17-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Taiwan's Epic Journeys
Taiwan is a dream destination for families seeking a balance between high-tech urban convenience and breathtaking natural beauty. This 17-day itinerary traverses the island from north to south and back, ensuring a relaxed pace that respects nap times and little legs, while still hitting the most iconic landmarks.
With world-class public transport, incredibly clean public nurseries in every station, and a culture that warmly welcomes children, Taiwan offers a stress-free environment for an epic journey. Whether you are exploring the creative hubs of Kaohsiung or the marble cliffs of Taroko, this guide ensures every stop is accessible and engaging for all ages.
Day 1: Taipei, Taiwan - Arrival and Easy Exploration
Arrival at Taoyuan International Airport
Clear customs and pick up your local SIM card. The airport is spacious and stroller-friendly, making the initial arrival smooth for families.
Check-in at Da'an District
Drop your bags at a family-oriented hotel near Da'an Park, the 'Central Park' of Taipei, perfect for an initial leg-stretch.
Da'an Forest Park
Let the children run wild at the massive playground while you enjoy the lush greenery and pond views. The paths are perfectly paved for strollers.
Yongkang Street Dinner
Enjoy a world-famous meal at the original Din Tai Fung or try the local beef noodles and mango shaved ice in this walkable neighborhood.
Day 2: Taipei, Taiwan - City Landmarks
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Watch the changing of the guard ceremony. The wide plazas are great for toddlers to move around safely away from traffic.
Taipei 101 Observatory
Take the world's fastest elevator to the top for a bird's eye view of the city. The indoor observatory is climate-controlled and easy to navigate.
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
A former tobacco factory turned into a design hub with plenty of open space, exhibits, and a large pond for the kids to enjoy.
Raohe Night Market
Experience Taipei's food culture. Raohe is more manageable than Shilin with a stroller, featuring one long straight path.
Day 3: Taipei, Taiwan - Zoo and Gondolas
Taipei Zoo
Visit the Giant Pandas. The zoo is built on a hill, so take the internal shuttle train to the top and walk downhill with the stroller.
Maokong Gondola
Take a crystal cabin (glass floor) up the mountain for stunning views of the tea plantations. It is a thrilling but safe experience for children.
Tea Tasting at Maokong
Relax at a traditional tea house. Many offer outdoor seating where children can observe the nature while you sip local Oolong.
Ximending Pedestrian Area
A vibrant shopping district perfect for finding quirky souvenirs and watching street performers.
Day 4: Yilan, Taiwan - Traditional Crafts & Nature
National Center for Traditional Arts
A 1-hour drive from Taipei. This open-air museum features traditional architecture and DIY craft workshops perfect for children.
Plum Lake (Meihua Lake)
Rent a 4-person family bicycle (with a roof!) and pedal around the scenic lake. It’s flat and very safe for families.
Kavalan Whisky Distillery
While a distillery, the grounds are beautiful and there is a high-end cafe serving snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for the kids.
Jiaoxi Hot Springs
Stay in a hotel with a private hot spring tub in the room, allowing the kids to splash safely in the mineral water.
Day 5: Hualien, Taiwan - Coastal Scenic Route
Train to Hualien
Take the Puyuma or Taroko Express for a scenic coastal ride. The train is smooth and has plenty of legroom for family gear.
Qixingtan Beach
A pebble beach with stunning turquoise water. Kids will love stacking the smooth stones, and there is a paved cycling path nearby.
Pine Garden
A historical site with a great view of the Pacific Ocean and plenty of shade under century-old pine trees.
Dongdamen Night Market
Taiwan's most spacious night market. It is paved with flat stones, making it the most stroller-friendly market in the country.
Day 6: Hualien, Taiwan - Taroko National Park
Shakadang Trail
A relatively flat trail that follows a turquoise river. The first section is easily accessible and offers incredible views of the marble canyon.
Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou)
Witness the narrowest part of the gorge. Helmets are provided for safety, which usually amuses the older kids.
Buluowan Suspension Bridge
The bridge is completely accessible and provides a panoramic view of the gorge from 150 meters above the river.
Eternal Spring Shrine
A classic photo spot. The walk to the shrine includes some stairs, so viewing from the bridge is the best stroller-friendly option.
Day 7: Hualien, Taiwan - Farm Life
Farglory Ocean Park
A theme park and aquarium in one. It is perched on a cliff with great ocean views and shows that children will adore.
Hualien Sugar Factory
Feed the giant koi fish in the ponds and enjoy locally made ice cream at this historical Japanese-era site.
Liyu Lake
Enjoy a peaceful swan boat ride on the lake as the sun begins to set behind the mountains.
Local Seafood Dinner
Dine at one of the many family-style seafood restaurants along the coast road for the freshest catch.
Day 8: Taitung, Taiwan - The Rice Fields
Train to Chishang
Enjoy the golden rice paddies passing by your window as you head south into the East Rift Valley.
Mr. Brown Avenue
Rent an electric buggy and drive through the vast, road-sign-free rice fields. It's safe, fun, and incredibly picturesque.
Taitung Forest Park
Known as 'Black Forest', this park has great cycling paths leading to the 'Papi's Lake' (Flowing Lake).
Check-in at Taitung City
Relax at a hotel featuring a play area for children and proximity to the local night market.
Day 9: Kaohsiung, Taiwan - Harbor Art
South Link Rail Journey
Travel from Taitung to Kaohsiung. This is one of the most beautiful rail sections in Taiwan, crossing through 35 tunnels and over the ocean.
