Managing expectations: toddler activites in HK

[Newbie_hk]

Hi everyone,

We're moving from Sydney and I'd like to manage our expectations when we move.

What recreational activities are available for toddlers (we have a 3 year old)? I've so far managed to keep my child away from malls as much as possible and let her enjoy parks, playgrounds and beaches here in Sydney (God bless the aussie weather!)

I'm very conscious of turning my child into a mall rat if there aren't as much outdoor activities for my active toddler in HK. I'm sure there must be somewhere where kids can let off steam.

 

[testuser]

There is lots to do in HK. Lots of parks, beaches, pools, indoor playrooms. Believe me you won't turn into mall rats. There are lots of classes you can enroll her in i.e. socatots, gym, music.

here's a list of activities

http://www.geobaby.com/directory/activities

 

[Newbie_hk]

Thanks Shri. It's great to get some on the ground advice. Fantastic link.

 

[sea princess]

Hi
In my experience the lifestyle here is quite different from Australia. Everything opens late and closes late so a morning stroll to a park and a babychino is not common unless you are happy going to a chain cafe - starbucks, pacific coffee! Over summer it doesnt cool down at night much, so morning strolls in the park are hot and humid. We have an early riser so miss strolling to a coffee shop and taking a walk early in the morning, but we have found other interesting things to do instead

the beaches are good south side and often have small parks located on their shores which is a nice outdoor thing to do? Some of the apartment complexes (especially high rises) have playgrounds and indoor play centres located within them.

Otherwise, explorin the many parks in HK is great like HK park, Kowloon park (depends a lot on where you chose to live and proximity) or hopefully you will get a club membership as part of your relocation package which is where a lot of expat's with children gravitate to. There you have pools, playgrounds, activity centres, sport classes etc. and are a great way of getting to know people in your local area too with small children.

the Australian Association of HK may also be worth a look as they run playgroups and mothers groups around HK or the American womens Association.

Children generally start school/kinder here at 2 years 8/10 months so your lifestyle may change with that anyway? I know with our daughter the transition to kinder was big coming from Australia and she used to like resting at home after a morning at kinder.

Hope this helps a little?

 

[Newbie_hk]

Thanks Sea Princess! Sent you a PM

 

[sea princess]

Freshie_mum

No Problems, I have just sent you a reply back!