An Indoor Adventure: The Hong Kong Science Museum

Typically, on the weekend our family stays on Hong Kong island for various activities, as there are so many things to choose from. My daughter, however, is always wanting to explore, and can’t get enough of “Kowloon side,” so recently we took a trip across the harbour to the Hong Kong Science Museum.

With over 500 exhibits in the permanent exhibition area, there is plenty to see. While my daughter ran off to try her hand at generating electricity, my son was in awe of the airplane hanging from the ceiling and watching the inner-workings of a car engine. The 16 galleries cover such topics as light, energy, telecommunication, and food science.  They have dinosaur skeletons to satisfy the jurassic lovers in the family, and frogs and fish for those who want to see something alive. There’s even something for the budding fashionista, as videos in one area document how certain fabrics are made and sewn!

One of our favorite things (mom, dad and the kids) was the 22 meter high “Energy Machine”. This is the museum’s tallest and biggest exhibit, and sits right in the middle of the building, rising up through all four floors. At various times throughout the day, several dozen bowling balls are set in motion and sent down chutes, across bridges, through tracks and overhead. It definitely kept our kids’ attention for a long time-it even got me to stop updating Facebook!

After a trip to the museum, I highly recommend journeying over to the Peninsula for afternoon tea.  You can incorporate everything you just learned: sit and discuss exactly how the string instruments playing in the lobby work, why the sound carries across the neo-classical arches in the ceiling, and exactly which parts of the tongue with pick up the flavors of the delicious scones you are eating. Food for thought!

HK Science Museum: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2732 3232
Opening Hours: M,T, W, F 1pm-9pm, Sat, Sun, Public Holidays 10am-9pm, Closed on Thurs (except Public Holidays) and the first two days of the Lunar New Year
Admission Fee: Standard Ticket $25HKD, Children under 4 free admission.  You can also purchase weekly, half and full year passes.