A day out: Source of Energy for the entire family
ESCAPE THE ROUTINE - FROM CHILL TO THRILL
Picking the right day trip starts with knowing your crew! In project management terms, it’s all about defining the right scope.
Is today about recharging after a wild week, unplugging, and unwinding? Or are you ready for a high-energy adventure packed with new impressions and thrills? Choose wisely—because we want unforgettable memories for all the right reasons, not because it turned into a masterclass of crisis management!
Here are some of our favorite spots in the wider Tokyo & Kanagawa area. Not in Japan? No worries! Let these ideas spark inspiration for finding hidden gems near your own home.
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unwind & Recharge
Sun, sand, and zero stress! Let the kids run wild, get creative with their beach games, and soak up the fresh air. Whether with friends or just your family, sometimes simple is simply the best!
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MOVE & EXPLORE
Time to climb, jump, and run! Whether it’s an adventure playground, a mini hike, or just a day of playful exploring, this is all about burning off energy and having fun together. Outdoor or Indoor!
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WONDER & DISCOVER
Step into a world of wonder! Whether it’s art, science, or wildlife, there’s always something new to discover. From hands-on museums to zoos and aquariums, every visit sparks curiosity!
KODOMO NO KUNI
YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA
This spacious park is packed with activities for a full day of family fun. It features multiple playgrounds, pony rides, a small petting zoo, boat rentals, and much more—there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
The entry fee is very reasonable, and the playgrounds are free of extra charge. However, many of the additional activities come with small fees. While they’re affordable on their own, the costs can add up. We visit often, and our kids know they can choose one extra activity per visit. This helps avoid long lines and keeps things simple—especially on busy days. With so much open space, we prefer to let the kids run and play freely rather than wait in queues.
In winter, the park features a fun ice skating rink, which we’ve enjoyed several times. In summer, the rink turns into a pool area—but be aware that it's only open during the Japanese summer holiday period and can get very crowded. We usually skip the pool and instead let the kids cool off in the artificial brook and shallow ponds. They love splashing around, so I definitely recommend bringing towels and a change of clothes.
There aren’t many restaurants inside, so we always pack a picnic. It’s a great place to unwind, explore, and enjoy the day as a family—no matter the season.
MOVE & EXPLORE
Whether you’re planning a full-on day trip or just need a fun stop to break up a long drive, this is the spot for you. We’ve gathered our favorite kid-friendly places where little legs can run, climb, jump, and burn off all that built-up energy. Some are perfect for unfolding the picnic blanket and recharging mid-journey, others are worth planning an entire day around. Either way, less stress, more fun—and happy, tired kids at the end of the day! Please refer to official websites, regarding entry and parking fees , opening hours, etc.
KURIHAMA FLOWER WORLD
YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA
This park offers much more than just beautiful flowers—it's full of fun surprises for families. There are several playgrounds to explore, including one with a unique Godzilla slide that's sure to be a hit with adventurous kids!
The park is set among steep hills, so be prepared for a bit of a workout—especially if you have little ones with short legs. Comfortable shoes and maybe even a stroller for tired legs can be a lifesaver.
There’s also a small train that seems to run occasionally, but it hasn’t been operating during any of our visits so far.
All in all, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy nature, play, and take in the scenery—just bring your walking legs!
Nagai Uminote Park Soleil Hill
YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA
This park is free to enter only parking fee applies, and the playgrounds are wide open for all the running, climbing, and sliding your kids can handle! Plus, if you’re lucky and the weather’s on your side, you’ll get a stunning view of Fuji-san. Just a heads-up: there are a few extra attractions like a small petting zoo, merry-go-rounds and even a zipline for the not so little thrill-seekers, that require individual tickets. So it’s worth coming prepared—because once your toddler spots the trampoline, there might be no turning back! During summer dont forget to bring a towel and even swimwear, kids can enjoy small water ponds to play.
children’s forest Wanpaku land
ODAWARA, KANAGAWA
This beautiful park is nestled in a peaceful forest setting, making it a wonderful place to spend a day with the family. It features a range of playgrounds designed for different age groups, so kids of all ages can have fun.
There’s also a small train that runs through the park—an enjoyable little ride if you feel like taking a break from walking.
In spring, the park becomes especially lovely with cherry blossoms in full bloom.
I definitely recommend bringing your own picnic and making a day of it. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature, play, and unwind together.
Several parking lots are available. We've always found a spot, but it can get crowded on week-ends and holidays.
HIRONO Seaside Park
Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
This lovely seaside playground is a great place to stretch your legs and let the kids burn off some energy. It might seem like a quick stop, but be prepared—your little ones may want to stay longer than planned!
The highlight is a fun pirate shipwreck structure that’s perfect for little adventurers, along with a small zipline for some extra excitement. Just a heads-up: the playground is sandy, so expect your kids to get very sandy—bring a change of clothes if you can!
