Nagoya is an ideal city for family travelers, offering a wide range of fun, educational, and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking to fuel your child’s imagination, ignite a love of science, or explore the artistry and history of Japan, there’s something for everyone.
Here are some of the top family-friendly destinations in and around Nagoya, perfect for making lasting memories with the whole family!
1) LEGOLAND Japan
Kids will love: LEGO themed rides, food, and shops
Parents will love: interactive family fun, photo ops, and family friendly amenities
LEGOLAND Japan is one of Nagoya’s premier attractions for children. This vibrant theme park is designed primarily for kids aged 2–12 and features more than 40 rides, shows, and attractions spread across seven themed zones. From towering LEGO sculptures to thrilling rollercoasters and water play areas, there’s something for every young adventurer.
Adults can enjoy the impressive large-scale models, themed restaurants, and immersive LEGO Hotel next door, which offers an extra level of excitement for families wanting to make the most of their visit.
2) SCMAGLEV & Railway Park
Kids will love: model train sets and simulators, sitting inside real Shinkansen and train cars
Parents will love: the technology, engineering exhibits, and Japan's remarkable transit evolution
Perfect for children and adults alike, the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is an interactive museum that celebrates the history and future of Japan’s iconic trains. Featuring a lineup of 39 real train cars—including bullet trains and a maglev prototype—the museum brings transportation history to life.
3) Nagoya City Science Museum
Kids will love: The Tornado Room with a 9-meter artificial tornado, Interactive science zones (electricity, life, space, robotics)
Parents will love: The peaceful and air-conditioned environment (great for rainy days), The affordability and access for all age groups
A must-visit on any educational itinerary, this multi-floor museum offers hands-on exhibits across fields like space, robotics, and life sciences. Key attractions include a towering 9-meter tornado, a polar room at -30°C featuring aurora simulations, and the world’s largest planetarium.
Most of the scientific explanations are in Japanese, but there are some English descriptions for the main exhibits. It is also worth noting that the planetarium shows are reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis, so if you are arriving to the museum later in the day, you might not be able to see the show. There are also various labs and workshops available throughout the day which are also available by reservation at the front desk.
It's a great way to combine fun and learning, making science approachable and exciting for children and teens.
4) Ghibli Park
Kids will love: Viewing short Ghibli films in the Grand Warehouse, exploring hidden spots, playhouses, and themed rides
Parents will love: A calm, walkable experience rather than an overwhelming amusement park
Ghibli Park is a dreamlike theme park dedicated to the world of Studio Ghibli. Spread across five unique areas—each inspired by iconic films like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle—this park blends art, architecture, nature, and fantasy into a magical experience.
The park is immersive but calm—more like a walkable museum than a typical amusement park—making it perfect for families who want to slow down and explore at their own pace.
5) Koka Ninja House
Kids will love: Discovering trap doors and hidden passages, and trying ninja star (shuriken) throwing
Parents will love: Historical and cultural insights into feudal Japan, and unique, off-the-beaten-path experience
Located in Shiga Prefecture, the Koka Ninja House is an authentic Edo-era ninja residence filled with secret passages, trap doors, and hidden compartments. Once home to the Mochizuki ninja clan, visitors can explore the ingenious architecture and even try throwing shuriken (ninja stars).
It's a fantastic half-day trip from Nagoya and a unique way to step into Japan’s more mysterious past.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on a full-day tour from Nagoya.
6) Food Replica Workshop in Gujo
Kids will love: hands on experiences, exploring a samurai castle
Parents will love: unique souvenirs, small town vibes, samurai history
Sampuru (food replicas) are a quintessential part of Japan’s restaurant culture, and Gujo is the birthplace of this delightful art form. In this interactive workshop, families can craft their own hyper-realistic sushi, tempura, or dessert using wax and plastic.
It’s a quirky, hands-on experience that kids and adults alike will enjoy—and you'll take home a souvenir unlike any other.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a family-friendly journey on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.
7) Nagashima Spa Land
Kids will love: Amusement park rides, water attractions, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Parents will love: Relaxing hot springs, shopping outlets, and a variety of dining options.
Nagashima Spa Land is one of Japan’s largest amusement parks and a top family destination just outside Nagoya. The park features over 40 attractions, ranging from adrenaline-pumping coasters like Steel Dragon 2000 to gentle rides in the Kids Town area, specially designed for younger children.
While kids enjoy the thrill of rides or cool off at the adjacent Jumbo Ocean Water Park in summer, parents can unwind at Yuami no Shima, a beautifully designed hot spring complex inspired by traditional Japanese bathhouses. For those looking to squeeze in a bit of shopping, the next-door Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima offers over 200 stores in a stylish, open-air setting.
With something for every age and interest, Nagashima Spa Land is an ideal all-in-one getaway for families looking to balance fun and relaxation.
8) Togokusan Fruits Park
Kids will love: Picking their own fruit during seasonal harvest events, and exploring the Tropical Fruit Greenhouse and spotting unusual fruits
Parents will love: Tasting seasonal sweets and fruit-inspired dishes at the restaurant
Nestled at the base of Mt. Togoku in the north-eastern side of Nagoya City, Togokusan Fruits Park offers a refreshing retreat into nature with a sweet twist—fruit!
Since opening in 1980, this expansive, city-owned agricultural park has provided families, nature lovers, and travelers with hands-on experiences and educational fun centered around fruit cultivation.
Whether you're looking to spend a peaceful afternoon outdoors or get your hands a little dirty in the orchards, Togokusan Fruits Park is a great choice for families and foodies alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best season to visit Nagoya with kids?
Nagoya is family-friendly year-round, but spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov) are the most popular seasons and offer the best weather for outdoor attractions.
Can I use a stroller at all of these locations?
Most indoor attractions (Legoland, Science Museum, SCMAGLEV Park) are stroller-friendly. Ghibli Park and Gujo have some uneven terrain, so consider a lightweight or foldable stroller.
Are these places good for teens too?
Yes! Older kids and teens will especially enjoy Ghibli Park, food replica workshop, and ninja house for their interactive and immersive qualities. Families with older children and teens might also want to consider activities like hiking the Nakasendo Trail or taking a boat ride in Omi Hachiman's canals.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, for Ghibli Park and some workshops in Gujo, advance reservation is essential. Legoland also offers discounted pricing for online reservations.
Additional Tips for Visiting Nagoya with Kids
- Book tickets in advance—especially for Ghibli Park.
- Bring snacks and water, especially for longer trips like the Koka Ninja House or Gujo workshops.
- Consider guided tours as they provide all the transportation and logistic planning for you.
- Pack layers—indoor museums are climate-controlled, but outdoor venues can get chilly in early spring and winter.
With a mix of education, entertainment, creativity, and history, Nagoya is a fantastic destination for families of all ages. Whether you’re marveling at trains, exploring a ninja’s hideout, or crafting your own edible art, these activities are sure to leave you with lifelong memories.
