Welcome to the Sendai with Kids Guide, your quick resource for discovering the best things to do and hotel options in Sendai as a family. From aquariums full of playful dolphins and penguins to science museums, historic samurai sites, and one of the tallest statues in the world, this city is full of memorable Sendai attractions that blend fun with discovery. Families will find plenty of unique places to visit in Sendai, from lively parks and hands-on museums to quiet cultural landmarks. As you explore, you’ll uncover not only the top things to see, but also hidden highlights that kids love, and nothing leaves a bigger impression than standing beneath the towering Sendai DaiKannon.
As you plan your family trip to Sendai, this guide is the perfect place to start. For broader inspiration, check out our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids, packed with castles, shrines, theme parks, and more. Families coming from Tokyo can pair their visit with our Tokyo with Kids Hub, or explore nearby Nikko with Kids, a cultural gem known for ornate shrines and nature escapes that combine perfectly with a Tohoku adventure.
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Best Things to Do in Sendai with Kids
Wondering which Sendai attractions are the best fit for your family? Here’s a quick breakdown of our top picks by age to help you plan an unforgettable adventure. Families visiting multiple destinations across Tohoku or pairing Sendai with Tokyo and beyond can save on train travel with the JR East & South Hokkaido Rail Pass or the JR East Tohoku Area Pass, both excellent options for family itineraries.
|
Age Group |
Best Picks |
|---|---|
|
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–4) |
Sendai Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall, Yagiyama Zoological Park |
|
Young Kids (Ages 5–8) |
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, Sendai Science Museum & Planetarium, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine |
|
Tweens/Teens (Ages 9+) |
Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School, Zuihoden Mausoleum, Sendai Dai Kannon |
|
All Ages |
Yagiyama Zoological Park, Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, Tohoku History Museum, HOKUSHU Sendai City Science Museum |
1. Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
- Why It’s Awesome: This modern aquarium is one of Sendai’s top family attractions, home to dolphins, penguins, and colorful sea creatures from across Tohoku and beyond. Families can walk through underwater tunnels, get close to playful seals, and enjoy entertaining dolphin and sea lion shows. Interactive exhibits focus on the connection between ocean life and the people of Tohoku, making it both fun and educational.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators, wide ramps, and nursing rooms available.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Pick your favorite sea creature and invent a superhero version. What powers would a penguin, jellyfish, or sea lion have?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Sit in the splash zone at the dolphin show if you’re brave, the water spray makes it even more fun, especially on a warm day!
2. Yagiyama Zoological Park
- Why It’s Awesome: One of Japan’s oldest zoos, Yagiyama is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, red pandas, and over 130 animal species. Families love the mix of large enclosures, interactive areas, and shady walking paths.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning, when animals are most active
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with paved paths, though some areas have gentle slopes.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Try to find three different animals eating, what’s on the menu for each one? Bonus points if you can imitate the way they chew!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Keep an eye out for the Babe Ruth statue inside the zoo. It’s a fun surprise and a quirky photo spot that most visitors walk right past!
3. Sendai Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall
- Why It’s Awesome: For little ones who adore Anpanman, this colorful indoor theme park is pure magic. Kids can meet life-sized characters, climb through play zones, watch live shows, and explore interactive exhibits designed just for young imaginations. The connected shopping mall offers themed restaurants, toy shops, and plenty of Anpanman souvenirs to take home.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 2–6
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators, wide walkways, and baby-friendly facilities throughout.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Count how many different Anpanman characters you can spot, can you name them all?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Head to the Anpanman Bakery for freshly baked character-shaped breads. They’re almost too cute to eat… almost!
4. Sendai Astronomical Observatory
- Why It’s Awesome: This hands-on science museum is packed with interactive exhibits that encourage kids to touch, play, and explore. From physics puzzles and robotics to a towering dinosaur skeleton, there’s something for every curious mind. The planetarium is a highlight, with immersive shows that take families on journeys through space, perfect for sparking imaginations of future astronauts.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 4–12
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or rainy afternoons
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators and wide walkways; rest areas and family facilities are available.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you design your own invention in the hands-on area? Give it a silly name and explain what it does.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Don’t skip the planetarium, shows rotate often, and even kids who can’t follow all the Japanese narration love the visuals of flying through space.
