8 Days 7 Nights in Taiwan: Kids Friendly Itinerary for Families (2024)

Taiwan, a vibrant island nation, is an excellent destination for families seeking a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. This 8-day, 7-night itinerary focuses on the bustling city of Taipei and the scenic region of Yilan, offering a fun and educational experience for children and parents alike.

Best Time to Visit Taiwan

The best time to visit Taiwan is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid traveling in July and August due to the hot and humid conditions, as well as the risk of typhoons.

Day 1: Arrival in Taipei

Raohe Night Market, Taipei

PHOTO:Unsplash/@windclems

Morning:

• Arrival at Taoyuan International Airport: Arrive early and arrange for a transfer to your hotel in Taipei. Choose a family-friendly hotel with amenities such as a pool and kids' activities.

• Interesting Fact: Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building, remains a significant landmark and symbol of modern Taiwan.

Afternoon:

• Taipei 101: Head straight to Taipei 101. Kids will love the high-speed elevator ride to the observatory on the 89th floor, offering panoramic views of the city.

Evening:

• Dinner at Din Tai Fung: Enjoy a family-friendly meal at Din Tai Fung, famous for its delicious xiao long bao (soup dumplings).

• Night Market: Visit the nearby Raohe Night Market, where kids can enjoy a variety of street food and fun games.

Day 2: Exploring Taipei

Popular Ice Cream at Maokong Gondola, Taipei

PHOTO:Unsplash/@gronemo

Morning:

• National Palace Museum: Explore the National Palace Museum, home to an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts. The interactive exhibits are great for kids.

Afternoon:

• Taipei Zoo: Spend the afternoon at Taipei Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Asia. The kids will love seeing the pandas, elephants, and a variety of other animals.

• Maokong Gondola: Take the Maokong Gondola for scenic views of Taipei and the surrounding mountains. Stop for a tea break at one of the tea houses in Maokong.

Evening:

• Dinner: Return to the city for dinner. Try a kid-friendly restaurant offering a mix of local and international cuisine.

Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen

Jiufen Old Streen, Taipei

PHOTO:Unsplash/@yokeboy

Morning:

• Jiufen Old Street: Take a day trip to Jiufen, a charming town with narrow streets and traditional teahouses. Kids will be fascinated by the bustling market atmosphere.

• Interesting Fact: Jiufen served as the inspiration for the town in Studio Ghibli’s film "Spirited Away."

Afternoon:

• Gold Museum: Visit the Gold Museum in nearby Jinguashi, where kids can learn about Taiwan’s gold mining history and even try panning for gold.

Evening:

• Return to Taipei: Head back to Taipei for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Day 4: Travel to Yilan

DYI Spring Onion Snacks Making Experience, Yilan

PHOTO:Marina Wee

Morning:

• Train to Yilan: Take a train to Yilan, a short and scenic journey from Taipei. Yilan is known for its beautiful landscapes and hot springs.

• Interesting Fact: Yilan is famous for its agricultural products, including rice and spring onions.

Afternoon:

• DYI Spring Onion Snacks Making Experience: Make you own fried snack made with home-grow spring onions with your kids.

• Luodong Night Market: Explore the Luodong Night Market, offering a variety of local snacks and fun activities for kids.

Evening:

• Stay at a Hot Spring Hotel: Check into a family-friendly hot spring hotel where everyone can enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal waters.

Day 5: Yilan Exploration

Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm (張美阿嬤農場), Yilan

PHOTO:Marina Wee

Morning:

• Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm (張美阿嬤農場): See animals such as capybaras, alpacas, sika deer, Japanese torii gates.

• Interesting Fact: The park is home to the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival, held every summer.

Afternoon:

• National Center for Traditional Arts: Explore the National Center for Traditional Arts, where kids can learn about Taiwanese culture through interactive exhibits and live performances.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Yilan’s famous spring onion pancakes and other delicacies.

Day 6: Nature and Adventure

Morning:

Jiaoxi Hot Springs, Yilan

PHOTO:Unsplash/@jenniferyung

• Jiaoxi Hot Springs: Start your day with a visit to Jiaoxi Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic properties. There are family-friendly public baths and private rooms available.

• Interesting Fact: Jiaoxi is one of the few places in Taiwan where the hot springs emerge from the ground naturally.

Afternoon:

• Wufengchi Waterfall: Hike to Wufengchi Waterfall, a beautiful spot with three cascading falls. The trail is kid-friendly and offers stunning views.

Evening:

• Return to Yilan: Head back to your hotel in Yilan for a restful evening.

Day 7: Return to Taipei

Shilin Night Market, Taipei

PHOTO:Unsplash/@maxoh

Morning:

• Train to Taipei: Travel back to Taipei via train.

Afternoon:

• Beitou Hot Springs: Visit Beitou Hot Springs, where the family can enjoy a soak in the thermal waters. There are family-friendly public baths and private rooms available.

Evening:

• Shilin Night Market: Head to Shilin Night Market for a final night of shopping, games, and delicious street food.

Day 8: Departure

Ximending Shopping District, Taipei

PHOTO:Unsplash/@supasitc

Morning:

• Last-minute Shopping: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs at Taipei’s Ximending shopping district.

• Interesting Fact: Ximending is known as the Harajuku of Taipei, famous for its trendy shops and vibrant street art.

Afternoon:

• Departure: Arrange for a transfer to Taoyuan International Airport for your flight home.

Tips for Travelers

• Language: While Mandarin is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). ATMs are widely available.

• Transportation: Taiwan's public transportation system is efficient and family-friendly, with high-speed trains, buses, and the MRT in Taipei.

This family-friendly itinerary ensures a perfect mix of adventure, education, and relaxation for an unforgettable 8-day trip to Taiwan. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene landscapes of Yilan, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.