Something for the Weekend
Want to make plans for the weekend, but lacking inspiration? Here’ s some ideas to help you fill your diary:
Big Buddha – take the cable car from the terminus at Tung Chung and enjoy spectacular views over Lantau Island, the airport and finally of the 34 metre high Big Buddha. At the top of the cable car, there is a modern village, which is in no way remarkable but walk through it, and it opens out towards the steps taking you up to the Buddha. On a clear day the views are spectacular!
Kadoorie Farm – take a trip up to Tai Po and explore this huge working farm and feel as though you are a long way from normal life. The farm is home to a flock of flamingoes, a wildlife centre with deer, squirrels and boar and as it’s a working farm, it’s the ideal place to engage the kids in some learning activities about where their food comes from. We suggest a picnic too, to enjoy the surroundings and make a day of it.
Chi Lin Nunnery – a beautiful complex of wooden temples, built without using a single nail! Surrounded by skyscrapers, but utterly peaceful and tranquil, feel transported out of Hong Kong and into a different time. The veggie dim sum restaurant is good and no outside food or drink can be consumed anywhere in the complex – the security staff are keen to enforce this rule!
Ocean Park – not just for little kids, Ocean Park has a white knuckle roller coaster, cable cars offering stunning views over the Southside, as well as loads of things to keep kids of all ages busy. Be prepared to go early in the day, avoid public holidays when it gets absolutely packed, and pack a picnic as the food available is distinctly average. A great day out for the whole family.
Lamma – climb aboard the ferry from Central Pier 4 and 30 minutes later arrive in relaxed and laid back Lamma. The island has a vibe all of its own and feels a million miles away from life in Hong Kong or Kowloon. The main street at Yung Sheu Wan is busy with a mix of seafood restaurants, cafés, grocers and shops selling handicrafts, but amble down at your own pace and enjoy soaking up the atmosphere.
Peng Chau – a tiny island with a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere that can be walked around in about an hour. Take the family trail and walk up Finger Hill for panoramic views over Disney and Tsing Ma Bridge. Head to the Golden Flower Shrine which is the site of the annual bun festival. Let the kids have fun pretending to be pirates in the numerous caves that are scattered across the island. Take a ferry from Pier 6 in Central.
Hong Kong Railway Museum – if you have train fans in the house, then make a trip to Tai Po where children can climb aboard an old diesel engine and explore this former station. Make it a traintastic day by taking the MTR to Tai Po Market Station and from there it’s only about ten minutes walk.
Hong Kong Science Museum – there are also plenty of hands-on exhibits that kids of all ages will love. A great place to take children to interest them in science. Head next door to the History Museum to learn about Hong Kong’s fascinating past.
Dragon’s Back is one of HK’s best hikes with spectacular views over Redhill Peninsula and Shek O. The vegetation is lush and green and it’s hard to imagine that you are only 30 minutes from Central. The walk isn’t too demanding and you can end it with a drink and ice cream at either Shek O or Big Wave Bay.
Sky 100 @ The ICC – head up to the 100th floor of the ICC and see spectacular views of Hong Kong Island. Fantastic place to take visitors, but go on a clear day otherwise the views will be obscured.
Find more inspiration in this detailed guide to entertaining kids in Hong Kong.
