fun things to do with kids in hong kong - family travel   Travel for Kids
   
     
   

Hong Kong

Tin Hau temple Hong Kong
Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a city that's full of surprises. Hong Kong is much more than skyscrapers, teeming shopping streets and Jackie Chan. Forty percent of the land is devoted to natural habitats – sandy beaches, woodlands and mountains. Hong Kong is a water city with different islands to explore, and kids will have fun taking ferries everywhere.
  Hong Kong Island
    Kowloon
    New Territories
    Outlying Islands
Hong Kong ferry
Ride the ferries – The green and white Star Ferry has been in operation for over a hundred years, chugging back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The trip doesn't take long, but you get a great view of the harbor, junks, hydrofoils, sampans, and barges. You can also pick up a ferry to go to Lantau, Lamma or Cheung Chau Islands.

Victoria Harbour light show – Every night at 8pm along the harbor is a laser light show with music, "Symphony of Lights," visible from both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Go down to the river promenades, Avenue of Stars on Kowloon side, Expo Promendade (Golden Bauhinia Square) on Hong Kong Island. Kids can run around while watching the show.

Pink dolphin cruise – Take a cruise to look for the very endangered pink dolphins in the waters around Lantau Island. The pink dolphins (they really are pink) only live in the waters around Hong Kong and their existence is threatened by boat traffic and polluted waters.

Tin Hau Temples – Look for Tin Hau (Queen of Heaven) temples all over Hong Kong. Tin Hau is the goddess of the sea who watches over seafarers. She is one of the most beloved goddesses in Hong Kong and there are many temples in her honor. At the Tin Hau Festival (April or May), people sail colorfully decorated boats on Hong Kong's waterways and pray in the temples. Tin Hau temples are at these locations: Hong Kong Island – Causeway Bay, Repulse Bay, Wan Chai, Aberdeen; Kowloon – Market Street; New Territories – Joss House Bay, and on the islands of Peng Chau, Lamma, Cheung Chau.
   

Fun food

Dim Sum
   

Dim Sum restaurants in Hong Kong are fun food for kids. You can stop into Dim Sum restaurants at all hours. It is invariably busy, noisy and full of families. After you've sat down at a big round table, wait for ladies to come around wheeling carts with different dishes. As they come by, point at dishes you want. The ladies pluck the food off the cart and plunk it down on your table. Keep requesting dishes until you're stuffed!

   

Shopping

     

Hong Kong has many shopping areas, but a good bet is the Jade market in Kowloon. Here you can find jade earrings and jewelry, plus carved animals, such as tigers and dragons. Some jade may not be genuine, so unless you are knowledgeable, look for less expensive pieces.

     

Tip: Use public transportation in Hong Kong to get around – it's varied and fun. The subway is the easiest way to get between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Take the double decker buses and trams for a bird's eye view of the city. To get to the New Territories, there is a good bus system. Ferries are a must. The shortest ride is the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong. For a day trip, take the ferries to the outlying islands.

family travel tools hong kong

Kids will have a great time cruising to see the pink dolphins. "Our children were delighted and rated this trip as one of their best experiences whilst in Hong Kong."

Hong Kong Pink Dolphin Cruise
kids books hong kong
     
This is Hong Kong childrens books  

Take a trip through Hong Kong, the "Fragrant Harbor" – panoramas from Victoria Peak, colorful junks and sampans, floating restaurants and locals foods, arts and crafts, flowers, firecrackers and festivals, filled with illustrations that capture the color and excitement of Hong Kong. (Picture book)

 

     

"Little dishes on carts, little dishes on tables," dim sum is fun for everyone in the family. Ma-Ma likes pork buns, Ba-Ba eats fried shrimp, Mei-Mei picks sweet tofu. A charming story, plus a picture glossary of dim sum dishes. (Picture book)

 

 
hong kong kids food Dim Sum for Everyone!
     
the best kind of mooncake  

In the morning a girl's family opens their shop on busy Tai Yuen Street. Today she's looking forward to a special mooncake treat. But her mother gives away the mooncake to a hungry man who's just arrived in Hong Kong. Years later, the man returns and shares the best kind of mooncakes. (Picture book)

 

     

Families celebrate Chinese New Year – sweep away the old year, cook special dishes, get a haircut, put on a new dress, enjoy a New Year's feast, and carry lanterns to light the way. (Picture book)

 

 
Bringing in the New Year chinese kids san francisco
     
the rock maiden  
The Rock Maiden
Natasha Kim, Pirkko Vainio

Based on a Hong Kong legend, Ling Yee, a beautiful maiden, marries a fisherman. After a storm, every day she stands on a rock, with her baby boy on her back, waiting for her husband to return. The goddess Tin Hau, has a special blessing for Ling Yee and her family.

Tip: You can see real Amah Rock in Kowloon at Lion Rock County Park.

 

     
Who is Jackie Chan?
Jody Jensen Shaffer

Illustrated biography of actor Jackie Chan, famous for his high flying movie stunts. Growing up in Hong Kong, Jackie studied kung fu martial arts at the China Drama Academy, but he dreamed of acting. He went on to become very successful, known worldwide over 200 action movies and comedies. (Chapter book)

 

 
who is jackie chan
     
 
Good Night Hong Kong
Kristin Tougias, Kevin Keele

Good morning Victoria Harbour, take the Star Ferry, visit Nan Kian Chinese Garden, Po Lin Monastery, aquarium at Ocean Park, ride the Peak Tram to the top, watch sunset at Repulse Bay, good evening Hong Kong Observation Wheel. (Board book)

 

travel for kids | hong kong
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