One of the things I found most baffling upon moving to Hong Kong was all the tall buildings. I know, stupid right? What else did I expect from a city famous for its skyscrapers?
But I suppose the thing I hadn’t really bargained for, until confronted by it head-on, was how difficult it made finding anything. I mean to say, in Europe, all the shops, restaurants and cinemas are generally at ground level; a quick stroll around a town centre and you can mark out what is what.
Not so in Hong Kong. Here, shops hide out on the 19th floor of tower blocks or lurk in the basements of shopping malls. Even if you do have the astounding good fortune to find the building that contains that fantastic swimwear shop, once inside, you find that things are designed to befuddle you even more: lifts that only take you to certain floors, hidden stairwells, escalators that only seem to run in one direction (and, of course, never in the direction you aspire to travel).
I once got so lost for so long in a shopping mall in TST that I almost gave up and decided to live in a plant pot.
And, if you do at last stumble across what you were looking for, and feel overcome by a joy that hasn’t been experienced since Jason got his hands on that fleece, don’t take it for granted.
The exorbitant rents in Hong Kong mean that shops are constantly closing down or moving. Three times now I have been delighted to find a great new playroom, only to return a couple of weeks later to be faced with a locked door, a disappointed toddler and that slightly unsettling feeling that perhaps I’ve come to the wrong building, or in fact, more worryingly, imagined it all.
And so, not being able to easily look for yourself, you quickly learn to rely on word-of-mouth, your online sources and a bit of trial and error to help you navigate Hong Kong’s shopping districts. And having spent a couple of years now getting lost in Causeway Bay, I thought I’d share the little bit of knowledge I’ve gleaned about the play areas there (both free and paid). I hope that they may allow you a little rest-bite if you ever find yourself, like me, child-in-tow, lost amongst the tall buildings.
So, as if to prove my point, this post was first written in 2015. I’m now updating it again in 2025, and much has changed. I do my best to make sure everything is as accurate as possible, but as we no longer live in Hong Kong, please drop me a comment if you find any of this information is no longer correct.
1. Lee Gardens Two Play Areas
Nestled in-between the children’s shops on the second floor of Lee Gardens Two, is a cute little play-area. Most Hong Kong parents will know this one for the sweet collection of toys.
The addition of nearby child-friendly toilets, feeding and changing facilities, makes this a great little pit-stop if you are running errands with your baby or toddler. The Pret-a-Manger on the ground floor, complete with a highchair, gives you an option if you’re in need of a snack or a drink.
Then, if you have been organised, it is also possible to visit Playdot, a good-looking indoor playground on the 18th floor. Be warned, though, you can only get entry by downloading and redeeming points on the Lee Gardens app and reserving a place in advance. From what I read, for a 2-hour session for one child and accompanying adult, you need 300 points. When you first register, you get 500 points.
Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
2. Jumpin Gym USA
This flashy, noisy games arcade on the 4th floor of Lee Theatre isn’t really my thing. Even standing near the entrance is enough to give me sensory overload. That said, I think my son would be happy to spend the rest of his childhood there.
Other branches of Jumpin Gym (Cityplaza, Whampoa Garden, Hang Hau) feature full-on fairground rides and soft play areas. Whereas this one mainly has arcade machines. Primary and high-school kids will love the air-hockey tables and the basketball games and little ones will get a kick out of the couple of ride-ons at the back. There is also a fire-engine game where you get to squirt actual water. Brilliant.
Being a mean mother, I have never actually allowed my son to put money in any of the games (thankfully he is still at the age where he will sit on the motionless ride and actually think that he’s had a go). No doubt I’ll be rumbled sometime soon. If you do decide to part with your hard-earned cash, you have to buy tokens from the cashier.
As I say, not for everyone, but still a good one to have up your sleeve if you get caught in some rain.
3. Wise kids playroom @ Times Square
(Updated 2025) My son and I used to love all the beautiful toys at the Wise Kids playroom in Pok Fu Lam – so it’s lovely to see that a branch has now opened on the 8th floor of Times Square in Causeway Bay. Expect great Playmobil sets, as well as plenty of other pretend play. Suitable for 6 months to 6 years, and remember to bring socks.
Back when we lived in Hong Kong, my favourite thing about coming to Times Square was the chance to sneak in a visit to Donguri Republic, a rather wonderful shop, which is still there selling cute, character-themed goods from Studio Ghibli’s films. Even if your kids haven’t seen My Neighbour Totoro (and if they haven’t, then quite frankly, you need to get to it), I don’t think they could help but be impressed by the huge Totoro welcoming them at the door, or the magnificent Cat Bus inside. Quite simply, both me and my son love it here.
Times Square, 1 Matheson St, Causeway Bay (+852 2118 8900)
4. The Toy Library in Hong Kong Central Library
Situated on the 2nd floor of Hong Kong Central Library, opposite the wonderful Victoria Park, the Toy Library is one you must book in advance. But, if you’ve been organised, it is a lovely way to spend 45-mins away from the hustle and bustle of Causeway Bay.
