Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China on the Pearl River Delta, about 60 km west of Hong Kong. Its compact peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane combine a UNESCO-listed Portuguese colonial old town, Cantonese temples and street food, and the glittering casino resorts of the Cotai Strip.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Macau Science Center
Large hands-on science museum beside the Nam Van waterfront, designed by I. M. Pei, with a Moon-shaped planetarium, interactive exhibits and a children's zone. Address: Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Nam Van, Macau Peninsula.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Macau Giant Panda Pavilion
Air-conditioned pavilion in Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane, home to giant pandas Kai Kai and Xin Xin, with feeding and activity viewing in the morning. Address: Seac Pai Van Park, Estrada de Seac Pai Van, Coloane.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Seac Pai Van Park
Green park in Coloane with a botanical garden, walking paths, a lake and the Panda Pavilion; a calm place for a picnic and run-around away from the casino crowds.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Fisherman's Wharf
Theme-park-style waterfront with a Roman amphitheatre, a replica Old West and Amsterdam streets, a Dynasty Wave Pool and rides. Address: Rua do Dom João IV, near the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. Opening times vary by attraction, so check before going.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Venetian Macao Gondola Ride
Costumed gondoliers sing as boats float along indoor canals under a painted sky inside the Venetian Macao. Address: Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, Cotai.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Galaxy Macau Grand Resort Deck
A large resort deck with a wave pool, white sand beach and lazy river on top of the Galaxy Macau resort. Expect seasonal opening, with the wave pool normally closed in cool months. Address: Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai.
Duration: Half day
Golden Reel Ferris Wheel at Studio City
A figure-8 shaped Ferris wheel on the top of Studio City with views over Cotai; one of the highest at about 130 metres. Address: Estrada do Istmo, Cotai.
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Parisian Macao Eiffel Tower
Half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower in front of The Parisian Macao, with an observation deck and nightly light shows. Address: Estrada do Istmo, Cotai.
Duration: 1 hour
Taipa Houses Museum
Five restored Portuguese villas on the Taipa waterfront with small exhibitions of local life, near the family-friendly food street Rua do Cunha. Address: Avenida da Praia, Taipa.
Duration: 1 hour
Macau Museum
Interactive museum inside Mount Fortress telling Macau's history through life-size street scenes, toy displays and games. Address: Praceta do Museu de Macau, Macau Peninsula.
Duration: 2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Galaxy Macau and Banyan Tree / Ritz-Carlton complex
Large Cotai resort complex with a wave pool, kids' clubs and family rooms
Family features: Wave pool and beach, family rooms, children's activities, free shuttle buses, several restaurant options
The Venetian Macao
All-suite resort with canals and gondolas, large family suites and Cotai Expo attractions
Family features: Spacious suites, kids' pool access, gondola rides, many restaurants and a food court
Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16
Waterfront peninsula hotel with Portuguese-style architecture and a swimming pool
Family features: Family rooms, pool, river views and access to the old town
Budget family hotels in Taipa Village
Smaller three- and four-star hotels with family rooms, close to bakeries and Rua do Cunha food street
Family features: Quiet streets, quick bus links to Cotai, lower rates midweek
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Cha chaan teng and noodle shops welcome children at any hour; order wonton noodles, congee or toast with condensed milk (MOP 30-70 per dish, USD 4-9)
Casino resort food courts and family restaurants offer high chairs and kids' menus; The Venetian, Galaxy and Studio City each have several
Egg tarts and serradura (sawdust pudding) are good for picky children; Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane Village and Taipa is popular
Dishes are often shared; ask for a bowl and extra plates, and for less spicy options
Tap water is usually offered hot or as tea in local restaurants; bottled water is cheap at convenience stores
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Children under 21 cannot enter casino gaming floors; resort malls, hotels and attractions have non-gaming entrances and signs. Carry a passport or ID for all family members aged 18-20
Strollers work on the main roads and Cotai but the old town lanes are narrow and have steps; a baby carrier is easier around the Ruins of St. Paul's
Free casino shuttle buses run between the ferry terminals, border and resorts and are the easiest way for families to move around
Buses charge MOP 6 per adult; children under 1.2 m ride free or at a reduced fare (verify on board)
Typhoon Signal No. 8 closes buses, ferries and shops; plan indoor days such as the Science Center and keep snacks and water
Summer is hot and humid; plan outdoor attractions for the morning and use the resorts' air-conditioned corridors in the afternoon
Macau Government Tourism Office hotline +853 2833 3000 can help with lost children, medical help and attraction information; the emergency number is 999