The Best Places for Indoor Play in Hong Kong
For those days where you need some indoor entertainment options. We've got fun, active, adventurous and creative options for toddlers through to teens.
Whether it’s pollution, rain, humidity or glaring sunshine, sometimes you need to grab the kids and head indoors for a good time. Luckily there’s a ton of options in the city for children of all ages when being under cover is key. And we’re not talking about plopping the family down in a movie theatre for hours, we mean physical, playful and even productive indoor activities. But most of all, the indoor play spots we list are all FUN. Find out for yourself…
All-In-One Fun
These monster environments have everything under one roof to let the rugrats let off some steam, and even spots for mum and dad to chill out.
SuperPark
Fresh on the Hong Kong indoor play scene is SuperPark, an indoor activity park with Finnish roots. It’s aimed at ‘people of all ages and sizes who come for movement, friendship and fun’. Sounds like a plan, and we can attest that our kids aged between 2 and 8 had a blast, partaking in the many activities up for grabs: ‘Adventure Area’ (with obstacle walls, trampolines, zip wires, slides, play towers, pedal car racing), ‘Freestyle Hall’ (skate and scoot world, trampolines, foam pit, climbing wall) and ‘Game Arena’ (baseball, golf range, basketball, superbowling). Seriously,they’ll never want to leave.
G/F, One SilverSea, No. 18 Hoi Fai Road, Kowloon (Near Olympian City), [email protected]
EpicLand
The aptly named play centre is Hong Kong’s largest indoor family entertainment space for toddlers to teens. There’s 14,000 square feet of amusement open every day of the year, including mini golf, a huge rock wall to test their climbing skills (plus a smaller one for toddlers), interactive playground and more. Little ones will love going down the largest indoor slides in Asia (come to think of it, all ages will!) and bigger kids will get a thrill partnering up with a friend and stepping into the virtual reality capsules, VR pods that send them into deep space and down roller coasters.
G/F, 31 North Plaza, Family Recreation Centre, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North, Lantau; 2441 0098
FunZone
FunZone caters to kids up to the age of 12, with three locations in Hong Kong to make planning an entertaining day indoors a breeze. Parents have a cafe to hang out in while the babes let loose on custom-designed playground equipment, do some role play in miniature ‘FunTown’ or get creative with some arts and crafts.
Kennedy Town – Shop 121, Level 1, The Westwood, 8 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, 2258 9558; Ma On Shan – Level 1, The Waterside Mall, 15 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, 2631 4001; Island East – Shop 209, Marble Gardens Commercial, 33 Marble Road, North Point, 3565 5601
Play House
Bouncy castles, ball pits, jungle gyms, kids’ electric cars, tunnels and slides for the 12 and under crowd will delight them at Play House’s four locations in the city. Toddlers are well taken care of with a soft play area and the whole family can indulge in treats like pizza, pasta, cakes and ice cream at the cafe when playtime is over, or when they need a mid-time pick me up.
Yau Tong – Shop 313-313A, Domain , 38 Ko Chiu Road, Yau Tong, Kowloon, 2352 3799; North Point – Shop 1, B/F, Metropole Building, 416-426 King’s Road, North Point, 2151 0400; San Po Kong – Shop No. 119-120, 1/F, Mikiki, 638 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong, Kowloon, 2151 9611; Tsuen Wan – Shop 2069B & 2070A, Level 2, D.Park, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, 2778 5999
Eat and Play
Places where food and fun are on the menu. No need to pack a lunch!
Origami Kids Cafe
This is a welcome addition to the kids’ scene, as it’s more than just a cafe – it’s also a creative space with play areas and educational activities for kids 0-7 set in a cool piece of architecture smack on the rooftop of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Designed for parents to be able to interact with their children in a safe and stimulating environment, the beautifully crafted play zone allows kids to scamper about, and contains Hong Kong’s first indoor sandpit. Chinese fusion food and refreshing teas are served at the cafe, along with Little Freddie organic baby food.
