Family trip · 6–13 November 2026

Yilan, day by day 宜蘭

The hour-by-hour plan for a 5-year-old and a 2½-year-old. Tap any stop to see its photo, notes, a Google map of the leg from where you were before, and directions.

Base: The Walden, Yilan City 悅川酒店 (6–12 Nov) Car: Sat 7, 08:00 to Wed 11, 20:30 Last night: Hyatt Regency Taoyuan Airport

The week

Tap a day to jump to it.

  1. 1Fri 6 Fly in, straight to Yilan
  2. 2Sat 7 Traditional Arts Centre and Dongshan River ParkDry weather best
  3. 3Sun 8 Star Dream Forest, then Yilan CityDry weather best
  4. 4Mon 9 Sinbow scallion farm, then Jiaoxi hot springsOK in light rain
  5. 5Tue 10 Lanyang Kingdom, urn chicken, crayons, Red LanternMixed: outdoor AM, indoor PM
  6. 6Wed 11 Lego museum, forest park, car returnMixed: indoor AM, outdoor PM
  7. 7Thu 12 Transfer to the airport, Xpark aquariumIndoor
  8. 8Fri 13 Fly home

Where each day goes

Numbers are days. Tap a pin to open that stop.

Sights only; Thursday's Xpark is near Taoyuan Airport, off this map. Map © Google. Tap Open in Google Maps for the full interactive map.

Daily rhythm

  • Wake 07:00, hotel breakfast 07:30
  • Nap for the 2½-year-old 13:00–14:30
  • Back at the hotel by 19:30; bed 20:30

Wet weather

IndoorUnaffected by rain
OK in rainGoes ahead in drizzle
Dry weather bestMostly outdoors; swap it to Wed

Bookings

BookedRed Lantern, Tue 17:00
Book aheadDu Xiao Yue, Sinbow, Chu Shi Xuan, Shi Song, Xpark
Call firstChuang Tang day tickets

1Friday 6 November · Fly in, straight to Yilan

Nap On the plane

A travel day. Feed the girls at the airport so they can sleep soon after reaching the hotel. Singapore and Taiwan share a time zone, so there's no jet lag.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30
09:00Leave home for Changi
11:40SQ878 departs. Lunch on board; let the 2.5-year-old nap on the plane if she will
16:20Land at Taoyuan T2. Immigration and bags, about 45–60 min
17:15Early dinner at the terminal food court, or bento from the convenience store
17:45 → ~19:30 The Walden 悅川酒店Check in, bath straight away Hotel
The Walden
Photo: Yam Travel

A family-focused hotel in Yilan City with a ball-pit slide, kids' play rooms, ride-on cars and a library of close to 10,000 books, many of them picture books on the family floors.

Our take. Your base for six nights: 6–13 minutes from Yilan City, Zhuangwei and Brick Ark, and 22–37 minutes from the far stops. Its play rooms are the fallback for any wet afternoon.

  • Check-in 15:00, check-out 11:00
  • Ask to merge the 6–10 and 10–12 Nov bookings so you keep one room
  • Free underground parking
  • +886 3 969 9555
Getting here From Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 · Mega van · about 76 min, 98 km. Friday-evening traffic through the Hsuehshan Tunnel can add 30+ min 宜蘭悅川酒店
宜蘭縣宜蘭市中山路五段123號
~20:30Lights out (a little late, first night only)

2Saturday 7 November · Traditional Arts Centre and Dongshan River Park

Nap HotelDry weather best

The weekend suits this stop: it's large and open, crowds spread out, and Saturdays bring more performances. Go at opening and you're back for a hotel nap.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30
07:50One parent taxis 6 min to the rental office (No. 1 Guangfu Rd); car pickup 08:00, back by 08:20 Directions ↗
09:05–10:00 Dongshan River Park 冬山河親水公園Lawns and paths for running around while it's cool and quiet SightDry weather best
Dongshan River Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

A large riverside park with open lawns and paths along the Dongshan River.

