Hong Kong might be small in size, but it’s packed with possible adventure! Each district has many hidden surprises for you and the kids to discover. So, let Little Steps be your guide with our top 40 excursions in each part of the city. Whether you’ve lived here for years, have friends in town, or are just sampling Hong Kong life, you will find an outing for all occasions. With so many famous institutions and cultural activities to enjoy, allow us to inspire you to explore!
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Want more – check out these fun things to do in Hong Kong?
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to The Peak. The queue to get on the tram or take a hike up to the top via Bowen Road via The Morning Trail. Both ways ensure wonderful sights, and once you’re up there, shop at the mall and market and take a stroll around the stroller-friendly path. Then have a meal break at Peak Lookout before heading to one of Hong Kong's secret playgrounds - Mount Austin! Want more? Head up the road from the playground to one of Hong Kong's best and secret parks - Victoria Peak Park. Don't forget Coombe Road Playground as well! Take your pick of restaurant options like Rajasthan Rifles, The Peak Lookout, Fiamma, Bubba Gump Shrimp and more!
Start at Elephant Grounds for coffee and then head down to Man Mo Temple where kids can enjoy exploring the incense-filled Temple Of Literature. After, you can head towards Cat Street (Upper Lascar Road) to browse and shop at this antique street market. You can then browse the antique stores on Hollywood Road and go further down into Sheung Wan to check out the many Chinese medicine shops. Head further toward the harbor and you will stumble on The Western Market. There is a large wet market across the street where kids will enjoy seeing frogs, chickens, and other critters for sale. Jump on an old Hong Kong Tram here and cruise to the next district for more city adventures.
If you’re island-side, take your visitors on the Star Ferry for impressive views of Victoria Harbor. If you go in the evening, be sure to catch the Symphony of Lights at 8pm. Once in Tsim Sha Tsui, visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and check out our Tsim Sha Tsui Family-Friendly Guide for more inspiration! Head to K11 MUSEA for a whole floor dedicated to kids as well as the Legoland Discovery Center. End the evening with a stroll along the Avenue of the Stars and let your friends happily snap away.
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For an easy breezy afternoon, enjoy high tea at Salisterra and then burn off the scones and clotted cream with a stroll around Hong Kong Park. Not only is there ample space and a playground for the wee ones to run around, but you can also take a gander of the Tea Museum and gawk at the turtles and fish before heading back home on the tram. For vegetarian Dim Sum, be sure to lunch at Lok Cha Tea Tea House. Want more? You can grab the peak tram from this park as well.
Famous for stilted houses and delish Canto snacks, Tai O has loads of sweet adventures for day-tripping families or overnight staycationers. Prepare to sip lattes by the water, stay in a fabulous historical hotel, and snack your way through the tiny village of Tai O. Try to spot the Pink Dolphins with the whole family. Tai O is famous for its snacking sensations.! For egg waffles with the finest smoky finish and cake-like crunch, visit the famous uncle on Kat Hing Street.
Weekend warriors, pack up the kids and head to Sai Kung to discover Hong Kong's Geological Park via kayak. Kayak + Hike can help arrange a full-day trip for you and the kids. For those looking to DIY, you can head to Sharp Island via a short boat ride from Sai Kung pier. It's an easy and quick trip and there is a fun beach for kids to explore as well.
Take in the beauty of the lesser-visited Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, often overshadowed by the Big Buddha. The gorgeous stroller-friendly park is dotted with Tang dynasty shrines and temples, as well as pristine gardens and flowers and a picturesque bridge perfect for kids, tourists, and photos! Remember to head to the restaurant behind the waterfall for a yummy vegetarian meal or their high tea, which is a bargain.
For families looking to "wow" visitors or simply take in the most scenic and memorable trip to Stanley, this short cruise leaving from Central is for you! Hop aboard the AquaLuna, one of Hong Kong’s last remaining traditional Chinese junks, for an afternoon of exploration in style as you navigate the seas to Stanley where you can head to the Stanley Market, hit the beach, or enjoy an alfresco brunch.
Owned by Hong Kong’s nightlife impresario Gilbert Yeung, Ten Feet Tall is not your average foot massage spa. For families looking for a little chill time together, you can rent a private room, bring along your login for Apple TV, and plug in a movie for the kids while you get your foot rub on! Order a fresh coconut juice, cappuccino, even frozen yogurt to enjoy during your pamper session! There's also free WiFi.
Ten Feet Tall, 20/F & 21/F, L Place, 139 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2971 1010, www.tenfeettall.com.hk.
Extra tip! This is a fantastic option for those jet-lagged as you can tour the city in the morning and take in a movie in the afternoon (or a snooze!).
