Family Travel Ideas in Kenting

Kenting family travel is a breeze because there's something for people of all ages to enjoy in a tropical resort and national park. Bringing the kids along should be no problem. There may not be a theme park, but there is plenty of natural wonder for even the most easily bored children to enjoy.

Kenting Aquarium

Easily one of the most popular kid-friendly locations, the Kenting Aquarium (a.k.a., The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium) is open year-round, with the longest hours during the summer. There are three permanent exhibits and one rotating exhibit through both indoor and outdoor venues. The permanent exhibits include the Waters of Taiwan, which displays both aquatic life and a replica of the corals and reefs throughout the Taiwanese waters; the Coral Kingdom Pavilion, which features living corals and fish in the guise of a sunken ship; and Waters of the World, which features replicas and sealife from around the globe that existed in ancient times. Kids especially love playing in the outdoor water fountain, complete with full-size fake whales jumping out of the water.

Admission costs TW$450 (US$14) for adults, TW$250 (US$8) for high school students (with ID) and children over 3'6", and TW$225 (US$7) for seniors over the age of 65 and the disabled. Children under 3'6" are free with an adult. If you go in a group of 20 or more adults, admission is just TW$350 (US$11) per person.

Public Beaches

Although some of the Kenting beaches are ecologically protected as part of the national park, others are open to the public. What better way to spend a day relaxing while the kids have fun and at virtually no cost? If you decide to visit one of the resort beaches, you're welcome even if you're not staying at the resort, but you will be asked to pay a small fee for a chair and umbrella rental. You can find shops selling snorkeling and beach equipment and you can rent water sport equipment as well, if you're up for more adventure.

Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

It's not often you can go from playing with the kids on a sandy beach to exploring a forest cave in the same day, but the Kenting National Park offers just that. Take the kids to the Kenting National Forest Recreation Center to visit ancient coral reef and limestone caves, as well as giant trees in a stunning average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit heat. Admission to the center costs TW$100 (US$3) for adults on weekdays, TW$150 (US$5) for adults on weekends and TW$75 (US$2) for children all week. You may be able to get a discounted admission rate of TW$10 (US$.40) as a senior or disabled person.