7 Fun Things to Do around Tokyo with Kids

Tokyo’s cosmopolitan nature makes for endless experiences, but sometimes high-rise living isn’t compatible with raising kids. If being surrounded by skyscrapers starts to get old, this list of outings will help you plan an engaging day with children that won’t break the bank. These spots in and around the greater Tokyo area encourage learning and fun for all ages.

Showa Memorial Park

West of Tokyo’s metropolitan center in Tachikawa is Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Koen), a beloved destination for families and school groups for decades. This expansive park offers numerous attractions that encourage outdoor activity while immersing visitors in Tokyo’s rich natural landscapes.

A well-maintained 11-kilometer cycling course winds through the park and bicycles can be rented at multiple locations inside for a reasonable fee. For families with young children, child-carrying bicycles are available. The park also features dedicated nature conservation areas and popular play zones, such as Children’s Forest (Kodomo no Mori). For those who prefer a more relaxed way to explore, hop aboard the Park Train, a colorful tram that makes stops around the park.

• Opening Hours:
  • March 1 to October 31: 9:30am–5pm
  • April 1 to September 30 (Weekends and Holidays): 9:30am–6pm
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults (over 15 years old): ¥450
  • Adults (over 65 years old): ¥210
  • Elementary and Junior High Students: Free
  • Preschool Children: Free

Access: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa
Closest Station: Tachikawa Station

Miraikan Museum

Officially known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Miraikan is a leading science museum located in the Odaiba area. It offers a mix of permanent and special exhibitions, allowing visitors to explore the frontiers of modern science in an engaging way.

The museum is a popular destination for school field trips, providing an immersive learning environment where children can explore topics such as outer space and life sciences. Aspiring young scientists can fuel their curiosity through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.

• Opening Hours:
  • General Hours: 10am–5pm
  • Closed: Tuesdays and during the New Year holidays (December 28 to January 1)
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults (over 18 years old): ¥630
  • Youth (6–18 years old): ¥210
  • Children (under 6 years old): Free

Access: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku
Closest Station: Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station

Kodomo no Kuni

As the Japanese name indicates, “Children’s Land” is a space designed with the joy of children in mind. From pools to playgrounds to farm animals, Kodomo no Kuni has everything for childhood dreams to come true. There are many open, green spaces perfect for family picnicking, and endless entertainment for active kids from toddlers to tweens. The park is also perfect for animal lovers, with a mini zoo that includes a petting zoo: kids can play with rabbits, guinea pigs and goats! In the rest of the park, long slides, mazes and water features present ample opportunities for fun. 

• Advance Tickets (Online Discount):
  • March to October: 9:30am–4:30pm
  • Closed: Wednesdays (if a public holiday falls on Wednesday, the park is open and closed the following day instead) and from December 31 to January 1
• Ticket Prices:
  • March to October: 9:30am– 4:30pm
  • Adults (over 15 years old): ¥600
  • Children (3–14 years old): ¥200
  • Infants (under 3 years old): Free

Access: 700 Naracho, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Closest Station: Kodomonokuni Station

Fuji-Q Highland

This amusement park is most well-known for its thrill rides, but Fuji-Q has recently undertaken increased initiatives to make the park a space that promotes family experiences and supports children. General admission to the park is free in an effort to make it a space where families can enjoy the area and go for walks. Individual ride passes can be purchased for as little as ¥400 if a full day pass isn’t your desired option. Fuji-Q is a great place for kids to explore, and Thomas Land is a popular attraction for young fans of the Thomas the Tank Engine franchise. 

• Opening Hours:
  • Weekdays: 10am–5pm
  • Weekends and Holidays: 9am–6pm
• Ticket prices:
  • General Admission: Free
  • Individual Ride Tickets: Prices range from ¥400 to ¥2,000 per ride
• One-Day Pass (unlimited rides):
  • Adults (18–64 years old): ¥6,000
  • Teens (12–17 years old): ¥5,500
  • Children (3–11 years old): ¥4,300
  • Seniors (65+ years old): ¥2,000

Access: 5-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture
Closest Station: Fuji-Q Highland Bus Stop

Tama Zoological Park

With plenty of walking paths and open animal habitats, Tama Zoo is the superior Tokyo zoo. Its zebra-patterned Lion Bus is one of its most famous features, taking visitors for a safari-like ride to see the zoo’s lions. The park also provides “observation sheets” of different animals for both children and adults, which heightens the animal viewing experience and provides an educational opportunity. Because of the zoo’s location, it is much more spacious than zoos in more urban locations, such as Ueno Zoo, and the animals can be observed in open spaces that are closer to their natural habitats. 

• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 9:30am– 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
  • Closed: Wednesdays (if a public holiday falls on Wednesday, the park is open and closed the following day instead) and from December 29 to January 1
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults (16–64 years old): ¥600
  • Seniors (65+ years old): ¥300
  • Students (13–15 years old): ¥200
  • Children (0–12 years old): Free

Access: 7-1-1 Hodokubo, Hino
Closest Station: Tama-Dobutsukoen Station

Hakone Open Air Museum

Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture is a short trip away from metropolitan Tokyo, and the Open Air Museum is definitely worth the excursion. This outdoor art museum is filled with memorable sculptures, but also presents many climbing and adventuring experiences for kids of all ages. Colorful ropes are woven to form the Woods of Net exhibit, which allows kids to explore a web of bright nets. The Symphonic Sculpture brings you to the top of a stained glass tower, both a visual masterpiece and a bit of exercise. Other hands-on sculptures such as a pair of larger-than-life fried eggs are perfect for climbing on, making the Open Air Museum very distinct from other art museums. 

• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 9am– 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults: ¥1,600
  • University & High School Students: ¥1,200
  • Elementary & Middle School Students: ¥800
  • Children under 6: Free

Access: 1121 Ninotaira, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
Closest Bus Stop: Ninohirairiguchi Bus Stop

Ghibli Museum

For lovers of Ghibli films, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a must-visit museum! From the JR Mitaka Station, take the Ghibli bus to the museum, where you can experience the magic of moviemaking, visit a theater showing exclusive short films and play in kid-friendly themed spaces. This museum prioritizes the enjoyment of its younger audiences, and there are many attractions to engage kids both visually and tactilely, instilling a sense of wonder. People of all ages can appreciate the attention to detail in the museum’s design, and learn about how animated films come to life. 

• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 10am–6pm
  • Closed: Tuesdays (unless Tuesday is a public holiday)
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults & University Students: ¥1,000
  • High School & Middle School Students: ¥700
  • Elementary School Students: ¥400
  • Children (4 years & under): ¥100

Access: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo
Closest Station: Ninohirairiguchi Bus Stop