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

 Budget-friendly events and activities for the whole family.

The holidays are drawing to a close and our wallets might seem a little lighter, but there’s still plenty left to do in Hong Kong on a budget. From street markets to charity fairs, Freespace Happening, art shows and more, here’s where to take the kids for free in January!

Read more: Family-Friendly Guide To Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark

Good Times Small Print Show
Looking to introduce more art into your child’s life? In celebration of ODD ONE OUT’s sixth anniversary, the art gallery is hosting an exhibition featuring brand new small illustrated prints. Head to Wan Chai to browse the “Good Times” collection, with work from 20 illustrators and artists, as well as the various small books, zines, calendars, posters, activity books, cards and stickers on sale!

When: Now until Sunday, 6 January, opening hours here.
Where: ODD ONE OUT, G/F, 14 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How Much: Free admission – prints are on sale for $350

Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival’s International Light Art Display
In addition to our daily dazzling ‘Symphony of Lights’, the Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival will be adding seven new pieces to its November launched International Light Art Display. Selected from local and overseas artists, these installations are interactive and Insta-worthy, making the lit-up harbourfront the perfect fuss-free place to take the kids to entertain! You can find details of the exhibition here.

When: Now until Sunday, 24 February, new exhibition displays from Friday, 18 January, 5 to 11pm
Where: Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free

Tong Chong Street Market
This winter (January to February) edition of the Tong Chong Street Market will be focusing on healthy eating, promising you the best vegan items and plant-based diet picks. Head to Taikoo Place for fresh farmers’ produce, cooking tips talks, creative dishes and the latest food and beverage trends. With over 40 stalls helmed by the region’s culinary trailblazers, incredible street food, games and performances, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

When: Every Sunday in January (6, 13, 20, 27) and February, 10 and 17, 11am to 5pm
Where: Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Discovery Bay Sunday Market
Organised by Handmade Hong Kong, this Sunday market showcases independent crafters, artists, designers and small business owners. Head to Discovery Bay to browse and enjoy DIY designs, crafts, and a small traders’ market featuring vintage clothes, ceramics, eco-friendly stationery, and other goods. Dine at one of the designated D’Deck restaurants and enjoy a free ferry ride back to Central!

When: Sunday, 13 January, 11am to 6pm
Where: Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Freespace Happening
Wrap up and start off the new year at Freespace Happening! Head to West Kowloon Art Park for local and international music acts, dance performances, creative craft workshops and more. We’re keeping our eyes on the sustainable eating sessions with presents and games to help you and your little ones learn more about food, as well as features from the House of Hong Kong Literature, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, and LAP Lifelong Animal Protection Charity.

When: Sunday, 13 January, 2pm to 7:15pm
Where: West Kowloon Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How Much: Free admission

Kids’ Gallery Open Day (Causeway Bay)
Join Kid’s Gallery for a fun and educational afternoon at its brand new Causeway Bay centre! Take a tour of the campus, meet passionate teachers and take part in free demo classes. Your little ones (6 years and over) can audition for Kids’ Gallery annual performances on the day, get their face painted, take part in games and win free gifts and prizes. Don’t miss the opportunity to get some special discounts too!

When: Sunday, 13 January, 2pm to 6pm
Where: Kids’ Gallery Causeway Bay, 15A Matheson Street, Causeway Bay (Exit A, Times Square), Hong Kong
How Much: Free admission – register here.

Mighty Oaks Green Charity Fair
Mighty Oaks International Nursery and Kindergarten is hosting a charity fair featuring ‘green vendors’ from all over Hong Kong. For every dollar you do spend, Mighty Oaks will match it and donate to Against Child Abuse Hong Kong. Activities include MAMASMART’s books and toys swap, Green Monday’s “Piggy’s New Life” story workshop, a fertility seminar ($50) by Dr. Katherine Dale, free eye check-ups, game booths and more! Check out the Facebook event for updates and details, and don’t forget to register.

When: Saturday, 19 January, 10:30am to 4pm
Where: Mighty Oaks International Nursery and Kindergarten, 1/F, 46A Belchers Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission – register here.

Hong Kong Sports Institute Open Day 2019
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with some of Hong Kong’s elite athletes, and a chance to get you and the family in on the action. Head to the Hong Kong Sports Institute to meet and greet athletes and coaches, watch martial arts demonstrations, and take part in fitness tests and sports tryouts! Check out the (tentative) programme here and make sure to register.

When: Sunday, 20 January, 12pm to 6pm
Where: Hong Kong Sports Institute, 25 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission – register here.

Safari Kid Hong Kong Open Day
Safari Kid Hong Kong International Kindergarten and Nursery is hosting an open house at its Pok Fu Lam centre this month. This is the perfect chance to check out its campus and bilingual curriculum! Activities include free 30-minute toddler trial sessions (for children aged between 12 months and 2 and a half years), arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle and playground area! Don’t forget to grab a free gift bag. Reserve your free ticket here.

When: Saturday, 26 January, 10am to 12pm
Where: Safari Kid International Kindergarten Pok Fu Lam, L101 Chi Fu Landmark, Chi Fu Fa Yuen, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
How much: Free admission – reserve a place here.
Contact: 2177 0001, [email protected]