Kiddie Fun in Hong Kong

Q: My family will visit Hong Kong early next year. What is there for children to do besides the Disney theme park? Is there enough to keep the children (aged 6, 9 and 11) entertained for a week? Any suggestions welcome. - Naomi Cook

A: Have no qualms; there is plenty to keep your children entertained. Besides a day trip to Disneyland (located on Lantau Island), you should also visit Ocean Park in Aberdeen, which consists of a fabulous oceanarium with a large shark aquarium, gardens with pandas and an amusement park with rollercoaster rides and a cable car ride. Leave some time to visit Middle Kingdom, which is located next door to Ocean Park. This is a recreation of the history of China with temples, shrines, palaces and entertainment. You will find that youngsters are thrilled with the different modes of transport in Hong Kong. Everyone loves riding the ferries, which criss-cross Victoria harbour, and the double-decker buses through the crowded shopping areas of Kowloon. Another favourite is the Peak Tram, which takes you to Victoria Peak for a superb view of the city and the skyscraper buildings down below. To get some fresh air, visit the Zoological and Botanical Gardens and the Hong Kong Park. For exercise, go hiking in the Tai Tam Country Park and the Aberdeen Country Park. Both parks have easy trails that wind through the hills with great views of the city and sea, as well as nature trails with information on the local plants, picnic tables and children's play areas. In summer you can go swimming at Repulse Bay and Stanley, which are staffed with lifeguards in summer. On the Kowloon side, where your hotel is likely to be located, you will find the Space Museum, which is great for children with many things to do, telescopes to look through, and computer quizzes to test what they've learned. Nearby is the Museum of History, with life-size replicas and models that bring the history of Hong Kong to life. However, don't forget that your children are likely to be fascinated by daily life in the city and they are not likely to get bored on shopping and other sightseeing trips you may plan for yourself. Hong Kong is a thrilling, vibrant city with a fascinating mix of British colonial and Chinese culture. For other information you can check the www.discoverhongkong,com website. (19/12/10)