Our take. Somewhere for the girls to run around first thing, while it is cool and quiet, before the Traditional Arts Centre next door.

  • No cover: skip it if it's raining
  • Large and open, so weekend crowds spread out
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 25 min · 17 km. Leave 08:40 冬山河親水公園
宜蘭縣五結鄉
10:10–11:45 National Centre for Traditional Arts 國立傳統藝術中心Old street, puppet and opera shows, small DIY stalls SightOK in rain
National Centre for Traditional Arts
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

A riverside cultural park built like an old street, with glove-puppet and opera shows, craft shops and small DIY stalls.

Our take. Flat and easy to walk with a stroller. Saturdays bring more performances, so check the day's show times at the gate.

  • 09:00–18:00
  • Indoor theatres and halls cope with light rain; bring umbrellas for the paths between them
Getting here From Dongshan River Park · Short hop next door 國立傳統藝術中心
宜蘭縣五結鄉五濱路二段201號
11:45–12:30 Jia Qi Wan canteen 呷七碗宜蘭傳藝店Lunch Meal
Jia Qi Wan canteen
Photo: Google Maps user photo

A Taiwanese canteen at the entrance to the Traditional Arts Centre, run by a well-known oil-rice brand: braised pork rice, oil rice and home-style dishes.

Our take. Quick and easy before the drive back for nap. Add a vegetable dish and a soup.

  • 4.6★ · 1.4k reviews on Google
  • 10:00–18:00
Getting here From National Centre for Traditional Arts · At the centre's entrance, on foot 呷七碗宜蘭傳藝店
宜蘭縣五結鄉五濱路二段201號 (傳藝中心)
12:30Drive back to the hotel, 22 min Directions ↗
13:00–14:30Nap in hotel. The 5-year-old gets quiet time or the kids' club with one parent
14:30–16:45Playground, games room or kids' club; a low-key first afternoon
17:00–18:15 Yu Xiang set meals 游饗・創意中式定食Dinner Meal
Yu Xiang set meals
Photo: Google Maps user photo

Modern Chinese set meals served on trays, each with a main, side dishes and soup, in a casual, family-friendly room.

Our take. Balanced portions suit small eaters. Arrive at the 17:00 opening to skip the queue.

  • 4.8★ · 1.4k reviews on Google
  • 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 8 min · 2.9 km. Leave 16:50 游饗・創意中式定食
宜蘭縣宜蘭市陽明一路126號
18:30Back at the hotel; bath 19:30, bed 20:30 Directions ↗

3Sunday 8 November · Star Dream Forest, then Yilan City

Nap HotelDry weather best

Arrive at Star Dream for its 09:00 opening to stay ahead of weekend crowds, then a free, low-effort afternoon by Yilan Station and classic Yilan dishes for dinner.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30
09:00–11:10 Star Dream Forest Theatre 星夢森林劇場Animals, paddle boats, trampolines SightDry weather best
Star Dream Forest Theatre
Photo: Yam Travel

An animal and play park with capybaras, llamas, deer and mini goats, plus paddle boats, swings and trampolines. Despite the name, there are no theatre shows.

Our take. Play equipment as well as animals suits the 2.5-year-old. Arrive at 09:00 opening to stay ahead of the weekend crowd.

  • 09:00–17:00
  • About NT$200, under 2 free
  • Mostly outdoors: best on a dry day
  • Check its Facebook page for closure days
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 26 min · 13 km. Leave 08:30 星夢森林劇場
宜蘭縣冬山鄉境安二路323號
11:20–12:10 Wang Kee Fried Rice 王記炒飯Lunch Meal
Wang Kee Fried Rice
Photo: Google Maps user photo

A small, cosy Luodong eatery known for its fried rice and home-style stir-fries.

Our take. Order the shrimp with scallion egg and stir-fried water spinach alongside a fried rice to share.

