Weekend in Taipei
This budget-friendly itinerary for Taipei families offers a perfect mix of free outdoor fun, engaging educational experiences, and exciting amusement park thrills. We've included well-loved permanent attractions that guarantee a great time for kids, along with opportunities to experience local culture and delicious food. While specific one-off events for November 2025 are still being announced, this plan utilizes reliable, highly-rated family destinations. For those willing to travel slightly outside the city, the Taipei Christmasland in Banqiao will have started (from November 14, 2025) and could be an exciting evening option for Saturday.
Friday Evening - Park & Play
Friday, November 21Daan Park Playground
Kick off the weekend with some outdoor fun at Daan Forest Park, often called the 'lungs of Taipei'.
This large urban oasis features extensive green spaces, ponds, and fantastic playgrounds perfect for children to burn off energy. The playground facilities were updated to incorporate a 'King of the Jungle' theme with diverse play zones and slides.
Ideal for energetic kids of all ages (3-12). The park offers wide, open spaces for running, climbing structures, and slides. Stroller-accessible paths are abundant, and public restrooms are available. Plan for a 1.5-2 hour visit.
Easily accessible via Taipei Metro Daan Park Station (Red Line), which has direct access to the park. Underground parking is available for those driving.
Yongkang Street Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Yongkang Street, a famous foodie destination known for its diverse culinary offerings.
You'll find everything from traditional Taiwanese beef noodles to delicious dumplings and international cuisine, with many establishments being very family-friendly.
Yongkang Street is a vibrant area with numerous restaurants offering kid-friendly menus and seating. It's perfect for winding down after playtime. Many places offer early dining options, suitable for families with young children and early bedtimes. Bathrooms are available in most restaurants.
A short walk from Daan Forest Park or easily accessible via Dongmen MRT Station (Red/Orange Lines). Public parking garages are available in the vicinity, but walking or public transport is recommended due to potential traffic.
Saturday - Wild & Scenic Day
Saturday, November 22Taipei Zoo Adventure
Embark on a wild adventure at Taipei Zoo, one of the top city zoos in the world and the largest in Asia.
Home to over 400 animal species, including giant pandas and koalas, it offers engaging exhibits like the Insectarium and Formosan Animal Area. Kids will particularly love the Children's Zoo with its hands-on experiences.
Suitable for all ages (3-12). The zoo is expansive, so wear comfortable shoes. Stroller rentals are available, and most areas are stroller-accessible. Numerous restrooms, changing facilities, and food stalls are on-site. Plan for 3-4 hours of exploration. The zoo is usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Directly accessible via Taipei Zoo Station on the MRT Wenhu Line. Parking is available nearby, but public transport is highly recommended due to popularity.
Maokong Gondola & Lunch
After the zoo, take the scenic Maokong Gondola up to Maokong.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Taipei from the cable car. At the top, there are several tea houses and small restaurants offering lunch options amidst the beautiful tea plantations.
The gondola ride itself is an exciting experience for kids. Once at Maokong, families can explore easy walking paths, enjoy the fresh air, and find a casual spot for lunch. Many tea houses offer simple, delicious, and kid-friendly meals. Restrooms are available at stations and in restaurants.
The Maokong Gondola starts right next to Taipei Zoo MRT Station, making it a seamless transition. Parking is also available at the zoo station.
Maokong Tea Walk
Spend the early afternoon with a gentle walk through Maokong's tea plantations.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, learn about tea cultivation, and perhaps visit a small local shop for tea-flavored treats like ice cream or snacks that kids will enjoy.
Great for a relaxed afternoon. The trails are generally easy and offer beautiful views. Kids can enjoy exploring the nature. Look for small shops selling unique tea-infused snacks. This is a good opportunity for some light activity before heading back to the city.
Accessible by walking from the Maokong Gondola stations. Public shuttle buses also connect different points in Maokong.
Tonghua Night Market
Experience a bustling Taipei night market that's known to be more manageable and less crowded than some of the larger ones, making it family-friendly.
Tonghua Night Market offers a wide array of delicious street food, snacks, and small games.
Kids will love trying various Taiwanese street foods like mini sausages, stinky tofu (if they're brave!), bubble tea, and fruit skewers. It’s an exciting sensory experience. Look for stalls with kid-friendly options. Restrooms are typically available in nearby convenience stores or department stores.
Accessible via Xinyi Anhe MRT Station (Red Line), a short walk away. Several bus routes also serve the area. Parking can be challenging, so public transport is recommended.
Sunday - Culture & Play
Sunday, November 23Amusement Park Fun
Spend the morning at Taipei Children's Amusement Park, a fantastic destination offering a mix of classic rides and exciting attractions for various age groups.
Entrance to the park grounds is often free, with individual rides costing a small fee, or you can opt for an unlimited ride pass. The park also features a free playground and sometimes hosts weekend shows.
Perfect for children aged 3-12. Many rides are suitable for younger kids, while others offer more thrills for older ones. Restrooms, baby changing facilities, and food courts are available throughout the park. The 'One-Day Fun Pass' is a great value for families planning to enjoy many rides.
Conveniently located near Jiantan MRT Station (Red Line) with a shuttle bus service, or Shilin MRT Station. Paid parking is available at the park.
Science Center Explore
Just a short walk from the amusement park, the National Taiwan Science Education Center offers a hands-on learning experience. Explore permanent exhibits on life sciences, natural sciences, and physical sciences. Don't miss the children's puzzle discovery hall (for ages 2-9) and thrilling attractions like the SkyCycle, where visitors can ride a bike 20 meters in the air.
This center is highly interactive and engaging for curious minds, appealing to the entire age range (3-12). It has a dedicated Kids' Playground in B1 for younger children (2-9 years old) with Lego blocks, a graffiti area, and sensory activities. Restrooms and dining options are available. Plan for 2-3 hours.
A short walk from Taipei Children's Amusement Park. Accessible via Zhishan MRT Station (Red Line) or Shilin MRT Station. Paid parking is available.
CKS Memorial Visit
Conclude your weekend with a visit to the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
Explore the vast Liberty Square, impressive main hall, and beautiful traditional Chinese gardens. The hourly changing of the guards ceremony is a popular highlight for families.
Entry is free for all ages. Kids can enjoy running around the spacious square and gardens. The changing of the guards ceremony (hourly until 5 PM) is usually captivating. Stroller-accessible, with restrooms, a nursing room, and drinking water facilities available. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Directly accessible via Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall MRT Station (Red/Green Lines). Limited paid parking is available, but public transport is highly recommended.
This weekend itinerary for Taipei can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.