Mothers day special: Keeping babies👶🏻 busy while enjoying yourselves 👪
initially published in Nov 2019
Edited and updated: May 2023
Hello to all the mums and caretakers of little ones. Mother's Day is this month. Being a mum myself, I was thinking that apart from having a hearty meal with our baby and getting flowers how can we mums make our special day, FUN for your little ones too. Especially, knowing that it can be tricky to find new ways to keep your baby happy particularly while battling the small apartments of Hong Kong.
Additionally, meeting other mums and babies gives a sense of belonging, like being a part of a wolf pack, as well as entertainment for both sides 😉. This Mother's Day, here are a few places we recommend to get out and about to connect with your baby as well as other mums and bubs too:
PLAYING INDOORS:
Firstly, let's look at some indoor spaces for babies. Many of the places that we've selected below run classes that you can sign up for regular visits or just go for a day to play. As a general rule, always bring along socks for both adults and babies as they are often required. Also, we suggest you call them before you decide to go.
BAUMHAUS PLAYROOM
1/F Kar Yau Building,
36-44 Queen's Road East,
Wan Chai
Tel: 2321 5898
https://www.baumhaus.com.hk/
COST
Under 6 months - free, 6 months+ to 4 YOs- $120 unlimited time
Siblings - $60/child
PLAY
‘Baumhaus’, meaning treehouse in german, is a great place for babies of all ages. They run music classes which you can enroll for a semester. Or if you don’t want to commit to a full term, they let you use their playroom, without time restriction. Not to mention babies under 6 months are free to bring along! Older babies will love climbing up the rigging in 'tree house' and the younger ones can explore the many wooden toys, books and plushies.
EAT
Next to the playroom, there is a cafe to fuel up on coffee and food. They make everything fresh from wraps to Mac’n’cheese. For the little ones they have meal sets with their own baby-chino! Be sure to bring cash if you plan to buy food.
GETTING THERE
They are located in Wan Chai on queens road, although Admiralty MTR Exit F is closest. From there, head to pacific place 3. It is suitable for a pram, although if you feel nervous bringing your loved one o) n escalators, there are a series of lifts from exit E which takes you above ground.
BABTSTEPS PLAYROOM
25/F, 2501-2502 Universal Trade Centre,
Central
Entrance: 3-5A Arbuthnot Road or 17-19 Caine Road
http://www.babysteps.com.hk/facilities
Tel: 9302 2190 (whatsAap)
COST
$200 unlimited time
PLAY
BabySteps also offers different class packages for babies and toddlers which include music and sensory play (https://www.babysteps.com.hk/our-programs). Their playrooms baby steps consist of two rooms with all sorts of gym equipment. They have a range of interactive toys, a play gym with slides and even a pen to keep babies from wandering. You can invest in a playroom pass if you plan to come regularly too. Looking for a birthday party venue? BabySteps also rents the space for private functions.
EAT
They have a water cooler and high chairs set up so you can refuel your babies after all that playtime.
GETTING THERE
Located in the Universal Building, there are two entrances - one from Caine Rd and the other from Arbuthnot Road. The lifts do get quite busy, so it’s worth leaving a bit of extra time to get in and out if you’re in a rush. There is also parking in the building next door.
CASITA PLAYGROUP
2nd Floor, Workington Tower,
78 Bonham Strand,
Sheung Wan
Tel : (+852) 6291 0128
Cost: Drop in at 330 HKD for 1 class
Casita is a reimagined neighborhood family center based in Hong kong where babies, children, toddlers and their families can feel at home and make connections. Casita believes in nurturing children and their families by creating an environment where they can thrive and feel connected. Casita Playgroup caters for 6months old to 5 years olds. Parents have different classes to choose from depending on the age of their little one.
TOY LIBRARY
2/F Hong Kong Central Library,
66 Causeway Rd,
Causeway Bay
Reservation number: 2921 0386
COST
Free. Reservation is highly recommended. Session time 45mins
Hidden in the beautiful Hong Kong Central library in Causeway Bay, the toy library is a great free option to take babies or toddlers. They update the playroom with different themes every few months so there is always something new to explore. There is even a borrowing system, where you can borrow a toy for the session from one of their many drawers. The 45min sessions go very quickly, so get there early and be ready to go in when they open the door. Booking in advance is definitely recommended as it gets full quickly, particularly on weekends and rainy days.
GETTING THERE
Close to Tin Hau MTR station. Keep in mind the lift does not go to road level at this MTR.
MY GYM WCH
1) 6/F, Marina 8,
8 Heung Yip Road,
Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong,
2) 1/F Hecny Tower,
9 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui
Cost: 360 HKD per class
Established in Hong Kong 18 years ago, My Gym HK offers gymnastics-based development classes for young children, where they can run, jump, climb and tumble in a fun, safe environment. My Gym is an accompanied program for kids up to 3.5 years old, so it’s an excellent way to spend time and bond with your little ones. And most of all, it’s super fun for the kids!
Pic: Sassy Mamma HK
Getting there: In Wan Chuck Hang, My Gym WCH is based in Marina 8 building that is directly opposite the Wong Chuk Hang MTR. Just one block down from One Island South.
In TST, Take the MTR to East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR, then Exit P3 and walk straight for about a minute.
GETTING OUTDOORS:
CENTRAL & WESTERN DISTRICT PROMENADE (Western District Wholesale Food Market Section)
For a short walk along the water head to this new promenade. Before the restoration, it was a part of the Wholesale food market. The promenade is 600 metres long and it has very cool view for the West Kowloon side. There is a nice playground for babies/kids but it is not shaded so avoid the hottest parts of the day, it also gets quite crowded during weekends. There are baby changing facilities and breastfeeding room, many sitting areas, toilets and water fountains. Next to the promenade there is the Western District Cargo Working Area aka "Instagram Pier" which seems to be a great spot for photo lovers, wedding photo sessions, especially at sunset.
GETTING THERE
HKU MTR Exit B1 or B2, take the Hill Road and walk towards the coastline for 5 minutes.
PARKS:
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, Belcher’s Park, Victoria Park to name a few...
Parks are always a great option! All of them have a lawn for babies to crawl and for toddlers to run around safely or to have a nice picnic. Preferably in the afternoon since there is more shade. All of them have playgrounds. The best definitely in Victoria park. There are plenty of tropical trees, flowers, and benches to sit on. All of them are equipped with toilets. Victoria park has also a little place to eat.
Happy Mother's Day awesome Mommies ❤️❤️!!