Family Summer Vacation in Taiwan with Kids

Thinking about spending the summer in Taiwan with your family? 

As a parent of three young children, the ideal summer getaway is quite different now compared to life before kids. If you're searching for a unique, affordable, and meaningful family vacation, Taiwan should be at the top of your list. 

In this post, we’ll explore why Taiwan is an ideal summer destination for families, combining rich culture, delicious food, outdoor adventure, and surprisingly affordable wellness options that parents will love. We have spent a couple of summers in Taipei now, and we are excited to share some ideas on what your children can do during your stay here and what you can do to make your family’s time in Taiwan fun and productive.

When it comes to family-friendly travel in Asia, Taiwan is a safe, modern, and incredibly welcoming destination for children. It’s not just limited to sightseeing; Taiwan offers plentiful, immersive learning experiences.

Families with kids can:

• Practice or be exposed to Mandarin Chinese in a local environment

• Discover Taiwanese culture and history hands-on

Is a Long Stay Possible? Yes, and Totally Worth It!

Whether you’re considering a month-long summer abroad or just squeezing in a week or two, Taiwan fits. 

• 1 Week in Taiwan: Enjoy the diverse neighborhoods of Taipei, take a day trip to nearby historic towns like Shifen or Jiufen, and take a dip in some hot springs. Squeeze in a half-day health screening while kids attend camp.
  
  

• 2-4 Weeks in Taiwan: Slow down and explore different parts of Taiwan, from Taipei to family-friendly Yilan to historical Tainan. Enroll the kids in local camps and give yourself time to recharge and focus on health by getting a hydrafacial done with one of our premium beauty wellness partners. 

Nick Kembel, author of Taiwan Obsessed, is a valuable resource and also moderates a reputable and trustworthy Taiwan Travel Planning Facebook group - we highly recommend it. 

Summer Camp Options

There are numerous summer camp options in the Taipei area, and below are a few recommendations based on personal experiences from our family and close friends. Many camps offer daily drop-ins or by the week. We recognize that camp locations should be conveniently located near your stay, so don’t hesitate to ask for more suggestions and resources during your health consultation. 

• Mandarin immersion camps

• Family Fun Fit 

• Dadun Sunshine

• STEAM, robotics, cooking & more

• Numeracy Lab

• Nutty Scientists

• Kidchen Club

• Sports camps

• A Star Academy

• Happy Union Gymnastics

• Dino Ping Pong

• Cherubic Tennis

• Nature and outdoor day camps 

• Muddy Hands

• Camp Taiwan

Childcare Options

If you need a nanny/babysitter, check out The Travel Nanny at https://www.instagram.com/the_travelnanny/. 

Below are some easy recommendations for your childcare provider to take your children to. 

• Parent-child centers - there are free, government-run play centers in every Taipei neighborhood, and you can do a quick Google search to check locations. Every center is thoughtfully designed to accommodate children ages 0-6 and is similar to a Montessori setup. Remember to bring socks, an ID, and the staff will check temperatures before entering. Example: Da'an Parent-Child Center is located in the heart of Taipei.

• Noteworthy Parks that have awesome playground structures and sand pits - bring sunscreen!

• Da-an Playground

• Expo Hall Playground

• Jiancheng Park Playground

• Taipei Amusement Park - a very affordable and fun way to spend a few hours or the whole day. Tip: You can use the EasyCard (悠遊卡) to swipe as you go, and many rides cost as little as 20-30 NT.

• Science Education Center - indoors and very spacious and rarely crowded, conveniently located next door to Taipei Amusement Park (reference)

• National Taiwan Museum - included in the ticket is access to the Land Bank Exhibition Hall across the street, which has a real bank and dinosaur exhibits, which shouldn’t be missed.

Getting Around Taipei with Kids - Transportation 

• Uber - a car seat is not legally required 

• 55688 Taxi - 5568 is a major and reliable taxi hailing service in Taiwan - you can download the 55688 app and use their schedule ahead feature

• MRT & bus - public transportation and easy to use, and free for those under 6 years old; use the EasyCard (悠遊卡) to pay as you go (you can re-up at any convenience store or metro station)

Beyond Kids’ Activities: Health & Wellness for Parents

While your children are soaking in new experiences, don’t miss the opportunity to take care of yourself. Taiwan is one of the top destinations for health and wellness tourism in Asia. 

Parents can take advantage of and book the following services through New Dawn Health:

• Preventative Health Screening 

• Specialty Care & Wellness Services

• Dental services 

• Medical Beauty services 

• Vision services

• Hair & scalp services

• Fertility services

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Taiwan for Your Next Family Vacation?

At New Dawn Health, we know it 100% matters to be there for your kids, and you can rest assured that our services can ensure you meet your timing constraints. Our health screening packages and other specialty care & wellness services require at least half a day, and we are also able to customize a package or coordinate a “wellness day” itinerary suitable for your specific needs.

Feel free to book a free consultation with us to learn more about Taiwan, the process, and service offerings.