Family-Friendly Programmes for Your Kids at the Int'l Arts Carnival in Hong Kong

Spending time together as a family, whether it be through sharing of meals or participating in active games, is beneficial to the well-being of both adults and children. As we become more dependent on smartphones and the internet, it is important to sustain family-friendly activities to leverage the use of technology and keep children out of their bedroom once in a while.

This year, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is hosting the International Arts Carnival 2022 in Hong Kong, featuring a wonderful lineup of events filled with arts, dance, music, drama, puppetry, and exhibitions that will last until Aug. 14, 2022.

The annual summer festival is part of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s (HKSAR) 25th anniversary celebration last June. Before the carnival ends, here are some family-friendly activities and tailor-made programmes that your whole family can still catch up on.

‘Where Are the Animals?’

This family-friendly programme is a musical adventure of animals joining a party. Can you guess what animals will show up at the party hosted by the forest nymph and hunter?

Everyone is welcome to come and see the show and dress up in animal costumes or bring their favourite animal toys to the theatre. Exciting prizes await the audience, so better buy your tickets before it’s too late!

“Where are the Animals?” will be showing on July 30 and 31 (11 AM, 2:30 PM & 5 PM).

Venue: Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

‘Grave of the Fireflies’

Organised by Theatre Space, Akiyuki Nosaka’s novel “Grave of the Fireflies” was adapted into a Cantonese musical. It tells the story of a 14-year-old kid named Seita who carries his younger sister, Setsuko, on his back to escape from besieged Japan during World War II.

The show runs for an hour and 30 minutes with no interval and is suitable for children aged six years and older. You can enjoy the show starting on Aug. 12-14. You can now book your ticket. Price ranges from HK$140-HK$280.

Venue: Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre

‘Soundscape Magic Flute’

“Soundscape Magic Flute” is a musical adaptation of Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute." It features a re-lyricised version using ten tunes, some of which are "This Image Is Enchantingly Lovely" and "The Birdcatcher Am I," among others.

This musical theatre aims to teach children about the seven virtues: humility, kindness, perseverance, diligence, charity, temperance, and innocence. Through catchy and playful sounds, children would likely sing along while learning these ideal character traits.

The story seems very timely due to the “virus” that turned Queen Charity into a greedy ruler by turning the world out of balance using her magic. But thanks to Prince Perseverance, his discovery of a magic gadget brings peace back into the world.

Other exciting characters the audience should look forward to include Bird Catcher Diligence, Princess Innocence, Immortal Temperance, and High Priest Kindness.

“The Soundscape Magic Flute” is available in Cantonese and English, with Chinese and English subtitles. Witness this spectacular play on Aug 6 (2:30 PM and 5 PM) and Aug. 7 (11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5 PM). Book your tickets now!

Venue: Auditorium, Yuen Long Theatre

‘The Enchanted Bookshop Musical’

Spearheaded by Hong Kong 3 Arts Musical Institute, this family-friendly show is ideal for children as young as six years old.

“The Enchanted Bookshop Musical” showcases the joy of reading by featuring an ordinary bookshop that transforms at night where “Robin Hood, Snow White and Sherlock Holmes come alive and sing and play thanks to a spell by the book fairy."

If you want to embark into the world of books and fairy tales, this stage programme will be showing on Aug. 5-7. Some seats may have restricted view, so book your tickets as early as possible.

Venue: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall