Where To Go With Children In Niseko During Winter
The inside scoop to where you and your family can spend some time off the slopes. Child-friendly restaurants, shops, and businesses.
For any family traveling with young children, one of the first questions you are going to start to ponder is where you can go with your young ones. While you can spend hours and hours on the slopes with your children, you will be coming down at some point and wondering where you can go and what you can do with the little ones. It is a question that many ask their accommodation providerand many try their luck with Google searches in hopes of finding a few answers.
It is a question that we are not unfamiliar with either as we are often asked as well. As such, we have put together a short list of a few family-friendly locations where you can relax over a warm drink or even over a meal which cater to families with children. Further down we have included a few childcare and childminding providers as well, in case you are looking for a day away from the kids!
Child-friendly restaurants and services
Mandoriano
If you are in the mood for pizza for lunch with the kids, than Mandriano might be the spot for you. Mandriano is located at the Takahashi Farm area over by Niseko Village. It has a large playroom for children that is open for use year-round. Takahasi Farm is an excellent location for families due to the open field and scenic views as well. Your children can run around in the open field and play in the snow in winter or pose up on a large bale of hay or on a farmer's tractor with Mt Yotei in the backdrop in the warmer months as well.
Suitable ages: 2 to 9 years
The Niseko Adventure Centre's Kid's Garden
If you are looking for a place with heaps of room for your kids to burn-off some excitement and energy the Niseko Adventure Centre (NAC) has a special Kid's Garden which may be just what you are looking for. Let the kids climb through their jungle gym while you grab a coffee or a bite to eat at JoJo's on the second floor.
If you have slightly older children (over 100cm tall) you might opt for the NAC's climbing wall instead!
Suitable ages: 2 to 12 years (climbing wall not suitable for very young children)
Trattoria Bleu Cielo
This Italian eatery in Kutchan town might not jump out as a place where you and the family can unwind over a plate of pasta or a Dutch-oven bake, but don't let that fool you. The restaurant stretches far back and has a large open backroom that is perfect for families with young children. In addition to having a child-friendly playroom, Bleu Cielo has a specialized menu for young children; only four items, but all kids-friendly!
Suitable ages: 2 to 9 years
Guzu Guzu
Looking for something not far from the Hirafu village that has some space for young children? Guzu Guzu is located at the three-way intersection on the way to Route 5 from Hirafu, sharing its parking lot with Ichimura Soba. They serve a range of excellent fresh-baked goods and whip together some delectable sandwiches, which you can enjoy in the comfort of knowing your children are having fun in a safe and friendly environment.
Suitable ages: 2 to 9 years
The Niseko Alpen Hotel's Pool
If you and your children are keen to get in from the cold, a nice warm swimming pool might be an ideal way to spend a part of the day. Open year-round, Hotel Niseko Alpen's indoor pool can be used by anyone, even if you aren't staying at the hotel. Pop by and swim a few lengths and don't worry if you forgot your swimming suit they have rentals for men and women available!
Suitable ages: all ages (please don't let young children swim unattended)
Childminding centres and services
Niseko Kid's Club
Niseko Kid's Club is an international childcare centre with experienced staff to ensure your children are well-looked after when mom and dad need some time to relax away from the kids. Located in the ski-in and ski-out condominium hotel, AYA Niseko, the Niseko Kid's Club is a great place to ensure your children are looked after for a half-day or full-day.
Niseko Kid's Club engage children with all their senses through music, dance, crafts, and outdoor activity. Their daily programs involve a range of free and guided play in their modern childcare facility which is furnished with handmade furniture and stocked with an extensive range of lovable children's toys and activities.
Suitable ages: 12 months to 36 months (Little Bugs) and 3 years to 6 years (Forest Animals)Niseko Village's Niseko Kids
If you are staying in Niseko Village and are looking for somewhere you can leave your children for a half-day or full-day Niseko Kids Day Care and Snow School might be what you are looking for. They offer both Day Care and Day Care plus ski lesson options so there is some flexibility to help get your children out onto the slopes.
Suitable ages: 12 months to 6 years
Grand Hirafu's Kids Room
Grand Hirafu's Kids Room operates out of a space on the Hotel Niseko Alpen's second floor. With an excellent location in the Hirafu village, it is a very convenient option when you are in need of childminding services. Open to guests who are not staying at the Hotel Niseko Alpen, day care options ranging from two-hour care all the way up to full-day care is available. Space is limited, so it is recommended to call in advance.
Suitable ages: 6 months to 2 years old and 2 years