Your Ultimate Family Friendly Guide To Macau

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN MACAU

COTAI STRIP: If you are seeking a bit more activity, families should head to the Cotai Strip.  Holiday Inn and Conrad are also popular with families. All the hotels at City Of Dreams offer access to Macau's largest indoor playroom, Kids' City. Seeking something bigger? Cruise across the street to The Venetian Macao, Sands Cotai Central, or Galaxy. The Venetian Macao has entertainment galore including gondola rides, The Qube kids zone  and Streetsmosphere characters dressed in traditional Venetian carnival garb who roam the property to keep everyone entertained. Book one of the hotels at Galaxy Macau and let your clan be entertained by the amazing wave pool, accompanied by white sands and private beachside cabanas. If you are looking for a more intimate abode, Four Seasons Macao is the best bet.

Sheraton Macao, Cotai Central, Macau, +853 2882 2000, Res.SheratonMacao@staystarwood.com, Website.  Be sure to check out their popular Junior Hotelier Program for kids on now!

Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, +853 8113 9000, HolidayInnCotai.Reservations@IHG.com, www.sandscotaicentral.com/macau-hotels/holiday-inn-macao.html

Conrad Macao Cotai Central, +853 8113 6000, conrad_macao@conradhotels.com, www.conradhotels.com

The Venetian Macao, Cotai, Macau, +852 2882 8888, inquiries@venetian.com.mo, www.venetian.com.mo

Galaxy Macau (Galaxy Hotel, Okura Hotel, Banyan Tree Hotel), Cotai, Macau, +853 2888 0888, www.galaxymacau.com 

Four Seasons Macao, Cotai, Macau, +852 2881 8888, www.fourseasons.com/macau

GRAND COLOANE BEACH RESORT (Formerly The Westin):  A long-time family favorite, Grand Coloane Resort Macau is located in the South of Coloane island, set alongside an 18-hole golf course with views of Hac Sa Beach.

Grand Coloane Beach Resort, Macau, 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, Macau, +853 2887 1111, www.grandcoloane.com

GRAND LAPA, MACAU:  Indulgent luxury in the center of Macau, Grand Lapa boasts landscaped gardens, amazing pools, fabulous restaurants, and a relaxing spa, as well as a range of special services to cater to guests with kids, from in-room amenities, including baby shampoo, crayons and coloring books, to children’s bathrobes, babysitting services and a special children’s area offering playground activities, video games and outdoor activities for the three to twelve-year-olds. Special birthday packages can be arranged too with decorations, party games, food, prizes and photos all taken care of. There’s a fabulous pool with water slides that children will love, while mum and dad enjoy the garden whirlpools and outdoor Jacuzzi, or get pampered in the amazing spa.

Grand Lapa, Macau, 956-1110 Avenida da Amizade, Macau, +853 2856 7888, glmfm-reservations@mohg.com, www.grandlapa.com

POUSADA DE COLOANE:  While certainly not the glam or glitz, there is something charming (and affordable!) about this boutique jewel of a hotel located alongside a quiet beach with plenty of hiking trails surrounding the property for kids to roam. Each room has a private balcony with beach view as well as a Jacuzzi.

Pousada De Coloane, +853 2888 2143, pcoloane@macau.ctm.net, www.hotelcoloane.com.mo

WHERE TO EAT IN MACAU WITH KIDS:

FERNANDO'S RESTAURANT:  A trip to Macau is never complete without grabbing a bite to eat at Fernando's. Lucky for mum and dad, there is plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run around in while you enjoy fresh Sangria. Take a cruise on the beach next door or hit the playground across the street with the children.

Fernando's Restaurant, 9 Praia de Hac Sa, Macau, China, +853 882264, www.fernando-restaurant.com/index_en.html

A LORCHA:  A classic spot for lunch or dinner serving up affordable Portuguese delights in an old-world setting. It’s the perfect stop for food after a visit to the Temple of A-Ma. Reservations recommended.

A Lorcha, 289 Rua Do Almirante Serigo, Macau, +853 2831 3193.

