29 things to do in Hong Kong with kids

Hong Kong is a dazzling city where East meets West, tradition meets innovation, and energy never seems to fade. This Special Administrative Region is known worldwide for its dramatic skyline of glittering skyscrapers framed by Victoria Harbour, yet just a short ferry ride away lie tranquil islands, hiking trails, and fishing villages that feel a world apart from the urban buzz. Travellers can visit year-round, though the most comfortable months are October to December when skies are clear and temperatures are mild. Summer (May to September) is hot and humid, with the possibility of typhoons, while winter is generally cool and dry.

Families will find plenty of things to do in Hong Kong with kids, from panoramic views atop Victoria Peak and the nightly Symphony of Lights show over the harbour, to interactive exhibits at the Hong Kong Science Museum or Maritime Museum. Street markets like Temple Street and Ladies Market are perfect for soaking up the city’s atmosphere, while food lovers can introduce kids to dim sum, egg waffles, and traditional milk tea in buzzing tea houses. Beyond the city, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park are firm favourites, while the outlying islands offer quiet beaches, scenic hikes, and glimpses of traditional village life.

Hong Kong travel facts 

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HK$ / HKD)
Language: Chinese (Cantonese is most widely spoken) and English (both official)
Capital: Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) and does not have a capital; Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are its main hubs
Emergency numbers: Police, Fire, Ambulance: 999
Time zone: Hong Kong Standard Time (GMT+8). Same time zone as Perth, two hours behind Canberra, Australia (during standard time)
Visa: Australian travellers visiting Hong Kong for tourism or business for up to 90 days do not require a visa
Peak season: October to December, with mild weather and clear skies
Low season: May to September, hot and humid with a high chance of typhoons

Read: family-friendly guide to Hong Kong

Eat local cuisine

Hong Kong is famous for food and has the highest density of restaurants in the world. You’ll find platefuls of mouth-watering kid-friendly dishes. Specifically, dim sum. Try these bite-sized treats at yum cha restaurants, street food stalls and tea houses. Local dishes are mostly Cantonese-based, but there are also Western influences from Hong Kong’s colonial past. You can also readily find international cuisine.

Ocean Park and Water World

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is visit Ocean Park. Split between the Waterfront and the Summit, the park is joined by a scenic cable car ride that offers harbour and mountain views. Kids and parents can dive into animal encounters, rides or simply enjoy wandering through themed zones. Right next door, Water World Ocean Park makes a splash with year-round fun, with giant slides, wave pools and indoor zones.

UNESCO Global GeoPark

The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is a 150 km² protected area of spectacular volcanic hexagonal rock columns, dramatic sea arches, caves, tombolos and unique sedimentary formations. Families can explore the site on hiking coastal trails, joining boat tours to see striking cliffs and islands, or visiting fishing and Hakka villages to experience local culture.

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong with kids. It’s a historic funicular railway that has been transporting passengers from Central to Victoria Peak since 1888. It was Asia’s first cable funicular and has been an enduring symbol of Hong Kong’s unique past. The tram offers a steep ascent with spectacular views of the city and harbour. In December 2024, the fare for a return trip was HK$108, and a single journey was HK$76.

Lantau Island, Ngong Ping 360 and Tien Tien Big Buddha

Glide high above the hills on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and enjoy sweeping views of mountains, sea and sky while riding to the Big Buddha. At the top, Ngong Ping Village leads to the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha, a 34-metre bronze statue reached by a grand stairway. Families can wander further to the tranquil Wisdom Path, or explore Lantau Island’s sandy beaches, Discovery Bay, and the stilt houses of Tai O Fishing Village.

The Peak Tower

The Peak Tower is an iconic landmark perched atop Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the renowned vista of Victoria Harbour. The tower’s distinctive wok-shaped design houses the Sky Terrace 428, which stands at 428 metres above sea level, providing the highest 360-degree outdoor viewing platform in Hong Kong.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, located in The Peak Tower, opened in 2000 as the first branch of the famous wax museum in Asia. It features over 100 lifelike wax figures across 12 themed zones, including Hong Kong Glamour, Music Icons, Historical and National Heroes, and The Champions. Visitors can interact with the figures and enjoy immersive experiences enhanced by innovative technology. It’s one of the best things to do in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Science Museum

With a wide range of interactive exhibits, curious children will enjoy exploring the Hong Kong Science Museum, one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. The museum, designed to inspire learning through hands-on experiences, has over 500 exhibits across multiple floors. The Children’s Gallery, suitable for kids aged 3 to 10, features numerous interactive play zones. Older children can explore the Biodiversity Gallery, which showcases a variety of animals and ecosystems. Other highlights include dinosaur skeletons, a mini electric train, a mirror maze, and a solar-powered plane you can fly. The museum is an ideal indoor destination when Hong Kong’s humidity makes outdoor activities uncomfortable. Admission is free on Wednesdays, while on other days tickets cost HK$20 for adults and HK$10 for children aged three and above.

