This weekend itinerary for families living in Tokyo focuses on creating lasting memories with a smart mix of free autumn activities and worthwhile paid experiences. Enjoy vibrant festivals, captivating animal encounters, immersive art, and engaging play, all while keeping budget in mind and minimizing travel time between activities. Remember to check official websites closer to the date for any last-minute changes to opening hours or event details.

Immerse yourselves in the stunning autumn foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
November 14th is within the special autumn open period, and the annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition is also on display, showcasing magnificent blooms. It’s a perfect serene escape from the city bustle.
Ideal for all ages, offering spacious lawns for kids to run, beautiful ponds, and diverse garden styles. Children (junior high school students and under, approximately 15 and under) enter for free, making it very budget-friendly. Stroller-friendly paths and public restrooms are available. The Chrysanthemum Exhibition adds an educational and visually appealing element. Plan for about 1.5 - 2 hours. The garden closes at 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), so arrive promptly.
Easily accessible. Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station or JR lines to Shinjuku Station (various exits, 5-10 min walk to different gates). Public transport is generally stroller-accessible. Limited paid parking is available nearby.
Experience the enchanting Tokyo Skytree Town Christmas Market.
Enjoy festive lights, seasonal decorations, and browse various stalls offering treats and unique goods. The area will be sparkling with Christmas illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere for the family.
Perfect for a festive evening stroll. Kids will love the twinkling lights and the Christmas atmosphere. Grab some warm snacks and drinks. There are many family-friendly restaurants in Solamachi (the shopping complex under Skytree) for an early dinner. Restrooms and stroller access are excellent throughout the complex. Plan for 1.5 - 2 hours.
Directly accessible from Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Oshiage Station (various lines including Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei Oshiage Line). Public transport is the easiest option. Paid parking is available at Tokyo Solamachi.
Spend the morning exploring Ueno Zoo, Japan's oldest zoo, famous for its giant pandas and a wide variety of animals including gorillas, elephants, and polar bears. It's a fantastic place for kids to learn about wildlife in a natural environment.
Children aged 0-12 enter for free, making this a great value family attraction. The zoo is divided into East and West gardens, connected by a monorail (additional cost). Allow 3-4 hours. Facilities include numerous restrooms, baby changing stations, and stroller rentals. Pack snacks and drinks, or utilize the food stalls.
A 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit or Shinobazu Exit. Also accessible from Keisei Ueno Station. Paid parking is available near Ueno Park. The zoo is closed on Mondays, but November 15th is a Saturday, so it is open.
Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch amidst the beauty of Ueno Park.
The park offers plenty of open spaces for children to play and burn off energy after the zoo. You can pick up bento boxes or sandwiches from nearby convenience stores or Ueno Station.
Ueno Park is large and has multiple playgrounds. It’s a perfect spot for a budget-friendly family lunch with space for kids to roam. Restrooms are available throughout the park. This helps break up the day and offers a relaxed pace. Plan for 1 - 1.5 hours.
Ueno Park is right outside Ueno Zoo, so no additional transportation is needed.
Head to Yoyogi Park for Fiesta de España, a lively cultural festival celebrating Spanish food, music, and dance.
Held on November 15th and 16th, it's a vibrant free event offering a taste of Spain in the heart of Tokyo, often featuring performances and market stalls.
This festival is generally very family-friendly with open spaces and a lively atmosphere. Kids can enjoy the music and potentially some casual dancing. There will be various food stalls, offering affordable and delicious snacks. Restrooms are available within Yoyogi Park. Prepare for crowds. Plan for 2-3 hours.
From Ueno, take the JR Yamanote Line directly to Harajuku Station (about 20 mins), then a short walk to Yoyogi Park. Stroller access is good. Limited paid parking is available nearby.
Dive into the fantastical world of TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive digital art museum.
Walk barefoot through water, interact with glowing installations, and become part of the art. New interactive and educational spaces opening in January 2025 will be available, promising even more engagement for families.
This is a truly unique and memorable experience that kids (and adults) will love. It's suitable for all ages, but some areas involve walking through water, so bring small towels and be prepared to remove shoes. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend slots, as they can sell out. Plan for 1.5 - 2 hours. Restrooms and lockers are available.
From Yoyogi Park/Harajuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Yurakucho Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station. From Toyosu, it's a short walk. Alternatively, take the Yurikamome Line to Shin-Toyosu Station. Paid parking is available nearby.
Embark on a day of outdoor fun at Kodomo no Kuni (Children's Land), a sprawling natural park with various playgrounds, a petting zoo, and opportunities for nature exploration.
On November 16th, they are holding 'Kamishibai' (paper-play storytelling), a traditional Japanese children's entertainment, perfect for engaging young minds.
This large park is perfect for energetic kids, offering rolling slides, climbing areas, and vast green spaces. The 'Kamishibai' storytelling will provide a unique cultural experience. Stroller-friendly paths and numerous restrooms are available. Plan for 3-4 hours of exploration and play.
Take the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line to Nagatsuta Station, then transfer to the Kodomonokuni Line to Kodomonokuni Station. The park is a short walk from the station. Paid parking is available (JPY 1,000 per passenger car).
After a morning of play, enjoy a picnic lunch at Kodomo no Kuni.
The park also features a farm where kids can experience milking cows or butter making, and an outdoor cooking site (seasonal, check availability) providing educational and interactive fun.
Bring your own bento or purchase snacks/drinks from the park's facilities. The farm activities offer a unique hands-on experience, particularly engaging for younger children. Check the specific schedule for farm activities on the day. Plan for 1.5 hours.
Within Kodomo no Kuni park, no additional transportation needed.
For a perfect wind-down or a rainy-day alternative, visit ASOBono!
at Tokyo Dome City, one of Tokyo's largest indoor playgrounds. With ball pits, climbing areas, playhouses, and a dedicated baby area, it offers endless fun for toddlers through early elementary school.
A great spot for kids to burn off any remaining energy before heading home. Parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children. The facility is clean and offers various zones tailored to different ages. Restrooms and baby facilities are available. Plan for 1.5 - 2 hours. Opening hours may vary, so check in advance.
From Kodomonokuni Station, return to Nagatsuta Station, then take the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line to Shibuya, then transfer to Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Suidobashi Station (or Korakuen Station, depending on exit). Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo Line, Toei Mita Line) or Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Namboku Line) are closest. Paid parking is available at Tokyo Dome City.
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