5. HOKUSHU Sendai City Science Museum
- Why It’s Awesome: A smaller but engaging museum, HOKUSHU focuses on everyday science and practical discovery. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits about energy, light, and sound, and there are plenty of activities that make learning feel like play. It’s less crowded than most other science museums, making it a relaxed stop for curious young minds.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 5–10
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Midday or rainy days when you want a quieter indoor option
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with smooth paths and elevators; rest areas and vending machines are available.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Test out the sound and light exhibits, can you create the weirdest noise or the brightest flash?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: This museum often flies under the radar, which means fewer crowds. It’s a great place to slow down and let kids take the lead without feeling rushed.
6. Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School
- Why It’s Awesome: This preserved school building stands as a powerful reminder of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Families can walk through the classrooms, see exhibits documenting the disaster, and climb to the rooftop where students and teachers once waited to be rescued. It’s an emotional but meaningful visit, giving kids a chance to learn about resilience and community strength in a very real way.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 8+ (younger children may find it difficult to process the content)
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon; combine with a seaside walk nearby
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Exhibits are most engaging for older kids who can read or follow along.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: As you stand on the rooftop, imagine what you would have done to stay calm and help your friends if you had been a student here.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Take time to read the survivor stories together, even short passages can spark important family conversations about courage, community, and why it’s vital to be prepared.
7. Zuihoden Mausoleum (Grave of Date Masamune)
- Why It’s Awesome: This ornate mausoleum is the grave of Date Masamune, the powerful samurai lord who founded Sendai. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, the colorful carvings and intricate details make it stand out from other historic sites. It’s a short but meaningful visit where kids can connect with history while enjoying the peaceful forest setting.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 6+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for seasonal colors, or early morning for a quieter visit
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with paved paths, but some stair sections require detours.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Try to find as many animal carvings as you can on the mausoleum, dragons, phoenixes, or maybe even something unexpected!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Pair your visit with a story about Date Masamune, known as the “One-Eyed Dragon.” Kids love hearing how he wore a unique crescent-moon helmet that made him unforgettable in Japanese history.
8. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
- Why It’s Awesome: Built over 400 years ago by Date Masamune, this Shinto shrine is famous for its striking black lacquer and gold leaf design, a rare and dazzling sight in Japan. Families can walk under the large torii gate, explore the peaceful grounds, and take part in simple shrine rituals like bowing, clapping, and making a wish. Seasonal festivals here add even more color and excitement for kids.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 45–90 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: During festivals or spring/autumn for seasonal beauty
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with wide paths, though a few areas may have steps.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Count how many different golden decorations you can find on the shrine buildings. Which one shines the brightest?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Look for the long rows of colorful ema (wooden wish plaques). Writing or drawing your own family wish makes for a fun, meaningful memory.
9. Tohoku History Museum
- Why It’s Awesome: This large museum introduces families to the culture and history of the entire Tohoku region. Exhibits range from prehistoric Jomon artifacts and samurai armor to folk traditions and everyday life in the past. Kids especially enjoy the hands-on discovery zones, replica houses, and seasonal special exhibits that bring history to life in a playful way.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 6+
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Rainy days or afternoons when you want a slower-paced activity
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators, wide walkways, and rest areas.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Step inside one of the replica homes and imagine what it would be like to live there. What job would you have, and what would your daily chores be?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Stop by the children’s discovery area, it has touchable artifacts and activities designed just for young explorers, making history feel like play.
10. Sendai Dai Kannon (White-Robed Colossus)
- Why It’s Awesome: Towering at 100 meters, the Sendai Dai Kannon is one of the tallest statues in the world and a breathtaking sight for families. Visitors can step inside the statue, where stairways and elevators lead past floors filled with Buddhist statues and displays. Kids often love the sheer scale of the structure, while parents appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views from the higher levels.
- Age Recommendations: All ages (best appreciated by school-aged kids and up)
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Clear afternoons for views from the upper levels
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Elevator access makes most areas stroller-friendly, though some upper sections involve stairs.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Try to count how many smaller statues you pass as you climb inside. Can you keep track all the way to the top/bottom?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Step outside afterward and look up together, it’s even more impressive once you realize you were just inside one of the tallest statues in the world!
Why Sendai is Great for Families with Kids
- A green, spacious city with tree-lined streets, wide boulevards, and parks where kids can run, play, and recharge.
- A family-friendly mix of history and modern fun, from samurai castles and shrines to aquariums, science museums, and play centers.
- Easy day trips to Matsushima Bay, Akiu Great Falls, or local hot spring towns for quick escapes into nature.
- Kid-approved local food culture with unique treats like zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste desserts) and zunda shakes, plus mild versions of gyutan (grilled beef tongue) for adventurous eaters.
