Have fun with your kids! 8 Okinawa sightseeing spots you can enjoy with your family

Okinawa, one of Japan's leading tropical resorts, is full of spots that both adults and children can enjoy. Why not create unforgettable memories with your children, such as interacting with plants and animals that grow in the unique climate, Experience crafts that can only be found here? Here are eight recommended spots for families with children, where you can enjoy Experience unique to Okinawa.
1Blue Seal Ice Park
Enjoy ice cream in a cute fairy tale-like space

This is an Experience museum where you can learn about the history of Okinawa's classic ice cream shop, "Blue Seal," and enjoy decorating your own ice cream bar. In addition to Experience, you can actually see the ice cream making process, take photos with a photo machine that comes with an original frame made just for Blue Seal, and enjoy other ways to enjoy the museum.
The Blue Seal flagship store is located next door, so you can enjoy shopping there too. Original picture books and children's clothing are also sold, so it's a great place to choose memorable items with your children.
A one-of-a-kind ice bar decoration Experience

If you come here, you should definitely Experience decorating your very own one-of-a-kind ice cream bar. It's very simple to make; choose the shape of the ice cream bar, the flavor, the color of the coating chocolate, and the color of the chocolate pen for drawing. Next, place five of the 12 toppings on a tray, roughly draw out the design of your original ice cream on paper based on that, and then decorate the ice cream.
The price is just 1,800 yen, and includes an original ice pack and a freezer Experience at -20 degrees, so you can Experience what it's like to have ice cream. It's Experience adults can enjoy as well as children.

- Blue Seal Ice Park
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https://www.blueseal.co.jp/icepark/
5-5-6 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture Next to Blue Seal Makiminato Main StoreMAP
Approximately 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport
9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00)
none
Admission is free, ice bar making Experience costs 1,800 yen
098-988-4535
Available (free)
2Tomarin
Gourmet food and souvenirs to connect you to remote islands

A multipurpose terminal building in Tomari Port. Ships depart and arrive from the port, connecting the islands of Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, Aka Island, Aguni Island, Tonaki Island, Kume Island, Minamidaito Island, and Kitadaito Island.
Inside the building, you'll find ticket counters for each route, of course, but also a convenience store selling Okinawa's signature awamori and light meals, a bento shop, an Okinawan restaurant, a cafe, and more. There is also an event deck adjacent to the building, so if you time it right, you might be able to enjoy an event.
Enjoy the excitement of boats and forklifts while casually traveling to remote islands

There are plenty of exciting scenes for children who love vehicles, such as the sight of many ships coming and going, cargo, and the forklifts that transport them. You can enjoy just watching the scenery, or of course take a trip to the remote islands.
Some remote islands can be reached by boat in about 30 minutes, so why not take a day trip and enjoy the scenery and splashes of water from the boat? There is also a large green space (small park) next to Tomarin, so we recommend buying a lunch box and enjoying a picnic.

- Tomarin
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https://www.tomarin.com/
3-25-1 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
About 8 minutes walk from Miebashi Station on the Yui Rail
098-861-3341(施設管理会社:泊ふ頭開発株式会社)
Available (charged)
3Senaga Island Mid-Sea Road
About 7 minutes by car from Naha Airport! A bridge to Senaga Island

This road leads to Senagajima, an isolated island near Naha Airport that can be reached by car. It's a perfect spot for a drive while enjoying the beautiful ocean views on both sides of the road.
Just across the road is Senaga Island, where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants, sweets and more Property Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace, Sunset Park where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset as its name suggests, and the Ryukyu hot spring Senaga Island Hotel, one of Okinawa's leading hot spring resort hotels. You can have fun all day long on Senaga Island.
A spectacular spot where you can watch planes take off and land up close

It's also famous for being a place where you can watch planes take off and land up close. Many people gather here, gazing blankly at the ocean or with large cameras in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of the planes taking off with a loud noise.
Of course, kids who love airplanes will be excited too! If you're lucky, you might even get to experience the roar of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F14 scrambling to take off. It's also close to Naha Airport, so it's a good idea to stop by before you go home and tell your kids, "We're going to be on that plane now."

