Kadoorie Farm is celebrating its 70th anniversary with free admission! Before you bring your kids to burn off some energy, read this preparation guide to make sure you have so much fun you won't want to leave!

Seriously, Hong Kong parents, what else comes to mind for the long summer holidays besides taking your kids for "air-conditioned tourism" and "half-day lounge sessions in the Food Court" at the mall?
If your only answer is "staycation," then you really need to read on—because Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, has finally acted like a "conscientious enterprise" and released news that has shaken the entire Hong Kong parenting community: from now until September 14th, you can enter the park for free by pre-registering online!
Yes, you heard right, it’s really free! Normally, taking the whole family to the park means spending a fortune on tickets, but this time it's a "Hong Kong miracle" level event. This is your chance, so hurry up and book your spot!

But this time, it's not just a casual stroll. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the park has specially organized an exhibition called "Awakening Memories: Ethnobotanical Stories of Tai Mo Shan" and even created a "Heritage Trail" for you to walk and take photos. You can bring your children to find the stone pillars of the old Central Post Office, explore the Kadoorie Brothers Memorial Pavilion, and tell them a historical story about Hong Kong. It's fun, educational, and free—this is what you call a "Michelin three-star itinerary for families"!

However! Here’s the重點 (the main point)—taking your "little monsters" outdoors without any preparation will guarantee that "family fun" instantly turns into a "disaster scene"!

Everyone knows how terrible the weather in Hong Kong has been recently—humid, hot, and stuffy. Walk two steps and your back is already hot enough to fry an egg. Children's body temperature regulation isn't as good as adults', so after a bit of walking, they quickly turn "roasted goose-like" with flushed faces, and then they'll start whining, throwing tantrums, complaining of tiredness, and wanting to go home… At that point, you won't be able to enjoy the scenery; just pacifying them will be enough to send your blood pressure soaring, and you might even get so angry you want to leave by yourself!

Therefore, as someone who has been "battle-tested, cried, hurt, and stumbled," I'm sharing some "outdoor survival tips for kids" to turn the whole trip from "hell mode" to "relaxed and comfortable mode":

1. Personal "Mobile Air Conditioner" — Portable Electronic Fan (Neck-mounted type is a godsend)
This is absolutely the No. 1 essential item, no arguments! Don't cheap out and buy those flimsy USB fans; the breeze they blow out is weaker than your sighs. You must buy one with two or three fan speeds and enough battery to last more than half a day. If you can choose a neck-mounted type, it's even more invincible, as both your hands are completely freed up—your left hand holding an iced drink, your right hand supporting your child, and you can still take out your phone anytime to snap photos without the hassle of holding a fan. When you're out of breath, a cool breeze on your face makes the kids smile instantly, and you'll have fewer arguments.

2. Mosquito "Force Field" — Mosquito repellent spray + mosquito repellent patches + light-colored long-sleeved clothes and pants
A farm has many plants and trees; this is common sense. But the degree of "many mosquitoes" is absolutely as lively as "Mong Kok of the mosquito world," with two mosquitoes attacking you every three steps. Children's skin is sweet and tender, and mosquitoes specifically choose them to bite, while adults standing nearby are fine. Why? Remember to buy child-specific mosquito repellent (choose those with DEET concentration below 10%, or use natural ingredients like lemon eucalyptus oil). After spraying on hands, feet, neck, and back, stick a few more mosquito repellent patches on collars, cuffs, and backpacks to create a "three-dimensional protective net." Wearing light-colored long-sleeved clothes and pants is even safer; it protects against sun and mosquitoes. When you return home, your legs won't look like "red bean ice," and you won't hear them screaming about itchy bites during their evening bath, giving you some peace and quiet.

3. Unlimited Hydration + Light Emergency Snacks
Hiking and visiting a farm, the rate of sweating is "seconds per drip" for both adults and children. Remember to bring a large bottle of water for everyone (preferably an insulated bottle to keep cold water longer), or give your child a small water bottle to carry so they develop the habit of "drinking automatically when thirsty." Also, bring some individually packaged cookies, energy bars, or small juice boxes. When they're tired, find a gazebo to sit down, spread a tissue, and have a "small forest picnic." This will immediately recharge the children, and they'll feel the whole trip is incredibly fun, no longer whining about wanting to leave.

4. Spare Clothes and Pants + Small Towel (This is what most people forget!)
This point really needs to be highlighted with stars! Many parents prepare a pile of things but miss this one. When children play wildly, they get soaked as if they just swam. Once they get in the car and the air conditioning is on, they easily catch a cold and sneeze. If you bring an extra set of clothes and pants (including underwear!) and an absorbent towel, after playing, find a restroom to dry them off and change them into dry clothes. That feeling of comfort is like "reborn"—they'll almost "plop" and fall asleep in the car, and you can quietly enjoy the peaceful time on the way back. This scene is priceless.

When it comes to preparing these summer family "survival essentials," you definitely need a convenient place to buy them all in one go!

I sincerely recommend a truly local Hong Kong shopping website — ManyMart (Click here to visit the website).
This website is not like large chain stores that are all uniform and boring. They specialize in many practical and thoughtful home and outdoor products. Whether you're looking for powerful portable fans, child-specific mosquito repellent sprays, lightweight water bottles, or outdoor accessories like storage bags and folding chairs, you can almost always find them. The best part is their fast delivery, reasonable prices, and many real reviews from local users, so you don't have to worry about buying the wrong thing. It's perfect for lazy Hong Kong parents like me who don't want to compare prices everywhere.

Imagine, before you even leave, you're relaxing on your sofa at home, easily browsing ManyMart (Click here) with a few clicks, and your items are automatically delivered to your doorstep. No need to drag your kids, squeeze onto the MTR, and wander around malls looking for goods, saving all that time and effort. Not only do you support local small businesses, but you also save yourself trouble and energy. This is what you call "winning before you even start"! Why not go check it out now?

Finally, one more warm reminder: the free entry slots are limited, so remember to book online first. Don't just rush there and find yourself at a closed gate; otherwise, facing your child's disappointed "you tricked me" look at the entrance will make you feel guilty all day long!

With your essentials ready and your date booked, this summer, go up the mountain with your kids for some fresh air and create happy memories that belong to Hong Kong. After your trip, remember to tell me where you took the happiest photos!

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