Top Places for Kids in Osaka

Osaka boasts Universal Studios Japan and a multitude of child-friendly entertainment facilities and museums that combine education with leisure, providing an enriching experience for kids of all ages.

1. Universal Studios Japan

Harry Potter Hogsmeade Village, Universal Studios Japan

Spiderman the Ride, Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers 10 themed areas tailored to captivate young hearts. In "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter", thrilling rides like "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" and "Flight of the Hippogriff" let kids live out their Harry Potter fantasies. Meanwhile, "Minion Park" invites children to venture with lovable Minions, featuring exciting rides such as "Minion Mayhem" and "Despicable Me Minion Rush".

Tickets 

- 1 Day: Adults (12+) 8,600 yen, Children (4-11) 5,600 yen.
- 1.5 Days: Adults (12+) 13,100 yen, Children (4-11) 8,600 yen.
- 2 Days: Adults (12+) 16,300 yen, Children (4-11) 10,600 yen.

Recommended Visiting Time

At least 1 day.

Opening Hours

9:00-21:00

Transportation

12-minute train from Osaka Station, 20-minute train from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

2. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Front of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Inside Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

In this globally renowned aquarium, start from the 8th floor for a comprehensive underwater adventure, descending through a spiral walkway that leads you past a mesmerizing array of marine life. From the world's largest whale shark to playful penguins, every corner holds a new discovery.

In the interactive zones, kids can touch baby sharks and manta rays, fostering a love for marine life. The penguin area is a particular favorite, where Adelie and Emperor Penguins with their pink flippers and adorable chubbiness, waddle around, stealing the hearts of children.

Tickets

2,700 yen for adults (16+), 1,400 yen for kids aged 7-15, 700 yen for kids aged 3-6, free for under 3.

Recommended visiting time

3-4 hours.

Opening Hours

10:00-20:00

Transportation

5-minute walk from Osaka-ko Station on the Chuo Subway Line.

3. Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park

Road Train in Osaka Castle

Inside Osaka Castle Park, the iconic Tenshukaku (Main Tower) displays artifacts and documents from Japan's Warring States period (about 600 years ago) on each floor. The fourth floor captivates young minds with a short film about Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary lord of Osaka Castle.

After that, enjoy a scenic boat ride around the moat on the Osaka Castle Gozabune or take a vintage sightseeing train ride among the park’s greenery, both providing a comfortable and time-saving way to explore the park for families with children.

Tickets

- Tenshukaku Tower: 600 yen for adults (16+), free for kids under 16.
- Vintage Train Ride: 400 yen for adults, free for kids under 4.
- Boat Ride: 1,500 yen for adults.

Recommended Visiting Time

2-3 hours.

Opening Hours

Osaka Castle Park: All day, Tenshukaku Tower: 9:00-18:00

Transportation

10-minute subway from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

4. Legoland Discovery Center Osaka

Giraffe Made of Lego Bricks, near Legoland Discovery Center

Tailored for children aged 3-10 and their families, it features Osaka’s landscapes meticulously constructed from Lego bricks. In the Lego Creative Studio, little builders collaborate, learn physics through playful assembly. In “Castle Adventure”, children and parents transform into brave knights and defeat skeleton warriors to rescue a princess with laser guns.

Tickets

2,200-3,300 yen, free for children under 3.

Recommended Visiting Time

2-3 hours.

Opening Hours

10:00-18:00.

Transportation

5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Osaka Port Station.

5. Osaka Science Museum

Osaka Science Museum, a combination of science and cosmos, boasts interactive exhibits, experimental zones, and a state-of-the-art planetarium. From physics and chemistry to astronomy and electromagnetism, it showcases objects of a broad spectrum.

The planetarium, with its cutting-edge digital projection system, takes kids on a breathtaking journey through starry skies and cosmic wonders.

Tickets

600 yen for adults (22+), 450 yen for people aged 16-21, 300 yen for kids aged 3-15, free for under 3.

Recommended Visiting Time

2-3 hours.

Opening Hours

9:30-17:00 daily, except Mondays.

Transportation

12-minute bus from Osaka Station.

6. Osaka Cup Noodles Museum

On the ground floor of the museum, kids will learn the history of Nissin Cup Noodles and see a restored wooden hut where Momofuku Ando, the inventor, first conceived his groundbreaking idea.

For a truly immersive experience, visit the second floor where families can make their own chicken soup ramen guided by an instructor. From mixing and rolling the dough to steaming and frying the noodles, you'll be involved in every step of the production process. Don't forget to write the production date on the packaging and add your own drawings!

Tickets

Free for admission; Ramen factory experience: 1,000 yen per person, book on the official website in advance.

Recommended Visiting Time

2-3 hours.

Operating Hours

09:30-16:30 (closed on Tuesdays).

Transportation

19-minute train from Osaka-Umeda Station.

7. Kids Plaza Osaka

This Japan’s pioneering “children’s museum” offers a rich variety of engaging games and hands-on workshops, where kids can learn through play. Guided by attentive staff, children can embark on a journey to explore the wonders of science, the intricacies of the human body, and diverse world cultures.

Tickets

1,400 yen for adults (16+), 800 yen for kids aged 7-15, 500 yen for kids aged 3-6, free for under 3.

Recommended Visiting Time

At least 2-3 hours.

Operating Hours

09:30-17:00.

Transportation

20-minute walk from Osaka Station.

8. NIFREL Museum

NIFREL Museum

Here, biological exhibits meet art, sound, and light in a sensory-rich experience. In the Abilities area, kids can interact with fish that clean keratin from skin, making learning fun and vivid. Meanwhile, the Behavior zone lets animals roam freely, where kids can see them soaring or hopping around and connect with nature in a refreshing way.

Tickets

2,200 yen for adults (16+), 1,100 yen for kids aged 7-15, 650 yen for kids aged 3-6, free for under 3.

Recommended Visiting Time

1-2 hours

Opening Hours

10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:00)

Transportation

30-minute train from Osaka Station.

9. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Sit in the transparent cabins on the Ferris wheel with little ones. While ascending, watch the sun dip into the sea, marking the day's end. By night, it transforms into a dazzling light show, with themes like oceans and a delightful melody, all highlighting the pleasure of this family moment.

Tickets

900 yen.

Recommended Visiting Time

1-2 hours

Opening Hours

10:00 – 22:00.

Transportation

5-minute walk from Metro Osaka Port Station.

10. Dotonbori

Ride a Cruise along Dotonbori at Night

In Dotonbori, numerous restaurants serve up traditional Japanese delicacies. From savory takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (skewered and deep-fried meat) to delicious Japanese noodles, every bite is a flavorful treat for kids and the whole family alike.

To wrap up the day's exhausting tour, hop on either the Wonder Cruise or the Dotonbori River Cruise. Along the ride, the iconic "Running Glico" neon sign and other colorful, massive billboards will fascinate your little ones, sparking their wonder and curiosity.

Recommended Visiting Time

2-3 hours

Transportation

3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station.

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