1. Learn all about pandas
Ocean Park hosts all kinds of exotic mega-fauna, including the world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander. Its most popular residents by far are two adorable giant pandas. Kids will also love watching the fox-faced red pandas at play.
2. Watch a dazzling light show
Every evening, a stunning light display illuminates the skies around Victoria Harbour. The 13-minute Symphony of Lights is free of charge and guaranteed to entertain everyone from tots to teens. To listen to live narration alongside the spectacle, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront by the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
3. Meet your favourite Disney characters
A family vacation to Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Disneyland to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the gang. It may not quite match its Floridian counterpart in terms of size, but kids can still ride Space Mountain while parents indulge in a bit of nostalgia. Both young and old will also enjoy the spectacular daily and nightly shows.
4. Spend an afternoon in the park
Despite being one of the most densely packed metropolises on Earth, Hong Kong boasts some surprisingly verdant urban oases. One of the best of these for kids is the sprawling 13ha Kowloon Park.
5. Delve into Hong Kong’s past
Endlessly fascinating, the story of Hong Kong’s rise to power as a global trading centre is worth teaching your children. Interactive exhibits and toy displays at the Hong Kong Museum Of History will keep their attention.
6. Spot dolphins
Sadly, the distinctive pink dolphins that were once commonly seen in the seas surrounding Hong Kong are an increasingly rare sight these days. The Hong Kong Dolphinwatch Ltd boat cruises are still good family fun, though, whether or not you manage to spy one of the elusive marine mammals.
SEE ALSO: 6 family-friendly places in Shanghai, China to have fun with the kids
7. Admire views from the top
Though hazy skies may make this one tricky, when the weather clears, grab your family and make a beeline for The Peak. Ride the Peak Tram up from the Central Station MRT for a jaw-dropping panorama of the whole city.
– TEXT BY DIANA HUBBELL
PHOTOS: HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD, DISNEYLAND HONG KONG, OCEAN PARK, THE PEAK, HONG KONG DOLPHIN WATCH, HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
