What to do 1pm-11pm layover at Hong Kong Airport

hi. we have a 11hour layover at hongkong airport. this is coming up in 3 weeks. we have 2 girls, 11 and 7. as we land at 1pm our next flight to SFO is at 11pm. we have US passports. what are things we could visit with our children? we have 3-4 hours of day time and about 3 hours of evening time. we want to be back at airport by 9pm. pl advise. we heard macau is good..but is it good for children? we don't want vegas style adult stuff everywhere. thank you all.

If you haven't done HK before would probably stay there.

Close to the airport you have the Ngong Ping Cable Car and Big Buddah, and the outlet mall down the bottom, or into HK proper and explore the Peak and areas of Central.

Would probably skip on Macau, the casinos are just ritz and a lot more spread out than Vegas,and the old Portugese parts are pretty poor imho

Take the MTR into the city and explore it for a few hours. Walk around, take in the skyscrapers, have an afternoon tea set at a cafe. Give yourself four to six hours to immerse yourself into Hong Kong. Show the kids what the big smoke is all about. Try whatever looks good - food in Hong Kong is tasty and plentiful (but it's not terribly cheap by Asian standards, but by American standards it should be okay).

Use the opportunity to 'taste' Hong Kong. A few hours should make for an exciting stopover, but you might need a shower before connecting onwards to SFO.

(Whatever you do, I beg you not to take them to Disneyland Hong Kong.)

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Bleh, the last time I went to Macau I lasted about half an hour before giving up and heading into China.

The Tung Chung mall is pretty good, with plenty to eat and shop. My recommendations are on the other thread.

Get a same day return Airport Express train ticket to Hong Kong Station.  Once you're there it is easy to get around.  AE Train info here.

If you're a Dim Sum fan there is a Tim Ho Wan (Michelin Star Dim Sum) outlet at HKG station (near the Subway restaurant), go there for the BBQ Pork Buns.  

If the kids aren't into that the Peak Tram is just a short cab ride away.  Google it and print something out to show a taxi driver, that will help overcome any possible language issues.

Whilst on the island side it is worth taking a ride on the East-West running trams.  Very old and very famous.  

Get a train over to the "mainland" side and the Ladies market is worth a look.  To get back to HKG station catch the (again) very famous Star Ferry from the dock at Tsim Sha Tsui TST over to the island side.  Perhaps loiter near the TST Ferry Terminal until 8pm to see the nightly light show then catch the Ferry back across.  This will leave you near Hong Kong MTR station to get back to the airport.

Before departing the airport it might be worth your while to grab each of you an Octopus card as that would be your MTR card and can be used to pay for the Airport Express train.  They are also used to pay at Starbucks, 7-elevens and McDonalds to pay (also believe the Peak Tram accepts them).  You can buy them, and preload them with cash at 7-Elevens and the Airport Express ticket booth (from memory).

I have a similar transit coming up and can't wait.  Admittedly I'm on my own so it will be easier!

I highly recommend doing the Ngong Ping cable car your. 7km long cable car journey, great views of the city, airport and islands. And you can spend some time at the big Buddha and the monastery. Great quick way to soak up the HK culture. I believe you can get a family pass for Ngong ping too. It's close to the airport too. I'd recommend taking a taxi, they are not expensive. Taking public transport in HK with 2 young girls might be a bit intimidating. Enjoy!

I would argue that HK culture is about TST and Central, not the Big Buddha. Nevertheless, your point that Tung Chung has plenty to offer the transiting passenger stands.

Forgot to add. Not sure if it's a "family friendly" establishment, but it may be as you can have meals there. Drinks/dinner at the ritz Carlton is a must. Spectacular view of the harbour lights display! 

Thanks folks for all your help. Looks like I'll have to do some googling.

Yes, I'm definitely not going to disneyland. we are from California and been to ever ripping off disneyland few times.

a good map showing attractions, how to get there would be great. will seek that so its easy to show to cab or asking local people for help (language issues).

People speak English quite well in HKG, but the accent might be tricky to understand if you're not used to it.

Check into the airport regal hotel in a day room and sleep!

Arrange a 4 hr private car and driver to show you round ,very reasonable priced  in Hong Kong he will return you to the air port as well.