Sassy Mama Family Field Trips: Snoopy’s World, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong

Even though it’s been there for over ten years, not many people know about Snoopy’s World, hidden away inside New Town Plaza in the heart of Shatin. This theme park is a popular destination for fans of Charles M. Schulz’s famous Peanuts cartoon strip, but is also a hit for families living in the New Territories because of the colourful, oversized figurines (over 60 of them!) that makes it a little different to the usual children’s play areas. There’s also a relaxing and fun boat ride with Snoopy and his friends – and who wouldn’t say no to a boat ride in the summer?

You can spot the world’s largest Snoopy lying on top of his doghouse from afar, and this also happens to be the entrance to the park. Inside the kennel, snap a photo with Charlie Brown as he watches TV, or catch Lucy cooking up a storm.

Once inside, the park opens up into a huge outdoor area with five main attractions. The Baseball Playground, shaped exactly like a playing field is perfect for some home runs. The big yellow school bus in the School Plaza is exciting for little ones to clamber in and out. Peanuts Boulevard and Snoopy Wedding House are designed for the die-hard fans to snap photos, but of course that doesn’t stop the kids from running around the colourful buildings and figurines! Last but not least, don’t miss the Canoe Ride with Snoopy and his friends through different themed scenes like space, Halloween and even a (non-scary!) war zone!

Hits: Completely free entry, which makes this a great outing for a big family with easy access from Shatin MTR station. Good for a play break during family shopping trips in New Town Plaza. A family-friendly area with stroller access, loads of benches for the parents and a large open play area with climbing frame for kids to run about. The figures and the park overall are really fun and beautifully presented; for first-timers, it’s really quite a sight! Open 7 days a week (weather permitting, of course!) and not too crowded on weekdays. Although there are no toilets inside the park itself, the mall toilets with changing facilities are thankfully close by. Finally, we were very impressed by the mosquito-catching machines here, meaning kids can run free in the open air, safe from horrid mozzie bites (other Hong Kong attractions, take note!)

Misses: Even though it’s described as a theme park, it really isn’t all that big, meaning that it can be crowded at weekends and your visit is unlikely to last more that an hour or two (depending on how long the queue is for the canoe ride!) The canoe ride itself only lasts for about a minute and a half, which can be frustrating after all that time in the queue!

Need to know before you go: Check the weather before you head there, and try to avoid the weekend crowds.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm.

Cost: Absolutely free!

Age range: Suitable for all ages (if you’re a Peanuts fan!), but probably most appropriate for younger kids.

How to get there: Take the East Railway line to Shatin MTR station and take Exit A. Walk through New Town Plaza mall, head out of the glass doors (past Zara) and you’re there!

Snoopy’s World
http://www.newtownplaza.com.hk/eng/snoopy_world.html
Address: New Town Plaza, Shatin Centre Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Tel: +(852) 2608 9329