Family-Friendly Adventures in Kaohsiung!

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Main Shrine

Start your family adventure to Fo Guang Shan Monastery early in the morning to make the most of the day. Located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the monastery is easily accessible by bus from the city center. Upon arrival, marvel at the grandeur of the Main Shrine and its peaceful surroundings. The architecture here is awe-inspiring, with traditional Chinese designs that promote a sense of tranquility. Engage the kids by explaining that this monastery is one of the largest Buddhist establishments in the world, dedicated to promoting humanistic Buddhism.

Mid-Morning: Buddha Museum

Next, head to the Buddha Museum, a short walk from the Main Shrine. Here, your family can view fascinating exhibits on Buddhist art and history. The centerpiece is the tooth relic of Buddha, housed in a magnificent eight pagoda-style tower. The museum is not only a spiritual site but also an educational opportunity for kids to learn about Buddhist culture and art.

Lunch: Vegetarian Cuisine

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the monastery’s dining hall where you can experience Buddhist compassion through food. The meals are simple, healthy, and a great way to introduce the family to mindful eating.

Afternoon: Pilgrimage Path

After lunch, take a stroll along the Pilgrimage Path. This scenic route features thousands of Buddha statues lining the path, each telling a story that captures the essence of Buddha"s teachings. It’s a gentle walk, suitable for children, and offers numerous photo opportunities.

Late Afternoon: Children’s Playground and Gift Shop

Before heading back, let the kids unwind at the monastery"s playground, a space designed with Buddhist motifs. Also, visit the gift shop for some souvenirs like meditation beads or artistic postcards as a memory of your spiritual journey at Fo Guang Shan Monastery.

Tips: Dress modestly, carry water, and check the monastery’s schedule for any special family-friendly events or workshops during your visit.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Tainan

Why Visit?

Day 1: Historic Exploration

Start your adventure in Tainan at the Chihkan Tower, formerly Fort Provintia, a relic of Dutch colonialism. You can take the Tainan City Bus to reach this attraction. Engage with history as you wander through the ruins and museum, learning about the blend of Dutch and Chinese architecture. Next, head to the nearby Koxinga Shrine, dedicated to the Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong who expelled the Dutch. It’s a short walk, and kids will love hearing tales of pirates and battles.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Morning begins at the Tainan Confucius Temple, the oldest of its kind in Taiwan. Accessible via Tainan City Bus, this temple offers a tranquil atmosphere and a peek into ancient educational practices. After soaking up some culture, delve into the local flavors at the nearby Garden Night Market. Here, families can try local treats like oyster omelettes and bubble tea. The market is best accessed by bus or taxi.

Day 3: Nature and Recreation

Visit the Tainan Park (also known as Zhongshan Park), a great spot for families to relax and enjoy nature. Easily accessible by bus, the park features a large pond, historic pavilions, and plenty of space for children to play. For an educational twist, end your day at the Tainan Astronomical Education Area within the park, where kids can learn about the stars through telescopes and interactive displays.

Interesting Facts

- Tainan is known as the "City of Snacks" because of its wide variety of street food, perfect for adventurous young eaters.

- Chihkan Tower includes nine turtles carrying heavy stone tablets on their backs, symbolizing longevity and strength in local culture.

This itinerary ensures a mix of educational experiences, cultural immersion, and fun, capturing the essence of Tainan for a memorable family trip.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center

Why Visit?

Embark on a vibrant cultural journey at Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center, a transformed space that once served as an abandoned warehouse site and now stands as a bustling hub of contemporary art, creativity, and community activities. Ideal for a family day out, the art center boasts outdoor installations, galleries, and plenty of space for kids to explore.

Getting there: You can easily reach Pier-2 Art Center via the Orange Line of Kaohsiung MRT. Disembark at Yanchengpu Station (O2) and exit from Exit 1. From there, it’s just a short walk following clearly marked signs to the art center. Alternatively, renting a bike and cycling along the scenic Love River to the center could add an extra bit of adventure to your outing.

Morning Exploration: Start your visit at the Visitor Information Center to grab a map and any updates on daily activities or special exhibits. Wander through the repurposed warehouses that now house various art exhibitions. Each building showcases different themes and media, ranging from photography and sculpture to interactive installations that will captivate children’s imaginations.

