The 20 Best Things To Do In Osaka With Kids [Family Friendly]

Planning a lovely trip to Japan with your family? You’ve come to the right place. Osaka may not be top of the list when you think of the best kid-friendly destinations, but we’re here to prove you wrong. In fact, Osaka has tons to offer for the whole family! No matter your age, we’re sure this beautiful city will have something amazing to offer.

With incredible nature and a beautiful blend of ancient and modern attractions, Osaka is a great place to explore. Here we have a variety of attractions — educational museums, fun theme parks, amazing nature reserves, adorable zoos, and more! Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a tour of the best kid-friendly activities you can do in wonderful Osaka.

1. Have a Blast at Universal Studios Japan

When you think of Osaka, Universal Studios Japan definitely comes to mind, right? Located right in the heart of Osaka Bay, it’s one of the most popular destinations not just in Osaka but in all of Japan! Discover your inner witch or wizard at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, travel back in time at Jurassic Park, or have a little meet-and-greet with adorable characters from Sesame Street, Snoopy, Sanrio, and more!

You can easily spend an entire day in this glorious theme park filled with all of your favorite characters, tons of awesome rides, and even themed snacks and drinks that we’re sure your kids would love to try.

Book It Here: Universal Studios Japan Pass

2. Dive Into Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Presenting one of the world’s biggest aquariums! Believe it or not, you can find that right here in Osaka. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a huge aquarium filled with all kinds of sea creatures. It’s most famous for its majestic whale sharks, known as jinbeisame in Japan.

This aquarium has over 15 large tanks, all featuring different and unique marine animals that will have your kids in awe for sure. Aquariums are great for kids, especially for babies who are inherently curious about everything around them. Why not introduce them to some of the most captivating and unique creatures in the world?

Book It Here: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

3. Customize Your Meal at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Looking for something unique and fun to do with your kids? Well, why not try customizing your own cup noodles right here in the country that’s known for them? Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is just like what it sounds — an entire museum dedicated to cup noodles! Here you can learn anything and everything about your favorite snack.

The best part? The museum is also super interactive! You can even make your own cup noodles — customizing everything from flavor, type of noodle, packaging, and more. Let your and your kids’ creative juices run wild as you experiment with creating the best cup noodles ever.

Exact Location: Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

4. Catch ‘Em All at Pokemon Cafe

Pokemon fan or not, this Pokemon Cafe in Osaka is a must-visit. First of all, it’s absolutely adorable! Every single inch is decorated with Pokemon-themed furniture, displays, and more. The food itself is also themed! We recommend trying the Pikachu Plate and the Snorlax’s Tummy Filling Nap Lunch Plate.Your kids will definitely love the cute food presentation, and you can snap one for the ‘gram as well.

Over the course of your meal, a Pikachu mascot will also make an appearance to meet the kids. Best of all, the Cafe gives out free souvenirs for every diner! Having lunch at the Pokemon Cafe is definitely a fun-filled experience — just make sure to reserve a spot in advance through their website.

Exact Location: Pokemon Cafe

5. Soar at Tempozan Ferris Wheel

If there’s one spot anyone would enjoy regardless of their age, it’s a ferris wheel. Not only is it a picturesque attraction on its own, especially at night when it’s lit up in bright colors, but it’s also a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the entire city!

Marvel at all of Osaka’s amazing landscapes at the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. It’s an affordable way to get a view of the entire city that we’re sure your kids would enjoy as well. Tickets are 800 Yen ($5) for adults, but kids under 3 years old can ride for free!

Exact Location: Tempozan Ferris Wheel

You May Also Like: Osaka Nightlife Guide

6. Have a Dance Party at ATC Asobi Mare

Malls may not be the first thing you think of when you want an exciting day out with your family, but this mall along Osaka Bay is not just any regular mall. ATC Asobi Mare has a huge play area that’s perfect for kids of all ages! From toddlers to pre-teens, we’re sure your kids will have a blast at this incredible place.

There are huge bouncy castles and houses, fun rides, and even a kid-friendly rock-climbing area! Our favorite part has to be the dress-up area where you and your kids can wear cool costumes and take silly photos. Pro tip: you can also connect your phone to the stage via Bluetooth for an impromptu dance party! Blast your kids’ favorite tunes and have the time of your life.

