YilanPlay Recommendations

The Yilan Traditional Arts Park (National Center for Traditional Arts) is a cultural destination weaving together traditional crafts, opera performances and interactive experiences, ideal for the whole family to explore together. The park has a dedicated children's experience zone with DIY activities like painting spinning tops, dough figurines and operating hand-puppet show puppets, most of which are already included in the ticket price. Beyond the lively craft demos and static displays of artifacts, the grounds include both indoor and outdoor areas, so rainy days don't get in the way of a cultural experience. Easy to reach, with nearby lodging options for a two-day trip, it is one of the top picks for family travel in Yilan.

Yilan Cake Invention Museum in Suao spans roughly 4,000 ping and blends traditional pastry-making with cultural history, offering a transparent production corridor, a canopy plaza and a DIY experience zone. Visitors can hand-craft thin biscuits and view antique pastry molds, then relax in the café area. Inside, the museum features 3D mural walls, a vintage wedding-culture display, free parking and barrier-free facilities, all set up for family fun and rainy-day fallbacks. Admission is free, souvenirs are available, and there are several photo-ready check-in spots, making it a popular family destination in Yilan.

Yi Nong Farm in Dongshan Township, Yilan is a family destination centered on animal feeding and agricultural experiences. Visitors can get close to baby goats, piglets, rabbits, tortoises and other animals, with extras like goat-milking, goat-milk desserts and DIY crafts. Tickets run about NT$50-150 and can be exchanged for feed, drinks and selected activities, so families can pick up some farming know-how while having fun. The farm also has a bumper-car zone and simple carnival booths, convenient parking, and it closes on Thursdays; rainy days are not recommended. Overall ratings are high, making it a farm trip that balances education and entertainment for kids.

Jimmy Park, beside Yilan Station, is Taiwan's first public square themed around the picture books of Jimmy Liao. The park is dotted with colorful, three-dimensional sculptures of his iconic characters, making visitors feel as if they've stepped into one of his books. The grounds are spacious and ideal for strolling and photos with the whole family, and you can easily hop to nearby spots like Diudiu Dang Forest Park and the Yilan Distillery. Entry is free with no ticket, and the park is open around the clock, so you can drop by any time. Whether you're bringing kids for a photo-op or looking for a quiet place to stroll near Yilan Station, Jimmy Park is a can't-miss stop.

Jimmy Plaza Park, beside Yilan Station, is a family-friendly spot themed around the picture-book illustrator Jimmy Liao. The park features Jimmy-character installations, three-dimensional scenes and playful touches like an elephant slide, making it great for photos and for visits with kids. The space is small but full of imagination, doubling as a rest stop and sightseeing draw, so even travelers with a short wait for a train can step into the world of his picture books. Weekends draw bigger crowds, so arriving early or avoiding peak hours is recommended.

Guangxing Farm in Dongshan Township, Yilan is Taiwan's first leisure farm converted from a pigsty, blending nostalgic rural style with a wide range of DIY experiences. The site offers family activities such as clay-oven cooking, clam-digging in the mud, ceramic painting, animal feeding and retro toys, alongside dining areas and an aquarium for breaks. Tickets are tiered by age, NT$100 for ages 3-12 and NT$200 for ages 12 and up, and can be offset against in-park spending. Easy to reach, with a car park next to the grounds, it is well-suited for a family or group day trip.