Ocean Park Hong Kong – Hong Kong
Anyone with kids visiting Hong Kong will and should head to Ocean Park. It’s been around since the mid-70s and prides itself on being an educational theme park. It’s not all about the wild rides (rest assured, there are lots of those too!) as it’s a zoo, aquarium and marine park. There are shows, feeding sessions (for the animals), rides to suit all ages and fear levels, restaurants and many food kiosks serving a great array of local food. There’s also plenty of choice for retail therapy with the Panda Kingdom Shop doing very well with the kids.
One day really isn’t enough to cover everything particularly if you have little ones. It’s advisable to plan your visit and check the times of the shows. Popular attractions include the Giant Panda Adventure with Ying Ying and Le Le, the aptly named Hair Raiser ride for the older kids and the wet rides – Raging River and The Rapids. It’s good to know that animal welfare and conservation is taken seriously here, and the park is audited by the American Humane Association and they have a marine animal breeding and research centre on-site.
Aberdeen
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3923 2323
Universal Studios Singapore – Singapore
As the only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia, Universal Studios Singapore caters to kids of all ages (and parents too) with rides, shows and attractions spread over seven themed zones – Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar. Older ones will go for the 3D Transformers ride or the Battlestar Galactica duelling roller coasters, while the little ones get to be Treasure Hunters and drive their own dessert jeep through abandoned excavations sites. There are meet-and-greet sessions with favourite characters, live shows and even a 4D adventure with Shrek and co.
Wind down after a full day of excitement with the Hollywood Dreams Parade and the Lake Hollywood Spectacular fireworks show. Facilities include ATMs, money changers and locker rentals for your convenience.
8, Sentosa Gateway
Sentosa Island
Singapore
Tel: +65 6577 6000 / 03-2333 3285
Enchanted Kingdom – Philippines
If you’re visiting Manila and want a day out at a theme park with the kids, Enchanted Kingdom is your best bet. Considered the best park of its kind in the country, Enchanted Kingdom is located approximately 35km form Metro Manila and is extremely popular with families. Every age is catered for, so you can take the younger ones on rides like the Bumbling Boulders (Stone Age tea cups) while the teens test their mettle on the Disk-O-Magic.
It’s not called Enchanted Kingdom for nothing as there’s a whole cast of fairy tale characters behind it namely Princess Victoria and Eldar the Wizard. There are shows throughout the day with lots of singing and dancing, and many fast food options. This may not be your typical ‘Disneyland’ type theme park, but it’s easy to spend a few hours here and the kids will definitely be entertained.
Santa Rosa, Laguna
Philippines
Tel: +632 584 3535 / +632 584 4326
Siam Park City – Thailand
Siam Park City is spread over five zones – Water Park, X-Zone, Family World, Fantasy World and Small World. Extreme rides like roller coasters, giant drops and spinning swings are more than enough to keep the family busy for the day at the X-Zone; and Small World is where you’ll find rides tailored just for the little ones, like the Mini Carousel, Mini Motorcycle and Mini Astrofighter. If it’s a hot day, there are water slides, wave pools and plenty of shaded areas to relax in.
If you have kids with you, combine fun with education and head to Family World where there are attractions with informative benefits. Here’s where the family can board a train or travel by jeep through African safaris or jungles filled with dinosaurs. Facilities include convenience stores, changing rooms, as well as lockers and beach canvas beds for rent.
203, Suan Siam Rd
Kannayao, Bangkok
Tel: +662 919 7200 / +662 105 4294
Waterbom Bali – Indonesia
Spread over 3.8 hectares, the award-winning Waterbom Bali is home to a carefully landscaped arrangement of gardens and water systems, alongside exciting water rides and fun attractions for the whole family. Here, you can expect to find all manner of water slides, river rides and water playgrounds, with the rides categorised by how intense they are and rated by drench, thrill and speed factors.
Exciting adrenaline-pumping action will be had with near vertical drops, almost 90-degree corners and turns on some of the region’s best water slides. The Constrictor is the world’s longest at 250m, where you can slip and slide amidst the trees high above the ground. Little kids can hang out at the water playground equipped with water cannons, mini slides and giant water dump buckets, while parents can relax at a private gazebo or book a massage or manicure/pedicure session. Keyless lockers, first aid and towels are all available for hire.
Jl. Kartika Plaza Tuban
Kuta – Bali
Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 755 676
