If you’re wracking your brains for ideas for things to with the kids or family activities in Hong Kong, keep the little people occupied at some excellent museums in HK and interesting cultural sites!
# Must-See Museums and Galleries
West Kowloon Cultural District
Known to locals as “WestK”, this burgeoning arts hub is a must for any culture vulture. The 40-hectare site is home to the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), which has a stuning seven-story replica of Beijing’s Palace Museum, among hundreds of works of art. You’ll also find the world-class M+, a museum dedicated to contemporary art and the visual culture of Hong Kong from the past centutry or so. There are also performance venues and lots of green space for strolls and picnics.
West Kowloon, Yau Ma Tei | westk.hk
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
If your little person loves ships, boats, pirates, or anything nautical, this museum is a must-do. Easily accessed at Pier 8 in Central, the Maritime Museum is great hands-on fun. Kids can drive ships, smell spices and play with displays.
Man Kwong Street, Central | hkmaritimemuseum.org
Hong Kong Science Museum
A favourite of the city’s kids and a popular spot on weekends and holidays, the Science Museum boasts nearly 500 exhibits. Kids will love its abundance of interactive displays, and some outstanding visiting exhibitions.
2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | hk.science.museum
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum is frequently ranked as one of the city’s best museums. After a visit here, you’ll understand Hong Kong’s transition from sleepy fishing village to the multicultural hub it is today.
1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin | heritagemuseum.gov.hk
Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
Set in a restored 19th-century British fort, complete with cannons and views over the Lei Yue Mun channel, this museum is a reminder of the city’s military history and its role in the Second World War. Take the short hike near the museum and scan the seas for pirates.
175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan | hk.coastaldefence.museum
Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware
This one may not be everybody’s cup of tea (!) but it does house an impressive collection of Asian teaware. This museum offers the chance to have afternoon tea inside HK’s oldest surviving colonial building.
10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central | lcsd.gov.hk
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Housing one of the largest collections of Chinese art and antiquities in the world, the museum has a section dedicated to Hong Kong art, and a calligraphy collection. 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | hk.art.museum
# Places of Worship
Every district of Hong Kong has a church, temple or shrine of some kind. Here are some of the more noteworthy and historical places of worship which can make an interesting visit for the kids.
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a cluster of Buddhist temple structures built in the Tang Dynasty’s architectural style. The adjoining Nan Lian Garden offers a peaceful sanctuary in bustling Kowloon. Don’t forget to check out its superb vegetarian restaurant.
5 Chi Lin Drive | discoverhongkong.com
Man Mo Temple Sheung Wan
This Taoist complex houses three temples: Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor, which were built between 1847 and 1862. It’s an exquisite example of traditional Chinese architecture and craftsmanship.
124-130 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan | man-mo-temple.hk
Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha
Home to the world’s largest seated Tian Tan Buddha statue, the monastery was built in 1906 and is an important focal point for the Buddhist community. Make it a memorable day trip by taking the cable car from Tung Chung.
Ngong Ping Road, Lantau Island | plm.org.hk/eng/home.php
Looking for more family activities in Hong kong? Check out our Things to Do section, or ways to celebrate Chinese New Year!
