Hong Kong with Kids

One child's buzz is another child's bore, so plan a variety of amusements to keep everyone entertained. Hong Kong has two major amusement parks, but so many more opportunities to laugh and learn at museums, parks, and wildlife reserves.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong's version of the Magic Kingdom, on Lantau Island, is as polished as all the other Disneys but much smaller. You can easily go on every ride at least once and see all the attractions in a day. If your kids are theme-park savvy, the tame rides here won't win their respect, but there is lots to entertain littler kids. Space Mountain is the most thrilling ride, though the U-shaped RC Racer at Toy Story Land also gets a few screams. Otherwise, watch the Festival of the Lion King, or just wait for the fireworks.

Hong Kong Park

This large public park has stunning architecture against a backdrop of lush greenery. The highlight is the Edward Youde Aviary, home to about 600 birds of 90 species indigenous to the endangered rain forests around Southeast Asia. Plant lovers should pay the Forsgate Conservatory a visit.

Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

Hong Kong has grown around these gardens, which opened in 1864, and although they're now watched over by skyscrapers, a visit here is still a delightful escape. Burmese pythons, Chinese alligators, Bali mynahs, Bornean orangutans, ring-tailed lemurs, and lion-tailed macaques are among its 400 birds, 70 mammals, and 50 reptiles in the zoo enclosures.

Ocean Park

This homegrown marine theme park offers a balance of toned-down thrills and high-octane rides suitable for toddlers to teenagers, as well as a giant aquarium and the popular giant-panda enclosure. The park stretches out over 200 hilly acres, which you can gaze down upon from the cabins of the mile-long cable car that connects the tamer Lowlands area to the action-packed Headland.

Science Museum

Kids can spend a full day bouncing from one exhibition zone to another at this science-themed museum. Take the fitness challenge or learn about light, sound, and motion through interactive presentations and activities. The museum is closed on Thursday; Wednesday is free admission.