About Arao Sports Park Children’s Playground

Hello travelers! This is Aikero from Sarukuma, your local guide who can’t resist a good thrill ride every now and then.

Today I’m introducing a wonderful family spot in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
Arao Sports Park Children’s Playground (荒尾運動公園児童公園).
Located just a 5-minute drive from Greenland Amusement Park, this is the perfect little oasis for a break during your Arao adventure.
Along with classic favorites like swings, slides, and a horizontal bar, you’ll find brand-new combination play structures here.
It’s a fantastic spot for picnics and cherry blossom viewing — and locals know it as a hidden gem for watching the famous Greenland fireworks!

Our colleague Igaguri-san previously covered this spot ♪
Some photos are borrowed from her original article.

Arao Sports Park Children’s Playground – A Hidden Gem for Greenland Fireworks with Lots of Swings!

The parking lot is just across the road from the playground.
The back area of this lot is reportedly the best vantage point for the Greenland fireworks!

Once you cross over from the parking lot, you’ll notice the park has a slightly sloped layout.
Watch your step — there are some bumpy tree roots along the way, so both kids and parents should walk carefully.
The restrooms are surprisingly thoughtful — they include child-sized toilets and a diaper-changing station!
That’s pretty impressive for a neighborhood park.
There’s also a hand-washing station right next to the restrooms.

What Makes Arao Sports Park Children’s Playground Special

Closest to the parking lot, you’ll spot this charming structure.
Is it a fairytale castle? A slide?
Let’s take a closer look…
There are no stairs — every side is designed like a slide!
My guess is that the curved sections are actually for climbing up, not sliding down.
So there’s no need for the usual “don’t climb up the slide!” warning here.
Kids can climb and slide to their heart’s content ♪
There’s even a somewhat rare horizontal bar.
Fun fact: at Sarukuma, we often get asked, “Where can I find a park with a horizontal bar?”
This is a great spot for parents and kids to practice together — so if you’re looking for one, head to Arao!
And look — there’s a baby swing too! ♡
Always a welcome sight for parents with little ones.
Just be careful, since the road runs right alongside the park — keep an eye on kids who like to dash off.
Now, heading down the slope…
A brand-new combination play structure has been installed!
There’s a mini bouldering wall…
…and balance equipment that looks like a great core workout.
A wavy slide is also part of the setup.
Since it has stairs, even smaller children can join the fun ♪
There’s a nice long slide near the front, too.
This might be one of the new additions, too.
Not quite sure if we played with it the “right” way… haha!
But play styles aside, the kids had a blast using their imagination!
Speaking of free play, check out this one.
Kids will say “What is this?!” and then immediately climb on it — it’s hilarious to watch.
Since there’s not much flat ground, ball games or badminton might be tricky here.
The elephant slide has a ladder for climbing up — how cool!
First time I’ve seen a setup like this.
Kids don’t often get the chance to climb a ladder, so it makes for great exercise.
We visited during cherry blossom season, and there were quite a few people enjoying hanami here.
There’s plenty of shade from the trees, so bring a bento or some snacks — it’s a lovely spot for a picnic ♪
This park is best as a quick stop during a drive rather than a full-day destination.
Be sure to check the linked recommended spots nearby and make a fun day of it in Arao! (^^)/
On the way back, why not relax at Tamana Onsen?
(Inspired by Asuka-san’s article, I also stopped by a crepe shop ♡)

Arao Sports Park Children’s Playground – A Hidden Gem for Greenland Fireworks with Lots of Swings!

Crepe Shop Choco 877 (Banana) – Arao City – A Crepe Shop with Light, Refreshing Cream and Plenty of Choices!

Haru Cafe Kitchen – Arao City – Right Next to Greenland! Cozy Wooden Interior, Great Prices, and Family-Friendly Lunches!

Donguri Plus – Arao City – Always New Items! A Wildly Popular Bakery with a Huge Variety

Greenland – Arao City – Kumamoto’s Premier Theme Park with Plenty of Rides for Younger Kids Too!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.