A New Attraction in Taiwan! Visitors Praise 'Free Admission, Rich Facilities, Something for the Whole Family' – Convenient Access and Ample Parking, Fun for the Whole Day Rain or Shine

The 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park,' transformed and rebuilt from the former Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) Kaohsiung Depot, has officially opened and is now freely accessible to the public. The Kaohsiung City Urban Development Bureau announced today (10th) that over 30,000 visitors flooded into the park on its first day of operation. The nearby Kaohsiung Light Rail 'Kaixuan Wuchang Station' recorded around 4,000 entries and exits on that day—approximately 20 times the usual daily volume—creating an astonishing turnout.

The Transformation of the Former TRA Kaohsiung Depot: 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park' Opens for Free, Attracting Over 30,000 on Day One, with Light Rail Ridership Soaring 20-Fold

The Urban Development Bureau stated that the redevelopment of the TRA Kaohsiung Depot began in 2014 (Minguo Year 103) with a special urban planning amendment. After nearly a decade of cross-departmental coordination, the plan was approved in 2025 (Minguo Year 114) by the Ministry of the Interior and the Kaohsiung City Urban Planning Commission, with the first phase officially announced and implemented on June 30 of this year. This change prompted the Taiwan Railways Company to contribute approximately 12.6 hectares of land, including a donation of 2.65 hectares for social welfare facilities and the existing 'Freight Workshop' building. The city government successfully integrated the site’s railway heritage with modern recreational amenities, transforming it into a family-friendly destination.

Over 30 Free Facilities! Limited-Time Add-Ons: '6-Meter Urban Water Slide' and Inflatable Water Park

The 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park,' covering 1.5 hectares and transformed from the historic TRA Kaohsiung Depot, officially opened on August 8—Father’s Day—making it Taiwan’s largest semi-indoor family recreation space. The park fully preserves the high-ceilinged steel structures and industrial railway culture, featuring over 30 age- and zone-specific indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. All more than 30 attractions are open to the public free of charge. To celebrate the opening, the city government is hosting special limited-time events over three consecutive weekends until August 23:

- Outdoor Inflatable Water Park: Featuring a 6-meter-high urban water slide. - Children’s Celebrity Family Meet-and-Greet: Attracting numerous families for fun and interaction.

(Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park image / courtesy of Kaohsiung City Government)

Visitor Reviews of the 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park': Convenient Transportation and Parking, Rich and Fun Facilities

Actual Google reviews from visitors to the 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park' include:

- 'A great place for kids to burn off energy. I thought it would be hot, but it was actually fine. Very nice!' - 'So many fun facilities, absolutely amazing!' - 'Spacious area, brand-new facilities—kids and adults alike had a blast. The site is large with plenty of usable space, including a dedicated air-conditioned dining and rest area.' - 'On the first day, the crowds were extremely heavy, but motorcycle parking was quite sufficient. Some areas require longer walks, but overall it's acceptable. The indoor area is well-ventilated thanks to ceiling fans, though many attractions had long queues. Driving here might be a bit tricky due to the crowds, even though parking is available.' - 'Parking is very convenient and free!' - 'On opening day, the indoor activity space was excellent. Mostly geared toward younger children, but older kids can enjoy the off-road cycling practice area (bring your own bike and protective gear) and rock climbing. This space really feels meaningful to citizens.' - 'Very large and fun, though crowd control is needed during opening periods.' - 'Taiwan’s largest family park—Kaohsiung really goes big on everything. The planning is excellent: instead of turning the old depot into a cultural creative park, they transformed it into a sports-oriented park with 30 dynamic activities to burn off kids’ energy. Attractions like the TRA transportation theme, Kaohsiung MRT, simulated city, and jungle zones are highly appealing, along with parkour and BMX tracks. Even the most hyperactive kids will be worn out by the end of the day.'

'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park' Opening Hours and Free Shuttle Transportation Guide

| Item | Details and Services | |------|----------------------| | Admission Fee | Free to the public | | Opening Hours | Daily 09:00–19:00 (Regular: Wed–Sun; Summer/Winter Break: Tue–Sun) | | Light Rail/Metro | Nearest stop: Kaohsiung Light Rail 'Kaixuan Wuchang Station,' 1-minute walk | | Free Shuttle Bus | Free shuttle from 'Cultural Center Station' to 'Kaixuan Wuchang Station' available in August, every 8 minutes |

(Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park image / courtesy of Kaohsiung City Government)

Q1: Do I need to buy a ticket for the 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park'? A: No, the 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park' is a publicly accessible recreational space with free admission.

Q2: What is the most convenient way to get to the 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park'? A: Take the Kaohsiung Light Rail to 'Kaixuan Wuchang Station' and walk for about 1 minute. During August, you can also use the free shuttle bus running every 8 minutes between Cultural Center Station and Kaixuan Wuchang Station.

Q3: Are there dining options near or inside the 'Kaohsiung Family Recreation Park'? According to the Kaohsiung Tourism website, a special summer-themed gourmet market has been set up within the park, featuring multiple food brands.