Looking for fun things to do with children in Fukui? Check out our blog for some amazing ideas!
Fukui, a hidden gem in Japan, offers a treasure trove of activities perfect for families exploring with children.
From interactive museums to natural wonders, this guide highlights the best family-friendly attractions that promise educational fun and adventure, ensuring memorable experiences for the little ones and adults alike.
Fun Things To Do With Children In Fukui
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (FPDM) is located very close to the Katsuyama Station, a region in Japan popular for its fossil dinosaur specimens.
The FPDM building looks futuristic and it’s one of the most well-established dinosaur museums in Asia.
FPDM is quite vast and upon entering the museum, you’ll come across a variety of humungous dinosaur skeletons and immense dinosaur statues as well as dinosaur robots that can perform realistic movements.
Information and exhibits about every dinosaur species is written in both English and Japanese making it convenient for tourists to learn.
And FPDM is not just about dinosaurs. I also came across illustrations of Earth’s beginning and evolution of human life as well.
It’s hands down a highly recommended educational spot for both kids and adults to learn more about prehistoric reptilians.
There are also dino parks and fossil digs where kids can learn how the dino fossils came about. It took me almost 3 hours to sightsee the entire museum.
However, FPDM gets very congested during holidays and peak hours thus I’d recommend reserving tickets online.
Adults are charged 730 yen while kids above 6 years are charged 260 yen. Furthermore, you’re not allowed to bring food, beverages, and pets to the museum.
Opening Hours - 9 am - 5 pm, 8:30 am - 6 pm (during summer holidays)
Address - 51-11 Murokocho Terao, Katsuyama, Fukui 911-8601
Phone - +81 779-88-0001
Website - https://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/
Shibamasa World
Shibamasa World is Japan’s largest water resort that’s situated just 2 km from Awara-Onsen Station. At Shibamasa World, you’ll find a miscellany of pools varying in size as well as over 50 distinct water slides that involve fun rides.
The pool area itself is one electrifying experience for both kids and adults. While kids can access the low-level slides, the towering slides are strictly for adults only.
Shibamasa World also accommodates a plethora of other activities like pirate-themed roller coaster rides, bumper cars, carnival rides, shooting, archery, golfing, and loads of indoor puzzling games for kids. This includes cookery, and grocery shopping games.
Camping day and night is one of the key activities in Shibamasa which is generally participated by adults.
This was one of the serene camping experiences for me as I could hear the silent waves of the Sea of Japan from Shibamasa. The total duration I took to explore the entire theme park was nearly 4 hours.
Make sure to bring swimwear for you and your kids if you wish to access the pool as well as essential pool accessories like floaties.
This also applies to camping and golfing as well. In addition, passports are required for foreigners to buy tickets for the pool.
There’s a restaurant in proximity to the theme park which is called Shibamasa World Family Restaurant where you can find both Japanese and Western food along with a large variety of drinks as well. However, the food tends to be quite expensive here.
The rates vary depending on each activity at Shibamasa World and you can make reservations online. You can learn more about the rates and the activity guides on Shibamasa World website below.
Opening Hours - Open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. Closed on Thursday and Friday.
Address - 45 Mikunicho Hamaji, Sakai, Fukui 913-0005
Phone - +81 776-81-2110
Website - http://www.shibamasa.com/
Dinosaur Square/Dinosaur Station
Dinosaurs seem to be all over Fukui which is understandable due to paleontology and dinosaur excavation sites across the region.
Another dinosaur attraction at Fukui is the Dinosaur Square or the Dinosaur Station which is sited just at the western exit of the JR Fukui Station.
This is one of the attraction sites in Fukui the kids wholly enjoy. There are gigantic realistic model dinosaurs that move its head and limbs.
This was when I was terrified because the life-sized dinosaur looked legit and the noise it made sounded like it came back to life.
Right next to Dinosaur Square is a plaza where I saw a couple of dinosaurs disguised as scientists and doctors.
When it’s dark and the lights are on, you can see 3D animated art on the walls of the plaza that depicts dinosaurs wreaking havoc.
I also encountered information about the dinosaurs in English which I honestly didn’t expect and the entire tour was just between 1-2 hours.
There are countless kid-friendly activities and artifacts inside as well as outside the Dinosaur Square plaza.
Since Dinosaur Square is located in proximity to the JR Fukui Station, you won’t incur any traveling costs and the best part is you could explore Dinosaur Square free of charge.
Therefore, it’s definitely worth the time and the ride taken to tour Dinosaur Square with your kids.
Opening Hours - 24/7
Address - 2 Chome-1 Ote, Fukui, 910-0005
Echizen Matsushima Aquarium
This is one of the places I’ll never forget in my life and it’s definitely worth visiting every time you travel to Japan.
The Echizen Matsushima Aquarium is located right in front of the Sea of Japan therefore you can view the vast blue sea from the aquarium.
Albeit, there isn’t a railway station in proximity to the museum, there are a couple of bus stations like Marine Town Saki and Sakiura.
This seaside aquarium consists of child-friendly events such as dolphin shows, touch pools, seals, penguin pools, etc. Echizen Matsushima Aquarium is unlike other lackluster aquariums I’ve been to. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCveJcPjWcZ/
Here, kids and adults both are allowed to get close to the penguins, seals, a shark, and even a massive octopus that has resided in the aquarium for years. Of course, in such events, a professional would be at your service.
