Dropping into Japan with your fam for the most extraordinary holiday of your lives? Start here with this epic list of things to do in Osaka with kids to get you inspired.

Grungy. Funny. Completely awesome. That’s Osaka summed up in 3 words for you. Wait, I forgot ‘absolutely friggin delicious’. Okay, 4 words. It ain’t no Tokyo, for Osaka has a completely different vibe. People are a little looser and funnier, and everything seems to be a little crazier – you’ll see what I mean the moment you set foot in Dotonbori.

That being said, it’s still one of the most family-friendly places in the world we have visited, with an insane amount of entertainment and attractions for the whole family that’ll having you screaming out, “why the heck did I not book a longer trip to this place!?”.

However, I get that not everyone has all the time in the world to explore this city for as long as they’d like, so if you’ve only got a day to spare, take a look at our 1-day Osaka Itinerary for all the essential must-dos.

Without further ado, whip out your Osaka itinerary spreadsheet and start taking notes. This is a mega list and a heck of a lot to process because you simply don’t run out of things to do in Osaka with kids.

▪︎  Don’t exchange currency at self-service machines. These are called Smart Exchange ATMs – their rates are dismal and will cause angry teeth gritting. Our best tip is to open Google Maps when in Osaka and type in “currency exchange” into search and find the ones with high star ratings. We’ve had good experiences with these.

▪︎  Pre-purchase attraction tickets on Klook. Check for discounted attraction tickets to Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and others to save money and skip long queues.

▪︎  To JR Pass or not to JR Pass? If you’re planning to visit multiple cities in various regions – it’s worth getting a 7, 14 or 21-day Japan Rail Pass. If you’re doing more day trips in the Kansai Region (Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji) – save money and get the JR West Kansai Pass instead.

Opening hours: may vary daily. Check the official website for up-to-date information.

Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka

Entry Price: from 7,600 JPY / $70 USD adults | from 5,200 JPY / $48 USD kids 4+ years

Pre-purchase Universal Studios Tickets

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm (times vary according to season)

Address: 1-Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 2,300 JPY / $21 USD adults | 1,200 JPY / $11 USD kids 7-15 years | 600 JPY / $5.50 USD kids 4-6 years

6. Relax Inside Solaniwa Onsen

Pack the kids and treat yourselves to a day of pampering – Japanese style. Not all are family-friendly, but this Azuchi-Momoyama era (1568 – 600 A.D.) natural onsen is west Japan’s largest onsen theme park where families can bathe in the soothing warm waters, dress in traditional Yukata, enjoy entertaining live shows and roam the rooftop Japanese garden.

Opening hours: 11am – 9am (open 22 hours)

Location: Osaka Bay Tower, 1-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka

Entry price: from 1,980 JPY / $18 USD adults | 990 JPY / $9 USD kids over 4

8. Oval-Shaped Dotonbori Ferris Wheel

Okay, so we’ve already established that Japan has an obsession with ferris wheels. But, what makes this one a little crazy and a little special is its oblong shape. I mean, how many people can say that they’ve ridden on an oval-shaped ferris wheel? Not many. If any. The views from the top are spectacular at night – soak in the lights of the entertainment district from above and spot attractions like Tsutenkaku Tower and Abeno Harukas.

This funky ferris wheel actually belongs to the discount chain store – Don Quijote, or as Japanese call it, Donki. Do yourselves a favour and take a stroll inside; buy souvenirs or simply have a laugh at some of the funny and outrageous things you’ll find inside.

Opening hours: 11am – 11pm daily

Location: Tonbori Riverfront

Entry price: 600 JPY / $5.50 USD per person

9. Tombori River Cruise

Hop onboard a 20-minute cruise down the Dotonbori canal and take in all the craziness and over-the-top billboards from the serenity of the river. While you’re cruising along and snapping away for the ‘gram, learn all about some of Dotonbori’s hidden gems and history of the area from your guide.

Access to the Tombori River Cruise is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass. Get the pass to save on entry to major attractions.

