11 great places to enjoy the outdoors with kids

Nature Discovery Park at K11 MUSEA

On the rooftop of K11 MUSEA, the Nature Discovery Park is Hong Kong’s first urban biodiversity museum and sustainability-themed education park. The park plays host to a variety of rare plants endemic to Hong Kong’s shore, and also features tropical and native plants, an aquarium and naturally attracted butterflies. Admission is $150 (free for under 2’s) which includes a 90-minute self-guided visit inclusive of a tour, experience (content of which varies seasonally) and refreshments. The park has also launched a Little Nature Ambassador Programme to nurture a new generation of sustainability changemakers and workshops and experiences such as a ‘farm-to table’ experience and jellyfish workshop.

Peacock Playground

Also on the roof terrace of the 7th floor of K11 MUSEA in The Bohemian Garden is the lively and colourful Peacock Playground, designed by award-winning Danish playground designers Monstrum. The seven metre tall Insta-worthy peacock slide is the main focal point of the playground and provides an opportunity for children to explore, climb, and have fun. The playground is suitable for children over five and families can redeem access upon same-day electronic spend of $300 or above at any kids & edutainment merchant at K11 MUSEA. 

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

In the heart of the Central district is Hong Kong’s oldest park, divided into two parts which are connected by a pedestrian subway; the eastern section is home to a large children’s playground, aviaries and a greenhouse. The western side of the park is home to a range of animals including monkeys, orangutans and giant turtles. Easy to access the park through Pacific Place.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park Hong Kong offers year-round fun for kids of all ages. Explore rides, shows, funfair games, cable cars, animals galore and the aquarium. The park also runs programmes for children aged four to 11 throughout the year with games, visits to exhibits, sleepovers in the aquarium and a chance to get up close to the animals. Admission costs $498 for adults, $298 for children aged 3-11 years old, under 3’s go free. 

Disneyland Hong Kong

Who doesn’t love Disneyland? Children of all ages will love a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland and the Magic Access Pass offers incredible value on year-round access. Check out the recently-renovated Castle of Magical Dreams and the all-new ‘Momentous Nighttime Spectacular’ show and princess fans rejoice – a Frozen-themed land is opening at the park in late 2023! Although Disneyland Hong Kong is smaller than other Disney parks, we love that it’s generally less crowded. 

Inspiration Lake

A stone’s throw from Hong Kong Disneyland, Inspiration Lake is one of the city’s most magical outdoor parks. With grassy areas to play and paddle boats for hire, there is plenty for the whole family to do. Don’t forget to pack a picnic as food offerings in the park are limited. And the best part about a trip to the lake? It’s free! 

Repulse Bay & Stanley

Repulse Bay Beach and Stanley in the Southside of Hong Kong Island are geared towards a day out with kids. Both are easy to reach from Central (actually the bus ride out there is quite fun with stunning views out across the South China Sea). Repulse Bay is widely regarded as one of the most expensive housing areas in Hong Kong. The boardwalk offers a host of eateries and cafes including Limewood and Classified. The Pulse shopping centre offers a chance to escape the heat and enjoy a relaxed beachside shopping environment. On the eastern side of the peninsula, Stanley offers a relaxing seaside town environment and stunning beaches. There’s a watersports centre and kids will love the pirate ship play area. 

The Peak Family Trail

Take a trip up to The Peak on the recently-renovated Peak Tram. A vertiginous trip on the Peak Tram is always a winner, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. Use an Octopus card to jump the queue and pack a picnic to devour at the relatively quiet Victoria Peak Gardens on Mount Austin Road. The Family Trail circulates around the top of the Peak. It’s completely paved and takes about an hour to complete (depending on how fast those little legs walk!) – there aew also play areas along the way. 

Ngong Ping 360 & Big Buddha

Kids will love the Ngong Ping 360 cable cars – just make sure to go early to beat the queue. Not for the faint-hearted, the Crystal Cabins have glass floors for a bird’s eye view of the mountain below. At the end of the ride, visit the Buddhist theme park, climb 268 steps to the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha, or light incense at the Po Ling Monastery. Jump the queue by booking your cable car tickets online up to seven days in advance.

Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery is lovely for family photos and a walk around. It’s pretty far out so go on a day when both you and your kids are feeling adventurous! This large Buddhist complex in Diamond Hill was founded in the 1930s as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. It was rebuilt in the 1990s following traditional Tang Dynasty architecture – constructed entirely from cypress wood, using no nails. It is, in fact, the world’s largest handmade wooden building. Once you’ve viewed the nunnery, stroll through over 3.5 hectares of landscaped gardens at the surrounding Nan Lian Gardens.

Kam Shan Country Park

Tucked away in the hills behind northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin, the dense jungle terrain of Kam Shan Country Park is an oasis for young explorers. Having earned the nickname ‘Monkey Hill’ on account of its large population of wild monkeys, a day out here is sure to get the kids excited. Several nature and family trails cater to all ages and showcase the very best of the region’s scenery and diverse wildlife. For more intrepid explorers, intense hiking and mountain bike trails lead out of Kam Shan. 

For more check out: A hike in Kam Shan Country Park

Lead photo credit: Fabian Centeno on Unsplash