Batgung - playground

Inspiration Lake, playground & park

mrb — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:57:46 +0000

Last weekend some friends drove us and the girls out to Inspiration Lake. There's grass, and ... you're allowed to play on it! Quite a rarity for Hong Kong.

The car park for the lake is tiny, just 23 spaces. So while we were dropped off, our friend queued up until enough people left that he could get a space.

The area is part of the Disney development, but you don't need to pay to get in. There's a small 7-11 by the car park, but that's all in terms of shops.

Just across from the 7-11 is a children's playground, with equipment similar to other public playgrounds around Hong Kong. There's also a little water feature, with baby fountains that turn on and off at random. Younger children have a lot of fun playing with them, and I see some families had come prepared, with children wearing swimming costumes. I had an unexpected squirt up my shorts when I was crouching down to take a photo - you have been warned!

The main area is the lake, with a walking track and parkland around the edge. It's a nice walk, or there are a few bicycles and pedal boats to rent if you prefer.

On either side of the path are grassy areas, and several people had brought picnics. But the best grassy area is over the opposite side of the lake. There you'll see the path runs under the highway, and opens out into a large grassy space on the other side. There are some trees for shade, and a 'bandstand' too.

Has anyone managed to get there by public transport? What's the easiest way?

Children's playground above Elements

mrb — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:26:32 +0000

We found this playground yesterday, and MissB Sr pronounced it a success. They have some unusual toys in good condition.

It's up on the roof level of Elements (above Kowloon station on the Tung Chung / Airport Express lines).

Kowloon Park children's playground

batgungAdmin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:57:59 +0000

A large, well-equipped playground. If we're in TST we'll often call in here to let the girls have a run around.

It gets very busy in the afternoons on weekends, so try and get there before lunch if you can.

Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Boating Park

mrb — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:18:45 +0000

This disused reservoir has been converted into a small boating pond. You can rent small paddle boats to potter around on the water. It costs HK$120 to rent a four-seater for an hour on the weekend or public holidays. That was about the right length of time for us and our 2- and 4-year old daughters. It's cheaper on weekdays - the park is open daily, 9am to 6pm.

There are lots of turtles and freshwater fish in the water, so bring along some bread to feed them. In late March we also saw toadspawn and tadpoles.

The Citybus site has more info and details of buses that will take you there.

Hong Kong Park playground

mrb — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:16:18 +0000

A big playground on several levels, including a large sandpit area.

Makes a good destination if you've been for lunch at Pacific Place - walk through the park past the ponds with a stop to admire the fish & turtles, maybe cut through the aviary along the way (or climb up to the top of the observation tower if you're feeling energetic), and you're there.

Botanical Gardens playground

batgungAdmin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:46:06 +0000

Right up the top of the botanical gardens is this playground. Not huge, but it makes a good combination with seeing the plants & animals in the Gardens.

Middle Road playground

batgungAdmin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:43:06 +0000

It's on the roof above the TST KCR station. New equipment, lots of space, and never very busy. A good spot for the children to let off some steam if you're in TST.