Hong Kong is a fast-moving, endlessly interesting city, and it’s a brilliant destination for a family adventure. Between harbour ferries, cable cars, quiet gardens and buzzing city viewpoints, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. Here are 10 awesome things to do in Hong Kong with kids.
#1. Take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island
You’re guaranteed spectacular views for a very small cost when you take this short, famous trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Grab a seat on the upper deck of the Star Ferry to make the most of the crossing.
Top travel tip for Hong Kong: Pick up Octopus Travel Cards for the whole family when you arrive. They work across trams, buses, the MTR and the Star Ferry, which makes getting around with kids much simpler. You’ll pay a refundable deposit on each card, which is returned when you hand the cards back before you leave.
#2. Relax in Nan Lian Garden
One of the most beautiful spots in the city, Nan Lian Garden is a free, tranquil oasis away from the noise of Hong Kong. Thick groves of trees muffle the traffic, so it can feel like you’ve left the city behind entirely — a lovely spot to slow down for an hour with the kids.
#3. Ngong Ping 360
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is the most scenic way to reach Ngong Ping Village and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. Take the MTR to Tung Chung station, and the cable car terminal is a short walk away. You can choose a regular cabin or a glass-bottomed one for extra thrills. Alongside the shops and entertainment at the village, there are nature walks to enjoy and the famous Big Buddha statue to admire, completed in 1993.
#4. Watch the Symphony of Lights
A stunning nightly show, the Symphony of Lights sends coloured lasers and lights shooting from buildings across the Hong Kong skyline, with music and narration you can pick up on the radio or hear live near the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Wan Chai.
The display is best watched from Kowloon, looking back across the harbour to Hong Kong Island.
#5. See Hong Kong’s Pink Dolphins
The endangered Chinese white dolphin is pink or speckled pink and known for its friendly nature. Spotting one in Victoria Harbour itself is rare, thanks to ferry traffic and pollution, so most families join a dedicated boat tour instead. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch is a well-known operator that follows strict guidelines to protect the dolphins. Their morning tour makes for an enjoyable few hours at sea and a great chance to talk to kids about looking after wildlife.
#6. Explore Hong Kong Science Museum
Perfect for a rainy day, the Hong Kong Science Museum has hundreds of hands-on, interactive exhibits. Kids tend to love the sections on magnetism and electricity and light, plus a driving simulator where they can try to avoid virtual accidents.
#7. Walk the Avenue Of Stars
The Avenue of Stars celebrates 100 years of Hong Kong film-making, in a similar spirit to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Look out for the large bronze statue of Bruce Lee, a great photo stop, along with celebrity handprints and film memorabilia along the harbour front.
#8. Visit the Outlying Islands
For a break from the city buzz, catch a ferry from the pier at Central District out to Peng Chau, Cheung Chau or Mui Wo. Cheung Chau has a lovely beach area and is famous for its annual bun festival, a colourful local tradition worth timing your trip around if you can.
“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
The Hong Kong Global Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre, at Sai Kung Waterfront Park, is a good first stop for visitor information on exploring the Geopark. One of the easiest places to take in the dramatic scenery is High Island Reservoir, where striking volcanic rock columns line 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 has some of the most spectacular views in Hong Kong, and it’s the perfect spot for a family holiday photo. Take a stroll around the Peak Circle Walk, which takes around 40 minutes in total and has a small kids’ playground partway round for a breather. There are restaurants, souvenir shops and a Madame Tussauds nearby too. Many families take the Peak Tram up and a bus or taxi back down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get around Hong Kong with kids?
An Octopus card is the easiest option — it covers the MTR, trams, buses and the Star Ferry, so you’re not juggling cash or tickets at every stop with children in tow.
Is Hong Kong a good destination for a family holiday?
It’s a compact, well-connected city with a real mix of experiences on offer, from harbour views and cable cars to gardens, museums and outlying islands, so there’s usually something to suit every age and energy level in the family.
Do we need to book tours like dolphin watching in advance?
It’s a good idea to book ahead where you can, especially for popular tours, so you can plan the rest of your day around pickup and return times.
What should we pack for a trip to Hong Kong with kids?
Hong Kong’s weather can be hot and humid for much of the year, so pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a refillable water bottle for all the walking and ferry-hopping.
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Travelling further afield with the kids? You might also enjoy our guides to Free Things to Do in LA and Free Things to Do in Toronto with Kids.
Before You Go
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