Dad’s big day is nearly here (psst: it’s Sunday, June 17 this year), and to help you plan a fun-filled day that shows him how much you care, we’ve pulled together some top picks for a family meal out, plus a few fun family ‘field trips’ to get you and yours out n’ about and spending the day together.
DO + GO
Looking for a little family-friendly field trip to enjoy over Father’s Day weekend? Look no further…
CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ls_watersport.php
Located within the Sai Kung Country Park, the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre and its vast artificial lake is popular for its windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking facilities, not to mention its magnificent views of the countryside. If you want to windsurf or sail you need to know what you’re doing, but for novices there are also sampan rowing, paddle boats and canoes. On land there’s lots to do as well, with an archery range, a basketball court, a multi-purpose lawn area, a volleyball field, a campfire site, and a barbecue site.
DISNEY’S INSPIRATION LAKE
Hong Kong Disneyland offers way more than just the theme park. In fact, there are loads of great recreational spots to explore. One of our faves is Inspiration Lake where you can rent pedal boats and surrey bikes every day from 10:00am – 5:00pm. And the nearby Arboretum is a perfect spot for a family picnic. Get more info on these fun ‘alternative’ Disneyland offerings here.
RACING FUN AT BABYCENTRAL WITH SIDEWAYS DRIVING CLUB
Baby Central: 7th Floor, BT Centre, 23 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2553 8000
On Saturday (16 June), Baby Central is hosting a speed-themed day complete with F1 simulators and a showing of Disney/Pixar’s Cars. Book a spot for your racing team (Dad plus 1 child over 8 years old is HK$100 including coffee/tee and a juice) by calling the folks at Baby Central or emailing them at [email protected].
SHENZHEN SAFARI PARK
http://www.szzoo.net/English1.asp
Just north of Shenzhen on the bank of the beautiful Xili Lake is the Shenzhen Safari Park. The first to uncage animals in China, here you’ll find 300 different breeds of animals, including rare and protected species such as pandas, giraffes, Asian elephants, Siberian tigers and more.
TOWNGAS FATHER’S DAY COOKING CLASSES
www.towngascooking.com
Basement, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2576 1535
For Dads with a culinary streak, sign up for one of the Father’s Day cooking classes at Towngas Cooking Cente. Learn more here.
WAKEBOARDING
www.wakeboard.com.hk
Channel the X Games with your little daredevils and call these guys to book a boat and coach for a day of (extreme) fun on the water.
For something a little more low-key, why not HIT THE TRAILS or enjoy a FAMILY BBQ in one of HK’s gorgeous country parks? Check out our picks for the best family hikes in Hong Kong and top spots for BBQing.
EAT
Here’s a look at a few of our favourite family-friendly spots to grab a bite, many of which have great Father’s Day menus and specials.
208 DUECENTO OTTO
www.208.com.hk
208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2549 0208
Email: [email protected]
One of our favorite family-friendly restaurants in town, 208 Duecento Otto is always a winner for a meal out with the kids. And their kids’ corner during weekend brunch can let you and Hubby sit back and (gasp) actually eat.
ASSAGGIO TRATTORIA ITALIANA
www.assaggio.hk
6/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wanchai
Tel: (852) 2877 3999
The Italians have long focused on the importance of a strengthening family ties over a hearty meal. So it seems apropos that Assiaggio Trattoria Italiana is serving up an authentic Italian buffet and set dinner to honour daddy dearest.
FOGO SAMBA
www.fogosamba.com
Grand Canal Shoppes, Shop 2412, The Venetian Macau Resort and Hotel, Macau
Tel: (853) 2882 8499
Headed to Macau for the weekend by chance? Hit up the Father’s Day lunch at Fogo Samba along the Venetian’s Grand Canal for tasty Brazilian churrascaria (grilled meats), a manly meal if we ever there was one.
FRITES
www.conceptcreations.hk
Central: Shop 1&2, 1/F Queen’s Place, 74 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong / Tel: (852) 2179 5179
Quarry Bay: G/F Oxford House, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Island East, Hong Kong / Tel: (852) 2250 5188
Wanchai: Shop 6, 1/F Causeway Centre, No.28 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong / Tel: (852) 2877 2422
A hearty meal, a great Belgian beer, and free giftie for Dad (shh: it’s cufflinks and a tie) make Frites a no-brainer for a Father’s Day lunch on Sunday.
GRAND CENTRAL BAR & GRILL
www.grandcentralhk.com
3/F & Roof, Civic Square, Elements, 1 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: (852) 2736 4888
The brunch here is always a super value (starts at only HK$78!) and offers up all your favourites, plus they serve breakfast all day.
THE GRAND HYATT HONG KONG
www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2584 7722
Here you’ll find all their restaurants have something special going on just for Dad – brunches, teas, dinner buffets. The range of cuisines is equally as diverse, from traditional home-style Cantonese cuisine, to Italian dishes and Japanese delights. And at the Steakhouse Hubby can pay a visit to their cigar room.
LILY & BLOOM
www.lily-bloom.com
5/F & 6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central
Tel: (852) 2810 6166
Email: [email protected]
Lily & Bloom is one of our regular stand-bys when it comes to weekend family brunch spots, and Father’s Day they’re offering up a super brunch deal that includes their yummy appetizer buffet, a main course and the dessert buffet. Kids under 4 can dine for free with the kids menu, and for HK$100 more you can get an unlimited flow of Bellinis or Bloody Marys (yippee!).
THE MIRA HOTEL
www.themirahotel.com
118 Nathan Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2368 1111
Email: [email protected]
Another top spot with loads of Father’s Day specials at each of their restaurants. Get the full scoop on their offerings here, including a Sunday champagne brunch, special menus for a date night dinner, and a sweet Dad’s Tea Party at Coco.
AND FOR SOMETHING SWEET
CHOCOLATIER AT THE GRAND HYATT HONG KONG
www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2588 1234, Extension 7298
Grand Hyatt Executive Pastry Chef David White is whipping up a special cake just for Dad’s special day. Made to resemble a cigar, the aptly named “Dad’s Cigar” cake is made with milk chocolate and passion fruit mousse and can be completed with your own personal message. Available from 10-17 June and orders must be made at least day in advance.
MS B’S CAKERY
www.msbscakery.hk
39 Gough Street, Central
Tel: (852) 2815 8303
Email: [email protected]
Ms B’s CAKERY, the sweet venture of Hong Kong style icon Bonnie Gokson, will be serving up two decadently mouth-watering cakes to celebrate Father’s Day, both made with only natural ingredients. Choose from a decadent chocolate cappuccino crunch cake or an elegant fresh fruits and rainbow multi-chiffon cake. Note that orders need to be made 2 days in advance.
SWEET SECRETS
www.sweetsecrets.com.hk
G/F, 35 Graham Street, Central / Tel: (852) 2545 8886 / (852) 2575 6885
G/F, 28B Canal Road, Causeway Bay / Tel: (852) 2575 6228
Email: [email protected]
The tasty treets from Sweet Secrets are no secret, but their mini cupcake gift box just for Father’s Day might be.