Hong Kong is known as a shopper's paradise

While some people do get confused about Hong Kong Let's be sure we are understanding that HONG KONG is NOT a country, it is a special Administrative region of China, stemming from history as a former British Colony. 

So you are Entering CHINA, visiting Hong Kong ( independent territory of China).

Having visited here twice - prior to becoming a parent and again in 2019 (yes, the year of COVID) with my young family.Aside the humid, busy atmosphere that is really hard to escape we all enjoyed our time here. 

We are also forever thankful for dodging the catastrophe that is know today as COVID! 

One of our highlights from the trip was a visit to the open markets in Wanchai it was raining, kids tucked into the pram (thank goodness) it's clear to see how quickly this pandemic was able to transmit after witnessing first hand the trading practices here.. x

The Golden Ticket here for Hong Kong is Disneyland, by far one of our families very favourite Disney's so far! There really is so much to like about a visit here, weather its an over night transit or a week long commitment there is something for everyone!

Before booking anything please take a peek at the Hong Kong value pack prior to making purchases to help better balance your budget!

**  Sky100 - Observation Deck  **

Location: 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong ( inside the ICC )
Opening Hours: 10am - 8.30pm DAILY
Price: ADULTS HK$178 | CHILD & SENIOR HK$115| Under 3 FREE

This one I would offer for visitors on short time and to the travellers how are on the last few days of holidays... WHY?

First - If you are short on time this opportunity will offer you a view like no other in HK. It can be done as quickly or as comfortably as you need and offers meals to compliment your visit if cutting things short for time- ALL IN ONE - Views, Education, Dining, Gifts, Photos and get outta there! TICK

Second   - If you have seen what you need to see from ground level then a trip up to Sky 100 will leave you with memories that cement your trip of Hong kong firmly. I highly recommend a night time viewing if your able to the views you manage to capture will be the icing on the cake, quite literally if you swing by the Ritz - Carlton cafe'  for a sun set high tea!!

 Of cause your expecting a birds eye view from the sky100 observation deck, and thats what you get 360 -degree views imagine this glittering Skyline at sun set or into the night... breathtaking!

 sky100 sits on level 100 of the ICC building in the city centre at 393-metres above sea level, safe to say you will secure an unobstructed bird's-eye view of Hong Kong. With Fun zones to enjoy like a story wall, a gift shop, tech zone with the ever popular VR's and a mobile app that will allow for some AR fun photo's of your visit!

Also on offer are

* fun photo packages

 ( I'm a collector of these kind of photo's especially if they are presented in a fancy branded folder - to me I just enjoy dragging them out and reliving the moments with the kids)

*Instant printing service ( take a good look at this offer to be sure its something your expecting)

* The Ritz - Carlton Cafe' ( This is where you want to be come sun set) Offering the regular service or special packages including afternoon tea's, birthday surprises and Magical dinners all available to view online - Take a peek!

**  DISNEYLAND Theme Park  **

Location:  Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10.30am - 7.30pm  PARK CLOSES TUESDAY & THURSDAYS (post covid)
Price: ADULTS HK$639 | CHILD HK$475 |other options on website

I have to say I really really enjoyed our visit to HK Disneyland  Travelling as a family with our disabled daughter was the easiest adventure at any theme park we have encountered. The atmosphere here was calm and felt controlled. Crowds were fantastic service outstanding support everywhere we needed it just a beautiful, considerate  well established park.

Everything you expect here from only i have to say again - MEALS are better!  - there was just love in them I can't explain better than that. They were hot to the table - fresh & in perfect timing, all meals - ALL DAY including from the take out vendors.  ( I asked for the veggies to be extra soft for my daughters complex eating requirements and they went above and beyond assuring her comfort)... lets remember here this was PRE COVID so they were not making up for anything this is just how they are on any regular day! 

meal options for Disney are here, if i can help you save money I will! 

