ExplainerFive toddler-friendly hikes in Hong Kong to help get your kids into nature

Hiking is a great family activity if you get the level right so that your young ones can enjoy themselves. There are a plethora of hikes in Hong Kong for a toddler to enjoy. But there are also several things to bear in mind first before you hit the trails. Firstly, adjust your expectations. You will not be tearing up Lantau Peak in record time. In fact, you may not go anywhere. If the hike is for you, don’t go with your toddler. If the hike is for the family, factor in lots of loitering time when your kids want to examine their surroundings. In fact, encourage that examination. If your toddler comes away with a fascination with nature, then that’s all the better. In time, that fascination may turn into more serious hiking you can enjoy together when they are older. Time outdoors for kids is good for their physical and mental development. Even just focusing on nearby leaves rather than far-off views is good for their eyesight and prevents them needing glasses in later life. No one knows your kids as well as you do. So, pick and choose a route you think they can manage and will enjoy. Maybe you’ve taken them hiking many times and are sure they can do the entire 100km MacLehose over several weekends. Maybe this is your first time, and you want a short walk to get them used to the exercise. Both are great, and valid options. Bring food and water for them, appropriate clothes that are cool but protect them from the sun, and of course sun cream – consider a toddler rucksack to carry them. Here are a few hikes to get you started. Bride’s Pool – 2km This is a short and easy hike. The dense forest and fabulous waterfall are sure to amaze your little ones. To get to the start of the trail, you can take a bus from Tai Po Market MTR. Bride’s Pool Nature Trail is almost 1km. But the waterfall is a 700m detour. After the second bridge on the trail, take the left fork to head to the waterfalls. In full flow, this is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Hong Kong, and will no doubt wow any toddler. After the hike, you can head to Tai Mei Tuk for a meal to celebrate the walk with the family. Double Dragon Stream Trail – 3.3km What could be more enticing for a toddler than the prospect of two dragons? But full disclaimer: there are no actual dragons on said trail. Again, this will take you to a waterfall view. It is just 3.3km but it has almost 300m of elevation. So, be prepared to go slowly or bring a rucksack to carry the kid. This hike starts on South Lantau Road. You can get there from Mui Wo either by bus or taxi. You’ll start with a climb through lush woods. And before you commit fully to going up Sunset Peak, you’ll come back down again, via the beautiful Dragon Stream waterfalls. Once at the bottom, catch the bus back to Mui Wo or on to Pui O beach. Playing with sand is great for kids and helps them develop neuron connections in the brain that boost the ability to learn. Po Toi Island This will really feel like you are heading out on a big adventure as you embark on a ferry out to Poi To Island. First, get on the boat at Stanley. There are only a few trails on Poi To, and you can pick and choose which ever suits you. Head up to the high point for a view, or out to the lighthouse to look out to sea. There is a great seafood restaurant by the ferry pier too, to make a day out of it. Cheung Chau Loop – 12km This loop is a little longer, but it is also easy to bail on the hike and get back to the town as you pass it, cutting the hike short as your wee one’s attention span reaches its limits. Take the ferry from Central out to Cheung Chau. There is a lovely and diverse loop all the way around the island. You will pass houses, beaches, small cliffs, with views of Lantau and Hong Kong Island. Grab some seafood after in Cheung Chau to make the most of your family day. Cape D’Aguilar – 8km Your kid will be excited to check out real whale bones. Start from Cape D’Aguilar Road. It’s hard to get lost. You just follow the winding road down to the shore. The walk is on concrete, so it’s a less immersive trail than other options. It is a good introductory walk for families new to hiking. There are plenty of taxis, often buses and a place to get snacks. The views of the sea are stunning though. It is a great example of Hong Kong’s beautiful rocky shore. Displayed on the shore is the skeleton of a whale. It is the remains of Miss Willy, an Orca from Ocean Park. Head back the way you came having enjoyed a jaunt to the coast.

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Get your kids enjoying the great outdoors – it’s good for their health, mind and development Pick hikes that they will enjoy so they keep coming back for more

Get your kids enjoying the great outdoors – it’s good for their health, mind and development

Pick hikes that they will enjoy so they keep coming back for more