As an Italian-Taiwanese mother living in Taipei for over 20 years—and having raised two children here for the past nine—I can say that one of the greatest joys and proudest memories I have these days is sharing the many gems Taipei has to offer for families, both local and from other countries. I find the greatest pleasure in striking up conversations with new moms here in Taipei, especially when I’m at the park with my kids. As moms, we often exchange tips on the places we visit and the resources we’ve found that help give our children a happy and healthy lifestyle.
However, I have to admit that many of my experiences were easier to find and navigate because I am bilingual in English and Mandarin. For parents who don’t speak Mandarin, it can be harder to access some of the wonderful opportunities available in this city. With Children’s Day around the corner, I’ve taken on this challenge—partnering with Taipei’s fantastic overseas community resource, The Community Services Center—to offer non-Mandarin speakers a way to enjoy the beauty, excitement, and compassion of Taipei with their families.
Explore Taipei’s Free Government-Run Play Centers (Ages 0-6)
If you’re looking for safe, fun, and educational indoor spaces for your little ones, Taipei’s government-run Parent-Child Play Centers are a must-visit. Designed for children ages 0 to 6, these free play spaces are thoughtfully equipped with age-appropriate toys, books, and activities. Each center is staffed by trained professionals who create a welcoming environment where children can explore, play, and socialize.
As a mom, I made it a personal challenge to visit as many of these centers as I could while my kids were still young enough to enjoy them—and I highly recommend it! There are over a dozen centers scattered across Taipei, and each one has its own unique layout and activities. Even after living here for years, I’m still discovering new ones.
Taipei offers government-run play centers for children ages 0-6.
How to Register for a Play Session
Most Play Centers operate on a pre-booking system, especially during busy times like weekends or holidays. To make things easier, you can use the Taipei Pass App (台北通) to reserve your spot in advance and avoid waiting in line when you arrive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register:
- Download the Taipei Pass App (台北通)
- Create an Account
- You’ll need to register with an email or phone number. If you have a local Taiwan phone number, registration is quick, but it also works with an email account.
- Navigate to the Parent-Child Play Center Section
- Once logged in, look for 親子館 (Parent-Child Play Center) under the activities section.
- You can search for centers by district or find available time slots.
- Reserve Your Spot
- Choose a date and time. Sessions usually last 90 minutes to 2 hours, and many centers have multiple sessions a day.
- Some centers allow walk-ins if space is available, but booking ahead is recommended—especially on weekends.
- Check In at the Play Center
- Show your reservation on the app at the entrance. While many centers are open to all families—whether or not you have a local ID—you will need to bring original documents to verify your child’s age, such as a health insurance card or other official ID for infants and toddlers.
A play center located in the Shilin District of Taipei – a fun, free space where kids can race, cook, and play!
Important Guidelines for Visiting the Play Centers
To ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for everyone, each center follows specific rules:
- Age Requirement: Only children aged 0 to 6 (preschoolers) are allowed to enter the play areas. Children over 6 years old are welcome to wait in the designated rest areas but are not allowed inside the play spaces.
- Document Check: Before entering, caregivers must present original documents proving their child’s age (such as a National Health Insurance card or other ID).
- Shoes and Socks Policy: Caregivers are asked to remove their shoes and socks before entering. Children must take off their shoes (socks may be worn).
- Supervision: Each child must be accompanied by at least one adult at all times. Caregivers are expected to stay with their child throughout the visit.
- Health and Safety: Upon entry, everyone must wash their hands, use hand sanitizer, and have their temperature checked. Children or adults with fevers, colds, or any signs of infectious disease (including a temperature above 37.5°C) will not be permitted to enter to protect the health of all visitors.
- Food and Drink: Eating and drinking are only allowed in designated areas (non-staple food/snack areas). Caregivers are responsible for cleaning up after their children to keep the space tidy.
- Respect for the Space: Please take care of the toys and facilities. Children are encouraged to use one toy or area at a time and return everything to its proper place when finished. Any damage may require compensation.
- Electrical Appliances: The centers do not provide electricity for personal devices, so bring your own batteries or chargers if needed.
