Free Things To Do: Where To Take The Kids In July

Need to fill your summer days? There are a lot of free things to do around Hong Kong, so grab the fam and get moving!

School’s out, and like most parents you’re looking for something to do to fill all those summer days. Have no fear- we’re here with a list of free things to do with your family this July! From shows in the Dome of the Hong Kong Space Museum to carnivals and neon sports competitions, we’ve got your calendar covered.

Space Museum Exhibitions

Fresh off the back of its huge renovation, the Hong Kong Space Museum is back in business! With its newly furnished halls and displays, take your little astronauts on a trip to explore the mysteries of Outer Space. Its interactive exhibits will entertain for hours!

Where: Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission on Wednesdays, or $10 every other day (student tickets are only $5!). Closed on Tuesdays. More information here.

Space Museum Dome Shows

Also at the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Stanley Ho Space Theatre (better known as the dome shaped building next to the Harbour) is hosting two brand new, free shows! Featuring “Out There” and “Mayan Archaeoastrology”, the shows have a 135-person ticket capacity each, so be sure to arrive early to get a seat! “Out There” will introduce the search for stars and planets in the universe and take you on a journey through outer space. “Mayan Archaeoastrology” will have you exploring history through science and mythology surrounding one of human history’s most intelligent civilisations.

When: 3 July, “Out There”: 2pm to 2:30pm and 4pm to 4:30pm; “Mayan Archaeoastrology”: 3pm to 3:20pm and 5pm to 5:20pm
Where: Stanley Ho Space Theatre, Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: FREE! Or, catch other shows in the Space Museum for a little more moolah. Click here for more information on the free shows, or here for more information on ticketing for their regular shows.

M+ Pavilion Exhibits- “In Search of Southeast Asia Through the M+ Collections”

Trying to show your kids a little more culture? Explore the multitude of histories and identities in Southeast Asia through the work of renowned artists from the region. From visual art, design, architecture, and even short films, the exhibit will take you on a journey through our neighbouring countries and introduce you to the complex territory and its people.

When: 22 June- 30 September, everyday 11am to 6pm
Where: M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon District, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: FREE! More information here

Geocaching

If you’re willing to brave the heat and humidity, geocaching is a great way to get in some cardio as you get to know the city better. A treasure hunt of sorts, the goal of geocaching is to use GPS systems and clues provided to find the cache and leave their mark. It typically begins by finding a weatherproof container with a logbook inside. The searching party traditionally signs the book and returns to its hiding place. If your curious explorers are keen to try their navigational skills, the geocaching app, along with more information about the activity, can be found here. The hobby is made possible by a large, international community, many of whom participate in the forums and occasionally meet up to find caches together. For those interested in meeting part of the community, the meet-up on Friday the 13th is the perfect way to get to know a few new people and trade clues!

When: Learn how to get started here, and meet up with a few community members on Friday, 13 July at 7:13pm to 7:43pm
Where: Geocaching locations vary, meet-up is at Victoria Park
How much: It’s FREE! More information regarding the meet up here.

Read more: 50 Things To Do With Kids Before They Grow Up

Wish Carnival

For fun for the whole family this July, look to the Wish Carnival at the Central Harbourfront! The event will feature 40 stalls of engaging games, giant inflatables, and charity sales, as well as performances by a stand up comedian, Peppa Pig, and Star Wars characters. With a large variety of activities, including family yoga hosted by Nike, a magic show and a lucky draw, the carnival, hosted by the Make A Wish foundation, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Hong Kong.

When: Sunday, 8 July, 10am to 6pm
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Admission to the carnival is free, game cards for lucky draw are priced at $50 each, and donations will be accepted. All proceeds from game cards sales and donations go to the Make A Wish foundation to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. More information and game cards available here.

Crossfire Neon Sports Carnival

If a daytime carnival’s not enough adrenaline for you, Crossfire’s neon sports carnival has an overabundance to offer. Thirty-two teams will compete against each other in the three events for championship titles and medals, and of course, bragging rights! With events including lightsaber battles, dodgeball, and combat archery, in addition to booths offering up neon art and food and beverages, there’ll be no shortage of fun for the whole family. Spaces are limited so if you’re keen make sure to hurry towards the registration link!

When: Friday, 20 July to Monday, 23 July, games will take place 5pm to 9pm, lightsaber battle on Friday, 20 July, dodgeball on Saturday 21 July, and combat archery on Sunday 22 July

Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Admission is free! Ages 8 and up are eligible for registration, more information here.

Mums and Bubs Playgroup

If you’ve got younger kids and are looking to meet some new people, Lighthouse International Church is offering two weeks of free playgroup for little ones to learn and play. Mums and dads are encouraged to come socialize (and hopefully not spend all our time talking about our kiddos!).

When: Tuesday 24 July to Friday 27 July, and Tuesday 31 July to Friday 3 August, 10am to 12pm
Where: Lifehouse International Church, 11/F Win Century Centre, 2A Mong Kok Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
How much: Free! Attendance is flexible, more information here.

Picnic With the Orchestra

Come enjoy the weather with a picnic at the Central Harbourfront and live orchestral music! With small group parades, percussion and puppet workshops, and giant inflatable play facilities, the event is bound to delight every member of the family. Featuring the 50-piece Ponte Orchestra, and offeringdelicious English-style high tea and cocktails from various F&B stalls, Picnic With the Orchestra is the perfect way to kick back and relax with your family this July.

When: Sunday, 29 July 9am to 11pm, English High Tea from 2pm to 8pm by reservation, concert from 6pm to 8:30pm
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Admission is free! Spending at F&B stalls is up to you, or you can pack your own picnic! Event listing here, and more information here.