Indoor play areas in Osaka City where you can play even on rainy days

There are various indoor play areas in the city center of Osaka where you can enjoy playing with your children. There are plenty of spots where you can enjoy spending time with your family regardless of the weather, such as Bornelund, Grand Front, Osaka Castle Park, facilities within TV stations, Rara Port in Expo Park, and Hirakata Park.

Devolving Plus Lead Namba

Devolving Plus Lead Namba is one of Japan's most extensive bouldering and lead climbing gyms in Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City. It boasts convenient access, is just a 2-minute walk from Namba Station, and has a vast space of approximately 426 tsubos (1,400 square meters), making it one of the largest in the Kansai region. As a feature of the facility, it has a variety of walls and courses to accommodate users of all levels, from beginners to top professionals. In addition to bouldering, you can enjoy top rope climbing and lead climbing, and various courses are offered to beginners. Notably, the largest kids-only area in the Kansai region has been set up, and it is available for use from the age of 2. A slide has also been installed in this area, and various measures have been taken to ensure children can enjoy themselves without boredom. In addition, a kids' school has also been opened, providing children with the opportunity to learn about climbing. The pricing structure is as follows:

• Weekdays (10:00-23:00):some text
  • General: 2,200 yen
  • University and vocational school students: 1,900 yen
  • Junior high and high school students: 1,550 yen
  • Kids (2 years old to elementary school age): 880 yen

• Weekends and public holidays (10:00-21:00):some text
  • General admission: 2,400 yen
  • University and college students: 2,200 yen
  • Junior high and high school students: 1,750 yen
  • Kids (2 years old - elementary school age): 1,100 yen
  • For first-time users, a unique package plan includes:

• A registration fee.
• A rules explanation.
• A start-up lesson.
• All-day facility usage fees.
• Rental shoes.

This plan is offered at 3,850 yen (3,550 yen for university and vocational school students, 3,200 yen for junior high and high school students) and is a must for those new to bouldering. D-Bouldering Plus Lead Namba is a popular spot for climbing enthusiasts and families, thanks to its facility design that caters to a wide range of ages and skill levels, convenient location, and well-equipped kids' area.

Indoor Playgrounds in the City Center

Bornelund is a company that develops facilities that combine play and learning for children, and two facilities in Osaka City are particularly worth noting. The Grand Front Osaka Store is located on the 4th floor of the South Building of the Grand Front Osaka commercial facility in the center of Osaka. This store was designed based on the concept of "Asobi no Sekai'' (World of Play), and it is equipped with various play equipment and toys that nurture children's creativity and physical abilities. The facility has two areas: a play area and a shop. The play area has play equipment suitable for different ages and stages of development. For example, there are soft play items for babies and toddlers, climbing walls, and balance equipment for preschoolers and elementary school children. On the other hand, the Osaka Castle Park branch is the second Playville in Japan and opened on May 31, 2018, in the Morinomiya Fountain area of Osaka Castle Park. This facility uses a vast indoor space 530㎡ and an outdoor space 717m2and is designed so that children can play in an environment rich in nature and play equipment. The play area is very diverse and includes sandboxes, rides, role-playing, ball pools, and an obstacle course. Both facilities are aimed at children aged six months to 12 years old, and the usage fee system is similar. The first 30 minutes for each child is 800 yen, and there is a 100 yen extension fee for every 10 minutes after that. Parents and guardians are required to pay a facility usage fee of 600 yen. The Grand Front Osaka branch is open from 10:00 to 20:00, and the Osaka Castle Park branch is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30). Both branches are open all year round, but there are irregular days when they are closed, so we recommend checking in advance. Regarding access, the Grand Front Osaka store is within walking distance of JR Osaka Station, Hankyu Umeda Station, and Subway Umeda Station.

In contrast, the Osaka Castle Park store is about a 5-minute walk from Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Subway Chuo Line, and Subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line. These facilities provide a space where children can play safely in the city center and are popular spots where you can have a comfortable time, even on rainy or hot days. They are also valuable for families with children because they provide an environment where parents and children can play and learn together.