Rooftop, North End, Zone B, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 33 Shing Fung Road, Kowloon Bay, 6063 7470
Strokes
Depending on where you’re from, you might call it crazy golf or mini golf, but either way, it’s always a good time putting about on a vibrant green, especially when there’s food and cocktails (you’re welcome, mum and dad). Strokes, newly opened in Causeway Bay, has two 9-hole golf courses in a 9,000 square-foot space that also comes with a retro lounge serving ‘green and guilty’ dishes.
G2-3, 1/F, Fashion Walk, 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay, 2877 18004
Jolly Thinkers
No need to take your shoes off here, as this play area is of the board game kind. Sometimes breaking out an old board game can turn into a jolly afternoon, particularly when you have your pick of more than 350 games from all over the world. Play for two hours at $60 per person, with a drink included (snacks from the cafe are extra, or bring your own and pay a $60 surcharge per person). Choose from educational or strictly entertaining games, but either way, the interpersonal play between parent and child will make for some good bonding and guaranteed giggles.
Prince Edward – Capricorn Centre, 155 Sai Yeung Choi Street North, Mong Kok, 3107 1160; Wan Chai – 11/F, Bayfield Building, 99 Hennessy Road, 2527 2882
Rabbitland Cafe
Okay, so this is a bit different, but you shouldn’t be surprised that a city with a cat cafe and a dog cafe would now also have a rabbit cafe. Here, you and the youngsters (aged 6 and under) simply need to slip off your shoes and keep your socks on (if you arrive sock-less, you will have to buy a pair from them) and get up close and personal with bunnies with names like Mimi and Momo. There’s food like fries and sandwiches to munch on as they watch the cute creatures scurry about in three rabbit pens, and while they won’t be able to lift them, petting is allowed. For children who have never had a pet but would like one, it’s a good intro to what having a furry friend might be like.
3/F, 530 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, 5281 0280
Artful Play
Let them get their hands dirty and express themselves through art – at some of these places making a mess is encouraged!
Chocolart Studio
Chocolart Studio breaks out the paint brushes and easels for budding artists (from young kids to teens), allowing children to discover their drawing and painting skills. The bright and spacious studio in the heart of Wan Chai has large windows with a 270-degree view, and when it’s sunny, makes for an inspiring afternoon of colour and creativity.
2B, Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 6695-1161
MessyJam
When the focus is on being creative while getting messy, you know they’re in for a treat. There are no real rules at MessyJam, and the main goal here is bringing out your young one’s creativity through colourful art and ‘enhancing their expression skills and aesthetic sense’. Children of all ages can drop in for some art jam sessions and really let the paint fly; mum and dad are encouraged to get messy too!
Flat D, 2/F, Tai Fat Building, 37 Ko Shing Street, Sheung Wan, 9366 9836
Imagination Land
Bring your young ones aged 4 and up for tons of creative enjoyment at this charming activity centre in Kennedy Town. They can participate in various games, music, stories, sports and of course, art, with a focus on fun social interaction and creative play.
188 Connaught Road, Western District, 2553 0311
My Happy Sunflower
Pottery studios where you paint in a relaxing setting and take home your own little masterpiece always leave us smiling, and the young ones too! My Happy Sunflower’s cheery Wan Chai space supplies washable and non-toxic paints, perfect for wee skin, which they’ll dip their brushes (or fingers) into to turn a plain ceramic plate, mug, photo frame or other item into a personalised art piece. When they’re all done, it goes off to get glazed and fired, and in a few days it’s ready to get picked up and admired.
2/F, 171 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 2511 2538
Wee Ones Only
When they’re still in diapers or too small to climb the big jungle gyms, these are the perfect spots for the littler set.
The Sai Kung Playhouse
Do you need some time to yourself, or maybe a moment to grab lunch with a friend child-free? The cheerful Sai Kung Playhouse for ages 4 and under have a drop off option in which you can take a couple of hours to yourself. But if you prefer to watch your tot engage with others in a safe and playful setting, there’s also a ‘mum’s corner’ (of course, dads are welcome too!) complete with comfy couches, tea, coffee and wifi. Sit back, take a sip, and upload some playful pics to Instagram while they do some arts and crafts and play with assorted toys.
