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【Family Day Out in Hong Kong】Bonding with Nature! Top 3 Recommended Places for Family Outing
Children often have a heavy academic workload during weekdays, making weekends a precious time for family bonding. It's the perfect opportunity to embark on a one-day family outing in Hong Kong, where you can both recharge and connect with nature. Let's take a look at the top three recommended places for family excursions!
Family Outing Destination 1: Ma On Shan
ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp Photo Credits：@gracecamp35
Ma On Shan used to be a significant mining town in Hong Kong, but the mines closed in the 1970s. In recent years, the area has been revitalized and transformed into a museum. If you wish to explore Ma On Shan's mining history with your children, you can visit the ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp and take the opportunity to enjoy the nearby Ngong Ping Plateaus and bond with nature.
Route Summary:
ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp> Miners' Café> Ngong Ping Plateaus
The ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp Trail
Mining Heritage Site Photo Credits：@gracecamp35
The ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp Trail is located in Upper Ma On Shan Village and is the first activity center in Hong Kong dedicated to showcasing mining sites and the lives of miners. As early as the early 20th century, this area served as a mining base with up to 3,000 miners. After the closure of the mines, the Salesians of Don Bosco initiated a revitalization project in 2012, transforming the site into an exploration trail. The site preserves the entrance to the mine tunnel, allowing visitors to have a firsthand experience of the mining history.
The ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp Trail regularly organizes various family activities, such as camping experiences and tree planting, which are suitable for you and your children to participate in. Before heading there, parents can visit the official website of the Grace Youth Camp Trail to check the opening hours to avoid any inconvenience.
Miners' Café
Guatemala Huehuetenango Photo Credits：@Let.go_coffee
Inside the ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp Trail, there is a mining-themed cafe called "Miners’ Café." The cafe offers a unique experience with its treats and snacks inspired by the mining industry. One of the highlights is the Guatemala Huehuetenango made with bamboo charcoal powder and chocolate, resembling small black rocks. Children are sure to be curious and intrigued by these cookies' appearance. It's a fun and creative way to incorporate the mining theme into the culinary offerings of the cafe, adding to the overall experience at the ELCHK, Grace Youth Camp Trail.
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After a short rest at the Miners’ Café, you can walk for about 30 minutes to reach Ngong Ping Plateau. Ngong Ping Plateau is situated at an altitude of approximately 400 meters and is backed by Tai Mo Shan, offering breathtaking views of the vast Sai Kung seascape. During autumn and winter, you can witness a vast expanse of white grass, creating a stunning landscape. Please note that this area is inhabited by herds of cattle, so it's important to prevent children from wandering around.
Transportation Route:
Family Outing Destination 2: Mui Wo
Photo Credits：Hong Kong Tourism Board Mui Wo is not a large area, and it is filled with cycling paths. You can easily explore multiple natural and historical sites in Mui Wo by walking or cycling with your children. It is a great place to spend quality time with nature on a holiday.
Route Overview:
Silvermine Waterfall> Silver Mine Cave > Cooked Food Market
Silvermine Bay Waterfall:
When you arrive at Silvermine Bay Waterfall, you'll notice the clear and refreshing water, creating a serene atmosphere. There is a pavilion near the waterfall where you can sit and rest with your children. After a good rest, you can get up close with your children to witness the powerful flow of the waterfall. However, please ensure safety and prevent children from climbing onto the rocks near the stream.
Silver Mine Cave:
A 5-minute walk from Silvermine Waterfallwill lead you to Silver Mine Cave. In the 19th century, this was where Mui Wo villagers mined for silver, hence the name Silver Mine Cave. Due to safety reasons, the government closed the entrance to two caves, while the other two were blocked by mudslides. This well-preserved silver mine cave, which has remained intact for over 100 years, holds significant historical value and is worth showing your children its true nature.
Cooked Food Market:
Before leaving Mui Wo, you can visit the cooked food market located near the pier and enjoy a seafood feast with your children. Several food stalls offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious seafood options, including prawns, scallops, and abalone. You can enjoy the abundant delicacies while admiring the sea view of Mui Wo.
Transportation Route:
Walk from Hotel ICON to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station, take the Tsuen Wan Line to Central Station Exit E, then walk to Central Pier No. 6. Transfer to the ferry to Mui Wo Pier and continue walking to Silvermine Bay Waterfall. For ferry service details, please refer to the Transport Department's website.
Family Outing Destination 3: Sham Chung
Photo Credits：@man2bookmark
When it comes to picnics, many people only think of crowded parks like Jordan Valley Park, Kai Tak Runway Park, and Tai Hing Reservoir. In comparison, fewer people are familiar with Sham Chung. If you are an adventurous family, you can have a picnic at the large grassland in Sham Chung and then hike to Yung Shue O on the way back.
Route Overview:
Sham Chung Grassland > Yung Shue O
Sham Chung Grassland:
Formerly a wetland, this area was originally planned to be developed into a golf course, but the plan was later abandoned, leaving behind a large grassland. This secluded paradise away from the hustle and bustle is spacious and comfortable, making it a perfect destination for a family outing. You can bring picnic mats and food, sit on the grassland, enjoy the breeze, and admire the scenery. Before leaving, remember to pick up personal belongings with your children and take your trash with you to avoid damaging the environment.
Yung Shue O:
After having a picnic with your children and replenishing enough energy, you can hike along the trail from Sham Chung to Yung Shue O. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes and allows your children to exercise their stamina. If you realize that you haven't brought enough water before setting off, you can buy some at Lo Kee Grocery Store to prevent dehydration and heatstroke during the hike. Additionally, it's advisable to prepare hats for your children to protect them from sunburn.
Transportation Route:
Walk from Hotel ICON to Hung Hom MTR Station, take the East Rail Line to University Station, then walk to Ma Liu Shui Public Pier, and finally take a ferry to Sham Chung Pier and walk to Sham Chung Grassland. For ferry service details, please refer to the Transport Department's website.
If you look closely, you will discover that Hong Kong has many places for outings or natural attractions worth exploring with your family! Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hotel ICON is home to over 8,500 plants, comprising 71 different species, creating the largest indoor vertical garden in Asia. It brings guests closer to nature, allowing them to breathe fresh air even indoors. You can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the restaurant GREEN, located beneath the vertical garden, or admires the garden from the lobby, connecting your mind and body with nature. Book now and enjoy the unique hotel experience. |