Introduction to the BorneLund Playgrounds    

BorneLund Playville Osaka Castle Park is a comprehensive play facility for families in the Morinomiya Fountain of Osaka Castle Park. It opened on May 31, 2018, and is the second Playville in Japan, following the one in Tennoji Park. The facility features an ample indoor space of 530m² and an outdoor space of 717m², designed so that children can play in an environment rich in nature and play equipment. There are separate areas for different age groups, so children aged six months to 12 years can enjoy themselves safely. The play area offers a wide range of activities, including sandpits, rides, role-playing, ball pools, and an obstacle course. There is also a particular area for babies, catering to the needs of children of all ages. The admission fee is 800 yen for the first 30 minutes for each child, with an additional 100 yen for every 10 minutes after that. Parents are required to pay a facility usage fee of 600 yen. The opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30), and it is open all year round, but there are irregular days when it is closed, so we recommend checking in advance. It is convenient to access and is about a 5-minute walk from Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Subway Chuo Line, and Subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line. As a facility where you can play regardless of the weather, the Bonheur Playville Osaka Castle Park provides everyday childcare support and a fulfilling time and experience for families visiting on vacation. Located within the nature-rich Osaka Castle Park, it is a popular spot where you can enjoy a full day of activities combined with a stroll through the park.

Grand Front Play Area

The BorneLund Grand Front Osaka Store is on the 4th floor of the South Building of Grand Front Osaka in Kita Ward, Osaka City, which combines an indoor play area for children with a shop. This store was designed based on BorneLund's "Asobi no Sekai" (Play World) concept and is equipped with various play equipment and toys that nurture children's creativity and physical abilities. The store has two areas: a 'play area' with extensive play equipment and a 'shop' selling toys and picture books. The play area has play equipment suited to different ages and stages of development. For example, soft play equipment for babies and toddlers, climbing walls, and balance equipment for preschoolers and elementary school children. These play equipment are designed to nurture children's motor skills, cooperation, and problem-solving abilities. In the "Shop" area, you can purchase high-quality toys and picture books from around the world that have been carefully selected by BorneLund. These products have been selected to match children's stages of development and include educational elements that allow them to learn while playing.

The admission fee is 800 yen (tax included) for 30 minutes per child, with an additional 100 yen (tax included) for each additional 10 minutes. Adults must pay an admission fee of 600 yen (tax included). There is also an age limit, and the facility is only open to children between 6 months and 12 years old. The opening hours are from 10:00 to 20:00, and it is open all year round, but it is recommended to check in advance as there may be temporary closures due to facility maintenance. It is very convenient to access and is within walking distance of JR Osaka Station, Hankyu Umeda Station, and Subway Umeda Station. Grand Front Osaka is located in the center of Osaka, so it is easy to use for shopping and dining. BorneLund Grand Front Osaka provides a space where children can play safely in the city center, making it a popular spot where you can spend a comfortable day, even on rainy or hot days. It is also a valuable place for families with children, providing an environment where parents and children can play and learn together.

A hands-on museum for children    

Kids Plaza Osaka is Japan's first full-fledged "museum for children" in Ogimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City. It opened on July 10, 1997, and is located on the lower floors of Kantei Ogimachi Square, where Kansai Telecasting Corporation is headquartered. The facility is designed so that children can learn through play, and each of the five floors has a variety of hands-on exhibits and workshops. On the fourth floor, the "Play Floor," there is a "Children's Town" designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, where you can enjoy ladders and slides. On the 5th floor, the "Try It" floor, there are a variety of exhibits where you can learn while playing, such as generating electricity, experiencing what the world looks like through the eyes of an insect, and trying your hand at making a news program. On the 3rd floor, the "Make It" floor, there are programs to help you discover the joy of making things, and you can experience creative workshops, computer workshops, and the "Digital Experience Plaza Aqua," where you can enjoy interacting with digital devices. At Kids Plaza Osaka, special programs and special exhibitions are held regularly. For example, a summer special exhibition called "Kids' Style Ninja✧Daisakusen 2024 Summer Campaign - Mastering the Mind, Skill, and Body! The facility is open from 9:30 to 17:00, and tickets are sold until 45 minutes before closing time. It is closed on the second and third Mondays of the month (the following day if it is a public holiday), the fourth Monday of August, and the year-end and New Year period (December 28 to January 2). It is conveniently located next to Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line Ogimachi Station. In addition, there is also Ogimachi Park outside the facility, creating an environment where you can enjoy yourself all day. Kids Plaza Osaka is a facility many families want where children can stimulate their sense of inquiry and creativity and experience the joy of learning through play.

