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 30 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!
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.
Peak Tram, +852 2522 0922, www.thepeak.com.hk. Note, the Peak Tram is operating COVID-oriented hours right now so be sure to check their website. Currently, it is 7am-10pm (Monday-Sunday and Public Holidays). The Peak Tower is open 10am-10pm (Monday-Friday) and 8am-10pm (Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays)
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.
Visiting The Big Buddha On Lantau Island, click here!
3. TSIM SHA TSUI: Ride The Star Ferry + Explore TST
If you’re island-side, take your visitors on the Star Ferry for impressive views of Victoria Harbour. If you go in the evening, be sure to catch the Symphony of Lights at 8pm. Once in Tsim Sha Tsui, visit the recently renovated The Hong Kong Museum of Art, and check out our Tsim Sha Tsui Family-Friendly Guide for more inspiration! End the evening with a stroll along the Avenue of the Stars and let your friends happily snap away.
Hong Kong Space Museum, Stanley Ho Space Theatre, 10 Salisbury Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2721 0226, www.lcsd.gov.hk
4. LANTAU: Visit The Stilted Village Of Tai-O
Famous for stilted houses and delish Canto-snacks, Tai O has loads of sweet adventures for day trippin' 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 it's snacking sensations.! For egg waffles with the finest smoky finish and cake-like crunch, visit the famous uncle on Kat Hing Street.
Tai-O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Little Steps Guide To Tai O. From Central: Catch a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo and then take a taxi or bus number 1 to Tai O. From Tung Chung: Alternatively, you can make an adventure out of it and ride on the cable car (Ngong Ping 360) and then take a taxi or bus to Tai O. Stroll through the city or if you are staying at Tai O Heritage Hotel, they will pick you up by boat at the Tai O entrance.
Want to stay the night? Come check into the historical hotel favorite - Tai O Heritage Hotel.
HK Dolphin Watch, click here! There is plenty more to Tai-O than stilted houses and shrimp paste! A Tai O must is to go try to spot the Pink Dolphins of HK with Dolphin Watch. If you are staying overnight, plan on an early street stroll (the town is stroller-friendly) to catch a glimpse of Tai O's life before the tourists arrive. Bring your camera! Click here to see our Little Steps Video on scouting the rare pink dolphin!
5. SHA TIN: 10,000 Buddhas
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.
6. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Visit Hong Kong's Amazing Waterfalls
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.
Top Hong Kong Waterfall Hike - Cliff Jumping In Sai Wan At Sheung Lok Stream, click here for the video!
7. SAI KUNG + NEW TERRITORIES: Where To Eat, Things To Do, Secret Gems
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.
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 couples who don't know where to dine out in Hong Kong, don't fret, we have got the list for you! Treat yourself to a memorable meal at one of these fabulous new and all-time favorite dining spots in Hong Kong! Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, we’ve got something for everyone, including some great alternatives if you're just 'looking for something special'.
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.
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.
12. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Organic Farms In Hong Kong
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. During this special time at most farms, visitors are still required to wear a mask, measure body temperature, fill in a health declaration form, and cleanse their hands to ensure a safe visit for every customer.
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!
14. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Hiking With Kids In Hong Kong
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!
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. Located on the Sai Kung Peninsula in the New Territories, Sai Wan beach offers magnificent views, tasty seafood, and is surprisingly stroller friendly! Your tykes can build sandcastles and splish-splash around in sparkling waters. Go camping, take a hike, or enjoy seafood by the beach.
16. CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND: A Family-Friendly Guide On What To Do, Eat, Explore!
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!
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!
18. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Top Family-Friendly BikeTrails In Hong Kong
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
19. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants
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.
Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants In Hong Kong, click here!
The Hong Kong Museum of Art is Hong Kong's first public art museum and the city's custodian of fine art. After over 50 years in operation, it closed its doors in 2015 to get a significant overhaul! The renovation was finalized at the end of 2019 and now KHMoA is ready to break new ground! The renovation added 40% more exhibition space and five new galleries. 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.
21. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Beat The Heat At Hong Kong's Public Outdoor Swimming Pools
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. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that 33 public swimming pools will be reopened on May 21 and details are can be found here. The reopened swimming pools will be open from 6:30am - 10pm for three sessions daily with two breaks.
22. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Top Hidden Bars 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 fair few cool bars in the city, you just need to know where they are and how to get in!
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 market places 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.
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.
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!
26. ADMIRALTY: Hong Kong Park + Tea + Vegetarian Dim Sum
For an easy breezy afternoon, enjoy high tea at Cafe Gray Deluxe 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 Tea Tea House. Want more? You can grab the peak tram from this park as well.
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, 10 Cotton Tree Drive (Inside Hong Kong Park), Central, Hong Kong
Lok Cha Tea House, Ground Floor, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, www.lockcha.com
27. SHEUNG WAN: Temples, Markets, Chinese Medicine, Tea
Start at Oolaa 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 Lascal Road) to browse and shop 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 harbour 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.
Starfish, shells, and sand...let's go! We have found a haven of beachy bliss that will check all the boxes for your next family fun-in-the-sun outing. Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is a protected area in Sai Kung Park and offers visitors a treat for the senses with over 60 types of hard coral and over 120 species of coral fish. From snorkeling and playing in shallow waters to hunting for treasures, this beach is easy to access and promises loads of smiles.
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 Aqua Luna, 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.
Aqua Luna Stanley Cruise, +852 2116 8821, www.aqualuna.com.hk. Extra Tip? They do other routes too including an awesome one for cocktails in the harbor - book the one that is timed with the Light Show to really wow the kids (the light show is 8pm daily).
30. ALL OVER HONG KONG: Eat Hong Kong's Famous Snacks
From egg tarts to milk tea to waffles - Hong Kong is famous for tasty snacks. Getting picky kids involved in eating some of Hong Kong's favorite snacks can be tricky but there are some that will be sure favorites. Below is a round-up of must-try snacks for kids and families in Hong Kong. Eat, eat, eat... and repeat.
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