Exact Location: ATC Asobi Mare

7. Cruise Along Dotonbori Canal

Another fun thing you can take your whole family on is a cruise along the picturesque Dotonbori Canal. This canal runs along one of the most popular districts in Osaka, so you can just imagine how amazing the view must be.

The surrounding streets are vibrant and lively no matter the time of the day. We especially recommend booking a cruise at night — you’ll surely enjoy gliding along the canal past bright storefronts decked out in neon lights. Now this is the way to explore Dotonbori!

Book a ticket at the Tombori River Cruise. Passes cost 1,200 Yen ($7.5) for adults, 800 Yen ($5) for high school students, and only 400 Yen ($3) for elementary students or younger!

Exact Location: Tombori River Cruise

8. Read at Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest

Up next, we have the wonderful library in Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest. With three whole floors filled with all kinds of books, this is an entire haven for anyone who loves reading. Whether your kid is a full-on bookworm or just a fledgling reader, taking them here will definitely be a fun and educational trip.

Most books are in Japanese, but there are plenty of picture books that would be enjoyable despite the language barrier. Bond with your kids through fun storytelling sessions and share your love of reading with them!

Exact Location: Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest

9. Learn and Play at Kids Plaza Osaka

Our next spot was exclusively designed with educating and entertaining kids in mind. Kids Plaza Osaka is the first-ever museum in Japan that’s wholly dedicated to child education. Satisfy your kids’ natural curiosity through fun interactive exhibits, play zones, awesome workshops, and more.

Here, your kids can learn and play all at the same time! We recommend visiting during weekdays since it can get pretty crowded on weekends. Tickets cost 1,400 Yen ($9) for adults, 700 Yen ($4.50) for senior citizens, 800 Yen ($5) for elementary and junior high school students, 500 Yen ($3) for kids 3 years old and above. Meanwhile, this museum is absolutely free for kids younger than 3!

Exact Location: Kids Plaza Osaka

10. Stargaze at Umeda Sky Building

No matter what, the Umeda Sky Building makes an appearance on every list of must-visit Osaka spots. Located in the Umeda district, it’s one of the best places to get an amazing breathtaking view of the Osaka cityscape. We recommend going during sunset to get a magical view of the entire city getting bathed in golden hues.

After that, you and your kids can stargaze in the outdoor viewing decks! This is especially great for young scientists and anyone curious about the wonders of the night sky. It’s an unforgettable view that will make your kids’ trip to Japan memorable for sure.

Exact Location: Umeda Sky Building

11. Have a Playdate at Bornelund

Bornelund is an incredible company that makes super cool educational toys. Their Osaka location is basically a huge playground! Here you can play with wooden Bornelund toys, inflatable mats, ball pits, and more. If you time your visit during the Summer, your kids can even have a blast outside and play with water toys!

Bornelund is one of the best places in Osaka to have a playdate with your kids. It’s also a great way to let them socialize with other kids and make a new friend or two. Despite the cultural and language barriers, your kids can bond and have fun — all while learning at the same time!

Exact Location: Bornelund

12. Meet Adorable Animals at Satsukiyama Zoo and Park

Up next, we have a spot that we’re sure the whole family will enjoy. From kids to grandparents, anyone will be awed by the amazing natural landscapes of the Satsukiyama Zoo and Park. While this park is beautiful all year long, we definitely recommend to come during Spring so you can witness the beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

In the north area of the park, you can also visit a zoo! There are tons of adorable creatures for your kids to meet — including wombats, alpacas, wallabies, emus, and more. The best part? It’s completely free of charge!

Exact Location: Satsukiyama Zoo and Park

13. Marvel at the Minoh Falls

Another amazing natural sight in Osaka that you have to visit is the Minoh Falls. At over 33 meters (108 feet), it’s a majestic sight that will captivate you and your entire family. The best part? The road to reach the waterfall is super easy. There aren’t even any stairs — just one long smooth road that will take you up in no time. This also means it’s stroller-friendly and also super manageable for elderly family members.

Once you reach the top, you can also get something yummy to eat or drink from the small shops that surround the area. Sit on the benches and appreciate the beautiful view with the whole family!

Exact Location: Minoh Falls

14. Dance with Butterflies at Minoh Park Insectarium

Also located in Minoh, we have the Minoh Park Insectarium. This amazing museum is home to thousands of different bugs all local to Minoh! You might even be encountering some of these critters for the very first time. There’s also a cool butterfly room where you can see these beautiful creatures up close and personal. You and your kids will definitely be enchanted by the colorful wings of these majestic creatures.