Indoor Amusement Park Facility    

Hirakata Park is an amusement park in Hirakata-Koen-cho, Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, a historic facility that opened in 1912. The park's vast grounds, which cover approximately 500,000 square meters, are home to various attractions and facilities, making it a popular spot for people of all ages, from children to adults. The park has around 40 different attractions, including the thrilling roller coaster 'Red Falcon' and the 60-meter freefall 'Sky Walker'. There are plenty of rides for younger children and attractions for the whole family, so there is something for everyone, regardless of age. One facility worth mentioning is 'Hirapa Light Amusement Park.' This is an illumination event that is held only in winter, and the park is decorated with around 2 million LED lights, creating a fantastic atmosphere. One of the attractions of Hirakata Park is the various events that are held each season. There are events to enjoy throughout the year, such as the cherry blossom festival in spring, the pool and nighttime opening in summer, the Halloween event in autumn, and the aforementioned illumination event in winter. Accessing the park, which is just a 3-minute walk from Hirakata Koen Station on the Keihan Main Line, is very convenient. It is also possible to access the park from Osaka City in about 30 minutes by train to enjoy a day trip there. The admission fee and unlimited ride pass are combined in the "Hirakata Park Admission + Free Pass' ' ticket, which costs 4,400 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 3,800 yen for elementary school students, and 2,600 yen for children aged 2 to preschool. A season pass is also available, offering a great value option that can be used as many times as you like throughout the year. Hirakata Park has long been a famous amusement park in the Osaka area. Although it is mainly an outdoor facility, it also has indoor attractions and shows where you can enjoy yourself all day long, regardless of the weather. Many people love it as a comprehensive entertainment facility that families, couples, and groups of friends can enjoy.

Experience the Skate Park

Murasaki Park Suita is an indoor skate park in the LaLaport EXPOCITY shopping mall in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. This facility is famous for action sports enthusiasts, including skateboarders, inline skaters, and BMX riders. One of the features of the facility is its indoor space, which boasts an area of approximately 1,000 square meters, and it has sections of various difficulty levels that beginners and advanced riders alike can enjoy. Specifically, there are street sections, bowls, mini ramps, etc., which allow for riding in a variety of styles. Murasaki Park Suita is unique because people of all ages and skill levels can use it. There are also lesson programs for beginners, so it is a safe environment for those who want to start skateboarding or BMX. In addition, there are experienced staff on hand at all times, so safety support is also excellent. The usage fee is 1,800 yen for 2 hours on weekdays and 2,000 yen for 2 hours on weekends and holidays. Annual passes are also available, an excellent option for frequent users. The location inside LaLaport EXPOCITY makes it very convenient to access. It is about a 2-minute walk from the Osaka Monorail's Banpaku Kinen Koen Station, so it is easy to access by public transport. Murasaki Park Suita is a facility that can be enjoyed by people who want to practice and improve their action sports skills and by families and groups of friends. As it is an indoor facility that can be used regardless of the weather, you can spend a comfortable day there, even on rainy or hot days. In addition, by combining it with other facilities in LaLaport EXPOCITY, it becomes a spot where you can enjoy yourself all day long.

Indoor Playgrounds in Osaka    

There are a variety of indoor play areas in Osaka City that children and adults can enjoy. The following table summarizes the main facilities introduced in this article.

Here's the information converted to a bullet-point style:

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BorneLund Grand Front Osaka Store

• Features: Sells play equipment and toys that foster creativity and physical ability
• Age Range: 6 months to 12 years old
• Access: Within walking distance of JR Osaka Station and Hankyu Umeda Station

‍

BorneLund Playville Osaka Castle Park

• Features: Large indoor and outdoor play area, natural environment
• Age Range: 6 months to 12 years old
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Morinomiya Station

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Kids Plaza Osaka

• Features: Hands-on museum with a variety of exhibitions and workshops
• Age Range: 2 years old and up
• Access: Right by Osaka Metro Ogimachi Station

‍

Devolving Plus Lead Namba

• Features: One of Japan's largest climbing gyms, with a kids' area
• Age Range: 2 years old and up
• Access: 2 minutes on foot from Namba Station

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Murasaki Park Suita

• Features: Indoor skate park for beginners and advanced skaters
• Age Range: 2 years old and up
• Access: 2-minute walk from Banpaku Kinen Koen Station

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Hirakata Park

• Features: Amusement park, seasonal events, some indoor facilities
• Age Range: All ages
• Access: Approx. 3 min. walk from Hirakata Koen Station

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Each of these facilities offers unique opportunities for play and learning, and the common factor is that they can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. They are suitable for families and have a range of facilities for people of all ages and needs, so you can see that there are plenty of indoor play options in Osaka City.

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