As adults, we might be perfectly content spending hour after hour exploring temples, museums, and shops, but this may not wash if you have young kids in tow.If you need to entertain the younger elements of your family, fear not, as this post introduces you to some great ways to enjoy yourself with kids in Tokyo.
Amusement/Theme Parks- Thrill rides and escape rooms in Odaiba. (MORE ON THIS)
Zoos and Aquariums – A zoo in a park and an aquarium in a tower (MORE ON THIS)
Interactive experiences– Role play and find your dream career (MORE ON THIS)
Parks & Pools– From park paddling to thrilling water slides (MORE ON THIS)
Themed Cafes- Fun with Pokemon-themed Cafes (MORE ON THIS)
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As most people already know about Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea (which technically aren’t even in Tokyo), I decided to cover another place here where your kids are sure to have a blast! Tokyo Joypolis, operated by Sega and located in Odaiba, Tokyo, is one of Japan’s largest indoor amusement parks, offering a diverse range of attractions that combine physical activities with digital entertainment. The park features over 20 attractions, including a wide variety of arcade games and simulators, from classic Sega games to the latest interactive experiences like driving simulators, shooting games, and rhythm games. Known for its cutting-edge virtual reality and 4D experiences, Joypolis provides thrilling adventures with motion seats, immersive visuals, and special effects. Themed rides, such as “Halfpipe Tokyo,” blend physical rides with digital storytelling, while live shows and events, including performances by popular characters, add to the entertainment. Joypolis also offers escape room experiences where visitors solve puzzles within a themed setting.
Admission Fee: There are a wide range of ticket prices, depending on the time of day, and including passports offering unlimited access and separate tickets for individual attractions. You can get the latest prices and purchase tickets here.
Access: Approximately 4 minutes on foot from Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station on the Yurikamome Line and approximately 5 minutes from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line.
The Google map link is here
If you are looking for an aquarium to take the kids to, I would recommend the Sumida Aquarium, which I have covered on another post here.
Ueno Zoo is located within the beautiful and iconic Ueno Park, which also houses museums (including the Tokyo National Museum), a pond featuring lotus plants and acting as a habitat for various bird species, enhancing the zoo’s natural beauty, and seasonal cherry blossoms, making it a great place to spend the entire day. This is Japan’s oldest zoo, established in 1882 and managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Housing over 3,000 animals from more than 400 species, it features iconic residents like giant pandas, elephants, gorillas, tigers, and polar bears, alongside native species such as the Japanese macaque and Japanese serow. The zoo is divided into themed areas, including the Gorilla and Tiger Forests, Japanese Animal Zone, and Aqua-Zoo. Historical and cultural elements, such as a five-story pagoda and a tea ceremony house, enhance the visitor experience. Ueno Zoo is dedicated to conservation, with successful breeding programs for endangered species and educational initiatives to raise wildlife awareness.
Admission fee: ￥600 for adults (16-64), ￥300 for the over-65s, ￥200 for students aged 13-15, and free for younger children.
Regular Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). Closed Mondays or Tuesday if Monday is a National Holiday.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Ueno station (JR and subway lines)
The Google map link is here
Are your kids budding dentists, pilots, firefighters, or chefs? KidZania is an interactive, family-friendly theme park designed as a child-sized city where kids aged 4-14 can engage in role-playing activities. This unique, safe environment allows children to discover, explore, and learn about the adult world by trying out different jobs and services through realistic role-play. At KidZania, kids can work in various professions such as firefighters, doctors, chefs, and pilots, earning and spending their own currency called “KidZos” within the city. These activities are designed to empower kids, giving them confidence and inspiration to be great global citizens. KidZania has sites worldwide, but the Tokyo site is tailored to its specific culture and history, providing children with a deeper understanding of their surroundings.
Admission fee: Prices vary based on children’s ages and day of the week. See their site for details and Web reservations.
Access: Kidzania is approximately 8 minutes on foot from Toyosu station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) or Yurikamome Toyosu station (Yurikamome Line)
The Google Maps link is here
If you hit that sweet spot of weather (not too hot, not too cold, and not too rainy), the parks in Tokyo are great places to take kids. I have written more about the top parks to visit in this article, but in my opinion the absolute best park for kids in Tokyo is the Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa. It is a bit of a trek from central Tokyo, but it is worth it, as your kids will truly have a blast! They can let off steam running around the Flower Hil, enjoy a fun ride on the Mini Train that takes them to various places in the park, ride bicycles in the safe environment of the cycling course, a children’s forest with expansive play areas and unique climbing structures, and a lake where you can hire paddle boats. The Children’s Forest offers expansive play areas and unique climbing structures, and there’s a lake where you can rent paddle boats. Although the fantastic pool and slide area is currently closed for renovation, the park still offers plenty to keep children entertained.
Admission fee: ￥450 for ages 16-64(or two days for ￥500). ￥210 for over 65s, and free for the under 15s.
Opening hours: Main park 8:30-16:00 (some areas within the park from 9:30)
Access: 2 minutes on foot from Nishi-Tachikawa station (45-minute train from Tokyo station on JR Ome line), or 10 minutes on foot from Tachikawa (similar distance from Tokyo station on Chuo line).
The Google Maps link is here.
If it is a pool you are after, then Tokyo Summerland is sure to fit the bill. Like Showa Kinen Park, it is a little way out of Central Tokyo, but there is more than enough there to make a whole day of it. Despite its name, the park caters for visitors the whole year around with its indoor Adventure Dome, and in addition to its thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and wave pool, it also offers a variety of amusement rides and carnival games.
Opening times and ticket prices differ depending on the time of year, so it is best to check out their website for the latest information. You should note that they have a “no tattoo” policy.
Access: You will need to take a 35-minute bus ride from Keio Hachioji station to Tokyo Summerland. Keio Hachioji station is on the Keio Line from Shinjuku station.
The Google Maps link is here.
If your kids are fans of Pokemon, then Japan, its birthplace, is the place to be. Located in the Takashimaya department store in the bustling, commercial district of Nihonbashi, the Pokemon café features a creatively designed menu with dishes and drinks inspired by Pokémon characters like Pikachu and Eevee. With themed decor, interactive elements, and the occasional visit from costumed Pokemon characters, it offers a truly immersive experience. The café regularly updates its offerings to align with new game releases and seasonal events, ensuring fresh experiences for visitors. Note, however, that, due to its popularity, you will need to make a reservation.
Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the Yaesu North Exit of Tokyo station, and direct access from the B2 exit of Nihombashi station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Tozai lines.
The Google map link is here.
If you are near the Ikebukuro area, and would like a walk-in Pokemon experience, however, you will probably have better luck at the Pikachu Sweets cafe in the Ikebukuro Sunshine City building, which has various other Pokemon attractions nearby, including the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, on a floor dedicated almost completely to Pokemon. It serves Pikachu waffles and various Pikachu-themed drinks.
Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro station on the Yurakucho Line.
The Google map link is here.