Macau is a city which seems to be a playground for adults on the surface, but let not looks deceive you. Macau has an abundance of cool attractions and host of family activities that can make this travel destination a fairly good choice for a holiday with your loved ones.
The House of Dancing Water
The House of Dancing Water hosted by the City of Dreams is the largest water extravaganza in the world. This breathtaking musical is a spectacular family attraction which is performed on a 270-degree purpose-built theater known as the Dancing Water Theatre. There are special reserve seats which allow you to zoom into the performance from a unique angle, get a close and personal view of the show along with complimentary chocolate and drink. The reserve seats come for HKD1480 and the general tickets range from HKD100 to HKD700.
Historic Center of Macau
The kids will benefit from a trip to the Historic Center of Macau and the Macau Science Center. The Historic Center of Macau is a exceptional international city with a combined Portuguese and Chinese population. They are also famous for their port that serves internal trade among dispersed countries; owing to its uniqueness the Center has been emblazoned on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The attractions include Moorish barracks, A-Ma temple, Leal senado building, St. Dominic’s Church and especially the Guia Fortress. The Center does not charge any entrance fee however; the opening time is subject to change.
The Guia Fortress is situated on the highest point in the city of Macau. It was built from 1622 to 1638 in order to shield Macau from the attacks coming from the sea. It also operated as an indispensable observation post. The prominent attractions here are the lighthouse that is the oldest on the coast of China and the Chapel of our lady of Guial. Children might take pleasure in a ride on the cable car, which is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday except on Mondays. The charge is MOP 2 for one way and MOP 3 for return.
Macau Science Center
The Macau Science Center is must visit for children. The center aims at cultivating and stimulating an interest in science and technology among the people with the help of interactive programs in the Planetarium. There is an exhibition center and two planetariums with 2D and 3D domes meant for sky shows. There are different rates for every center according to age group ranging from MOP 15 to MOP 65. They offer free entrance to people with disabilities and children below the age of two. The center remains open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Sunday expect on Thursdays.
The children would love to spend a day at the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion that houses several exotic animals including a South American Toucan, and numerous species of monkeys and peacocks.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Macau Museum and the ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral is an unsurpassed attraction for lovers of history and art. The museum has been built in the fortress which offers a magnificent setting to the viewers. It embraces all the periods of history including the epoch when Macau had not been occupied by the Japanese. At the end of the tour you might want to take a test which is interesting and fun, you might even end up winning a nice prize on passing it. The museum remains open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday expect on Mondays. The entrance fee is MOP 15 for adults and MOP 8 children aged 5 to 10 and seniors over the age of 60. Entrance is free for everyone on the 15th of every month.
The ruin of St. Paul’s Cathedral is considered to be the most significant landmark of Macau. The remains of the cathedral built in the 17th century by an Italian Jesuit and Japanese Christians; possesses a stupendous facade made of intricate etchings and carvings done by Japanese monks. It remains open everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Tuesday. Entrance is free for all.
The next time you are in Macau pay these places a visit and you will see the Macau is not all about casinos. It has lots to offer to both children and adults in search of a family vacation.
