Hong Kong’s Children’s Discovery Museum, the city’s first and only museum dedicated to play-based learning experiences, recently reopened in a new 5,500 square feet space in Sai Wan Ho after its centres in North Point and Tsuen Wan closed. The all-new museum has eight themed exhibition zones (up from four) that feature more than 30 interactive exhibits for children aged 10 and younger.
The museum’s offerings are designed to allow children to experience learning through play in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.), language and literacy, culture, and environmental awareness/stewardship. Some previous favourites like Build It, Discovery Zone, Story Stage and Water Way are in the new museum, while new additions include Cozy Corner and a Water Wall. Here are the features of each zone:
Build It
The highlight of this section is the Nüdel Kart, a large educational deconstructable play cart designed to allow kids to work on their creativity, problem-solving and social skills.
Cozy Corner
This new exhibit provides a quiet sensory space for children to wind down and relax, while allowing them to develop their sensory systems.
Water Way
At the Water Table area, children can experiment to see how a dam, a water fountain, and other contraptions work and learn about the water cycle, water flow, and hydrodynamics in the process. The Water Wall allows children to choose different tools and explore the flow of water on a vertical surface.
Discovery Zone
This zone teaches kids how to become more engaged in protecting the environment and about recycling and landfills. They take part in hands-on activities to discover the wonders of nature and the ways we can help protect the environment.
Creative Studio
Little tots who come to this zone can show off their artistic skills using paint and other materials on a variety of media — including the windows!
Transit Tots
This section is dedicated to exploring replicas of Hong Kong’s unique landmarks and modes of transport and helps kids develop different fine motor skills.
Story Stage
A unique section set up like a movie stage, complete with a green screen, to let children make, direct, and role-play any story they choose.
Little Adventure
An area designed for children three years old and under who can climb in, climb on, or hop on to mini versions of iconic landmarks of the city.
The Hong Kong Children’s Museum is open all week from 10 am-6pm, but prices vary depending on the day. Tickets are priced at HK$120 per child aged 13 months-12 years old, and at HK$80 for infants under 12 months and adults from Monday-Friday. The cost of admission is HK$140 per child aged 13 months-12 years old, and HK$100 for infants under 12 months and adults on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The museum is celebrating its reopening by offering visitors a special package until April 30. The “Friends+ Weekday Play Package” is priced at HK$540 for one child and one adult. It includes three entry passes for 1.5 hours on weekdays, 40% off on weekday tickets, and 10% off on tickets for accompanying friends.
Tickets must be bought in advance on the museum website and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Header image credits: Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum
