Easy Family Holiday Destinations For Stressed-Out HK Mums

Looking to destress your next family holiday? Avoid the planning headache with these family friendly destinations near Hong Kong, easily reached by short flights, high-speed train rides or ferry journeys. Better still, opt for resorts with kids clubs, dedicated pools, babysitting services and more!

Planning a family holiday is hard. From choosing accommodation and figuring out the logistics to wrestling everyone’s belongings into suitcases, mamas usually end up tapped out before even setting foot out the door. And, most of the time, you end up feeling more stressed than relaxed by the end of the trip!

Let’s face it: the memories are precious, but there must be an easier way to travel with family. If you just want to kick back and relax, here are easy family holiday destinations near Hong Kong that will do the trick. Even better, these can all be reached within four hours from Hong Kong. Because, let’s face it, a stressed-out mama doesn’t need the added stress of a long commute, are we right?

1. Danang

There’s nothing better to help unwind than a beach getaway. Hop on a direct two-hour flight to Danang, an underrated destination that feels worlds away from the city chaos. Sprawl out at hotels and resorts with kids’ clubs, such as Pullman Danang Beach Resort and Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa. The latter is a winner in our books as it has a nature playground complete with activities like animal feeding, making flower art and building bee houses. The kids can play all day, while you can enjoy some much-needed me-time at the spa — it’s a total win-win. Psst, kids’ clubs are also a godsend for rainy weather; or for some cooling respite on days when the sun is too strong to go outside (especially when the kids are napping!).

Sassy Tip: Combine your trip with the nearby Hoi An (45-minute drive), which charms with glowing lanterns and enchanting boat rides. To explore both places with ease, base yourself at Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai or Sheraton Grand Danang Resort.

For something a little off the beaten track, consider Phu Quoc instead. A direct two hours and 45 minutes flight will bring you to a secluded paradise, where you can base yourself at Vinepearl Spa and Spa Resort. It’s a haven for families, with non-stop entertainment like an animal safari, amusement park, and cable car.

Read More: Sassy Mama’s Guide To Hoi An, Vietnam

2. Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a nifty 20-minute high-speed train or an hour’s ferry ride from Hong Kong, making it ideal for an easy family holiday. Spend a day at the Windows of the World or Happy Valley theme parks, or take the animal lovers over to Shenzhen Safari Park. Plus, the Science and Technology Museum wows with free entry (advance reservations required), VR experiences and more. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning is pretty cool too, where the little ones can have a go at planning their own cities.

The kids will be delighted with a stay at Jingju Hotel Shenzhen, which has children’s themed rooms with climbing frames, slides and little teepee tents. For cosy dinners in, opt for rooms with kitchenettes at DoubleTree by Hilton Shenzhen Nanshan Hotel and Residences.

Sassy Tip: If you have the whole gang in tow, prevent siblings from waking each other up at night by bringing little white noise machines. Mamas, this also allows you to chat freely with your partner even after the kids have gone to bed. To ensure undisturbed rest, you can even get a Slumberpod — a breathable and portable blackout tent that can be easily popped over your kids’ bed. It’s compatible with the BabyBjorn travel bed (for kids under 2) and the Hiccapop inflatable toddler bed (for older kids) if you prefer having your own portable travel bed.

Read More: Shenzhen Family Travel Guide: How To Get There & Must-Visit Attractions

3. Kaohsiung

Set your sights on Kaohsiung, a laidback coastal city. If there are any Snoopy, Hello Kitty or Pokémon fans in the house, start by hunting down any of the city’s themed 7-11 stores. Train enthusiasts will love the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway’s miniature train, or taking a snazzy ride in one of Love River Bay’s sports car-shaped boats. For a holiday within a holiday, take a five-minute ferry to Cijin Island. Before you fly back to Hong Kong (1.5-hour direct flight), drop by Jing Yuan Leisure Farm for animal feeding and outdoor performances.

The Hoya Resort Hotel Kaohsiung looks like a dream, with special themed family suites, a family zone with slot car racing tracks, elaborate railway models, and a mini indoor playground, as well as a 24-hour snack bar. The best part? Staying in such resorts means that you can typically get baby amenities (mostly for free, some with a nominal fee) at the resort itself. Think: baby cots, bottle warmers, and even kids’ toilet seats or stools. Mamas, this means that you can pack light, and just focus on having a lovely time!

Sassy Tip: Make a saving! Children under 6 can ride for free on Kaohsiung’s public transport.

4. Macau

If you think Macau is all about casinos, think again! Only an hour’s ferry from Hong Kong, the city is incredibly family friendly. The Macau Science Centre is a hit with kids (and adults!) who you’ll have to literally drag away from the Warner Bros. Fun Zone. There’s just so much to do in the city: enjoy a gondola ride at The Venetian; squeal with delight at the Panda Pavilion; or take a whirl on Studio City’s unique Ferris wheel, which is shaped like a figure eight. If you’re staying along the Cotai Strip, there are even free shuttle buses. We love how easy it is to get around, because the last thing we need is to figure out complicated subway systems!

Parents need to take a break too on holiday. That’s where the Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau’s babysitting services come in handy for times like these, which require three hours’ notice. Parents, this is your cue to grab a cocktail, knowing your kids are in good hands.

Read More: Things To Do In Macau With Kids: Your Family Friendly Guide To Macau

5. Okinawa

The tropical paradise of Okinawa (a 2.5-hour direct flight away) is perfect for exploring on a road trip. Recently opened in July this year, Junglia Okinawa is high up on the family trip bucket list. Hunt for baby dinosaurs, or take to the skies in a hot-air balloon. For older kids (95cm and taller), an exhilarating dinosaur safari or a treetop-trekking escapade beckons. Whilst the kids have their fun, parents can take turns feeling brand new at the spa. Other things to do at Okinawa include watching whale sharks at the world-famous Churami Aquarium, visiting a native Okinawa village at the Ocean Expo, checking out the Nago Pineapple Park, and exploring the Nakijin Castle Ruins. For older kids, they might love a snorkelling trip at the Blue Cave.

Sassy Tip: Delight the kids with a trip to Blue Seal Ice Park. Go for the ice cream-making workshop, where the kids can design, make and of course eat their own ice cream! Afterwards, head to the nearby Urasoe Park to burn off the sugar rush at its large playground.

Plan a stay at Hotel Monterey Okinawa, which has a touch pool with sea creatures and a wave pool; The Busena Terrace, with its private beach and an indoor playroom; or Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort, which takes the cake with a megazip, snorkelling tours and a pool complete with water slides. If you have kids aged 6 to 12, check out the latter’s great Junior Rescue Course.

Bonus: Hong Kong Disney Resort

Truth be told, you don’t even have to leave the city at all. Hong Kong Disney Resort offers three Disney hotels to choose from. Hotel guests also get a dedicated entry lane into the park, which is a short 10-minute shuttle bus ride away. Plus, there’s afternoon tea and gift shops just a minute’s walk from your hotel room! We love that we don’t even have to leave the Disney bubble: there’s plenty to do here, with a whole line-up of paid and complimentary activities (hotel guests can enjoy any activities at any of the three hotels). For a special touch, we recommend splashing out on a Kingdom Club room at the Disneyland Hotel, where the family enjoy a special goodnight session with a Disney character dressed in their pyjamas.

Sassy Tip: For a fuss-free Momentous fireworks viewing experience, snag a seat at the Starliner Diner. Granted that you won’t be able to see the light projections on Main Street, but at least you won’t have to jostle with the crowds!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Hacking Hong Kong Disneyland: Tips Mamas Need to Know