Traveling with kids adds an extra challenge to all travel plans.
You need to find activities that are interesting to your little ones because many probably won’t want to see the same attractions that adults do.
This post highlights the top things to do in and around Nagoya with your family. It is filled with all the best amusement parks, interactive museums, and parks that your kids are sure to enjoy.
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Enjoy Family Time in Nagoya at Theme Parks, Museums, and More
If you prefer not to travel very far there are multiple great attractions in Nagoya to enjoy with kids. They usually have very convenient public transport options, and from Nagoya Station, you will be able to reach all of them within just a few minutes.
Legoland Japan
The top attraction in Nagoya for kids is without a doubt Legoland Japan. The Lego-themed park only opened in 2015 and is very popular, especially with small children.
Attractions inside the park include gigantic models of famous places in Japan such as Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Kyoto built from millions of Lego blocks.
You can also learn how Lego bricks are manufactured, build your own Lego models, and enjoy some kid-friendly rides. Of course, inside you will find countless restaurants serving kid-friendly food and shops where to buy Lego sets.
Check out this article about Legoland Japan for valuable tips and recommendations about the park. And if you have already decided to go, you can easily buy your tickets here.
Legoland Japan Resort (レゴランド・ジャパン・リゾート)
Entry Fee: Check the different prices here.
Opening hours: Depending on the season, park hours vary. Check here the opening hours.
Address: 2-2-1 Kinjoufutou, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Aonami Line to Kinjofuto (last stop on this line). From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps | Tickets
Sea Life
Sea Life Aquarium is located within the Legoland Hotel. It was created to spark an interest in the ocean in children, following the concept of “see, touch, and learn”. Eleven different areas invite children to learn about sea animals from more than 50 countries around the world.
Some highlights include the mighty spider crabs, which can reach up to 5.5 meters in size, cute seahorses, and of course, the elegant stingrays.
Workshops and other hands-on experiences are available for children (and adults) of all ages.
Sea Life Nagoya (シーライフ名古屋)
Entry Fee: from 1400 yen depending on the day, combination ticket with Legoland Japan available
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00, weekends: 10:00 – 18:00
Address: 2-7-1 Kinjoufutou, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Aonami Line to Kinjofuto (last stop on this line). From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps | Tickets
SCMaglev and Railway Park
Next to Legoland Japan, you will find a train museum called SCMaglev and Railway Park. The park opened only recently in 2011 and educates its visitors on the advancements in train travel.
You and your kids can see some actual trains here, including an old steam locomotive, a high-speed bullet train concept, and even the latest magnetic levitating trains called Maglev.
JR Central, the train company in Central Japan, is currently working on creating a high-speed Maglev connection between Osaka and Tokyo, of which the Nagoya to Tokyo part will be ready in just a couple of years. One section of the museum covers the project and offers plenty of interesting information about it.
Some of the most popular attractions of the Nagoya SCMaglev and Railway Park are the train simulators, where your children can drive different trains, including a bullet train, and become a train conductor for a couple of minutes, opening and closing train doors.
The simulators require an extra fee and are very popular, which is why you need to sign up at least 45 minutes in advance.
SCMaglev and Railway Park (リニア・鉄道館)
Entry Fee: adults 1000 yen, school children 500 yen, children 200 yen
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:30, closed Tuesdays and End of the Year Holidays
Address: 3-2-2 Kinjofuto, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0848
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Aonami Line to Kinjofuto (last stop on this line). From there it’s a 6-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
At Nagoya Port, you will find the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. It is one of the best and biggest aquariums in Japan, and especially with children, it is worth a visit.
The aquarium is split into two sections, the North and South Buildings.
The North Building has the world’s largest outdoor tank with about 3000 surrounding seats. Regular shows with dolphins and orcas are held here to awe the audience with their intelligence and tricks.
The South Building is split into sections to teach children about different ecosystems, from the rivers in Japan to the ice of Antarctica. Learn about the hideous deep-sea creatures, get up close with sea turtle babies, and observe stingrays. Admire the colorful corals and fish, which resemble a real coral reef in the oceans of the world. And don’t forget to stop by the penguin encounter, where you can learn about the life of different penguin species.
Not only the aquarium but the whole port area is one of the best places to visit with children. You can find some more itinerary ideas here, and you can easily buy your tickets here.