  • 4.8★ · 3.3k reviews on Google
  • 11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00 (closed Thu)
Getting here From Star Dream Forest Theatre · Drive 10 min · 3.7 km 王記炒飯
宜蘭縣羅東鎮公正街51號
12:10Drive back to the hotel, 25 min Directions ↗
13:00–14:30Nap in hotel
15:10–17:00 Jimmy Square and Diu Diu Dang Forest 幾米廣場・丟丟噹森林Picture-book sculptures and the flying train SightDry weather best
Jimmy Square and Diu Diu Dang Forest
Photo: Yam Travel

Sculptures from Jimmy Liao's picture books beside Yilan Station, and across the road Diu Diu Dang Forest: a canopy of steel trees with a flying star train overhead.

Our take. Free, short and close to the hotel. Luna Plaza mall next door is the fallback if it rains.

  • Open all day; the forest canopy lights up from 17:00
  • Park at Luna Plaza / Silks Place
Getting here From The Walden · Drive about 6 min. Leave 15:00 幾米廣場
宜蘭火車站旁
17:30–18:45 Du Xiao Yue 渡小月Dinner, book ahead MealBook ahead
Du Xiao Yue
Photo: Yam Travel

A long-running Yilan banquet restaurant whose fourth-generation chef has cooked state banquets. Known for classic local dishes such as xilu rou (西魯肉) and gaozha (糕渣, a fried savoury custard).

Our take. Order the scallion shrimp and the radish chicken soup for the girls; reviewers call it family-friendly.

  • 4.1★ · 2.8k reviews on Google
  • Sun 11:30–14:00, 17:30–20:30
  • Book: 03-932-4414, table for 4 with a high chair
Getting here From Jimmy Square and Diu Diu Dang Forest · Drive about 5 min 渡小月
宜蘭縣宜蘭市復興路3段58號
19:00Back at the hotel; bath 19:30, bed 20:30 Directions ↗

4Monday 9 November · Sinbow scallion farm, then Jiaoxi hot springs

Nap Hotel (13:20)OK in light rain

The busiest-feeling day falls on a quiet weekday. Sinbow is the furthest drive; the hot springs are a wind-down after nap, which starts about 20 minutes late today.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30. Pack rain boots and spare clothes
09:30–11:50 Sinbow scallion farm 星寶蔥體驗農場First session of the scallion + animal combo; pancakes are the mid-morning snack SightOK in rainBook ahead
Sinbow scallion farm
Photo: bunnyann.tw

Pull, wash and chop scallions, then roll your own scallion pancakes for staff to fry. There are also sika deer and a mini donkey to feed.

Our take. The most distinctive hands-on activity of the trip. Take the first session so you're done before lunch and nap.

  • Book the 09:30 scallion + animal combo on Klook (about NT$380)
  • Ages 2 to 4 pay a NT$50 cleaning fee
  • Runs in drizzle; expect mud, so bring boots and spare clothes
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 37 min · 24 km. Leave 08:50 星寶蔥體驗農場
宜蘭縣三星鄉東興路7-5號
12:00–12:45 Sloth Restaurant 樹懶餐廳 (九九峰動物樂園)Lunch Meal
Sloth Restaurant
Photo: bunnyann.tw

A restaurant inside a small animal park in Sanxing, with big windows over sloths, capybaras, kangaroos and fluffy sheep.

Our take. A sit-down lunch 10 minutes from Sinbow. Skip the animal add-ons today; the girls will have done plenty of feeding.

  • 4.9★ · 10.6k reviews on Google
  • 09:00–18:00
Getting here From Sinbow scallion farm · Drive 10 min · 6 km 樹懶餐廳
宜蘭縣三星鄉
12:45Drive back to the hotel, 31 min. She may doze; carry her straight up Directions ↗
13:20–14:50Nap in hotel
15:30–17:15 Chuang Tang hot springs 川湯春天溫泉飯店旗艦館Outdoor spa and children's splash pool SightOK in rainCall first
Chuang Tang hot springs
Photo: bunnyann.tw

A spa hotel by Jiaoxi Station with an outdoor spa: hot-spring pools, a steam room and a children's splash pool with slides. Day tickets are sold to non-guests.

