As we approach our second summer under the specter of Covid, planning summer activities for kids is certainly not what it used to be. It’s likely your passport will remain in your drawer and your luggage will be collecting dust. Spots at summer camps are booked out early in the game but if you’ve missed that boat, do not fret as there are many off the beaten track gems out there to discover. Luckily, Maid for You has uncovered these gems them for you!
Close Encounters with the Alpaca Kind
Photo courtesy of Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley in Tai Po is a 500,000 square feet organic farm that offers a rare close encounter with Alpacas. Six furry friends will be waiting for you along with a few rabbits, a small herd of goats, and a bee farm. There are also interest classes like how to make butterfly pea drinks, coffee puddings, butterfly pastries, butterfly pea cookies and various handicrafts. Classes have to be booked ahead of time.
http://www.butterfly-valley.com/
How to get there
Tai Po Market MTR then take the minibus 20M or 20P which stops just opposite the farm and takes 10 minutes.
Cost
Adult – $200/ Child – $150/ Children below 3 – free / Adults above 65 – $100
Car Park
$60/day (No reservation is needed)
Bike Hire from Tai Wai
Rent a bike and go for a spin from Tai Wai along the scenic Tolo Harbour. From Exit A, there are bike rentals for all ages, even ones with the side car. The best thing is, you can even leave your bike at the end of the designated bike paths. It’s mostly flat and scenic so it’s very doable for kids. If you have younger ones, you can do a mini stopover at the Heritage Museum where they have a dedicated kids’ area. Make a full day out of it and treat yourself afterwards at Newtown Plaza, Shatin with lots of food choices from Din Tai Fung to Shake Shack!
How to get there – East Rail Line – Tai Wai MTR Exit A
Hong Kong Heritage Museum – Che Kung Temple MTR Station Exit A) and then a 5-minute walk
Museum Hours
Monday, Wednesday to Friday : 10am to 6pm
Saturday, Sunday & public holidays : 10am to 7pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Check out Tsing Yi
Photo courtesy of LCSD HK
For a quiet urban island, Tsing Yi sure packs a punch in terms of outdoor activities. You can ride your scooter, bike or roller blades along the 2.4 kilometer promenade. Model cars are also welcome. The Tsing Yi Northeast Park is also the perfect spot for picnics with a nearby playground, soccer pitch and even bike rentals. If the heat is proving to be too much, there is also a public swimming pool with slides. They have 4 pools from the adult’s lap pool to the toddler’s pool. Do ring beforehand to check if there are partial closures or quotas due to Covid restrictions.
How to get there: Promenade and Tsing Yi Northeast Park – Tsing Yi MTR exit A2
Tsing Yi Swimming Pool – Tsing Yi MTR Exit B
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Friday : 10am-6pm
Saturday, Sunday & public holidays : 10am-7pm
Closed on Tuesdays
1st Session: 6:30 am – 12:00 nn
2nd Session: 1:00 – 6:30 pm
3rd Session: 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar
Photo courtesy of Tikitiki Bowling Bar
Escape the heat and cool down in this themed bowling bar in Sai Kung. They have shoes for kids and ramps to assist them release the balls down the lanes without dropping on their little toes. There 3 different restaurants with pizza, pasta and the standard family fare. Adults can treat themselves to interesting cocktails to take the edge off this hectic summer planning. Generous parking is provided at Centro and don’t forget to pack your socks for the shoe rental.
4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong
Cost
$49 for off peak/ $99 Peak/ $199 Prime
Rates per hour/per lane
Plus shoe rental
Opening hours
Monday & Tuesday- Closed
Wednesday to Thursday and Sunday: 12:00 nn – 8:00 pm
Friday to Saturday : 12:00 nn – 10:00 pm
Disclaimer: All information mentioned were correct as of publication but may change depending on the evolving Covid restrictions. Observe proper social distancing and hygiene measures.