Family Trips
Family Fun at Museums: A Plethora of Activities
Today is Children's Day, and the Ministry of Education is promoting family outings. Cultural and educational institutions across Taiwan are offering discounts and hosting related events, while also urging parents not to let their children become addicted to the online world. The National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium is holding the "Crab Crab Mobilization Situational Mini-Theater Kids' Party," combining stage plays and interactive games to teach kids about ecological conservation through play. Additionally, the National Taiwan Science Education Center has organized the "Rhythm Club Rhythm Elves' Sound Party." Due to the recent water shortage, the National Science and Technology Museum is hosting the "You Love Water, I Save Water, Celebrating Children's Day" obstacle course event, incorporating various water-saving methods from daily life, allowing participants to experience the fun of experiments, observations, and DIY activities. As for the lunar eclipse that can be seen today, the National Museum of Natural Science is holding a "Lunar Eclipse – The Moon Runs into Earth’s Shadow" observation event from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening, inviting families to experience this rare astronomical spectacle together.
A parent-child theater designed especially for babies — "We Need a Flower" performs at Pier-2 Art Center
On the 21st and 22nd, the collective Er Er Zhi Zao Ju Tuan (Two by Two Creation Collective) will stage six performances of the Babe Theater series "We Need a Flower" at the Zhenggang Little Theater in Kaohsiung’s Pier-2. This is a young children’s physical theater program designed specifically for babies aged 0 to 2. It combines visual, auditory, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory integration through improvised creation, inviting parents, babies, and dancers to interact together. "We Need a Flower" integrates artistic aesthetics and dance elements from various fields, transforming them into seven different sensory vocabularies and stimuli rich in sensory integration. The Babe Theater series differs from typical children’s plays; rather than aiming to perform a single script or rely on verbal interpretation, it draws from visual (colors, light and shadow), auditory (live music, sound effects), tactile (costume textures, stage settings), and proprioceptive (use of props and guidance in interactive games) elements to create a 30-minute cross-disciplinary improvised performance — an extremely experimental form of theatrical creation.
A toxin-free family trip for summer vacation: Domestic travel market expected to grow by 10%
To welcome the summer family travel season, EasyTravel (EzTravel) has announced a collaboration with a non-toxic toy brand to launch a series of healthy family travel packages. Industry insiders also estimate that the domestic travel market this summer could see an additional 10% growth. Parents are often most concerned about the healthiness of hotels, utensils, and food when traveling with their children. EasyTravel has announced a partnership with the German wooden toy educational brand Hape (Hape) and Yida Tianyue Hotel (Yida Tianyue Hotel) to roll out a range of family-oriented travel itineraries, aiming to provide peace of mind for adults and fun for the little ones. EasyTravel stated that this Hape Wooden Castle Adventure travel package will kick off with the Island Star (Island Star) train service. From Thursdays to Sundays each week, there will also be a special “Little Island Star Train Attendant” activity designed exclusively for families, where children can experience various customer service roles such as making onboard announcements, greeting and seeing off passengers, and serving meals, along with toxin-free DIY painting activities.
Howard Plaza Hotel (Yi Da Tian Yue) creates a children's castle play area this summer vacation
Howard Plaza Hotel (Yi Da Tian Yue) has been voted by netizens as the most family-friendly resort hotel for many years. This year, it has specially partnered with the German wooden educational toy brand Hape to create the largest indoor themed play area in Taiwan for children aged 0-10 — the “Hape Wooden Land Castle Adventure.” The event will run from July 1 to August 31. Children across Taiwan are welcome to come and have a great time. The full journey of the “Hape Wooden Land Castle Adventure” begins with the Island Star train. EasyTravel.com exclusively offers a series of packaged and free-and-easy tours, and designs the “Island Star Little Train Attendant” series every Thursday to Sunday specifically for families. Little ones can experience various train attendant skills, including making train announcements, welcoming and seeing off guests, serving meals, and more. Parents can play the role of passengers and interact with their children, learning and growing together while enjoying the precious moments of childhood, making for a wonderful start to the family trip. On the return train, there’s also a non-toxic coloring DIY activity by Hape, where little ones can unleash their creativity. In addition to the family train activities, there are also enriching itineraries such as eco-farms and E-Da World Theme Park. EasyTravel.com is offering a two-day trip for just NT$6,990 per person!