During some Sundays and holidays, there are even petting zoo events where your kids can hold the insects on their own! The best part is that tickets are cheap and can be used all day, so you can make multiple visits. Adult tickets cost only 280 Yen ($2), while middle school students and younger can go for free!

Exact Location: Minoh Park Insectarium

15. Meet Darumas at Katsuoji

A temple may not be the first thing that comes to mind for a kid-friendly place, but Katsuoji Temple in Northern Osaka is different. This temple is home to dozens — perhaps even hundreds or thousands — of daruma dolls all scattered around the area! These are bright red figurines that are said to bring luck or victory, so people often offer them in temples when they want to achieve something.

You and your kid can also place a new daruma doll anywhere in the area. In fact, why not make it a game? You can have a treasure hunt to find a specific daruma doll, see who can find the most daruma dolls, and so on. The possibilities are endless!

Exact Location: Katsuoji

16. Run Around Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Banpaku Koen)

Up next, we’re featuring another huge park that’s perfect for the whole family to explore. The Banpaku Koen, also known as the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, was built on the grounds of the 1970 World Expo. Now, it’s a popular family destination owing to its large rolling fields, seasonal plants and flowers, and even a small train that you can ride to explore the surroundings.

There are also lots of playgrounds in the area as well as small museums — making this the perfect place for your kids to run around, play, and learn!

Exact Location: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

17. Meet Penguins at NIFREL Interactive Aquazoo

Another cool attraction you have to check out is the NIFREL Interactive Aquazoo. It’s a “living museum” where you and your kids can meet cool sea creatures up close and personal. This place has 7 different zones where you can meet different sea creatures.

This includes the “Abilities” section which has animals that have strange skills like spouting water, changing color, and more, as well as the “Colors” section which features all sorts of animals with distinctive colors! This is a fun-filled place where you and your kids can satisfy your curiosity about the natural world.

Exact Location: NIFREL Interactive Aquazoo

18. Enjoy the Rides at Hirakata Park

In Osaka, you’ll never run out of fun parks to explore. Another one on our list is Hirakata Park, which is perfect for the whole family. It’s an amusement park with tons of different attractions for all ages. From thrill-seeking teens to curious kiddos, Hirakata Park has something that will satisfy everyone.

There are also seasonal attractions like a snow park, ice rink, and even dazzling snow sculptures during winter. In the summer, this place transforms into an incredible waterpark so you can beat the heat! Aside from the rides, you can also catch shows that feature performances by popular Japanese cartoon characters.

Exact Location: Hirakata Park

19. Become Part of a Sylvanian Family

Anyone who has a kid must have heard about the Sylvanian Family characters. These adorable characters have captured the hearts of the young and the young-at-heart all over the world! With their distinctive houses, furniture, and accessories, Sylvanian Families have grown to be a staple in every kid’s bedroom.

But here, you won’t just be stuck playing with Sylvanian dolls — you’ll actually get to live in their adorable villages! This Sylvanian Families Theme Park in Osaka has life-sized homes, tree houses, vehicles, and all sorts of other buildings that look exactly like their toy counterparts. There are also fun rides for the whole family to enjoy!

Exact Location: Sylvanian Families Theme Park

20. Explore the Skies at Itami Children’s Culture & Science Museum

We’re ending this list with the amazing Itami Children’s Culture and Science Museum. It’s a vast space dedicated solely to educating kids in a light and accessible manner. Here they can learn all sorts of things about astronomy, physics, earth science, history, culture, and more!

There are tons of interactive exhibits on rocket launches and the solar system among others. We especially recommend visiting the planetarium and marveling at the incredible displays of the starry night sky. This is just the perfect place for young learners who are eager to know more about the world around them.

Exact Location: Itami Children’s Culture & Science Museum

—

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best kid-friendly activities you can do in Osaka! Which one do you think your kid will enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

Osaka is one of those places that can surprise you. While known for its rich nightlife and amazing culinary creations, it’s also a great spot for a family vacation. From theme parks, nature sites, museums, and more, Osaka is full of incredible places where your kids can relax, have fun, and even learn something while they’re at it.

For more similar attractions, make sure you also read our posts of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids and the best things to do in Kyoto with kids.