Hsinchu with kids: zoo, theme park, coast and more

Hsinchu is an easy, relaxed place to travel with children. Distances are short, the food is cheap and child-friendly, and there is a good mix of animals, rides, beaches and trains. Here are the best family days out.

Hsinchu Zoo

The Hsinchu Zoo, in Hsinchu Park near the station, opened in 1936 and is the oldest zoo in Taiwan. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2019, with more natural enclosures and shady paths. It is small, so it suits younger children, and you can see it in a couple of hours. Combine it with the lake and the Glass Museum in the same park. The zoo is usually closed on Mondays.

Leofoo Village Theme Park

Leofoo Village, about 40 minutes from Hsinchu, is one of Taiwan’s biggest theme parks. It has themed lands, from the Wild West to the South Pacific and Arabia, roller coasters for older children, gentler rides for little ones and a summer water park. Its safari park has giraffes, rhinos, zebras and other African animals.

Buy tickets ahead and arrive at opening time on weekends and school holidays, when queues are longest.

Kites and bikes at Nanliao

At Nanliao Harbour, families fly kites on the waterfront lawn, where the strong wind keeps them high. Kite sellers set up nearby on busy days. Hire bikes, including family bikes with child seats, and ride a flat stretch of the coastline cycle path. Stay for the sunset and a seafood dinner.

Crabs at the Xiangshan Wetland

At the southern end of the coastline, a curving boardwalk leads out over the tidal flats of the Xiangshan Wetland. At low tide, the mud is alive with fiddler crabs waving their big claws, and wading birds feed at the water’s edge. Check the tide times before you go.

The Neiwan train

Children love the ride on the Neiwan Line, a small train that winds into the hills. At the end, Neiwan has a suspension bridge to cross and plenty of snacks. Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Practical tips

• Strollers: the old city has narrow, busy pavements. A light stroller or a carrier is easiest.
• Food: rice noodles, meatball soup and dumplings are easy for children, and convenience stores sell milk, snacks and fruit everywhere.
• Weather: summer is hot. Plan outdoor visits for the morning and late afternoon, and carry water.
• Wind: in autumn and winter, bring jackets for the coast.
• Transport: young children travel free or at reduced fares on trains and buses, and taxis are cheap for short trips.

For a base, see where to stay in Hsinchu. Zhubei and the Science Park area have family-friendly hotels with parking.