Welcome to the Tokyo with Kids Guide, your go-to list of the best things to do in Tokyo with kids, from toddlers to teens! From glowing art rooms and rooftop views to dinosaurs, dragons, and dream-job play zones, Tokyo is filled with fun things to do with children. This guide highlights top Tokyo attractions for kids, hands-on family activities, and the most exciting sightseeing for families, designed to inspire unforgettable adventures for every age.
As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place. If you’re considering sightseeing passes, our Tokyo Passes Guide breaks down the best options for families. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Here’s a secret… There’s a bonus at the end of this guide that almost everyone misses, don’t let your family be one of them!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
Why Book Ahead? It’s quicker, avoids long lines, helps skip language barriers, prevents sold-out attractions, and solves payment issues at places that don’t accept credit cards. *Prices are subject to change.
Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids
Wondering which Tokyo 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 family adventure in Tokyo. Families planning to explore several attractions should check out The Tokyo Pass for quick entry to 2–4 popular spots, or the Klook Greater Tokyo Pass for access to even more locations like teamLab, Tokyo Tower, and LEGOLAND, all at a discounted price. And if you’re not sure which train pass to use while getting around, our guide comparing the Tokyo Subway Ticket vs JR Tokyo Wide Pass can help you choose the best option for your itinerary.
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Age Group |
Best Picks |
|---|---|
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Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–4) |
Ueno Zoo & National Museum of Nature and Science, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street |
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Young Kids (Ages 5–8) |
KidZania Tokyo, teamLab Planets, Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Skytree & Sumida Aquarium |
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Tweens/Teens (Ages 9+) |
Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science), Odaiba Play Zone (Gundam, Joypolis, LEGOLAND), Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea |
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All Ages |
Ueno Zoo & National Museum of Nature and Science, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea |
1. Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea
- Why It’s Awesome: A dream destination for families, offering thrilling rides, magical parades, and themed attractions. See our Tokyo Disneyland with Kids and Tokyo DisneySea with Kids guides to help you plan the perfect visit for your family.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: Full day
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Cost: ¥¥¥
- Accessibility: Stroller rentals available; baby-changing stations in every area.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Create your own “Ride Rankings”! After each ride, give it a 1–5 star rating and decide which attraction would win your family’s Dream Theme Park Trophy.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Be sure to download the Disney app to check ride wait times and reserve Disney Premier Access and Standby Pass rides early!
2. Tokyo Skytree & Sumida Aquarium
- Why It’s Awesome: The tallest tower in Japan, offering incredible 360-degree city views, plus a fun aquarium inside the tower complex.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for amazing city views.
- Cost: ¥¥ – Buy Skytree tickets here & Sumida Aquarium tickets here.
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Spot 3 different kinds of transportation from the Skytree view. Can you find a train, a boat, and a tiny taxi down below? Then draw your own “Tokyo from the Sky” map!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Visit after sunset to see the tower’s color theme, it changes nightly and looks especially striking on clear evenings.
3. Miraikan: National Museum of Emerging Science
- Why It’s Awesome: A hands-on science museum where kids can meet robots, explore space, and see Earth from space.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 4–12.
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with ramps and elevators.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: If you were designing your own robot, what job would it do? Sketch your invention after meeting Miraikan’s robot crew!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: The Geo-Cosmos globe is a must-see, it displays Earth in real-time from satellites!
4. teamLab Planets Tokyo
- Why It’s Awesome: A sensory wonderland where kids can walk through water, play in glowing flower rooms, and interact with digital art.
- Age Recommendations: 4+ (best for kids who enjoy interactive spaces).
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds.
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly; barefoot entry required.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find the room where the floor turns into a giant koi fish pond!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Wear shorts or roll up your pants, some rooms have knee-high water!
5. Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street (Asakusa Cultural Adventure)
- Why It’s Awesome: Step into Tokyo’s most iconic temple, where history meets sensory fun! Wander through the ancient red gates of Senso-ji, toss a coin to make a wish, and explore Nakamise Street’s colorful stalls filled with traditional snacks, toys, and souvenirs.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly paths and walkways, but expect crowds on Nakamise Street
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you draw a lucky fortune (omikuji) and find a snack you’ve never tried before?
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Look for the giant rice crackers and sweet ningyo-yaki cakes shaped like little people; we love watching them being made fresh in the windows!
6. Ghibli Museum
- Why It’s Awesome: A magical world of Totoro, Spirited Away, and other amazing stories, filled with interactive exhibits and exclusive short films.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 4+
- Duration: 2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime (tickets are pre-booked).
- Cost: ¥ (Advance reservations required).
- Accessibility: Stroller parking outside; some areas require climbing stairs.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find the giant Totoro hidden outside the museum!