1/F, 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung Town Centre, Sai Kung, 2792 5888
Little Beetles
Little Beetles has so much going for it. Not only is it a cute space for babies and kids up to 6 years of age to play, but it doubles as a shop selling attractive children’s furniture and wooden educational toys from popular brand Haba. The playroom, decorated in soothing blue and green pastel shades, contains a colourful climbing wall, areas for role play and movement, and so much more.
Shop 708, 7/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2512 6353
Baumhaus
The play space for kids 7 and under to romp and roll in, and a chic cafe serving some seriously good coffee, makes us big fans of Baumhaus. But don’t take our word for it – grab a cuppa and relax in the inviting coffee lounge, and watch your youngsters have a ball in the beautiful treehouse opposite. The birch wood structure is a welcoming place for toddlers to pre-schoolers to experience varying levels of physical challenge, along with motor-skills stimulation.
Wan Chai – 1/F, Kar Yau Building, 36-44 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2321 5898; Harbour City – Suite 614-615, World Commerce Centre, 11 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 3585 8577
Wise-Kids Playroom
Playtime at Wise-Kids Playroom is aimed at enhancing learning while having fun for children between 3 months and 8 years of age. There are nine colourful play areas (‘Multi-Sensory Room’, ‘Building Site’, ‘Language Play Fairyland’ and ‘Family Game Plaza’ are just some to entice your little ones) where they can choose what, when and how they want to play. Sure, there’s a focus on fun, but the playrooms will also help kids develop their imagination, creativity and social skills, with the help of some top-notch educational toys and professional play workers.
20/F, Genesis, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 2989 6298
The Toy Library
In case you didn’t know, the Central branch of the Hong Kong Library has more than just books, as up on the second floor, there is playtime to be had! Here, you borrow toys from a catalogue, or just let them have a go at sharing with the various toys on display. Kids 8 and under and parents can get nice and comfortable and play together in four play corners: ‘Baby Play Corner, Pretend and Imaginative Play Corner, Creative Play Corner and Activities, and Games Play Corner. You must book a session, lasting 45 minutes (sessions accept 40 people at most), once per day. But since it’s free to visit, you can keep coming back, which we’re sure you will.
2/F, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay, 2921 0378
Free government indoor playrooms
Another welcome freebie for young kids are the many indoor government playgrounds scattered throughout the city. Each have varying hours and amenities on offer, but all are splashed out in sunny hues and plenty of padded mats and walls. They’re mainly designed for use by children between the ages of 4 and 9 whose height doesn’t exceed 142cm, but children under the age of 4 are welcome, as long as they’re accompanied by a parent/guardian while inside the playroom.
Various locations
Climbing Up The Walls
For adventurous kids who aren’t afraid to branch out, get a grip at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms.
GoNature
Because a climb up Lion Rock with the kids isn’t the best idea, bring your tots in tow to GoNature in Kwun Tong. They’ve been in the business for more than 15 years, and have excellent bouldering routes for kids and adults to crack. The multi-coloured climbing playground with assorted climbing holds makes for a double dose of fun and fitness.
Unit C2, G/F, Wing Hing Industrial Building, 14 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, 3563 7156
Attic V
Run by Joanna and Gwie, who have more than 40 years’ experience climbing all over the world, children will not only get a kick learning how to tackle the bouldering walls at Attic V, but may be lucky enough to hear some interesting stories first-hand if the pair are around. The gym packs over 100 routes of varying levels on its wide climbing walls, which are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Shop B, G/F, Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, 3101 2918 or 9676 5903
Verm City
Hong Kong’s first full facility rock climbing gym, Verm City has activities like bouldering and top rope that the whole family can get in on (under 14s must be accompanied by an adult). Ages 4 and up will surely enjoy the ‘Clip N’ Climb’, combining rock climbing with a sort of amusement park. Different climbing obstacles and challenges are presented in a lively environment, a unique way for parents and kids to face off for hours of family fun.
