Kyoto Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Kyoto
This itinerary balances engaging ticketed attractions like the Railway Museum and Aquarium with free outdoor fun at parks and cultural sites. It's designed for easy transportation, often grouping nearby activities, and includes options suitable for various ages within the 3-12 range.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Umekoji Play Time
Spend the late afternoon enjoying the expansive playgrounds at Umekoji Park.
This large urban park offers wide open spaces and various play structures, perfect for children to run, climb, and burn off energy after a day at school. The park is often praised for being family-friendly and accessible.
Suitable for all ages (3-12). Features playgrounds and open grassy areas. Restrooms available.
Easily accessible by walking from JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, which is one stop from Kyoto Station.
Botanical Gardens Lights
Experience the magical 'Light Cycles Kyoto' event at Kyoto Botanical Gardens.
This immersive art experience transforms the garden with light, sound, and projection design, creating a fantastical plant world. It's engaging for all ages, with the indoor conservatory offering a weatherproof option. The event runs until March 31, 2026.
Engaging for all ages, including 3-12. The main experience lasts about 45 minutes, but you can spend 1-2 hours including food and shopping. Preschoolers are free.
A 5-minute walk from Kitayama Subway Station. Public transport is highly recommended due to limited parking.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Railway Museum Fun
Dive into the world of trains at the Kyoto Railway Museum, a fantastic outing for train enthusiasts of all ages.
It features interactive exhibits, a real steam locomotive, a massive diorama, and train simulators. Kids can even ride a miniature train. The museum is well-equipped for families with nursing rooms and stroller rentals.
Highly recommended for kids aged 3-12. Offers interactive displays, real trains, and a kids' play space. Stroller accessible with elevators and nursing rooms.
Located a 2-minute walk from JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, or a pleasant 20-minute walk through Umekoji Park from Kyoto Station.
Parkside Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed family lunch.
You can bring a bento box to enjoy a picnic in Umekoji Park, or dine at one of the family-friendly cafes within the Kyoto Aquarium or Railway Museum. The area offers various options for a convenient meal.
Flexible options for lunch, including picnic spots and indoor cafes. Cafes at the Aquarium have kid-friendly menus.
Within walking distance of the Railway Museum and Aquarium.
Aquarium Wonders
Discover diverse marine life at the Kyoto Aquarium, situated within Umekoji Park.
Kids can marvel at penguins, seals, and giant salamanders, enjoy dolphin shows, and participate in craft workshops. It's a great indoor option, perfect for any weather, with family-friendly facilities.
Excellent for all children aged 3-12. Features interactive exhibits, dolphin shows, and feeding times. Stroller-friendly with nursing rooms and baby changing areas.
Located within Umekoji Park, a short walk from the Kyoto Railway Museum and JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
Cultural Play Time
Engage in traditional Japanese cultural experiences at AriHana Kyoto.
This indoor space offers activities like origami, Japanese calligraphy, and classic toys such as kendama. It's a comfortable and relaxing environment suitable for families with young children, providing a hands-on cultural immersion without prior booking.
Ideal for children aged 3-12 to explore Japanese culture through play. Suitable for babies and toddlers with soft tatami space. No reservation required.
Located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple, accessible by local buses or a walk from major stations in central Kyoto. Check specific address on their website for detailed access.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Fushimi Inari Gates
Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a magical pathway up the mountain.
Children will love weaving through the tunnels of gates and discovering smaller shrines and fox statues. Focus on the lower sections for a kid-friendly experience.
Suitable for all ages, but be prepared for walking/climbing stairs. Younger children might enjoy the lower gates more. Bring water and snacks.
Directly outside Inari Station on the JR Nara Line, or a 5-minute walk from Fushimi-Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line. Stroller access can be challenging on the upper paths.
Edo Period Fun
Step back in time at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a unique theme park where you can experience the world of Japanese cinema.
It features an open set reproducing an Edo Period cityscape, ninja and samurai shows, and opportunities to dress up in traditional costumes. There are various entertainment attractions for kids.
Engaging for kids aged 3-12, with shows, dress-up experiences, and historical sets. Some attractions may require additional fees.
A 13-minute walk from JR Hanazono Station or a 5-minute walk from Randen Uzumasa Koryuji Station.
Paradise Playground
Conclude the weekend with some active playtime at Kodomo-no-Rakuen Playground (Children's Paradise) in Takaragaike Park.
This large, free playground offers fantastic facilities for kids, including a small 'mountain' with slides, a maze, a huge rope climbing structure, and open grassy areas for free play.
Excellent for both young and older kids (3-12) to play for hours. Picnic areas and vending machines are available.
Approximately a 5-minute walk from Takaragaike Station (Eizan line) or a 15-minute walk from Kokusaikaikan Station Exit 5 (Karasuma subway line).
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