7. Ueno Zoo & National Museum of Nature and Science (Ueno Park Adventure)
- Why It’s Awesome: A double-feature of animals and science! See pandas and polar bears at Ueno Zoo, then step inside to explore dinosaur skeletons, outer space, and hands-on exhibits at the Nature and Science Museum.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you find a dinosaur and a red panda on the same day?
8. KidZania Tokyo
- Why It’s Awesome: A mini-city where kids can role-play real jobs, like pilot, doctor, chef, or firefighter.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 4–12.
- Duration: Half-day
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for smaller groups.
- Cost: ¥¥
- Accessibility: Stroller parking outside; some areas require adult supervision.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Choose one job and give yourself a “promotion”, what’s the next level of that career? If you’re a firefighter today, are you a rescue helicopter pilot tomorrow? Make your own badge for your new rank!
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Book early, slots fill up fast, and popular jobs like firefighters get reserved quickly!
9. Odaiba Play Zone (Gundam, Joypolis, and More!)
- Why It’s Awesome: This futuristic island is Tokyo’s ultimate kid-friendly entertainment zone! See a life-sized Gundam robot move, step inside a digital arcade world at Joypolis, or visit a LEGO wonderland at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. With attractions for all ages, it’s a full-day playground in one place.
- Age Recommendations: All ages (best for 4+)
- Duration: Half-day to full-day
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to evening (some attractions glow at night!)
- Cost: Free–¥¥¥ – Book tickets here for LEGOLand and Joypolis
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with ramps, elevators, and lots of family restrooms
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you spot the Gundam’s head move AND ride something 3D in the same day? Bonus points for building your name in LEGO bricks!
10. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Why It’s Awesome: A huge, peaceful park with traditional gardens, open fields, and seasonal flowers.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) & Autumn (colorful leaves).
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find the Japanese teahouse hidden in the garden!
As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our guides for epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the historic Senso-ji Temple to DisneySea, Ueno Zoo, and the bay area of Odaiba; don’t miss our Tokyo Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot weather adventures, or our Best Museums in Tokyo Guide for deeper cultural fun. Families planning a longer stay will love our Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary, which balances iconic landmarks with kid-friendly hidden gems. For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
What to Book in Advance in Tokyo with Kids
You did it! Welcome to the section most families miss, our top picks for Tokyo’s family activities and essential passes to book in advance. No one likes a sold-out sign, especially when you’ve got excited kids
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Activity / Ticket |
Recommended Booking Time Before Arrival |
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1–2 months ahead | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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Exactly 1 month ahead | |
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1–2 months ahead | |
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2–4 weeks ahead | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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1 month ahead | |
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1–3 months ahead (esp. peak holidays) | |
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1–2 weeks before travel | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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1–2 weeks ahead | |
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1–2 months ahead |
- Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea: book 1–2 months ahead.
- Fuji-Q Highland: book 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Ghibli Museum: reserve exactly 1 month ahead.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (The Making of Harry Potter): book 1–2 months ahead.
- TeamLab Planets & TeamLab Borderless: reserve 2–4 weeks in advance.
- Sanrio Puroland Tokyo: book 1–2 weeks ahead.
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket: reserve 1–2 weeks ahead.
- KidZania Tokyo: book 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Cup Noodles Museum (My Cup Noodles Factory Activity): reserve 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Mt. Fuji Climbing Permits (Summer Only): book 1 month in advance.
- Shinkansen Reserved Seats: book 1–3 months ahead (peak holidays).
- Narita Express (N’EX train): book 1–2 weeks before travel.
- Keisei Skyliner Airport Express: reserve 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Airport Limousine Bus: book 1–2 weeks ahead.
- Sumo Tournament Tickets (Seasonal): book 1–2 months ahead.
FAQs About Visiting Tokyo with Kids
Planning a family trip to Japan’s biggest city? Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when exploring Tokyo with children, from transportation and food to stroller access and weather-friendly adventures.
A: Head to KidZania Tokyo, Miraikan, teamLab Planets, or the National Museum of Nature and Science. You’ll also find plenty to do indoors in Odaiba’s shopping complexes and arcades.
A: Tokyo is packed with family attractions, including Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, teamLab Planets, Ueno Zoo, and the Ghibli Museum. Kids also enjoy the Pokémon Center, kid-focused museums like KidZania, and exploring quirky neighborhoods like Harajuku and Asakusa.
A: Great indoor options include teamLab Planets, Miraikan, the Railway Museum in Omiya, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and Tokyo Toy Museum.
A: Yes, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are toddler-friendly, with rental strollers, baby centers, gentle rides, and character zones like Toontown and Mermaid Lagoon.
Until Next Time…
Tokyo with kids is full of magic, from robot labs and panda parks to temples, towers, and glowing water rooms. Whether you’re spinning in a Gundam arcade, exploring Totoro’s world, or tasting your first ningyo-yaki on Nakamise Street, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
