Planning a kid-friendly sightseeing journey to Osaka is exciting, and the journey can be a great opportunity to show kids all the fun, amusing and historical places. What are the best kid-friendly things to do in Osaka? How do you maximize you time in Osaka while on a family vacation? We’ve some suggestions for you.
Osaka City is a bustling core area in the Kansai region with a huge array of tourist attractions that attract visitors. It can be daunting to discover the different places around Osaka with kids. But there are plenty of amazing kid-friendly attractions in Osaka that both adults and children can enjoy.
Let’s find out where the locals and tourists love to go and our picks for the best kid-friendly things to in Osaka, Japan!
Best Kid-friendly Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
1. Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is a theme park with attractions for both adults and children, thrilling rides, and various exciting events. This huge theme park consists of different areas with themes of Hollywood movies, American cities, Super Mario games and more!
Among the most popular attractions, ” The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” attracts the movie fans as well, and all can enjoy the atmosphere of the movie with a high level of reproducibility. The adventure only experienced in this kid-friendly Osaka theme park will be a lifetime memory of joy and excitement!
Find out more about Universal Studios Japan.
2. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
A new art space opened in Nagai Botanical Garden on July 29, 2022, where works of art created by teamLab, an art collective, are exhibited.
This place can be enjoyed both ways, as the botanical garden in the daytime and as the art space at night. Here visitors can use the smartphone app to enjoy a fusion of nature, technology, and luminous artwork while feeling the night breeze.
3. Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building, a landmark of Osaka with a height of 173 meters, offers a magnificent view from KUCHU TEIEN Observatory on the 40th floor.
Walking through the observatory is like taking a walk in the sky with a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Within the building are an art theater, shops and restaurants, making a kid-friendly tourist attraction for Osaka visitors.
Find out more about the Umeda Sky Building.
4. Solaniwa Onsen
This hot spring facility is an entertainment-type super public bathhouse with various types of baths and attraction shows themed on the people of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600).
After a day of playtime with children, it’s great to relax at this Osaka kid-friendly hot spring, soak in the mild alkaline “Beautiful Skin” water and relieve fatigue.
As the name Hiloniwa (large garden) Onsen suggests, visitors can enjoy natural hot spring baths, water baths, and saunas while admiring a large beautiful garden.
5. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, known as the symbol of Osaka, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and offers a spectacular view of the city. It houses the Osaka Castle Museum.
Walking floors up to the keep is tough, but it pays off when meeting an awe-inspiring sight. The huge spacious Osaka Castle Park where the castle is located is kid-friendly as well with plenty of space for children to enjoy.
Read: 10 Interesting Museums to Visit in Osaka
6. Tennoji Zoo
Boasting a history of more than 100 years since its opening, Tennoji Zoo blends into the urban landscape and is a recreation of the wild world.
Visitors can experience a variety of animals including classic animals such as giraffes, lions, and tigers. A view of Abeno Harukasu towering in the distance is also a sight to behold, something only Osaka can offer.
7. Kids Plaza Osaka
The first museum dedicated to children in Japan with the themes of “play” and “learn.” Here children can learn various things through not only the science exhibits but also hands-on occupational experiences.
Giant playground equipment, fun workshops, and a variety of exhibits will keep even hyperactive kids interested at this attraction, one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Osaka!
Read more about Kids Plaza Osaka.
8. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Located in the bay area of Osaka Port, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an eight-story aquarium that boasts numerous repeat visitors.
This is a must-visit when you are visiting Osaka with kids. Here visitors can see whale sharks, the aquarium’s main attraction, swimming in a giant tank, and also dolphins, penguins and other marine life.
Read more about Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
9. Abeno Harukasu
Abeno Harukasu is the tallest modern building in Japan as of February 2023, standing 300 meters high. The observatory “Harukasu 300” from the 58th to 60th floors, offers beautiful landscapes of the city. Abeno Harukasu combines various facilities that include a department store, art museum and hotel, making it a popular kid-friendly tourist spot in Osaka for both domestic and international visitors.
10. Tsutenkaku Tower
Towering over the Shinsekai area, Tsutenkaku Tower offers a fantastic view from its 94.5-meter-high rooftop garden.
It should be a thrilling experience to take a 360 degree round trip with spectacular views in various directions in the 87.5-meter-high observatory. The Japanese-style “Tsutenkaku Garden” on the 3rd floor is a nice place to rest a while, a calm space with a gentle breeze, lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Read more about interesting things to know about Mount Fuji or the best museums to visit in Osaka.
