For parents, bringing kids on a hike is no easy feat. It involves route planning, preparing snacks and a change of clothes, all while worrying whether it will be too tough or too boring for the child. Nonetheless, we always say that care for the environment is best nurtured through experience with nature from a young age. So, in this edition of the TrailWatch newsletter, we test out three family-friendly hiking routes for you, which are all easy hikes with ample resting spots, so you can bring your child into nature and learn more about the natural environment and ecosystem.
Family-friendly route recommendation #1: Tai Mo Shan Family Walk & Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre
We set off from Tsuen Wan and took bus 51 to Tai Mo Shan Country Park stop. Despite it being a weekday, the bus was packed. We managed to squeeze in, but it only got more crowded at each stop, so we highly recommend getting on at the Nina Tower bus terminus to spare the child the hassle. After getting off, we carefully crossed the road and quickly reached Rotary Park. The restrooms and seats near the Tai Mo Shan Country Park Refreshment Kiosk are perfect for a final gear check before heading out.
The route is located with Tai Mo Shan Country Park and is generally flat and shaded
The Tai Mo Shan Family Walk runs through Rotary Park along shaded, stone-paved paths. We passed the cherry blossom garden by the kiosk, then followed the trail downhill past the Rotary Park Campsite. The steps are gentle, but keeping up with an excited child running along the winding path was quite a workout! We took a quick detour along the Hiking Practice Trail to take a brief but much needed break at the barbecue area and pavilion. Heading back on the Family Walk, we soon returned to the park – and of course, we couldn’t skip Lin Jeh’s famous tofu pudding at the kiosk!
The pavilion and barbecue area are good midway stops; The Rotary Park viewing point boasts stunning views of Tsuen Wan and Hong Kong Island
Thank you Lin Jeh for your hospitality!
Before leaving, we stopped by the Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre. My child got especially excited in the biodiversity exhibition – the interactive games and animal models teach about local species, habitats, and climate change while keeping things fun. Pointing at the map, she even boldly declared she’d conquer every trail next time!
The Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre introduces climate change and the local ecosystem
Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre opening hours:
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday to Sunday and Public Holidays
Closed on Tuesdays (except Public Holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year.
Tai Mo Shan Family Walk
Route: Cherry Blossom Trees at Rotary Park ＞ Tai Mo Shan Family Walk ＞ Rotary Club Campsite ＞ Rotary Park
Length: Approximately 0.5km
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy flat road, suitable for families and beginners
Family-friendly route recommendation #2: Tsiu Hang Nature Trail & Lions Nature Education Centre
Taking a bus headed for the Sai Kung area, we got off at Pak Kong Village and carefully crossed the busy Sai Kung Road to reach the Lions Nature Education Centre. The kids were amazed by how huge it was – turns out it’s 16 hectares! With various indoor exhibitions and outdoor areas with different themes, the center definitely has something for every kid, whether they prefer action or quiet exploration.
We started with the Tsiu Hang Nature Trail, located within the centre. We were welcomed by a long concrete staircase at the beginning, but after that it’s mostly gentle dirt paths. “Why do these nuts look like they’re wearing hats?” According to the interpretive signs, the kids had spotted a Thick-leaved Oak, with its distinctive nuts scattered beneath. Cute as they are, remember to take nothing but photos!
Tsiu Hang Nature Trail is mostly flat dirt paths, with interpretive signs along the way
Near the end of the nature trail, we turned left onto the wooden boardwalk “Trace of Hong Kong Wild Animal.” “Look, a bird!” the kids shouted – though it was actually a model of a Crested Myna. The boardwalk features wooden sculptures of 15 local wildlife species, including Red Muntjac, Leopard Cat, and East Asian Porcupine. It’s a great way for kids to learn about these elusive creatures they might not get to see in real life.