Visitor Information

Location: 1 Chome-6-7 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Price: 900 JPY ($8 USD) adults | 400 JPY ($3.70 USD) kids 6-12 years

10. Tombori River Boardwalk

If the thought of cruising makes you feel a wee bit nauseous – take a stroll down the Tombori River instead. The scenic boardwalk will take you past scores of restaurants and food stands that serve up some of the city’s best Takoyaki (octopus balls), gyoza (Japanese dumplings) and other popular street food. Experiencing a sunset from the Riverwalk is breathtaking and a memory that will stick with you forever-ever.

11. Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Alright, so if you and your kids pass as ‘foodies’ – the Konamon Museum needs to be added to your Japan with kids itinerary. Stat. Munch on Osaka’s soul food, Takoyaki; learn about the dish’s roots and even make wax samples because they love their art of making fake food in Japan. Observe experts preparing Takoyaki up close and discover the origins of the dish, what the brown sauce is made from, and bring home neat little souvenirs.

Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm daily

Location: 1 Chome-6-12, Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Entry price: Free (wax model making costs 1,600 JPY / $15 USD)

12. Make a Wish at Hozen-ji Temple

If there’s one thing our 4-year old came to love in Japan (apart from collecting Gachapon), it was making prayers at shrines. Throw in a coin, ring the bell, clap twice and make your prayer. At the famous moss-covered statue of Fudo Myo-o found in the little laneways of Hozen-ji Yokocho, visitors aren’t required to make a prayer. Instead, you make a wish. Legend has it that tossing in a coin and throwing water over the statue whilst making your wish will bring it to fulfilment.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Location: 1 Chome-2-16, Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Entry: Free

14. Collect Gachapon in DenDen Town

Hailed the Akihabara of Osaka, DenDen Town, is a haven for tech nuts and game freaks. Stumble upon shops selling pop culture merchandise, collectible items, camera gear, anime fan gear and, of course, Gachapon – vending machine dispensed capsule toys. Parents will have a love/hate relationship with these mysterious ball-shaped Kinder Surprise-like goodies. There are entire shops dedicated to Gachapon in DenDen Town – kids will go nuts. Parents will go broke.

Location: 5-minute walk east from Namba Station

18. Frolic in the Urban Oasis at Namba Parks

Feeling slightly suffocated by the concrete jungle and city life? Head to the Namba Parks rooftop garden where you’ll find 8 levels of rising terraces filled with 7,000 plants, waterfalls, streams, climbing obstacles for kids, gardens and an amphitheatre for outdoor concerts. Let the little ones run free while parents chill out on the lawn space, admire killer views over Osaka and gape in awe at the canyon-design of the mall seen from the top.

Opening hours: 11am – 9pm daily

Location: 2 Chome-10-70 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka

Entry: Free

Tennoji & Shinsekai: Osaka Attractions for Kids

Home to the tallest skyscraper and oldest temple in Japan, Tennoji and Shinsekai are areas that have undergone rapid redevelopment over the past years to revitalise the district and draw in family crowds.

19. Stroll through Tennoji Park

Hugely popular amongst local families seeking to get outside with their kids, Tennoji Park is a large and open urban oasis that’s home to attractions like the zoo, Osaka City Museum of Art, a Japanese Garden, and a bright red bridge that provides the perfect elevation for turtle-spotting over the lake.

Grab a bite to eat or let the kids run around in Ten-Shiba, a huge open space lined with hip cafes, eateries, shops, futsal courts and an indoor/outdoor kids’ play centre. Another cool spot to visit inside the park is the Chausu-yama mound, the famous site of the legendary 17th century Summer Siege battle between two samurai clans.

20. Zen out at Keitakuen Garden

Don’t miss this Japanese garden inside Tennoji Park – it’s a little hidden but I’m going to tell you exactly how to find this little gem. Navigate your way to the southern end of the Osaka City Museum of Art (closer to the Ten-Shiba area), there you’ll find a tiny little booth that sells tickets to the Keitakuen Garden. Inside, you’ll find a small lake inhabited by koi fish, narrow walking paths, a gazebo, streams and stone bridges that will help you find complete inner peace. Or not (taking kids into consideration).