- House Rules: Each center may have additional rules specific to their space. Be sure to read and follow the posted guidelines.
An indoor play center in the Da’an District of Taipei. Play centers in Taipei are government-run, fully staffed, and free for all.
Why Families Love These Play Centers
- They’re free and open to everyone. Even friends visiting from overseas can join without hassle. I once brought a friend and her 2-year-old from Hong Kong, and they were welcomed with no need for passports or additional documents.
- Clean and safe. Each center follows strict cleaning protocols, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
- Variety of locations. From Daan to Beitou, you’ll find centers in nearly every district. Each one offers something different—some have water play areas, others focus on imaginative play, and some even have outdoor spaces.
For a full list of locations and more details about each center, check out this guide:
Locations of All 13 Free Government Play Centers
Or visit Taipei’s official resource page here.
English-Speaking Children Music Programs
One important value I wanted to instill in my kids from a young age was an appreciation for music. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their interest and excitement grow over time. Fortunately, Taipei has several fantastic options for young children to experience music in a fun and interactive way—even in English!
河馬老師愛唱歌 (Hippo Teacher Loves to Sing) X Music Together®
This is one of the most popular choices among parents here. Many mothers I know have had wonderful experiences with their Mommy and Me classes. These sessions are lively, welcoming, and full of singing, movement, and instrument play designed to nurture your child’s musical development. My friends often comment on how much their little ones love it—and how easy it is for parents to join in and bond through music.
河馬老師愛唱歌 (Hippo Teacher Loves to Sing) X Music Together®
No. 17號, Lane 368, Section 6, Yanping N Rd
Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
Aside from 河馬老師愛唱歌, there are several branches of Music Together® classes throughout Taipei that are highly recommended by local and expat families alike. These classes are designed to engage both parents and children in singing, rhythm play, and movement. They offer a relaxed and playful atmosphere where kids can explore music naturally.
Here is one of the recommended branches:
Music Together Sandiano
No. 10號, Lane 76, Siwei Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, 10664
Kindermusik with Nina Vaughn
Another wonderful option we personally loved was Kindermusik. Both of my kids took Kindermusik classes once a week, starting at 9 and 10 months old. If you aren’t familiar with Kindermusik, it’s an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program designed for children from newborns to age 7. The classes are built around age-appropriate activities that blend music, movement, singing, and instrument play. Kindermusik encourages children to explore sound and rhythm while supporting their cognitive, emotional, social, language, and physical development.
What I loved most about Kindermusik was how it nurtured my children’s ability to engage and focus. Despite all the excitement from singing and dancing, the teacher had a magical way of calming the room about 20 minutes into class for a short storytime. Watching a group of toddlers sit together, fully engaged after jumping around moments earlier, was amazing! Kindermusik creates a supportive space for little ones to develop important life skills like listening, self-regulation, and social interaction—all while having fun.
In Taipei, Kindermusik classes are held in English, and some teachers are also bilingual in Mandarin. For us, it was a great option because it was close to where we lived at the time. Classes are held at the Taipei Youth Program Association (TYPA).
Taipei Youth Program Association
#800, Chung Shan N. Road, Sec. 6
Shilin District, Taipei 111
Phone Number: +886-2-2873-1815
For more details or to sign up, you can email Nina Vaughn at:
kindermusikwithninav@gmail.com
English-Speaking Gymnastics & Martial Arts for Active Kids
When your kids become a little more active—and just won’t nap or “stay still”—I strongly encourage parents to look into martial arts and gymnastics classes in Taipei. Both offer a safe and structured environment where children can explore movement, improve balance and coordination, and develop a sense of body awareness. Plus, they build confidence, discipline, and important life skills like focus and respect. Learning how to move their bodies in a controlled and mindful way at an early age can also help prevent future falls and injuries.
