Get your kids out of the house and give them a dose of nature, physical activity, but mostly fun at an outdoor playground. The 852 has many to choose from no matter which part of the territory you visit, ranging from big playgrounds in city parks to colourful play areas on the beach. We’re sure the kiddos — and even adults ready to unleash their inner child — will love all the ones on our list.
Hong Kong Park
You could spend hours at the colourful 1,000-square metre playground located in Hong Kong Park, with six levels of different play areas. It’s a perfect escape for children from preschool to primary age, with slides and a sandpit to romp about in. But the extras are what draw many families here: the tranquil Conservation Corner, with dragonflies, squirrels and a turtle pond for kids to get in touch with nature, and the Edward Youde Aviary — a lovely escape from the crowds to observe 550 birds from 70 different species.
19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central | +852 2521 5041
Tuen Mun Park
When the outdoor playground in Tuen Mun Park opened in 2018, it was the first barrier-free play space for children in Hong Kong. They’ve taken into consideration children of all ages and abilities, with special areas for wheelchair users. Various play zones present all sorts of ways to let loose on different types of swings, spinning equipment, winding slides, a mini suspension bridge, and more. The innovative playground also has unique elements like a water play area with light effects and toy-like musical instruments to experiment with.
Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Mun | + 852 2451 1144
Quarry Bay Park
This outdoor playground is one of the smaller ones on the list, but is not without its charms. It has a laid-back waterfront setting, climbing frames and play panels in bright colours, a rocking horse, swings, slides — all the usual engaging equipment. Many parents head here when it’s time for their kids to test the pedals for the first time, as it’s a great spot for learning how to ride a bike. The cycling path is cushioned and enclosed, allowing them to go safely around until they’re pros.
Tai Koo Shing, Quarry Bay | +852 2513 8499
Discovery Bay Beach Playground
There are several playgrounds in this suburban corner of Hong Kong, but the most popular by far is the one at Tai Pak Beach, which is said to be the largest beach playground in the city. It has all the conveniences of a beach play area — no padding needed, just let the little ones zoom down the slides right into the sand! This playground features a fun climbing net and giant slide, one of the few playground ziplines in Hong Kong, and swings to suit all ages. Younger kids are catered for too, with a toddler climbing and sliding area.
Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island | +852 2238 1188
Mount Austin Playground
A 10-minute walk from the Peak Tram gets you to this pleasant outdoor area with a fun playground and green lawn inviting you for a family picnic. But first, let the kids blow off some steam on three sets of equipment for all ages (toddlers to primary-aged kids). There’s a multi-seat swing set featuring a cradle seat for the smallest member of your family, springy rocking horses, slides, and a climbing frame on a safety mat to cushion any tumbles.
Mount Austin Road, the Peak | +852 2853 2605
Kowloon Park
Tsim Sha Tsui’s Kowloon Park has two playgrounds for hours of amusement, one of which will have children bring out their inner actor: Discovery Playground is set among restored fortifications, complete with a tower and cannon emplacements, so kids can engage in some imaginative role play. The regular children’s playground has lots to enjoy too, with some really cool gardens like the Sculpture Garden and tranquil Chinese Garden — an ideal way for the family to wind down after a long day of play.
22 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon + 852 2724 3344
Jordan Valley Park
The sprawling park has tons of green space, with a huge lawn for kids to run around on, and mum and dad to unwind. You may want to really kick back and bring your own tent, as you’ll see many families pitching small ones on the grass to hang out in. There’s plenty of playtime to be had on two large playgrounds with equipment that will get the kids bouncing, sliding, and climbing about. One of the big draws here is the large radio-controlled model car racing circuit, where excited kids (and adults!) watch cars whizz by like a mini Formula 1 race.
71 New Clear Water Bay Road, Kwun Tong | + 852 2342 2241
Ma On Shan Park
Two children’s playgrounds with a variety of multi-play equipment, rocking horses and padded space to frolic on, an incredible maze that adventurous kids can explore for hours, and views of the waterfront and mountains make a visit to Ma On Shan worth it. The park itself is one of the less crowded and prettiest ones in the city, with beautiful flowers and frangipani trees.
12 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin, New Territories | + 852 2643 5320
Repulse Bay Beach Playground
You can easily spend an entire day at Repulse Bay with the family, with the Pulse nearby for activities and great food options, and of course, the beach. Head to the nearby playground after an afternoon of making sand castles, so the kiddies can stretch their limbs on different climbing frames, bop on the seesaw, and scream with glee on the merry-go-round. No one gets left out here, as the playground features equipment for children with disabilities too.
16 Beach Road, Repulse Bay | + 852 2555 0103
Victoria Park
This huge park in Causeway Bay is known to many Hongkongers, what with the myriad of outdoor facilities on offer — tennis courts, bowling green, football pitches, walking/jogging trails — even roller skating rinks. Luckily for parents there are also four playgrounds around the park with plenty of climbing, sliding, and twirling opportunities. Got a model boat fan in the family? They’ll enjoy navigating the small vessels around the model boat pool.
1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong | + 852 2890 5824
Cha Kwo Ling Promenade and Tsui Ping Seaside
The newly opened Cha Kwo Ling Promenade in Kwun Tong and the Tsui Ping Seaside boasts five play areas, with a mind-boggling variety of facilities — think slides, jumping discs, swings, rock-climbing mounds, and a rope tunnel bridge. The play areas are spread out along the waterfront area, with seating at regular intervals and a pavilion for visitors to relax at. The Tsui Ping Seaside is also a pet-inclusive park for pet parents who want to give their fur babies a chance to stretch their legs.
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park
Hop on board this railway-themed playground, which is a tribute to the legendary Dr Sun Yat-sen’s dedication to China’s railway development. It’s a small area within the memorial park named after Sun, but it has loads to keep young children entertained — from slides and a flying fox, to climbing bars with handles and climbing frames.
16 Eastern Street N, Sai Ying Pun | + 852 2540 9704
Header image credits: Andrey Khrobostov via Canva
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