Kid-Friendly Tokyo: Where to Take Your Toddler to Play, Eat, Explore & Burn Off Energy

Itochu SDGs Studio Kids Park
A fantastic (and free!) indoor play space located in Minato City. With climbing structures, soft play areas, a ball pit, and lots of space to roam, this was a great place for our son to roam around and stay busy. While this is free, you do need to book online in advance as time slots fill up quickly.

Hope Square Park
Right next to Japan National Stadium, this green urban park is an excellent central spot to let little ones run and play. The nearby coffee stands and public restrooms make it extra convenient for families.

Aoyama Kitamachi Children’s Park
Located in the residential area of Aoyama, this park has a playground with a slide, bucket swing, sandbox, seesaw, and open space for kids to run around. The nearest restroom available is up the stairs past the restaurants.

Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza
Located in Ginza Mitsukoshi, this small but captivating art museum features illuminated fish tank installations with colorful lighting, elegant flower arrangements, and calming music. The exhibit is a collaboration of Japanese culture and goldfish, which is an important symbol in Japanese life. The dark, quiet environment creates an immersive experience for all to enjoy. My toddler was so mesmerized here and loved it so much, we visited twice during our time in Tokyo.

Up to two children under elementary school age per paying adult are complimentary. Stroller parking is available on the ninth floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi. The directory at Mitsukoshi will say the Art Aquarium is located on the eighth floor, however, you will need to go to the ninth floor first to take the escalator down to the eighth floor to access the entrance. You will not be able to enter directly from the eighth floor.

teamLab Planets Tokyo
An immersive art experience that wowed both us and our toddler. With water features, mirrored rooms, and sensory experiences, it’s a great way to introduce little ones to art and creativity. Stroller parking and lockers are available. I prefer teamLab Planets over Borderless for young kids. Please note that these exhibits may evolve over time, so feel free to reach out to me if you want to confirm whether they are still operating or if they have changed to a new experience.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
While not unique to Tokyo, both parks are incredibly clean, well-organized, and toddler-friendly. We only made it to Tokyo Disneyland on this trip but had a blast riding age-appropriate attractions, enjoying the parades, and meeting characters. You will be surprised how much a 1.5-year-old absorbs at a place like Disneyland—they are definitely not too young! Our son was mesmerized and even in his most exhausted state was still dancing during the evening parade when the floats came by. Pro tip: Pack food for a day at Disneyland! The lines are very long (we were there in March) and the options are not too plentiful depending on where you are in the park.

Shibuya Playground 4 Kids
A reservation-only indoor playground in central Shibuya. Clean, colorful, and well-designed for toddlers.

Kidzania Tokyo
A miniature city where kids can try different "jobs" and role-play as professionals. Best for ages three and up, but if traveling with older siblings, this is a must-visit.

Minami-Aoyama Roku-Chrome Children's Park
Not the fanciest park, but it has a rare infant swing—a big win for toddler and infant parents in Tokyo! Good for a quick energy burn.

MIYASHITA PARK
Located on the rooftop of a shopping center in Shibuya, this park features a grassy lawn, climbing wall, and skate ramps. It’s convenient for toddlers to run around mid-day while parents can enjoy the views.

Share Green Minami Aoyama
A small, relaxed outdoor space with coffee stands and food trucks. My son loved the grassy area where he could run free while we enjoyed some coffee and shade.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Rooftop Garden
A peaceful escape above the busy shopping streets. We stopped by for a snack and let our son wander around the rooftop garden.

Sesame Street Market at Sunshine City
A cute indoor cafe and character shop featuring Elmo and friends. It's ideal for a rainy day if you are in the area or are visiting Tokyo for an extended period of time like we were. Best for toddlers who love Sesame Street, but not worth a long detour otherwise as it is just a café and store. My son was in an Elmo phase, so it was cute how he recognized the characters from the books we read. We left the gift shop with an Elmo puppet, which kept him occupied the rest of our trip! The food is mainly kid food, but this is located in a mall, so you have other nearby options.