Martials Arts: Budo for Little Ones
My son started budo at just 3 years old with Sensei Kevin Sheng at Yoseikan Budo Taiwan, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Sensei Kevin works wonders with young children, teaching them simple poses and movements that help them understand their bodies, all while introducing them to the traditional values of Japanese martial arts—discipline, respect, and self-control. The classes are structured yet warm and welcoming, and it’s incredible to see how much the kids absorb at such a young age. Even now, my son carries with him the focus and discipline he learned in those early budo lessons.
Yoseikan Budo Taiwan – Sensei Kevin Sheng
No. 45-2, Lane 46, Section 1, Zhiyuanyi Rd
Beitou District, Taipei City 112
Gymnastics: Jaystars Gymnastics
If your child loves to climb, jump, tumble, and flip, gymnastics is a fantastic way to channel that energy in a safe and fun environment. Jaystars Gymnastics is a popular option in Taipei, offering programs for toddlers all the way through to older kids. Their coaches are friendly, professional, and great at encouraging kids to challenge themselves while keeping things playful. Classes focus on building strength, flexibility, and coordination, and many parents appreciate how their children learn to set and achieve personal goals.
Jaystars also emphasizes safety and body awareness, which helps kids develop confidence in their physical abilities—something they’ll benefit from in all areas of life. Whether it’s forward rolls or balance beams, it’s all about having fun while staying active.
Jaystars Gymnastics
No. 69號, Section 1, Anhe Rd
Da’an District, Taipei City, 106
Discover Fun Activities and Restaurants for Children Ages 0-12 with A Toddler in Taipei Blog
One resource that I could not have lived without is the A Toddler in Taipei blog. Originally created by an amazing mom (who sadly doesn’t reside in Taipei anymore), A Toddler in Taipei is a user-friendly resource for parents with young children up to age 12. Although the blog hasn’t been updated since 2022, it offers well-organized information on everything from iconic attractions and museums to indoor play areas, parks, family-friendly restaurants, hikes, and water play spots. Best of all, everything is listed by district, making it easy to find fun activities close to home or wherever your day takes you. Even after living here for so many years, I’m still discovering places mentioned on the site that I haven’t yet visited. It’s a wonderful resource for both new and seasoned parents looking to explore more of what Taipei has to offer their families.
Bobowin Blog: Parks, Attractions, Restaurants, and Hotels for Families with Children
In my opinion, Taipei truly lives up to the reputation you often read about online as one of the friendliest and safest cities in Asia. It’s true that once you settle in and really start living here, you’ll notice certain aspects of the city and culture that might not align with how you grew up overseas. But overall, Taipei is incredibly welcoming to foreigners. Its open-mindedness continues to push the city and its people toward being more inclusive, creative, and respectful.
One local website I still rely on, even now that my kids are older, is a fantastic resource for parents raising children in Taiwan called Bobowin Blog. It regularly posts updates on newly renovated parks, not just in Taipei but across the island. Even though the site is in Chinese, I usually just scroll through each post and copy the park locations. If it’s doable by MRT or bus, I’ll make a plan and take the kids for a fun day out.
Beyond parks, the blog also shares helpful recommendations for family-friendly restaurants, cafes, hotels, and attractions—making it a great go-to for anyone raising little ones here.
Conclusion
As a parent, I’m very proud to have lived in Taipei—having access to so many interactive activities and classes for children and parents, all within a quick 20-minute metro ride, no matter which district you call home. Whether it’s music, dance, art, gymnastics, Legos, or sports, Taipei offers an incredible variety of opportunities for families to connect, explore, and grow together. It’s one of the many reasons I’m so grateful to be raising my kids here—there’s always something new around the corner, and every day brings the chance for a new adventure in this dynamic, family-friendly city.
Meilee Saccenti
Meilee came to Taipei in 2013 to fulfill a childhood dream of learning Mandarin and her mother’s Taiwanese traditions and culture. Never did she imagine she would return after graduating from USC and make Taipei her home for the next 20+ years. Born and raised in Las Vegas Nevada, Meilee has been destined to live in big sweltering hot cities, but Taipei has become her home for the invaluable experiences she has been able to bring to her children. When she isn’t behind the microphone doing free-lance voice work, she volunteers her time to the Taipei Breastfeeding Support Group and holds monthly gatherings.