The aquarium even permits visitors to feed fish and giant turtles. The staff at the aquarium even instructed me on how each of the creatures must be fed.
During the summer season, kids are allowed to swim at the Kaisui Pool where various kinds of fish are present.
The activity I fancied the most was walking behind cute penguins who are quite gentle with you. Not to mention the exuberant dolphin show that just makes both kids and adults go crazy.
The aquarium is stocked with an extensive diversification of marine animals that you might’ve never come across in your life.
Since I adored this aquarium so much I spent over 3 hours in it. If you’re planning to get yourselves and the kids to the dolphin show and touch pool then it’s advisable to bring an extra set of clothes to change into.
The price of tickets for adults is 2000 yen while for children above 3 years it’s 500 yen. Tourists should bring their passports to purchase tickets.
There are hotels and restaurants available next to the aquarium where you can take your time to refresh yourself.
Opening Hours - Monday to Sunday 9 am - 4:30 pm
Address - 74-2-3 Mikunichosaki, Sakai, Fukui 913-0065
Phone - +81 776-81-2700
Website - https://www.echizen-aquarium.com/
Asuwayama Park
Asuwayama park is a must-visit spot with kids if you’re on an excursion to Fukui. It’s situated not too far away from the Fukui station and is completely encircled by greeneries and plants, most of which are endemic to Japan.
There are over 3500 cherry blossom trees of contrasting varieties in Asuwayama park that range from distinct colors.
The best time of the year to visit Asuwayama park if you wish to witness the cherry blossom trees in full bloom then it’s between April and May.
As you walk across the park, you’ll encounter a children’s play area as well as a botanical garden with vibrant hydrangea flowers that are an Instagram-worthy capture.
There are also multiple ponds with fish, peaceful walking areas, and numerous benches to sit and relax.
Right beside the children’s play area, I found a few shops that sell refreshments like drinks, ice creams, tea, and snacks. A shrine at the mountain nearby the park had some of the best breathtaking views ever.
What’s intriguing about Asuwayama Park is, there’s also a mini zoo available inside where several exotic animals and birds are in place like sloths, llamas, capybaras, turtles, peacocks, cockatoos, etc.
Visiting the zoo is free of charge for both children and adults and feeding is permitted as well.
Overall, Asuwayama park is both an entertaining and educational experience for kids where they can play as well as learn about exotic wildlife.
Opening Hours - Tuesday to Sunday 9:30 am - 4:30 am, closed on Mondays
Address - 58-97 Yamaokucho, Fukui, 918-8009
Phone - +81 776-34-1680
Website - https://www.city.fukui.lg.jp/kankou/zoo/sisetu/information.html
Wakasa Wada Beach
Wakasa Wada beach is a clear water sea beach sited very close to the Wakasa Wada station.
The primary factor that makes Wakasa Wada beach a kid-friendly place is its low tide waves that aren’t rough at all. Thus parents don’t have to fret about letting their kids swim by themselves at the beach.
In fact, the sea is very shallow, hence parents can make use of this opportunity to teach their kids to swim as well as make sand castles with them.
The water at the beach is pristine and there are tiny islands located in the sea which are only accessible through a boat ride.
Right at the entrance of the beach, there’s a campsite which is entirely surrounded by trees. It caught me off guard to see a crowded campsite by the beach but trust me when I say, the experience is like no other.
You can stay at the beach as long as you want, and guess what? You aren’t charged a single penny.
All you need is your swimming gear, floaties, and umbrellas to guard yourself against the sun. There are numerous eateries and resorts in the vicinity of Wakasa Wada Beach.
Opening Hours - Everyday
Address - 2-13-13 Wada, Takahama, Oi District, Fukui 919-2201
Ski Jam Katsuyama
Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui Prefecture is an incredible place for fun with children.
Situated in the small mountain town of Katsuyama, Ski Jam offers an exhilarating experience for young thrill-seekers as well as a chance for families to come together and enjoy a unique outdoor adventure.
But Ski Jam's attractions are not limited to skiing and snowboarding. Guests can also take advantage of some of the more relaxed activities that are offered on-site.
There are several areas on the slopes where snowmobile rides and toboggan runs can be enjoyed, as well as a snow playground, trampoline center and igloo-building seminar.
Not to mention the tubing and sledding! All of these activities can be exciting and entertaining for both children and adults alike.
Aside from the snow-filled activities, Ski Jam also has a restaurant and snack bar for those looking to take a break and refuel after a day of activities.
Of course, visitors can also take a few laps on one of the resort’s ski runs if they feel up to the challenge.
If relaxing and taking in the breathtaking panoramic views is more your speed, the sunken lounge at Ski Jam is just the ticket.
From this vantage point, you can take in the massive snow-covered slopes from the comfort of the heated seating area.
Heading to Ski Jam Katsuyama for a day of family fun is a great way for both kids and adults to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re looking for some thrills or a leisurely day in the glorious snow-covered mountains, Ski Jam Katsuyama is an ideal spot for a family gathering.
Kids will love the many snow-filled activities, while parents can take a break and take in the beautiful views surrounding the mountain town of Katsuyama.
Make your way to Ski Jam Katsuyama this winter and experience a unique and unforgettable family adventure!
Open hours: Monday to Sunday - 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Contract: +81779876109
Address: 170-70, Katsuyama, Fukui 911-0000, Japan
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