Shanghai Disneyland Criticized for High Prices — A Parent-Child Day Trip Costs Tens of Thousands
Shanghai Disneyland has begun operational testing. Chinese media reported today that invitees gave pessimistic reviews, with many complaining about the high costs. It is estimated that the minimum budget for a one-day trip for a family of three is 2,600 RMB (NT$13,000), while a two-day trip would cost at least 6,000 RMB (NT$30,000). To prepare for the June 16 opening, Shanghai Disneyland in mainland China launched internal operational testing last week, inviting specific individuals such as employees’ relatives and friends to experience and evaluate the park. Areas outside the ticketed sections of the park, such as Disneytown and commercial facilities, have already opened to the public. Beijing Youth Daily reported today that some invitees complained yesterday that while the food options inside Shanghai Disneyland were mediocre, the prices were anything but ordinary. Almost all full meals cost between 70 and 80 RMB, and a single Chinese-Western fusion set meal for two people was priced at 250 RMB.
Magical London Family Trip: Step into the Muggle World of Harry Potter
London is a capital city that exudes a truly unique charm. Whether it's the British royal family, culinary culture, afternoon tea, opera, plaid patterns, toy soldiers, Sherlock Holmes on Baker Street — all weave together to paint a distinctive portrait of British flair. Coming to London means catching a glimpse of its magnificent face. Everything about this largest metropolis in the EU is inimitable. From iconic landmarks to cool fashion, art, and culinary culture, they all come together to form London’s unique personality and irresistible allure. And besides these century-old treasures, London now has a new symbol — the Harry Potter Studio Tour. This exclusive new attraction adds yet another magical dimension to an already wildly popular London. ★[Times-arranged]Magical One-Day Tour in London ~ Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour★ Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. Explore the breathtaking behind-the-scenes sets, meticulously crafted special effects, dazzling costumes, and familiar magical props that bring every bit of this wizarding world to life. Uncover all the exclusive secrets of Harry Potter.
Golden Princess Okinawa Island-Hopping Cruise Departs from Keelung Port – The Perfect Summer Choice for Family Trips and Parent-Visiting Tours
Compared to typical land-based tours, cruises offer an incredibly relaxing way to travel. Not only do you skip the time-consuming flights and long drives, but cruise ships also come packed with entertainment options. The moment you step on board, your vacation begins. Especially appealing is the all-inclusive dining, activities, and entertainment onboard, making it ideal for budget-conscious families planning a summer getaway. Plus, with no long-haul travel involved, you can rest or eat anytime on the ship, which also makes it a great option for a parent-visiting trip with elderly family members. What’s more, there are no baggage or weight restrictions on cruises – as long as you can carry it on board, you can bring as much as you like, making it a huge plus for shopping enthusiasts. Operated by Princess Cruises, part of the world’s largest cruise group Carnival Corporation & PLC,
Holiday Travel Push: Tainan’s Flower Viewing & Cultural Creative Tours Are a Hit
The Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau has recommended a variety of parent-child activities for the Children's Day holiday period, including delightful flower-viewing tours and cultural creative experiences, inviting visitors to bring their children to Tainan.
Holiday Family Trip to Shangri-La: Kids Enjoy Discounts
To welcome the Qingming Festival and the consecutive school holidays for children, Shangri-La Amusement Park in Zaoqiao Township, Miaoli County, is offering special deals for kids. From April 2 to 5, all children under 12 can enter the park for free—perfect for planning a family outing during this blooming spring season. The Shangri-La Amusement Park spans approximately 40 hectares. Currently in full bloom, the park features hundreds of varieties of flowers and trees that create a vibrant display. Highlights include a 250-meter-long azalea corridor, shaded pathways lined with tall kapok and goldenrain trees, as well as blooming fuji cherries, osmanthus, camellias, and lantanas—all contributing to a kaleidoscope of colors. Beyond its natural beauty, Shangri-La Amusement Park has introduced a brand-new family-friendly play area this year. Set within a 300-ping “Baby Power Station,” it includes a colorful bumper pool, a sunny go-kart track, and a joyful slide.
