Taiwan with Kids: Family Travel Guide and Itinerary

Quick answer

For a 10-day family trip, base yourself in Taipei's Da’an or Xinyi districts for accessible MRT links and parks. Use the EasyCard (NT$100 deposit) for 20% discounts on the clean, stroller-friendly metro system. Focus on the Maokong Gondola (NT$120), Taipei Zoo (NT$60), and the interactive National Taiwan Museum (NT$30) which offer low-cost, high-engagement activities for children under 12.

Where to stay

Taipei: Da’an District

Da’an Forest Park is the central hub for families. Staying within a 10-minute walk of the park provides access to multiple playgrounds and the red Tamsui-Xinyi MRT line. Accommodation here ranges from NT$3,500 to NT$7,000 (£85–£170) per night for a family room. The area has high concentrations of convenience stores and clinics.

Taipei: Xinyi District

Xinyi is the most modern sector with wide, flat pavements ideal for strollers. It houses major department stores like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, which feature dedicated floors for children’s clothing, nursing rooms, and indoor play centres. Hotels here are premium, often exceeding NT$8,000 (£195) per night.

Kaohsiung: Zuoying or Yancheng

In southern Taiwan, Zuoying is practical for those arriving via High-Speed Rail (HSR). Yancheng is better for leisure, located near the Pier-2 Art Center where children can run in open spaces decorated with large-scale sculptures. Expect to pay NT$2,500 to NT$5,000 (£60–£120) per night.

Attractions by age band

Transport and stroller practicality

MRT and Trains

The Taipei MRT is highly accessible. Every station has lift access, though you may need to walk to the middle or ends of the platform. Priority seats are strictly observed for parents with small children. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes; book 'Parent-Child' carriages in advance for extra legroom and proximity to changing tables.

Strollers vs Carriers

Taipei and Kaohsiung pavements are generally negotiable with a mid-sized stroller. However, older districts like Jiufen or Tamsui involve steep stairs and narrow alleys where a baby carrier is mandatory. Rain covers are essential as sudden downpours occur frequently.

Food for children

Taiwanese cuisine includes many mild, non-spicy options suitable for young palates:

• Din Tai Fung: Famous for Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). They provide high chairs and plastic cutlery immediately. A meal for four costs roughly NT$2,000 (£50).
• Beef Noodle Soup: Order the 'non-spicy' (qing dun) version. The noodles are soft and easy to cut.
• Convenience Stores (7-Eleven/FamilyMart): These sell steamed buns (baozi), roasted sweet potatoes, and tea eggs for under NT$40 (£1).
• Breakfast Shops: Order 'Dan Bing' (egg crepes), which are bland but filling.

Contingency plans: Heat, rain, and naps

Heat (June–September)

Temperatures often exceed 33°C with high humidity. Plan outdoor activities like the Taipei Zoo for 9:00, then move to indoor malls or museums by 12:00. The underground malls (like Taipei City Mall) connect major stations and are fully air-conditioned.

Rain

Keep a list of indoor play centres (親子館). The government-run centres are free but require online booking. Private centres like 'Kidsburgh' cost approximately NT$500 (£12) for three hours. The National Museum of Marine Biology in Pingtung is a primary rainy-day destination for southern travel.

Realistic family-paced day

• 08:30: Breakfast at a local soy milk stall (NT$200 for family).
• 09:30: Arrival at Taipei Zoo via the Brown Line. Focus on the Giant Panda House and Children’s Zoo.
• 12:30: Take the Maokong Gondola from the zoo station to the top for views. Lunch at a tea house (NT$1,200).
• 14:30: Return to hotel for a nap or quiet time.
• 16:30: Visit Da’an Forest Park playground to let kids burn energy.
• 18:30: Dinner at a department store basement food court for variety and easy cleaning (NT$1,000).

Approximate costs

• Mid-range hotel: NT$4,000 per night.
• Daily food (Family of 4): NT$2,500.
• Local Transport: NT$400.
• Total estimated daily budget: NT$7,000–NT$9,000 (£170–£220).

Safety and health

Taiwan is statistically one of the safest destinations globally for families. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use the filtered water dispensers found in every MRT station and department store nursing room. Pharmacies (Watson’s or Cosmed) are ubiquitous and stock international brands of nappies and formula. Mosquitoes are prevalent in parks; use repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.

FAQ

Is Taiwan stroller friendly? Major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent MRT lift access and flat pavements in newer districts. However, older areas and night markets are crowded and uneven, making a compact stroller or carrier preferable.

What are the best months for a family trip to Taiwan? October, November, and March offer the most comfortable temperatures (20°C–25°C) and lower rainfall. Avoid July and August due to typhoon risks and extreme heat.

Do I need a car seat in Taiwan taxis? Law requires children under four to use a car seat. While standard taxis rarely carry them, you can book 'Uber Kids' in Taipei which provides one Mifold or Graco seat for a small surcharge.

Common mistakes

• Trekking to Jiufen with a stroller: The town consists almost entirely of narrow stairs. Use a locker at Ruifang Station to store the stroller and use a carrier instead.
• Ignoring 'Cleaning Days': Many public museums and the zoo close on specific Mondays. Always check the official site before you go.
• Overpacking nappies: Local brands and Japanese imports (Merries, Moony) are easily available at drugstores for similar prices to the UK/US.
• Underestimating travel times: While the HSR is fast, getting from a hotel to the platform with children and luggage usually takes 45 minutes longer than Google Maps suggests.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner creates a custom daily schedule based on your children's ages and interests. It calculates real-time transport durations between MRT stations, estimates your total spend in New Taiwan Dollars, and provides a seasonal packing list that accounts for Taiwan's humidity and sudden rain. Select your arrival date to see which night markets are most active during your stay.