- Senaga Island Mid-Sea Road
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Senaga, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Approximately 7 minutes by car from Naha Airport
098-850-0024(豊見城市役所)
4DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
A new type of entertainment aquarium that combines video and reality

A new entertainment aquarium that makes full use of the latest visual expression and spatial design. As soon as you enter, a three-minute video is shown on a large multi-screen screen. After enjoying the latest visual beauty that reproduces the beauty of Okinawa over time, you can immediately stroll around the aquarium.
Children are sure to be thrilled by this new aquarium that combines real creatures with spatial effects using images and sounds. Experience the vibrant Okinawa that combines rare creatures with creative expression.
A moment to experience the charms of the sea and forest with all five senses

The facility is divided into two floors, the first floor designed to resemble a "clear ocean teeming with diverse creatures," and the second floor designed to resemble an "evergreen forest woven by a subtropical climate." You can enjoy the fascinating ocean and forest on both floors.
The museum is committed to creating an extraordinary space, so there are no signboards explaining the creatures on display. Instead, you can download the official app before entering the museum to check explanations of the creatures and floor maps, so you can enjoy the explanations at your own pace. It's a heartwarming sight to see parents downloading the app and teaching their children.

- DMM Kariyushi Aquarium
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https://kariyushi-aquarium.com/
3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki) MAP
Approximately 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Business hours: 9:00-20:00 (last entry 60 minutes before closing)
* Varies depending on the day. For details, please check the business calendar on the official website.Open everyday (may be closed temporarily for Property inspections, etc.)
Adults (18 years and over) 2,800 yen
Teenagers (13-17 years old) 2,200 yen
Children (ages 4 to 12): 1,700 yen
Children under 3 years old are freeAvailable (within the "IIAS Okinawa Toyosaki" site)
▼イーアス沖縄豊崎
営業時間:ショップ10;00~21:00 レストラン&カフェ11:00~23:00
TEL:098-840-6900
5Murasakimura Experience Kingdom
Whether you want to do something active or leisurely, you're sure to find Experience that suits your personality.

This Experience spot recreates the glamorous townscape of the Ryukyu Dynasty on a site of 49,000 m2. It was originally used as an open studio for the NHK historical drama "Winds of Ryukyu", but was later transferred to Yomitan Village and reborn as Property Property
On the premises, there are a wide variety Experience available, including traditional crafts such as pottery, Ryukyu glass, and bingata, creative Experience such as coloring shisa and indigo dyeing, as well as marine sports, horseback riding, and sugarcane Experience. You're sure to find Experience that suits your child's age and personality.
Winter-only events are the best bet to get into the festive mood!

Another highlight is the Ryukyu Lantern Festival, held every winter. During the festival, the grounds are decorated with countless brightly colored lanterns, creating a breathtaking sight. Taking a photo of your child illuminated by the beautiful lanterns is a memorable experience that you can only have at this time. There is also a photo contest, so it would be fun to submit your favorite photos.
There will also be a "Night Lantern Stage" with performers, light and sound projection mapping, a cafe and other fun activities to satisfy children's curiosity.

- Murasakimura Experience Kingdom
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https://murasakimura.com/
1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Approximately 63 minutes by car from Naha Airport
9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30, excluding special business hours)
Restaurant Taiki Lunch buffet 11:00-15:00, Dinner buffet 18:00-22:00none
Adults 600 yen, Junior and senior high school students 500 yen, Elementary school students 400 yen, Toddlers free
098-958-1111
free
6Okinawa Zoo and Museum
A zoo where you can meet 150 kinds of animals

At the southernmost zoo in Japan, you can see animals that are found only in the Ryukyu Islands, including Yakushima macaques and Ryukyu dogs. You can encounter about 150 kinds of animals, from large animals such as impressive elephants, giraffes, and hippos to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
There is also a corner where you can enjoy Experience guinea pigs, sheep, island goats, and other animals, as well as horse Experience. There are also displays of tropical migratory birds, amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, lizards, and snakes, so you can enjoy meeting many animals.
Okinawa's only children's museum that expands children's potential

Based on the concept that "understanding and creativity begin with wonder," the museum also houses Okinawa's first children's museum, the Wonder Museum, where children can discover wonders and surprises for themselves. There are various Experience available for children to play with, focusing on themes of science, art, and philosophy, nurturing their imagination, awareness, and curiosity.
Workshops and events are held regularly, so it's a good idea to check in advance. You might even notice a new side to your child's face when they leave the museum.