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (名古屋港水族館)
Entry Fee: adults 2030 yen, Elementary/Junior Highschool students 1010 yen, children 500 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:30; closing days may vary based on the season
Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033
Access: From Sakae Station, take the Meiko Line to Nagoyako Station. From Exit 3, it’s a 5-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps | Tickets
Nagoya Port Sea Train Land
Not far from Nagoya Aquarium is the so-called Sea Train Land, an amusement park at the port of Nagoya. It opened in 1995 but is still the biggest amusement park in the area.
The number one highlight is the 85-meter-tall Ferris wheel, the largest in the Tokai area (which includes Mie, Gifu, and Aichi prefectures). From the see-through gondolas, you get a 360-degree view of the port area as well as Ise Bay and the city of Nagoya.
All in all, Sea Train Land features 16 different rides for everyone from adults to small children. Not only do families enjoy the amusement park, but it is also a popular date spot for young couples, as it is especially romantic after dark when the whole park is lit up.
Sea Train Land Nagoya (名古屋港シートレインランド)
Entry Fee: free; rides are paid separately (free passes starting from 1500 yen)
Opening Hours: weekdays: 12:00 ~ 19:00; weekends: 10:00 ~ 20:00; closed on Mondays
Address: 1-51 Nishikuracho, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0034
Access: From Sakae Station, take the Meiko Line to Nagoyako Station. From Exit 3, it’s a 4-minute walk.
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
More animal encounters await you and your family at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
At the zoo, the most popular animals are koalas, giraffes, and elephants, as well as the animal house for nocturnal animals. But it houses a total of 550 species so there will definitely be an animal you will love.
Near the zoo area, you will also find the Higashiyama Sky Tower, an observatory inside the Higashiyama Park. From its 134-meter-high observation deck, you have a superb view over Nagoya, which is especially breathtaking during sunset. The top floors also feature a French restaurant where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular view.
On the opposite side of this big park is the botanical garden area, which includes a greenhouse, cherry trees, and flower fields. So even though each season is great for a visit to these gardens, the cherry blossom season in March/April and the autumn leaves season in November/December are a must-see highlight.
Moreover, If visiting Shirakawa-go isn’t possible during your trip to Japan, make sure to visit the Gassho Zukuri House (a traditional Japanese house built of wooden beams combined to form a steep thatched roof) at the botanical garden. It was moved from the world heritage site of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture to its current location.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (東山動植物園)
Entry Fee: high school students and up: 500 yen, middle school students and younger: free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30, closed Mondays and End of the Year Holidays
Address: 3-70 Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Higashiyama Line to Higashiyamakoen Station. From there it’s a 3-minute walk to the zoo entrance.
Website | Google Maps
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
If your kids are interested in cars, then a visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is a must. The museum recounts Toyota’s Journey, from its origins as a textile manufacturer to becoming Japan’s first and foremost car maker.
In addition to English tours and audio guides, there is plenty to see and experience here. Children, in particular, will love the chance to build their own car keychains or pull-back cars at the Waku Waku Experience Corner.
For more details on what to do during a visit to this museum, read this article.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (トヨタ産業技術記念館)
Entry Fee: adults 1,000 yen, University students 500 yen, High School students 300 yen, children 200 yen
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00, closed Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday), and New Year’s Holidays
Address: 4-1-35 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0051
Access: From Nagoya Station, it is a 16-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Meitetsu Train Line to Sako Station, from there it’s a 5-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps
Nagoya City Science Museum and Planetarium
If your kids love to learn about science and the stars, you shouldn’t miss the Nagoya City Science Museum. The building alone is pretty impressive, with its gigantic globe housing the world’s biggest planetarium.
In addition to its regular exhibitions, the science museum hosts changing exhibitions.
The planetarium offers regular sessions throughout the day, with themes changing monthly, focusing on current astronomical events. While the shows are conducted only in Japanese, it’s still fascinating to watch the stars projected on the gigantic spherical screen.
Nagoya City Science Museum (名古屋市科学館)
Entry Fee: adults 800 yen, University and High School students 500 yen, Junior High School students and younger free
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00, closed Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday), the 3rd Friday of every month, and New Year’s Holidays
Address: Within the Shirakawa Park grounds; 2-17-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Access: Take the Higashiyama line to Fushimi. From there it’s a 5-minute walk south from exits 4 and 5.
Website | Google Maps
Togokusan Fruit Park
On the outskirts of Nagoya, you will find Togokusan, a mountain with an impressive fruit park, the Togokusan Fruit Park.
This park was established as a recreational facility with orchards growing Japanese fruit such as Japanese mandarins, called mikan, and persimmons. These fruits can be harvested (and eaten) while they are in season.