Peak Circle Walk

The Peak Circle Walk is a scenic 3.5-kilometre loop that encircles Victoria Peak. This leisurely walk offers stunning views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. The path is mostly shaded and paved, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels. The walk begins near the Peak Tower and passes through historical sites like the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, Hong Kong’s first reservoir, and the Lugard Road lookout, which provides one of the best free panoramic views of the harbour.

Hong Kong Disneyland

A visit to Hong Kong Disneyland is a must for a family day out. Covering approximately 126 hectares, it is the smallest of all the Disney parks worldwide, making it possible to experience most attractions in a single day. Toy Story Land is a major highlight, with themed rides and opportunities to meet the characters. Kids will enjoy interacting with the green toy soldiers from the Toy Story films in real life. Thrill-seekers can try Hyperspace Mountain, an indoor roller coaster themed around Star Wars, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, a roller coaster with both forward and backward sections set in Grizzly Gulch.

At the heart of Fantasyland is the Castle of Magical Dreams, which replaced the original Sleeping Beauty Castle in 2020. Here, visitors can meet their favourite Disney characters, from Mickey to Cinderella. Unique to Hong Kong are the Fantasy Gardens, offering beautifully landscaped spaces for character encounters. Parades, nightly fireworks, and the park’s five themed lands combine Disney magic with touches of local culture, making it one of Hong Kong’s top attractions for children.

Read: All you need to know about Hong Kong Disneyland

Take a guided tour

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is to experience the city with a private local guide for an insider’s perspective beyond the usual tourist spots. Private tours can be tailored to your interests, uncover Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets, and include food experiences. Families can enjoy colourful food markets, try new cuisines, cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, and explore traditional gardens, all while learning about the city’s culture and history.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre

The LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre is a premier indoor LEGO playground for families, featuring millions of LEGO bricks. It offers large creative spaces and 10 themed areas, including interactive zones and rides that provide hands-on, imaginative building experiences for children aged 3 to 11 years. MINILAND is a miniature LEGO replica of Hong Kong’s most iconic buildings and landmarks, constructed from nearly 1 million LEGO bricks. Visitors can admire the Bank of China Building, the Former Supreme Court, and take a ride on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Additional activities include the Build and Test Zone, timing racing cars on the track, or joining a LEGO Creative Workshop to learn expert building tips and techniques.

You can purchase tickets here. 

Hong Kong Space Museum

The Hong Kong Space Museum, housed in its distinctive egg-shaped building in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is dedicated to astronomy and space science. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits, educational displays, and hands-on activities designed to spark interest in space exploration. Highlights include the Hong Kong Space Theatre, a planetarium with one of the largest domes in the world, and various interactive displays on planets, stars, and space technology. Admission is free on Wednesdays, while on other days tickets cost HK$10 for adults and HK$5 for children aged three and above.

Kowloon Park

Hong Kong is home to several beautiful gardens, and Kowloon Park is particularly popular with families. Situated in the heart of downtown Kowloon, the park offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Facilities include a heated indoor pool and three outdoor pools connected by canals and waterfalls. Visitors can also explore a sculpture garden, a fitness trail, a traditional Chinese garden, and an aviary, where flamingos and other birds can be observed. There is a children’s playground as well. Entrance to the park is free, though there is a fee to use the swimming complex. Kowloon Park is one of the top attractions for families in Hong Kong, especially on humid days.

Foodie Tasting Tours

A Hong Kong Foodie Tasting Tour is a walking experience that showcases the city’s rich and diverse cuisine. From noodles and dim sum to baked goods and traditional teas, these tours are ideal for newcomers wanting to sample authentic local flavours. Many tours cater specifically to families, with options for ‘Young Foodies’ and ‘Junior Foodies’, making it a fun and educational activity for all ages.

Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. Often described as the crown jewel of Hong Kong, separating the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island from the bustling streets of the Kowloon Peninsula. To take in the harbour’s full splendour, visitors can ride the historic Star Ferry, join scenic harbour cruises, or stroll along the waterfront promenades, including the popular Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

Water tours offer a variety of cruises around Hong Kong’s iconic waterways, each highlighting different sights that appeal to both adults and children. Options include morning tea cruises, sightseeing tours, and sunset cruises, providing experiences that suit families of all ages.

sky100 Observation Deck 

Take your family to new heights at sky100, perched on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon. This indoor observation deck gives 360-degree views across Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island and the surrounding peaks. However, it is currently closed for renovations until early 2026.  

Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park, located in the Central District, is an exceptional inner-city oasis covering 8 hectares, blending modern architecture with natural landscapes. Highlights for children include a maze, a six-platform playground, and running water features throughout the park. The park also features a large walk-in aviary with a suspended walkway, home to over 600 birds, a greenhouse, and the Visual Arts Centre, offering engaging educational and recreational experiences for families.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are situated on Hong Kong Island and are home to around 180 birds, 40 mammals, and 20 reptiles in various enclosures, alongside native and exotic plant species. The eastern section features a children’s playground, aviaries, a greenhouse, and a fountain terrace garden, while the western section houses mammals and reptiles. The exhibits are designed to educate visitors about wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Admission is free.

Get a glimpse of Hong Kong’s colonial past

Hong Kong was a British colony until 1997, and many British traditions continue today. A family favourite is afternoon tea, featuring tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. For a whimsical twist, Hong Kong Disneyland offers themed afternoon teas, such as the Royal Afternoon Tea at Walt’s Café, which includes scones and cakes shaped like Mickey Mouse.

A Symphony of Lights

A Symphony of Lights takes place every night at 8pm along Victoria Harbour and is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. It is recognised as the world’s largest permanent light and sound show, involving over 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour, synchronised to music and narration. The best viewing locations include the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Avenue of Stars, the Golden Bauhinia Square promenade in Wan Chai, and sightseeing ferries on Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong Museum of History

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the museum spans multiple floors with exhibits covering Hong Kong’s geology, archaeology, traditional villages, colonial history, and modern development. The highlight is the History of Hong Kong Gallery, which features life-sized replicas, artefacts, and multimedia displays that bring the city’s story to life. Interactive zones and hands-on displays make it especially engaging for children, while rotating exhibitions offer fresh insights for repeat visitors. Admission is free on Wednesdays, with a small fee on other days, making it an educational and accessible stop for exploring Hong Kong’s rich heritage.

Markets

Take time to explore Hong Kong’s famous street markets, filled with all sorts of treasures. T-shirts, sunglasses, costume jewellery, watches, and toys can often be found at lower prices than in Australia. Some of the best markets are the alleyways around Queen’s Road Central and Des Voeux Road in Central, the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon, and the Ladies Market in Mong Kok and the Central Market. You can also peruse the wares at the Stanley Market, Fa Yuen Street Market or Cat Street.

Hiking

Head a little further afield to the fringes of the city for some of the best things to do in Hong Kong with kids. You’ll discover lush green countryside, pristine beaches, and rustic islands ready to be explored. Because the city is so compact, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature. Some of the most popular and accessible nature walks include Dragon’s Back, a scenic trail on Hong Kong Island offering stunning coastal views and a gentle route suitable for families; Tai Long Wan on the Sai Kung Peninsula, where you can hike to some of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches; and Lamma Island Family Trail, a relaxed path connecting villages and beaches, perfect for a half-day exploration. Many of these trails are easily reached by public transport, making it simple to enjoy the wilderness without leaving the city.

Read: The best places to hike in Hong Kong

Avenue of Stars 

Stroll along Victoria Harbour’s glittering promenade and discover the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Celebrating the legends of the city’s world-famous film industry, the walkway is lined with celebrity handprints and statues, including the unmissable two-metre bronze of Bruce Lee. It’s free to visit, open day and night, and perfect for soaking up Hong Kong skyline views.  

Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery 

Nan Lian Garden is a Tang Dynasty-style retreat in the heart of Diamond Hill. Families will love wandering its paths lined with lotus ponds, rockeries and wooden bridges. A short footbridge connects to Chi Lin Nunnery, a peaceful temple complex of elegant wooden halls, Buddhist relics and serene courtyards. Together they offer a calm escape from the city.  

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Star Ferry 

For a classic Hong Kong experience, hop on the historic Star Ferry and sail across Victoria Harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui. Once ashore, the 1.6-km promenade is ideal for a family stroll, passing landmarks such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Space Museum, Museum of Art, and the Avenue of Stars.  

Hong Kong Observation Wheel

Soar above the Central Harbourfront on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, a 60-metre Ferris wheel. Families can ride together in one of 42 gondolas, with a special glass-bottom VIP option for the brave.  

Lamma Island 

Just a short ferry ride from the city, Lamma Island is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong. This laid-back escape is perfect for families. Once a fishing village, it’s now a multicultural hub dotted with seafood restaurants, quirky shops, and temples. Families can tackle the easy five-km Lamma Island Family Walk, stop at Hung Shing Yeh Beach for a swim, or join hands-on workshops at the Lamma Fisherfolk Village – from rope weaving to salted fish-making.