- Okinawa Zoo and Museum
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https://www.okzm.jp/
Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, Goya 5-7-1 MAP
Approximately 65 minutes by car from Naha Airport
April to September: 9:30 to 18:00 (entrance until 17:00)
October to March: 9:30 to 17:30 (entrance until 16:30)Tuesdays, December 30th and 31st, January 1st
*If Tuesday is a national holiday, the shop will be open as usual and closed the following day. During Golden Week, spring, summer, and winter holidays, the shop will be open on Tuesdays.Adults: 500 yen, junior and senior high school students: 200 yen, ages 4 and over - elementary school students: 100 yen, infants (up to 3 years old): free
098-933-4190
to exist
7Gala Blue Sea
An exotic spot overlooking the blue sea

Located on a hill overlooking the sea, this Property features beautiful towering white buildings reminiscent of the Greek island of Santorini. The facility is based on the concept of a "third place" where you can experience the charms of Okinawa, and offers a variety of entertainment, including a diving shop, horseback riding, pottery and glassblowing Experience, as well as relaxation, gourmet food and shopping.
The exterior walls of each store are decorated with the individuality of the shop, so just walking around you will feel the excitement of an exotic country.
A place where you can enjoy Okinawa's unique natural scenery, such as the sky and fields.

The vast grounds are filled with friendly spaces where you can relax and unwind, including a large lawn, a beach, and a field where you can enjoy a picnic. The park is also renowned for its beautiful sunsets. Many people visit at dusk to watch the sky and sea slowly change from a refreshing blue to orange.
Events are held regularly utilizing the vast grounds, one of which is the popular Yachimun Market, held on the first Saturday and Sunday of November every year, which is so popular that the grounds are filled with cars.

- Gala Blue Sea
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http://www.gala-aoiumi.com/
915 Takashiho, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Approximately 60 minutes by car from Naha Airport
Please check the official website for the opening hours of each store.
No holidays (some stores have fixed holidays)
Admission is free. Experience and food and drink options vary by store.
098-958-3940
Available (free)
8Okashigoten Yomitan Main Branch
Be enchanted by the delicious handmade sweets at popular souvenir shops

This souvenir shop sells products made with Okinawan ingredients, including the "Original Beni-Imo Tart," which has won the gold medal at the Monde Selection for six consecutive years. While maintaining the same flavor as the original Beni-Imo Tart, which was created in 1986, the shop is constantly developing new Beni-Imo products that do not contain any artificial colorings or preservatives.
Although Okashi Goten has a strong image of souvenirs, it actually started out as a cake shop and also sells handmade sweets in its stores. Being able to experience Okashi Goten as a long-established sweets shop is a privilege that you can only enjoy by visiting as part of a trip.
You can also take a tour of the factory to see the process of making purple sweet potato tarts up close.

In addition to enjoying shopping from about 300 kinds of products including cakes, there are also tours perfect for families. At the Yomitan main store, you can see the manufacturing process of purple sweet potato tart and almond chocolate sandwich up close. It's like magic to watch the sweets, evenly arranged by a uniquely developed machine, being carried out one after another and packaged. The adorable sight of the children glued to the shop makes the adults watching smile.
If you make a reservation in advance, you can receive a free explanation while touring the factory, so we recommend it.

- Okashigoten Yomitan Main Branch
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https://www.okashigoten.co.jp/
Okinawa Prefecture, Nakagami District, Yomitan Village, Uza 657-1 MAP
Approximately 55 minutes by car from Naha Airport
9:00~18:00
Open daily
098-958-7333
free