4/F, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, 2560 8128
Just Climb
The name says it all – just climb, why don’t ya? The trained rock climbers at Just Climb believe everyone can climb, and there’s a variety of routes for all levels to attempt. Their newly opened Chai Wan location boasts 7,000 square feet of rock climbing wonder, with plenty of bouldering challenges for young and old.
Kowloon – G/F, Room D, Prince Industrial Building, 706 Prince Edward Street East, San Po Kong, Kowloon, 3561 7868; Chai Wan – 2/F, Shop G09, Paradise Mall, 100 Shing Tai Road, Heng Fa Chuen, Chai Wan, 2416 3668
Start Your Engines
Snap on your helmets and tear up the racing track at these assorted kid-friendly driving/riding locales.
Sideways Driving Club
Give them a chance to be an F1 driver for the day in some very cool racing simulators. Mainly for adults and older kids, but as long as your youngster meets the minimum height (150cms), they can have a go. However, they say to bring a thick pillow to be sure so they can see over the steering wheel!
1/F, 65-65A Peel Street, Central, 2523 0983
F1 Kids
Kids aged 3 to 8 can emulate the biggest names on the race track circuit in their very own premium electric ‘Ride-on-Cars’ on circuits throughout Hong Kong. Dates vary as they travel around the city setting up racing circuits with various themes, so check their Facebook page or website now and again to see where the next exciting racing event will be held.
Different locations depending on event date, [email protected]
Hong Kong Velodrome
This top-notch cycling facility for serious riders also happens to have a delightful area just for kids. As with other government playrooms, it’s free (!) and is equipped with soft padding for safety and comfort. There’s ample space for fun with BMX bikes for bigger boys and girls, and those not able to reach the pedals can just merrily frolic about.
105-107 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O, 2878 8622
ARace Slot Car Racing
Here’s one where they don’t actually get in a car or hop on a bike, instead, they watch the sparks fly by racing miniature electric cars guided by ‘slots’ on a custom circuit. The cars of varying colours with working headlights are pretty snazzy, and up to six drivers (aged 4 and up) get to race them along with the aid of a wireless remote controller on a 50 meter-long track. They’ll get the hang of it in no time, and the hoots and hollers will soon follow.
196-198 Tsat Tsz Mui Road, Quarry Bay, 9156 7098
Baby, It’s Cold Inside
No matter what time of year, nothing beats the sensation (and sound) of skates gliding across the ice, and there’s plenty of chill rinks for families to cut those figure eights on.
Festival Walk Glacier
You and the kiddies will be on show at Festival Walk’s Glacier ice rink, surrounded by countless shoppers and diners on the mall’s upper floors stopping to take a peep at the skating spectacle below. Little skates that still slip on the ice can get a hand with a cute penguin: the skating aids are designed to help children ice skate as they hold onto the penguin’s ‘ears’. They’re quite the adorable sight, just as your kid will be as they slide around the rink.
Shop UG-21, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, 2844 3588
Cityplaza Ice Palace
Cityplaza’s Ice Palace is one of the longest-running ice skating rinks in Hong Kong, and accommodates all levels of skating. The brightly-lit space has handy amenities for families (like boot rental and lockers) and the common areas are covered in skid-proof rubber flooring, to protect the little ones from slipping.
1/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, 2844 8688
Mega Ice at MegaBox
Yes, it’s mega – in fact it’s the largest ice rink in the city, and the only international-sized rink in Hong Kong. It also has the best views of the ice rinks listed here, as the 30-metre glass window provides a spectacular glimpse of Victoria Harbour as you whizz around.
Unit 1, Level 10, MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, 2709 4023 or 2709 4021
The Rink at Elements
We’re really into the ‘Open Rink’ concept The Rink at Elements has adopted, in which you ‘pay as you skate’ with your Octopus Card. It’s so convenient, and means no long queues with impatient tykes itching to hit the ice. Equally convenient is the special entrance for parents accompanying junior skaters, where they can enter the back of house area freely to watch or assist their children. They also have charming penguin, seal, bear and dolphin safety handrails for novice skaters to help make first-time skating a pleasant experience.