Interactive Fun: Don"t miss the outdoor installations where kids can interact with art in a playful environment. Check out the "Music Wall" where children can create sounds using different objects, and the "Graffiti Park" for a splash of color.

Lunch Break: For lunch, head over to the Dayi Warehouse Zone, where you’ll find an array of eateries offering everything from local Taiwanese dishes to international cuisine, perfect for a family meal.

Afternoon Activity: After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll or a bike ride along the artsy railway tracks, and if time permits, catch a live performance or a workshop that are often held in the open spaces throughout the center.

End your visit: Before leaving, make sure to stop at the quirky shops around the art center where you can pick up unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.

With its rich blend of history and creativity, Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center promises a memorable day for children and adults alike, filled with inspiration, fun, and cultural enrichment.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Taiwan National Science and Technology Museum

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Taiwan National Science and Technology Museum

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure at the Taiwan National Science and Technology Museum in Kaohsiung by taking the MRT Red Line to the Science and Technology Museum Station. Just a short walk from the station, the museum opens its doors at 9:00 AM, so aim to get there early to beat the crowds!

First Stop - Discovering Dinosaurs

Kick off your tour with the Dinosaur Park located within the museum grounds. It"s a fantastic spot where kids can see life-sized models of dinosaurs, fostering a love for paleontology. It’s not only fun but educational, as each exhibit explains the prehistoric era in an engaging manner.

Interactive Exhibits

Next, head inside to the interactive zones. The museum features over 14 permanent exhibitions. Highlights include the "Children’s Science Area" designed for younger visitors. Here, kids can engage in hands-on activities like building blocks or experimenting with water. Don’t miss the "Space IMAX Theater" which offers stunning documentaries about space and our planet, shown on a massive screen that will captivate the entire family.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a lunch break at the museum’s cafeteria, which offers a variety of options suitable for children and adults alike. There are also picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own food.

Afternoon Exploration

Post-lunch, visit the "Green Energy Exhibit" to learn about renewable energy sources through interactive models—perfect for teaching kids about environmental conservation. Continue with the "Earthquake Engineering Hall," where you can experience a simulated 5.0 earthquake.

Wrapping Up

Conclude your visit by stopping at the museum shop for educational gifts or souvenirs. The museum closes at 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore at a leisurely pace.

Interesting Fact

Did you know? The museum also serves as a professional development center for teachers in science education, ensuring the spread of knowledge continues beyond its walls.

Enjoy your educational journey at the Taiwan National Science and Technology Museum, where learning and fun go hand in hand!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Guanziling Hot Spring

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Guanziling Hot Spring

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your adventure early by driving to Guanziling Hot Spring, located in Tainan, Taiwan. If coming from Taipei, a high-speed train to Chiayi Station followed by a bus or taxi will bring you into the heart of lush landscapes and serene views perfect for a family outing. On arrival, explore the unique Fire and Water Spring, one of only three in the world, where natural gas and spring water coexist, creating a mesmerizing flame on water.

Lunch: Local Cuisine

Enjoy a lunch at one of the local restaurants. Guanziling is famous for its mud hot springs and the local cuisine that uses ingredients from the surrounding mountains. Try the bamboo rice and local mountain vegetables for an authentic taste.

Afternoon: Mud Spring Experience

Post lunch, head to one of the family-friendly resorts like King’s Garden Villa or Toong Mao Spa Resort to experience the therapeutic mud baths. These mud baths, rich in minerals, are believed to rejuvenate the skin and relax the muscles. Kids often enjoy the novelty of bathing in mud, making it a fun and unforgettable experience.

Late Afternoon: Biyun Temple

Just a short drive from the hot springs, visit the Biyun Temple. This serene spot offers panoramic views of the area and a chance to learn about local religious practices. The peaceful surroundings provide a perfect setting for some family photos.

Evening: Dinner and Departure

Conclude your day with a hearty dinner at the resort, sampling more local dishes such as smoked duck or stewed pork with pickled vegetables. After dinner, begin your journey back to Chiayi Station, filled with relaxing and joyful memories of Guanziling Hot Spring, promising a serene end to an adventurous day.

This itinerary combines natural wonders, cultural insights, and relaxation, tailored perfectly for a family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.