Opening hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Tuesday to Friday), closed on Mondays

Location: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji, Osaka

Entry Price: 150 JYP / $1.40 USD adults

24. Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory

For some seriously impressive panoramic views of Osaka, there’s no better place than the tallest skyscraper in Japan – Abeno Harukas. The Harukas 300 Observatory is found between the 58th to 60th floors where visitors can step out to an open-air plaza and kids can run a few laps and catch some fresh air. The real marvel is on the 60th floor – prepare to be blown away by incredible views of the city from a 360° glass-enclosed deck.

Real thrill seekers and older kids might enjoy giving their heart rates a good beating with a trip up to the very top with Edge The Harukas, where adrenalin junkies can skim along the edge of a narrow deck while attached to a harness.

Opening hours: 6:30am – midnight daily

Location: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 1,500 JPY / $14 USD adults | free for kids under 3

Book Harukas 300 Observatory Tickets

25. Roam the Shopping Malls

Pop into Abeno Q’s Mall or Tennoji MIO for a sightseeing break and relax in the kids’ spaces, grab a bite to eat, skim the toy stores or update your wardrobe – it’s the biggest and trendiest shopping complex in all of Osaka. We loved dropping into these malls for some downtime – browsing some of the variety stores like Tokyu Hands and Loft is a fun family activity in Osaka.

27. Tsutenkaku Tower

Modelled after elements of the Eiffel Tower, Tsutenkaku Tower is the big neon-lit metal thing that shoots out of the centre of Shinsekai. But, let’s be real. It probably resembles more of an airport control tower than anything else. The tower houses two observation decks with panoramic views over the city, souvenir shops, amusement stores and a Kinnikuman Museum dedicated to the popular anime character.

Opening hours: 9am – 9pm daily

Location: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 800 JPY / $7 USD | free for kids under 5

28. Splash Around Inside Spa World

This is not just another onsen theme park. This is an aquatic journey to hot spring-themed baths all around the world. Experience the baths of Rome, Greece, Spain, Bali and Japan all under one roof. If that sounds boring to the kids, then pop into Spa World’s amusement pools – one of the top fun things to do with kids in Osaka – the large swimming space is packed with thrilling water slides and water-based play spaces.

Opening hours: Times vary. Check the official website for up-to-date information.

Location: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka

Entry price: from 1,300 JPY / $12 USD adults | 1,000 JPY / $9 USD kids under 12

Book Spa World Tickets

29. Ninja Workshop & Costume Rental Experience

Ever fantasised about being a ninja for a day? Well, if you’re out of crazy ideas on what to do in Osaka with kids, learn what it takes to become a master assassin in this exciting Ninja Workshop Experience. Don your black robes, learn about the weapons and how to fight, as well as meditation techniques from a professional instructor. You can even roam the streets as a ninja fam and have your photos taken in this unforgettable experience.

Side note: only kids aged 4+ can participate in this activity.

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily

Location: 1 Chome-1-18 Taishi, Nishinari Ward, Osaka

Price: from 4,800 JPY / $44 USD adults | 3,800 JPY / $35 USD kids aged 4+

Expo City: Osaka Attractions for Kids

Located in Suita, roughly an hour by train north of Osaka, EXPOCITY is a massive outdoor entertainment, dining and shopping complex that sprouted from the remaining monuments of the 1970 World Expo.

30. Get Mindblown at NIFREL Aquazoo

It’s nothing like you’ve ever experienced anywhere before – I can guarantee you that. NIFREL Aquazoo is the result when you arrange a 3-way marriage between Tokyo’s TeamLab Borderless, a zoo and an aquarium. Look, it’s hard to explain, but I’m going to rate this place as one of the top Osaka attractions for kids.

Based on a ‘living museum’ concept, NIFREL allows many of its friendly animal residents to roam freely in the open exhibits. It’s a truly mind-blowing sensory experience for the whole family; along the way, there will be opportunities to interact with doctor fish, lemurs, pelicans and other unique mammals.