G/F, Elements, No. 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, 2196 8016
Sky Rink at Dragon Centre
The only rink with simulated snowfalls, Sky Rink on the 8th floor of Dragon Centre is worth a visit for that alone. There’s public skating every day of the week, and children 12 and under get special discounts on weekends.
8/F, Dragon Centre, 37K Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, 2307 9264
Ready, Aim…Fun!
From paintball splatter to darting lasers, your kids will be armed for a good, safe time.
Paintball Headquarters
Not for little guys and gals – everyone playing must be 8 and up and at least 130cm tall. Paintball can be an exciting experience, especially for those kids who like a challenging adventure, as they’ll be dodging paint pellets from opposing teams around a 10,000 square foot arena. Don’t worry parents, safety is of top concern, and all players will be supplied with goggles and the latest safety gear, plus all games are supervised by trained referees.
G/F, Unit No. 2-3, Po Lung Center, 11 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, 3106 0220
City Hunter
Intrepid kids looking for a thrilling outing will love that you brought them to City Hunter, a sprawling maze-like venue where they can play combat games like laser tag and seek out opponents with gentle Nerf guns. Suitable for ages six and up.
1/F, Gee Luen Factory Building, 316-318 Kwun Tong Road, Ngau Tau Kok, Kwun Tong, 3105 0666
Lasermads
Bigger kids with Luke Skywalker fantasies will jump at the chance to play with laser guns at this spaceship-themed laser tag facility. Up to 12 players can play a session (lasting 30 minutes) where they creep around and zap opposing team members. It’s not suitable for kids who have issues with dark places, as the setting is dimly-lit, save for the random flashing lasers, and music reminiscent of a spooky Sci-Fi film plays throughout.
11/F, Ying Kong Mansion, 2-6 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, 2343 3033
Bounce About
We’re not just talking trampolines – they can bop around in a bubble while playing soccer and show off their inner gymnast at these hopping locales.
Ryze
Good luck sitting back while your children play – when you see the jumping jubilation to be had at this massive trampoline park, you’ll be whipping off your shoes in no time. There’s daring jumping activities for older kids and adults like the ninja obstacle course and trapeze, along with adrenaline-inducing joy for those who dare to be launched through the air into the humongous foam pit. Kiddies under 6 get their own time for fun and games during ‘KidJump’: Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 10.00am is exclusively for parents and children, as there’s no big kids around, and one child plus one adult can jump at the discount rate of $95.
3/F, Kodak House 1, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, 2337 8191
Crossfire Arena
Crossfire Arena offers plenty of excitement to keep those whippersnappers amused, including the kind where you run around playing soccer in a giant bubble. If you haven’t seen a game of bubble soccer, go online and watch a video, because it’s a hoot. Even better, bring the family and see for yourselves. You’ll be hard-pressed to keep your eye on the ball as you try and contain your laughter while you run around the pitch. Typical game rules don’t apply here, just try and score the most goals in 4 minute rounds. Bump, roll and bounce your way to victory in neon bubble suits in sizes for kids and adults.
13D, Wah Ha Factory Building, 8 Shipyard Lane, Quarry Bay, 3461 9023
Kidnetic
Tiny tykes from the age of 1 to youngsters up to 12 can have a rollicking hour of fun at Kidnetic’s open gym. They can gleefully try out the trampolines, monkey bars, beams, baby rings, slides, sponge pit, spider swings, mini hand-held apparatus and more, and there’s no need to sign up for gymnastic lessons. Best to book ahead, as spaces are limited.
Unit 4, Level 7, MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Rd, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, 2153 1033 or 2153 1028
Do you have the right health insurance coverage for your family’s needs? Learn about family health insurance here.
Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London, who wishes adults were allowed in the ball pits.
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