Year 1 Update – Week 33
How the World Works
Central Idea: People explore the properties of materials to help them design and make.
The classes will continue exploring the ways we can use different materials and begin exploring their different properties. We will be building vocabulary and looking closely at everyday objects.
Next week we will begin a unit exploring ways of collecting and organising data. We will be using our questioning skills to gather information about classmates and looking at ways to tally and record responses in simple tables.
Mathletics: – There are now some more activities open. Please enjoy supporting your child with these tasks. If your child is not yet logging onto Mathletics independently please support them to do so.
Please help the children to complete the Mathletics tasks that have been assigned to your child. The children can also enjoy Maths Live and play other children live across the world.
Next week we will continue looking at non-fiction books connected to our unit of inquiry and begin to practise reading for information and knowing which are the important or main bits of the text.
Our work on scientific language will continue as children practise using the new vocabulary to complete some descriptive writing.
Unit 5 Phonics:
Due to Monday being a public holiday there was no assembly.
The Best Indoor Play Centres And Playgrounds In Hong Kong
These indoor playgrounds make for an easy and stress-free option on duller days.
No matter how many times you check the observatory forecast, Hong Kong’s unpredictable weather can still find a way to ruin your outdoor plans. But never fear! Indoor play centres are a great option when you need to keep the kids entertained, so here’s our guide to the best this city has to offer.
Jump links:
Best for children up to 6 years
Best for the whole family
Play areas and restaurant combos
Read more: The Best Outdoor Playgrounds And Parks In Hong Kong
Best for children up to 6 years
Baumhaus
This centre takes a holistic approach to learning, offering creative arts, music and drama programmes, beautiful playhouses and coffee lounges made for the whole family. Its impressive play areas feature specially crafted and custom-made indoor treehouses from Germany (a child’s dream come true)! An easy choice for the whole family, let your little ones run around in a safe, light and bright space and enjoy healthy bites and drinks.
When: Harbour City, 9:30am to 6:30pm; Wan Chai, 9am to 6pm
Where: Baumhaus Harbour City, Suite 614–615, World Commerce Centre, 11 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Baumhaus Wan Chai, 1/F Kar Yau Building, 36–44 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How Much: $100 per child, $60 per additional sibling
Contact: Harbour City, 3585 8577; Wan Chai, 2321 5898
Read more: 8 Benefits Of Learning To Play A Musical Instrument
E3 Club
This “E Cubed” Club is based on three Es: entertainment, education and exchange. You’ll find the usual soft play suspects here: slides, trampolines and ball pits. Regulated with strict rules regarding hygiene and safety, it boasts a wide range of toys, plus a toy store and various arts and crafts workshops for kids. With two branches at Megabox and iSquare, E3 Club is one of the most convenient indoor play destinations.
When: E3 iSQUARE, Monday to Thursday, 11am to 8pm, Friday to Sunday, 11am to 9pm; E3 Club MegaBox, Weekdays, 11am to 8pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am to 9pm
Where: E3 Club iSQUARE, Shop 501-502, 5/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; E3 Club MegaBox, 12/F, MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: Weekday Daily Pass, $135-$150; Weekend & Public Holiday Day Pass, $165-$190 – you can find more packages and information here
Contact: E3 Club iSQUARE, 2151 1306, isquare@e3club.com.hk; E3 Club MegaBox, 2117 1068, mb@e3club.com.hk
Read more: Our New Favourite Indoor Play Spots In Kowloon
Fun Zone
Fun Zone has three branches across the city, each featuring a dedicated toddler area, jungle gym and a cafe (with WiFi!) making it ideal for your little one. It also offers playgroups, with music and movement lessons from different partners, and party packages, including a private party area and birthday stationery. Prices and classes differ by location, so make sure to check out the individual websites: Kennedy Town, Ma On Shan, and Island East.
