There are no shortages of parks and playgrounds in Okinawa. The summers are hot, so morning and late evening trips are the key to enjoying your time to the fullest. The weather during the rest of the year is mild, even during the rainy season! Be sure to bring some rain boots, a rain jacket, and a towel to throw over the car seat… you’re ready to play!

Below are some of the most sought-after playgrounds in Okinawa. While the playgrounds are wonderful and quite different from American play areas, one might wonder, “What else, though?” Many parks have various amenities, making it easy to spend a few hours outside. From covered picnic tables and ice cream vending machines to scenic sea walls to stroll along once the kids are played out, there is no shortage of fun to be had. A few playgrounds in Okinawa below even have food shops on-site, making it easy to take spontaneous trips. Don’t forget the bathroom! Potty stops are inevitable with little ones, and the parks below have clean, western bathroom facilities… sometimes with the optional washiki (floor toilet).

Ginoza Roadside Station / Giino-Kun Land

Ginoza Roadside Station is a wonderfully fun time. Be sure to bring yen for the vending machines, food shops, and garden center! Yes, there is a garden center with all sorts of pretty plant goodies one might not expect to find near playgrounds in Okinawa. Aside from the fun things to spend spare yen on, the playground (also known as Giino-Kun Land) is sprawling. With several levels, slides, and climbing obstacles, this play structure is wonderful for all ages and abilities alike. During the hot summer months, there is a small wading pool with splash pad-like features as well as access to the waterway.

Bathrooms are clean and modern, including changing stations and a mini urinal in the ladies’ room for your little guy. Parking is plentiful and free!

Araha Beach Playground

Araha Beach Playground is also lovingly known as the Pirate Ship Park. This playground is iconic, featuring a near life-size ship. Zip line off the edge, roller slide from the crow’s nest, and play hide and seek on the different levels of the ship! The possibilities are endless. Once the kiddos have had their fill, stop by one of the vending machines for a cold treat or walk down the sea wall a bit to check out the food shops. If you really feel like getting your cardio in, American Village is a short distance away and can be accessed by walking along the sea wall.

Bathrooms are not the most beautiful; however, they are clean and offer shower stalls. Parking is plentiful and free but fills up fast due to the park being beachfront.

Cape Zanpa

Cape Zanpa is located in the western part of Yomitan Village. The playground is great for kiddos of all ages. However, the playground is just part of the fun. Plan to experience massive Shisa statues, a petting zoo, and a scenic lighthouse as well. A quick stroll across the street will put you on the beachy coast of the East China Sea. If you’ve worked up an appetite, Cape Zanpa Drive-In, which is located within walking distance of the playground, is a great stop for a quick bite or a casual dinner with your family.

Be sure to bring yen for those beloved vending machines! Bathrooms are clean, and parking is free and abundant.

Yuinohama Park

Yuinohama Park is expansive, just like the three playgrounds mentioned above. Featuring slides down a steep hill, a fun obstacle-like climbing course for older kids, a large trampoline, and a basketball court, this playground is sure to please everyone. A paved walking path follows the scenic northern coast and looks out over the vast East China Sea. Many food shops are available nearby, and the park has vending machines on site, including my personal favorite… a Seventeen-Ice ice cream machine.

Don’t forget your yennies! Picnic tables are first-come, first-served, with only a few being covered. While the bathrooms are small, they are clean. Parking is available for free.

Peace Memorial Park

Peace Memorial Park is last, but it is certainly not least. The park itself is a Quasi-National Park, featuring memorials and a cemetery for the perished. This is the location where the Battle of Okinawa ended, and it has its very own museum (a small entrance fee is required). A day at Peace Memorial Park is one well spent.

Wander around touching up on your WWII facts (or teaching them to little minds), stop for a quick vending machine refreshment, and take a brain break at the huge playground. This playground has it all and is a great choice for all age groups. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and sunscreen because you can easily spend several hours here! Bathrooms are clean and modern. Parking is free and abundant.

Looking for more? Check out these other popular articles on activities in Okinawa.