Joanna James
With an extensive array of attractions, Osaka is among the best places in Japan to visit with your family. If you’re here with your kids, here are the must-do things for an unforgettable vacation.
This is one of the most fun places to visit with your family. Universal Studios Japan offers a blend of fun, excitement, adventure, and photographic moments. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is among the most popular attractions. It inspires nostalgia in adults and turns kids into Potter Heads! There’s a replica of the Hogwarts Castle, which looks exactly like the one in the movie franchise. Jurassic Park is another popular attraction that’s sure to bring back memories. Keep in mind that during summer and spring breaks, the park gets crowded and busy, so you might want to buy tickets online. During school holidays, people start queuing at the entrance early in the morning, even though the park opens at 8:30 AM. Hours vary depending on the season, so check the website to be sure.
Another must-visit for families looking for a day of fun, Legoland Discovery Centre offers a bundle of interactive experiences. Highlights include the 4D cinema, the Kingdom Quest laser ride, and the Great Lego Race VR adventure. You’re bound to feel hungry after all that adventure. Don’t worry; there’s an onsite café offering the tastiest treats. Remember that you can’t enter without a child. If it’s only you, you’ll have to wait for the adults-only event that takes place once a month. Legoland’s convenient location means you can find various accommodation options in the vicinity too. Looking for a family hotel in Osaka? Legoland Discovery Centre is only 20 minutes from Travelodge Honmachi Osaka.
Are you an animal lover? Great! Visit Tennoji Zoo with your kids. Established in 1915, the zoo is one of the best family attractions in Osaka. Around 1,000 animals spanning 200 species live at the zoo. The zoo is quite large, with its 110,000 square metres, and features enclosures that closely resemble natural habitats. There are four sections to explore, offering seamless navigation of the park. One of the best things about this park is that you can leave and come back on the same day at no extra charge! This means you can step out if you feel like a change of scenery or a snack. Be sure to inform the staff that you’re leaving and plan to return, though.
Another highly sought-after family attraction in Osaka, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is home to over 60,000 aquatic animals belonging to over 600 species. You’ll see an amazing array of oceanic life in the aquarium, with whale sharks being a highlight. They are believed to be the largest known fish species in the world and can grow up to 12 metres. The Galaxy of Jellyfish is another standout feature, along with the Interactive Exhibits Area. The aquarium is open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Opened in 1977, Kids Plaza Osaka is the first museum in Japan dedicated entirely to children. The museum operates on the concept of ‘Learning by Doing’, which allows kids to get hands-on. This creates a space where kids can be creative and adventurous. The museum hosts a variety of workshops and events, including voice acting sessions and cooking classes. You can come and go as you please on the same day. The museum is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, except Mondays.
Packed with fun activities, Harvest Hill Osaka is an agricultural park that offers a variety of interactive experiences. You can feed the animals, go horse riding, and even participate in bread-making sessions. The park also hosts monthly events, such as capybara petting sessions and feeding sessions.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