If you're passing by, it's definitely worth a visit—just don’t be surprised if your "quick break" turns into an extended, sandy play session!
dinosaurs plaza
ito, shizuoka
This fun forest walk offers a unique twist—life-sized dinosaurs hidden along the trail! Our kids were thrilled to spot them one by one, and even though the dinosaurs don’t move or make sounds, they still made a big impression. It added a fun sense of adventure to the hike.
The trail eventually leads to a nice playground with an amazing view, making it a great reward after the walk. You can choose your route through the forest, but be aware that there are quite a few stairs—so it’s not ideal for strollers.
Our kids were so intrigued by which dinosaur they’d discover next that they didn’t mind climbing all those stairs. We brought along our picnic and took a break before exploring the playground —perfect timing for everyone to recharge.
If you're up for more, you can continue the way to the top of Mount Komuro. We had planned to take the chairlift down, but it was closed due to strong winds. Luckily, we found another path that took us down the other side of the mountain, turning our outing into a nice round walk without having to backtrack.
It’s a great mix of nature, play, and imagination—highly recommended for dino-loving adventurers!
aiKAWA PARK
aiKO, kANAGAWA
This large, open park offers plenty of space and a variety of playgrounds to explore—perfect for a relaxed family outing. We visited in late October and were pleasantly surprised by a fun pumpkin hunt that the kids absolutely loved!
While it’s a bit of a drive, the experience was well worth it. There are designated picnic areas, but you can also simply unfold your picnic sheet wherever you find a nice spot.
Near the entrance, there’s a fountain area that wasn’t exactly designed for water play—but of course, the kids turned it into one! Even in October, they had a blast splashing around and ended up completely soaked. So bringing a towel and a change of clothes is definitely a good idea.
Whether you're coming for the seasonal events, the playgrounds, or just to enjoy a day outdoors, this park is a lovely spot to spend time as a family.
FUJI SUBARULAND
Fujikawaguchiko, yamanashi
Set in the heart of beautiful nature near Mt. Fuji, this charming theme park is a great destination for families with preschool and elementary-aged children. With a wide variety of activities and attractions, it’s easy to spend the entire day exploring and having fun.
While there is a noticeable entry fee, the experience and range of things to do make it worthwhile—especially if you're planning to stay for the whole day.
FOREST ADVENTURE YOKOHAMA
YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA
Forest Adventure parks can be found all across Japan, offering treetop courses, zip lines, and climbing challenges that are perfect for active kids (and adults depending on kids age you need to climb with them!). Each location is a bit different—and most importantly, height restrictions always apply. The good news? Many parks offer multiple courses with different height and skill requirements, so there’s often something for everyone. But it’s definitely important to check the official website before you go to make sure it suits your family.
We especially like the Forest Adventure in Yokohama, as it has a nice range of course options for different ages and ability levels. Our kids love climbing, and this has become a favorite active outing for them.
It’s also a great choice when you’re looking for something fun that doesn’t take up the entire day. Just be sure to make an online reservation—slots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Fresh air, fun challenges, and tired-but-happy kids at the end—what more could you want?
MORE TO COME - WORK IS STILL IN PROGRESS ON THIS SECTION.
WONDER & DISCOVER
Step into a world of wonder—where learning, exploring, and simply being amazed go hand in hand. Whether it’s art, science, or wildlife, there’s always something new to discover. From hands-on museums to zoos and aquariums, these outings might not leave you breathless from climbing or running, but they spark something just as powerful: curiosity.
As a parent, it’s not always easy to find places that truly work for everyone—especially when you’re juggling different ages and interests. One child might be thrilled about seeing animals, while the older sibling rolls their eyes—“A zoo? Again?” But even in familiar places, there are always things to learn, questions to ask, and small details to notice.
Sometimes it’s less about where we go and more about how we look at the world—with our kids’ eyes wide open. I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to share these moments with them. They give me the chance to be a kid again, even just for a little while.
That’s why I don’t think I’ll ever stop looking for new ideas and places we can enjoy together—as a family, and as fellow explorers.
ZOORASIA
YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA
This zoo is huge—so don’t be surprised if you can’t see everything in just one visit. With two entrances to choose from, we usually plan our day around whether we're more in the mood for elephants or giraffes (both are amazing, but some days just call for long necks or big ears!).
Most of the time, we go for the second parking lot—Kitamon. Pro tip for fellow parents: this exit doesn’t have a gift shop, which can save you from the classic “But I need this adorable plush animal for my collection!” negotiation on the way out.
There’s plenty of space for little ones to run wild, and even a few playgrounds to burn off some extra energy. Just a heads-up: the zoo is really spread out, so those tiny legs might tire quickly. Take a peek at the zoo map before making any bold promises like “Yes, we’ll definitely see the lions and penguins and monkeys and...” You get the idea.
HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM
HAKONE, KANAGAWA
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a spacious and refreshing spot where art and nature come together beautifully. It’s big enough for kids to roam, move freely, and even interact with some of the sculptures—but it’s important to remember: this is still an art museum, not a playground. While there’s room to have fun, respect for the artwork and other visitors goes a long way.
