When most people picture a family trip to Hong Kong, they imagine navigating heavily crowded city streets or paying the high price tags of major theme parks. But if you know exactly where to look, the city is packed with incredible, family-friendly surprises that won’t cost you a dime.
Located right in the heart of the New Territories, New Town Plaza in Sha Tin is home to two of the most impressive—and completely free—outdoor playgrounds in all of Hong Kong. Whether you have toddlers looking for the nostalgic charm of classic characters or older, high-energy kids ready to conquer massive climbing structures, these hidden rooftop parks are the perfect place to let them burn off some serious energy.
If you’re building a full family day out in the New Territories, be sure to check out our complete The Ultimate Guide to Sha Tin: Culture, Cycling, and Local Life before hitting the playgrounds!
Dino Park (Level 5): A Prehistoric Adventure
If you have kids with boundless energy to burn, Dino Park is an absolute game-changer. This state-of-the-art, dinosaur-themed outdoor playground is massive, beautifully designed, and rivals many of the paid indoor playrooms you’ll find across Hong Kong.
The 7-Meter T-Rex & Main Attractions
The undisputed centerpiece of the park is a colossal, 7-meter-tall T-Rex play structure that dominates the rooftop skyline. It is an incredible piece of playground engineering where kids can climb up through the dinosaur’s body using intricate rope bridges and climbing nets before flying down the massive slides.
Beyond the T-Rex, the playground is packed with interactive zones designed to challenge older kids. You will find thrilling mini zip lines, balancing beams, dinosaur-themed obstacle courses, and spinning rides. It’s an immersive, high-energy space where kids can safely run wild.
Practical Tips for Parents at Dino Park
While the kids are busy conquering the Jurassic period, the park features plenty of shaded seating areas around the perimeter where parents can rest and supervise.
- Location: The park is located on Level 5 (L5) of New Town Plaza Phase 1. Just take the main atrium escalators all the way up.
- Age Appropriateness: While there are a few smaller elements for toddlers, this park is best suited for older, high-energy children who are confident climbers.
- Sun Protection is Essential: Because it is an open-air rooftop park, there is very little shade over the actual play equipment. If you are visiting during the peak of summer, the slides can get hot. Be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of drinking water!
- Explore More: To see what else the mall has to offer for families, read our overview on Sha Tin Shopping & Dining: New Town Plaza, Rooftop Parks, and Eats.
Snoopy’s World (Level 3): Nostalgic Family Fun
If Dino Park is all about high-energy thrills, Snoopy’s World offers a much gentler, more relaxed environment. Opened over two decades ago, this beloved outdoor park leans heavily into nostalgia, making it a massive hit not just with toddlers and younger children, but with parents who grew up reading the classic Peanuts comic strips.
The Giant Snoopy House & Photo Spots
The park is essentially a whimsical, life-sized recreation of the Peanuts universe. As soon as you step outside onto the podium, you are greeted by the iconic sight of a massive Snoopy resting on top of his signature red doghouse. It’s a classic Hong Kong photo op that you simply can’t miss!
Wander deeper into the park, and you’ll find an array of fantastic photo spots. Kids can climb aboard Charlie Brown’s bright yellow school bus, explore the Peanuts Academy, or pose with colorful character figures of Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the gang scattered throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens.
Navigating the Park & Amenities
Because Snoopy’s World is designed for a younger crowd, the layout is flat, easy to navigate, and much more stroller-friendly than the multi-level climbing structures of Dino Park. There are also plenty of benches and rest areas for parents to sit back and relax.
- Location: The park is incredibly easy to find. It is located right on the Level 3 (L3) outdoor podium of Phase 1, just a short walk from the main atrium where you first exit the MTR station.
- Beat the Crowds: Snoopy’s World remains incredibly popular with local families. If you want photos without dozens of people in the background, we highly recommend visiting early in the morning when the mall first opens, or on a weekday afternoon. Weekend afternoons can get overwhelmingly crowded
Essential Tips: Getting There & Where to Eat
MTR Access & Mall Navigation
Getting to the rooftop playgrounds is incredibly straightforward thanks to Hong Kong’s world-class public transit. Simply take the East Rail Line to Sha Tin Station and head for Exit A. This will funnel you directly into the air-conditioned Level 3 (L3) concourse of New Town Plaza.
From here, Snoopy’s World is just a short walk straight through the mall out to the L3 podium. For Dino Park, locate the main atrium escalators and ride them up to Level 5 (L5).
Navigating this massive complex can be a bit overwhelming with kids in tow. Use our New Town Plaza Guide: Shops, MTR Access, and Mall Layout to find the quickest routes, stroller rentals, and left-luggage lockers.
Family-Friendly Dining Nearby
Let’s face it: after an hour of climbing a 7-meter T-Rex or chasing Charlie Brown, everyone is going to be hungry. Fortunately, some of the best food in the New Territories is just an escalator ride away.
New Town Plaza is packed with family-friendly dining options that cater to exhausted parents and picky eaters alike. We highly recommend grabbing a table at one of the mall’s premium dim sum restaurants, where you can cool off in the AC while enjoying har gow (shrimp dumplings) and sweet BBQ pork buns. Most restaurants in the mall have high chairs and kid-friendly tableware.
Find the best family-friendly spots and local Cantonese bites in our guide on Where to Eat in Sha Tin: Best Restaurants, Dim Sum, and Local Eats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Dino Park at New Town Plaza free?
Yes, admission to Dino Park is completely free for everyone! It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though mall staff may implement crowd control measures and entry queues during peak weekend afternoons to ensure safe play.
Do I need to book tickets for Snoopy’s World?
Tickets or advance reservations are not necessary for Snoopy’s World. It is a free-entry public park located on the outdoor podium of New Town Plaza. You can walk right in!
What are the opening hours for the rooftop playgrounds?
Snoopy’s World is typically open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Dino Park usually opens a bit earlier, running from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Note: Because both parks are completely outdoors, they may temporarily close during severe weather events, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or typhoon signals.