If you’re reading this blog post, it’s probably because the word “realistic” caught your attention. To be honest, there’s no shortage of blog posts listing all the things to do and places to see with a toddler in Taipei. But let’s be real—traveling with a 2-year-old is a whole different ballgame. This post is for parents who want a practical, realistic 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler when visiting this beautiful city.
So what kind of places do we recommend here? For example, we skipped the popular pineapple cake baking classes and crowded night markets because they just weren’t toddler-friendly enough. While baking classes sound like a great idea, in my opinion, they’re better suited for children aged 3.5 and up, who can participate more actively and truly enjoy the experience.
Additionally, we attempted to take our toddler to a night market but ended up leaving hungry because there was no suitable place for her to sit and eat, nor could we navigate her stroller through the crowded streets.
Instead, we focused on creating a 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler that included engaging, accessible, and ideal places for slow travel. Here’s a list of seven places that worked perfectly for our little family during our three days in Taipei.
1. Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo is a must-visit for kids and parents alike. My toddler loved seeing the penguins, pandas, and capybaras, while I appreciated how family-friendly the zoo is. They rent strollers cheaply, and the lush, green surroundings are perfect for a relaxed day out.
This massive zoo has dedicated areas for birds, mammals, reptiles, and more. We spent four hours there but didn’t even manage to cover everything—it’s that big! Just keep in mind that Sundays can be crowded, and some exhibits are closed on Mondays.
Recommended visiting time: At least half a day
2. Maokong Gondola
Conveniently, one of the Maokong Gondola stops is at Taipei Zoo. This makes it easy to combine the two activities. The gondola takes you up to Zhinan Temple and the tea hills at the top. While we didn’t stop at the temple due to time constraints (but it looks great from above!), the tea hill was a hit.
We visited Sunyang Tea House, which is just a short walk from the gondola station. Their chamomile tea and mung bean cakes there were delightful, and the tea house owner even lent us some toys from her son to calm my overtired toddler. Last but not least, the view of Taipei, including Taipei 101, from there was stunning despite the rainy weather. I’d definitely recommend visiting this place!
Recommended visiting time: Half a day
3. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
This repurposed wine factory is now a vibrant hub of creative shops, restaurants, and art installations. My toddler had a blast exploring toy shops, cute products, and colorful artworks. We also discovered a shop selling traditional Taiwanese cakes—after sampling a few and finding out how delicious they were, we ended up buying a ton of pineapple and red bean cakes to take home. Trust me, they taste nothing like the popular ones sold at convenient stores across the city; they’re much better!
Recommended visiting time: 1.5–2 hours
4. Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
Similar to Huashan, this park was once a tobacco factory and is now a creative and cultural hotspot. My toddler enjoyed running around the spacious yard, while I browsed beautiful handmade products and design shops.
A highlight was the Eslite Spectrum Songyan shopping mall within the park. It features many shops, an impressive bookstore with English books, a variety of eateries, and plenty of seating areas. We wrapped up our visit with dinner and some new books for our little one.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours
5. National Taiwan Museum
This museum is best known for its Land Bank Exhibition Hall featuring paleontology exhibits, but we explored a different section showcasing native Taiwanese animals. My toddler was fascinated by the interactive displays and exhibits. It’s a compact museum, so it’s easy to navigate with a toddler and keeps their attention without overwhelming them.
Additionally, there’s a lovely green area surrounding the museum, where we took our toddler for a walk so she could chase birds and explore the traditional architecture of Taiwan. This place is definitely one of the highlights of our 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler.
Recommended visiting time: 1–1.5 hours
6. Ximending Youth Area
Ximending might not scream “kid-friendly,” but its lively atmosphere was surprisingly engaging for my toddler. She loved watching street performances, exploring market stalls, and soaking up the vibrant city vibes. After a day of nature and animals, this was a fun way to switch gears.
Recommended visiting time: 1.5–2 hours
7. Yongkang Shopping District
On our last day, we visited Yongkang for some last-minute shopping and food adventures. It’s full of shops selling toys, clothes, and souvenirs, along with plenty of kid-friendly cafes. My toddler enjoyed wandering through the colorful streets, and we managed to grab some great gifts for family back home.
Recommended visiting time: 1–1.5 hours
Practical Tips for Visiting Taipei with a 2 Year Old Toddler
Accommodation in Taipei | 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler
We stayed at Sky19 Hotel and loved it. The hotel’s location is excellent—it’s just a 600-meter walk from the main railway station, with a metro exit right in front and multiple bus stops nearby, making it incredibly convenient for getting around using public transport.
For our 3 nights, we booked a spacious double room with a balcony, though the balcony was unusable as we couldn’t go outside. The room also featured a large sofa, which we converted into a bed for our toddler.
Another thing that we love there is the comfortable lounge which we can use for free, including the dish washer, the oven, and the microwave. There’s even a Family Mart downstairs for quick snack runs and breakfast. In short, it’s a super good hotel choice in Taipei for families with a toddler.
Transportation in Taipei | 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler
Public transport in Taipei is convenient and affordable. We used the EasyCard, which costs about 200 TWD per day. While we considered renting a car for trips outside the city and taking Uber as well, the hassle of a mandatory car seat made public transport the better choice.
Final Thoughts – 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler
This list might seem short, but with a toddler’s boundless curiosity, each of these places kept her entertained for hours. Plus, they’re all easily accessible from the city center, making them perfect for a 3 day Taipei itinerary with a toddler.
Have you visited Taipei with a toddler? What places would you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
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