From large parks where adults can relax, to facilities where you can interact with animals for free, to libraries and museums that are fun even on rainy days—here are 15 spots the whole family is sure to enjoy!
The National Library consists of two buildings: a brick building designated as a Tokyo Metropolitan Historic Building and a glass-covered building with beautiful curved arches.The “Children’s Room” in the brick building is an open-shelf reading room primarily for elementary school students and younger, housing approximately 10,000 children’s books. The “Room for Learning About the World,” which served as a VIP room during the Imperial Library era, features a collection of about 2,000 books aimed at deepening international understanding.
A free zoo located a 15-minute walk from Nishi-Kasai Station. In the petting corner, which operates on a strict time-slot system, you can interact with rabbits, guinea pigs, and Coelacanths. The petting corner is open at 10:20, 10:45, 11:10, 13:30, 13:55, and 14:20, except on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Pony Land is located within the Edogawa City Comprehensive Recreation Park, which features various parks such as the Children’s Plaza, Family Sports Plaza, and Shinsakongawa Waterfront Park. Children in sixth grade and younger can ride a pony for free, as well as interact with the ponies and feed them carrots (for a fee).
Facing Tokyo Bay, this park is composed of five zones centered on the theme of the interaction between greenery, water, and people. The Bird Park zone opened in 1994, the “Crystal View” observation rest house in 1995, and in 2001, a 117-meter-tall Ferris wheel (¥800 for ages 3 and up) opened, offering a roughly 17-minute aerial ride. Since it is located a short distance from the city center, it is also recommended for families looking to avoid crowds.
A national park spanning Tachikawa City and Akishima City. With a pool, BBQ area, vast “Everyone’s Meadow,” and a dog run on the grounds, you’ll never get bored no matter how many times you visit. *Free admission for junior high school students and younger
The JRA Horse Park, which had been closed in conjunction with the equestrian events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, reopened in November 2023. In addition to JRA horse shows, horse therapy activities aimed at children and those who have never ridden a horse are held, primarily on event days. There is also a kids’ corner, diaper-changing stations, and a nursing room—a welcome feature for families with young children.
This is the only park in the ward where you can fish, and crucian carp are the main catch. While fishing gear is not available for rent, anyone can easily enjoy fishing as long as they handle the fish carefully with a net and return them to the pond immediately. Hours of operation are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM from April to September, and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March.
This hands-on museum is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau. It features facilities where visitors can learn while playing, such as “Aqua Park,” which has a pool and water toys for small children, and “Aqua Trip,” where visitors can trace the “Great Water Cycle” as if they were a drop of water and experience the “Journey of Water” with their whole bodies.
A park that opened in October 2023. The “Inclusive Plaza” on the grounds regularly hosts play equipment and workshops centered on the themes of inclusivity and diversity. The plaza is covered with artificial turf that provides cushioning and allows visitors to enjoy a grassy space year-round, so families with small children can relax and enjoy their time here with peace of mind.
A park where children up to junior high school age can interact with ponies and small animals. From 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, children can pet and hold small animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and dogs. Additionally, children up to junior high school age can enjoy a pony-riding experience, riding a pony along a roughly 150-meter course within the park for 200 yen per person per ride.
A planetarium located within the Shibuya City Cultural Center Owada. It offers a wide variety of projection programs, including “Kids’ Time” for young children, the healing “Starry Music Series,” and “Tonight’s Star Tour,” featuring unique constellation commentary. Eight star guides take turns presenting the shows on a daily, random basis. Free for children under elementary school age.
A research institute serving as a hub for astronomical research in Japan. It hosts events for the general public, such as regular observation sessions held twice a month, allowing visitors to experience the fascination of astronomy. The facility’s 4D2U Dome Theater features a 10-meter-diameter dome screen that displays immersive, full-dome 3D imagery.
A spot where you can learn about aviation careers and JAL’s history, and see real aircraft up close. At the museum, you can freely explore various sections, including displays on the work of staff who support flights and JAL’s historical archives. Tours of the hangar are available with a staff guide. *Free for children 12 and under; children under elementary school age are not permitted.
The museum features facilities where visitors can experience simulated maintenance work, along with introductions to the various ANA Group companies that make up the maintenance division supporting the group’s safe operations. In the hangar, visitors can see the sheer size of the facility from the third-floor deck, while on the first floor, they can get a close-up view of actual aircraft and maintenance technicians at work. *Recommended for children in first grade and above, ages 6 and up
This is a museum you’ll want to visit when climbing Mt. Takao, which, along with Mt. Fuji, was awarded three Michelin stars in 2019. In the comfortable spaces—such as the café and terrace, where the interior and exterior blend seamlessly—you can learn about Mt. Takao’s rich ecosystem, history, and culture through videos and exhibits.
