When bringing kids on vacation, having child-friendly attractions on your itinerary is a must. Young children don’t want to spend all day walking through museums or art galleries. The best way to keep kids entertained? Intersperse your day with activities geared towards them, such as outdoor fun, exciting cultural experiences, or amusement park excitement. Few cities in Asia have more offerings for kids than Taipei. The city provides a number of attractions that can keep your kids entertained for the duration of your trip. You know what they say: when the kids are happy, everyone’s happy. We’ve organized a list of Taipei’s most popular kid-friendly attractions for your next visit to make sure everyone in the family stays happy.

Taipei Zoo

Photo source: Wikipedia

A zoo is always a fail-proof option when traveling with kids. Taking your kids to zoos in different countries allows them to experience the habitats of a more diverse range of wildlife and can help spark their interest in nature. It also doesn’t hurt that the Taipei Zoo is the largest zoo in Asia. Kids will be delighted to have the chance to see rare giant pandas playing, sleeping, and just generally being cute. Outside of the large panda habitat, the Taipei Zoo also houses an Amphibian and Reptile House, an Insectarium, and outdoor exhibits. Here, you’ll also find animals native to Taiwan, such as the Formosan bear. The Taipei Zoo is definitely big enough to spend an entire afternoon touring, and makes for a great respite for kids that dislike the crowded city streets.

Photo source: Taipei Zoo

Maokong Gondola

Photo credits: Wikipedia

Located just minutes from the entrance to the Taipei Zoo, the Maokong Gondola is a perennial kid-friendly favorite. The Maokong Gondola is actually more like a series of cable cars beginning at the base of the mountain, making their way up over the peaks to the Maokong tourist area. Kids love the views from high up in the cable cars, and more adventurous kids can take a ride in the completely transparent glass-bottom gondola cars (for a small extra fee). At the top, families will find restaurants, street vendors, and coffee shops. Maokong is a popular place to spend an afternoon, and lines for the Gondola can be long, so plan your timing accordingly. Reaching the peak before sundown means that you’ll have an unbeatable view of the Taipei sunset, and kids will love the waffles, cakes, and smoothies sold by the coffee shops there.

Photo credits: Wikipedia

Photo credits: Pixabay

Website: https://www.english.gondola.taipei

Getting there: Take the MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station

Admission: $70-120 NT one-way

Taipei Children's Amusement Park

Photo credits: tcap1216

If you’re traveling with more active kids, the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park might be the best choice for you. Here there are rides designed for kids of all ages to enjoy, from bumper cars to roller coasters to a drop tower. Note that the rides inside the amusement park cost extra to ride, but you can pay for all rides using your Easy Card rather than carrying cash. This way, you don’t have to break the bank buying an expensive ticket if you’re traveling with younger children that might get tired out after a few rides. There is also a massive ball pool playground and sandpit for more hands-on kids.

Photo credits: tcap1216

Photo credits: tcap1216

Website: https://www.english.tcap.taipei

Getting there: Take the MRT Red Line to Zhishan Station, followed by taking the Taipei Children's Amusement Park shuttle bus

Admission: $30 NT, children under 6 enter for free

Taiwan Insect Museum

Photo credits: Taiwan Insect Museum

The Taiwan Insect Museum is the perfect attraction for kids that love all things creepy-crawly. Recently moved into a new building double the size of the original, the Insect Museum houses countless rare and interesting insects, including a number of beetles and butterflies native to Taiwan. Also on display: lizards, turtles, frogs, and even hedgehogs. Although the informative tours are currently only offered in Chinese, kids will still love to explore the museum on their own, where they can find insects such as Lethocerus Deyrolli, which grows large enough to eat small fish!

Photo credits: Taiwan Insect Museum

Photo credits: Taiwan Insect Museum

Website: http://www.taiwan.insectweb.org

Getting there: Take the MRT Brown Line to Linguang Station

Admission: Free

Qianshuiwan and Baishawan, Taiwan's Northern Coast

Photo credits: Commons

Trying to find a place where you can escape the city altogether? If you’ve rented a car or you have a free day in your itinerary, consider heading to Taiwan’s northern coast, including Qianshuiwan or Baishawan, Taipei’s most popular beaches. They’re famous for their soft white sand, calm waters, and very gradual drop off. Once you get there, you can rent an umbrella/tent to get out of the sun while your kids make a break for the water. No need to worry; there are lifeguards on duty at the beach, and the area is roped off to show where the drop off begins, so there’s no safety hazard. Other than swimming, both of these beaches offer attractions such as fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, boat rides, and windsurfing. This is definitely a worthwhile all-day family attraction, and everyone will return to Taipei energized and relaxed.

Photo credits: Flickr

Website: https://www.northguan-nsa.gov.tw

Getting there: Take the MRT Red Line to Danshui Station, followed by taking Bus 862 or 863

Admission: Free, parking $50-100 NT

Taipei has made a number of efforts to transform itself into a family-friendly city over the past years. Outside of the attractions listed, you can find children’s restaurants and play centers throughout Taiwan, so there’s no need to worry about traveling with picky eaters. Kids will be fascinated by Taiwan’s bustling streets, huge skyscrapers, and fun interactive street artists. Many of the attractions listed offer discounts or free admission for young children. Make Taipei your number one Asian destination for stress-free, low-cost family travel.