Rides and attractions offered the usual expectations with the local flavours  throughout the 7 wonderlands.... we absolutely loved the fairy Tale forest the girls spending a good 45 minutes here just enjoying the displays and taking fun photos. This was a perfect adventure for our DD who took her time enjoying things at her own pace, in her own space... X 

A close second was the jungle river we were all able to enjoy as a family, the girls then enjoyed the Flying elephants (dumbo) the Carousel and I hate to say it we all really enjoyed Its a small world boat adventure... (that tune - it just sticks - for years!  humming it right now in my head)

The highlight for all of us was  the LION KING spectacular - again catered for with seats suitable for everyone to enjoy fairly with the children being encouraged to interact with the cast we just honestly cannot fault this park - and I'm tempted to say its the most magical Disney yet!

Im wondering if we just got lucky on our visit here, crowds were minimum.. staff amazing and we were catered for in all areas of the park (above and beyond)  - CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE spite our luck! 

At this point I suggest you take a peek at the combo discount passes that help to save you valuable time and money.  

** Time Square Shoppping Mall **

Location:  1 Matheson St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10.00am - 11pm  
Price: FREE + PURCHASES + MEALS

Here for the shopping?... Head to Causeway Bay and find one of Hong Kongs most famous shopping mall - TIME SQUARE! Its outdoor open -aired Plaza offers tourists many photo opportunities and often hosts fun festivals and seasonal events. 

The mall is host to more than 200 stores selling your expected mid-to-high-end brands with some International inclusive's. You are treated by many western, Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants here.

 ON A DISABILITY NOTE - There are multiple barrier-free facilities at this mall, including ramp entrances and exits, passages, elevators, and accessible toilets, Lifts also cater movement across the level including the car park. 

Take a peek at the Hong Kong value pack prior to making purchases to help better balance your budget!

** Ocean Park   **

Location:  Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 1am - 6pm till 7pm FRI SAT SUN  PARK CLOSES TUESDAY
Price: ADULTS HK$498 | CHILD Hk$249

Ocean park doo doo doo doo doo doo features baby shark doo doo doo doo doo doo !!One of the stand outs here at ocean park for me was the opportunity to stay overnight (in a tent) with toileting and shower facilities at the Grand Aquarium! What’s more you do actually stay in a dome with real life aquatics all around watching and learning about the nightlife on the aquarium. IM SOLD! ….. Add a special visit from PINK FONG and Baby shark and I’m sure you will have no trouble convincing the family to join you on this unique experience of education dance and fun!

** BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL ** find out more on the web. 

The flip side to this adventure is whats advertised as starry summit glamming - enjoy a night in nature awaits you in your air conditioned tent with all inclusive amenities, diner,  breakfast  and for no extra charge a meet and greet with the  Macaw’s and a night tour…. 

Ocean park is actually made up of  SEVEN zoned attraction points;

Whiskers Harbour|Amazing Asian Animals|Aqua City |Thrill Mountain|Marine World|

ocean world|Rainforest and Polar adventure

  All offering something different so a visit here is best planned over a full day to include the waterparks and nighttime light show. 

A  day can easily be filled here take a peek and what it costs to visit   Ocean park 

You may be wanting to consider a overnight stay here to enjoy a full 2 days to slow the pace down a little *********

With a combination of fun rides, animals, water park, decent meal options  and entertainment This could be a good choice for short stopovers if you have the children in the travel party

**  AQUA LUNA Cruise on Victoria Harbour **

Location:  PIER confirmed at booking
Opening Hours: DAILY From 1pm
Price: ADULTS HK$270+ | CHILD HK$170+ | UNDER 4 FREE

Here's another way to slow things down a little and Im best to recommend this as a nighttime cruise purely because it really cant get much better after a busy day of sites lounging back on  on deck sipping  cocktails before bed enjoying the sights and sounds that are Hong Kong..... 

