Free Things To Do: Where To Take The Kids In August 2018

Budget-friendly things to do in August for the whole family!

Having a family doesn’t mean you need to compromise on fun, especially if you want to enjoy life on a budget. And luckily, there are a number of budget-friendly activities happening here in our wonderful city this month. From SummerFest 2018, to various food, art, music events and markets, and uniquely special Hong Kong must-dos, there are loads of events to enjoy quality time with your loved ones this summer. Check out our list of free things to do with the entire family this August. Enjoy and stay cool out there!

Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts

If you haven’t had the chance to check out Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, now is a great time to visit!  There are plenty of free events this coming month to enjoy with the family. Not only can you stroll along the grounds and learn about the recently restored historic central police station, you can check out some of the free contemporary and performance art exhibits and programmes dedicated to inspiring Hong Kong! Tai Kwun also has many dining and retail shops to visit at your leisure, so check out our Tai Kwun Guide: Where to Eat & Drink in The Newly Opened Heritage and Arts Centre. Below are our recommendations for some of the awesome events featured at Tai Kwun!

SUNDAY MOVIE
Join the outdoor “Sunday Movie Series” event happening every Sunday at the Laundry Steps. This collaboration with Hong Kong International Film Festival and won’t disappoint. Its August films include Ms Hokusai, Loving Vincent, Window Horses, World Animation Shorts Compilation II.

When: Every Sunday from 11am to 3pm
Where: Tai Kwun, Laundry Steps, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

PUBLIC ART
Dedicated to five local and international artists who have created artworks for the public to enjoy, go check out the exhibitions happening at Tai Kwun. Get more info on the artists here.

When: Daily from 11am to 11pm
Where:Tai Kwun, Prison Yard, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

SATURDAY MUSIC PLATFORM
Enjoy some of the very special music platforms selected for everyone to enjoy on the first Saturday of every month. In August you can enjoy the music styling from Connet, Multi Sax, and Bohemian Impact. For more information on these bands have a look here.

When: The first Saturday of every month, 4pm to 6pm
Where:Tai Kwun, Laundry Steps, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

SummerFest 2018, Central Harbourfront

SummerFest has a wide array of activities this month for the whole family – even teens! –  to enjoy! Check out the “illuminate!” art installation, XXL Playground, as well as the other park facilities and garden games this month. Every weekend features planned free events and activities for the public to enjoy as well. Have a look at the special events calendar for more info here. Until then, here are some of our favourite events and activities taking place at SummerFest below!

When: Now until Sunday, 26 August, Monday through Friday from 3pm to 9pm; Saturday and Sunday: check the special event schedule here for activities and timings.
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong www.summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk
How much: FREE!

XXL Playground
​The XXL Playground consists of inflatable games for the kiddies to enjoy such as “Twist Your Body”, “Attack on Bowling”, “Kick Shot”, “Dart Ball Hero”, and “Basket Tall”. Get your selfies on with the “illuminate!”, an outdoor park radiating with innovative lighting effects, and don’t miss the interactive art show, or the pinwheel garden.

When: Now until Sunday, 26 August
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

Sassy Mama Tip: The playground is closed on the following dates: Sunday, 19 August, Saturday, 25 August and Sunday, 26 August

World Helicopter Day
During World Helicopter Day you can view 10 types of spectacular helicopters and interact with various pilots about aviation and their exciting adventures!

When: Sunday, 19 August, 10:30am to 1:30pm (last admission time on the day is 1pm)
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

Think of a Market
Think of a Market features acclaimed and brilliant designers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. You’ll have a chance to snag some awesome products including handicrafts and lifestyle items. With great music and delicious gourmet foods as well, we think this is a fab day out!

When: Saturday, 25 August, 1pm to 9pm
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

Food Carnival
The Food Carnival at SummerFest allows you to participate in the cooking through this collaborative and learning event. You will be able to experience interactive games throughout the day. The intention is to help us understand how to “save & share”. This event is dedicated to bringing awareness to people in need.

When: Sunday, 12 August, 11am to 6pm
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

A Symphony of Lights x Hong Kong Pulse Light Show 2018

One of the most spectacular Hong Kong experiences is witnessing the Symphony of Lights at Victoria Harbour. This signature show lights up the night sky and gives you a new-found love for our amazing city. In 2017 a new aspect to the show was added bringing us a soundtrack performed by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, making the Hong Kong skyline an “audio-visual feast”. Best spot to check out the show is at the harbourfront near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in TST, or near Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Not able to get to these prime spots? Simply download the show’s mobile app to tune in to the music anywhere in Hong Kong!

When: Now until Sunday, 26 August, 8pm nightly
Where: Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon harbourfront
How much: FREE!

Sassy Mama Tip: If you are looking for a fun boat tour of the lights check out these harbour cruises and get sailing (costing for these vary)!

Discovery Bay Sunday Market 2018

A must-visit is the family-friendly Discovery Bay Sunday Market happening mid-August. This market is unique and special because it focuses on handmade goods and neighbourly love! The attention to community and promotion of ethical consumerism is perfect for a family outing while participating in a bigger message. Happy shopping!

When: Sunday, 12 August, 11am to 6pm
Where: Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong, see map here
How much: FREE!

WOW Summer

PMQ has a number of activities going on this summer, and one that has us excited is Wow Summer. Partnering with creative teams in Hong Kong, PMQ is bringing a wave of creative activities for your kids and teenagers. The focus will be on building skills relating to design and creating, while helping their creative instincts blossom through play.

When: Friday, 10 August to Sunday, 12 August, 12pm to 8:00pm; Friday, 17 August to Sunday, 19 August, 12pm to 8:00pm; Friday, 24 August to Sunday, 26 August, 12pm to 8:00pm
Where: PMQ, S614, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!

Read more: Best Hong Kong Themed Gifts For Family And Friends

WOW Summer Camp

If your budget doesn’t allow you to enrol your child in summer camp, a good option might be WOW Summer Camp. Although these programmes require a $300 dollar deposit, it’s fully refunded when the programme finishes. Seats are limited and are first come first serve. Get more information below on the two different programmes WOW Summer Camp offers.

For primary school aged children:
When: Friday, 24 August, check out the timetable here.
Where: PMQ, S614, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE! ($300 refundable deposit)

For secondary school aged children:
When: Wednesday, 1 August to Saturday, 18 August, check out the timetable here.
Where: PMQ, S614, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: FREE! ($300 refundable deposit)

Need a longer camp? Read more: Summer Camps 2018: Sassy Mama’s Ultimate Guide

Summer Wellness Farmers Market, Roof Top Republic

Check out the amazing urban rooftop garden located at Metroplaza run by Roof Top Republic! It’s hosting the Sumer Wellness Farmers Market in collaboration with Metroplaza this August. Showcasing organic produce, a range of health and wellness brands, and plenty of delicious eats, there will also be conscious workshops and events designed to inspire green living. Check out the schedule here to get involved.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday until, 26 August
Where: L5 Sky Garden, Metroplaza, 223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong
How much: FREE!