LA GONDOLA:  Over twenty years in operation and a favourite Italian restaurant for local families. The huge outdoor terrace overlooks the quiet Cheoc Van Beach and is next door to a fantastic public swimming pool. This is a great place to fuel up with a slice of pizza after a swim.

La Gondola, Estrada de Cheoc Van, Coloane, Macau, +853 2888 0156.

DOM GALO:  A family-friendly (and affordable) restaurant to enjoy traditional home-style Portuguese food with two locations in Macau. The portions are large so it is a great venue for groups and big families.

Dom Galo, Avenida Sir Anders Ljungstedt R/C, Edificio Vista Magnfica, Macau, +853 2875 1383.  Dom Galo Taipa, 47 Rua Cunha, Taipa Village, Macau, +852 2882 7318.

WAVE POOL AT HARD ROCK HOTEL:  A favorite for weekend family dining with an excellent outdoor BBQ. Aside from the guitar-shaped pool there are private cabanas and a beach volleyball court. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations.

Wave Pool Bar and Grill, 3/F, Hard Rock Hotel, City of Dreams, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 6640, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com/restaurant/bars-lounges.  Kids City is right next door...do it!

LORD STOW'S BAKERY: A trip to Macao without an egg tart? Something is most definitely missing. For the very best visit the original Lord Stow’s Bakery where the now-world-famous Portuguese-style egg tart was born. Simply delicious!

Lord Stow's Bakery, 1 Rua da Tassara, Coloane Town Square, +853 2888 2534.

ROBUCHON AU DOME:  If you can escape from your kid clan, plan a Michelin-starred date lunch. Robuchon au Dome is one of the most reasonably priced lunches for a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Top value for amazing food, with a view!

Robuchon au Dome, 3/F, Lisboa Tower, Lisboa Hotel, 2-4 Avenida de Lisboa, +853 2837 7666, www.hotelisboa.com/dining-robuchon_a_galera-en.

OTHER FAVORITES:

Nga Tim Cafe 0, 8 Rua Caetano, Coloane, Macau, +853 2888 2086 - A Caloane institution with a large terrace for tots.

Hung Heng Cocos 1869, 14 Rua da Tercena, Avenida de Almeda Ribero, Macau - Coconut ice cream close to St. Paul's.

Greens, 1A Calcada de Santo Agostinho, Macau, +853 6288 0870 - Fresh pressed juices and more veggie-friendly fare!

Red House, 109 C/B Avenida do Conselheiro Ferrala Almeda, Macau, +853 6633 6033 - A private kitchen experience.  Book in advance.

WHERE TO SEE THE BEST FAMILY SHOWS IN MACAU?

ENTERTAINMENT:  Kids will be mesmerized by the fantastic shows Macau is putting on!  The big two to check out are The House of Dancing Water directed by Franco Dragone in a theater containing 3.7 million gallons of H20.  For mini bursts of "ohs and ahs," check out the ten minute Dragon's Treasure show at City of Dreams.

House of Dancing Water, City of Dreams, Cotai, +853 8868 6688, Website.  Get tickets in advance.

Dragon's Treasure, City of Dreams, Macau, +853 8868 6688, Website.  Click here for ticketing details.

BEST CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN MACAU:

A-MA TEMPLE:  Let the kids explore Macau's oldest temple!

A-Ma Temple, Largo da Barra, Macau.

GUIA FORTRESS:  This fortress sits on the highest point in Macau and was built in 1638 to defend the border with China.  For a bit of extra fun, take the Guia Cable Car from outside the entrance of the Flora Garden, off Avenida de Sidónio Pais.

Guia Fortress, Macau.  The Guia Cable Car runs from 8am - 6pm everyday (except Mondays).

RUINS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PAUL:  The ultimate icon of Macau and certainly one to snap family photos in front of as well!  Check out the Museum of Macau next door if your kids are uber patient.

Ruins of the Church of St. Paul, Macau.  Go in the morning to avoid the afternoon tourist rush!