Pink dolphins in Hong Kong... let's check it out! Hong Kong Dolphinwatch was the first eco-tour operator running trips to see Hong Kong's Indo-Pacific humpback, or pink, dolphins when it was founded back in 1995. Today it continues to be the only company recognized by the Hong Kong Government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board as a true eco-tour operator. Join one of the tours to head out to the seas around Lantau and seek out the elusive but beautiful pink dolphins.
Pink Dolphin Tour In Hong Kong, click here!
Check out our Little Steps Video on scouting the rare pink dolphin!
Have a hankering for some local flavor? Little Steps' foodies have eaten their way through the city to share the best dim sum and authentic Canto restaurants for families. Whether you're after modern, MSG-free Cha Chaan Tang favorites, traditional dim sum cart service, or al fresco vegetarian cuisine, Little Steps has you covered. Go get (Dim) Sum!
Family-Friendly Dim Sum In Hong Kong, Click here!
Click here for the LS video on the Amazing Family-Friendly Dim Sum Restaurant In Hong Kong At Yum Cha
Get ready for a serious foodie treat! Take the family to little Japan at Hong Kong Tsukiji + Yamataka Seafood Market. This family-friendly market goes beyond your traditional lunch and dinners out - it's a real experience! A truly unique Japanese experience in Hong Kong for families - seafood market, live Tuna cutting, grocery, and more. This 11,000-square-foot seafood market is incredibly stimulating and the food is amazing too.
Yamataka Seafood Market, 2/F, Wan Chai Ferry Pier, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, info@yamataka.hk, www.yamataka.hk. More info here!
Tap into local eats by hitting the cooked food centers with your kiddies. These are not places to be prim and proper, but it does give you and your family a chance to bond with your neighbors and try some hard-to-come-by foods and hearty Hong Kong treats! Click here for our top recommendations for dining with kids at a wet market in Hong Kong.
Wet Market Dining, www.littlestepsasia.com/hong-kong/articles/play/wet-market-dining
Picnics are a perfect way to spend time outdoors with the kids! And there are lots of amazing parks and picnic spots around the city where you can just sit back and relax while enjoying some delicious food and perhaps a glass of rose (or two), while the children play nearby. To save you some time from picnic prep, here are the best places to find your ultimate picnic spreads and hampers in the city, from indulgent spreads, luxurious hampers, stores to stock up on all the goodies and picnic planners (so you don’t have to lift a finger)!
Want to find the best family-friendly picnic spots around Hong Kong? Click here for the ultimate list!
Definitely, go chasing waterfalls with your lovable little ones – it’s the best way to cool off for free! Plus, you’ll all be able to get in touch with nature for a whole afternoon. The most famous ones are in the New Territories, including Bride’s Pool near Tai Mei Tuk. Lantau also has an abundance of waterfalls, and there’s one on the Southside and another in Pok Fu Lam from which to swan dive.
Ahh, Tai Long Wan, oh how we love thee. It takes will and determination to make the trip, but once you make it, it’s hard to leave. Away from Hong Kong’s “Fun Police”, frisbees, ball games, kites, and dogs are permitted. Enjoy a plate of Singapore noodles or fresh calamari from the friendly folks at the two country stores. They also rent camping and surfing gear.
Hong Kong has two awesome theme parks - Ocean Park in Aberdeen and Disneyland on Lantau Island. Ocean Park offers a sea animal adventure complete with rides for all ages. You can also book a dolphin swim - cool! Disneyland offers shows, rides, and of course Mickey! While ay Disneyland, be sure to check out Inspiration Lake for a fun picnic option. There is also the lesser-known Noah's Ark on Park Island for those animal-obsessed kids.
Hit the seas in true family style. There are so many ways to go junk boating from small family gatherings on Aqua Luna to boats with slides and beyond. From mega yachts to classic favorites, we have a guide that will sort your junk adventure out - click here.
Junk Boating With Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/hong-kong/articles/play/hong-kong-junk-boats
Get up close and personal with the best museums in Hong Kong. From maritime adventures to space explorations, Little Steps delivers the best finds for kids of all ages. They're inexpensive, educational, perfect in rain and heat, and can often accommodate add-ons like a great meal or some essential shopping. Get out there!
Top Hong Kong Museums For Kids, www.littlestepsasia.com/hong-kong/articles/learn/hong-kong-museums
Craving some culture? Pack up the kiddies and head to one of Hong Kong's top Buddhist temples located in Sha Tin. With five temples, four pavilions, one veranda, and a pagoda - this day tripper is worth it! Your adventure begins with a walk (or crawl) up 430 steps to the monastery. Don't fret, you will have life-size golden Buddhas on every step smiling, laughing, and cheering you on.