My very 1st visit to Hong Kong  allowed us to enjoy a guided tour to the smaller villages and water markets as great as that was - I think this opportunity offers a whole different feel that really cant be fairly compared so I say Just if you can do them both one during the day this one of a night..... X 

The Aqua Luna offers many cruises and circles close to on the hour you can enjoy some of the popular options of a dim sum cruise (YUM), afternoon Tea cruise, Evening harbour, Symphony of Lights cruise (our recommended) and a deluxe harbour cruise followed by dinner enjoyed at  award winning Harbour view restaurant (Hutong - tba).

 You really should not pass up the opportunity to take up space on this iconic Red sailed vessel. 

**  Cube O Discovery Park  **

Location: Plaza 88 - 8 Yeung Uk Rd, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong,   
Opening Hours: 10.30am - 4pm| SAT & SUN till 6pm
Price: ADULTS HK$168+ | CHILD HK$138+ 

I know that having a bad day could all end with a visit here if we are talking about calming the kids this could also be the magic trick in your pocket. From experience any attraction that offers sensory regulating is a winner! This attraction offers both a calming and sensory environment for the entire family. 

This family-friendly haven for aquarium lovers, with beautifully lit jellyfish displays, a jellyfish “research institute,” a children’s playground, and a café,

combined with bringing thrilling real-life marine displays, exciting interactive multimedia games, and educational activities all together under one roof in a calmed space ticks all the boxes for an almost fool proof visit, and its all weather rain hail or shine!

Offering  12+ themed zones, with attractions that include an acrylic window projection, ocean-themed playhouse, jellyfish kaleidoscope, jellyfish research institute, ocean constellation just to name a few.

I cannot finish up without a mention of the delightful Ice cream offerings from the cafe'.  

Be sure to check out the corner cones in all the fun designs on offer - just a fun way to finish off a visit. 

Take a peek at the Hong Kong value pack prior to making purchases to help better balance your budget!

** WESTERN MARKET **

Location:  323 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10.00am - Midnight
Price: FREE to visit + PURCHASES + MEALS

What a cute little market area right at the end of the bus line in Sheung Wan. 

I guess the most surprising for me was the fabric shop inside and Im not sure why, I just wasn't expecting to see such a collection of true culture away from the markets and food outlets. 

The oldest surviving market building in the city, tricking me into thinking more markets inside by its name, dates back to 1906. Renovated in 1991 to up stand the modern world as a modern  feel shopping complex - yet still holding firm onto its heritage of red-brick Edwardian-style structure, features of a granite archway and distinctive corner towers. 

Inside you will find the Bus Model Shop, showcasing the entirety of Hong Kong’s transport system in miniature figurines, from buses, trams, cabs to various branded collectors edition items. What a fun stop off we spent a good chunk of time here. 

I am assuming this shopping complex has locals rather than tourists in mind.  Its offerings are more custom made wedding stores, jewellery and oriental art... the vibe here is slightly high end or perhaps the selection of stores and dining  here is a strategic placement to balance the outside aesthetics of strong history.

 The Grand Stage is a perfect example of the elegance this building radiates. Ballroom dancing, beautiful stained glass, dark teak panelling and flooring, a 10-foot-long crystal chandelier hanging from the 50-foot-high ceiling complimented by the final touches of Art Deco Accents that pull together a fine European-style interior. A menu filled with familiar cuisine like dim sum, rice, noodle dishes, and more.

Foyers that welcome you with fun props and photo opportunities often dressed to compliment the many festivals celebrated in Hong Kong through the year. 

** Sneaker Street - Mongkok**

Location: Fa Yeun Street Monkk - Kowloon
Opening Hours: 10am - 10-11pm  DAILY
Price: FREE to look + Purchases 

If looking for a new pair of shoes you cannot miss a walk down Fa Yuen street Kowloon  (between Argyle Street and Dundas Street) ...  Shop upon Shop's filled with sneakers and shoes. 

The legitimacy of the products here is real. 

