The last time I visited Hong Kong with my kids was in 2024. At the time, I had a seven-month-old and a two-and-a-half-year-old, and to say we had a blast is an understatement.

From the moment we landed, I was completely taken with the culture, the hospitality, the food and the sheer range of things to do. Hong Kong somehow feels like you've stepped into another world, without any of the hassle that usually comes with long-haul travel.

And that's the real win when you're travelling with kids. The flight from Australia is a very manageable eight and a half hours, and the time difference can be as little as two hours, depending on the time of year. It's far enough away to feel like a real adventure, but close enough that you're not battling jet lag for days afterwards.

Now my kids are a little older and can properly grasp the idea of a holiday, Hong Kong is right at the top of my list to revisit. And with the benefit of our first trip behind us — plus the fairly intense online stalking I do before travelling anywhere — I've mapped out my dream five-day itinerary for me, my husband and our two bigger kids.

Where to stay in Hong Kong.

Last visit, we stayed at The Cordis in Kowloon, which is the perfect location to explore just about everything Hong Kong has to offer. 

Other hotels on my shortlist are the Sheraton Hong Kong on Nathan Road (smack bang in the middle of the city, ideal for its central location), and the Fullerton Ocean Park for its resort feel and proximity to the Ocean Park theme park. 

And look, if I can make the budget stretch far enough, I'm really angling for a Family Themed Room at the Island Shangri-La (my boys would go absolutely wild for the Airship Voyage Themed Suite). 

Airship Voyage Themed Suite at Island Shangri-La. Image: Instagram/@islandshangrila.

Where to eat and drink in Hong Kong.

When it comes to little palates, Hong Kong is surprisingly kid-friendly. Because it's such an international city, it's easy to find familiar Western favourites if needed, which takes a lot of the pressure out of travelling with kids.

But for me, the real excitement is diving back into the local food scene. I already know we'll be making a beeline for dim sums at Old Fung Tea House, and the famous pork buns at Tim Ho Wan are high on my list.

You'll also find me lining up for egg tarts at Bakehouse daily (I mean, come on, it's only a five-day trip, live a little).

Egg tarts from Bakehouse. Image: Supplied.

And of course, Hong Kong has an unbelievable nightlife. Rest assured that my husband and I will spend at least one child-free night at Bar Leone, recently dubbed the world's best bar! 

One thing I learned from our last trip is that there's a huge difference between hotel pricing and street pricing in Hong Kong. The moment you step outside your hotel, you'll notice just how much cheaper food and drinks can be.

And while the convenience of staying in for a meal with kids definitely has its place, it's also the perfect excuse to get out, explore the neighbourhood and try more of what this incredible city has to offer.

Everything you need to do and see in Hong Kong.

For any trip to Hong Kong, the tram to The Peak is non-negotiable. We'll head out early to beat the crowds and make the most of the experience before it gets busy.

Now that my kids are a little older, I'm also 100 per cent adding a long, leisurely lunch at the top to our itinerary — ideally at one of the restaurants with those incredible views like The Peak Lookout.

Tram up to The Peak. Image: Supplied.

For shopping, I'll send the boys off to Kai Tak Mall where they can make the most of the activities on offer, including ten-pin bowling and the EpicLand playground.

I'll head to Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, the largest mall in the city, with more than 700 stores, around 50 restaurants, art galleries and even an observation deck overlooking Victoria Harbour.

I'm also planning on jumping on a Big Bus Tour to see the parts of Hong Kong I didn't see last time. The flexibility to hop on and off is perfect for kids with short attention spans, although sitting on the top level of the bus is a thrilling activity in itself. 

To top it all off, I've got my eye on the Lamma Island Family Trail — a relaxed, scenic walk that's perfect for getting into nature and seeing a more laid-back side of Hong Kong. With slightly older kids, the route feels very doable, and the coastal views (plus the chance to stop for a bite in a sleepy village along the way) make it well worth the trip.

Views on the Lamma Island Family Trail. Image: Discover Hong Kong.

Theme parks in Hong Kong for entertainment.

I know from experience that kids (and grown-ups) are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to theme parks in Hong Kong, with both Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park.

Last visit, the age of my kids meant we were basically just taking in the spectacle at both parks.

This time around, I've decided to dedicate two days to really experiencing everything Ocean Park Hong Kong has to offer.

From getting up close with the pandas to spending time at the water park attractions, alongside all the rides and marine life exhibits, we'll be making the most of it.

The kids at Ocean Park last time. Image: Supplied.

Trust me, in a park that massive, you'll want to take the time — the aquarium alone is a whole-day activity, and the best I've ever been to — and honestly, the only way you'll be able to get your kids to leave is to promise you'll return the next day. 

Head to Discover Hong Kong to start planning your family holiday.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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