Hong Kong with Kids: 8 Attractions That
Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

  • Written by Roi Alfassi
  • Updated October 2025

A trip to Hong Kong moves between islands and a large, modern, and Western city. There is so much to see, so where should you focus your visit when traveling with kids, and which attractions should you not miss? Here are the recommendations from us.

Get to Know Hong Kong

Until 1997, Hong Kong belonged to Britain, and then it gained a form of independence expressed through political affiliation with China while maintaining economic and legal autonomy. In practice, it is a Chinese city with relative democratic freedom: on one hand, it belongs to China, but on the other, demonstrations are allowed. This political hybrid created a fascinating blend.

For a Westerner like me, Hong Kong looks like China, but in reality, it is quite Western—and it’s important not to offend the locals by calling them Chinese. Almost everyone speaks English, the architecture is highly modern and Western in style, international brands and global chains are found everywhere, and there’s a clear American vibe in the air.

At the same time, Hong Kong is also distinctly Asian: the outward appearance of most people is Asian, shops showcase diverse fashion styles, the flavors and aromas in restaurants are unique, the music and tunes in elevators carry a sweet Asian note, and even the air feels distinctly different.

Hong Kong is made up of the mainland and many islands. We chose three geographic areas—the mainland, Hong Kong Island, and Lantau Island—and spent two days in each. There are many more places to visit, but it’s impossible to see everything on a short vacation, especially with kids. So, what can you do with children in Hong Kong? Here are eight recommendations for family activities in Hong Kong:

1. Dress Up at Hong Kong Disneyland

As mentioned, this was one of the main reasons we chose this destination. Hong Kong Disneyland is considered smaller compared to its larger counterparts, both in size and in terms of thrill level. Most of the rides are suitable for all ages, with only a few being truly scary. For us, it was perfect.

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island, which is also where the airport is situated—making it convenient to visit either at the start or the end of your trip. We landed in Hong Kong very tired and were glad to begin with Disneyland since it was just a short ride from the airport to the hotel after a 10-hour flight.

The Disney Resort offers three hotels, and the official Disney website provides a comparison chart that makes it easy to choose the best fit for each family. We opted for the “Disney’s Hollywood Hotel,” which features a playroom and an outdoor playground.

Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into several themed areas: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Star Wars, and more. Each zone features its own rides, a main show, various attractions, and plenty of food stalls or restaurants. Getting there is easy and convenient. Right next to the park is a large, beautifully designed metro station, and the trains leading there are decorated in classic Disney style. Additionally, Disney hotels provide a shuttle service every 15 minutes.

 
 

Tips for Visiting Hong Kong Disneyland with Kids

  • Ticket Purchase: Before buying tickets, it’s worth comparing prices between the official Disney website and the Klook app. We purchased entrance tickets and dinner coupons via Klook, so we started our visit at Disneyland’s “City Hall” to exchange the mobile coupon for a meal voucher valid at a restaurant.

  • Costumes: Many children arrive dressed up or visit the park’s “Fashion Salon,” where for around $150 they can transform into superheroes or princesses. We brought costumes from home and prepared as if for a costume party, complete with makeup, hairstyles, and crowns. The girls were thrilled during the preparation, but after an hour they complained it was itchy and uncomfortable, so they took everything off (luckily we didn’t invest in the in-park salon!).

  • Contact Info: Even though this is considered the smallest Disneyland, when you have kids aged 4 and 7, it feels huge. We prepared necklaces with small pouches for tickets and included our contact details inside, just in case they got lost.

  • Park App: Disneyland offers numerous shows, parades, and attractions. We downloaded the official app, which gave us real-time updates on showtimes and waiting times for popular rides. This helped us plan our route during the day and choose which activities suited the kids best (more princesses, less Star Wars).

  • Recommended Age: 3+

  • Address: Lantau Island

  • Website: www.hongkongdisneyland.com

2. Ride the Cable Car to the Tian Tan Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world. Perched on a hill on Lantau Island, it offers breathtaking panoramic views. What makes it interesting for kids? Beyond learning about Buddha and experiencing a different culture, the journey to reach it is often the highlight.

The most popular route is via a spectacular cable car ride. Over the course of 30 minutes, you glide above islands, tropical forests, the ocean, and even cargo ships—an unforgettable experience. For the brave, there’s an option to purchase tickets for a special glass-bottom cabin.

Alternatively, adventurous visitors can take the Lantau Trail, a 70 km hiking path designed for skilled hikers, though much of it is paved with steps and wooden walkways.

At the end of the journey, you’ll arrive at a charming tourist village with restaurants, a romantic tea house, and the grand staircase leading up to the Buddha. At the base of the hill sits the beautiful Po Lin Monastery, where you might be lucky enough to witness a traditional religious ceremony.

Recommendation near the Tian Tan Buddha

About half an hour away lies Tai O Fishing Village, a unique spot that has preserved its traditional way of life. Here you’ll find food stalls and stilt houses built over the water, giving the village its charming character. From Tai O, you can also take a ride on a local fishing boat for a closer look at the village from the water.

How to Get There: Accessible by bus, taxi, or as part of a guided tour.

3. Marvel at Marine Life in Ocean Park

Ocean Park, located on Hong Kong Island, is a massive combination of theme park and marine zoo. It features nearly 100 km of multi-level aquariums, with tunnels where fish swim above and around you, immersive animal exhibits, and thrilling rides for adrenaline seekers. Highlights include a high-speed train designed like a submarine—making you feel as if you’re diving underwater—and a scenic cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the islands and ocean. The park also has plenty of restaurants and food stalls to keep everyone fueled throughout the day.