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm daily

Location: EXPOCITY, 2-1 Senribampakukoen, Suita Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 2,000 JPY / $18 USD adults | 600 JPY / $5.50 USD 3-6 years

32. Get Active inside VS Park

I can probably guarantee that you’ve never experienced an indoor amusement centre quite like this one . Spanning two floors, VS Park in EXPOCITY is what you get when you merge sports with virtual reality. Think you can outrun a gorilla? Put your speed to the test and find out. Challenge your kids in a round of bass table tennis set inside a boombox. Practice your aim in virtual archery or race your family on personal mobility devices – there’s a ton of fun to be had inside.

Opening hours: 10am – 9pm (weekdays) | 9am – 9pm (weekends)

Location: EXPOCITY, 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita Ward, Osaka

Entry price: from 2,800 JPY / $25 USD adults

Pre-book your Osaka attraction tickets:

33. ANIPO Animal Amusement Park

ANIPO is a small outdoor amusement park with rides designed for young children. Jump on a choo choo train ride, soar the skies aboard the Flying Bicycle or shoot water at super cute animals and see who gets the best shot. It’s a great little bit of outdoor fun that allows parents and kids to enjoy the rides together.

Opening hours: 10am – 8pm (daily)

Location: EXPOCITY, 2 Senribanpakukoen, Suita Ward, Osaka

Price: Pay per ride (between 200-400 / $2-4 USD JPY each)

35. Japan’s First KFC Buffet Restaurant

You read right. Located outside the LaLaport shopping complex in EXPOCITY is Japan’s very first all-you-can-eat KFC buffet. Given that we had never seen anything like it anywhere else – we had to give this a try. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just fried chicken and ‘slaw that’s on offer. You’ll find everything from a fresh salad buffet to lasagne and vegetable stir fries. Oh, and of course, matcha ice cream and a whole bunch of yummy Japanese desserts.

Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily

Location: EXPOCITY, 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita Ward, Osaka

Price: from 1,880 JPY ($17 USD) adults | kids under 3 eat free

36. Snap a Pic in Gundam Square

Fans of robots and Japanese anime will find plenty of amusement inside the Gundam Square Shop and Cafe. The store side sells Gunpla and other merchandise from the popular animated cartoon and the themed cafe serves up staple dishes from Osaka, such as, Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, boba tea and the famous Char’s Zaku Rice that comes served up in the shape of a Gundam head.

Don’t forget to snap a pic with the two giant Gundam statues in combat at the entrance.

Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily

Location: EXPOCITY, 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita City, Osaka

Entry: Free

38. Omigachi Park

If your kids aren’t knackered by the end of Kids Plaza – head outside to the Omigachi Park playground behind the complex. This is the biggest public outdoor playground I’ve seen in all of Osaka, complete with slides, climbing obstacles, rolling hills and sand pits. Fingers crossed the kiddos sleep sound through the night after an epic day of play.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Location: 1 Chome-1-2-1 Omigachi, Kita Ward, Osaka

Entry: Free

39. Osaka Museum of Housing & Living

Take a step back in time and catch a glimpse of Osaka in the Edo period inside the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Inside, you’ll get to explore a recreated Edo-style town, where you can walk into a shops and even a bathhouse. For an extra 500 JPY / $5 USD, you can rent a kimono and roam the old townscape as if you were a resident from that period.

Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Location: 6 Chome-4-20 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 600 JPY / $5.50 USD adults | under 15 years enter free

40. Umeda Sky Building

Is it a space station? Is it the Starship Enterprise? Nope. It’s the Umeda Sky Building. At 173 metres tall, the futuristic structure stands on two towers – west and east – both joined at the top by the circular Floating Garden Observatory. Between the 35th and 40th floors, you’ll find a massive ceiling-to-floor glass observatory, an open-air rooftop sky walk, and even a sky-high bar.

Entry to the Umeda Sky Building is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass – get the pass for huge discounts to major attractions in the city.

