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Originally published by Amanda Sheppard. Last updated by Jen Paolini.
With the winter weather finally at bay, it’s time to head for the hills, the high seas, and everywhere in between. Hong Kong has a reputation for being a dense, concrete jungle, but you may be surprised to learn that three-quarters of the city is green! That means there’s plenty of fun to be had outdoors for your little ones, so what are you waiting for? Get out there and try some of these fun outdoor activities.
Water babies, rejoice! If your little one is ready to take their paddling to the next level, opt for one of the city’s youth sailing courses to get them prepped to sail the high seas.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be a member of one of the private clubs to take part, as Hebe Haven and the Hong Kong Yacht Club offer classes to both members and non-members on Optimist and Pico dinghies. Different class levels are available for children aged between six and 18 years.
Hebe Haven, Optimist Stage 1 & 2, $2,900 (members), $3,800 (non-members)
Hong Kong Yacht Club, Youth Sailing Courses, $1,790 (members), $2,250 (non-members)
If you’re looking for something a little closer to shore, then a surfing session could be in order. HK Waterman offers private and group surfing lessons and paddle boarding and swim and safety sessions. Summer Splash Sessions cost $400 per person.
Lantau-based Treasure Island hold five-day long surf adventure camps during term holidays. With pick-up and drop-off at the Central ferry piers, your kids get to spend days hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and surfing, plus one night at the Treasure Island campsite. Both are suitable for children between 9 and 12 years old. Adventure Camps cost $4,200 per person.
HK Waterman, Big Wave Bay Beach
Treasure Island, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island
Camping in Hong Kong can be an extreme sport if you don’t play your cards right and time your tent pitching to a tee, but with the weather finally taking a turn for the better, and a good few weeks before the sweltering summer sets in, there’s no time like the present to get started.
So where to go? Well, Long Coast Sea Sports on Cheung Sha Beach in Lantau Island offer a Play & Stay Package ($698 per night) which is fun for all the family. When visitors purchase activity passes (which provide access to equipment such as paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks), they are also offered the chance to stay in one of the five air-conditioned rooms or an outdoor ‘glamping’ tent in the facility’s private field.
Alternatively, a visit to Mingle Farm in Yuen Long offers glamping-style ‘ecospheres’ and en-suite caravans from $800 per night—so no roughing it here! The site also boasts an organic growing centre, barbecue pits, and a whole host of organised fun and games to keep little ones entertained.
If you’ve got your own gear and want to go the DIY route, check out our picks of the top 10 campsites in Hong Kong.
Mingle Farm, 30 Tin Tsz Road, Fung Ka Wei, Yuen Long
Long Coast Sea Sports, Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Island
Whoever said learning was all work and no play thankfully didn’t send the message to the Hong Kong Forest Adventures team. Come rain or shine, this adventure camp takes families outdoors on excursions to explore the great outdoors, gain confidence, make friends, and quite simply enjoy themselves. Nature walks run from 9.45 am from Kowloon Tong and finish at 3 pm, and are priced at $700 for two adults and one child. Better still, groups are capped at 12 families to ensure an intimate experience for all to enjoy.
Based out of their ‘hidden valley’ site in Mui Wo, Ark Eden offers holiday eco-camps for curious kids with a desire to get their hands dirty. Private parties and excursions are also available on request. Prices start from $670 per day.
Hong Kong Forest Adventures, 2D Tai Shui Hang North Road, Ma On Shan
Ark Eden, Mui Wo, Lantau Island
There are three public riding schools in Hong Kong, located in Pok Fu Lam, Tuen Mun, and Lei Yue Mun. Both offer a range of lessons for different riding levels, as well as leisurely day out activities. They also host events and activities open to the public, so be sure to check the schedule for upcoming events. An afternoon spent here will be sure to make an equestrian out of even the worst neigh-sayers!
Lei Yue Mun Public Riding School, 75 Chai Wan Road, Lei Yue Mun
Pok Fu Lam Public Riding School, 75 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road, Pok Fu Lam
Tuen Mun Public Riding School, Lot 45 Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun
Following a brief and bitterly cold stint in Scotland, Amanda returned to Hong Kong—a place she’s called home for over 18 years—to begin her career as a writer. She can often be found getting lost somewhere very familiar, planning her next holiday, and enjoying a cup (or three) of good, strong coffee.
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