By: Melissa Stevens
Keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge in Hong Kong when faced with inclement weather. Space may be limited, but energy levels usually aren’t. So for those days when it is pouring with rain, searing with heat or the air pollution index is off the charts, it pays to have an arsenal of indoor activities. Here’s some suggestions of places where kids from toddlers to teenagers can let off some steam.
Epicland
EpicLand is the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Hong Kong. Located in Discovery Bay, the centre caters for an array of ages and interests. Their huge rainbow slides are the longest in Asia, and they also have an air trek obstacle course, rock climbing walls, laser tag, a ballistics arena, trampolines and a nine-in-one mini golf course. There is also a playground and toddler area, and they even offer toddler rock climbing. Parents aren’t forgotten, with the Epic Cafe serving drinks, coffee and snacks so you can relax while the little ones run riot.
SuperPark
SuperPark is a purpose-built indoor activity park in Kowloon with an array of activities to suit all ages and interests. It’s divided into three zones: the Adventure Area with obstacle walls, trampolines, zip wires and slides, the Game Arena offering sports like basketball and golf, and the Freestyle Hall for skating and scooting. Look out for their summer programmes too!
Ryze Ultimate Trampoline Park
Ever-popular Ryze trampoline park in Quarry Bay’s Kodak House has expanded to a new floor, doubling its size and doubling your fun! You can Zip Line across a river of foam, dodge the arms of the spinning Boredom Boredom 13 Busters Busters Banish cries of “I’m bored” with these kids’ activities. Banish cries of “I’m bored” with these kids’ activities. Wipeout, or test your skills on the new Free Style Course. Want to challenge a friend? Try the Battle Beams or the Wall Running Trampolines. With more space to play, kids of all ages can have fun at Ryze.
Funzone
This indoor playground has three branches in Hong Kong, in Kennedy Town, North Point and Ma On Shan. Kennedy Town is the largest but all three have heaps of clean and safe equipment, a café and wifi. They also have a dedicated toddler area for kids three and under. All three branches offer playgroup classes and birthday party packages.
Tikitiki Bowling Bar
While the evenings are all about cocktails, during the daytime you can take older kids here to enjoy some ten-pin bowling in this Sai Kung venue. You can rent all the gear you need, and they serve food to keep young hungry bowlers happy.
Strokes Hong Kong
For older kids (over 10 years) who love a bit of crazy golf, this new indoor mini golf centre offers two nine-hole courses in its Causeway Bay premises. It’s worth noting that the course is adjacent to a restaurant and bar, and stays open until 11pm at night, so junior golfers should limit their visit to daytime!
The Rink at Elements
It’s no surprise that in a city that can swelter like Hong Kong that you can find ice skating rinks dotted about the place, usually attached to a shopping mall making getting to and from quite easy. The rink at Elements mall is a good one if you are looking for indoor activities to suit kids of varying ages and abilities as you can rent hand-held ‘penguins’ – balancing devices for those who aren’t use to ice skating. You can also pay here with your Octopus card!
VermCity
This clip n’ climb park offers 19 different adventures which are suitable for ages four and up. Located in Quarry Bay, they have a number of rock climbing walls, as well as the first augmented wall in Asia, a projector based rock climbing game.
Azzita Hoverland
This indoor hoverboard centre provides a good option for older, active kids when they are feeling cooped up inside. There are two centres, one in Repulse Bay and one in Kwun Tong. Cruise on a hoverboard for an hour, with protective gear included, and then enjoy use of the game area.
Laser Mads
This laser tag venue in Causeway Bay is another of the indoor activities best suited to teenagers. Get a group together to form teams. You can then unleash them in the spaceship-themed laser tag station to do battle with each other.
Arace Slot Car Racing
Slot car racing will have some parents nostalgic for a session of racing electrically powered miniature cars on a custom circuit. This version has been given a modern-day makeover with Arace using a digital racing system. The minimum age is four years old and children under six will need adult supervision.
Dream Come True Education Park
Let kids have the fun of pretending to be a grown-up and role playing different occupations. The Dream Come True Education Park at Hong Kong International Airport simulates different types of jobs, such as pilot, doctor or astronaut, complete with pint-sized outfits. Open to children aged from three years.
LOST Hong Kong
This is one of the indoor activities better suited to teenagers. LOST Hong Kong is a series of reality escape rooms. Players get locked inside the rooms which have a pre-set scenario. Players must then use their wits to find clues and solve puzzles to work out a way to escape. Games can be played with as little as two players. Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult.
Hong Kong Science Museum
Though it might not be as high-octane as some of the other options on this list, the Hong Kong Science Museum in Kowloon is a favourite with all curious children. There are a variety of interactive permanent exhibitions to keep the little ones occupied and recent special exhibitions include features on Dr Jane Goodall and Winter Games.
Looking for more indoor activities? Why not check out 10 of the best museums in Hong Kong or head to afternoon tea?
Do you know of a kids’ activity which should be featured here? Email editor@expatliving.hk
