Taipei, Elephant Mountain 象山

playground by the mountain

entrance

great view

Location: google map, take MRT red line to Xiangshan Station. The start of the trail is still a little ways from the MRT Station. (5~10 min walk)

Pros: Easy to get to, beautiful view
Cons: mostly all steps! If you can do steps, don't come here!

My 1st and 2nd grader had no problem walking this, but my 4 yr old started complaining within 5 minutes. I ended up waiting at the mid level with him on the bench while grandpa took the other two up more. lol!! There are lots of steep steps, so I would caution older folks to think twice about walking this trail! Other than that, it's definitely worth going up there to get a great view of Taipei.

Hsinchu, 18 Peak Mountain 十八尖山

map of the area

parking lot

water station

random work out spots

Location: google map ( you will see lots of signs there once in the vicinity)
Pros: close to the city, easy to park, easy for kids, stroller friendly

Cons: for kids that are either young enough to sit in a stroller, or old enough to walk a lot

If you want to take a nice walk away from the city without driving too far, this is the place for you! What I love about this place is that you can either choose the trails with steps, or the ones without (meaning it is stroller friendly)! My 1st and 2nd grader had no problem walking here, but I think my 4 year old would not like it too much ;). There are also some shops by the parking lot that sell bakes sweet potatoes for $20 or so, pretty tasty!