Top 5 Things To Do With Children In Sapporo
I have a five-year-old daughter, so I know what it’s like to travel with small children. Before we leave, I always search for the things we will be able to do. She has high standards when it comes to activities. They must be fun. They must allow her to run around. And … no, that’s pretty much it. So, with that in mind, here are my top five things to do with children when you come to Sapporo.
Gateaux Kingdom
If you have a day spare, Gateaux Kingdom is a world of fun. The free bus from Sapporo station makes it extremely easy to get to. The resort has indoor and outdoor pools (obviously the outdoor ones are only open in the summer – unless you like breaking through ice to swim), an onsen, shops, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a hotel as well. There are numerous games for big and small kids, a water slide, countless inflatables for rent and many other attractions. My daughter wants to go back there every single weekend.
Kids Fantasy Resort
Located in Shin-Sapporo, this indoor play center is a wonderful place to spend a day. They have all-day tickets, or you can pay by the hour. They have games for kids, play houses, giant inflatable slides and, my daughter’s favorite, seven different climbing walls. You have to reserve a slot on the walls, but you can do that online before you go. Then, kids get a half hour to climb their little hearts out.
Satoland
Satoland is a little out of town, but kids love it. You can rent a four-wheel bike to tour the park. There is barbecuing space (you can rent BBQs), horse rides, animals to feed (see the title picture), play areas, big open fields and (my daughter’s favorite) a selection of very bizarre bikes. An excellent destination if the weather is pleasant.
Maruyama Zoo
Any kid likes a zoo. And every kid will like Maruyama zoo. The zoo has been renovated recently and there is a new polar bear enclosure. The bears swim in a pool and you can walk through a tunnel underneath. Breathtaking. The zoo has a wide selection of animals and a children’s play area.
Nakajma Park
If you are looking for something that is free, Nakajima Park is an excellent place, located a few minutes’ walk from the center of town. Children can feed the ducks on the lake and there is a play area. If you want to spend a little money, you can rent rowing boats and there is a children’s theater.
Bonus: The Streetcar
The streetcar that runs around a central Sapporo loop is extremely popular with children. My daughter just likes to watch them go by. 200 yen for an adult and 100 yen for a child will allow you to do the whole loop. It takes about an hour. If you stand at the back, you can see all of the controls and out of the back window. This will make a child’s day.
There are so many things for children to do in Sapporo that you need have no fear bringing them here.