When: Kennedy Town, Weekdays, 10am to 7pm, Weekends & Public Holidays, 10am to 9pm; Ma On Shan, Weekdays, 10am to 7pm, Weekends & Public Holidays, 10am to 8pm; Island East, Weekdays, 10am to 7pm, Weekends & Public Holidays, 10am to 8pm
Where: Fun Zone Kennedy Town, The Westwood, Podium Level 1, Shop 121, 8 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; Fun Zone Ma On Shan, The Waterside Mall, 1/F, 15 On Chun Street, Ma On Shan, Hong Kong; Fun Zone Island East, Shop 209-220, 2/F, Marble 33, 33 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong
How Much: Various prices and packages available, differing by location
Contact: Kennedy Town, 2258 9558, info@funzone.hk; Ma On Shan, 2631 4001, maonshan@funzone.com.hk; Island East, 3565 5601, islandeast@funzone.com.hk
Little Beetles
Little Beetles certainly stands by its “learning is fun” attitude, with 90% of its playroom material made by HABA, the quality German toy brand. Its play area is a toy fantasy world, promising to keep the kids busy and entertained with a range of fun and educational activities and games to pick from. This cute little space will not disappoint – make sure to call and book in advance and remember to wear socks!
When: 11am to 6pm
Where: G/F, 7 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
How Much: $60 for 30 minutes, $120 for an hour
Contact: 2512 6353
Kidnetic
If your child has ever taken any interest in gymnastics (or just really likes swinging and bouncing around!), head to Kidnetic! Spanning 7,000 square feet, it is the largest private kids’ gym in Hong Kong and features every kind of equipment imaginable: trampolines, monkey bars, beams, baby rings, slides, sponge pits, and spider swings. Classes with trained instructors are available for children aged 1 and older, with different options including beginner kid’s gym sessions, all the way up to competitive private coaching.
When: Times vary through the week, depending on classes and instructors – contact directly for details
Where: MegaBox, 7/F, Unit 4, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: $200 per hour for one child and an accompanying adult with 20% off on rainy days!
Contact: 2153 1033, 2153 1028, enquiry@kidnetic-sports.com
Mabaland
For kids who like to jump from one activity to another, Mabaland in Ngau Tau Kok is a great option. It features multiple play zones with different activities, ranging from an indoor jungle gym to a climbing wall to a special area for bubbles and there’s even another section to experience VR.
Sassy Mama Tip: Children over the 130cm height mark will be refused access to the trampoline and climbing wall, so if your kid is on the taller side, you may want to try somewhere else to avoid disappointment.
When: Weekdays, 12pm to 9pm; Weekends, 11am to 9pm
Where: TBG Mall, Shop T138, G/F, Tak Bo Garden, 3 Ngau Tau Kok Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong,
How Much: Monday to Thursday, $100 (Day Pass), $70 (After 6pm), $35 (for an extra adult); Friday, $115 (Day Pass), $90 (After 6pm), $35 (for an extra adult); Weekends and Public Holidays, $170 (Day Pass), $130 (After 6pm), $45 (for an extra adult)
Contact: 3709 2004
Wise Kids
The renowned toy brand’s impressive playroom is every mama’s dream, designed by play specialists to help develop your child’s emotional and cognitive abilities. Suitable for ages 6 months old to 6 years old, the Wise Kids safe play area features eight play sections supervised by professional workers, as well as weekly toy rotations, free play, daily special guided activities, and 15-minute group activities. Don’t forget to dress the little ones in cotton socks!
When: Four sessions daily from 9:30am to 11am, 11:30am to 1pm, 2pm to 3:30pm and 4pm to 5:30pm
Where: Genesis, 20/F, 33-35 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
How Much: $198 per child with free admission for two adults, $350 per child for all-day entry, various other passes and prices available – you can find out more here
Contact: 2989 6298, playroom@wisekidstoys.com
Planet J Kids
Part of Hong Kong “indoor amusement park” chain Jumping Gym, Planet J Kids features six game areas ideal for adventure with everything from soft play areas to rock climbing walls, epic ball pits and more. It’s located in Causeway Bay, ideal when the little ones tire from walking around the commercial area and need a break, and it’s open pretty late!
When: Weekdays, 11am to 9pm; Weekends & Public Holiday, 10am to 9pm
Where: 13/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: Rates vary during peak and off-peak hours. Weekdays, 1 child and 1 adult – rates go from $80 to $140, extra adult charges – $40 to $70; Weekends & Public Holiday, 1 child and 1 adult – rates go from $120 to $220, extra adult charges – $60 to $75
Contact: 2441 2778, cs@jumpingym.com
Playhouse
A convenient fusion of restaurant and indoor playground, Playhouse offers families a chance to spend a fun day together, no matter the weather. Featuring activities such as puzzles, jungle gyms and slides that dump the kids right into a ball pit, Playhouse promises a great time and the perfect place for a play date. There are two locations across Hong Kong with each boasting different activities and themed rooms, so if there’s something specific you’re looking for, make sure to check out its website before you go.
