Kyoto for Families: The Best Kid-Friendly Activities and Places to Visit

Kyoto offers plenty of exciting and educational experiences for children, aside from its historic temples, serene gardens, and centuries-old traditions. The city provides many ways for kids and adults to have fun while learning about Japanese culture. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best kid-friendly attractions and experiences in Kyoto that families consistently recommend, whether you’re traveling with curious toddlers, energetic kids, or teenagers interested in anime or history. This will help you plan a trip that balances cultural sightseeing with plenty of fun along the way!

Arashiyama Monkey Park

If your kids enjoy animals and a bit of adventure, a visit to Iwatayama Monkey Park in the Arashiyama district is often recommended by families. Reaching the park requires a short uphill hike, but the reward at the top makes the climb worthwhile: about 120 wild Japanese macaques roam freely in their natural environment, enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto from the mountain. Children may also enjoy the unique experience of feeding the monkeys from inside a protected hut, making this attraction both exciting and memorable for young travelers.

Visitors are advised not to touch the monkeys, avoid direct eye contact, and keep a safe distance.

Location: 61 Nakao Shita cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto

Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but may vary per season

Fees: ¥800 for adults; ¥400 for children; free for those under 3 years old

Website: http://www.monkeypark.jp/eng-index.html

Kyoto Aquarium

Opened on March 14, 2021, the Kyoto Aquarium is one of Japan’s larger inland aquariums that uses artificial seawater; it is another great option for families looking for a relaxing activity between sightseeing stops. The aquarium features a variety of marine life exhibits, including penguins, jellyfish (Jellyfish Wonder), and entertaining dolphin presentations. Its modern design and indoor setting make it convenient on rainy or hot days. Many parents appreciate the comfortable facilities and child-friendly atmosphere, making it an easy and enjoyable stop for young travelers.

Location: 梅小路公園, 内, 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan

Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays; 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends

Fees: ¥2,600 for general admission; ¥2,000 for high school students; ¥1,400 for junior high/elementary school students; ¥900 for toddlers ages 3 years and older

You may learn more about its fees here.

Website: https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Anime fans should not miss the Kyoto International Manga Museum, a unique spot dedicated to Japan’s comic art. The museum houses hundreds of thousands of manga volumes lining its walls, many of which visitors can browse and read. Kids and teens often enjoy spending time flipping through illustrated stories or relaxing on the museum’s lawn with their finds. With exhibitions and occasional events celebrating manga culture, and with the establishment serving as a library and research resource, it’s a fun and creative stop for families with children of all ages.

Location: 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846, Japan

Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM (Closed on Wednesdays, but if it falls on a holiday, closure begins the day after)

Fees:

You may purchase your tickets in advance here.

Website: https://kyotomm.jp/en/

Kyoto Railway Museum

For train lovers and curious explorers, the Kyoto Railway Museum is a fantastic stop during a family trip. This large, interactive museum showcases Japan’s impressive railway history through real locomotives, hands-on exhibits, and train driving simulators. Kids can step inside vintage trains, explore their technology, and even watch demonstrations at the working roundhouse, with one highlight being a large 20-track roundhouse from 1914 that train enthusiasts would love. The museum makes learning about Japan’s rail system engaging for visitors of all ages.

Location: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan

Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fees: ¥1,500 for general admission; ¥1,300 for university/high school students; ¥500 for junior high/elementary school students; ¥200 for preschool children (3 years and older)

Other fees can be found here.

Website: https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/

Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto

For kids fascinated by Japanese history, action-packed stories and interactive samurai and ninja experiences can be highlights of a Kyoto trip. At places like the Samurai Ninja Museum in Kyoto, just near the Nishiki Market and Gion, families can try activities such as throwing ninja stars, wearing traditional samurai armor, and learning about the lives of these legendary warriors. Children can participate in hands-on demonstrations that bring Japan’s warrior culture to life in an exciting and memorable way. 

Location: 109 Horinoucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8117, Japan

Hours: 9:15 AM to 6:30 PM daily

Fees: ¥3,300 per person, with tax included

Website: https://mai-ko.com/samurai/

Kyoto City Zoo

The Kyoto City Zoo offers a simple and enjoyable outing for families traveling with younger children. Located near several major sightseeing spots, the zoo features a variety of animals, such as red pandas, monkeys, and other wildlife. The zoo’s compact layout makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed, while small play areas and nearby parks let kids run around after walking through the exhibits.

Location: Okazaki Hoshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8333, Japan

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry: 4:30 PM)

Fees: ¥750 for over 16 years old; ¥650 for over 30 people; ¥2,200 for yearly pass (adults); and free of charge for ages 15 and younger

You may learn more about its fees here.

Website: https://zoo.city.kyoto.lg.jp/zoo/lang/en/

Outdoor Parks & Nature

There are a few parks in Kyoto that provide kids with a refreshing break to stretch their legs and play. Umekoji Park is a popular family spot with wide lawns, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a casual afternoon. It also includes water play areas, often enjoyed by families! Maruyama Park also offers beautiful scenery and plenty of open space to relax.  Families can also enjoy visiting the stepping stones along the Kamo River, where children can hop across the water and take in Kyoto’s serene natural environment.

Umekoji Park

Location: 56-3 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8836, Japan

Hours: Anytime; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) for Suzaku Garden & Forest of Life

Fees: Free of charge; ¥200 for the Suzaku Garden & Forest of Life for elementary school age and up

Website: https://www.kyoto-ga.jp/umekouji/index.html

Location: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan

Hours: Anytime

Fees: Free of charge

Website: https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/

Book Your Kyoto Tour with Us!

To make your Kyoto trip seamless, consider Arigato Travel’s family-friendly tours, which our experts recommend as some of the best ways to explore Japan! You’ll learn about Kyoto’s culture, history, and food in an engaging and easy-to-follow way, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Kyoto is a city that beautifully merges ancient history with modern, kid-friendly attractions. From feeding the monkeys at Arashiyama and exploring the world of manga and trains, to simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon in one of its beautiful parks, there are countless ways for families to create lasting memories. By combining traditional sightseeing with these unique, engaging experiences, your family trip to Kyoto will be both enriching and fun for travelers of all ages.

Featured Photo Credit: Raymond Yeung

For more adventures around Japan’s Cultural Capital, check out our full list of Kyoto Tours and dive headfirst into your next historical adventure today!