Cat Island

Leofoo Village Theme Park in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, is one of the few Taiwanese amusement parks that seamlessly blends thrill rides, a zoological zone, themed streetscapes and seasonal festivals. The park offers thirty adrenaline-pumping attractions spread across themed areas such as Wind and Fire Wheel, Arabian Palace and African Village, while the safari area lets guests observe both herbivores and predators up close via steam train and predator-bus tours. Summer unlocks the water park with multiple aquatic games, and the grounds host stage shows, holiday events and themed shopping streets that entertain the entire family. A Google rating of 4.6 stars drawn from over 50,000 reviews attests to its popularity. For lighter crowds, plan to arrive on weekday mornings or late afternoons on holidays.

Nanliao Family Beach, located beside the Nanliao Harbor Service Center in Hsinchu County, is a free family recreation zone open to the public. From June 2 through September 30, 2024, visitors can splash in the pools, dig in the sand and brave the two-story rotating stone slide, with a dedicated crab-themed splash zone, sand pits and multi-use play structures that make the site ideal for summer cooling. Admission is entirely free; visitors need only bring a change of clothes and sun protection to enjoy the refreshing coastal fun.

The Water Intake Exhibition Hall in Hsinchu County is a beautifully preserved Japanese-era waterworks facility where visitors can trace the entire water supply chain from intake through purification to delivery. The site also features a shallow splash pool that invites families with young children to cool off on hot summer days. Maintained as an authentic heritage site with free admission, the hall is an excellent destination that combines historical education with summer leisure.

Little Ding-Dong Science Theme Park in Hsinchu County is a family-friendly summer destination that combines interactive science experiences with snow play and water games. The grounds feature snow-tube slides and dedicated snow-play zones, alongside water jets, fountains and other aquatic facilities that let visitors beat the heat with a refreshing chill. Beyond the thrill of skiing and water activities, the park offers hands-on science exhibits and a giant tipping bucket, so the whole family can play and learn together. Lockers, shower stalls and free hair dryers are provided for visitor convenience.

Shan Shang Ren Jia, perched at roughly 1,200 meters elevation in Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County, is a four-season destination that combines a working farm, forest trails and overnight lodging. Spring ignites the tea fields with a sea of富士 and Yoshino cherry blossoms, summer brings comfortable 18-22C temperatures that make it a popular escape from the heat, with fireflies dancing after dark. Autumn paints the ginkgo and bald cypress in gold and orange, turning the walking paths into a natural carpet, while winter offers the best views of the dramatic sea of clouds. The grounds offer dining and lodging services with admission around NT$200, making it ideal for families, couples and photographers seeking a fusion of nature and culture.

Laoyingxi Trail, located in Yufeng Village, Jianshih Township, Hsinchu County, is a roughly one-kilometer route that takes 40 to 60 minutes round-trip. Built with natural-construction techniques, the trail's second half features wooden boardwalks suspended above the streambed, hemmed in by dense forest canopy that creates the feel of pristine mountain and river-valley wilderness. At the trail's end, Lipu Waterfall cascades about 15 meters high and 20 meters wide in crystalline water that is especially refreshing in summer, making it an ideal cooling-off destination. Facilities are complete with portable toilets, a fish-watching pavilion and vendor stalls, plus paid parking (NT$100 for cars, NT$50 for scooters). The short, gentle grade makes it suitable for the whole family, including young children, and offers a satisfying short hike and nature-observation experience.

Fengxiang Waterfall sits along a forested lane off County Road 35 in Fengxiang Village, Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County. Admission is free, with complimentary parking and a flat asphalt road leading to a short three-minute walk to the streamside. The pool beneath the waterfall is only calf-deep with crystal-clear water, making it an excellent summer spot for families to splash and try their hand at catching small fish. Steps and an observation platform provide unobstructed views of the full cascade, while the surrounding area features a century-old sticky-rice bridge, a Tudigong shrine and a sweet-gum walking trail, forming a compact rest area that blends nature with local culture, perfect for relaxed cooling-off with family or friends.

Qingcao Lake in Hsinchu County was originally built as an irrigation reservoir and has since evolved into a popular leisure destination for families and couples. A gentle 2-kilometer lakeside loop trail (about 30 minutes on foot) suits strolling, leisure cycling and morning runs, with photo-worthy stops along the way including Yingyue Bridge, Yufei Island and the Xinxin Xiangyin Pavilion. The lake itself hosts swan boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and dragon boats, while the surrounding grounds offer picnic lawns and dedicated bike paths. Parking is NT$30 per hour, and YouBike rentals are also available. With ongoing environmental improvements in recent years, the lake makes for an excellent family day out or a relaxed escape from the city.

Yuanyang Valley Waterfall Group Trail in Jianshih Township, Hsinchu County, threads through forest along the Shuitian Forest Road, linking three waterfalls of markedly different character: Man (Male) Falls, Woman Falls and Yunü Falls. The trail is densely shaded and gently graded, making it ideal for families and half-day casual hikes. Along the way visitors enjoy the clear stream water and observe a rich insect ecosystem, and the route makes an excellent summer cooling-off choice. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended; the full outing takes about two hours.

