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Quality family time combined with an educational experience? Yes, please! Kids will love these museums in Hong Kong, exploring everything from the city’s heritage, science, art and more.
While we like getting outdoors with the kids – be it parks and playgrounds, family-friendly hikes or a dip in the pool – museums in Hong Kong are fun and educational for the whole family (plus, they make a good rainy day activity). There isn’t a shortage here when it comes to culture, art and history. Many of these great museums have minimal entry fees (in fact, lots are free!) and can be visited time and time again. Spend a morning looking at the “Hall of Cosmos” at the Hong Kong Space Museum, or check out the Children’s Discovery Gallery in the Heritage Museum (they have eight play zones!). Wander down the streets of old Hong Kong at the History Museum or learn about pirates at the Maritime Museum. We’re sure your kids won’t want to leave, so check out our list of favourite museums in Hong Kong.
Editor’s Note: The situation in Hong Kong regarding closures and restrictions on opening hours due to the coronavirus is constantly evolving. Please make sure you follow the latest government advice and stay home if you have recently travelled overseas, have interacted with anyone who has been away, or display any symptoms. Keep up to date with the latest Hong Kong COVID-19 news to avoid disappointment.
Read more: 50 Things To Do With Kids In Hong Kong
Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) has finally opened its doors, in time for the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. This hotly anticipated new museum is great for kids to learn about Chinese culture and history. Not only is this a great space for kids to explore but the building itself is a magnificent statement on the landscape. There are nine initial exhibitions to visit including: Entering the Forbidden City, Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, Contemporary Design and Traditional Crafts and more. Look out for baby care facilities on the LG/F and 4/F. You can also rent pushchairs if needed.
How much: General admission is $50/adults, $25/concessions (including children aged 7 to 11), children 6 and under are free; Special Exhibition tickets are $160/adults and $60/concessions. Book online in advance.
Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays: 10am to 6pm; Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays: 10am to 8pm; Closed Tuesdays (except for public holidays) and the first and second days of the Lunar New Year.
Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), West Kowloon Cultural District, Yau Ma Tei, West Kowloon Nursery Park, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.hkpm.org.hk
Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum
Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, is a household name and history nuts will love the exhibitions this museum has to offer. Spend time seeing what Hong Kong was like in Dr Sun Yat-sen’s time or see the timeline of his revolutionary campaign as he travelled abroad. You’ll feel like you’ve travelled a decade back with the scene-setting, historical photographs and artefacts. The building itself is beautiful and a stunning example of the mansions that used to dominate Mid-Levels.
How much: Free
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 6pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm;
Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year.
Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, Kom Tong Hall, 7 Castle Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2367 6373, www.hk.drsunyatsen.museum
Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum
The Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum is, as the name suggests, entirely devoted to inspiring inquisitive young minds. There are over 40 customised exhibits, each with an educational focus. Your little ones are encouraged to be hands-on (no “do not touch” signs here!) and will be having so much fun they’ll hardly realise they’re learning about maths, STEM, language and literacy.
How much: $70 for a one hour session and $40 for 30 minutes on weekdays; $90 for a one hour session and $50 for 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10:30am to 5:00pm
Hong Kong Children’s Discovery Museum, G/F, Island Residence, 163 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong,9845 5272, info@childrensdiscoverymuseum.hk, www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.hk
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Hong Kong Heritage Museum
This family-friendly museum is a delight for kids with plenty to see and do. You’ll likely spend most of your time in the Children’s Discovery Gallery on the ground floor. It’s split into different areas each designed to teach kids about Hong Kong’s heritage. There’s a reconstruction of the Mai Po Marshes wetland area where kids can sort fish from shrimps, build birds that inhabit this area, wear masks of different animals looking through their eyes to see what they see; and listen to the sound of Egret birds to name a few delights. Then there’s the Archaeology section where kids can restore broken pots; draw on transparencies and place them on a projector to decorate their own ceramic pot and The New Territories Village zone with its reconstructed dwelling.
How much: Free
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 6pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm;
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2180 8188, hkhm@lcsd.gov.hk, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk
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Hong Kong Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is sure to be a big hit among boat-lovin’ kids! You’ll have the chance to learn about sea bandits and water sports, as well as being able to dabble in the history of Hong Kong with the creation of Victoria Harbour. The exhibitions are very varied, ranging from Sounds of the Sea to the China trade. Find out how archaeologists excavate old wrecked ships using state of the art technology! Be sure to stop for a coffee or lunch at Cafe 8 on the rooftop as well.
How much: $30 for adults, $15 for seniors, disabled and children under 18 years
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 5:30pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm;
Closed on the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Ferry Pier No. 8, Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3713 2500, info@hkmaritimemuseum.org, www.hkmaritimemuseum.org
Hong Kong Museum Of Art
After being closed for several years for renovations, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is back and better than ever in its prime position on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. There are galleries galore including the “Ordinary to Extraordinary” and a fantastic collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy. Guided tours are free of charge, run on a first-come, first-served basis (be sure to check the online schedule which is updated regularly). If you still aren’t up for venturing out of the house, check out Virtually@HKMoA from the comfort of home.
How much: Standard ticket – $10, free on Wednesdays
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 6pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm;
Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Museum Of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2721 0116, hkmoa_enquiries@lcsd.gov.hk, www.hk.art.museum
Hong Kong Museum Of History
The History Museum’s permanent exhibition, Hong Kong Story is a must-see. Hong Kong’s history and development has been researched, collected and preserved in eight different galleries. With special audio-visual and lighting effects, your little ones will love seeing how the city has changed. Starting from the Devonian period (400 million years ago!) and ending with the reunification of Hong Kong with China in 1997 (with folk culture, colonial history, the Japanese occupation and the growth of the city in between), Hong Kong Story brings its viewers a comprehensive guide on all things Hong Kong and history related.