MARITIME MUSEUM:  Learn about the rich history of Macau at this ship-structured museum.  The location of the museum is also believed to be the site where the first group of Portuguese landed

Maritime Museum, Largo Do Pagode da Barra, Macau, +853 2859 5481, Website.

OLD TAIPA VILLAGE: Visit one of the only traditional villages left in Macau. Restored colonial homes in pastels of yellow, green and blue, make up the Taipa Houses-Museum, showcasing how Portuguese families once lived in splendor in the early 1900s. Pedestrian-only alleys and hole-in-the-wall shops and cafes ensure a peaceful yet fascinating wander back in time.

Old Taipa Village, Website

GRAND PRIX MUSEUM:  Recently revamped, this hub for wheel lovers is always a hit.  The kids will love the interactive simulators.

Grand Prix Museum, B/F, Tourism Activities Centre, 431 Rua de Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Macau, +853 8798 4108

WHERE TO HAVE EVEN MORE FUN WITH KIDS IN MACAU:

MACAU TOWER: For serious adventure seekers, head straight to Macau Tower where older kids can head up 233 meters to the top for a Mast Climb, Sky Jump, or Skywalk. Yowsa!

Macau Tower, Largo da Toree de Macau, Level 61, Macau, +853 8988 8656, ajhackett@macautower.com.mo.

MACAU GIANT PANDA PAVILION: Take the kiddies to see the giant pandas in the park.  Don't forget to get tickets in advance to avoid a panda breakdown!

Panda Pavillion, Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane, +853 2833 7676, Website.  Closed on Mondays.

MACAU SCIENCE CENTER:  A perfect rainy day alternative for family fun.  The Center is very interactive with loads of hands-on adventure.  Be sure to check out the planetarium. 

Macau Science Center, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, +853 2888 0822, Website.  Closed on Thursdays.

GRASS SLIDING:  Kids love the 20-meter long grass slide at Taipa Grande Nature Park in Macau.

Taipa Grande Nature Park, Taipa, Macau, Click here to begin the fun

HIKING: Enjoy a hike alongside Coloane Reservoir.  Check out Hac Sa Reservoir Circuit or Altinho de Ka Ho for more family oriented hiking.

Hiking in Macau, Website.

HAC SA BEACH: A great spot to enjoy a bit of sea breeze.  You will find a playground on the beach and if you get hungry, Fernando's is right around the corner.

Hac Sa Beach, Coloane, Macau.

MACAU FISHERMAN’S WHARF: If it’s a rainy day and you are low on things to do, the Underground Amusement Centre at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is the largest video game centre in Macau and is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for a few hours.

Macau Fisherman's Wharf, Avenida da Amizade e Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Macau, Website

KIDS' CITY: Prepare yourself!  This new hub of play is amazing.  Kids' City is Macau's largest indoor playground offering 17,000 square feet of pure fun.

Kids' City, City of Dream, Cotai, Macau, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com

PLANET J:  A new indoor theme park for kids.

Planet J, https://www.littlestepsasia.com/macau/articles/play/macaus-planet-j

WHERE TO SHOP IN MACAU?

SHOPPES AT COTAI CENTRAL: Luxury brand names abound in Macao, but when you’re looking for clothes for kids it can be slim pickings. That’s why we love Shoppes at Cotai Central. Fables, the American kids clothing label known for its bright style, comfortable designs and affordability, with lines for children from 2 to 16, sits alongside the likes of Aquascutum Junior, Armani Junior, Moschino Baby Kid Teen, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, UM Junior and Zara Home Kids. It’s a one-stop mall for all your kids’ clothing needs.

Shoppes at Cotai Central, Sands Cotai Central, Macau. Website.

HOW TO GET TO MACAU FROM HONG KONG:

Macau is super easy to get to via ferry!  Be sure to book tickets in advance.  If you get to the ferry terminal early, you can always go stand-by for an earlier ferry.

Cotai Jets, www.cotaiwaterjet.com

Turbo Jet, www.turbojet.com.hk