Best Family-Friendly Events in Tokyo (2026)
Last Updated on October 6, 2026 by Kay
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Looking for fun family events in Tokyo worth adding to your plans?
Unsurprisingly, Tokyo is packed with things to do with kids, whether you’re entertaining a curious toddler, a curious preschooler, or energetic older children who are ready for something new and exciting. There’s always something new popping up, from seasonal events and interactive exhibits to weekend activities the whole family can enjoy.
As a mom living in Japan, I’ve pulled together my personal picks for the best upcoming family-friendly events in Tokyo so you can spend less time searching and more time planning a day out.
Do keep in mind that dates, times, and details can change, so it’s always worth checking the official website before you go, especially since some events require you to purchase tickets in advance.
Note that these events can also be quite packed with visitors, particularly with one- or two-day events, and on weekends and holidays. Expect these events to be in the Japanese language only.
Tokyo Family-Friendly Events for Kids in 2026
Before we begin, if you’re looking for events focused on spooky season, read this article about Halloween events for kids in Tokyo.
“This Is Not a Spotted Garden Eel” Exhibition at Sumida Aquarium
Dates: October 1, 2026 – November 16, 2026
Sumida Aquarium is celebrating Garden Eel Day with a special event where visitors can learn more about the different types of garden eels at the aquarium. There will be quizzes and special displays, as well as a free workshop where kids can color and make their own garden eel mask.
On weekends and holidays, there will also be special feeding times with commentary from the aquarium staff and a quiz (in Japanese).
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. The event is included with regular admission to Sumida Aquarium, and the mask workshop does not require advance reservations.
Wakasu Day × SEA-FRONT MUSEUM 2026
Dates: October 3–4, 2026
This outdoor family event at Wakasu Seaside Park has lots of hands-on activities for kids. There is a children’s festival with games like shooting, super-ball scooping, and yo-yo fishing, as well as crafts and a family puzzle-solving activity around the park.
There are also yacht rides, although children need to be elementary-school age or older and at least 110 cm tall to participate.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required for the event itself. Most activities accept participants on the day, although some activities require advance registration.
Ueno Zoo Autumn Night Zoo
Dates: October 9–12, 2026
Ueno Zoo will stay open until 8 PM for four nights in October. This gives families a chance to see what the zoo is like after dark and observe animals that might behave differently in the evening. You can also listen for autumn insects around the zoo.
Keep in mind that the zoo expects October 10 and 11 to be especially crowded.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. Regular admission to Ueno Zoo applies.
All About MAGURO at Tokyo Sea Life Park
Dates: October 10–12, 2026
Tokyo Sea Life Park is holding a special three-day event all about tuna to celebrate the aquarium’s anniversary and Tuna Day in Japan. Families can learn more about tuna, which are one of the aquarium’s most famous animals, through special programs held throughout the event.
Even better, Tokyo Sea Life Park is completely free to enter on October 10!
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. Admission is free for everyone on October 10.
Read about my experience at Tokyo Sea Life Park here
HIBIYA CINEMA FESTIVAL 2026
Dates: October 9–25, 2026
HIBIYA CINEMA FESTIVAL has free outdoor movie screenings at several locations around Hibiya.
For families, I would check out the screenings at Hibiya Park from October 10 to 12. The movies include Paddington, Trolls World Tour, The LEGO Movie, E.T., and Jurassic World Dominion. There will also be workshops and a market at Hibiya Park.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required for the free outdoor screenings at Hibiya Park.
Action for KOALA 2026 at Tama Zoological Park
Dates: October 24–25, 2026
Tama Zoological Park is holding a special event for Koala Day where families can learn more about koalas and efforts to protect them in the wild.
On October 24, there is a Koala Quiz where visitors can answer questions about koalas and their conservation. Anyone can participate, although it is limited to around 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will also be displays about koalas and their eucalyptus forests throughout the weekend.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required for the Koala Quiz, although it is first come, first served. Regular zoo admission applies.
Autumn Kids Festa: Fire Extinguisher Challenge
Dates: October 24–25, 2026
Kids can learn how to use a fire extinguisher while trying to knock down nine targets with a water fire extinguisher at Yoyogi Park. Children who participate can also receive a Child Disaster Prevention Doctor certificate and medal while supplies last.
Best of all, this activity is completely free!
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. Registration takes place at the venue on the day.
