Want a fuss-free dining experience out with the kids this weekend? From restaurants with dedicated play areas to pizza-making workshops to keep them busy, here are the top family-approved spots in Hong Kong to try now.
These restaurants promise that families come first in their concepts and designs, from the dedicated play spaces to having access to kids’ activities and toys, and children’s menus. The kids-first ethos ensures that your little ones will never get bored! Plus, it makes the dining experience a little bit easier for the adults, who can relax while their kids make the most out of the facilities.
Possibly one of the most family-friendly dining spots in Hong Kong, Jello & Mellow is an immersive, multifunctional cafe and playroom in Quarry Bay. This kids’ haven, inspired by simple and clean Nordic interiors, has an interactive indoor playroom dubbed ‘Fort Jiggle’ with a slide that leads straight into a Maltesers-themed ball pit. Order from the cute food and drinks menu which boasts unique features like drinks with eyeballs on them. There’s also a Positivi-tea Room, where creative workshops take place, a Jello Kitchen where adults can grab a coffee, and a designated breastfeeding and diaper changing room called Mama Mia, making it a one-stop destination for all parents and kids’ needs.
Enjoy some fun in the sun with the family at Cafe Roma, a beachfront alfresco restaurant, celebrating the beauty of Italian group gatherings. Located in Ma Wan, this venue boasts sea views and access to the beach. Complimentary kids’ activities include storybooks and a picture book collection, colouring sets, and even more toys, to keep the little ones occupied all day long. This spot also encourages creativity with kids’ pizza workshops available on specific dates, allowing families to design and create their own cheesy delights.
With slides, ball pits, faux cooking stations, dollhouses, a rock climbing station, dress-up closet, and much more, Mr Tree promises plenty of family-friendly fun. Hailing from Taiwan, this popular indoor playhouse features a kids’ menu, high chairs, and is stroller-accessible, making it a fuss-free option for parents. With locations in both Causeway Bay and Lai Chi Kok, parents can explore both venues at their own leisure. The dining area is separate from the play area, though they are next to each other.
Designed as a ‘kids’ utopia’, Origami Kids Cafe is not only a wonderful place for families but also an ideal venue for hosting birthday parties. Located on the rooftop of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the space is an educational and interactive playground with indoor and outdoor rooms, providing a variety of options for celebrating special occasions. There is an indoor sandpit, a reading corner, wooden jungle gym and much more. The food concept is creative Chinese fusion food with finger foods like chicken wings and okra sticks.
If you’re looking for something that is family-friendly, without needing to be completely integrated with children’s play areas, these venues offer a good balance of incredible food and cool interiors with unique children-forward vibes and a good attitude on hand. Expect fun for the whole family — and some delicious food — with these one-stop restaurants. Parents can mingle with their friends while their kids keep themselves busy with the space's themed things to do.
Forget phones and iPads for the kids – how about dining with the backdrop of Hong Kong’s largest aquarium restaurant? Neptune’s Restaurant at Ocean Park Hong Kong invites guests to enjoy contemporary Chinese cuisine while marvelling at the magnificent coral reef and deep-sea creatures from the comfort of their dining table. Kids can watch and spot their favourite marine animals – from a collection of over 5,000 fish and 400 species – swimming by as they eat, and it’s the perfect break while playing at the theme park.
Playing with your food isn’t typically encouraged for kids, but at this quirky dim sum spot, that’s what it’s all about. A visitor favourite in Hong Kong, Yum Cha boasts iterations of the bite-sized delights that you can squeeze, poke and jab at. The dishes have eyeballs, ears and hair - making them almost too cute to eat.
Kids love the beach, meaning Bathers in Lantau is always a hit for families. Whether you’re stopping for breakfast by the ocean or evening cocktails, this Western restaurant is the perfect pit stop before or after going for a swim. Kids can even play by the beach while their parents watch over them from the restaurant. There’s also a kids’ menu available.
Does any kid not love dessert? Head to Dazzling Cafe in Tsim Sha Tsui to fulfill sweet tooth cravings in a picturesque setting. The desserts are as delicious as they are gorgeous to look at, and fresh fruits will help round out everyone’s five-a-day. Their pretty decorations and food presentations will have your kids jumping up and down with joy.
With its generous portion sizes and friendly service, Oolaa is always a hot choice among families, with many people bringing their kids along, especially on weekends. There are five locations to choose from, including the Tseung Kwan O branch which boasts an al-fresco area, so kids can play outside safely, while parents can keep a close eye. If you do indeed opt for Tseung Kwan O, there are plenty of biking rental spots nearby and families can walk or cycle along the waterfront promenade after a meal.