March 28th 2013
The Easter break is almost upon us, which means school is out and, for many Hong Kong residents, this signals a beach vacation farther afield. Weather-wise, however, it’s probably the optimal time to enjoy something of a staycation with the family right here at home. If you’re stuck for ideas to keep the kids occupied, here’s
Kwiksure's handy guide for things to do over the Easter period in Hong Kong.
Easter camps
Getting the kids involved in a camp is a great way for them to make new friends whilst participating in a meaningful activity and, crucially, allowing the grown-ups a little breathing space during the day for their own interests. It’s the win-win school vacation solution. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:
RockAbaby is offering a variety of creative and musical inspired ‘egg-ventures’ at its studio for little ones aged 2-6 years old in March and April. ‘Bop till you drop’ with Hip Hop dance and ‘Color The Music’ art and music workshop are just two of the courses on offer. (25-28 March & April 2-3,5, 2013 – 1hr 30mins per workshop – single workshop HK$380 or purchase a package for reduced rates – entry includes 30 mins free play in the spacious 5,000 sqft indoor playground before and after class).
Little Picasso is a large light filled studio in Ap Lei Chau offering various Art Workshops over the Easter Holidays including making, painting, decorating and dying Easter eggs and building 3-D bunny rabbits! Ages 3 and above. (2nd to 13th April – various times– Single workshop (2 days) HK$920 / 2 workshops HK$1720 - includes snacks, refreshments and all materials).
Join Bill the Mascot for a two-day rugby camp with
Hong Kong Scottish Rugby Club at Kings Park. Two groups (Under 10’s and 10-12) will rotate around different stations learning skills from highly qualified HK Scottish coaches. Lunch and souvenir provided. (2nd and 3rd April - 9am-1:30pm – HK$400 for one day HK$600 for both days).
Aspiring young film directors will love
Focus On Film’s 4-Day Film Camp for kids aged 10 to 17 held at Hong Kong International School. Students will gain hands-on experience of the film industry using state-of-the-art filmmaking equipment tutored by industry professionals. Parents and friends are invited to join the screening on the last day of camp. (2-5 April - 9am-3:30pm - HK$3850, including all materials).
Science fans are sure to love the hands-on classes offered at
NTK Academic Group’s ‘Science Lab Camp’. There are three ‘Lab sessions’ on offer aimed at grades 4-7, including ‘The Great Eggsperiment’ which challenges participants to design a suitable device to protect an egg so it won’t break when dropped. (March 26th, 28th and April 2nd - 90 minutes per session -13:00 - 14:30).
The Hong Kong Basketball Academy’s Easter Training Camp features accomplished ‘player-coaches’ to oversee small groups in a high intensity environment aiming to teach the fundamentals of ‘basketball IQ’. Ages 7-18. (1-6 April – 4-6pm – HK$600 per day).
If your kids want to emulate the fancy footwork of Robin Ho, enrolling them in the AC Milan Soccer School’s Easter Camp is a great introduction to the ‘beautiful game’. Ages 2-17. (29 March – 6 April – 9:30-11am).
ESF Education Services are offering a ‘Spring Sports Camp’ with a variety of tailored activities, games and sports taught by professional coaches. The four-day camps will be held at two locations for kids aged 3 to 10 years. (10th-14th April - 9am-12pm – 9am to 12pm – from HK$2000).
Budding thespians may want to hone their acting skills at one of
Faust’s ‘Holiday Theatre’ workshops. Qualified and professional leaders teach various theatrical skills and techniques which culminate in an end-of-week ‘open session’ to which parents are invited. Workshops are divided into four age-specific groups for kids aged 4 to 14. (25th-29th March and 2nd -6th April – 10am-12:30pm or 2-4:30pm – HK$2450).
Surf Hong Kong is offering day camps to one of Hong Kong’s most pristine marine environments at Tai Long Wan. The action-packed days will include a pick-up from Hong Kong or Sai Kung for a day of fun and surfing lessons followed by a hike back late afternoon. Personal safety and environmental awareness are key elements of the school’s approach; all equipment is brand new and they even have their own manned surf rescue boat. For kids aged between 5 and 17 years old (classes are grouped by age). (25th March – 5th April – 8am to 5:30pm – HK$720 per day).
Animal lovers will jump at the chance to learn all about ponies at Beas River Country Club and Equestrian Centre.
The Easter Pony Experience Camp gives kids the chance to learn the essentials, from stable cleaning to pony grooming and riding, as well as a host of other activities. (3rd – 5th April – 2 to 5pm – Enquiries 2966 1822).
Junior golfers will love learning how to putt, chip, pitch and swing using the
SNAG ('Starting New At Golf') integrated system. It’s a great way to introduce children to the game using specially designed clubs, which make contact easier. Once children grasp the concept of target orientation and swing patterns, coaches will begin to introduce traditional golf clubs (Ages 6-10). (1st-5th April - Hong Kong International School Tai Tam and Asia Golf Driving Range - 9:30am to 11:30am – HK$2430).
