traveldk.com

It’s not quite Disneyland, but most kids will get a kick out of the dolphin and sea lion shows and the spectacular chairlift. It’s a bit weak on rides, although this has been remedied somewhat in recent years with the advent of Adventure Land, featuring the Mine Train rollercoaster and Raging River ride. Threaten misbehaving brats with a dose of Middle Kingdom, the history and culture section. (see Ocean Park)

There is lots of hands-on stuff here, providing a fun and educational introduction to many facets of science. Any child with a healthy dose of curiosity will spend hours pushing buttons, pulling levers and marvelling at gadgets. (see Science Museum)

Founded in 1864, a modicum of Victorian gentility survives here in the wrought-iron bandstand and shrub-lined paths. Not, however, in the monkey house, where the world’s largest collection of red-cheeked gibbons shriek and swing and copulate. Be prepared for some judicious covering of young eyes. Also jaguars, leopards, kangaroos and 280 species of birds.

Be quick, because the sorry state of Hong Kong waters is fast killing off the rare Chinese white dolphins, which, by the way, are really pale pink.

DisneylandThe mighty mouse wisely used feng shui in the design of his latest Asian venture, butotherwise there are few nods to local culture. Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland lie beyond Main Street, USA.

The Lions Nature Education Centre is actually much more fun than it sounds. There are fruit orchards, an arboretum, rock gardens and, best of all, an insectarium. Big brothers will find plenty of interesting creepy-crawlies with which to scare little sisters.

The most accessible rink is at Taikooshing, a big shopping centre and housing estate on the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. Once in, you can skate for as long as you like on weekdays. The skating school takes over on weekends.

Rock, rattle and roll along the front of Hong Kong Island, or take a detour around Happy Valley. Hong Kong’s trams may be crowded, slow and noisy, but they are terrific for sightseeing. (see Trams)

The green lungs of Tsim Sha Tsui have a huge indoor-outdoor swimming pool and lots of gardens to wander about. There’s also an aviary. (see Kowloon Park)

Good grief! Hang out with the famous beagle and his hapless master Charlie Brown in this colourful tribute to the late Charles Schulz’s much-loved comic strip. Two-metre (6-ft) high mechanical characters and 60 other Peanuts figures inhabit the playground.