Kids and Family in Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong with children can certainly seem like a daunting enterprise. The city brings to mind images of hurried businesspeople, crowded subways and tall buildings, and it may initially seem like a nightmare to bring little ones to such a hectic place.

That said, Hong Kong can be an extremely friendly and safe place to raise a family. While expat life in Hong Kong can be frenzied, foreigners will be pleasantly surprised by how kindly their children are treated. Strangers always seem to have a minute to help a child tie a shoelace, find a misplaced umbrella, or reach a snack. 

Add this friendly attitude to the many opportunities the city offers, and it’s hard to deny that Hong Kong is very much a child-friendly city. 

Hong Kong’s notable safety record is one of its most attractive features for those with kids. Violent crime is rare, and parents can feel fairly relaxed about letting their children out to play. Older children who are able to navigate the public transport system independently can do so without excessive safety concerns on the part of parents.

Hong Kong is one of the healthiest places in the world in terms of life expectancy and infant mortality rates. Public and private hospitals enjoy low waiting times for emergencies, and patients can expect a level of healthcare similar to that of Europe.

That said, air pollution, particularly that coming from mainland China, can affect visibility, mood and health. Skies can often be clouded for days or weeks at a time. Parents of children with asthma or other similar conditions will want to speak to their doctor about how to best manage their child’s illness while in Hong Kong. 

From rural nature hikes to delicious street food, ferry rides, museums and picnicking and camping in the New Territories, Hong Kong boasts countless fun and educational activities for kids, both on and off the island. Add to this Hong Kong’s ever-popular amusement parks such as Disneyland and Ocean Park, and expat parents won't ever run out of things to see and do with their children.

Once they've conquered all the most commercial attractions, there are still tons of options for expat kids in Hong Kong – most parts of the city have youth sports leagues, public swimming pools, playgrounds and mother’s groups.