Summer is here and there is no shortage of fun places for family outings around Coloane and Taipa. Good weather days mean it’s time to head outdoors and get in touch with nature. Wherever and whenever you and your family are, it is sure to be a great time. When the rains hit, spend some quality time indoors at a museum or the zoo. Here is our short list of things do and places to go for a fun family day in Macau.
Meet Giant and Red Pandas
Take the kids to the park to see giant panda residents Kai Kai and Xin Xin at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion. The admission fee is only MOP $10 and the ticket allows access to two pavilions. Two new resident red pandas have also recently arrived at Seac Pai Van Park from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and are meeting the public in the Pavilion of Rare Animals. Explore nature with your young ones at this environmental facility that serves as a home to amazing animals.
Macao Giant Panda Pavilion & Pavilion of Rare Animals Seac Pai Van Park, Av.de Seac Pai Van, Coloane, +853 2888 0087, www.macaupanda.org
Grand Taipa Natural Park
Strategically located on Taipa Grande Hill lying to the east of Taipa Island, the precincts of the park feature amusement facilities like the Sculpture Park of the Chinese Ethnic groups, a barbecue zone, children’s playground, an observation deck, a grass-skiing slope and the Grand Taipa Hiking Trail that circles the hill. Be amazed by the spectacular views of the city from a new angle. It’s a magnificent place for families to exercise and relax in the fresh hilltop outdoors.
Grand Taipa Natural Park, Rampa do Observatório, Taipa , +853 2833 7676, nature.iam.gov.mo
Museum of Taipa and Coloane History
Nestled in the old Taipa Village, take the children to the bright green building that houses the Museum of Taipa and Coloane. Featuring nine galleries, the first floor of the museum displays excavated relics and other artifacts. On the second floor, there are religious objects, handicrafts, and architectural models. Grab a quick bite as you pass by the local bakeries and traditional street food stalls at Rua da Cunha. It is open daily, except for Mondays, from 10:00am to 6:00pm and its free admission for everyone.
Museum of Taipa and Coloane History Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa, +853 8988 4000, +853 2882 5631
Natural and Agrarian Museum
While strolling through the Seac Pai Van Park of Coloane, you’ll see a quaint house with a charming pathway. Don’t hesitate to go inside the Natural and Agrarian Museum. It is the first museum of nature in Coloane Island dedicated to showcasing the land-farming and natural resources. Each of the two exhibition halls displays areas housing a collection of around 200 exhibits. Don’t miss the sea coconut seed from Seychelles, the Coco de Mer, which is said to be one of the largest seed specimens in the world. The museum is open daily, except for Mondays, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Natural and Agrarian Museum Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane, +853 2887 02 www.nature.iacm.gov.mo
Hac Sa Reservoir Water Park
Spend a beautiful day at the Hac Sa Reservoir Country Park. A favorite place for barbecue parties and picnic, and let the kids can release their energy at the playground in a holy communion with nature. Take everyone for a ride on the paddle boats with a magnificent view of the mountain around the reservoir. There are different trails to explore and the beautiful scenery is a refreshing change from the city.
Hac Sa Reservoir Water Park Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, +853 2833 7676, www.iacm.gov.mo
So go ahead and make the most of the beautiful weather days to come!
