Top tips for planning an amazing family holiday: Travel Weekly Asia

Family travel is all about experiences over excess today, as parents seek adventure, value and hassle-free planning in an ever-changing travel landscape. And in Macao, just a short flight from most APAC cities, the destination makes it effortless to enjoy a weekend escape or quick getaway, with a wealth of attractions catering to every age and interest.

Here’s how travel planners can help families make the most of Macao’s many charms.

Macao has a range of accommodations that appeal to families, including Lisboeta Macau’s Line Friends Presents Casa de Amigo, a collection of rooms themed around Line characters.

Macao’s integrated resorts take family stays to the next level, offering something for every generation under one roof. The Venetian Macao and The Parisian Macao feature themed family suites complete with bunk beds, colourful décor and amenities for the little ones. Lisboeta Macau even has Line Friends Presents Casa de Amigo, a collection of 82 rooms and suites where the kiddos can snuggle up with beloved Line characters like Brown and Cony.

When it’s time for play, families don’t have to go far. JW Kids Club at JW Marriott Macau offers 800 sqm of edutainment fun with a bouncy castle, mirror maze and an arts and crafts table, while Grand Resort Deck at Galaxy Macau and Studio City Water Park are packed with water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and lots of opportunities for splashing around.

The cute pastries and drinks at G Bear Café at Londoner Grand are a treat for gourmands of all ages.

From lavish hotel buffets, including the Grand Buffet at Grand Lisboa Macau, to meals with a view at the Macau Tower’s 360º Café, Macao’s dining scene is a feast for the senses. Families can dive into hearty Macanese dishes at beloved spots like Fernando or Restaurante Escada. 

For fun flavours, pop into the G Bear Café at Londoner Grand for irresistible pastries featuring G Bear, The Londoner’s charming globe-trotting mascot. And no trip is complete without a stop for street snacks – from the iconic Portuguese egg tarts and almond cookies to Stickhouse’s customisable gelato crafted with natural ingredients.

House of Dancing Water at the City of Dreams combines jaw-dropping aquatic acrobatics, cutting-edge technology, and dramatic storytelling that will keep the whole family entertained.

Macao is the master of wow-worthy shows. The House of Dancing Water, which relaunched this year at City of Dreams, blends acrobatics, diving, and dance in a spectacular aquatic production that captivates all ages. For high-tech immersion, Illuminarium at Wynn Palace takes visitors to the far reaches of space, while teamLab SuperNature at The Venetian invites families to interact with digital art installations.  

At night, the Londoner Light and Sound Spectacle transforms the Cotai Strip into an illuminated display of colour and motion, synced to Beatles classics and James Bond themes – a dazzling treat for all.

Thrill-seekers of all ages can glide over Cotai’s most iconic landmarks at ZIPCITY Macau.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Go AirBorne, the city’s first indoor skydiving centre, allows thrill-seekers from as young as four to experience the exhilarating sensation of skydiving in a safe wind tunnel. Teens with an adventurous spirit can also go for ZIPCITY Macau, which offers the opportunity to soar over the Cotai Strip’s most iconic landmarks. 

Meanwhile, younger kids can unleash their energy at Kids City at City of Dreams or Qube Kingdom at The Parisian. For multi-generational fun, Legend Heroes Park combines high-tech experiences – from virtual reality mazes to retro video games – that everyone can enjoy.

Even kids as young as four years old can experience the thrill of a free fall at Go AirBorne, Macao’s first indoor skydiving centre.

For families who love discovery, suggest a nature stroll through Taipa Central Park, meet pandas at the Giant Panda Pavilion, or hunt for snacks and souvenirs along Rua do Cunha. Learning through experiences, the Macao Science Center’s interactive exhibits on topics like astronomy and robotics captivate curious minds of all ages, while the Taipa Houses Museum offers a cultural dive into Macau’s Portuguese roots.

Macao has made strides to assure that many of its attractions and establishments are inclusive and accessible by everyone. Exploring is a breeze with stroller- and wheelchair-friendly walkways, lifts, and free shuttle buses connecting malls and major sights along the Cotai Strip. 

Most attractions are barrier-free, and feature ramps and accessible pathways to ensure everyone can join the fun. Even hilly landmarks like Mount Fortress feature lifts and escalators for easy access. Nursing and breastfeeding rooms are available in both public and private venues, ensuring mums and babies stay comfortable throughout the day.

Explore more family-friendly ideas and itineraries here.

This article is brought to you by Macao Government Tourism Office