MACAU: The Parisian Macao Mega Resort To Open In Late 2016

Francophiles big and small are rejoicing with the news of Macau's new property opening in 2016! The Parisian Macao will open in late 2016 with 2,900 hotel rooms, more than a third of which will overlook a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Families will love the 1,200-seat theatre, spa and fitness facilities, an outdoor pool and water park, and a large shopping mall featuring more than 150 outlets. Be sure to climb the huge Eiffel Tower at the entrance for a fabulous light show...more to come here!

The Parisian Macao, Cotai Strip, Macau, http://www.parisianmacao.com/

BALI, INDONESIA: Grand Nikko To Become Hilton Bali!

Nusa Dua is a hub of family resorts sprawling along gorgeous beaches and offering stunning sea views in the South. The family-fabulous Grand Nikko Resort will reopen as the Hilton Bali on December 1, 2016 offering guests 389 rooms and 19 villas (1-3 bedrooms). Kids can splash in four inter-connecting swimming pools and a dedicated children's lagoon pool. There is also a playroom, a variety of F&B outlets, and loads more planned.

Hilton, www.hilton.com

OSAKA, JAPAN: Japan's Tallest Ferris Wheel Opening - Redhorse Osaka Wheel

Japan is getting it's largest ferris wheel just in time for holiday-makers to enjoy! Opening in July 2016, the Redhorse Osaka Wheel will reach 403 feet high making it the fifth largest in the world! Kids will enjoy booking up the transparent cabins where they can check out views of Expo 70 Commemorative Park on the 18 minute ride.

Redhorse Osaka Wheel, Expo 70 Commemorative Park , Osaka, Japan

SINGAPORE: Kidzania Opens!

The much anticipated KidZania Singapore opened its doors on April 12, 2016. Children aged 4 and above operate within the City and are employed at actual “jobs” such as doctors, firemen, journalists, etc. via many different realistic role-playing activities tiered to individual ability levels, earning a salary, called kidZos, to spend on goods and services in KidZania. There are even 2 playrooms for toddlers aged 2-3 years old, so they won't be out of place in this kid-sized metropolis!  Click here for the full Little Steps write-up.

KidZania Singapore, Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island, Singapore, www.kidzania.com.sg, www.facebook.com/KidZaniaSingapore.

REGIONAL: Fun Kids' Dining With Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts

Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts has partnered with acclaimed international food artist, Samantha Lee, to encourage family-friendly ‘fun dining’ using dishes from the brand’s new Kids Menu. Samantha has transformed five dishes from the nutritionally balanced new menu into kid-friendly works of art. Using the theme of animal portraits, each artwork created by Samantha has been designed to engage kids and their parents and encourage them to explore nutritious eating in a fun way. With the corresponding and easy to follow ‘how-to’ guides, parents are given all the tips they need to recreate food art at home using the original Holiday Inn Kids Menu recipes. Cool!

Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts, www.holidayinnresorts.com

REGIONAL: Hong Kong Airlines To Fly To New Zealand

New Zealand continues to be a hot hub for families! Good news, now there are more flight options to New Zealand from Hong Kong with the news of Hong Kong Airlines launching its first direct flight to New Zealand on November 10, 2016. Services will depart Hong Kong at 3:20pm and get into Auckland Airport at 7:30am!

Click here for tips on New Zealand with kids.

Hong Kong Airlines, http://www.hongkongairlines.com

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Re-Opens

After a year of planning and refurbishment, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur has reopened, launching 364 new, elegant and modern rooms, each with the hotel's acclaimed butler service. We love Ritz-Carlton's legendary butler service – there's someone on hand to help with everything from unpacking and shining your shoes, to helping to organise your entire stay, whether it's shopping, entertainment, or dining that's on the itinerary. To boot, Ritz-Carlton hotels have an excellent Ritz Kids programme.

Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, 55100 Malaysia, +60 3 2142 8000, http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/kuala-lumpur

HONG KONG: Themed Rooms @ Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel

Good news for wee-sized wanderers, The Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel has completed its third round of themed rooms for kiddos. These rooms are perfect for your little princess (Princess Room) or tram conductor (Hong Kong Tram Room). The entire family will love staying in these truly imaginative and colorful rooms. Expect the unexpected on this journey of discovery. Click here for full details. 

Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, 1 Castle Peak Road, Gold Coast, Hong Kong, +852 2452 8833, https://www.sino-hotels.com/hk/gold-coast/en/offers/

SHANGHAI, CHINA: Shanghai Disneyland Opening!

Tickets are officially on-sale folks! The highly anticipated Shanghai Disneyland is opening on June 16, 2016 and the families are ready!

At the opening, the resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two hotels, Disney town - an international shopping dining and entertainment district - as well as Xing Yuan Park. From the world-class rides and attractions to Broadway-quality entertainment shows, this brand new Disney resort will show the best of Disney storytelling, while incorporating elements of China's long cultural heritage and unique charm. Click here for more information by Little Steps!

Shanghai Disneyland, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China, https://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/en/

KYOTO, JAPAN: Four Seasons Kyoto To Open in Late 2016

Explore Kyoto with your family with a stay at the soon to be opened Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Children ages 18 and under can share their parents’ guest room at no additional charge. Whether helping you book tickets to the Kyoto Aquarium or supplying a crib for your little one, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto makes your visit to Kyoto easier. Other kid perks include child-size bathrobes, babysitting, a kids' menu, and milk and cookies on arrival... yum!

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, 447-1, Myohoin Maekawa-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0932, Japan, http://www.fourseasons.com/kyoto/

JAKARTA: Four Seasons Hotel Returns To Jakarta!

Jakarta staycation or vacation...family style? The 125-suite Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta at Capital Place will be opening its doors on June 20, 2016, marking the return of the Four Seasons brand to Jakarta! Renowned for its top-notch hospitality and oh-so-luxurious accommodations, this hotel takes care of all members of the family, especially the youngest of guests. Kids will love the stylish rooftop pool... plenty of fun with views included!

Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, Capital Place, Jalan Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav 18, Kuningan Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia, http://www.fourseasons.com/jakarta

CHINA: Alila Anji Opening in 2017!

A favorite brand of Little Steps, we are excited to hear that Alila is heading to China! Situated on a hillside overlooking a lake, the resort is located in the heart of the Zhejiang province, surrounded by the pristine beauty of bamboo groves and white-tea plantations. As the location of the Oscar winning movie ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, the area is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty thanks to over 60,000 hectares of bamboo groves, with over 40 different species found within the region. The area was designed as a pilot county for ecological and green building construction; Alila Anji has been built with the area’s outstanding natural beauty in mind, and in accordance with Alila’s strict environmental and design ethos.

Alila Anji, http://www.alilahotels.com/anji

HONG KONG: Iron Man Experience Coming to Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland plans to open its new Marvel-themed area late this year! Visitors will be able to visit the Stark Expo and explore the latest gadgets and gizmos from Stark Industries. Next up they can hop aboard the Iron Wing vehicles and take a grand tour of Hong Kong with a focus on key city landmarks. Watch this space!

Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com