Parent Insight: Kids thrive when travel blends curiosity with play. Whether it’s a castle, a science center, or a park, giving them both structured learning and unstructured fun keeps energy balanced and makes memories more meaningful no matter where you are in the world.
How to Get to Sendai with Kids
- By Train: The Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai takes about 90 minutes.
- By Plane: Sendai International Airport offers domestic and limited international flights. From the airport, the Sendai Airport Access Line takes about 25 minutes to the city center.
- By Bus: Highway buses connect Sendai with nearby cities like Yamagata, Fukushima, and Tokyo, but travel times are much longer than the bullet train.
Family-Friendly Hotels In & Near Sendai
- Luxury
- The Westin Sendai – Spacious family rooms with panoramic city views and upscale service.
- Sendai Royal Park Hotel – Resort-style retreat with gardens, outdoor space, and kid-friendly activities.
- Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East – Direct station access, modern comfort, and stress-free travel with kids.
- Mid-Range
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai – Stylish design, comfortable rooms, and a central city location.
- Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae – Larger rooms, family-focused service, and close to the station.
- Sendai Kokusai Hotel – Spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and convenient downtown access.
- Hotel Monte Hermana Sendai – Reliable, comfortable, and well-located for exploring with kids.
- Budget
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai – Clean, modern, and great value near transport hubs.
- Hotel Vista Sendai – Compact yet efficient rooms, affordable, and close to Sendai Station.
- APA Hotel TKP Sendai-Ekikita – Basic facilities, convenient location, and best for short stays.
For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan. As you finalize your trip, take a look at our JR Rail Pass for Families Guide to see if a rail pass or regional option makes the most sense for your itinerary.
FAQs About Visiting Sendai with Kids
Planning a family trip to Sendai? Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask, from free activities and stroller access to seasonal tips and nearby day trips.
A: Families can enjoy a stroll through Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, visit Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School, or explore Tsutsujigaoka Park in cherry blossom season. These spots are open, scenic, and don’t cost a yen.
A: Yes. Most major attractions like the Umino-Mori Aquarium, Yagiyama Zoo, and the Tohoku History Museum are stroller-accessible with elevators and ramps. Some cultural sites, like Zuihoden Mausoleum, have stairs, so a lightweight stroller or baby carrier is helpful.
A: Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, with cherry blossoms in April and colorful foliage in November. Summer is lively with festivals like the Tanabata Matsuri, while winter brings illuminations along Jozenji-dori Avenue.
A: Families should plan 2–3 days to explore the main attractions in Sendai. Add an extra day for side trips to Matsushima Bay or Akiu Onsen for nature and hot spring experiences.
A: Absolutely. The Sendai Science Museum & Planetarium, HOKUSHU Science Museum, and the Anpanman Children’s Museum are all excellent indoor options. The Tohoku History Museum is another great choice for hands-on, weather-proof exploration.
A: The Sendai Dai Kannon is one of the tallest statues in the world and a true standout. Families can walk inside the statue, making it both a cultural and awe-inspiring experience for kids.
A: Yes. Matsushima Bay is an easy day trip for boat rides and island views, while Nikko offers ornate shrines and nature escapes just a train ride away. Rail passes like the JR East & South Hokkaido Rail Pass and the JR East Tohoku Area Pass make day trips more affordable for families.
A: Yes, Sendai is very family-friendly. The city offers aquariums, zoos, samurai history sites, and wide green parks, making it easy to balance fun and learning for kids of all ages.
A: Yes. The Shinkansen takes about 90 minutes from Tokyo to Sendai, making a day trip possible. However, staying overnight gives families more time to enjoy the aquarium, museums, and nearby nature.
A: Sendai is famous for gyutan (grilled beef tongue), zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste desserts), and fresh seafood bowls. Many restaurants offer mild or kid-friendly versions of these local dishes.
A: Most attractions are 10–20 minutes away by subway or local bus. The system is stroller-friendly, with clear English signage and IC card access for easy transfers.
A: Sendai is best known as the city of Date Masamune, with sites like Sendai Castle and Zuihoden Mausoleum. It’s also famous for Tanabata Festival, gyutan cuisine, and nearby Matsushima Bay.
Until Next Time…
Sendai is full of family-friendly adventures, from penguins splashing at the Umino-Mori Aquarium and red pandas at Yagiyama Zoo to samurai stories at Zuihoden and the towering figure of the Dai Kannon. Whether your kids remember Anpanman’s smile, a hands-on experiment in the science museums, or the quiet strength of Arahama Elementary School, this city offers moments that blend play, learning, and meaning.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