These free sessions are open to children aged eight and under, accompanied by an adult, and during that time each child can borrow up to two toys from the counter to play with. The range of toys on offer is vast, but the stalwart favourites are the Thomas the Tank Engine train sets, Tomica car garages, marble runs and the baby and pushchair sets.
In addition to being able to borrow specific toys listed in the catalogues, there are also lots of toys out to share (which makes for some interesting toddler negotiations), an ‘imaginative play’ area which changes regularly (sometimes a kitchen with pretend food and sometimes a construction area with blocks and tools) and a padded soft play-area with toys for babies (which my 3-year-old still sneaks into). The years of hard play have taken their toll on some of the toys, but my son and his peers never seem to notice. And if all the toys weren’t enough, some sessions even include craft activities and games.
If you want to make an afternoon of it, there are hundreds of lovely children’s books in the library, including a large picture book section, and publications in both English and Chinese. On the ground floor, there is a small but rather wonderful shop, selling children’s books, toys, stationery, postcards and some unusual Hong Kong-themed knick-knacks. And on top of all this, the toilets have changing facilities, there is a public terrace, which is a favourite among toddlers who want to eat some snack and chase the little birds that unwisely choose to congregate here.
Toy Library, 2/F Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay
Reservation hotline: +852 2921 0386, you normally need to book one week in advance.
Price: Free
Age: 0-8 years
5. A few more Causeway Bay play ideas…
(Updated 2025) So, you may have noticed that the article title promised five hidden play areas. The trouble is, since I left Hong Kong, times have changed, and one of the listed areas has permanently closed. I hope I can make it up to you with a few more fun options.
The branch of IKEA, opposite Windsor House, was a favourite haunt of my son, and he would happily spend a couple of hours here – opening cupboard doors, playing at the children’s activity stations scattered across the store, and checking out the toys on display in the children’s section. There are also child-friendly toilets and changing facilities.
If you are with slightly older kids (from around 6 years and up) they may well like to while away a little time at the Puzzle Bar within the Fashion Walk branch of Log-On. The puzzles change from time to time – when we were last there, there were lots and lots of Nanoblocks to get fingers and brains working. And of course, Log-On also sells a range of kid-pleasing stationery, gadgets and cute little cars.
If you are with children aged four and up, who have gentle hands and voices, a trip to Rabbitland Cafe could well be the cutest thing you do all year. You need to reserve a spot beforehand, bring socks to wear, and every child under eight needs to be accompanied by an adult – but surely stroking these gorgeous bunnies is well worth the hassle?
Photo courtesy of Rabbitland
Victoria Park’s indoor swimming pool gives you a place for a dip. Although with no slides or children’s play equipment, you’ll need to be happy to make your own entertainment splashing around. Alternatively, Morrison Hill swimming pool is close at hand – with an indoor pool and small outdoor toddler paddling pool.
While, Sandbox VR looks like huge fun for older kids and teens who love immersive experiences.
So, that’s me done. If you know of any more play areas in Causeway Bay that I’ve missed, please leave me a comment – I’ll be delighted! And although I can’t hand-on-heart promise you, in this ever-changing place, all of the listed options will be there in a year, or indeed by next week, I hope one of them may offer you and your kids a little salvation amongst the skyscrapers.
If you want to know about more play options close by, have a peek at the hidden play areas in Wan Chai.
11 comments
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for the shout-out and some great suggestions in this post!
Kate
AKA The Accidental Tai-Tai
AA place is really awesome! Aprilia loved the Lego area, been there in the morning.
Thanks for the great suggestions!
Makes me miss my old ‘hood! Fun to read, even if we can’t partake any longer! I am living vicariously through the pictures & usual witty writing.
Thanks for this lists! I didn’t know about the bouncing castle at TS, my son will be thrilled!
Thank you for all of this useful information! I’ll definitely try them, esp the Donguri looks like great fun for me, too 😉
Thanks for writing this article, I’ve found it very informative for finalising my hotel of choice. I am going to be travelling solo with a 4yr & 1yr, so I’m doing my homework to ensure they are entertained after a 4 day visit to Disneyland.
Looks like we will be staying in Causeway Bay!
Hi Sarah. Thanks for your note, I’m so pleased my article was useful – I hope you have a wonderful trip! Causeway Bay is a hugely convenient base – although it is also pretty hectic, so I hope you don’t mind a few people! If you are after a bit of an escape you can always head into Victoria Park (where there is also an indoor pool) or jump on a tram to Happy Valley where there is a nice playground opposite the tram terminus, and a free govt playroom and library in the Municipal building.
Thanks for this helpful info. I was looking for some new places to take my toddler and found that here.
Oh thanks for letting me know! I’m glad it has been useful!
Thanks for the post! Though I’ve been living near CWB for over a year, I get stuck with places to take my baby!
Oh I know that feeling – and I do hope it comes in useful. I do my best to keep it up to date – although, of course, things are always changing in Hong Kong!