Playgrounds
Although Hong Kong’s public playgrounds tend to be well maintained and safe, they also tend to display a depressing sameness. If you’ve had enough of two-foot-tall slides that were supposedly designed for children aged 5 to 12, here are a few playgrounds that stand out from the crowd.
Hong Kong Park Playground
Six platforms of play equipment at different levels, including a sand pit (something of a rarity in Hong Kong).
Elements Mall Rooftop
Hidden but popular playground on top of Elements Mall in West Kowloon, with equipment that is thrillingly dangerous (at least compared to the anodyne structures on offer elsewhere in Hong Kong).
Ping Shek Playground
Not easy to get to from Hong Kong Island, but little ones will hardly mind the trip to Choi Hung when they see the dinosaur- and castle-themed equipment.
Tuen Mun Playground
The first barrier-free playground in Hong Kong incorporates water and sand into its seven play zones, which include a zone dedicated to spinning and swaying equipment, a water play area, and a musical zone.
Playgroups
There are certainly dozens and probably hundreds of playgroups offered in Hong Kong, many with hefty price tags.
For community-oriented playgroups where parents can gather for mutual support and to socialize, check out these high-quality and low-cost playgroups. Many, although not all, are located in churches, but there is little or no religious content involved.
Jordan USRC
This playgroup run by the United Services Recreation Club in Jordan, Kowloon is open to club members and nonmembers. There’s a large, grassy outdoor space where children can roam, and plenty of books, dress-up clothes, puzzles, playdough, and more.
Playdays @MIC
Three mornings of (nonreligious) playgroups at the Methodist International Church in Wan Chai: one session for parents only, one for parents and caregivers, and one for caregivers only. A snack is provided.
St. John’s Parent and Toddler Playgroup
This volunteer-led playgroup for babies and toddlers up to 2 years old is one of the longest-running English playgroups in Hong Kong. Conveniently located in Central, the playgroup has a warm family atmosphere; babies must be accompanied by a parent or grandparent, making it easy for new parents to connect with each other. There are separate areas for babies and toddlers so that no one’s newborn gets trampled, and each session concludes with a jolly singalong.
The playgroup has a warm family atmosphere; babies must be accompanied by a parent or grandparent, making it easy for new parents to connect with each other.
St. Stephen’s Parents and Toddler Playgroup
Children up to age 3 and their parents gather at St. Stephen’s in Stanley two mornings a week for indoor play, outdoor play, arts and crafts, snack time and song time.
Playrooms
Even if your children never frequented playrooms back home, once the hot, humid Hong Kong summer arrives, you will be grateful for the following air-conditioned options.
Baumhaus
A popular gathering place for babies and toddlers (and their parents/caregivers) in Wan Chai. There is a small but lively indoor play area, an attached cafe with lots of space for nursing and snacktime, and music classes for kids up to age 7.
Children’s Discovery Museum
Dedicated to learning through play, the 6600 sq. ft. Children’s Discovery Museum in North Point has more than 40 interactive exhibits for children up to the age of 10. The water play table in particular is a hit for all ages, so bring a change of clothes for the little ones who are bound to get wet.
Epicland
Discovery Bay families will enjoy this indoor playroom with rock climbing wall, zipline, VR arena and much more.
Hong Kong Toy Library
Located on the second floor of the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay, the Toy Library offers areas for baby play, imaginative play, creative play and activities and games. Additional toys can be borrowed from the counter. Reservations for the 45-minute sessions are highly recommended and must be made in person or over the phone.
LCSD Playrooms
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department operates dozens of indoor playrooms in sports centers across the territory. Although the equipment tends to be basic, the rooms are scrupulously clean, the air conditioning is strong, and the price is right (that is, free).
Pamela Peck Discovery Space
The catchily named Pamela Peck Discovery Space of the Yew Chung Early Childhood Development Centre (YCECDC) features indoor and outdoor areas designed to spark imaginative play in children aged 0 to 8. Many of the play areas, such as the red-sailed fishing junk, the replica MTR car, and the climbable wall of bamboo scaffolding, have been delightfully designed around Hong Kong themes.
Many of the play areas, such as the red-sailed fishing junk, the replica MTR car, and the climbable wall of bamboo scaffolding, have been delightfully designed around Hong Kong themes.
Ryze Ultimate Trampoline Park
Indoor trampoline park Ryze in Quarry Bay is an exceptional spot for primary school and older kids to burn off their excess energy. Smaller children will enjoy bouncing on their 40-trampoline-strong field too, but should go early in the morning when it’s less busy. In addition to trampolining, kids can try trapeze, slacklining, and aerial silks.
Further Resources
In need of more ideas for family fun? Try these websites:
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