Travelling with kids means you’re always on the lookout for that sweet spot between fun and educational and Kids Plaza Osaka nails it. We spent a full day exploring this multi level activity centre, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our time in Osaka, least Georgia thought so – and it didn’t cost a lot given how much value it gives!
If you’ve got kids in tow, this place is ideal. Spread across the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors of a shiny modern building right near Ogimachi Station, it’s packed with science exhibits, hands on experiments, pretend play spaces, and an indoor play town that looks like something out of a fantasy movie.
We kicked things off on the 8th floor a space filled with role play areas, including a fully kitted out TV studio where kids can play news anchors, meteorologists, and cameramen. Georgia, who usually loves being centre stage, was a bit shy this time and honestly, fair enough. The setup’s proper pro, with lights, green screens, and microphones not just a basic corner with dress ups. She preferred watching others have their go, which was still fun in itself.
Dotty, meanwhile, was straight in. Buttons? Levers? Lights? Say no more. She was in her element, flicking switches and investigating everything she could get her hands on, she loved the ball runs too!
Giant bubble wands, spinning machines, mirrors that warp your face, interactive water play you name it. Georgia and Dotty was obsessed with the water section and Georgia loved the puzzles and building skeletons xray and other games.
We also found a sensory area with light boards perfect for younger kids or kids who just want a bit of calm amid the chaos, and a full subway train and ticket system if you fancy a bit of role play!
Heading down to the 7th floor, we entered Kids Town a colourful indoor climbing structure that wraps around the walls like a vertical village. It was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, so the whole space looks like an artwork not a straight line in sight.
The girls could’ve stayed there for hours. There are climbing walls, rope bridges, little nooks and cubbies, and a big winding slide that drops you from one level to another. It was safe, and gave them loads of freedom to explore Georgia loved the shop where the till scanned barcodes and printed receipts and dotty was loving the dress up and small shop area there..
We brought snacks and grabbed a spot in the lunch area to recharge it’s clean, quiet, and pushchair friendly.
What really stood out to us was how thoughtfully the place is designed for families.
There’s a baby room with feeding chairs and hot water Lockers to stash your bags Friendly staff who genuinely love kids no grumpy museum vibes here!
And the best part? Both kids had their own space and time to enjoy the day their way.
For us as parents, it was gold. Indoors, engaging, educational, and super safe.
Not every travel day with kids goes smoothly, but this one was a cracker. Kids Plaza Osaka gave us a bit of everything: excitement, exploration, and even some chill time. It’s a must-do if you’re in Osaka with children under 12 – and especially if the weather’s not playing nice.
