Hong Kong is a busy city and it’s a hive of activity! Our list of top things to do in Hong Kong with kids includes beaches, city parks and wonderful boat trips.

#1. Take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island

You are guaranteed million dollar views for a very small cost when you take this famous short trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Sit on the upper deck of the Star Ferry to make the most of the journey!

Top Travel Tip for Hong Kong: Buy Octopus Travel Cards for the whole family when you arrive in Hong Kong. They can be used on all forms of public transport, trams, buses, MTR and the Star Ferry. You pay a refundable deposit for the cards which can be cashed in at the airport when you are leaving.

#2. Relax in Nan Lian Garden

FREE: Known as one of the most beautiful spots in Hong Kong, Nan Lian Garden provides a tranquil oasis in this busy city. Thick groves of trees block out the sound of traffic, making you feel like you have just left the city behind you.

#3. Ngong Ping 360

The Ngong Ping 360 is the most scenic way to get to Ngong Ping Village and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. Take the MTR to Tung Chung station and the cable car is just a few minutes walk away. Ride in a regular cable car or a glass-bottom one! A busy tourist attraction with shopping and entertainment, you can also take in some nature walks and see the Big Buddha statue, built in 1993.

#4. Watch the Symphony of Lights

FREE: A stunning nightly spectacular, don’t miss the Symphony of Lights! Starting at 8pm, coloured lasers and lights shoot from the top of buildings across the Hong Kong skyline. Music and narration is available on the radio or you can hear it live near Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

The display is best watched from Kowloon, looking back at Hong Kong Island. 

#5. See Hong Kong’s Pink Dolphins

The endangered Chinese white dolphin is pink or speckled pink and is famous for its friendly nature. The odds of seeing them in Victoria Harbour are low due to ferry and shipping traffic, as well as pollution. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch is the most popular tour company for organising this trip as it adheres to strict regulations to protect the pink dolphins. This 3-hour tour is an enjoyable morning at sea which also teaches an important lesson about looking after our wildlife.

#6. Explore Hong Kong Science Museum

A perfect way to spend a rainy day, the Hong Kong Science Museum offers more than 500 exhibits with hands-on and engaging activities. The kids will love getting involved in the sections on ‘magnetism’ and ‘electricity and light’ and there is a car simulator they can drive while trying to avoid accidents. There is free entry to most museums on Wednesdays.

#7. Walk the Avenue Of Stars

FREE: The Avenue of Stars tells the story of 100 years of Hong Kong film-making and is a similar idea to Hollywood’s walk of fame. There is a large bronze statue of Bruce Lee which makes for a great photo opportunity as well as celebrity handprints and movie memorabilia.

#8. Visit the Outlying Islands

For a nice break from the city, take the ferry from the pier at Central District to the islands of Peng Chau, Cheung Chau and Mui Wo. Cheung Chau has a pretty beach area and hosts a famous annual bun festival in May.

‘Do check the timetable for each ferry. If you miss one, it’s going to take time to catch the next one.’ Samantha G.

#9. Geopark in Sai Kung

Hong Kong Global Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre is located at Sai Kung Waterfront Park and offers visitor information for the best way to explore the Geopark. The easiest location to view the park’s stunning structure is High Island Reservoir where the volcanic columns are visible along the coast.

‘I recommend a walk around one of the reservoirs, such as Tai Tam, for easy hikes.’ Steven B.

#10. City Views from the Peak

The Peak offers truly spectacular views of Hong Kong and is the perfect place to take your family holiday photo! Take a stroll around the Peak Circle Walk and for some ‘time-out’ there’s a little kids’ playground in the middle. It takes around 40 minutes to do the entire walk. There are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and a Madame Tussaud’s here too. You might like to take the Peak Tram up and bus or taxi down.

Have you visited Hong Kong recently? We’d love to hear your top things to do in Hong Kong, so please let us know below.

If you’re travelling with kids to other city destinations, check out Free Things to do in LA or Free Things to do in Toronto.