This was our first big trip with extended family since relocating from the US to Singapore — our destination: Taiwan. We travelled with my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law’s family, with our own kids at 4+ and 1+ years old. From bustling Taipei streets to the calm of Sun Moon Lake and the peaks of Hehuanshan, each day held a mix of nature, play, and simple moments together.
11D10N in Taiwan Multi-generational Trip with Kids & Elderly
Here’s how our 9 days unfolded.
A quick note on logistics:
Our group split into two vans. My brother-in-law’s driver/guide focused more on sightseeing stops suited for the elders (limited mobility, slower pace), while his driver’s friend drove our van and coordinated timings so we could still meet up at key stops.
Our driver was mainly a driver rather than a full guide, so I won’t be sharing his contact here as most travellers would prefer more commentary. For meals on the move, both drivers would coordinate and shortlist 2–3 nearby food options, and we would use Google Maps reviews to make a decision.
UE SQUARE’S COSMIC SPACE EXPEDITION: Have An Out-Of-This-World Adventure!
CARNIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: Celebrate and Win at Plantation Plaza and Northshore Plaza!
SNOW MUCH TO CELEBRATE: Christmas Fun at The Centrepoint
Day 1 – Touchdown in Taipei
We took an afternoon flight from Singapore and landed at Taoyuan International Airport in the evening. By the time we reached Illume Hotel, it was close to 9pm. Check-in, quick wash-up, unpack the essentials, and straight to bed so everyone (especially the kids) could reset.
Day 2 – Green Spaces & Creative Play in Taipei
Our first full day was spent easing into the city.
Da’an Forest Park: Wide paths, playgrounds, and lots of space for kids to run and climb. It sets a relaxed tone for the start of the trip.
Lunch: Men Xian Ding (麵線町), known for generous portions, variety of ingredients and flavorful broth for their oyster vermicelli. We ordered drinks, and therefore were allowed to use the upstairs dining area (note: steep stairs, climb cautiously for young children and seniors).
Children’s Art Education Center: A bright, thoughtfully designed space where kids can move freely, touch, build, and create alongside the exhibits. With themes refreshed regularly, there are hands-on installations, open-ended play corners, and sensory craft areas that encourage curiosity.
It was a slow and gentle day — perfect for little ones and jet-lagged elders.
Day 3 – Leofoo Village & Taichung
Our guide picked us up early for Leofoo Village Theme Park (about an hour from Taipei).
My 1+ year old went on his very first amusement ride.
Inside the safari zone, the Nairobi Express tram glides through open enclosures. The live Mandarin commentary of the animals was rich and animated. It turned a simple tram ride into an unexpectedly Mandarin immersive experience for both kids and adults.
After Leofoo, we drove to Taichung and checked into La Vida Hotel near Feng Chia Night Market. Dinner was a casual, happy sampling of street food: small bites, shared plates, and that classic bustling night market atmosphere.
Day 4 – Farms, Fields & Sunset at Gaomei
Breakfast was on-the-go: a take-out cuppa at Summer Savage Coffee to start off the day as well as popular chicken thigh sandwich at Liang Su Shang Hao 良粟商號.
The highlights of the rest of the day were: animals, fresh air, and an unhurried sunset.
We started the morning at Green World Ecological Farm, which felt more like an open ecological park than a typical petting zoo. There were shaded paths, small animals, birds, and pockets of greenery to explore. Our 4+ year old enjoyed moving through the different zones and spotting animals up close; our 1+ year old was mostly content watching from the carrier and stroller.
Next, we headed to Flying Cow Farm: wandering the fields, watching cows graze, seizing the abundant feeding opportunities. The kids fed goats with hay, baby goats with milk bottles, and bunnies with pellets. Think relaxed farm vibes, but note there is much walking to do in the expansive grounds.
In the late afternoon, we made our way to Gaomei Wetlands to catch the sunset. The long boardwalk, sea breeze, wind turbines and scuttling little crabs gave it a very different feel from the city and farms. At the end of the boardwalk, one can step off and walk on the sand or in shallow water, depending on the tide, to explore further.
After dark, we drove on to Taichung and checked into La Vida Hotel. My brother-in-law picked this hotel stay purely for its convenience – the hotel was situated beside Feng Chia (逢甲) Night Market. That meant we could pop down to pick up dinner and snacks, then head back easily for baths and bedtime.
Day 5 – Lavender Hills, Cardboard Magic & Chocolate
Come morning, my brother-in-law’s group started at Lavender Cottage, a peaceful hillside spot with blooms and views, which the seniors greatly enjoyed.
I decided to deviate from his itinerary for the morning stop. Our driver-guide dropped us at a Carton King on the way to our next destination — cardboard heaven for a crafty mom like me, with intricate cardboard installations and fun displays that delighted the kids.
