Free Things To Do With Kids This April In Hong Kong

Don’t spend a cent and still have fun with the kids!

If you’ve spent all your cash on the Easter holidays or even planned ahead and booked your summer trip (well done!), the last thing you want to do is shell out for weekend entertainment. But if your kids have spring fever and are itching to get out and do something (like, now), we’ve lined up some great entertainment that is FREE! Here’s our list of free things to do this April. Party on, fam!

Central Walk

Get those legs moving, because one of our favourite local tours, Humid With A Chance Of Fishballs, is offering a free Central Walk! This three-hour tour will take you along the back streets of Central, through the wet market, the dai pai dongs and a temple. If your kids get peckish (they always do!) there will be two food tasting stops along the way. This walk is a great way for your children to learn more about the city in which they live (and did we mention it’s free?), and includes bits of history, culture, traditions, religion, iconic landmarks to even why men shouldn’t wear green hats in Hong Kong.

When: Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 12:30pm  (join this tour while you can as it will be discontinued after 1 May 2018!)
Where:  The Cenotaph (Central MTR Station, Exit J3), Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.humidwithachanceoffishballs.com
How much: FREE! (Tips, however, are encouraged. Booking is needed in advance: www.eventbrite.hk/e/free-central-walk-tickets)

Cathay Pacific/HSBC FanWalk

It’s the return of HK Rugby Sevens, and with it comes loads of entertainment for the whole family, much of it free! Although you’ll have to use your discretion for which activities are best for your brood (maybe not a night in LKF), there are a few events for all to enjoy. We think kids of all ages will love the FanWalk at Lee Gardens. Packed with live entertainment, musical performances, statue artists, African drummer and dancers and more, there will be lots to see and do here. (For more information on the festival, click here.)

When: 6 April to 8 April; Friday, 6 April from 12pm to 9:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 7 April and 8 April from 10am to 7:30pm
Where: Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much: Free!

Wun Chuen Sin Koon

Serenity now! Feel like having a peaceful day checking out some of the historical culture around HK? The Wun Chuen Sin Koon temple may be just the place. Built by Taoist monks who fled the Japanese invasion, this religious temple has gardens, a lotus pond, pavilion and even a stone forest. If you’re hungry, we hear the vegetarian restaurant here (big portions and $75 for most dishes!) is decent as well, and if you go there in autumn, its chrysanthemum exhibition should not be missed!

When: Mondays through Saturdays, 11am to 3pm
Where: 188 Ping Che Rd, Ta Kauling, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Free! (Its restaurant, Wun Chuen Vegetation Centre, has a very reasonably priced menu if you get hungry)

Kung-Fu

Get physical with your kids and learn kung-fu from a martial arts master (once again, it’s free!). Guo Dong Wei Shifu has been teaching national martial arts for 25 years (he started at 8 years old), and follows the principals of kung-fu, which is to prevent violence, not promote it. Everyone is welcome and this event is not based on any religious belief or interpretation.

When: 25 April from 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Where: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park, 16 Eastern Street North, Hong Kong
How much: Free!

Street Art

We are so lucky to live in a city that celebrates and gives real-life canvases to artists. So why not make a day of it and see the glorious graffiti and murals adorning each district? While you’re out, check out British artist Remi Rough, whose mural, Morning Dynamics, is now adorning a tunnel at the Quarry Bay MTR station towards the Taikoo Place exit. And until 8 April, Scottish pop artist Jim Lambie’s newest creation, Spiral Scratch, will be at Pacific Place (first time in Asia at this scale!). It transforms Garden Court into a kaleidoscope of colour, shape and form.

When: Any time!
Where: All over Hong Kong, click here to see some of our faves
How much: Free!

Songkran Hong Kong Waterfest

Experience Songkran and celebrate the Thai New Year without having to step on a plane. The Songkran festivities have been expanded over three days this year and include a Thai  New Year market and a fashion show. However, the real highlight for the kids will be the traditional epic water fight right in the street! Prepare to get soaked!  There will be changing rooms and storage lockers on site to keep your valuables safe. Dry off afterwards while watching the many cultural performances.

When: 6-8 April, check here for the full timetable of events
Where: D2 Place, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon
How much: Free!

Sailing Open Day

Ahoy, mateys! Does your child express an interest in sailing? If he or she thinks they’d like to give it a go, this Open Day at the Hebe Haven Sailing Club may be a great way to see if it’s the right sport for them. Entry is free, and it will hold free sailing tasters from 10am to 5pm.  There will also be a Family Fun Day (prices for events vary for this), so if you don’t mind spending a little cash, this could be a fun event for your family.

When: 28 April, 10am to 1pm
Where: Hiram’s HighwayPak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
How much: Free! (Family Day events prices vary)