When: Weekdays, 12pm to 8:45pm, Weekends and Public Holidays, 10am to 8:45pm
Where: San Po Kong, MIKIKI, 1/F, Shop 119-120, 638 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Tsuen Wan, Discovery Park Shopping Centre, 2/F, Shops 2069B and 2070A, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong
How Much: Various prices and offers according to location
Contact: San Po Kong, 2151 9611, Tsuen Wan, 2778 5999, info@kidgoland.com
Best for the whole family
Epicland
This massive centre is worth the trek out to Discovery Bay! Epicland is Hong Kong’s largest indoor playground, with over 14,000 square feet of space featuring large slides, an air-trek obstacle course, a sky-high rock wall, laser tag, mini golf and so much more. Whether you’re looking for play sessions, educational programmes, playgroups or even an area for birthday parties or events, this is a fun and safe environment that will really allow your child to learn through play! Make sure to check out the vibrant toddler area and kid’s playground.
When: Daily, 9:30am to 7pm
Where: Epicland, G/F, 31 North Plaza, Family Recreation Centre, 96 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North, Lantau, Hong Kong
How Much: Per child from 1 to 12 years old (inclusive of an accompanying adult for children up to 8 years old) – $188 on weekdays and $208 on weekends; per individual of 13 years and above – $200 on weekdays and $228 on weekends; pregnant women and seniors – $100 (all days)
Contact: 2441 0098
Maggie & Rose
The first UK private members club for kids and their parents in Hong Kong, Maggie & Rose is a beautiful space designed for both adults and kids. It has two locations across Hong Kong and features family-friendly restaurants, outdoor play areas, movie rooms, soft play areas and a variety of British-style music, art and cooking classes.
When: Maggie & Rose Beach Club, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm, Sunday, 9am to 9pm; Maggie & Rose City Club, 9am to 7pm
Where: Maggie & Rose Beach Club, 301 The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong; Maggie & Rose City Club, 308 & 311 Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: Entry available only to members – you can make an enquiry about membership here
Contact: Maggie & Rose Beach Club, 2638 7191, repulsebay@maggieandrose.com.hk; Maggie & Rose City Club, 2337 7571, causewaybay@maggieandrose.com.hk
Read more: Maggie & Rose Opens in Hong Kong: An Interview with Founder & CEO, Maggie Bolger
Superpark
If you’ve got a mini adrenaline junkie on your hands, Superpark is the place to go. Both indoors and family friendly, this indoor adventure park is located in Olympian City and has something for kids of all ages and heights. Features include a children’s gym (for kids who are 100cm and below), trampoline platform and obstacle wall (for kids who are 120cm or above), tube slides, obstacle courses, pedal car tracks, bowling and more. Superpark requires tickets to be booked online – so make sure to purchase them in advance.
When: Weekdays, 10am to 9pm, Weekends and Public Holidays, 9am to 9pm
Where: G/F, One SilverSea, No 18 Hoi Fai Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How Much: Various prices according to session and day – you can find out more here
Contact: 3611 0139
Ryze
With over 7,000 square feet of interconnecting trampolines, this ultimate trampoline park is a kid’s dream! Ryze’s innovative team have created special areas for children to play dodgeball, basketball and even a series of fun foam pits to dive into. Get there early for the morning KidJump or join in during the day for the open jump, suitable for all ages. Just remember that Ryze “flights” are scheduled every half hour, so make sure to call ahead to book into a slot!
When: Weekdays, 9am to 9pm (“KidJump” for children aged 6 and under, from 9am to 10am), Weekends, 9am to 9pm
Where: Kodak House 1, 3/F, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: Various prices according to age and time – you can find out more here
Contact: 2337 8191, jump@ryze.info
Verm City
If your children are a little older and looking for something more challenging, Hong Kong’s “first full facility rock climbing gym” has everything from bouldering to lead climbing and top rope. Its Clip N’ Climb system is suitable for ages 4 and above and is designed to be a rock climbing amusement park for beginners and experts alike. Remember to wear non-marking sports shoes!
When: Weekdays, 11:30am to 7:30pm, Weekends, 9:30am to 6:30pm
Where: Kodak House 1, 4/F, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: Weekdays, $180, Weekends and Public Holidays, $250; various prices and options available – you can find out more here
Contact: 2560 8128, info@vermcity.com
Play areas and restaurant combos
Jungle King
Located in Kwun Tong, Jungle King is one of the many popular restaurants and indoor playground hybrids around the city. It features an indoor playground with twisty slides, surrounded by an inviting ball pit and a play area with a giant Lego pegboard wall. It’s also a popular venue for birthday parties – one to add to your list if you’re on the hunt for a good space!
