← Back to Check Inn Magikids

The sound of plastic wheels on a Tuesday

Four Quests to Reclaim Our Inner Children

The Electric Car Grand Prix: We spent an hour navigating the 120-meter ring at Check Inn Magikids, our adult frames crammed into plastic seats that smelled of ozone and old crayons, weaving through the miniature tunnel with a level of intensity that felt like a Formula 1 final. "I'm taking the inside line!" I yelled, my voice echoing against the sterile white walls. Result: A heated, hour-long debate about the ethics of blocking during the final turn, which we all eventually agreed was the peak of the trip.

The 3D Projection Ball Pit: We surrendered ourselves to a sea of neon spheres, watching the projections of Magi and Mi dance across the walls while the rhythmic click-clack of plastic echoed around us. As I sank deeper into the void, I wondered if this was how it felt to be a goldfish in a disco. Result: The humbling realization that we have long since outgrown the physical dimensions of childhood, though our spirits remained stubbornly small.

The Treehouse Sanctuary: We retreated to the Tong Meng Shu Wu room, where the scent of fresh cedar and the soft, amber glow of the lamps created a secret base that felt like a warm hug from a forgotten memory. The slanted wooden ceilings seemed to shrink the world, leaving only us and the quiet hum of the air conditioner. Result: We spent twenty minutes trying to figure out how to stand up straight without hitting the ceiling, which we decided was a fair price for the atmosphere.

The Three-Minute Market Sprint: We walked to Luodong Night Market, the air thick with the scent of rain-slicked asphalt and sizzling oil, stopping only for a cold glass of Northern Gate Mung Bean Milk that felt like a frost-kissed miracle against the humidity. The cold liquid was a sharp contrast to the heavy, damp air of Yilan. Result: A collective food coma that rendered us completely immobile, forcing us to lean on each other to walk back to the lobby.

The Emotional Ledger

The electric cars were the most worthwhile, a chaotic symphony of whirring motors and bruised egos. The ball pit was a hilarious joke played on our adult proportions, yet the real highlight was the reverb tail of laughter that lingered in the hallways of Check Inn Magikids, bridging the gap between who we are and who we used to be.

The neon sign blurred through the July rain.

  • Try the Northern Gate Mung Bean Milk before the queue peaks.
  • Bet your friends you can win the electric car race in under two minutes.

Nearby Food & Attractions

OX Yakiniku Steak Yilan Yuanshan

OX Yaxus Seared Steak (Yilan Yuanshan branch) sits at No. 202, Sec. 1, Yuanshan Road in Yuanshan Township, right beside the Yuanshan Farmers' Association. The interior is industrial-style, with blues and jazz setting a laid-back tone and walls lined with rows of motorcycle helmets. The menu centres on a self-service bar and steaks: the bar alone is just NT$109 for salad, hot dishes, toasted bread and ice cream, while steaks start from NT$309 and come with the free bar. Oden, Japanese steamed egg, spicy duck blood with stinky tofu, a chocolate fountain and corn chowder round things out, with no service charge—great for family and group dinners.

58 Eat

North Gate Green Bean Slush

Beimen Mung Bean Slush (Beimen Lvdousha Milk King) is a long-standing Yilan drink shop with more than 40 years of history. Hand-made to order, the mung bean slush milk, papaya milk and taro slush are the most popular, and the rich, smooth taste routinely draws long queues. Beyond the signature drinks, the bright, refreshed storefront also offers seasonal limited editions—an unmissable taste of Yilan for any traveller.

87 Eat

North Gate Garlic Pork Thick Soup

Beimen Garlic Meat Soup is a Beimen District, Yilan institution with more than 60 years of history, famed for its rich garlic-fragrant broth. The thickened soup features tender strips of pork shoulder, paired with garlic puree, shredded bamboo shoots and vegetables. Common choices include meat-soup noodles, rice cakes (gua zai) and rice noodles or rice, at about NT$55 a bowl—a coin-purse snack that often draws queues and a Yilan classic not to be missed.

109 Eat

City God Temple Noodle Shop

Chenghuang Temple Qie-Zi Noodle Shop at No. 27, Chenghuang Street, Yilan City, is a hidden breakfast spot locals love. Sign-less and plain-looking, it serves old-school dry and soup noodles, rice cakes and rice vermicelli, paired with handmade fish balls and small plates like pork liver, lung and cheek meat at friendly prices. Opening hours are roughly 6 to 11 (some say 12); queues are common, so driving in and parking along Zhongshan Road or near the temple is recommended. The dining area is simple and there's no air-con in summer—an authentic choice for travellers wanting a traditional Yilan breakfast.

54 Eat