The Best Places to Visit in Taiwan for a Family Holiday

Taiwan is one of those destinations that quietly ticks every box for a family holiday. It is safe, easy to get around and packed with experiences that appeal across generations. From hands-on arts centres and wildlife encounters to scenic lakes and lively night markets, Taiwan makes it simple to mix learning, leisure, and a little adventure. Here is how to spend your holidays in Taiwan with your family, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Also read: 7 Scenic Destinations in Taiwan for Nature Lovers

Places to visit in Taiwan you don’t want to miss out

1. Start with creativity at the National Centre for Traditional Arts

A great way to ease into your trip is at the National Centre for Traditional Arts in Yilan, especially if you are travelling with younger children. The centre brings Taiwan’s cultural heritage to life through interactive workshops and DIY activities, from paper crafts and puppet making to traditional snacks. Rather than simply observing, children are encouraged to try their hand at age-old skills, making culture feel playful and accessible.

For instance, a fun family bonding activity can be painting an artfully crafted hand fan to keep as a memento. It allows everyone to come together and get their creative juices flowing to create a keepsake of their own.

The open-air layout also helps burn off energy, with traditional architecture, small performances, and relaxed spaces to explore at your own pace. There are bridges to explore and man-made fog for aesthetic photographs alongside installations that light up at night, all around. You can also have a taste of Taiwanese tea and purchase hotpot packets to cook for a taste of traditional cuisine.

2. Blend fun and learning at Lanyang Museum

Lanyang Museum in Yilan is an excellent family-friendly option, particularly if you want to introduce children to Taiwan’s natural landscapes and local culture in an engaging way. They have levels dedicated to each aspect of nature, such as land, rivers, oceans, and mountains.

The museum’s striking architecture mirrors the rocky coastline of north-eastern Taiwan, immediately catching children’s attention. Inside, interactive exhibits explore Yilan’s ecology, indigenous culture, and traditional livelihoods, using models, videos, and hands-on displays that are easy to understand. 

The layout is spacious and wheelchair as well as stroller-friendly, with clear storytelling that helps families learn together without information overload. It effectively combines culture with coastal scenery.

3. Head out to the sea for whale watching in Toucheng

For a memorable shared experience, whale watching along Taiwan’s coast is hard to beat. Toucheng, Yilan, is a relaxed coastal town that works beautifully for families looking to slow the pace while staying close to nature.

Best known as the gateway to Wushi Harbour, Toucheng is one of Taiwan’s most established whale-watching bases. Family-friendly boat tours depart regularly during the peak season, taking visitors out towards Guishan Island or Turtle Island, where dolphins are commonly spotted, and whales appear at certain times of year, such as April through October.

Tours are well organised and educational, making them suitable even for first-time wildlife encounters with children. Make sure you keep your eyes open to spot dolphins jumping in the seas in split seconds and the majestic bodies of whales swimming through the ocean beneath the crystal clear waters.

4. Take a day trip to Taipei and visit Taipei 101

No family holiday in Taiwan feels complete without time in Taipei. A day trip allows you to explore the capital’s mix of modern energy and cultural depth without committing to a packed schedule. Taipei 101 is an obvious stop, with its observatory offering sweeping city views that impress all ages.

Beyond the landmark, Taipei’s neighbourhoods are easy to navigate, with parks, temples, and cafés providing natural breaks. The city’s efficient transport system makes moving around with children straightforward, even for first-time visitors.

5. Discover colourful art at Rainbow Village, Taichung

A short drive from central Taichung, Rainbow Village is a tiny but unforgettable stop for families. Originally a military dependents’ village, it was transformed into a vivid art space by local artist Huang Yung‑Fu, whose cheerful murals now cover almost every wall. Children are naturally drawn to the bright colours and playful characters, making it an easy and engaging place to explore on foot.

Beyond taking photos, families can learn a little about local history and creativity, as the site tells the story of one man’s efforts to preserve his home while turning it into a public art treasure. There is also a wall to write your wishes and other quotes you may want to leave behind as a memory, making it an interactive experience.

6. Explore the streets of Jiufen and Shifen

Jiufen and Shifen make for a rewarding day trip, combining history, nostalgia, and simple pleasures. Jiufen’s narrow lanes, teahouses, and hillside views feel almost storybook-like, capturing children’s imaginations while giving adults plenty to photograph.

In Shifen, releasing sky lanterns is a memorable ritual that families can enjoy together. Making wishes upon the lantern and watching them drift skywards creates a shared moment that feels both meaningful and fun, often becoming one of the trip’s most talked-about memories.

7. Slow down at Sun Moon Lake in Puli

After city sights, Sun Moon Lake offers a gentler pace that families often welcome. Located near Puli, the lake is ideal for spending a full day or two immersed in nature. The ropeway provides panoramic views that are thrilling without being intimidating, while boating on the lake is calm and scenic.

Families can also explore the area by electric bike, following the well-maintained cycling trail that loops around parts of the lake. It is an easy, eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenery and keep everyone active without exhaustion. With a 360-degree view of nature making every pitstop in and around the area scenic and frame-worthy, Sun Moon Lake is not to be missed.

8. Meet sheep and horses at Qingjing Farm, near Puli

Set high in the mountains of Nantou County, Qingjing Farm is a refreshing change of pace for families travelling through central Taiwan. Often referred to as Taiwan’s “Little Switzerland”, the farm is best known for its wide grasslands where sheep roam freely, creating an open, storybook setting that children immediately love. 

The famous sheep-shearing show adds a lively, educational touch, giving young visitors a close-up look at farm life while parents enjoy the cool climate and sweeping alpine views. Beyond the sheep enclosures, the farm also features areas where families can see horses and ponies, with scheduled equestrian performances adding to the appeal. Combined with its location near Puli and Sun Moon Lake, Qingjing Farm fits naturally into a family itinerary, offering hands-on fun, fresh mountain air, and a memorable rural contrast to Taiwan’s cities.

9. Visit the Xitou Japanese Monster Village in Nantou County

For something quirky and unexpected, the Japanese Monster Village adds a playful twist to your itinerary. With its themed shops, costumes, paintings, and whimsical design, it appeals strongly to children while offering adults a light-hearted break from traditional sightseeing.

Blind singers delight you with authentic Taiwanese music, and the bakeries offer world-class fresh goods. It works well as a short stop rather than a full-day visit, fitting neatly into a broader exploration of central Taiwan.

10. End your days with night markets

Night markets are where Taiwan truly comes alive after dark, and they are surprisingly family-friendly. Bright lights, lively sounds, and endless food options turn evenings into informal adventures. Families can sample snacks, play simple games, and soak up the atmosphere, while parents enjoy the variety of local flavours.

Nestled beside the traditional Third Market in the heart of Puli, this night market springs to life each evening as the sun dips and residents head out to eat and socialise. You are spoilt for choice and get an authentic taste of Taiwanese street food culture without the weekend crowds.

Also read: How to Travel Taiwan on a Budget

A family holiday to remember for ages

Spending your holidays in Taiwan with your family is less about ticking off sights and more about enjoying how effortlessly everything fits together. Cultural experiences sit comfortably alongside nature, cities balance excitement with calm, and activities feel inclusive rather than age-specific.

You wake up each day to a different experience set against the backdrop of sights worth marvelling at.  It is this easy rhythm that makes Taiwan such a rewarding destination for families travelling together.