We regrouped at Nina Chocolate Dream Castle:
The kids did two DIY chocolate projects: a lollipop and a chocolate advent calendar set.
We bought tickets and kits on the spot, but slots and sets do run out, so advance booking is safer if you have your heart set on something specific.
Next was HOHOCHA Tea Factory for tea tasting, before heading to Sun Moon Lake.
We stayed at Hotel Del Lago, overlooking the lake. While the little one napped in the room, my husband took our 4+ year old on a rented electric bike ride around the lake — a memorable father-daughter adventure.
Day 6 – Ropeways, Sheep & Mountain Stay
Morning: Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
A short 7-minute cable car ride with wide views of the lake, surrounding mountains and Puli basin.
Afternoon: Qingjing Farm
A nostalgic return for us (we had visited pre-kids about a decade ago), and the place felt like it’s been expanded significantly.
We caught the sheep show (herding and shearing) and a horse show with equestrians. Aim to arrive early for good spots.
Our 4+ year old loved feeding the sheep; our 1+ year old was intimidated by their size — something to note if you have very young toddlers.
Night: 1350 Hostel
A cozy mountain homestay. Morning views looked out onto local gardens and countryside. Do note: No lift, heavy luggage has to be self-carried up the stairs if you’re not on the ground floor.
Day 7 – Sunrise Above the Clouds & Taroko Gorge
We woke early to catch sunrise at Wuling and Hehuanshan — standing above the clouds at one of Taiwan’s highest accessible points.
This was the coldest segment of our trip. Layer up, especially for young children.
Lunch was simple but satisfying: hot oden from the convenience store beside Hehuan Visitor Centre.
Afternoon was spent at Taroko National Park, with its marble cliffs, gorges, and the Liwu River. Some trails have been affected by past earthquakes and are reopening progressively, so always check for the latest updates before you go.
By evening, we reached Hualien, checked into Lakeshore Hotel, and visited Dongdamen Night Market for street food and night bazaar games.
Day 8 – Coastal Views, Missed Stops & Hot Spring Rest
Morning stops:
The Glass House (花蓮最美秘境景觀玻璃屋) – a touristy site with ocean views and photo-ops decor like swings and a piano.
Qingshui Cliff (清水斷崖) – dramatic coastal cliff views.
In the early afternoon, our driver-guide suggested a local ATV beach experience led by on-site coaches. I had my toddler strapped to my chest in a Baby Tula and rode along with a coach.
There was a beautiful stretch of beach where we all got off to dip our toes in the water — and that’s where nature reminded us who’s in charge. A huge wave rolled in and drenched almost everyone.
The kids ended up with some minor scrapes on their arms and backs, and we had to borrow the ATV company’s facilities to rinse off sand from clothes, shoes, and everywhere else. It did cut our ATV ride short, but it’s one of those chaotic, unforgettable travel stories we still talk about.
We had initially planned to visit Lucky Art Crayon Factory or Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm for afternoon activities, but realistically, naps and delayed schedules caught up with us — we skipped them.
Instead, we checked in earlier at Hotel Valletta in Yilan to enjoy the indoor hot spring water pool and slow down.
Dinner was at Red Lantern Restaurant (reservation by my brother-in-law). The Peking duck roll — especially that crispy melting fat — is one of those dishes that stayed in my memory.
Day 9 – Old Streets & Back to Taipei
We headed north for a taste of classic Taiwan charm:
Shifen Old Street – postcards, snacks, and trains rumbling past.
Jiufen – teahouses, stairways, mountain views, and narrow alleys.
There were evening plans for Chaojing Park and Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, but again, real-life timing (kids, elders, traffic) meant we didn’t bring those to fruition.
We decided to return to Taipei and settled for dinner at a hotpot restaurant we found online with strong ratings – Emperor Palace Hot Pot. Duck blood pudding is one of this restaurant’s specialties. In line with its theme, there were imperial palace costumes and accessories for hotpot customers to use for photo-taking.
We spent our last nights in Taipei back at Illume Hotel.
Day 10 – Science, Robots & Night Market Throwback
I had ambitiously planned to cover both National Taiwan Science Education Center and Taipei Children’s Amusement Park.
We ended up staying the entire day at the Science Center. There were lots of hands-on exhibits.
We joined a timed DIY workshop where the kids made vibrating scribble robots using simple electrical kits and recyclables — huge hit.
It was engaging enough that we skipped the amusement park.
At night, my husband and I took the kids to Raohe Street Night Market, a spot we loved from our pre-kids days. The kids were thrilled by the street games; it felt like closing a loop between past and present.
Day 11 – Farewell, Taiwan
We had an early start to catch our morning flight from Taoyuan Airport back to Singapore — hearts full, suitcases heavier, everyone tired in the best possible way.