Our take. A good late-afternoon wind-down, and it works in the rain. Keep the 2.5-year-old's soaks short and in the cooler pools.

  • Call +886-3-988-9666 to confirm day tickets and children's rules
  • Swimsuits and swim caps for everyone; a swim diaper for the 2.5-year-old
  • Get out of the pools if there's thunder
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 16 min · 7 km. Leave 15:15 川湯春天溫泉飯店 旗艦館
宜蘭縣礁溪鄉中山路二段218號
17:30–18:45 Chu Shi Xuan 初食軒Dinner, book ahead MealBook ahead
Chu Shi Xuan
Photo: bunnyann.tw

A Cantonese-style restaurant in the lobby of Four Points by Sheraton Jiaoxi, best known for crisp roast duck carved at the table.

Our take. Kids' menus, high chairs and plenty of vegetable dishes. Red Lantern's duck is tomorrow, so order from the rest of the menu tonight.

  • 4.7★ · 3.7k reviews on Google
  • 11:30–14:00, 17:30–21:00
  • Book: 03-988-2828 or online
  • NT$200 minimum per person plus 10% service
Getting here From Chuang Tang hot springs · 600 m away 初食軒 (礁溪福朋喜來登酒店)
宜蘭縣礁溪鄉仁愛路48巷18弄1號
18:45Drive back 16 min; bath 19:30, bed 20:30 Directions ↗

5Tuesday 10 November · Lanyang Kingdom, urn chicken, crayons, Red Lantern

Nap Car / strollerMixed: outdoor AM, indoor PM

The day to be out: as booked, your room ends at 11:00 and the next starts at 15:00. The 2.5-year-old naps in the car while one parent takes the 5-year-old crayon-making; dinner is your Red Lantern booking.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30, pack. Check out and leave bags at the front desk (skip if bookings are merged)
10:00–11:25 Lanyang Animal & Plant Kingdom 蘭陽動植物王國Kangaroos, capybaras and the tyre-boat ride SightDry weather best
Lanyang Animal & Plant Kingdom
Photo: Marie Claire Taiwan

An animal park that opened in 2024 with kangaroos (billed as Taiwan's first kangaroo interaction area), capybaras, alpacas, llamas, goats and sloths, plus a tyre-boat ride beside the capybaras and a straw maze.

Our take. Close to the hotel, with animals the deer farms don't have, and plenty for both girls to do. Go at opening on a weekday.

  • 10:00–17:00, closed Wednesdays
  • Children under 90 cm free
  • Mostly outdoors: best on a dry day
  • On Google Maps as “Yilan Animal Kingdom”
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 12 min · 8 km. Leave 09:45 蘭陽動植物王國
宜蘭縣壯圍鄉紅葉路62-13號
11:45–12:40 Fan Ge Tian Urn Chicken 番割田甕缸雞Lunch: arrive before noon Meal
Fan Ge Tian Urn Chicken
Photo: bunnyann.tw

Su'ao's best-known urn-roasted chicken: whole birds roasted over a wood fire in rows of clay urns until the skin crackles.

Our take. Arrive before noon. Order a whole chicken (about NT$650), two vegetables and the tofu, and take leftovers away: it's duck tonight.

  • 4.3★ · 10.5k reviews on Google
  • Weekdays 11:00–15:30, 16:30–20:00
  • Get a table first, then order and pay at the counter
  • Free parking; (03) 990-9338
  • Across the road from Lucky Art
Getting here From Lanyang Animal & Plant Kingdom · Drive 19 min · 19 km via Freeway 5 番割田甕缸雞
宜蘭縣蘇澳鎮海山西路309號
12:45–15:15 Lucky Art Crayon factory 蜡藝蠟筆城堡Nap in the car or stroller for the 2.5-year-old with one parent; crayon DIY for the 5-year-old; little sister joins from 14:30 SightIndoor
Lucky Art Crayon factory
Photo: Lucky Art

An indoor DIY centre where kids make crayons (including Taiwan-shaped ones) and can also try chalk, face painting and painting.

