Perfect for family trips! Fun Kanazawa sightseeing spots to enjoy with kids
A family trip to Kanazawa. Let's ensure that everyone—kids and adults alike—to have a great time!
We’ll introduce spots where parents and children can have a blast together, including tourist attractions where you can easily try your hand at art and crafts, and playgrounds where kids can run around to their heart’s content.
*Click here for our special feature on restaurants recommended for families with children
See, touch, and experience it for yourself! Cultural facilities in Kanazawa
There are many tourist attractions in Kanazawa that families can enjoy together. Why not stop by these spots along with the city’s classic attractions, such as Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District?
◎21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is a museum where you can see, touch, and experience art. From outdoor exhibits to other artworks, you can enjoy art in a relaxed atmosphere. On weekends and holidays, the museum hosts art workshops for families. There is also a childcare room (reservations required), so you can enjoy the art at your leisure with peace of mind.
Opened in 2022. With its circular reading area and over 100 different types of seating, the library has been featured in numerous media outlets and attracts many tourists. It features a well-equipped “Children's Area,” as well as a 400-space parking lot and a café, making it a great destination for family trips by car.
◎Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts showcases all 36 types of traditional crafts from Ishikawa Prefecture. Every Saturday and Sunday, artisans demonstrate the creation of traditional crafts, and workshops where you can try your hand at these crafts are held regularly. You can enjoy making items such as Mizuhiki brooches and Yuzen handkerchiefs.
◎Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History
The Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History, easily recognizable by its red-brick building, is a facility dedicated to introducing the history and culture of Ishikawa Prefecture. In the Interactive Experience Hall, visitors can enjoy activities such as the “Become a Character” photo booth, where they can superimpose their own faces onto images of historical figures—including a portrait of Maeda Toshiie—as well as groups of haniwa clay figures and folding screens depicting daimyo processions. The museum also features a stylish, glass-enclosed lounge area, making it a great spot to take a quick break.
◎Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa Port Ono Karakuri Memorial Museum
Located in the Ono district—a 20-minute drive from Kanazawa Station, where the sea breeze from the Sea of Japan feels refreshing—the Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa Port Ono Karakuri Memorial Museum showcases the achievements of Ono Benkichi, a scientist and karakuri craftsman from the late Edo period. Visitors can enjoy interacting with a variety of karakuri mechanisms.
Let’s give it a try together! Traditional Culture Experience
There are many shops in downtown Kanazawa where you can easily experience traditional local culture, such as gold leaf application and Japanese confectionery making. Why not try these activities together as a family to create lasting memories of your trip?
While you're sightseeing, let's have a blast playing in the big park!
While leisurely sightseeing is nice, large parks are perfect for kids who just want to play! These parks, featuring vast lawns and adventure playgrounds, are popular with local children as well.
◎ Oku Utatsuyama Kenmin Park (Free parking available)
Located a 20-minute drive from Kanazawa Station, this large hillside park features adventure playgrounds and hammocks. After playing to your heart’s content, take a break at “Tombo Terrace,” a rest area with a café.
◎ Tamagawa Park (Paid parking available)
A park located near Omicho Market and the Nagamachi Samurai District. In addition to a large plaza and playground equipment, there are plenty of shaded areas and benches, making it a great spot for a quick break between sightseeing.
The Tamagawa Children’s Library is located next door.
◎Kanazawa Citizens’ Art Center (Free parking available)
A 20-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. This arts hub, housed in a former textile factory, hosts theater, music, and art events, as well as many family-friendly activities. It features a large lawn park where you can enjoy water play during the summer.
An indoor children's facilities where you can let your kids play with peace of mind
Kanazawa has plenty of rainy and snowy days. Even on sweltering summer days, indoor family-friendly spots are a great option if you want to let your little ones play. Since many of these are located near tourist attractions like Kanazawa Station and Omicho Market, you can easily stop by between sightseeing trips.
◎Kanazawa Station Kids' Land
“Kanazawa Station Kids' Land” is a free children's play area located in the “Anto” building at JR Kanazawa Station. You can play with your children here while waiting for a train or taking a break from shopping for souvenirs. It also offers facilities for breastfeeding and diaper changes, for your convenience.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Open on national holidays)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
◎Omicho Children’s Play Area
The “Omicho Children’s Play Area” is located on the 3rd floor of the “Omicho Ichiba-kan” building within the Omicho Market. It’s a bright, open space where parents and children can play together. With nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations, and toddler-sized toilets available, it’s a great place to stop by during your sightseeing trip. A childcare service (reservation required, fee applies) is also available for children aged 6 months to preschool age, for up to 4 hours per day.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays (or the following weekday if Wednesday is a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
◎Amerun Park
Located just a 10-minute drive from Kanazawa Station, Amerun Park opened in April 2019 and is a facility where you can play even in the rain or snow. It features the “Nobinobi Plaza,” a fully artificial turf area where you can enjoy various sports, and the “Parent-Child Adventure Course,” which offers play equipment suited to children of all ages. You can move your body to your heart’s content, just like you would outdoors.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (may be closed for facility maintenance)
Admission: Adults 100 yen, High school students and younger 50 yen, Preschoolers free
◎All-Weather Indoor Play Area : “The Kids in Kanazawa M'ZA”(There is a fee for using the facilities.)
Located on the 6th and 7th floors of Kanazawa M'ZA, across from Omicho Market, this children’s play facility offers a convenient location for a break during sightseeing. Open to children ages 0 and up; outside food and drinks are permitted. Discounts are available for Kanazawa M'ZA parking.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Last admission at 6:00 PM)
Closed: Follows Kanazawa M'ZA’s business hours
Admission: Weekdays 1,000 yen; Weekends and holidays 1,200 yen for 3 hours per child
