You already know Hong Kong as a fabulous destination for families. There’s Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, interactive museums, and so much more. Well, guess what makes Hong Kong even more enjoyable for the whole fam? The arrival of two baby pandas at Ocean Park! This news is a run-don’t-walk scenario to travel there to see them at their cutest.
If we could think of a way to upgrade a visit to a destination like Hong Kong, we’d add cute animals. How else do you top iconic attractions, cultural gems, and all that yummy food?
With baby pandas, of course! Not just one but twin panda cubs recently debuted at Ocean Park. Aww.
Join the panda-monium
Whether you’re visiting on a stopover, planning a multi-destination adventure or cruising to or from Hong Kong, add in a spot of panda-monium on your visit.
Maybe you’ll even travel to Hong Kong just to meet those two fluffy black-and-white balls of cuteness? Plenty did that to see TikTok sensation Moo Deng recently!
If you’re as panda crazy as we are (and the whole of Hong Kong right now), you need to know that for an additional fee, you can join a morning session to see An An and Ke Ke climb, play, slide, and do roly-polys (not guaranteed but highly wished for) before the gates open and the crowds arrive.
Plan the clan’s trip
Hong Kong is a hotbed of adventure and discovery for fun seekers of all ages whether there are adorable pandas to ogle or not.
From immersive museums, lively markets, outdoor adventures, and thrilling theme parks, Hong Kong is to boredom what jellyfish are to shoes – it just doesn’t go! Whether first time or many times, there’s always something new to uncover.
Check out this 4-day itinerary for family-friendly inspo.
Day 1 : Hong Kong must-dos
What better way to start day one than taking in the city’s expansive views aboard the legendary Peak Tram! It’s iconic!
As is eating dim sum, the dish most synonymous with Hong Kong. With so much variety, it’s perfect for the whole fam, even fussy eaters. The fun buns at Central’s Yum Cha are famous for their cartoon-like dim sum, including menu items like BBQ piggy buns and ‘barfing’ custard buns.
The interactive heritage gaol, Tai Kwun, holds interests for kids and adults alike before hopping aboard the Star Ferry, another Hong Kong must-do. It’s an ideal way to get from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui for the 8 pm nightly A Symphony of Lights extravaganza.
Day 2: Immersive & educational
Kowloon’s Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Science Museum both offer four floors of culture and education and are close to each other, making it easy to split the fam based on interests.
Nearby, the Eaton Foodhall is an ideal place to sample street eats, retro local cuisine, and global fare before heading north to Monk Kok’s working markets. From the Flower Market to Bird Garden and Goldfish Market, they make for a lively afternoon.
Mr Tree is a great spot for famished kids, thanks to its 0-6-year-old playground and child-friendly menu. For teens, pretty-in-pink vegetarian restaurant JaJa in Wan Chai, or the diner vibes at Cafe Match Box are a hit.
Day 3: Get in nature
A day trip to Lamma Island switches things up. After riding the ferry to Mo Tat Wan, hike the easy Sok Kwu Wan village trail to enjoy the specialty restaurants.
Longer legs can continue hiking to fascinating Yung Shue Wan, where bee farms, pineapple sellers, beaches, temples, and the organic Herboland farm (with bunnies!) make for an enthralling walk.
After returning to Hong Kong Island, the colourful neighbourhood of Wan Chai has ample to entice, including Motorino’s wood-fired pizzas.
Day 4: Theme park fun
You didn’t think we forgot about the theme parks, did you? No family stay is complete without either Ocean Park or Hong Kong Disneyland (or both). This is no ordinary year to visit Hong Kong Disneyland, btw. It’s their 20th anniversary, and you know they’ll be dialling up the fun (yes, more Disney magic!).
Both parks offer entertainment, rides, and tasty bites for all palates. Head there early to avoid the crowds (and heat).
Top 5 annual events
Hong Kong is a hive of activity year-round, with epic events on the calendar. Here are our top five family-friendly picks:
- Arts in Hong Kong: You don’t need a budding Picasso in the family to enjoy the city’s artsy vibes year-round. In March alone, you could enjoy the fabulous Art Basel and trendy HKWalls Street Art Fest.
- Chinese New Year: Experience the Pearl of the Orient at its most celebratory for Chinese New Year. Red lanterns, lion dances, and lucky cuisine are just some of the fun on offer.
- Hong Kong International Boat Races: Show the fam this cultural sporting event in the birthplace of the modern dragon race. In June, thousands of dragon boat athletes take to the waterways for an electrifying weekend.
- Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival: This is our favourite event on the calendar – a whole month (October) dedicated to your tastebuds. Hundreds of outlets participate, showcasing the best of the city’s culinary prowess.
- Hong Kong Winter Fest: Every November and December, Victoria Harbour comes alive with fairy lights, whimsical displays, and shopping bargains, leading to the mind-blowing New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Learn more
To find out more about the fun ways to soak in the Pearl of the Orient, visit the Discover Hong Kong website here, then speak to your preferred travel advisor to book.
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.