Our take. The 5-year-old's afternoon while her sister naps in the car next door. The 2.5-year-old joins for face painting when she wakes.

  • 08:30–18:00, last tickets 16:00
  • General DIY about NT$250
  • Under 90 cm free
Getting here From Fan Ge Tian Urn Chicken · 360 m across the road, on foot 蜡藝蠟筆城堡
宜蘭縣蘇澳鎮海山西路
15:15Drive back to the hotel, 24 min; check in again and unpack Directions ↗
17:00–18:30 Red Lantern 紅樓中餐廳 (蘭城晶英酒店)Dinner, booked MealBooked
Red Lantern
Photo: Yam Travel

Silks Place Yilan's Chinese restaurant, famous for cherry duck carved at the table and served several ways: duck-skin nigiri, wraps with Sanxing scallion pancake, lettuce cups and a slow-cooked cabbage and duck soup.

Our take. Booked for 17:00. Weekdays allow à la carte, so order the duck, the soup and a green vegetable rather than a large set.

  • 4.0★ · 7.3k reviews on Google
  • 11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00
  • Reconfirm the day before: +886-3-910-1011
  • Ask for a high chair
  • Park at Luna Plaza
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 7 min · 2.3 km. Leave 16:50 蘭城晶英酒店 6樓 紅樓中餐廳
宜蘭縣宜蘭市民權路二段36號
18:30Back at the hotel; bath 19:30, bed 20:30 Directions ↗

6Wednesday 11 November · Lego museum, forest park, car return

Nap HotelMixed: indoor AM, outdoor PM

A lighter last car day close to base, and your swap day if Saturday or Monday is rained out. Lanyang Kingdom is closed on Wednesdays.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30
09:30–11:15 Brick Ark Lego museum 積木博物館Lego sculptures and keychain DIY SightIndoor
Brick Ark Lego museum
Photo: The Wonder Years

A museum of large Lego sculptures, with a keychain-making DIY at the end. Around NT$200.

Our take. The 5-year-old will love it; for the 2.5-year-old it's mostly look-don't-touch. Quiet on a weekday morning.

  • Opens 09:00
  • Monthly closure days are posted on its Facebook page
  • Fully indoors
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 13 min · 5 km. Leave 09:15 積木博物館
宜蘭縣宜蘭市縣政北路2號
11:30–12:15 Just Fresh soup dumplings 正好鮮肉小籠包Lunch Meal
Just Fresh soup dumplings
Photo: Yam Travel

A tiny, always-busy shop making soup dumplings to order, filled with pork and Sanxing scallions, served with hot-and-sour soup.

Our take. One parent queues while the other waits with the girls. Let the dumplings cool before small mouths bite in.

  • 4.3★ · 5.6k reviews on Google
  • 10:00–15:00, closed Mon
Getting here From Brick Ark Lego museum · Drive 11 min · 3.7 km 正好鮮肉小籠包
宜蘭縣宜蘭市泰山路25-1號
12:15Drive back to the hotel, about 7 min Directions ↗
13:00–14:30Nap in hotel
15:15–16:30 Luodong Forestry Culture Park 羅東林業文化園區Log ponds and old trains SightDry weather best
Luodong Forestry Culture Park
Photo: Yam Travel

A former logging yard turned free park: log ponds, old steam locomotives, forest railway tracks and Japanese-era wooden buildings.

Our take. Flat, stroller-friendly and free; a slow hour before dinner.

  • About 08:00–17:00
  • Mostly outdoors: skip it in heavy rain
Getting here From The Walden · Drive 24 min · 12 km. Leave 14:50 羅東林業文化園區
宜蘭縣羅東鎮中正北路118號
17:00–18:00 Shi Song 拾松Dinner MealBook ahead
Shi Song
Photo: Yam Travel

A small eatery run by a banquet chef with over 30 years' experience, serving Yilan banquet classics in small portions: xilu rou, gaozha, taro paste and shrimp wontons in chilli oil.

Our take. A light, local dinner. With about 25 seats, call ahead or arrive at the 17:00 opening.

