Saitama Children's Zoo

A lakeside village with shops, food and room to wander makes a mellow companion stop to the themed park next door.

More storybook walk than thrill park, with lakeside scenery, character buildings and a gentler pace that works well with younger kids.

Worth the trip for train kids, with full size historic cars, simulators, miniature rides and an enormous model railway.

Wooded paths and reservoir views make this a real nature outing, especially for kids who like a longer walk.

Zoo animals and amusement rides share the same huge grounds, which is useful when siblings want totally different things.

Thoughtful European toys and hands on displays make this feel calmer and more play focused than a character megastore.