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30am to 9:30pm with three sessions per day from 11:30am to 2:30pm, 3pm to 6pm, and 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Where: Camel Paint Building, Block 1, 12/F, Flat C, No.63 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How Much: Tuesday to Friday, $60 for a child aged 1 to 8, with a minimum food and drink spending charge of $100; Weekends and Public Holidays, $60 for a child aged 1 to 8, with a minimum food and drink spending charge of $120
Contact: 6886 6395, you can also book online here
Bun and Fun Playhouse
This part coffee shop, part play area really gives mums, dads and caregivers the (well-deserved!) chance to take it easy while the kids go wild. Connected to the Milk & Honey Cafe in Mid-Levels, it features a soft play indoor playground as well as a host of workshops for little ones to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 6pm
Where: Milk & Honey Cafe, Shop B, C, D, G/F, 99 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Central, Hong Kong
How Much: Tuesday to Thursday, $100 for an hour and a half of play; Friday to Sunday, $120 for an hour and a half of play
Contact: 2598 8533
Jolly Thinkers
We love a good old board game and Jolly Thinkers is just the fix. This super cool board game café has over 350 games for you and the family to enjoy, you can even choose to buy one the kids love best and bring the fun home! The café charges per hour, which means you can play as many as you want and then pay for extra time. We like Match the Penguins – a colour coordination game that develops your kids’ reflexes in no time.
When: Tuesday and Wednesday, 12pm to 7pm; Thursday and Friday, 12pm to 11:30pm; Weekends, 2pm to 11:30pm
Where: Jolly Thinkers Mong Kok, Capricorn Centre, 14/F, 155 Sai Yueng Choi Street North, Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Hong Kong; Jolly Thinkers Wan Chai, Bayfield Building, 11/F, 99 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How Much: $69 for two hours per person (including one drink), $7 per person for every 30 minutes afterwards.
Contact: Mong Kok, 3107 1160; Wan Chai, 2527 2882; info@jollythinkers.com
Origami Cafe
Origami Cafe is an innovative space designed to go back to the basics by immersing you and your child in educational play and creative workshops! Located at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the former site of Hong Kong’s International Airport, this cafe serves up delicious Asian-fusion cuisine and features a variety of toys and sets in a beautifully crafted play zone.
When: 10am to 8pm
Where: Rooftop, North End, Zone B, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 33 Shing Fung Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
How Much: Weekdays – $138 per child (two-hour session), Weekend and Public Holidays – $198 per child (two-hour session); babies under 12 months and adults are free of charge (minimum charge of $100 for food and beverage)
Contact: 6063 7470, info@origami.com.hk
KidsKiss Kingdom
KidsKiss Kingdom just celebrated its first birthday! With 9,000 square-feet of pure family-focused fun, it’s definitely become a saviour to parents in Sha Tin and well worth the trip if you’re not based in the area. The indoor play centre includes an adventure park (with specifically designed touch, cognitive development, visual and interactive areas!), creative workshops, and a seriously epic ball pit. Once all that running around and ball pit action gets the little ones hungry, make sure to check out its KidsKiss Café, a restaurant and play area in one (featuring all types of Western food, including snacks, salads, mains and even vegetarian dishes). There are also private changing rooms and nursing areas available, ideal for breastfeeding mums.
When: 11am to 9pm
Where: Kings Wing Plaza 1, Shop 162, 1/F, 3 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
Contact: 2882 2779, info@kidskiss.com
Government Free Indoor Playrooms
Living in Hong Kong can get quite costly, so if you’re looking for a safe and comfortable play area for the little ones but don’t want to join a membership or pay admission fees, make sure to check out these indoor playrooms that are sponsored by the Leisure and Culture Department of the Hong Kong Government. They cover all eighteen districts and are completely free!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 14 November 2017 and updated by Sakina Abidi on 17 May 2019.
Featured image courtesy of Little Beetles HK via Facebook, image 1 courtesy of Baumhaus via Instagram, image 2 courtesy of Little Beetles HK via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of Wise Kids via Instagram, image 4 courtesy of Epicland via Instagram, image 5 courtesy of Ryze via Instagram, image 6 courtesy of Jungle King via Facebook, image 7 courtesy of Origami Cafe.