The “Trace of Hong Kong Wild Animal” boardwalk features wooden models of Hong Kong wildlife
After finishing the Nature Trail, we explored the various themed exhibition halls at the Lions Nature Education Centre. The kids’ top recommendation was the “Fisheries Hall,” which was renovated in late 2022 with many interactive elements added. It features a miniature model of a wholesale fish market and an interactive game on identifying fish species, helping children learn about Hong Kong’s fishing industry. The “Agriculture Hall,” renovated in late 2021, introduces local agriculture through models and games that explain the process from sowing to harvesting, encouraging kids to think about where their food comes from.
“Fisheries Hall” (left) and “Agriculture Hall” (right)
The Lions Nature Education Centre also has outdoor areas including a Chinese Herbal Garden, Butterfly Valley, Dragonfly Pond, and a large lawn. You can also grab lunch at the Deaf Cafeteria, a social enterprise restaurant operated by the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf.
Lions Nature Education Centre opening hours:
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday to Sunday and Public Holidays
Closed on Tuesdays (except Public Holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year.
Tsiu Hang Nature Trail
Route: Lion’s Nature Education Centre＞Tsiu Hang Nature Trail＞Lion’s Nature Education Centre
Length: Approximately 0.8km
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: An easy trail that is suitable for beginners
Family-friendly route recommendation #3: Aberdeen Country Park Kids Walk & Aberdeen Nature Trail
Since we didn’t have much time that day, we decided to explore a short trail near the city with the kids. After getting off the bus at Yue Kwong Road in Aberdeen, we climbed a short but steep road and reached Aberdeen Country Park.
Stepping into the Aberdeen Country Park, we spotted the “Kids Walk” on our right. This trail is only 200 meters long but features interpretive signs specifically designed for kids, introducing various insects, trees, fruits, and more. The butterfly garden section introduces 20 different butterfly species. The kids walked back and forth several times before finally finding the buttress roots mentioned on the signs. “How cute!” one of them suddenly exclaimed. There was rustling in the bushes—it turned out to be several baby wild boars. We stopped to observe them from a distance, which gave me a chance to remind the kids that when encountering wildlife, remember not to disturb them and just keep a distance from them.
Interpretive signs along the Kids Walk introduce butterfly species
After completing the Kids Walk and taking a short break at the Aberdeen Country Park P.H.A.B. (Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied) Barbecue Area, we continued our exploration along the Aberdeen Nature Trail. Shortly, we reached the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir dam. Unlike Tai Tam Reservoir with its stone railings along the dam, this one uses wire mesh, allowing even the shorter kids to clearly see the views of the reservoir. The path is mostly flat, shaded by trees and stone-paved, making it an easy and comfortable stroll. There are also interpretive signs introducing the plants along the way. We soon arrived at Aberdeen Upper Reservoir, which offers more expansive views than the Lower Reservoir, including the deep valley the dam sits on. The trail ends here, so we followed the Aberdeen Fitness Trail back to Yue Kwong Road to catch the bus home.
Reaching the Aberdeen Lower Reservoir dam via the Aberdeen Nature Trail
Aberdeen Nature Trail
Route: Aberdeen Country Park P.H.A.B. (Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied) Barbecue Area＞Aberdeen Nature Trail＞Aberdeen Reservoir Area
Length: Approximately 1.2km
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Shaded paths, flat and easy
Afterword
My child used to be terrified of ants, but now she stops to watch them. “Where’s it going?” “How can it carry something so heavy?” These questions show that a mix of worry and curiosity about the unknown is often behind the fear. When hiking with kids, reaching the summit or finding the best view isn’t everything. What matters more is giving them space to freely explore nature – that’s how they’ll grow to love it.
Tips for hiking with kids
– Tell them about the route, distance, and points of interest before starting, so they won’t have to keep wondering when it’ll end and become impatient
– Take plenty of breaks and stay hydrated. Pack pre-cut fruit for both energy and hydration
– Make up little games, like searching for flowers or pinecones to make the hike more fun while encouraging them to notice their surroundings