[Nagano: Winter Playgrounds] Nagano City spots for families that had my husband and son sweating and fully engaged
Winter in Nagano City, where a sub-zero world spreads out.
Are you thinking, 'With kids in tow, playing outside in the cold is probably impossible...?'
Actually, there was a 'hot' spot that defied those expectations.
It all started with my daughter's rhythmic gymnastics competition.
'Since we have to be there early on the day of the competition, why don't we just stay over?'
That conversation between my husband and me led to this,a winter trip to Nagano City.
While I was stuck supporting my daughter at the 'White Ring' venue, my husband and son went off on their own.
'Us guys are going to go enjoy winter in Nagano to the fullest! 🫡'
they said, heading out to play with great enthusiasm.
When we met up at the hotel that night, the two of them were so full of energy, it was as if they had forgotten the winter cold!
'Mom, listen!' my son said, his report never-ending.
Here are the spots that father and son became obsessed with, which I highly recommend for families.
1. [Chausuyama Zoo]
The power of the 'real thing' jumping out of the picture book
The first place the two of them headed was Chausuyama Zoo. You might think, 'A zoo in winter?', but there is actually a charm that only exists in winter.
Giraffes, orangutans, lions, and more that he had only ever seen in picture books.
Seeing their size and movement in person for the first time, my son seemed to forget the cold and was super excited.
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My son's excitement points!
'A giraffe's neck is thaaat long!' 🦒
'An orangutan put poop 💩 on the glass! (lol)'
Seeing my son talk about such heartwarming (?) reports with sparkling eyes, I felt that experiences that stimulate the five senses in the clear winter air nurture a child's heart.
They stayed for about an hour.
A little tip from a parent's perspective
There are many slopes, so it seems just walking around kept their bodies nice and warm.
My husband muttered, 'This was a good way to get rid of my lack of exercise.'
I wonder if it helped him lose a little weight?? (lol)
2. [Naga-Nobi!]
An indoor paradise where you can get 'sweaty' even on snowy days
The second day was unfortunately snowy. But Nagano City had the ultimate ally.
That is the indoor children's play area, Naga-Nobi!This place is truly a 'treasure island' for children.
Spacious ball pits and educational toys that tickle curiosity. Even though it was a sub-zero world with snow dancing outside, my son apparently played until he was drenched in sweat.
This is Dad's recommended point!
Peace of mind with a complete reservation system✅
There is no tragedy of 'I went all the way there but couldn't get in!' Online booking is the standard, but phone reservations are also OK on the day. Being able to plan easily is the biggest advantage for traveling with children, isn't it?
3. [Reward]
After working up a sweat, enjoy top-tier hospitality at 'Kai Alps', an hour away by car
After playing to the fullest, a plan to enjoy hot springs at Kai Alps, an hour away by car, is also the best.
It's great to see children happy and sweaty, but honestly, the moms and dads accompanying them are exhausted (lol).
It's the same for our family, but as a way to heal after 'playing it all out,' I always fantasize about a plan to enjoy hot springs at Kai Alps, an hour away by car.
Eating oyaki grilled over an irori hearth, or soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at the snowy landscape.
It's the best place to reward ourselves for our hard work, to gain vitality for the parenting that starts again tomorrow.
Click here for our family's stay report at Kai Alps👇
Winter in Nagano is not just 'cold'
Nagano City sightseeing that started unexpectedly because of supporting my daughter at her competition.
There was no need to worry about 'staying still indoors because it's cold.'
Hidden in Nagano during winter are "hot" spots that make children's eyes sparkle and leave adults pleasantly exhausted.
Whether you are a local or visiting from out of the prefecture, please be sure to tuck a "spare T-shirt" under your winter gear and come play in Nagano City.
Next time, I want to come back with my daughter and the four of us can try again!
……Now, as for the results of my daughter's competition💃
If I start writing about that, it might get long, so I will share it in another article later.
#FamilyTrip #DomesticTravel #Parenting #ChildRearing #HowToSpendHolidays #NaganoSightseeing
#NaganoCity #WinterPlay