Opening hours: 9:30am – 10:30pm daily

Location: 1 Chome-1-87 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 1,500 JYP / $14 USD adults | 700 JYP / $6 USD kids 4-12

41. HEP Five Ferris Wheel

Are you serious. Another one? Yeah. What are we up to now? Ferris wheel no. 12? 55? I’ve lost count. However, your wandering eyes won’t miss this bright red ferris wheel sitting atop a shopping complex. Yes, this one’s special because it doesn’t sit on ground level. It sits on top of a mall – visitors can board the ride from the 7th floor.

Entry to HEP Five ferris wheel is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass – get the pass for huge discounts to major attractions in the city.

Opening hours: 11am – 1045pm daily

Location: 5-15 Kakuda-chou, Kita Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 600 JPY / $5.50 USD adults | free for kids under 6

Get HEP Five Tickets

42. Yodobashi Toy Department

Guys. This is not just any department store. It’s a friggin’ Yodobashi. If you haven’t heard of this department store chain, it’s basically the most epic electronic department store on this entire planet. But kids, of course, aren’t the slightest bit interested in household electronics, cameras and what-not. That’s not what you’re coming here for – you’re coming for the colossal toy department that occupies an entire floor of this shopping centre-sized complex.

Move aside, Toys ‘R’ Us, because this toy department is on crack. Roam the aisles and find everything from Pokémon to Marvel – I can guarantee that your kids will have to be dragged out of this place. Kids will stumble upon huge demo displays and play stations where they can test out toys and build structures.

Opening hours: 9:30am – 10pm

Location: 1-1 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka

43. Kit Kat Chocolatery

Inside the Daimaru department store beneath Osaka Station, you’ll find something sweet and indulgent. If you’re a fan of Kit Kats (seriously – who isn’t?), then this is the place to try unique flavours, like, sakura (I wasn’t aware that cherry blossoms could be turned into a flavour), chilli, cream cheese, sweet potato and a whole heap more you never thought possible. Be aware that it’s not cheap though – this is considered a gourmet Kit Kat shop and will dig deep into your wallet.

Opening hours: 10am – 8:30pm daily

Location: 3 Chome-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka

Book Osaka Castle Tickets

46. Osaka Castle Lumina Night Walk

For an unforgettable experience at Osaka Castle – visit the grounds at night and embark on the magical Sakuya Lumina Night Walk journey. The experience combines captivating storytelling, immersive digital art and cutting edge sound and light design to draw visitors into a fairytale journey that hurls you from the present into the past.

Be sure to buy tickets in advance, as they are much more expensive at the door.

Opening hours: 6pm – 10pm daily

Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 3,200 JPY / $29 USD adults | 1,200 JPY / $11 USD kids 4-12 years | free for kids under 4

48. Osaka Museum of History

For history lovers of all ages – this fun and interactive museum chronicles Osaka’s vast history from ancient times that span back thousands of years to the early Showa period. The upper levels of the museum provide amazing views of Osaka Castle located across the street. The lower levels hold life-size recreations of early 20th century Osaka city streets and households that visitors can stroll through.

Opening hours: 9:30am – 5pm daily

Location: 4 Chome 1-3-2 Otemae, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Entry price: 600 JPY / $5.50 USD | under 12 years free

Kids Activities in Osaka: Other Places of Interest

These last two places to go with kids in Osaka are, perhaps, a little out of the way and make for a bit of a day trip of their own. Nevertheless, they are still unique and fun experiences that the whole family can enjoy, so squeeze them into your Osaka itinerary if you can still manage to find the space.

49. Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda

Cup noodle fans, rejoice. Much like the one in Yokohama, this super fun and tasty instant noodle museum is the perfect place to learn about the origins of this popular snack (or quick meal). Try your hand at making chicken ramen, or even create your very own personalised cup noodle to take back home as a souvenir. Walk through the colourful Instant Noodles Tunnel lined with over 800 Nissin product packages, depicting the complete evolution of flavours and noodle types.

Opening hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm (closed Tuesdays)

Location: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka

Entry price: Free