The
Hong Kong Tennis Association is organising intensive tennis training camps across Hong Kong during the 2013 Easter holidays focusing on technical skills, physical fitness, coordination, match play and other fun activities. Open to players of all levels aged 5-14. (2nd to 5th April – 9am-12pm – various locations).
Easter buffet lunches
Buffet lunches are a fun, indulgent way for the whole family to get together over Easter. Many hotels and restaurants mark the occasion with various Easter related activities and offers. Remember to book ahead! Here’s our pick of the bunch:
The Langham assures diners will be ‘spoilt for choice’ at their Easter Wonderland celebration. Enjoy Easter themed buffet dining at L’Eclipse, brunch at The Bostonian or indulge little ones in a “Sleeping Beauty” or “Beauty and the Beast” tea set at the ‘Tin-Tin Afternoon Tea’ in Palm Court. Children can learn the art of decorating their own eggs as well as look forward to a visit from the Easter Bunny. (Dining events running variously from 29th March – 1st April – check venue for timings and availability).
Insiders know the best place to appreciate Hong Kong’s iconic night-time skyline is from the bar of the Intercontinental, but their array of dining options this Easter make for a great reason to visit too. Why not try the Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch at Harbourside or Easter Buffet at The Steakhouse winebar + grill? Spoon by Alain Ducasse is offering an indulgent 6-course Easter dining menu and Sunday lunch buffet, and there’s even an Easter afternoon tea set in the lobby lounge. As part of the “Cooking with the Culinary Stars” series, chef Jerome Husson will be teaching aspiring chefs how to make Easter chocolates on March 9 and 16. (Dining events running variously from March 25 through April 1 – check venue for timings and availability).
The luxurious
Ritz Carlton is running a host of Easter-themed dining events, from lavish buffet extravaganzas at Café 103 to brunches in style at Ozone or the dramatic setting of Tosca with its 270-degree views. Kids can join an egg painting workshop at the Chef’s table at the Easter Afternoon Tea. (Dining events running variously from March 29 through April 1 – check venue for timings and availability).
Shangri-La Kowloon is another great place to enjoy harbour-side views and this Easter there’s a range of themed dining options including festive buffets at Café Kool and afternoon tea buffets at the Lobby Lounge. On 30 and 31 March, kids are invited to join Easter activities which include Easter egg cookie painting, face painting, magic shows, balloon twisting and there will even be cartoons showing in the Kowloon Room so grown-ups can dine in peace. Dining events running variously from March 29 through April 1 – check venue for timings and availability).
The
Mandarin Oriental is celebrating Easter in impeccable style with a visit from the Easter Bunny, egg painting and an Easter egg hunt. Dining options include an Easter Day Champagne Brunch in Michelin-starred Mandarin Grill + Bar or at Clipper Lounge. (Check with venue for dates and availability).
From March 21 to April 1,
Top Deck at Jumbo Kingdom has an unlimited Easter special buffet brunch, which includes a free-flow package of sparkling wine and juice. There will be an Easter egg hunt for the kids while the adults enjoy fresh seafood and mussels, as well as Asian and western classics and desserts (11am to 4pm).
For something a little different this Easter check out Scandinavian restaurant
FINDS Norwegian-inspired ‘Easter Social Menu’ from March 29 to April 1 (lunch and dinner). Diners choose from a range of dishes to share, such as the Nordic Seafood Platter. It also features special Easter cocktails including ‘Easter Egg Down’ and ‘Bunny’s Delicacy’. Diners are invited to participate in a Nordic Easter tradition —a fun crime mystery for each table to solve.
Other Easter themed activities
The hugely popular
Discovery Bay Easter Egg Hunt is now in its 7th year and includes a fun fair and Easter-themed events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. With 30,000 colorful eggs hidden in the sand of Tai Pak Beach and a variety of booty up for grabs including a grand prize worth HK$3,200, there’s sure to be plenty of reasons to get on the ferry and start digging. (29 & 30 March – 12pm-5pm - Entry fee is HK$1802 which includes the event fee & charity donation to Playright Children’s Play Association and includes one Easter Egg Hunt Cash Voucher valued HK$1003, valid in selected restaurants and merchants at D'Deck and DB North Plaza).
Cyberport are running their own egg hunt as part of their Easter celebrations. Activities include egg and spoon races, flour doll making, Easter egg drawing, a bouncy castle and kids can also meet the Easter bunny between 2-4pm daily. (29th March to 1st April – Ocean View Court, The Arcade, Cyberport – 1pm-5pm).
For something a little more refined, art lovers should head for the Hong Kong Heritage Museum’s Fabergé: Legacy of Imperial Russia exhibition, which showcases over 200 pieces created by the Russian master jeweler, most famously the spectacular jeweled Easter eggs created for the Russian Court. (6th Feb – 29th April - Hong Kong Heritage Museum – Std Adult HK$20).
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