An ‘Orchard of the World’ as they like to call it, because it grows fruit from all around the globe, including papaya and jackfruit. Here, you can learn about and taste delicious exotic fruit.
Multiple restaurants and shops are also on the premises, making it a great place to hang out all day.
Togokusan Fruit Park (名古屋市東谷山フルーツパーク)
Entry Fee: general admission: free; World Tropical Fruit Greenhouse: adults 300 yen, children free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30, closed Mondays
Address: Togoku-2110 Kamishidami, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 463-0001
Access: From Nagoya Station take the JR Chuo Line to Kozoji Station. From there it’s a 25-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps
Unforgettable Activities with Kids Around Nagoya
If you have exhausted everything to do in Nagoya with kids, it might be time to look a little further afield. There are a couple of theme parks not far from Nagoya that could be of interest to you and your family.
Ghibli Park
At Ghibli Park, you step into the world of your favorite Ghibli movies, becoming one with nature in the process. The park’s entire concept revolves around a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding forest and natural beauty.
Located in Nagakute, right next to Nagoya, the park features areas from popular Ghibli movies such as Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, and Castle in the Sky. Adults and children alike love the opportunity to experience life-size recreations of beloved locations from the Ghibli world, all seamlessly integrated with the surrounding forest and nature.
The park consists of five areas in total, offering a restaurant and some stalls serving Ghibli-inspired foods and drinks, numerous fun activities, and even two rides for children. And of course, souvenir shops. We created an in-depth article covering everything you need to know before visiting the park, so read it here.
If planning a visit by yourself seems overwhelming, how about joining our Ghibli Park Tour? Book now!
Ghibli Park (ジブリパーク)
Entry Fee: prices vary depending on the type of pass and the day of the week. Check them here.
Opening Hours: weekdays 10:00 – 17:00, weekends and school holidays 9:00 – 17:00, closed Tuesdays
Address: 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi
Access: From Nagoya Station take the Higashiyama Line to Fujigaoka Station, transfer to Linimo Line, and get off at Aichi Expo Memorial Park (Aichikyuhaku-Kinen-Koen) Station.
Website | Google Maps
Nagashima Spa Land
About 30 minutes from Nagoya is the largest amusement park in the region, called Nagashima Spa Land. It is part of Nagashima Resort, which also has an outlet shopping mall, an Onsen, and a very popular flower park called Nabana no Sato.
The amusement park offers around 40 rides, ranging from gentle ones for small children to high-speed roller coasters for thrill-seekers. Nagashima Spa Land has a reputation for being the best theme park for roller coasters in western Japan.
Nagashima Spa Land (ナガシマスパーランド)
Entry Fee: adults 1600 yen, Elementary School students 1000 yen, infants 500 yen; some rides cost extra. Amusement park admission + unlimited rides tickets also available
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 16:00 to 19:00 depending on the date
Address: 333 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie (511-1192)
Access: By Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station to Nagashima Spa Land.
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Little World Museum of Man
In Inuyama, a town about 30 minutes north of Nagoya, you will find many interesting attractions. One of them is the Little World Museum of Man, a theme park featuring countries from around the world. Here, you can learn about foreign cultures, taste dishes from different countries, and explore traditional clothing and ways of life.
With 33 buildings representing various countries, visitors have the opportunity to experience different cultures firsthand. It’s a great way to spark your children’s interest in the wider world.
Little World Museum of Man (野外民族博物館 リトルワールド)
Entry Fee: adults 1900 yen, students 1200 ~ 800 yen, children 400 yen. Special discount prices for foreign visitors.
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00. Opening hours and closing days vary depending on the season.
Address: 90-48 Narisawa, Imai, Inuyama, Aichi (484-0005)
Access: from Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Bus to Kani Shako and get off at the Little World stop (approximately 1 hr 4 min, 7 stops).
Website | Google Maps
Some other places that might be fun for your family to visit in Nagoya are the many beautiful parks and gardens (we have a list of the best ones here), the Sakae area with the Nagoya TV Tower and the spaceship-shaped Oasis 21, and of course Nagoya Castle, the symbol of the city where you can meet real Samurai and Ninja!
This post was last updated in May 2024.
Although we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please note that changes may occur nonetheless. We recommend you confirm any relevant information such as event cancelations or changes, opening hours, or possible restrictions using a direct source. Please keep in mind that these sources might be in Japanese only.
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