How much: Free
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 6pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm;
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong History Museum, 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2724 9042, hkmh@lcsd.gov.hk, www.hk.history.museum
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Hong Kong Railway Museum
It’s hard to find a kid (big or small) who doesn’t get a little excited about trains! At the Hong Kong Railway Museum, little tykes can explore the old Tai Po Market Railway Station that was built in 1913. With the MTR being an essential part of our daily life, it’s well worth the trip to Tai Po to learn a little more about Hong Kong’s past and present train models. The six historical coaches are sure to be a huge hit! The education corner has interactive displays as well as detailed plans for future MTR extensions. We say it’s time to hop on a train now and make tracks to Tai Po!
How much: Free
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm;
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Railway Museum, 13 Shung Tak St, Tai Po, Hong Kong, 2653 3455, hkrm@lcsd.gov.hk, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk
Hong Kong Science Museum
The Hong Kong Science Museum is one of the best museums in Hong Kong for kids and families. It’s all about spreading information on science, technology and astronomy with its stimulating exhibitions. It also features achievements from Asian scientists and astronomers. The 3/F Exhibition Hall houses the Children’s Gallery which includes the Big Kids’ Worksite, Time Tower and Hidden Animals exhibits. Your kids will have to use teamwork and imagination skills to work together to complete the fun missions. Be sure to make time for the regular science demonstrations throughout the day (just check the schedule as you enter).
How much: Standard: $20; Group ticket: $14; Concessionary ticket: $10; Free for children under four years accompanied by an adult with a ticket, for full-time students and on Wednesdays.
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 7pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 9pm;
Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2732 3232, www.hk.science.museum
Read More: 6 Easy Home Science Experiments To Do With Kids
Hong Kong Space Museum
This recognisable domed structure houses the museum of astronomy, the “Hall of the Cosmos” and “Hall of Space Exhibition” where kids can learn about the evolution of the universe, space exploration and the solar system. After exploring the museum, enjoy one of the multi-lingual shows at the Stanley Ho Space Theatre, which is a cinema experience unlike any other (kids under 3 are not allowed). All the exhibitions are highly interactive and perfect for kids.
How much: Exhibition Halls – standard entry $10, free for kids under four and full-time students, and free on Wednesdays; Stanly Ho Space Theatre – $24 front stalls; $32 back stalls (not suitable for children under three)
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12pm to 8:45pm;
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 9pm;
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2721 0226, hkspm@lcsd.gov.hk, www.lcsd.gov.hk
Hong Kong House Of Stories
You’ll find the House Of Stories in Wan Chai’s famous Blue House. Intent on bringing Hong Kong’s culture and community to the public, the House of Stories is just right for a small family outing. There are two parts to it; one part for the exhibitions and another for the handicraft area. Kids can choose which part of the museum they’d rather devote their time to. We recommend the arts and crafts area for those sentimentalists who want to make their own souvenirs to take home.
How much: Free (depends on event/exhibition)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm;
Closed every Wednesday, some public holidays and on the first three days of Chinese New Year
Hong Kong House of Stories, 4 Hing Wan Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2833 4608, hos@sjs.org.hk, www.houseofstories.sjs.org.hk
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M+ Museum
With a highly anticipated opening on November 2021, M+ Museum is the hub for a cultural fix. The museum is massive – encompassing a total of 65,000-square-metre – and has 33 galleries holding more than a 1,000 art works. Most of the exhibitions explore the different contexts that have shaped arts and culture in Hong Kong, Greater China, Asia, and beyond. There are rotating exhibitions and cinema screening and there are a few restaurants and cafes to stop by for nibbles (the tired and hungry little ones will love it!). Don’t forget to stop by the M+ Shop for unique toys, affordable art, apparel by local designers and more.
How much: Free (only for 12 months from museum opening)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, weekends, and public holidays: 10am to 8pm;
Fridays: 10am to 10pm; closed on Mondays.
M+ Museum, 38 Museum Drive, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong, www.mplus.org.hk
Metropolis Museum
The Metropolis Museum opened in Hong Kong with a mission to promote classical Western art and make it more accessible to children and their parents. The sprawling space makes it the ideal centre to focus on subjects such as Arts, Biology and Nature, Culture and Language, as well as Playgroups and Field Trips for kids of different ages. It offers everything from storytelling to art workshops, developing inquisitive minds, critical thinking and a high EQ.
Metropolis Museum, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, 9161 2105, info@hk-mm.com, www.metropolismuseum.com
Tai Kwun
While not a museum in the strictest sense of the word, we love the combination of historical exhibits, heritage and contemporary art at Tai Kwun. With over 170 years of history, it is so easy to step back in time as you explore the old Central Police Station and prison. There are free tours, interactive displays and you can even peek inside the old jail cells. Always check the website for the latest exhibition and events in town.
How much: Free, although some exhibitions may have an entry fee
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm every day; visitors centre 10am to 8pm
Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 3559 2600, www.taikwun.hk
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The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence (HKMCD)
The museum has been shut since severe damages from Typhoon Mangkhut and has finally reopened its door on Friday, 24 November, 2022. There are plenty of interactive features including the Lyemun Fort Historical Trail, which not only gets us on our feet under the sun but walks us through war relics frozen in time, the kids will absolutely love exploring the paths most of us have never seen before.
How much: Free
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday; 10am to 5pm
The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong, 2569 1500, www.hk.coastaldefence.museum
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2017 by Crystal Lau, updated in September 2020 by Jess Mizzi, updated in April 2022 by Fashila Kanakka, and most recently in June 2022.
