Planning a holiday that captivates a 4-year-old, a 6-year-old, their parents, and their grandparents can feel like an impossible puzzle. On our recent family trip, we discovered the solution: a journey through Taiwan that perfectly blended city excitement with countryside charm.
Our adventure began with four free-and-easy days in Taipei. We hit the ground running, ascending to the top of the iconic Taipei 101. Seeing our children's faces pressed against the observatory glass, gazing down at the sprawling city, was a priceless start. Another universal hit was the X-Park Aquarium near the airport, a brilliant, modern facility that captivated everyone from our son to my father-in-law. For the adults—or at least for me—the absolute highlight was the food. The queue at Fu Hang Soy Milk was more than worth it; I shamelessly insisted we return for two consecutive mornings. The warm, savoury soy milk and crispy youtiao are, in my opinion, a non-negotiable Taipei experience.
As we prepared to explore beyond the city, we made the single best decision of our trip: hiring a private driver. This move was a game-changer. With an itinerary planned by our knowledgeable driver, we moved at a relaxed pace, enjoyed fantastic local meals, and completely eliminated the stress of navigating with a large group.
Our journey into the countryside began with nature’s wonders. We explored the lush landscapes of Yangmingshan National Park and stood in awe of the otherworldly rock formations at Yehliu Geopark. From there, we headed towards Taichung, stopping at the nostalgic Sheng Xing broken bridge station and the stunningly vibrant Chungshe Tourist Flower Market. The day concluded with a breathtaking sunset over the Gao Mei wetlands—a truly magical moment that silenced us all.
The days that followed were pure paradise for our children. In Taichung, the whimsical Carton King Creative Park was a hit, but the real magic came after dark as we watched countless fireflies light up the night at Lavender Cottage. The animal encounters were a highlight, with visits to two incredible petting zoos: 今夜星辰休闲农场 (Starry Night) in Changhua and 張美阿嬤農場 (Grandma Chang’s Farm) in Yilan. The kids were thrilled to get up close with capybaras and deer. Yilan also offered more hands-on fun, from a DIY spring onion pancake session to an incredible morning out on the Pacific, watching spinner dolphins leap from the water. Even a trip to a crayon factory became a colourful adventure.
Before heading home, we squeezed in a final trip up to Maokong on a glass-bottomed gondola and explored the famous tofu street at 深坑老街 (Shenkeng Old Street). Our last morning was spent on a leisurely bicycle ride in Yilan—a perfectly calm and beautiful end to our adventure.
From towering cityscapes to whimsical animal encounters, Taiwan offered something for every member of our family. An immense thank you is owed to my wife, whose meticulous planning was the invisible thread that wove this perfect trip together. If you’re looking for a multi-generational holiday that ticks all the boxes, Taiwan is it.
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