How to keep the little ones entertained
It’s official: you’ve made it through January! Although with Chinese New Year falling just weeks after Christmas, and seasonal flu causing schools to shut even earlier than expected, you’re not alone if you feel like you’ve already exhausted your supply of kid-friendly activities over the past few weeks. But don’t worry, we’ve found plenty of options to hit up this February. From aerial dance performances to cooking workshops (and even a trip to Neverland), here’s our pick of places to take the kids this month.
Read More: Free Things To Do: Where To Take The Kids In February
Still not sorted your Valentine’s Day gifts? Pay a visit to the Handmade Hong Kong Sunday market in Discovery Bay. With over 100 different vendors selling everything from luxury chocolates to Persian rugs and a wide variety of arts and crafts, you and the kids are guaranteed to leave with something that’ll brighten your day.
When: Sunday, 10 February, 11am to 6pm
Where: Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong
How much: Free!
Contact: [email protected]
If you’re a fan of Cirque Du Soleil but know for sure that your little ones can’t sit through a whole show (we know how it is!), try Strange Feathers by Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre (Ireland). Part of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s ‘Cheers!’ series, this show is designed for a younger audience. Each performance lasts 35-minutes and children are encouraged to kick off their shoes and take a seat on the floor as the action unfolds.
Combining circus skills, aerial dance, live music, soft lighting and soothing sounds, the story follows two young birds as they learn how to fly. Arrive 45 minutes before the show to also enjoy a DIY mask-making activity at the Kwai Tsing Theatre rehearsal room!
When: Friday, 15 February to Sunday, 17 February, various times
Where: Black Box Theatre, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong
How much: $220 per ticket (children must be accompanied by an adult), see ticketing page for group discounts
Contact: programme enquiries 2268 7323, ticketing enquiries 3761 6661, credit card telephone booking 2111 5999, www.urbtix.hk
Celebrate the Faust International Youth Theatre’s 20th anniversary with a two-hour trip to Neverland accompanied by Wendy, John, Michael and of course Peter, in this original adaptation of Peter Pan & Wendy. Suitable for all the family (aged 4 and up), it might even inspire your little ones to enrol in one of Faust’s drama workshops!
When: Thursday, 21 February to Sunday, 24 February, various times
Where: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $280 for adults and $240 for juniors
Contact: 2547 9114, [email protected], www.faustworld.com
If you’ve got a junior Masterchef on your hands, sign them up to Alliance Française for a traditional Madeleine baking class. Suitable for children aged 4 to 8, they’ll love getting hands-on with this French favourite. Hopefully, they’ll bring home the leftovers so you get to try them too!
When: Saturday, 23 February, 9:30am to 11am
Where: AFHK Library, 1/F Jordan Center, 52 Jordan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $200 for the public and $150 for AF card holders
Contact: 2730 3257, [email protected], www.afhongkong.org
KidsFest 2019 is still going strong so make sure you don’t miss out on the final shows in February, including Clinc! World of Bubbles! With only six shows (so snap up your tickets fast!), you can expect clowning around, magic and lots of bubbles as this 65-minute show takes you on a fun-filled adventure. The comic actions of the global phenomenon that is Pep Bou (fresh from their Europe-wide tour) will hold the whole family’s attention from start to finish. It’s incredible what these guys can do with bubbles and well-chosen props!
When: Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 February, various times
Where: Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Prices range from $195- $435. Be sure to check the website for group deals and discounted tickets
Contact: 2547 7150, [email protected], www.kidsfest.com.hk
Featured image courtesy of kendall hoopes via Pexels, image 1 courtesy of Handmade Hong Kong, image 2 courtesy of Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre, image 3 courtesy of Faust, image 4 courtesy of la-fontaine via Pixabay, image 5 courtesy of KidsFest 2019!