Top 5 of the month: family picnics

By Delphine
 
Winter is over, temperatures will soon be rising and we will have picnics on our minds. You know, where kids love running around with mouths full of chips, everyone brings a lovingly made home cooked dish but no one remembers the cutlery, and at some point someone starts complaining about the sand in his sandwich. We all go home thrilled and satisfied of our family time, thinking about where to go for our next adventure. So, where do we go? It needs to be easy to get to (and stroller-friendly), without being the least bit crowded, with shade AND sun so everyone’s happy, and it has to be nice. Here’s our top 5:
 
On a beautiful sunny beach : Mui Wo – Silvermine Beach
Sheltered at the very end of a creek on Lantau Island, this pretty beach is easily accessible by ferry or by bus from Central or Kowloon.
You can sunbathe, swim or play in the clean sand. If you feel like chipolatas and fried chicken instead of ham and hard boiled egg, you can make use of the BBQ. We share food and thought over the smell of grilled meat and it definitely feels like a holiday. Charcoal and pre-marinated meats can be bought at the 7 eleven or Park & Shop a few seconds away, really convenient. The hard part is actually having to pack up and leave after taking in a beautiful sunset.
More information here.
Silver medal: Repulse Bay
 
Inside a park with a sky full of kites and grass lawns: Tai Po Waterfront Park
Not easy stuffing provisions, snacks, scooters, kites, hats, bikes and sunscreen in the bag but it’s totally worth it. This park is full of activities for your kids, the lawn are soft and clean with many shaded areas to protect the Comté cheese from becoming Raclette in your bag. Playgrounds, slides, boat ponds, cycling routes, you name it, there’s something for everyone. The only drawback, your kids will want to go back the next weekend, and the one after that…..
More information here.
Silver medal: Clear Water Bay National Park
 
On an isolated beach: Pui O
Not as well known as other beaches on Lantau, but lovely no less. Easy to get to, by MTR or ferry. Surrounded by greenery, you’ll come across cows and many birds. Well sheltered, there are lots of picnics spots available, some even include a BBQ. Swimming, cycling, scooters and sand castles are indeed on the agenda. And if you’re feeling up to it, you can even spend the night under a tent in the camping area.
More information here.
 
Inside an education park: Lion’s Education Centre
Nestled in the Sai-Kung area this picturesque park will surround you with greenery. By the time you get your sunglasses out you’ll already be at the bird observation deck or enjoying a stroll around the vegetable garden while your kids run wild in the dragonfly pond. A small stop at the arboretum, and finally it’s time for your break around the wooden tables. As you take out the cherry tomatoes and cold cuts, the little ones can climb the monkey gym next to wild flowers close by, building up an appetite for the bags of chips they’re about to wolf down.
More information here.
Silver medal: Kadoorie farm & botanic garden
 
In a forest at the heart of Hong Kong: Tai Tam country Park
After a nice hike (or not) on Hong Kong Island, having a picnic in the middle of a forest far from the crowds, but only  a few steps away from Parkview, is a real treat. Fire up the BBQ (Fusion supermarket at Parkview comes in handy for the charcoal) or enjoy your sandwiches in the sun or shade. The kids can run around, cycle, play ball, while you enjoy the peaceful serenity…Just before hiking towards the reservoirs?
More information here.
 
To stock up on nice cheeses and cold cuts, order from Répertoire Culinaire and make the best of their unbeatable prices thanks to your Privilege Member card. Details on this offer here.