The best things to do with kids in Kyoto in 2026 are the Kyoto Railway Museum's steam locomotives, the Kyoto Aquarium next door, the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, the ninja and samurai sets of Toei Kyoto Studio Park and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Fushimi Inari's endless torii are a hit with children too.
Kyoto's temples can tire young children, so mix them with these hands-on sights. The railway museum and aquarium are side by side near Kyoto Station.
Japan's largest railway museum, with steam rides.
The Kyoto Railway Museum displays dozens of trains, from steam locomotives to shinkansen, with simulators and a short steam train ride.
It is a huge hit with kids.
Good to know: Ride the SL Steam train.
Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8835
Giant salamanders, penguins and dolphins.
Kyoto Aquarium features Japanese giant salamanders, penguins and a dolphin show, next to the railway museum.
It is an easy half day.
Good to know: Combine with the railway museum.
35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8835
Wild monkeys on a hilltop with city views.
The Monkey Park Iwatayama is a hilltop where wild Japanese macaques roam; visitors can feed them from inside a hut.
The view over Kyoto is a bonus.
Good to know: Wear sturdy shoes for the climb.
8 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0004
Ninja shows on an Edo-era film set.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a working film studio with Edo-period street sets, ninja shows and costume rentals.
Kids love the ninja experiences.
Good to know: Check show times on arrival.
10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8586
Thousands of manga to read on the lawn.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum, in a former elementary school, holds a huge manga collection you can read on site, including on the lawn.
It is relaxing for all ages.
Good to know: Bring a picnic for the lawn.
Karasuma-dori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0846
A mountain of torii gates to explore.
Fushimi Inari's tunnels of torii feel like an adventure for kids; you don't have to climb all the way.
It is free and open around the clock.
Good to know: Turn back at the Yotsutsuji viewpoint.
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-0882
Yes, especially if you mix temples with the railway museum, aquarium and monkey park.
Yes, the Kyoto Railway Museum runs short steam train rides.
About 20 minutes uphill; doable for most kids.
A working film set of Edo-era streets with ninja shows and costume rental.
Many have gravel paths and steps; a baby carrier is easier.