Welcome to the Oita with Kids Guide, your quick resource for discovering the best things to do in Oita as a family. From steamy hot springs and monkey mountains to Hello Kitty rides and dinosaur bones, Oita is packed with family-friendly surprises. Whether you’re exploring attractions, searching for fun-filled places to visit, or uncovering unique things to see in Oita with your little adventurers, this guide has something for every age and interest, perfect for Beppu getaways, Yufuin day trips, or relaxing escapes.
EXPLORING KYUSHU WITH KIDS? START WITH THESE FAMILY FAVORITES.
Most families visit Oita as part of a bigger Kyushu adventure, often pairing it with nearby Fukuoka or Nagasaki, both just a short train ride away and packed with family-friendly fun. Check out our Fukuoka Family Travel Guide and Nagasaki Family Travel Guide for practical tips, or explore our Best Things to Do guides for Miyazaki, Kumamoto, or Kagoshima to uncover top attractions and kid-approved highlights across southern Kyushu.
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Best Things to Do in Oita with Kids by Age Group
Not sure which Oita attractions for kids are best for your family? Here’s a quick breakdown of our favorite spots by age to help you plan your trip with confidence.
- Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–4) – Takasakiyama Monkey Park, Oita Marine Palace Aquarium, Oita Castle Park
- Young Kids (Ages 5–8) – Harmony Land (Hello Kitty Theme Park), Yufuin Floral Village, Beppu Hell Tour
- Tweens/Teens (Ages 9+) – Sand Bath Experience at Hyotan Onsen, Oita Prefectural Art Museum, Beppu Ropeway, African Safari
- All Ages – Oita Marine Palace Aquarium, Beppu Hell Tour, Yufuin Floral Village
1. Oita Marine Palace Aquarium
- Why It’s Awesome: A beautifully designed aquarium where sea otters, dolphins, and jellyfish steal the show. The open-air dolphin show comes with ocean views!
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or just before closing for smaller crowds
- Cost: ¥ – Buy your tickets here.
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with ramps, elevators, and nursing rooms
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you spot a sea creature that glows in the dark?
2. Takasakiyama Monkey Park
- Why It’s Awesome: Meet wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat as they roam a mountainside sanctuary. It’s playful, educational, and a little unpredictable!
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon when monkeys are most active
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Stroller access via the monorail; walking trails are steep and not ideal for strollers
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Count how many baby monkeys you can spot during your visit!
3. Harmony Land (Hello Kitty Theme Park)
- Why It’s Awesome: This Sanrio theme park is a pastel dreamland for Hello Kitty fans, with rides, shows, and parades designed for younger kids.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 3–9
- Duration: Half to full day
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or off-season months for fewer crowds
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly paths and baby-friendly facilities throughout
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you take a photo with 3 different Sanrio characters?
4. Beppu Hell Tour (Jigoku Meguri)
- Why It’s Awesome: Explore bubbling, steaming hot spring pools in shocking colors, from cobalt blue to blood red, and even meet a few crocodiles and tropical animals along the way!
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Cooler mornings for a more comfortable stroll
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Some paths are uneven, but most main sites are stroller-accessible
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Which “Hell” is your favorite… crocodile, blue boiling pool, or red inferno?
5. African Safari
- Why It’s Awesome: Ride through the safari in your own car or take the special jungle bus to feed lions, zebras, and giraffes right from your seat!
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 3+
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Jungle buses are not stroller-friendly, but stroller use is fine in the rest areas
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you name an animal you’ve never seen before on this safari?
6. Yufuin Floral Village
- Why It’s Awesome: A whimsical fairytale-style village filled with tiny shops, mini museums, and animal encounters set in the picturesque town of Yufuin.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon after the morning mist clears
- Cost: Free entry, with paid attractions and snacks
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly with flat cobbled paths
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Pretend you’re wizards in a fairy tale village, what would your spell do?
7. Beppu Ropeway
- Why It’s Awesome: Ride a scenic cable car up Mount Tsurumi for panoramic views and crisp mountain air. There are short trails at the top and seasonal flowers to enjoy.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Clear days for the best views
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Ropeway is stroller-accessible, but mountaintop trails have uneven paths
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: How many cities can you spot from the top?