  • 4.2★ · 1.4k reviews on Google
  • 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00
Getting here From Luodong Forestry Culture Park · Drive about 20 min 拾松 宜蘭總店
宜蘭縣宜蘭市女中路一段
18:00Back at the hotel, about 9 min; bath 19:30, bed 20:30 Directions ↗
20:10–20:45One parent refuels and returns the car to No. 1 Guangfu Rd by 20:30, then taxis back Directions ↗

7Thursday 12 November · Transfer to the airport, Xpark aquarium

Nap Mega vanIndoor

No car today. The 2.5-year-old naps in the Mega van; the afternoon goes to Xpark, a 12-minute taxi from the Hyatt, with dinner next door.

07:00Wake, breakfast 07:30
08:30–10:30Last morning on the playground or in the kids' club; pack
10:45Check out (deadline 11:00); bags to the front desk
11:00–11:45 The Walden Bakery 悅川酒店烘焙坊Early light lunch; buy snacks for the van Meal

The hotel's own bakery-café, on site.

Our take. A quick early lunch before the 12:30 van. Buy fruit and sandwiches for the ride.

  • 10:00–22:00
Getting here From The Walden · On site 宜蘭悅川酒店
宜蘭縣宜蘭市中山路五段123號
12:30 → ~13:45 Hyatt Regency Taoyuan Airport 桃園國際機場凱悅酒店Request early check-in Hotel
Hyatt Regency Taoyuan Airport
Photo: Supertaste

The former Novotel, rebranded Hyatt Regency in January 2025, beside the Airport MRT and a short ride from the terminals. Runway-view rooms, an indoor pool and a children's pool.

Our take. One night before the 09:35 flight, with Xpark a 12-minute taxi away for the afternoon.

  • Standard check-in 15:00: request early check-in
  • Ask what time breakfast opens on Fri 13 Nov
  • 03-383-1234
Getting here From The Walden · Mega van · about 74 min, 96 km. Nap in the van 桃園國際機場凱悅酒店
桃園市大園區航站南路1-1號
15:05–17:00 Xpark aquarium Xpark 水生公園Penguins, jellyfish, capybaras SightIndoorBook ahead
Xpark aquarium
Photo: bunnyann.tw

A Japanese-designed aquarium in Qingpu, next to the HSR station: penguins, a jellyfish room, a big Taiwan tank, seals and an outdoor capybara yard with daily animal shows.

Our take. Indoor, stroller-friendly and a fun finale for the girls.

  • Weekdays 10:00–18:00, last entry 17:00
  • Adult NT$600, child NT$270, under 4 free
  • Book a 15:00 slot online; each slot is capped at 200
Getting here From Hyatt Regency Taoyuan Airport · Taxi 12 min · 8 km. Leave 14:50 Xpark
桃園市中壢區春德路105號
17:00–18:15 Shann Rice Bar Shann Rice Bar (華泰名品城)Dinner Meal
Shann Rice Bar
Photo: Google Maps user photo

Taiwanese rice bowls and small plates inside Gloria Outlets, next door to Xpark.

Our take. Quick dinner a short walk from the aquarium. TGI Fridays in the same mall has a kids' menu if you need a backup.

  • 4.5★ · 1.3k reviews on Google
  • 11:00–21:00
Getting here From Xpark aquarium · Next door at Gloria Outlets, on foot Shann Rice Bar
桃園市中壢區春德路189號 華泰名品城一期3F
18:20Taxi back 12 min; bath 19:30, bed 20:30. Lay out clothes for the early start Directions ↗

8Friday 13 November · Fly home

Nap On the plane

The one day that breaks the 07:00 wake-up: a 09:35 departure means being at the terminal by about 07:35.

06:30Wake (30 min early)
06:45Breakfast at the Hyatt. If it opens later, ask for takeaway boxes the night before
07:20Check out; hotel shuttle or a short taxi to the terminal Directions ↗
07:35Check in for BR215
09:35BR215 departs. Lunch on board; nap on the plane
14:30Land at Changi