Staff are fantastic in supporting your purchase with great English!  You will find Mostly high end designer brands like Nike, Converse, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, Puma, K-Swiss,Timberland, and my very favourite - Sketchers, yet there are also some well discounted offers around if you take the time to look.  You will also find other brand stores here for eg LEVI'S & LUSH.....

 This is heaven for the sports shoppers with a collection of Basketball, running, golf and football shoes + accessories here in almost every store! 

** Street Market - Fa Yeun St- Mongkok**

Location: Fa Yeun Street Mongkok - Kowloon
Opening Hours: 10am - 11pm  DAILY
Price: FREE to look + Purchases 

NOTE - wet weather may see earlier closing times 

A peek at the Street markets is a must if visiting Hong Kong its just an iconic way of living here that needs to be experienced. You will find these markets on the northern end of Fa Yeun St  (between Mongkok Road and Prince Edward Road).

You are not limited on supply with offerings ranging from fresh foods to clothing,Fashion Accessories, Bags, electronics, phone accessories, children's back packs and toys, hair items, belts and so much more... 

 This market looked to be most frequented by locals and therefore lacks the presence of souvenirs and tourist stuff to a point- you will still see the small toy items and some simple souvenirs like key chains etc. 

All said, this was a very cheap reasonable markets that could offer a diamond in the rough scenario like my American themed tissue box  THAT I LOVE - I had been looking everywhere for decent priced items to stock  our travel room and BAM there is was all of 7HK$! 

 GREAT QUALITY TOO! 

Once you are done here you may like to take a peek at the LADIES markets only a short stroll 

 parallel to Fa Yuen Street between Argyle Street and Dundas Street. 

You guested it - EVERYTHING LADIES!

**  LEGOLAND Discovery Centre  **

Location:  Shop B131-133 B1, K11 MUSEA Victoria Dockside, 

18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 11am - 7pm  | Sat Sun 10am - 7pm
Price: ADULTS HK$639 | CHILD H

Love LEGO......Have younger children?.. A trip to LEGOLAND is the perfect opportunity to let your children enjoy the fun soft play area to burn a little of that excitement off before taking things a little more seriously. 

NEVER HAVE I EVER - heard that to attend an attraction you need to have a child with you - yet here we are 2023 with this exact condition of entry for visitors to LEGO LAND discovery Centre!

Its also worth mentioning that this attraction is best suited to children under 12 (they do say ages up tp 10) however I can see a lot of children right on the cusp and avid lego fans sitting and building at the stations and enjoying the other attractions.

 I would suggest beating the traditional morning crowds and arriving just after lunch or the midday nap! Offers of a mini lego land display thats created using over 1.5 million pieces on lego, various rides, a 4D movie studio offering snow & rain effects, creative stations aswell as the soft ply area as mentioned earlier.

For the slightly older visitors the  interactive options are inviting for eg building a race car and seeing who's is the fastest on the track ... theres a lego workshop offering insider tips and knowledge, then there is our favourite lego friends Heartlake City section where you are able to learn about each of the 5 friends and build fun inclusions along side cities and backdrops. 

Visits for the 1st time could easily see you here for a good few hours pending on your group, with the cafe' offering a menu suitable for energy top ups all round! 

Keep an eye out for events and free giveaway offerings that are found here from time to time   

**FULLY ACCESSIBLE **

Take a peek at the Hong Kong value pack prior to making purchases to help better balance your budget!

**  Noah's Ark   **

Location:  G/F, 33 Pak Yan Rd, Ma Wan, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10am -6pm DAILY
Price: VARIED see website (also a hotel)

 This Adventure is hit and miss for families and it all depends on what frame of mind you are in and what your expectations are For the visit. I have had mixed reviews and all have be valid so you really do need to experience this one for yourself. 

 Noah's Ark is a calm easy paced attraction in my opinion our disabled daughter can enjoy the surrounds without the huge crowds that can sometimes overwhelm her if her mood is not agreeing with us. 