Calling all shoppers! Markets are a way of life in Hong Kong, and probably one of the best places to bring your whole family to experience a slice of local life. Not only are the city's wet markets a thriving place to get great bargains on the freshest produce in town, but there are also plenty of marketplaces and specialized streets where you can get the best deals on clothes, toys for the tykes and great bargains on just about anything and everything. Shop and bop your way around town with the Little Steps Guide to The Top 10 Markets In Hong Kong for parents and kids.
The Top 10 Markets In Hong Kong, click here
Little Steps Video: Visiting Yuen Po Bird Garden - Hong Kong Bird Market
This is more of a day trip! Visiting The Big Buddha in Hong Kong is a real bucket list adventure for kids and families. With limited tourists due to the closure of borders, now is the time to visit this beast of wisdom and inspiration. Take the cable car, hike to the Big Buddha, or taxi directly to Lantau. It's free to climb the starts and visit the Buddha but if you want to go inside, there is a small fee. Also, if you are keen on enjoying a snack or lunch at the nearby Po Lin Monastery, you can purchase tickets to the right of the staircase leading up to The Big Buddha. Head down to South Lantau for sipping and supping on surf and turf… and then some. With front-row views of the ocean, check out Bathers in Cheung Sha beach.
So you've done a few strolls with the kids, and you think they're ready for more? It's time for the quintessential Hong Kong hike - Dragon's Back - otherwise known as Section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail. Lace-up your sneakers, load the pack up with water and snacks, and head out for a gorgeous and rewarding family hike! After the hike, head into Shek-O where you can enjoy a beach BBQ, alfresco eating at Cococabana, Thai favorites, or pack your own bbq!
Dragon's Back (Section 8 of Hong Kong Trail), Starts at Bus #9 at Cape Collinson Road, Eastern District, Hong Kong; Ends at Bus #9 at To Tei Wan, Shek O, Hong Kong, Click here for more information.
Here is our video to Dragon's Back!
Take the kids to a Chinese Opera! Over the summer months, Hong Kong puts on an awesome Chinese Opera Festival! It brings together celebrated artists from all over China to our city to captivate you and your little audiences through a mix of opera genres, including the local Cantonese opera.
Chinese Opera Festival, www.littlestepsasia.com/hong-kong/events/chinese-opera-festival-hong-kong
Sit, brew, sip... it's tea time! Head to one of the city's best afternoon tea sets and choose from the traditional to the unconventional, by treating your little darlings to a bit of tradition. Slather on some Devonshire clotted cream onto a toasty scone and enjoy the steaming pots of goodness—afternoon tea is an indulgence that everyone deserves once in a while. Popular hot spots include The Peninsula, Langham, and Mandarin Oriental. Yummy!
Hong Kong High Tea With Kids, click here
It's time to chill, Mamas and Papas! Hop on the ferry to Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island, and in under 30 minutes, you'll arrive in a world far from Hong Kong. Enjoy strolling around town, shopping for bits and bobs, playing at the beach, and much more! Walk the narrow, winding Main Street from the ferry pier, ducking into handicraft shops, boutiques, bakeries, fruit stands, beach supply shops, and such along the way. Follow signs from Main Street to Hung Shing Yeh Beach or dog-friendly Power Station Beach. Kin Hing Ah Por Tofu on Main Street is a tiny little stand that's been selling delicious homemade silky tofu (Dofuhua) for the past 30 years. Try out the 6-km Lamma Island Family Trail with older kids, and then ferry back from Sok Kwu Wan to Central. Younger kids will find the 1.5-km walk from Yung Shue Wan's ferry pier to the beach to be plenty! Hungry - Rainbow Seafood is an institution - that can also provide transport if you are just coming for dinner or lunch. Another popular hotspot is Terracotta - perfect for sundowners and amazing Mediterranean fare.
Clear your head with a family-friendly Kung Fu class. Join the weekend Kung Fu Corner in Kowloon where families can watch a lion dance demonstration and different disciplines of martial arts will be staged and play-in sessions will be organized for visitors. It's all free!
Did someone say makeover? The Western Kowloon Promenade’s Art Park had one in early 2020, and we love it! If a relaxing outdoorsy day is what you’re looking for, the Art Park’s new features won’t disappoint with their open lawn spaces, cafes, and a refurbished bike path! The bike path offers wider spaces so that the whole family can enjoy a stress-free ride while overlooking the scenic Victoria Harbour. They also provide SmartBike rentals at HK$20/hour so that you don’t need to lug your own bikes around!