Where to go during the Qingming holiday? Family-friendly fun in Singapore with endless activities
With children’s holidays and the four-day Qingming break approaching, the Singapore Tourism Board recommends a variety of family-oriented attractions, including Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Jurong Bird Park. There are also special Easter events to ensure the whole family returns with wonderful memories. 1. Resorts World Sentosa From now until April 17, Resorts World Sentosa is celebrating Easter with Singapore’s largest Easter egg hunt, “The Great Egg-Venture.” Up to 60 giant eggs, standing 1.8 meters tall and 1 meter in diameter, will be scattered across the Sentosa HarbourFront area. In addition, Universal Studios Singapore is launching an “Easter Eggstravaganza” theme, where visitors can take fun photos with Easter-themed Minions and Sesame Street characters, adding even more joy to family trips.
Mufeng Mini Trips Promote Parent-Child Bonding
On the eve of Children's Day, the Mufeng Care Association in Taichung specially arranged for parents and children to enjoy quality time together in Changhua, hoping to foster parent-child emotional connection and interaction through the trip. Taiwan Taichung Mufeng Care Association CEO Lee Tsung-hua observed that many caregivers in disadvantaged families, while busy making ends meet, often neglect spending time with their children and sharing daily moments. Therefore, since 2012, the association has planned small trips focused on parent-child bonding. This year’s event, themed “Parent-Child Action,” saw the participation of 116 individuals from seven economically disadvantaged families. Liang Ru?, a teacher at the Mufeng Nantun branch organizing the event, shared that through the children’s words, it was evident they didn’t really care where they went—what mattered most was spending time with their families. To this end, this year
Family trips to Taiwan: A new trend among Chinese white-collar workers
Setting aside all political terms, Taiwan’s thoughtful hospitality and preservation of Chinese culture deeply move mainlanders. Taking children to Taiwan has become a new trend among Chinese white-collar workers. In 2014, Du Zixuan, a photographer from Shandong, traveled to Taiwan with his 7-year-old child. Upon returning to the mainland, he published an article titled “Take Your Kids to Taiwan,” in which he detailed the beauty of Taiwanese culture, including the friendliness of taxi drivers and the orderly queuing culture. The article was shared and discussed millions of times. When interviewed on the 27th, he emphasized that he would definitely come back.
"Tradition" Princess Cruises' passenger capacity estimated to exceed 70,000 this year
Princess Cruises, affiliated with Carnival Cruise Line, has been deeply rooted in Asia for over 20 years. Global President Jan Swartz said yesterday that since entering Taiwan in 2013, the cruise line's passenger numbers have grown exponentially year by year. This year, with Keelung Port as its home port, it is expected to make stops for over 100 days, setting a record for the longest stay in its history. The total passenger capacity is also projected to surpass the 70,000 mark. The company looks forward to more Taiwanese travelers experiencing the joy of cruising and enjoying their holidays on board. Swartz noted that Princess Cruises just invested $450 million in January in the global "The Come Back New Promise" initiative, which integrates nature and diverse cultures through a series of new ship facilities and activity designs, aiming to provide passengers with an unprecedentedly rich experience. 2016 will be a year full of change and innovation.
Princess Cruises estimates Taiwan passenger volume to exceed 70,000 this year
Jan Swartz, global president of Princess Cruises, said today that the cruise line will use Keelung Port as its home port this year, with an expected docking period of over 100 days, setting a new record for the longest stay in history. The total passenger volume is also projected to surpass the 70,000 mark. Carnival Corporation & PLC’s Princess Cruises has been deeply involved in Asia for over 20 years. Since mid-summer 2013, it first established Keelung and Kaohsiung in Taiwan as home ports, connecting Northeast Asia with neighboring regions and launching a variety of innovative cruise itineraries. Jan Swartz noted that 2016 is a year full of change and innovation, as Princess Cruises invested $450 million in January in the global “The Come Back New Promise” program.
Location Scan – Shiai Spring Family Fun Trip Registration Sells Out in Seconds
Tainan: The well-known Winnie the Pooh painted village in Xiaoying District became an instant hit, and recently, a colorful wall featuring Xiaoying’s mascot, Heidouzi, has appeared on a nearby wall. Its adorable design has caught the eye of many visitors. The Tainan City Government’s Economic Development Bureau will host a “Shiai Spring Family Fun Trip” event on the 31st, and registrations sold out in seconds as soon as they were released.
