10 Best Family Things to Do in Yokohama

Yokohama Cosmo World is a 3D amusement park in Minato Mirai 21. Its standout attraction is Cosmo Clock 21, one of the world's largest clock-style Ferris wheel. Standing 112.5 metres tall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yokohama during a ride that lasts about 15 minutes. 4 of the 60 gondolas have transparent walls and floors that make you feel like you’re floating in mid-air. 

A must-see at Yokohama Cosmo World is Cosmo Clock 21's impressive illuminations, which are on display from sunset until around midnight. Visit the Wonder Amuse Zone for a variety of scream-inducing attractions, such as the Vanish diving rollercoaster and the Cliff Drop waterslide. Burano Street Zone offers hands-on attractions, while Kids Carnival Zone has rides for small children.

BorneLund KID-O-KID is an indoor amusement park at MARK IS Minatomirai, around an 8-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station, You’ll find a ball pool, trampoline, a large glass window for doodling, a space for make-believe play, a building area, and a garden that's specially designed for babies. 

There's also advanced equipment for primary school children. Of course, there are nursing rooms and nappy changing spaces, too. Grab a day pass or a monthly pass to BorneLund KID-O-KID so you'll always have a place to keep your children entertained, regardless of the weather.

The Hamagin Space Science Center is within a 3-minute walk of Yokodai Station. Formerly called the Yokohama Science Centre, the venue is designed to look like a massive spacecraft, housing 5 exhibition rooms. This is an interactive science centre where people of all ages can enjoy learning about space and science. 

Check out the Space Laboratory Room to experience the laws of physics through the movement of balls, and the Space Training Room to see its Moon Jump and Space Moving Unit attractions. Mini experiments at the space laboratory are organised as special events on weekends and holidays. There’s also a magnificent projection of stars with commentary at the planetarium.

Kodomo no Kuni is a theme park with unique playgrounds, such as the dinosaur-themed Time Travel and Suku Suku Island. There are plenty of fun rides, including a miniature steam train, along with sports facilities. You can enjoy camping, barbecues and outdoor pools in the summer, while its ice-skating rink operates during winter. 

Visit the onsite Yukijirushi Kodomonokuni Farm to learn how to milk cows, ride horses, and pet various farm animals. Don't miss the excellent soft-serve ice cream, too. 

Shikinomori Park serves as a place for relaxation, especially for families. The onsite Jabujabu Splash Pond where kids can play with water, an open space with big playground equipment, an outdoor stage for seasonal community events, a giant slide, stalls, and a visitor centre.

Observation Plaza, at the southern part of the park, gets packed during cherry blossom season as it’s one of the best spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties). There are 19 kinds of cherry blossom trees lining Sakura-no-Tani in the east of the park. Hydrangeas colour the whole park in early summer. A must-see is the 1,500-square-metre Iris Garden, which has 4,500 irises in full bloom.

Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum is an all-weather facility, with a museum on the 2nd and 3rd floors, along with shops and restaurants on the 1st floor. A giant 4-metre-tall Anpanman statue stands at the main entrance to welcome you. An open space on the 1st floor hosts a balloon show that features characters of the Japanese picture book series, including Anpanmango, Dadandan, and Baikinman. Parents and children can also take part in the museum's many workshops.

Orbi Yokohama is an entertainment complex by SEGA that focuses on nature and animals. It features realistically visualised wildlife using the video game developer's own technology. There are many exhibits to enjoy – Earth Cruising lets you enjoy a virtual flying experience, while Base Camp has projection mapping of tropical jungles. Pay a bit extra to interact with animals such as chipmunks and cats, try some flight training, enter the insect-themed kids’ playground, and visit a special theatre. 

Nissan Water Park is part of Shinyokohama Park, at Yokohama's Nissan Stadium. There are 22 heated pools in 2 zones – the Aqua Zone has attractions like the Flow Water Pool and Water Slider, while the relaxing Bade Zone has several jacuzzis. You can buy or rent swimwear and other necessities, so anyone can just turn up and dive in. 

For little children, there’s an infant pool equipped with a geyser, which can keep the little ones entertained. You can also find a sauna, aroma room and mist room, as well as swimming lessons and various activities for those who want to get some exercise. 

Field Athletics Yokohama Tsukushino Course has 4 zones with different levels of challenge, so everyone can enjoy some outdoor exercise. The Adventure Forest of Tom Sawyer playground is really popular, as are the W Freefalls, Long Tunnel Slide, and 2 zip-lining courses. It's a good idea to bring towels and a change of clothes. You can also reserve an outdoor barbecue, rent griddles and large pots for family picnics. Best of all, you can buy meat, vegetables, noodles and drinks at the venue. Food stands are open on weekends and holidays.