The billionaire brothers who built the Ark in Hong Kong claim it is the only

 full-scale (1:1)  version in the World. 

This biblical Vessel offers its visitors a wonderful holiday with 12+ unique themed pavilions on board, bringing children a new learning experience through interactive games.

 I would call this an activity site that combines beautiful bay scenery, historical and cultural exploration, and natural and ecological science -All in the one stop, educational paradise! So plan a good few hours here enjoying things at your own pace.

You are able to ride bikes here, enjoy the simulated cockpit, burn some energy in the playground offering net climb, ropes and slides or you may choose to engage in the  interactive exhibition hall by immersing yourself  in the four exhibition areas of forest, ocean, four seasons and future city. Outdoors you will find the nature & Arc garden, fun track and play equipment

This multi level family adventure completes a visit with offerings from its expansive window bay view dining and overnight stay options!

Noah's Ark is an Tourism board eligible activity ( see VIP LOUNGE for more info )

**  Madame Tussauds  **

Location:  Shop P101, The Peak Tower, No, 128 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 11am - 8pm  DAILY
Price: ADULTS HK$230 | CHILD or SENIOR Hk$190 |under 3 FREE

We always love a visit to Madame Tussauds during our travels if time allows, Our favourite by far is Nashville tho Hong Kong offers the opportunity to admire the local style, customs and celebrity. 

With offerings of over 100 figures i would say about 1 third would be of oriental celebrity allowing us the opportunity to learn a little about the people of the country. 

My daughter and I really enjoy visiting these wax museums its our holiday thing to do (we are the geeks of the family so any excuse to hit a museum we're there). 

This attractions has the usual exhibits for photo ops the added bonus here is its spanning view of  Victoria Harbour when viewed from the peak.  

MADAM TUSSAUDS is a Tourism Board Eligible Activity  (SEE VIP LOUNGE for more information)

** The Big Buddha  **

Location: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island,
Opening Hours: 10am - 5.30pm  DAILY
Price: 

Aside a personal taxi option to get you here, you may consider a ferry and bus option (The easiest option to most) OR you might prefer to take an some additional sites with a ride to the Big Buddha via the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR station (recommended).

Prepare yourself for the trek of stairs that lead you to the iconic Buddha landing all 268 of them!

Those who choose the stairs are rewarded with endless views of Lantau & South China Sea. The Buddha itself offers  a three-storey exhibition hall with offerings of invaluable Buddhist items, including Buddha's relic! 

A visit here allows for a settle calm the buddha symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith so it's no wonder it's overs this ora to visitors that can be felt on arrival. 

I would allow a good 2+ hours and then some if you are really wanting to explore all surrounds. 

Don't leave before enjoying a vegetarian meal here your body will thank you for the goodness and your pocket will remain heavy as these meals are very well prices to those in main town areas! 

**  M+ Museum Hong Kong  **

Location:  30 Museum Drive Kowloon, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10.30am - 7.30pm  PARK CLOSES TUESDAY & THURSDAYS (post covid)
Price: ADULTS HK$639 | CHILD H

If you are one for Museums like we are then a visit here to M+ is a great way to slow down the pace for a few hours...Its huge, really big - the space seems endless an exhibit all of its own almost! An abundance of Visual Culture fills this museum in forms of Art, design and architecture.

 I don't have much personal experience to add however my opinion would be to embrace this modern 700,000 square feet of space with elevated levels free from censorship - that reason alone has me sold - NO LIMITS ! FREE EXPRESSIVE SPACE this is going to really open up a visit here to a new level of conversation, and I like it!

It looks fab and the feedback is impressive, its on my list should I ever head that way again! 

I would love some feedback on anyone who has taken a visit here. 

SIDE NOTE SNEAKING IN -------> There are many offers and discounts to be found that allow you to save on holidays, Who's wants t be spending more than they need to be spending right?.... Take a look prior to making any firm attraction choices to help you balance things to suit your budget.