While many of us are counting down the days until we hop on a plane, plenty more of us are digging deep for the duration of Hong Kong’s steamy summer. Here are three healthy distractions for July, aircon not included.
Ark-ing About
Bemoaning the good old days when kids could be kids? Let them live out those Famous Five fantasies this summer without needing to board a plane to the English countryside. Mui Wo-based eco-conservation organisation Ark Eden has spaces remaining for their summer camp programme, running all the way through until September 2. Kids from 5-11 years old head out to the wilds of Lantau where they’ll spend the entire day hiking waterfalls, fishing in rock pools, taking barefoot nature walks, building shelters, planting trees and getting up close and personal with bugs, birds and animals… before cooling off with a good old fashioned water fight. Free range parenting right here in Hong Kong? Sounds pretty idyllic to us.
Whole-day camps cost $660, and run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through July and August. For more information and to book, check out arkedenonlantau.com.
Twinkle little stars
Twinkle Dance is running four complimentary workshops this month for children with special physical or educational needs who love nothing more than busting some moves. Split into sessions for age 3-5 and 5-10 year-olds, each 45-minute themed class gets kids moving in a safe and encouraging group environment, all the while having an awesome time. Littlies get moving to an animal rhythm with Zootopia sessions, while older kids head Through The Looking Glass with Alice in Wonderland-themed classes.
Free of charge. Workshop spaces are available on July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Oulets in Central and Wong Chuk Hang, including 403, Lansing House, 41-47 Queen’s Rd. Central, 6608-6929, twinkledance.com.
One Fit Mother
Having a bun in the oven needn’t slow you down if you have the right gear. Performance apparel brand 2XU is tackling pregnancy problems head on with its brand new range of pre- and- postnatal compression wear. Featuring full and three-quarter-length tights and shorts, this smart line promises comfortable support during your workout, plus added bump-friendly benefits, such as amped-up lower back and pelvic support, a wide waistband and technical fabrics that reduce swelling. Cankles begone!
Costs from $1,080-$1,250, depending on style. Buy online at 2xu.com.hk or in store at Giga Sports and SOGO.