Family Adventures at Kodomo no Kuni: Nature, Play & Ponies
Oldest enjoying a scenic pony ride!
The Experience
Located in Kanagawa just outside Yokohama, Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s Land) is a massive natural-themed park built to nurture the sound mind and body of children—and it's a dream day trip for families with kids of all ages. Covering 240 acres (that’s nearly 1 million square meters!), this park is impossible to do in one visit—which is why we’re excited to share this evolving post that will grow with each trip we take.
We accessed the park easily by car (parking is 1000 yen) but it’s also train accessible. The entire park is very stroller- and wagon-friendly, and while there are shops selling toys like balls and badminton sets, they tend to be a bit overpriced—bring your own if you can.
Important: The park is cash only and there are no ATMs inside. Plan ahead!
For this visit, we started at the Fairy Tale Playground, where the little ones splashed in a shallow stream and enjoyed a gated playground space. A hillside slide kept the older kids busy while we enjoyed a picnic nearby.
From there, we wandered to the boating pond, where you can choose between pedal and rowboats:
🚤 Pedal boat (2 people/30 min): 700 yen
🚣 Row boat (2 people/30 min): 500 yen
Hours: 10:00–15:30 (until 16:00 in July/August)
Boating is suspended in rainy weather.
Next, we went through the tunnel to Cubic Land and Sukoyaka Square, two playground zones better suited for older kids. Then, we spread out a blanket under a shady tree near the Children’s Zoo.
We started with pony rides, which were surprisingly fun for all ages:
🐴 Pony ride (child 2–12): 400 yen
🧑 Adult ride (13+): 550 yen
👨👧 Adult with child (1–5): 800 yen
Hours: 10:30–12:00 / 13:00–15:30 (suspended if raining or pony is unwell)
Afterward, we explored the Children’s Zoo loop, where kids can touch rabbits and guinea pigs, and feed goats and other animals:
🐰 Animal feed: 100 yen
🎫 Entry: Adults (16+): 250 yen / Children (3–15): 200 yen
Open 10:00–16:00 (last entry at 15:30)
We ended our animal adventures at the cow and sheep barn, where you can also feed the animals for 100 yen. On weekends and national holidays, milking events are held here.
Before leaving, we made one last stop at the drawing square, where the kids drew with chalk on the paved area while parents relaxed nearby.
Good to Know
🗺️ Turn right at the main entrance and work your way across Level 1 first
🧺 Stop for a snack or early lunch at Fairy Tale Playground
🔁 Circle back from Level 3 and head toward the zoo side later in the day
☕ End at the play cafe and chalk zone before heading home
Logistics
Location: Kodomo no Kuni Park, Kanagawa, Yokohama
Access: By train or car (parking: 1000 yen)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Wednesdays)
Facilities:
🚻 Restrooms: Clean and plentiful
👶 Stroller-friendly: Yes, rentals available
🌳 Shade: Plenty in wooded areas, but some parts (like the boat area) are exposed
Make a Day Out of It
You can’t see it all in one go—and that’s part of the magic. Other activities include:
🏊 Seasonal swimming pool (summer)
⛸️ Ice skating (winter)
🚲 Bike rentals
🔥 BBQ rentals
🥏 Disc golf
🌲 Nature trails
🛝 Multiple playgrounds
Our plan is to return again and again, covering a new section each time—and updating this post as we go. Stay tuned!