Pier-2 Art Center
A revitalized warehouse district with giant outdoor sculptures, mini-train rides, and plenty of space for strollers.
The Great Harbor Bridge
Watch the bridge rotate at 3 PM daily. It’s a short, flat walk with great views of the new Kaohsiung Music Center.
Love River Cruise
Take an electric boat ride down the river to see the city lights without the noise of a traditional engine.
Day 10: Kaohsiung, Taiwan - Temples & Views
Lotus Pond
Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Entering through the dragon's mouth and exiting the tiger's is said to turn bad luck into good.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
A massive, stroller-accessible complex. The Big Buddha is awe-inspiring and the vegetarian food mall is great for families.
Cijin Island Ferry
A short 5-minute ferry ride. Once there, rent a family bike to visit the lighthouse and the rainbow church sculpture.
Dinner at Liuhe Night Market
Famous for its seafood and wide, paved street that is closed to vehicles in the evening.
Day 11: Tainan, Taiwan - Ancient History
Travel to Tainan
A quick 15-minute hop on the High Speed Rail or a 45-minute drive. Tainan is the cultural heart of Taiwan.
Anping Old Fort
Explore the ruins of the 17th-century Dutch fortress. The surrounding Anping district is flat and full of snack vendors.
Anping Tree House
A former warehouse overtaken by banyan tree roots. It's like a natural playground for kids to explore (mostly stroller friendly via ramps).
Shennong Street
A beautifully preserved historic street. It’s narrow, so it’s best enjoyed early in the evening before it gets too crowded.
Day 12: Tainan, Taiwan - Museums and Parks
Chimei Museum
A European-style palace featuring a massive collection of violins, arms, and taxidermy that kids will find fascinating.
Ten Drum Culture Village
A former sugar refinery turned into an percussion-themed park with slides, performances, and drum lessons.
Blueprint Culture & Creative Park
Features 3D murals and small boutiques. It’s an easy place for children to walk around and take fun photos.
Tainan Flower Night Market
One of the largest in Taiwan. It’s a grid layout and has a huge section dedicated to carnival games for kids.
Day 13: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan - Alpine Beauty
Drive to Sun Moon Lake
Travel inland to the mountains of Nantou. The scenery changes from urban cityscapes to lush tea-covered hills.
Xiangshan Visitor Center
A stunning piece of modern architecture with an easy, flat walk along the lake’s edge.
Lakeside Cycling
CNN named this one of the most beautiful bike paths in the world. Many shops offer bikes with child seats.
Ita Thao Village Dinner
Try the local indigenous Thao cuisine, including bamboo rice and mountain boar, at the waterfront market.
Day 14: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan - High Views
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Take the cable car for a bird's eye view of the lake. It connects to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
A theme park that combines indigenous culture with European gardens and amusement rides suitable for all ages.
Lake Cruise
Hop on a shuttle boat between the three main piers (Shuishe, Xuanguang, and Ita Thao) to see the lake from the water.
Wenwu Temple
A grand temple overlooking the lake. It is especially beautiful at sunset when the lanterns are lit.
Day 15: Taichung, Taiwan - Science and Sweets
Travel to Taichung
A 1.5-hour drive from the lake. Taichung is known for its wide boulevards and creative spaces.
National Museum of Natural Science
A massive museum with a world-class dinosaur exhibit that is always a hit with kids.
Miyahara Ice Cream
Housed in a former eye clinic, this Harry Potter-esque shop sells the best ice cream and pineapple cakes in Taiwan.
Fengjia Night Market
The largest night market in Taiwan, famous for innovative street food. It can be busy, so go early at 5:30 PM.
Day 16: Taichung, Taiwan - Wetlands & Art
National Taichung Theater
Even if you don't see a show, the architecture is fascinating. There is a rooftop garden and kid-friendly design shops inside.
Rainbow Village
A small, colorful village painted by a local veteran. It is a quick and vibrant stop for photos.
Gaomei Wetlands
Walk along the long wooden boardwalk to see the windmills and crabs. It’s perfectly flat and stroller-friendly.
Final Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a meal at a high-end Taiwanese teahouse like Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of pearl milk tea.
Day 17: Taipei, Taiwan - Last Minute Shopping & Departure
THSR back to Taipei
Take the High Speed Rail from Taichung to Taipei (45 mins) to catch your flight or do final shopping.
Final Souvenir Run
Head to the underground malls at Taipei Main Station for easy, weather-proof shopping for tea and snacks.
Lunch at the Airport
Taoyuan Airport has excellent food courts with plenty of high chairs and family seating areas.
Departure
Relax in the family lounges or the themed gates (like the Hello Kitty gate) while waiting for your flight.
Best Time to Visit Taiwan
The best time to visit Taiwan with a family is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (October to December). During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and the rainfall is relatively low, making it ideal for outdoor activities and stroller walks. Summers can be extremely hot and humid with a risk of typhoons, while winters in the north can be surprisingly chilly and drizzly.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). While major hotels, malls, and department stores accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), Taiwan remains a cash-heavy society, especially at night markets and smaller local eateries. You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs located in almost every 7-Eleven or FamilyMart convenience store. Tipping is not expected in Taiwan, though a 10% service charge is often added to the bill in sit-down restaurants.
Getting Around Taiwan
Getting around Taiwan is incredibly efficient. For intercity travel, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) connects major cities on the west coast in record time. For the more rugged east coast (Hualien and Taitung), the standard TRA trains offer scenic routes. Within cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, the MRT (subway) is world-class, fully accessible with elevators at every station, and features dedicated priority seats and waiting areas for families with children.
