If I ever want to extract a raised eyebrow or two from people back in the UK, I just tell them a little about the Hong Kong schooling system.
“What do you mean?” they quiz me, not quite sure if I’m in earnest, “Two-year olds have to go for an interview for Nursery?”
“Oh yes,” I reply, nodding sagely. I let them absorb this bit of startling information before then going in for the killer blow, “And the 3 year olds often have to attend school interviews by themselves, and some of the schools even ask them to spell their own name as well as balance along a taped line on the floor.”
“What on Earth are they testing for?” one friend gasped, “Whether or not they are drunk?”
Well, possibly. The thing is, that although you only have to look at the international school league tables to know that Hong Kong is leading the world in equipping its young people academically, and that Europe and North America could probably learn a thing or two from its approach; this world of toddlers with portfolios and scheduled activities is just so very different from my own childhood experience. Up until the age of five, my main activities consisted of: getting under my mother’s feet, getting filthy, on good days, getting to watch ‘Button Moon’ or ‘Bagpuss‘ if we happened to be home in time from food shopping (as these were the days before the wondrous VCR), and hanging around with the other neighbourhood kids at the weekly playgroup. Okay, I am dating myself badly here – and no I didn’t grow-up before the war – but you get the picture, they were simpler (and more boring) times. I like to think that I haven’t turned out any worse for it (although probably most 9-year olds in Hong Kong could kick my ass in a Maths test) and I believe that my creative side and social intelligence (make of them what you will) probably started out from these days of structureless romping and undirected play.
It is not, you understand, that I am advocating for a return to 1980s Britain (in fact, let’s have a collective shudder at the thought). And don’t get me wrong, I think it’s fantastic that kids in Hong Kong have such an enriching range of activities and classes to help them learn and develop new skills. Who knows, given a little more opportunity at an early-age, I might now be an Olympic pole-vaulter. Although, in truth, that’s still doubtful. It is just that, in a city that boasts over 7,000 private tutor centres, it is nice, on occasions, to find some more laid-back alternatives where kids can relax, explore and interact. And thanks to some wonderful people, whose resourcefulness and dedication put me to shame; those options do exist – in the form of Hong Kong’s community playgroups. Places where parents can chat with other parents, and where the kids can just, well, play. What’s more, for the modest entry fee, you sometimes even get a cup of tea and a biscuit. So, who’s in?
HK Island
This is probably the biggest and best known of all the Hong Kong playgroups, with a primary aim of supporting new mums and newly-arrived mums in Hong Kong. For the little people, there are toys, a large space to roam (with separate areas for the babies and the toddlers so no-one gets squished) and a song-time. For parents, there is a chance to socialise and have some cake.
When? Every Thursday 2.30 – 4.30pm, except for statutory holidays.
Who? For 0-2 year olds, with their parents or a family member
Where? Fanny Li Hall, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central (Closest MTR: Central, 8 mins walk)
How much? HK$20 towards the running of the playgroup
Contact: Although it is run on a drop-in basis, you can call Mrs Vanda Cole (+852 2855 7074) before you attend for the first time.
Tuesday Tots @ St John’s Cathedral
This new playgroup is something of a spin-off from the Thursday group at St John’s. Set up for those children who were getting a little too old for the younger group, there is a similar ethos of providing a space for children to play and parents to connect. Catherine, the vicar, hosts the group, but parents are encouraged to take a lead in setting and clearing up, and running any activities they would like, such as crafts, games or story-times.
When? Tuesdays, 3.00 – 5.00pm. The group may run over school holidays, depending on interest from the parents involved
Who? For 2 – 4 year olds, with their parents or close family member
Where? Fanny Li Hall, St John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central (Closest MTR: Central, 8 mins walk)
How much? HK$20 towards the running of the playgroup
Contact: This group is also run on a drop-in basis, but should you have any questions before going along, you can email Catherine at: cgraham@stjohnscathedral.org.hk
This group is one specifically for parents with babies. It is run by volunteers with specialties in pilates, baby physio, baby and child care and breastfeeding, so a great place to go to get a little advice and support in an informal setting. There is also space for crawling babies to explore, a chance to get your baby weighed (if you choose), light refreshments and sometimes even a guest speaker.
When? First Tuesday of the month, 2.00 – 4.00pm, during school term time
Who? For 0-12 month olds, with their mums and/or dads
Where? The Studio, 2001/20F Car Po Commercial Building, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central (Closest MTR: Central, 7 mins walk)
How much? HK$100 donation is asked to cover the cost of the venue, tea, fruit and cookies. NEST is not-for-profit.
Contact: NEST is run on a drop-in basis, so no need to book, but if you want more information before turning up you can check the website, email nest4mums@gmail.com or call 9708 0187.