My Gym and Gymboree Tokyo
Both offer structured play sessions and classes for toddlers. Both My Gym and Gymboree have locations in the United States and abroad, so you may be familiar with these classes.

Afuri Ramen Roppongi
This casual ramen spot has several locations in Japan and is also in the United States, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong. We visited the Roppongi location. They have high chairs that attach to the bar counter or table as well as kids' utensils and bowls, making it a great place to dine with a toddler. Afuri also has vegan-friendly ramen on their menu, which is often hard to find (their rainbow vegan ramen is delicious!).

A Happy Pancake
With several locations around Tokyo, A Happy Pancake is known for their light and fluffy Japanese-style pancakes. They are committed to using fresh and natural ingredients. Some locations are busier than others, so check to see if you can make a reservation—they open reservations two weeks in advance and are bookable online only. A Happy Pancake is family-friendly and has high chairs. We visited the Omotesando location, which is in the basement, so you have to take the stairs or the small elevator down.

Mr. FARMER Omotesando
This healthy vegan café has a few locations—we visited the flagship Omotesando café in our neighborhood multiple times. This location is in close proximity to the vibrant Harajuku. Mr. FARMER’s menu offers a variety of salads, bowls, juices, smoothies, and more made from fresh ingredients and caters to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Takeout is an option here as well, which is less common in Japan. This location has plenty of seating and is a casual dining environment for kids.

Sta. Azabudai
Located in Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, Sta. offers contemporary Japanese cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. They have menu options that cater to less sophisticated eaters, but check the menu as it does rotate with seasonal offerings. High chairs are available for kids.

The Great Burger
An American-style burger restaurant located in Shibuya. The Great Burger has a large menu with other American food options. They have a kids' menu and crayons as well.

T’s Tantan
A popular ramen spot located in the Tokyo train station. You have to pay to enter the station to access this restaurant. This is a busy spot that often has a line. I waited while my son was napping in his stroller and the timing worked out perfectly to feed him lunch when he woke up. This is another great ramen option for pickier eaters that are looking for vegetarian ramen options. T’s Tantan is a casual lunch spot that is family friendly.

Nobu Tokyo
We did not bring our son with us to Nobu; however, I have added this as a kid-friendly fine dining option since we felt we would have brought a toddler here. Nobu felt a little more casual than some other locations we have been to. The restaurant is spacious and they have high chairs and a kids' menu.

Lobby Bar at The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon
The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon is a luxury hotel occupying floors 31-36 of the Tokyo World Gate building, which is also home to offices, restaurants, and residences, and is conveniently located near several transit stations. The Lobby Bar is located on the 31st floor and has stunning views overlooking the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. Eating is available at the bar counter, sofas, or regular tables. Reservations can be made online, so book one if you want to grab a table with a view! The bites menu has gluten-free and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions and the beverage list is extensive with cocktails, sake, spirits, and non-alcoholic wine. If you are staying at The EDITION and booked through me, you will get a $100 hotel credit through my perks that can be spent at the Lobby Bar!

Pizza Kevelos Harajuku
Japan actually has some good pizza spots, and that is coming from someone who has lived in New York for the last 10 years! Pizza Kevelos serves wood-fired pizzas, salads, and other meat and seafood appetizers. This is a cute little spot in Harajuku. My son was sleeping in his stroller when we ate here, but they would have been accommodating to kids had he been awake!

Gonpachi Nori-Temaki Harajuku
Nori-Temaki is a different concept under the same restaurant group known for being featured in the movie Kill Bill—that was at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, which we also visited with our toddler for dinner one evening. Gonpachi Nori-Temaki is located near the Harajuku train station and is a casual restaurant to stop in for lunch or dinner (they do not take reservations). They have bar counter high chairs and also offer kids' serving utensils and dishware. They have cooked shrimp on the menu, which was appealing for me as I do not eat raw fish. (This recommendation is geared more to accommodate less sophisticated eaters and kids but not for those who are real foodies.)

Food courts
When in doubt, head to a food court or casual restaurant in one of the many shopping malls. Lots of options, space for strollers, and no pressure if your toddler gets loud or squirmy.