Hong Kong’s best parks & outdoor spaces for kids
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 a few also play areas along the way.
Inspiration Lake
A stone’s throw from Hong Kong Disneyland, Inspiration Lake is one of the city’s most magical 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.
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.
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.
Kowloon Park
Located in the middle of the city, Kowloon Park is home to over 100 different species of birds. Large crowds of flamingos and swans can be found swimming in the Bird Lake or head over to the Aviary to witness multi-coloured parrots and rhinoceros hornbills strutting their stuff.
Choi Hung Estate Basketball Courts
Not so much a park but kids will love the colourful basketball courts at Choi Hung Estate. Made popular by a tribe of in-the-know Instagrammers, Choi Hung Estate basketball courts are free to use to take a ball and let the kids burn off steam.
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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.
Victoria Park
Covering almost 20-hectares’, Victoria Park is the perfect place for kids to run around and play. The park is made up of basketball courts, tennis courts, a bowling green and other sporting facilities as well as a large lawn area perfect for picnics and sunbathing.
Central Park
Not to be confused with Central Perk from the series Friends, this lush green park is located in Discovery Bay’s North Plaza. Surrounded by a shallow lake, children will love watching the fish and turtles before running around in the open grass. For a full day out, little ones will love the play area and climbing frames located on sandy Tai Pak Beach.
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Rooftop Play at Elements roof
What this park lacks in greenery, it makes up for in play equipment. As one of Hong Kong’s larger play areas, this park has a variety of equipment to keep the little ones busy. From tires and slides to climbing frames and balance beams, there is something for every age group.