Playdays
This Wan Chai-based playgroup starts with 45-mins of free play for the little ones, followed by a snack time of healthy pickings, and then finishes with a circle time of songs, a story and bubbles! The free play time features lots of ‘stations’ – with books, puzzles and a craft activity. Alongside the regular format, some weeks there are special events, which in the past have included children’s book sales, face-painting and cupcake decoration.
When? Every Wednesday all year round, 9.30 – 11.00am, except statutory holidays
Who? For 0-4 year olds, with their mums and/or dads
Where? Level 13, Chinese Methodist Church, Methodist House, 36 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai (Closest MTR: Wan Chai, 5 mins walk)
How much? HK$80, to be reinvested into the playgroup
Contact: There is no reservation needed, just go along on the day. If you need any more information, email Nicole at: playdayshk@gmail.com
St Stephen’s Playgroup
This relaxed bi-weekly playgroup boasts both a large indoor and outside space, set in the green and spacious campus of St. Stephen’s College in Stanley. The group is run by a team of volunteers, and there is always a Parent-In-Charge to welcome newcomers. Free play really is the order of the day here, with lots of toys, ride-ons and an optional craft activity and story time. Roughly half-way through the session the children are offered a healthy snack, followed by more play, before the session closes with circle time. There is, of course, tea and coffee on offer for parents too.
When? Every Monday and Thursday, 9.15 – 11.15am, during school term-time
Who? For 0-3 year olds, with their mums and/or dads
Where? St Stephen’s Chapel, St. Stephen’s College, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley (no MTR station, but buses, such as the 6 from Central, the 40 minibus from Causeway Bay and the 973 from TST via Pok Fu Lam and Aberdeen, drop you right outside).
How much? The fee for a single session is HK$60 per member and HK$65 for visitors. The fee for becoming a member of St Stephen’s Playgroup is HK$780 comprising of a HK$300 registration fee and HK$480 for a book of 8 tickets. A ticket covers an entire family for one session.
Contact: There is no need to book in advance, you can just turn up on the day. If you do need any more information, especially about parking, then email: st.stephensplaygroup@gmail.com
Kowloon
This friendly playgroup, just a stone’s throw away from Jordon MTR, is another to boast both indoor and outdoor space. There is a startling array of toys here to occupy children of all ages, plus a playground featuring both swings and a slide, and ride-ons of all shapes and sizes. Toddler heaven. Digestive biscuits and free-flowing tea and coffee are on offer for the parents. The free-play session ends with a short circle-time of songs and a chance to play with that perennial playgroup favourite: the parachute!
When? Every Tuesday and Friday, 9.30 – 11.30am, except for public holidays and T3 and above
Who? Primarily for 0-4 year olds and their parents or family members, although older siblings are also welcome
Where? United Services Recreation Club, 1 Gascoigne Road, King’s Park, Kowloon (Closest MTR: Jordan, 5 mins walk)
How much? HK$88 for one parent and child, an additional HK$35 per extra child/parent
Contact: Again there is no need to book in advance, you can just turn up on the day. If you have any queries before going, you are best to send a message via the group’s active Facebook page.
This recently started playgroup aims to create a relaxed community of international and local mums, and a place for unstructured play for their little ones. Each session lasts an hour and a half, and as well as all the toys on offer, there is also an informal circle time for songs. Parents have the chance to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and are also free to bring along a toy or snack to share – although, like everything else in this group, there is no pressure.
When? The playgroup meets fortnightly, usually on a Thursday at 10am. As there has been such demand from working mums, they are also trying to schedule some weekend meet-ups too. To get details of each meeting you are best to check their Facebook page.
Who? Primarily for mums with their little ones, although pregnant women and mums with school-age children are welcome to pop along too, to socialise and make friends.
Where? Lifehouse International Church, 11/F Win Century Centre, 2A Mong Kok Rd, Mong Kok (Closest MTR: Mong Kok, 6 mins walk)
How much? Another not-for-profit group. A donation of HK$30 – 40 is requested, towards running costs.
Contact: Again this group encourages you to feel free to ‘drop-in’, but if you need more information, contact Maria via the group’s Facebook page.
New Territories
Oceanaire Playgroup
This relaxed and welcoming group in the New Territories, offers the kids lots of opportunity for free-play, followed by a healthy snack and a short circle time.