We loved how the museum makes art feel approachable for kids. Climbing into a sculpture or spotting quirky shapes makes for a fun introduction to modern art. We visited in summer, and the Picasso Pavilion—with its indoor, air-conditioned space—was a welcome break from the heat. One more tip: bring a small towel so you can enjoy the relaxing outdoor footbath.
A great balance of culture, fresh air, and just enough room to let off a little steam—perfect for families looking to experience art in a more relaxed setting
KAMOGAWA SEA WORLD
KAMOGAWA, CHIBA
Kamogawa Sea World is a great spot for a full day of ocean-themed fun! It’s a pretty big aquarium with a nice mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor areas, so choosing a day with good weather makes the experience even better. From colorful tropical fish to massive marine mammals, there’s plenty to see— be sure to check the schedule if you wish to see some of the shows.
Kids will love the stamp rally, which adds an extra layer of adventure as they explore the aquarium—just a heads-up: there’s a small fee for the stamp booklet, but it’s a fun keepsake to take home.
With lots to discover indoors and plenty of fresh air outside, Kamogawa Sea World is a great mix of learning, excitement, and family-friendly fun.
MACHIDA SQUIRREL GARDEN
MACHIDA, TOKYO
Machida Squirrel Garden is a small but charming park where you can get up close with squirrels—and even feed them! It's a lovely place to watch these little creatures dart around, and there are a few other small animals to meet too, which kids usually enjoy.
It’s not the kind of spot that will fill an entire day, but it’s a fun little detour if you’re nearby or looking for a short outdoor activity. Great for animal lovers, especially younger kids who’ll get a kick out of having squirrels eat right out of their hands (with gloves provided, of course!).
Simple, cute, and a little bit wild—definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
NASU, TOCHIGI
Yes, it’s a zoo—but Nasu Animal Kingdom offers so much more. It’s a great place for families to get up close with animals, and some of them you can even feed or touch, which makes the visit extra special—especially for kids.
The zoo is divided into two main areas, separated by a stretch of forest. You can either take the shuttle bus between them (which is what we did), or opt for the walking route if you're feeling adventurous. One of the absolute highlights for us was the bird show. The birds begin their flight in the upper area and swoop down across the forest to the showground—it was seriously impressive and definitely one of those "wow" moments for both kids and adults.
If you're in the Nasu area, it's a fantastic mix of nature, interaction, and unforgettable animal experiences.
NASU SAFARI PARK
NASU, TOCHIGI
Nasu Safari Park is a fun and slightly wild way to experience safari animals up close—right from your car! You can choose to drive through in your own vehicle, hop on a themed safari bus, or (our pick!) rent a car directly from the park. We went with another family and rented one big car together—and we’re really glad we didn’t use our own. Let’s just say: when you’re feeding elefants, zebras, and giraffes through the windows, they will leave their mark… lots of licking included!
Feeding the animals from the car was definitely one of the highlights. The kids had a blast—and we even had a fun little discovery: giraffes have purple tongues! There’s also a smaller walking area where you can meet other animals up close, making it a nice mix of adventure and interaction.
It’s not a full-day destination on its own, but it pairs perfectly with other attractions in the Nasu area. Just be sure to check feeding times and reserve your car or safari bus in advance!
TREASURE STONE PARK
NASU, TOCHIGI
Is a fun indoor activity that worked well for us on a rainy day. The main attraction is the treasure hunt, where kids get to dig for colorful “gemstones” and feel like little explorers. Our kids had a great time and were excited to take home their sparkly finds.
That said, it’s on the shorter side and a bit pricey for what it is—so I wouldn’t call it a must-do. But if the weather isn’t cooperating and you’re looking for something easy and kid-friendly to fill an hour or so, it’s definitely a cute option to keep in your back pocket.
SAIKO IYASHI-NO-SATO NENBA
FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO, YAMANASHI
Nestled near Lake Saiko with a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji (on clear days!), Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is a peaceful open-air museum where you can explore traditional Japanese thatched-roof houses and get a glimpse into village life from the past. Each house features different crafts—like weaving, ceramics, or calligraphy—and many offer small hands-on experiences or local goods for sale.
We were lucky enough to catch a mochi-making demonstration during our visit, which was both fun and delicious! You can easily spend about half a day here strolling through the village, trying out crafts, and soaking in the mountain views.
It’s a relaxed, culturally rich outing that’s great for families looking to slow down and enjoy something a little different
OSHINO HAKKAI
FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO, YAMANASHI
Is a small but beautiful village near Lake Kawaguchiko, known for its crystal-clear spring ponds fed by the snowmelt from Mt. Fuji. With traditional thatched-roof houses, koi-filled ponds, and (on a clear day) a breathtaking view of Fuji-san, it’s a peaceful and photogenic spot.
It’s a smaller than the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba mentioned above, but if Kawaguchiko is your main destination, Oshino Hakkai makes a lovely and convenient alternative. It’s especially nice for families: walking distances are short, stroller access was no problem for us, and the kids were fascinated by the colorful koi swimming in the ponds.
Just keep in mind that parking can be a bit tricky during busy times, so arriving early is a good idea. All in all, it's a charming little stop that combines nature, culture, and a bit of Fuji magic.