It’s time to get on your bike! Escape the urban concrete jungle and head to the great outdoors with the family... on bicycles! From the best seaside cycling trails in Tseung Kwan O to Hong Kong Island to BMX hills in the New Territories, there are a ton of options within easy reach across Hong Kong for beginners to advanced Little Steps guide you towards the best family biking in Hong Kong. So put your helmets on, saddle up, and let’s go!
Top Family-Friendly BikeTrails In Hong Kong, click here
Make to check out our video on the Top 10 Places To Go Biking And Cycling In Hong Kong
Speakeasy aka "hidden bar", comes from the era of Prohibition in America, where these bars were a necessity to not be caught drinking. They were just as vital for the creation of cocktails, all part of the ruse to distract authorities in America during their forced "dry period". Luckily for Hong Kong, there are a fair few cool bars in the city, you just need to know where they are and how to get in! Also check out the best new bars in Hong Kong here.
Top Hidden Bars In Hong Kong, click here!
Hong Kong has some really cool and unique outdoor public swimming pools to offer! If you wish to beat the heat check this city's best public swimming pools that are officially open and ready for play. During the winter months, check out Hong Kong best indoor pools here.
The Hong Kong Museum of Art is Hong Kong's first public art museum and the city's custodian of fine art. There are 11 new must-see exhibitions that bring together the museum's four core collections and emphasize their mission of comprehensively representing Hong Kong's unique cultural legacy and worldwide artistic ties.
The Hong Kong Museum Of Art, click here
We've brunched and dined our way around town to bring you the roundup of Hong Kong's best restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal as a family. Whether it's a kid's menu, a play area, a highchair...whatever works best for you, we've got you covered! Check out this guide to unique kid-friendly and baby-friendly restaurants from Causeway Bay to Wanchai to Central to Kowloon and New Territories. Also have you checked out our favorite brunch spots to go to with kids?
Cheung Chau Island is a quick thirty-minute ferry ride away and offers a slew of family adventures from climbing the "mini great wall" to exploring a real pirate cave to biking to temples. This guide will tell you how to get there by ferry or junk, what to do and the must-see attractions for kids, where to stay, where to eat the best seafood on the island, and other key points of interest on Cheung Chau Island!
Exploring nature can be a learning experience for the whole gang. Whether you are new to the trails or an expert hiker, Little Steps has rounded up the best Hong Kong hikes to enjoy with your children. Hikes are all ranked based on difficulty levels: Stroller Friendly for 0+, Little Legs for ages 2+, and Young Hikers for ages 6+. So pack up your kit bag with the essentials, and let’s hit the great outdoors!
Hiking With Kids In Hong Kong, click here!
Every little one knows the tune Old MacDonald, but how many of them have actually set foot on a farm? From seasonal strawberry picking to vegetable farming, here are a few fields far from the city where the whole family can get a breath of fresh air and their hands a little dirty. Also do check out the Bunny Wonderland for a wonderful petting zoo.
Squid fishing season has begun! Grab the kiddos, pack your wine, and prepare to enjoy one of Hong Kong’s favorite evening pastimes during summer. The season of squid fishing goes from the end of April to the end of August. Join the kiddies in catching the slippery little guys (lots of laughs guaranteed here) amidst a sea of very bright lights or sit back and enjoy the ride (fishing is not required). The friendly Jubilee team will cook your catch on board straight away. No worries if fishing is not your forte – you won’t go hungry with the full buffet served on board.
Squid Fishing Adventure, click here.
Whether you are traveling from further afield or just around the corner, there is so much to discover in Sai Kung. Sai Kung is the ultimate playground for outdoor and fun-loving families. The local experts at Little Steps have compiled the best of the best activities, hidden coffee shops, must-visit shops, family-friendly restaurants, island excursions, and more in and around Sai Kung. Surrounded by islands, beaches, and boats - this area of Hong Kong is a favorite for both visitors and locals.
Here is the ultimate guide to enjoying Sai Kung with kids.
Take your wild ones on a wetland adventure! Located in Tin Shui Wai in the New Territories, the 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park is an entertaining and educational outing for the whole family. The park not only demonstrates the diversity of Hong Kong’s wetland ecosystem but also highlights the need to conserve it. It’s interactive and fun edutainment! Click here for our guide.
Hong Kong Wetland Park, click here.
Escape the city for an adventure to Hong Kong’s great outdoors with these top camping and glamping options. Experience starlit skies (yes, this city does have them), roast marshmallows by a campfire, and camp out on some of the island’s best beaches. Pick a spot, pack your gear and head outside. We have all the info you need to know from free DIY camping sites in Sai Kung to glamping options in Lantau and Cheung Chau. Get your camping gear and head on over!
Top 14 Camping & Glamping Sites In Hong Kong, click here
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