That said, the park can feel a bit conflicting: on one hand, there are animal shows that raise ethical questions, while on the other, the park emphasizes strong environmental messages about recycling, reducing plastic use, and protecting ocean ecosystems for corals and marine life.

Tips for Visiting Ocean Park

  • Skip-the-Line Pass: Buying a fast-track ticket is worth considering, especially if you’re only spending one day there. It lets you bypass queues for selected rides—costly, but very time-saving, particularly with kids.

  • Park App: Just like Disneyland, Ocean Park offers a helpful app with daily showtimes, special events, and real-time wait times for rides. It’s an excellent tool for planning your day efficiently.

  • Recommended Age: 3+

  • Address: Aberdeen, Hong Kong

  • Website: www.oceanpark.com.hk

4. Victoria Peak Observation Deck

Victoria Peak offers the most iconic panoramic view of Hong Kong—lush green hills, bustling harbors, and towering skyscrapers lining the waterfront. At first, we considered skipping it due to the long queues, but everyone insisted it was the must-do experience in Hong Kong—and they were right.

The most popular way to reach the peak is by taking the historic Peak Tram, which climbs steeply through the forested hillside. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but to avoid long lines it’s better to book ahead through the app. Alternatively, you can go by bus or taxi.

Once at the summit, several marked walking trails begin, including the easy and accessible Morning Trail—a flat, circular path suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It takes about 1.5 hours to walk around the peak, with changing viewpoints over the city along the way. Look out for signs pointing to the trail’s start.

To round off your visit, you can explore attractions at the top such as the Peak Tower shopping center, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, or the Trick Eye Museum, all located at the summit.

5. Learn and Play at Museums

Wednesdays are a great day for families in Hong Kong—most museums on the mainland offer free admission. Additionally, many museums offer free admission to children year-round. Here are some that are especially fun and educational for kids:

Hong Kong Science Museum

A fantastic, interactive museum that keeps children engaged for hours. It’s hands-on, accessible, and designed for a wide range of ages. We spent four hours there and only left because we were hungry—the kids could have easily stayed longer exploring and experimenting.

  • Recommended Age: 3+

  • Address: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong

  • Website: hk.science.museum/en_US

Hong Kong History Museum

Located just across from the Science Museum, this one dives into the city’s fascinating past. Some exhibits may capture children’s interest, but it’s generally better suited for older kids and teens.

Hong Kong Space Museum

This museum makes astronomy fun and approachable for kids, with engaging exhibits about the solar system, spacecraft, and life as an astronaut. Be sure to check the schedule in advance for English-language shows and plan your visit around them.

  1. Recommended Age: 4+

  2. Address: 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

Website: hk.space.museum/en_US


Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Although we didn’t manage to visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, it comes highly recommended for families with children. The museum showcases the city’s cultural heritage through interactive exhibits, art displays, and engaging storytelling. It offers kids an opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s traditions in a fun and educational way.

6. Explore the Metropolis and Visit the Markets

After soaking in greenery and mountain air, it’s time to dive into the vibrant urban side of Hong Kong. On the mainland, we started our morning at the Bird Market and Flower Market—a colorful and fascinating experience that the kids truly enjoyed. From there, we wandered through the bustling commercial markets, turning it into a fun educational activity: each child was given a set amount of money to spend, practicing basic math and learning about value while shopping for small treasures.

In the evening, we strolled along the iconic Nathan Road, a lively boulevard filled with shops and neon lights, eventually reaching the Avenue of Stars. Here, we experienced the famous Symphony of Lights, held every night at 8:00 PM. During the show, Hong Kong’s skyline comes alive with colorful illuminations, laser beams, and fireworks. For an even more spectacular view, you can book a boat cruise in advance and watch the entire show reflected on the water.

Getting to the Markets via MTR: Inside the station, there are clear signs directing you to the markets. Just follow the instructions and you will arrive.

Symphony of Lights Website: www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/eindex.html

Here’s a glimpse of A Symphony of Lights:

7. Eat at Kid-Friendly Restaurants

The Flying Pan is a restaurant designed like an American diner, offering indulgent breakfasts from around the world all day long. We had a hearty, meat-based dinner there, and the kids enjoyed the Western-style dishes that perfectly suited their tastes.

Address: There are two branches, both close to the promenade on Hong Kong Island
Website: www.the-flying-pan.com

Kala Toast is a toast specialty spot, offering among other things a fun and colorful treat: the rainbow toast. To my surprise, the colors are not artificial but come from cheese combined with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and blueberries. The smile on my child’s face made it all worthwhile.

Address: At Victoria Peak, Shop G11, G/F, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak
Website: kalatoast.com

8. Jump on Trampolines in Indoor Play Areas

  1. If you arrive in Hong Kong and find yourselves blessed with rain, don’t worry—there are plenty of indoor play centers. One of the largest is SuperPark, a massive indoor activity park inviting both kids and adults to have fun and burn energy in countless ways: trampolines, play structures, small sports courts, and more.

Recommended Ages: 3 and up
Website: superpark.com.hk

Final Thoughts

Traveling with children in Hong Kong can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but it is truly a rewarding experience. The city’s unique blend of East and West, its variety of attractions—from Disneyland and Ocean Park to temples, markets, and cultural museums—offers something for every age and interest. With a little planning, you can balance fun, relaxation, and learning in ways that will leave the whole family with unforgettable memories.

Whether it’s watching your kids’ faces light up at Disneyland, marveling at the Big Buddha, or simply wandering through colorful markets and tasting new foods, Hong Kong provides countless opportunities to connect as a family. Embrace the contrasts, allow for flexibility, and remember that the joy is not just in the destinations but also in the shared journey.

Hong Kong is not only a city—it’s a family adventure waiting to happen.

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