JAI Zhai is a pet-friendly Italian restaurant with branches in Hsinchu Big City Mall, Taichung and Ximending, Taipei. The interior adopts a jungle-themed Instagram aesthetic with spacious seating and elevator access, making stroller and pet-carrier access effortless, so guests can dine and snap photos alongside their furry companions. The menu centers on pasta, Italian dishes and refined desserts, attracting both younger crowds and pet owners in search of a stylish meal with their pets.

JiNHer Italian Bistro on Jiafeng 5th Road in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, specializes in Italian dining fare and creative desserts within a pet-friendly, photo-ready setting. The decor fuses classical and opulent styles, with dreamlike chandeliers and Instagram-friendly walls designed for shooting and sharing. The menu centers on brunch, pasta and risotto, with signature new items including black-gold bamboo charcoal custard caramel creme brulee crepes and three-dimensional latte-art beverages that delight both eye and palate. The restaurant sits within walking distance of Zhubei Park, Magic Bean Adventure Park and the Xinwawu Hakka Cultural Preservation Zone, with metered street parking and parking lots nearby, making driving there equally convenient.

PHOENIXCAFE is tucked into the historic alleys near Hsinchu City God Temple, an untimed, pet-friendly cafe with full Wi-Fi and freely available power outlets. The interior blends light-wood and concrete-gray tones to create a bright, design-forward, indie atmosphere that suits solo work with a laptop, gatherings with friends or quiet moments with a pour-over coffee alongside a furry companion. The signature house-made mille-crepe cake comes in matcha, Earl Grey and tiramisu flavors, all well-reviewed and paired beautifully with the coffee. With a parking lot right beside the cafe and convenient transportation, it serves as a hidden afternoon retreat in Hsinchu.

SRC Beipu Impression Coffee B&B in Beipu, Hsinchu County, combines a cafe, brunch service and themed lodging in a pet- and family-friendly destination. The grounds feature striking metal installation art such as steel dinosaurs, robots, vintage motorcycles and classic cars that invite photo-taking. Guest rooms come with full-immersion bathtubs, flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and on-site parking, while Beipu Old Street is just a short walk away. Green World Eco Farm and Frog Rock Skywalk are nearby, allowing travelers to roam freely between natural scenery and creative themed experiences.

WUGAO You Gou, at No. 1261 Zhonghua Road in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, is a pet-friendly venue that combines a restaurant with a swimming pool exclusively for dogs. The dining area features stylish decor that lets owners savor food while their pets splash around. The pool is limited to children over 150 centimeters tall and dogs, with advance reservations required; on holidays, separate bookings are needed for the dining area and pool zone. Dog admission runs NT$300-500 (covering two owners), with additional guests at NT$100 each and life-jacket rentals at NT$50 (deposit required). The site offers four free parking spaces and easy access, making it an excellent summer destination for cooling off with furry companions.

Shang Shan He Cafe is a pet-friendly, forest-themed cafe hidden in the mountain retreat of Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County. The shop sits beside the trailhead leading to the Truancy Trail, surrounded by ranges of peaks, with outdoor seating that lets guests sip coffee and light meals while taking in distant mountain views. The cafe opens only on Saturdays and Sundays, suited to travelers seeking to escape the city and bring their furry companions up the mountain for a relaxing day out. Signature items include cinnamon rolls, savory pies, coffee and thick toast with cured pork, while abundant wood elements create a warm atmosphere that makes the cafe a perfect destination for photo-worthy moments and nature appreciation.

Ouran is a creative-culture cafe at No. 11, Lane 53, Xinzhuang Street, East District, Hsinchu City, that combines coffee, desserts and art exhibitions in a comfortable, pet-friendly space. Founded jointly by illustrator WanQian and a hospitality partner, the cafe regularly hosts illustration workshops, handicraft lectures and small exhibitions, letting guests savor both coffee and an artistic atmosphere. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, it suits afternoon dates, gatherings with friends or leisurely visits with a furry companion. Telephone 0971-760-818; advance seat reservations are welcome.

Neiwan Roundhouse Cultural Hakka Restaurant at No. 99 Datong Road, Hengshan Township, Hsinchu County, occupies the roundhouse structure originally built as the Hengshan Folklore Museum, now operated by a Hakka restaurant group. The kitchen specializes in traditional Hakka family-style dishes such as savory glutinous rice balls, Hakka stir-fry and mochi, while the interior retains old film screenings and vintage posters that evoke a nostalgic atmosphere. The spacious, pet-friendly venue suits families traveling with their pets. Average spending is about NT$400, and advance reservations are required (phone 035-849260). It is a superb destination near Neiwan Station for travelers seeking authentic Hakka flavors and cultural experiences.

The Green Symphony (Xiao Sen Zhi Ge), set on about five hectares of forested parkland in Qionglin Township, Hsinchu County, offers expansive lawns, a bald-cypress avenue and mountain-ringed natural scenery. Entry requires a ticket, with the admission fee redeemable for NT$100 toward restaurant purchases inside the park. The outdoor area welcomes pets and family picnics, making it ideal for families, couples and pet owners seeking to stroll, photograph or simply unwind. On-site dining is available, though pets are not permitted indoors, so the experience is centered on atmosphere and scenery.