December remains a meaningful season for our family—a time to reconnect, slow down, and spend quality moments together. We always look forward to this period, and our family holiday to Taiwan last year turned out to be a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Our Taiwan family trip was especially special as we were able to fulfil Harvey’s bucket list, making it one of the most memorable holidays he has ever had. From the very beginning, he was excited about every part of the journey, and he enjoyed each moment to the fullest.

However, just one day before our departure, we encountered a small setback. Harvey developed a fever of 38.8°C, which left him very anxious. He even cried, worried that he might miss his long-awaited Taiwan holiday. As parents, it was a stressful moment, but we managed his condition with Brufen and paracetamol every six hours, closely monitoring his temperature.

Thankfully, his fever stabilised overnight and did not return. We were greatly relieved that he recovered in time, allowing us to proceed with our Taiwan family vacation as planned. With everything under control, we were finally able to begin our much-anticipated journey to Taiwan with peace of mind.

So what do we do or go in Taiwan?

Glamping (Bon Chill Glamping By Cosmos Oasis)

This was Harvey’s first glamping experience in Taiwan, and it turned out to be a truly wonderful one. The moment we arrived at the glamping site, he was jumping around excitedly, full of anticipation for what was to come.

Our stay was genuinely memorable. The glamping caravans were beautifully designed, offering comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and a cosy, modern interior that perfectly blends nature with convenience. Set beside a golf course and surrounded by lush greenery, the entire site felt more like an upscale outdoor retreat than a typical campsite.

One of the highlights of the glamping experience was that meals were included. The food was generous, thoughtfully prepared, and added to the overall sense of comfort and ease during our stay. There were also plenty of kids’ play areas and recreational activities, making it an ideal family-friendly glamping destination in Taiwan. Harvey especially enjoyed the freedom to explore and play in the open space.

This experience became even more meaningful when Harvey told us he wished he could spend more time with Papa and Mummy. In that moment, it really struck us how quickly time passes. On most days, life is a rush—rushing him to school, rushing to pick him up, and rushing through bedtime routines. My heart aches a little when I realise how fleeting these everyday moments are.

Children don’t need a lot of toys—they need our presence and time. But as working parents, this is often the reality we face. That is why we made a promise to Harvey: every December will be dedicated to family travel, slowing down, and making the most of our time together.

Window on World Theme Park

Visiting Window on World Theme Park in Taiwan was one of the items on Harvey’s bucket list, as he was especially eager to see the famous Mini World and its miniature landmarks. The park features a mix of attractions, including miniature global landmarks, amusement rides, water play zones, and live stage shows.

To be honest, beyond the Mini World, the overall experience felt a little underwhelming for us. The park itself appeared somewhat rundown in certain areas, and the food options were not particularly impressive. However, Harvey had an amazing time throughout the visit, which made the trip worthwhile for him.

The biggest highlight was definitely the Mini World. Harvey was completely fascinated by the detailed miniature landmarks, especially spotting his favourite airplanes among the displays. It was heartwarming to see how much joy and excitement it brought him as he explored each section.

If your children are mainly looking for thrilling rides and a full-scale theme park experience, this may not be the top choice among Taiwan theme parks. However, for families with younger kids or those interested in Mini World attractions, it is still worth a visit for this section alone. The craftsmanship and detail are impressive, and it truly sparked a lot of joy and curiosity in Harvey.

Xpark – Aquarium

Personally, I would highly recommend Xpark Aquarium in Taoyuan, especially for families travelling in Taiwan with children. Our visit was both fun and visually engaging, making it one of the most enjoyable family-friendly attractions in Taoyuan—particularly for kids who love observing marine life up close.

The aquarium is modern, thoughtfully designed, and spread across multiple levels, with beautifully curated marine exhibits throughout. Key highlights include the playful penguins, seals, and stunning jellyfish displays, along with large viewing tanks showcasing sharks, rays, and colourful tropical fish. These exhibits are not only impressive but also easy to view and photograph, making the experience enjoyable for both children and adults.

I especially enjoyed the immersive themed zones and interactive displays, which made the visit feel engaging and hands-on rather than just a typical walk-through aquarium. The spacious layout also allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed, which is ideal for families with young children.

The facility is clean, well-organised, and supported by helpful staff, making the overall experience smooth and comfortable. It is also easy to cover within a couple of hours, making it a perfect half-day itinerary option in Taoyuan.

Another big advantage is its convenient location. Xpark Aquarium is situated near public transport links and Gloria Outlets, making it easy to combine your visit with shopping or dining nearby. It’s also a great stop if you are travelling to or from Taoyuan Airport, adding convenience to your Taiwan family travel itinerary.

Our Taoyuan leg of the Taiwan family trip was a meaningful and memorable start to our holiday. It combined relaxation, family bonding, and kid-focused experiences that made it especially special for Harvey.

We began with a unique first glamping experience, where Harvey was thrilled to stay in a cosy caravan surrounded by nature, open space, and kid-friendly facilities. The included meals and recreational areas made it a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor retreat for the whole family.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Window on World Theme Park, which fulfilled Harvey’s bucket list wish to see Mini World. While the park itself felt a little dated, the miniature landmarks brought him immense joy—especially spotting his favourite airplanes—making the visit worthwhile from a child’s perspective.

We also visited Xpark Aquarium in Taoyuan, which stood out as the most impressive attraction of the trip. Its modern design, immersive marine exhibits, and interactive displays made it highly engaging for both kids and adults. The penguins, jellyfish, and large ocean tanks were particular highlights, and its convenient location near Gloria Outlets made the visit even more practical.

Overall, Taoyuan offered a great mix of family-friendly activities, from outdoor glamping to indoor attractions. While not every stop was perfect, the experiences were meaningful because of the time spent together. More than anything, this part of the journey set the tone for a slow, intentional family holiday—something we deeply value.

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