Working parents’ guide to maximising the weekend

Hey parents – with a bustling schedule and plenty of responsibilities, we know that you’re struggling to achieve some work/life balance. Don’t worry, though, because we’re here to help you reclaim – and maximise – those precious days off each week for some free time for yourself, and with your little ones.

Saturday: rejuvenate + recharge with some “me” time
Before you set off for some time for yourself, drop off the kids at a place where they’ll enjoy themselves too. The Maggie & Rose Family Members Club, with beautiful spaces in both Causeway Bay and Repulse Bay, offers fun and creative workshops for kids.

Next up, head for a quick workout to clear your mind of stress – work-related or otherwise. Try a high-intensity, 55-minute workout at House of Fitness; the new boutique gym offers quick-fire sessions that target everything from cardio and weights to boxing.

We know how hard it is to spare time to meet friends and family during the work week, so for a laidback afternoon shooting the breeze, head to Po’s Atelier. This cosy cafe in Po Hing Fong remains a hit, thanks to its Japanese- and Scandinavian-inspired baked goods, like flaky croissants and scrumptious cinnamon rolls. Grab a tasty treat for yourself, and remember to pick some up to go for the family too.

While we’re on the subject of enjoying your free time, you should also use the afternoon to pursue leisurely activities you like – not necessarily with your partner in tow. Sign up to meetup platform Make and Do Hong Kong, which encourages collaborations between creative types and also puts on workshops for handcrafted goods. Dads, meanwhile, can join Gentlemen’s Tonic’s traditional shaving class and learn the ropes from expert barbers.

But the weekend is also about rewarding yourself after all that hard work during the week. To get those knots out after sitting at your desk for hours a day, book you and your significant other in for a couples’ treatment at Sense of Touch. The spa’s Repulse Bay outlet offers a “Love is a Many Splendoured Thing” package, named after the 1955 Hollywood classic that was shot on location here. It’s a necessary, indulgent massage that you both deserve.

The day is drawing to a close – but the night is young. Continue with date night at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The annual movie extravaganza, which runs from 18 March to 1 April this year, screens noteworthy international films, Asian premieres, and much-buzzed documentaries at venues across the city.

And that’s a wrap!

Sunday: regroup + reset with family fun 
Sunday is the perfect day to create special memories. First, though, everyone should take advantage of the day off for a lie-in. Quality sleep, of course, demands good bedding. We love Bamboa’s products: made with bamboo and organic fibres, they’re hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial – always a plus for households with children.

Instead of heading out for lunch, why not make your own? Head over to one of Cooktown’s family classes to learn how. From spaghetti carbonara to cupcakes, these courses offer little ones the chance to be chef for a day and develop their culinary skills – and you’ll be there to take photos of them having fun!

When the weather’s nice (and before it gets too hot!), gather the gang for a picnic at one of Hong Kong’s many country parks. Victoria Peak Garden offers ample space and magnificent views, while Tai Tam Country Park, one of Southside’s finest green spaces, is decked out with picnic-friendly seating areas. Pick up a British-inspired picnic basket from Brick Lane, or go gourmet with an offering from Invisible Kitchen – yum!

Finally, to wrap up the weekend, have a low-key games night back home. Jolly Thinkers offers a huge array of board and card games for kids of all ages to learn from and interact with, without sacrificing fun. What better way to wind down and gear up for the week ahead?

See what else there is to do this month with our March round-up.