When? Thursday, 09.30 – 11.00am, no set terms
Who? Babies through to pre-schoolers, with their parents
Where? Oceanaire Clubhouse, 18 Po Tai Street, Ma On Shan (Closest MTR: Heng On, 5 mins walk)
How much? HK$50 contribution per family
Contact: As this is a popular group, with fairly limited space, please contact Elyse to check if there is room before coming along for the first time: elyse.mockett@gmail.com
This fabulous bilingual (Cantonese/English) playgroup is all about letting your little ones explore and get messy. Based in a church, with both indoor and outdoor space, this group kicks off with a circle time of songs, dance and a story, and then the little ones are free to go to town with a range of art and messy play activities. In the past, these have included creating shaving-foam car-washes, building snowmen out of cloud-dough and playing home-made xylophones, as well as – of course – getting covered in paint. Beyond fun.
When? Wednesday, 10am – 12noon
Who? 6 months – 3 years, with their parents or family members
Where? Sha Tin
How much? Free! Contributions towards resources and running costs are gratefully received.
Contact: Although there is a good amount of space here, unsurprisingly the cost (or lack of it) and range of activities on offer, have made this a very popular group. Therefore, if you are interested in going along please leave a comment on the group’s Facebook page and Esther will get back to you with more precise details, if there is space. English-speakers, don’t panic, although the Facebook page is all in Chinese, Esther welcomes you to leave messages in English too!
Sai Kung Community Centre – Play, Sing & Talk Playgroup
This new playgroup aims to connect people going through similar experiences, ease the isolation that can come with caring for young children and provide a platform to find out about local community, health and support services. The group encourages exploration and unstructured play, and includes a short circle-time of songs and story telling. It runs mainly in Cantonese, but may be supplemented by Mandarin and English, depending on the needs of the participants.
When? Mondays, 10am – 12noon and then again on Wednesdays, 2 – 4pm
Who? Babies through to pre-schoolers, with their parents or carers
Where? Sai Kung Community Center, 8, Mei Yuen Street, Sai Kung (behind Sai Kung Sports Ground)
How much? HK$20 per one child and adult, then HK$5 for every additional child/adult
Contact: Again a drop-in group, although questions can be sent via their Facebook page
Other Useful Resources
If none of these playgroups work for you in terms of location and nap-times, you could also set up your own informal meet-up, using this great Facebook page, which aims to connect parents across Hong Kong. The group is closed for privacy reasons, so just request to join, and then take the opportunity to reach out to like-minded mums and dads in your area.
If, in the immortal lines of ‘Dinosaur Train’ you are keen to, ‘go outside, get into nature and go make your own discoveries’, then the new ‘Stroll in the Kong’ website could be for you. This website not only helpfully lists the stroller-friendly and child-friendly walks in Hong Kong, but also has regular group walks which you are welcome to join for free! For details of upcoming walks, you can sign-up at the website or like their Facebook page for regular updates.
So, I’ve done my best to list all the parent-only non-commercial playgroups I could find, but I am sure to have missed a couple. As the more eagle-eyed among you will have spotted, most of these groups are based in churches – and it is little wonder really, as these are one of the few places in Hong Kong where there is space for community groups to meet without exorbitant rents making it nonviable. This, understandably, means that many of the groups offer a gentle Christian message and some use biblical stories and songs, although all of the groups mentioned above welcome parents irrespective of faith.
If you know about another community playgroup in Hong Kong, please do leave a comment, as I would love to hear about it!
Oh and many thanks to all the people who patiently answered all my questions and supplied me with such lovely photos.
10 comments
Wonderful wonderful wonderful. This is fantastic!
Thank you so much – very kind!
What a great guide, and I am sorry I didn’t know about these when we were there! Now I want to move back.
thanks for this! really helpful.. am going to try a few of these out 🙂
I’m so pleased it is useful! And if you find anymore, I’d love it if you’d drop me a line.
Thank you so much for all these information! We are moving to HK this summer with 2 kids. I have been so anxious that I won’t be able to find non-commercial type of playgroups and to connect with other moms. I will definitely explore some of them!
Thank you so much for this post! I just loved to Hong Kong with my one year old. Just wondering if you know of any playgroups out in tung chung. Thank you!
Hi Stephanie. Welcome to Hong Kong! Sorry I don’t know of any community playgroups in Tung Chung… I know a couple of mums from Tung Chung used to come to groups on the island, so that’s always one option if you don’t mind travelling. I also get the impression that there is a really nice community in Tung Chung too, so I’m sure you’ll soon find some informal play dates and groups to join. If you do find a group I can add to my blog, let me know, and I’ll be very grateful!
Hi Jenny! Thanks a lot for replying! I will definitely let you know if I find something out here. It seems like there’s a lot of moms, so hopefully something will turn up 🙂 will keep you updated. Thanks again for this wonderful post!
Thank you for such a great overview! Little Buddies Playgroup has also recently opened at Sound Waves in Tung Chung. Check out the details at bit.ly/LittleBuddiesTungChung