Taoyuan with Kids
Family travel guide for parents planning with children
Top Family Activities
The best things to do with kids in Taoyuan.
Daxi Old Street
This beautifully preserved street of Baroque-influenced shophouses dates from the Japanese colonial era. The street is famous for its dried tofu and traditional wooden crafts, and the architecture's ornate facades fascinate visitors.
Xiao Wulai Scenic Area
A mountain gorge with a dramatic waterfall, a sky walk (glass-bottomed walkway) over the ravine, and forest trails through lush subtropical vegetation. The clear turquoise pools below the falls are impressive.
Gloria Outlets
Taiwan's largest outlet mall near the airport features international brands at discounted prices, plus a large entertainment zone with indoor activities for children including a cinema, arcade, and play areas.
Hutoushan Park
A forested hill park in central Taoyuan with walking trails, a small zoo, and panoramic views from the summit. Cherry blossoms bloom spectacularly in February-March.
Taoyuan Night Market
Experience authentic Taiwanese night market culture with dozens of food stalls serving grilled meats, bubble tea, fried chicken, shaved ice, and carnival games. Less touristy than Taipei's famous markets.
Best Areas for Families
Where to base yourselves for the smoothest family trip.
Taoyuan City Center
The main urban area with hotels, restaurants, night markets, and public transit connections. Convenient for families needing airport proximity.
Highlights: ['Night market scene', 'MRT connection to airport', 'Restaurant variety', 'Shopping centers']
Daxi District
A historic town southeast of Taoyuan city, known for its old street, river scenery, and tea culture. More scenic and cultural than the city center.
Highlights: ['Daxi Old Street heritage architecture', 'River gorge scenery', 'Traditional crafts and food', 'Quieter, more cultural atmosphere']
Fuxing District (Mountain Area)
The mountainous eastern district offers Xiao Wulai, aboriginal Atayal culture, and lush subtropical forest. Best for families seeking nature and adventure.
Highlights: ['Xiao Wulai Waterfall and sky walk', 'Aboriginal cultural experiences', 'Mountain hiking trails', 'Hot springs']
Family Dining
Where and how to eat with children.
Taoyuan's food scene reflects Taiwan's extraordinary culinary diversity. Hakka cuisine is a local specialty, distinguished by its hearty, savory dishes and preserved ingredients. Night markets provide the classic Taiwanese family dining experience with dozens of food stalls offering small, affordable portions.
Dining Tips for Families
- Night markets are the best family dining experience — graze through dozens of stalls sampling everything
- Bubble tea (boba) is a Taiwan invention — let children choose their toppings
- Hakka lei cha (pounded tea) is a unique cultural experience worth trying
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) in Taiwan are surprisingly excellent for quick family meals
Night market stalls
Dozens of food vendors serving grilled meats, fried chicken (ji pai), oyster omelets, stinky tofu, bubble tea, and shaved ice. The sensory experience is as important as the food.
Hakka restaurants
Serve Hakka specialties like stir-fried pork with dried mustard greens, hakka noodles, and lei cha. Hearty, home-style cooking that children enjoy.
Daxi Old Street food stalls
Traditional snacks including dried tofu, toffee peanuts, sesame cakes, and other Taiwanese treats. Perfect for grazing while sightseeing.
Tips by Age Group
Tailored advice for every stage of childhood.
Taiwan is extremely child-friendly and Taoyuan is no exception. Public facilities often include nursing rooms, and Taiwanese people are warmly welcoming to small children.
- Taiwan's ubiquitous convenience stores are lifesavers for diapers, snacks, and drinks
- Many public spaces have nursing rooms (indicated by signs)
- The heat and humidity require frequent hydration breaks
School-age children enjoy Taoyuan's adventure elements — the sky walk, waterfall hikes, and night market game stalls. Old enough to appreciate the cultural differences and try new foods.
Learning: Taoyuan teaches Hakka and aboriginal culture, Japanese colonial architectural influence, and Taiwan's unique position as a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous traditions.
- The sky walk provides a confidence-building experience for brave children
- Give children a budget to spend at night market — choosing independently is part of the fun
Teens enjoy Taiwan's food culture, the independence of a safe public transit system, and the bubble tea obsession. The mountain scenery and cultural experiences add substance beyond just eating.
- Taiwan's safety makes it easy to give teens independence
- The MRT to Taipei opens up a massive city for day trips
- Taiwan's food scene — night markets — is consistently a teen highlight
Practical Logistics
The nuts and bolts of family travel.
Getting Around
The Taoyuan Airport MRT connects the airport to Taoyuan city center and Taipei. Local buses serve major attractions but schedules can be infrequent for mountain areas. Renting a car is recommended for the Fuxing mountain district and Daxi.
Healthcare
Taiwan has excellent, affordable healthcare. Hospitals and clinics in Taoyuan city center provide high-quality care. Pharmacies are well-stocked. Travel insurance is recommended but medical costs are reasonable even without it.
Accommodation
Hotels near the airport are convenient for early flights but lack character. Stay in Taoyuan city center for night market access, or in Daxi for a more cultural experience. Taiwan accommodation is generally excellent value.
Packing Essentials
- Rain gear — Taiwan receives frequent rain, in the mountains
- Comfortable walking shoes for old streets and mountain trails
- Light, breathable clothing — Taoyuan is humid and warm most of the year
- Mosquito repellent for mountain and wetland areas
Budget Tips
- Taiwan is remarkably affordable for families — night market meals cost just a few dollars
- Convenience stores offer excellent hot meals, coffee, and snacks at low prices
- Public transport is modern, efficient, and affordable
- Many natural attractions (parks, trails, old streets) are free to visit
Family Safety
Keeping your family safe and healthy.
- Taiwan is one of the safest countries in Asia for families. Crime rates are very low, and people are consistently helpful to visitors.
- Mountain trails can be slippery, after rain. Wear proper footwear and stick to marked paths at Xiao Wulai and other mountain areas.
- Typhoon season (July-October) can bring severe weather. Monitor forecasts and follow local guidance during typhoon warnings.
- Scooter traffic in Taoyuan can be unpredictable. Be cautious at intersections and watch for scooters when crossing streets.