8. Sand Bath at Hyotan Onsen
- Why It’s Awesome: Experience a traditional Japanese sand bath where you’re gently buried in naturally heated sand, super relaxing and surprisingly fun!
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 7+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a relaxing break
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly; bath areas have stairs and uneven paths
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you stay still long enough to feel the sand warm up all around you?
9. Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM)
- Why It’s Awesome: A sleek, interactive art museum with rotating exhibits, hands-on kids’ spaces, and a rooftop view of the city.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 6+
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or after lunch
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-accessible
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you make your own artwork using only shapes and colors?
10. Oita Castle Park
- Why It’s Awesome: A peaceful park built around the remains of Oita’s historic castle, with seasonal flowers, a small moat, and space to run and explore.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 45–90 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Cherry blossom or autumn foliage season
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly paths and open grassy areas
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find the old stone walls, how do you think the castle used to look?
FAQs About Visiting Oita with Kids
Planning a family trip to Japan’s hot spring capital? Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when exploring Oita with children, from stroller access to seasonal highlights and top attractions.
A: Yes! Oita is full of family-friendly experiences, from wild monkey parks and steamy hot spring tours to aquariums, scenic ropeways, and Hello Kitty parades. It’s especially fun for kids who love nature, animals, and imaginative adventures.
A: Top picks for toddlers and preschoolers include Takasakiyama Monkey Park, Oita Marine Palace Aquarium, and Oita Castle Park. These spots offer easy walking paths, animal encounters, and open spaces that are ideal for little explorers.
A: Many onsen in Oita are safe for children, especially family-style private baths available at hotels and ryokans. Kids age 3+ often enjoy sand baths like those at Hyotan Onsen. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot, and always supervise closely.
A: Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are ideal. These seasons offer comfortable weather for outdoor adventures like the Beppu Hell Tour or Beppu Ropeway. Summer is great for water play, while winter is perfect for warm onsen experiences.
A: Yes, many major attractions like Oita Marine Palace Aquarium, Oita Prefectural Art Museum, and Harmony Land are stroller-friendly. However, places like Takasakiyama Monkey Park and some hot spring areas may have steep or uneven paths, so bring a lightweight, foldable stroller for flexibility.
A: Plan for 2 to 3 full days if you want to enjoy a mix of Beppu’s hot springs, animal parks, and day trips to Yufuin or Mount Yufu. This allows enough time for relaxing, exploring, and a few unique family adventures without rushing.
A: Absolutely! These areas are within 30–60 minutes of each other by car or train. Most families base themselves in Beppu and take day trips to Yufuin’s fairytale village or Oita City’s museums and parks. It’s an easy way to explore multiple sides of Oita in one trip.
A: Don’t miss Oita Marine Palace Aquarium for sea life and dolphin shows, the African Safari for up-close animal feeding, and the Beppu Hell Tour for colorful bubbling hot springs that kids will never forget.
Until Next Time…
Oita with kids is filled with surprise and wonder, from sand baths and steamy hells to safari buses and mountain monkeys. Whether you’re counting dolphins, waving to Hello Kitty, or sinking into warm volcanic sand, this part of Japan blends nature, imagination, and relaxation like nowhere else.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
Oita’s hot springs and mountain monkeys are just the beginning. Ready to explore more of Japan with your family?
From bubbling onsen towns and fairy tale villages to jungle safaris and seaside science fun, our Family Travel Guides are packed with playful missions, cultural tips, and real-life adventures for families exploring every corner of Japan:
- Tokyo with Kids — explore Japan’s biggest city through theme parks, samurai stories, and robot cafes
- Kyoto with Kids — climb temple stairs, find ninja paths, and discover where the golden dragon hides
- Osaka with Kids — street food missions, castle quests, and a day with Mario at Universal Studios
- Kobe with Kids — ropeways, panda spotting, and seaside views with a touch of city sparkle
- Hiroshima with Kids — peaceful reflections, island deer, and a ferry ride to a floating shrine
- Fukuoka with Kids — ramen hunts, seaside parks, and the friendliest city vibes in Kyushu
- Nagasaki with Kids — lantern puzzles, penguin navigation, and clues hidden in ancient bridges
- Yokohama with Kids — cup noodle labs, giant Ferris wheels, and science-packed seaside fun
- Miyako Island with Kids — coral reefs, beach treasure hunts, and tropical island adventures
