when you tell them about this plan. This is not a problem as you can choose to visit these attractions in a fun way - by cable car.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car can take you and your kids to enjoy the scenery of Lantau Island and the Big Buddha from a higher viewing point. The '360' in the name means you can have a 360-degree view in the cable car. You and your kids will all like the changing view.
9. Get in a Fishing Boat at One of the Fishing Villages
Sampan in AberdeenHong Kong is well known as an international metropolis but, in its suburban seaside region, there are still some fishing villages highlighting what the city used to be like.
A good destination is Aberdeen, which is located in the south of Hong Kong Island. There, you can delve into the lifestyle of a local fisherman and your kids will enjoy their time being sailors in a local fishing boat called a sampan. After the boat trip, enjoy a seafood dinner in a floating restaurant.
If Lantau Island is one of your destinations, you can also visit Tai O Fishing Village on the island.
10. Visit the Zoological and Botanical Gardens
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens on the side of Victoria Peak is a free option to consider with your kids. There, you can visit Asia's largest greenhouse with over 2,000 species of rare plants as well as over 400 birds, 70 mammals, and 70 reptiles.
11. Take a Selfie with Cartoon Characters in Ani-Com Park
Near Central Promenade, Hong Kong Island, there is a place for animation and comic lovers called Ani-Com Park@Harbour"FUN". This is a great place for you and your kids to take some selfies with popular Hong Kong Ani-Com characters, and to learn about the lifestyle of comic authors.
You can also download the app for this attraction and use the AR function to create some cool photos.
12. Explore Tai Yuen Street
Large malls and shopping streets may not be for children but Tai Yuen Street in Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, is an exception because it is a street of toys. Children enjoy finding popular toys based on famous movies and cartoons, and you may even find some toys that you used to play with during your childhood.
Enjoy a Great Family Tour in Hong Kong with Us
Tour Hong Kong with China HighlightsTo have fun with your kids in Hong Kong, a wonderful option is to travel with China Highlights. You and your children will travel with a local guide and in a private car. Your travel consultant will also recommend some of the best attractions for your family to visit.
Check some of our itineraries that include Hong Kong:
- Chinese Cuisine Tour - 14 Days Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong China Tour
- Visit the Pearl of the Orient! - Half-Day Hong Kong Island Tour
- Hong Kong Family Tour - 4-Day Hong Kong Family Tour to Disneyland and Hong Kong Island
- Explore the best of Lantau Island - One-Day Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Tour
Or you can tell us your interests and requirements, China Highlights will help you tailor-make a Hong Kong family tour.