Sassy Mama Family Field Trips: Playtown, Olympic, Kowloon

Sad news, mamas – we’ve heard that Playtown has now shut its doors for the final time, but we’ll be sure to give you the scoop on any Kowloon-side alternatives!   This week for our family field trip we found ourselves at the Playtown in the West 9 Zone complex adjoining Olympic MTR in Kowloon. If you missed our last field trip, we were having fun and frolics in the playground above Elements shopping centre, again in Kowloon (I actually live in Midlevels but don’t mind the occasional trip across the water!) and you can read about our experience here.

This week the intrepid field-trippers were: one mum and one engergised toddler, Gracie, nearly 3. It was raining AGAIN and we were in need of an indoor activity. Whilst out and about one day I’d seen signs for Playtown a stone’s throw from Olympic MTR, and thought it would make a welcome change from the Playtown that we’ve done to death in the Belchers, Island side. Hits: By Hong Kong standards it’s a reasonably big indoor play area, 6000 square feet to be precise, split into a smaller area for toddlers and the main area for 4 to 12 year olds. A bouncy castle, and the big slides were the main draw, but the older kids also LOVED the climbing wall complete with harnesses to dangle from if need be – and they loved it so much that they didn’t even mind queuing up! Lots of tunnels and other obstacles also provided much entertainment. Popcorn, other snacks and drinks are available to buy on the premises, but it was the popcorn that got the toddler tongues wagging. A perfect rainy day activity, and so close to the Olympic City shopping complexes that you can buy a day pass then just come and go as you please – great for pit-stops. Easy to get to with Exit C5 of Olympic MTR practically on the doorstep. Pretty cheap compared to other HK activities at $80 for a day pass on a weekday or $100 on a weekend or public holiday for toddlers (4-12 year olds pay $100 weekday and $120 weekends). If you fancy a little adventure over the other side of the water, then this will work for you. Misses: Likely to get very busy on the weekend; we went on a public holiday but in the morning and it wasn’t too bad, but got busier and busier as the day progressed. I thought that the toddler area was a bit small and disappointing; however Gracie on the other hand (and after all, she is the target audience so her opinion is more valid than mine!) loved clambering over the space buggy and climbing in and out of the rocket, telling other toddlers to ‘talk to the hand’ rather than sharing the space. Need to know before you go: Both kids and adults need to wear socks! How to get there: By MTR: take the Tung Chung line (orange) and get off at Olympic station. Take Exit C5, follow signs for West 9 Zone and look out for the big Playtown banner. Opening times: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Admission: Monday To Friday: Toddler 1-3 years (including 1 Adult)- All day unlimited entry $80/ hourly $40 Children 4-12 years (including 1 Adult)- All day unlimited entry $100/ hourly $50 Extra Adult- All day unlimited entry $40/ hourly $20 Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: Toddler 1-3 years (including 1 Adult)- All day unlimited entry $100 Children 4-12 years (including 1 Adult)- All day unlimited entry $120 Extra Adult- All day unlimited entry $50 Happy Hour (Saturday & Sunday- 7pm To 9pm) Toddler 1-3 years (including 1 Adult) $80 Children 4-12 years (including 1 Adult) $110 Extra Adult $40 PlayTown G09-12 West 9 Zone, 38 Cherry Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: 2258 9040.