MOMIJI AQUARIUM by NAKED
Dates: September 12, 2026 – November 8, 2026
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is celebrating autumn with special displays inspired by fall foliage and moonlit nights.
There is also a daytime dolphin show with an autumn festival theme and a nighttime show featuring music, lighting, and projections inspired by fall scenery.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required for the event itself. It is included with regular admission to Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa.
PUROMONSTERSCRAMBLE at Sanrio Puroland
Dates: September 11, 2026 – November 3, 2026
Sanrio Puroland is celebrating Halloween with monster versions of popular Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Badtz-Maru. There is also a special 360-degree live show, Halloween food and merchandise, photo spots, and other seasonal activities.
The live show has a special viewing area just for children in elementary school and younger, although parents cannot enter this area with them.
️ You need both a Sanrio Puroland passport and a reservation for the date of your visit. The official e-passport includes the reservation.
Read my tips for Sanrio Puroland here
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2026
Dates: October 24–25 and October 31, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony is a great opportunity for families to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a more casual setting.
The event will be held at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum on October 24 and 25 and at Hama-rikyu Gardens on October 31 and November 1.
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum also has a special tea ceremony for children where kids can learn about tea ceremony manners and enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets with a parent.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. Tea ceremony tickets are sold on the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is free during the event.
Wood and Living Interaction Exhibition
Dates: October 24–25, 2026
This free event at Kiba Park gives kids a chance to learn more about wood and forests through hands-on activities. The event includes woodworking workshops, log-cutting experiences, wooden toys, stage performances, and displays of wood products.
There will also be a character show on October 25.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. The event is free, although some activities may have limited spaces or require a numbered ticket on the day.
Tokyo Ajiwai Festa 2026
Dates: October 23–25, 2026
Tokyo Ajiwai Festa is a large food event held across Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Hibiya, and Toyosu. Visitors can try dishes made with ingredients grown or produced in Tokyo, shop for local produce, and learn more about farming, forestry, and fishing in Tokyo.
There are also hands-on workshops and activities, so there should be things for kids to do besides eat.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. Admission to the event is free, although food and some activities cost extra.
Railway Festival 2026
Dates: October 10–11, 2026
One of Japan’s largest railway events is being held in Odaiba to celebrate Railway Day.
Railway companies from across Japan will have booths at the event, with displays and lots of railway-related goods for sale. Individual railway companies will also have their own activities. For example, the Hankyu booth will have a lucky draw and an auction.
I think this would be especially fun for kids who love trains.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required. Admission to the event is free.
Jindai Botanical Gardens Autumn Rose Festa
Dates: October 6, 2026 – November 23, 2026
Jindai Botanical Gardens is holding its annual Autumn Rose Festa when the roses in its award-winning rose garden are in bloom.
There are several events throughout the festival, including concerts, guided tours, and special early opening days when the garden opens at 8 AM.
I think kids might especially like the “Bubble Magic” days, when lots of bubbles float through the rose garden. There is also a free smartphone activity where families can complete missions around the park.
Note that the garden is closed on October 13, 19 and 26 and November 2, 9 and 16.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required for the main event. Regular admission to Jindai Botanical Gardens applies, and most of the festival activities can be enjoyed without a reservation.
ASOBono! Kids Challenge
Dates: October 20–23, 2026
ASOBono! at Tokyo Dome City is holding a special physical ability challenge for children around two to six years old.
Kids can try four different activities, including balancing on a balance disc, seeing how far they can jump, hanging from a horizontal bar, and a timed toy-sorting challenge.
It’s designed to feel more like playing than an actual fitness test, so it could be a fun way to see what your child can do.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required for the event. Participation is free, although regular admission to ASOBono! is required.
Autumn Kids Festa 2026
Dates: October 24–25, 2026
Autumn Kids Festa is a large family event held at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center near Yoyogi Park.
There are tons of activities for kids, including crafts, sports, science and educational activities, interactive exhibits, and outdoor activities. Some of the programs are specifically for preschoolers and younger elementary-school kids.
There are also some fun train-related activities, including making an original Romancecar Museum badge and an Odakyu area where kids can dress up as a stationmaster, see a Plarail display, and play a ring toss game.
Many of the activities are free, although some workshops cost extra.
️ Advance ticket purchase is not required and admission to Autumn Kids Festa is free. Many activities can be joined on the day, although some individual programs require advance reservations or have limited spaces.