Chulu Ranch is OK for an afternoon stop. I never saw a cow there though. Mostly they trying to pump you to buy their milk products and trinkets. But can ride pony in small corral and ride cariage around behind a horse.
Take the walk along the converted train line from downtown old train station to the Naruwan Hotel, or vice versa. Stop along way for drink or snack. Near Starbucks is a simple walk up a large hill with view of city. Naruwan very family convenient with game rooms downstairs where families might be able to play for hours. Also, has spa and bike rentals.
Have dinner at Kazaa. A few bars, one with live Philippine bands and russian hosts. Also, gay bars, but they are friendly to straight people who also frequent the places.
Go out by the harbor for light snacks or drinks before dinner. There is a place with live aboriginal music on weekends. Just before the harbor look for the blue alley… hard to describe.
Nice place for tea looking over the city out past the new train station. Been around for over 40 years and open til 2 or 3am. No alcohol.
Walk along the beach park in day time.
Rent a scooter.
Depending on how far you want to drive up/down the coast, there are many sights. Just north are some beautiful rock formations on the beach. Water runnning up hill. The old suger factory, which has live aboriginal pop music on weekends, and the place next door open most nights with live music.
Many B&B along the coast. Some can even hear the waves crashing on the shore while sleeping.
Closer to Hualien is the black sand beach at Cow Mountain/Hutong.
Hot springs… goes without saying. Although Chipen is a dirty disaster until you get to the nice hotel at the end.
History museum is one of the better ones in Taiwan.
Check out the Aboriginal musuem near the new train station. Actually has an open dig for viewing.
So much to do. Keep eyes open. Drive off the beaten path.