Fourfold Joy to Celebrate the New Year: Tourism Bureau Launches 2-Day Kaohsiung Tour Itinerary
To welcome the Lunar New Year, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has curated a “Fourfold Joy to Celebrate the New Year” 2-day Kaohsiung tour itinerary, featuring four major themes—mountains and nature, ocean and coastline, arts and culture, and lantern festivals. The itinerary connects popular events and emerging attractions. The Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Penghu Fun Card is also offering special deals during the winter break, including a discounted 2-day “Qijin Wind-Riding Tour” for NT$338 and a 1-day “West District Light Travel” for NT$299, both allowing unlimited rides on the MRT and public buses. The winter holiday season is filled with the festive spirit of celebrating the New Year, and the Tourism Bureau has put together the “Fourfold Joy to Celebrate the New Year” 2-day tour itinerary. For those who enjoy mountain and nature experiences, they can head to Maolin to witness the ecological wonder of purple crow butterflies in flight, or admire the cosmos flower fields in Meinong and the sunflower seas in Shanlin. Alternatively, they can opt for an ocean and coastline journey, exploring exhibitions at Pier-2 Art Center, strolling through the old streets of Hamasen and Sizihwan, taking a ferry to Qijin, and visiting the viral Rainbow Church to soak in the romantic sunset views.
The parent-child travel market has surpassed the trillion-yuan mark, presenting a huge opportunity for Taiwanese businesses.
Among the business opportunities brought by China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, the most noteworthy is the full relaxation of the two-child policy. In addition to the related maternal and baby products and education & culture industries, the tourism sector has also benefited from the dual advantages of reaching a moderately prosperous society. Industry insiders in China estimate that parent-child (travel) tourism accounts for about 20% of the overall tourism market, equivalent to a trillion-yuan (RMB, the same below) business opportunity. However, there is currently no industry standard, which presents a great chance for Taiwanese businesses and the Taiwan tourism industry to seize the moment.
Cross-Strait Travel Exhibition – Parent-Child Farm Tours to Experience Countryside Joy
Taiwan is home to a total of 447 leisure farms. Through various activities on these farms, families who are usually busy with work and household chores can temporarily escape the pressures of daily life and create precious moments with their children. These educational yet fun experiences allow kids to learn joyfully in nature. Head City Farm Located in Toucheng Township, Yilan, the Head City Leisure Farm spans approximately 110 hectares and boasts diverse natural landscapes and rich ecological resources, including organic moso bamboo forests, organic vegetable plots, and fruit orchards. It offers visitors recreational activities as well as hands-on rural experiences. To provide guests with a variety of learning opportunities, the farm has designed customized package tours suitable for both adults and children, ensuring a fun time for all. The currently most recommended option is the 2-day tour, which visitors can enjoy over a weekend.
Seizing Travel Expo Opportunities: Taoyuan’s Grand Formosa Regent Taoyuan Launches Family-Friendly Packages
The 2015 Taipei International Travel Fair was held from the 6th to the 9th at the Taipei World Trade Center. Grand Formosa Regent Taoyuan in Dayuan, Taoyuan City, launched family weekday stay vouchers for the first time, with each room booking including free entry to its newly renovated, 100-ping wooden toy playroom. Grand Formosa Regent Taoyuan stated that the wooden toy playroom features nine themed zones and is co-operated with Germany’s renowned wooden toy brand HAPE. It is suitable for children under 8 years old, with all toys made from solid wood and coated with non-toxic, eco-friendly paint certified by the EU. The hotel is offering a “Happy Family Weekday Stay” voucher for two adults and one child at NT$3,800 each — a 42% discount off the original price of NT$8,920. Grand Formosa Regent also noted that it has introduced two types of discounted stay vouchers for the travel fair, priced at NT$2,500 and NT$4,200 respectively.
Super Popular Huiwan Bay: A Family-Fun Getaway
During the crisp autumn weather of the Double Ten holiday, the Huiwan Bay area in Hualien (pictured, photo by Yang Hansheng) was packed with visitors over the three-day National Day and Double Ten break, quickly becoming a new hot spot in Hualien. The park welcomed nearly 2,000 visitors on average each day during the holiday. Strolling leisurely through the grounds, guests enjoyed the rich and diverse birdlife, observed black swans and duck flocks in the ecological ponds, and even had close encounters with adorable sika deer—making for a relaxing and joyful Double Ten holiday. Most visitors to Huiwan Bay were out-of-town tourists staying at local homestays, drawn by media coverage and social media buzz. On-site visitors commented that the park is relaxing and laid-back, perfect for family outings, and truly a rare gem of a place. Hualien’s Huiwan Bay area has also recently hosted several large-scale events, attracting both locals and tourists.