Introducing Shimizu Children’s Hall

Hello travelers! This is Asukaland, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing a wonderful spot in Shimizu Kamei-machi, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City:
Shimizu Children’s Hall (清水児童館).

Tucked inside the Kita Ward Office Shimizu Community Center, Shimizu Children’s Hall is a hidden gem for families!

Quick parking tip: the lot at the front entrance of the Children’s Hall is reserved for visitors heading to the Community Center counter.
The parking lot for Shimizu Children’s Hall users is located at the back of the building.

Here’s the rear parking lot.

To enter from the back, simply walk through the Community Center building. Don’t worry — there are signs to guide you (^^)

And here we are at Shimizu Children’s Hall (^3^)/

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (reception closes at 4:45 PM)
Who can use it: Preschoolers with their guardians, plus elementary school children
Since elementary school kids can also use the facility, it’s perfect for families with siblings of different ages!

Please remove your shoes, place them in the shoe rack, and head to the reception desk (^^)

You’ll need to sign in at the reception book.
(First-time visitors are asked to fill out a “User Registration Card Application Form.”)

The restroom is right next to the reception, and it includes small toilets sized for kids.
Great news for parents whose little ones are still potty training! (^^)

There’s also a curtained diaper-changing area equipped with a baby bed for added privacy.

Why We Recommend Shimizu Children’s Hall

First of all!

This place is HUGE — with soaring high ceilings and tons of space!

Toys are available for borrowing, and the staff carefully sanitize them on a regular basis (^^)

There are plenty of ride-on toys, and the hall is so spacious that kids can really let loose (*^.^*)

Over here, you’ll find a lineup of non-wheeled ride toys.

The boat-shaped rocker, with its gentle cradle-like motion, was a huge hit (*^.^*)

There are two different slides, perfect for kids of various ages and abilities!

This slide is a bit on the taller side.

The fluffy soft mats invited the kids to jump, lie down, and invent all kinds of fun games (*^.^*)

The toy playhouse is just begging for some imaginative pretend-play and “house” games (^-^)v

But it’s not just a play area!

There’s also a library room!

Books can’t be borrowed, but it’s a lovely spot to pick out a favorite picture book and enjoy quiet reading time together as a family (*^.^*)

And then…!
“It’s time, everyone!” calls one of the friendly staff members (*^.^*) (On the day of our visit, they were running their popular Kira Kira Time activity!)

There were seasonal songs and interactive movement activities — a wonderful chance for parents and kids to get moving and bond together!

☆ Kira Kira Time ☆

Morning interactive activities for parents and children (^-^)v

Every Thursday and Friday, starting at 11:00 AM (about 20 minutes long)

Reception time: 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM (or until capacity is reached)

※ There are also many other activities that require advance registration! Check the official website for the application schedule and details (^-^)v

Among the other activities, there’s a group called “PaoPao Club” — a community where parent members lead events and enjoy parenting together. You can really feel the warm, supportive atmosphere they’ve created (^^)

And there’s more!

Let’s head outside — there’s an outdoor playground too! (^3^)/

My daughter was so excited she made a beeline for the equipment (^^)

A Tarzan-style zip-line! (^^)

A round-shaped jungle gym!

The outdoor slide is a bit on the taller side too.

There are even horizontal bars — a perfect spot for kids to practice their gymnastics skills!

Note: the outdoor play area also requires reception sign-in, and it’s open to children up through elementary school age.

Sweet detail: they even give out birthday card gifts for the kids! (^-^)

With so much warmth, fun, and connection on offer, Shimizu Children’s Hall is a place that truly makes parenting more joyful. If you’re traveling in Kumamoto with little ones, why not stop by? (^^)／＼(^^)

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of our visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.