Here are some age-appropriate, one-off weekend activities for families with children (ages 3-14) in Kyoto on Saturday, February 7th, and Sunday, February 8th, 2026! This weekend features traditional crafts and performances perfect for a winter family outing.
See our top picks
No confirmed free-entry events found for this weekend.
N/A
Check local shrines for spontaneous small events, though none were explicitly dated.
Viva Square Kyoto Ice Skating Park
Viva Square Kyoto
A fun indoor activity to keep the kids moving when the weather is bad.
Picture Book & Craft Festa: Karuta Keychain Making Experience
イオンモールKYOTO
A simple craft event ideal for younger children (3+).
· February 7
3WEEPING PLUM AND CAMELLIA FESTIVAL - SPECIAL OPENING : Plum blossom season is starting in Kyoto, and Jonangu Shrine is famous for its stunning weeping plum trees. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the grounds during this special festival period, great for all ages.A beautiful seasonal event to enjoy nature and traditional shrine scenery early in the plum blossom season.
KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026: -BEYOND TIME, THE GARDEN BLOOMS- : This festival is running throughout February and is a great way to experience Japanese culture with various displays and potential hands-on activities within the shrine grounds. Since it runs all weekend, it's a perfect Saturday option!A large, multi-faceted cultural festival happening at a famous shrine, ensuring there's something interesting for different age groups.
VIVA SQUARE KYOTO ICE SKATING PARK : The ice skating park is open this weekend and is an excellent way to burn off some energy indoors if the weather is chilly or wet. Great fun for kids who enjoy active sports!A fantastic indoor, active option that is only available for a limited time this winter.
· February 8
10KONGO THEATER REGULAR PERFORMANCE : Catch the 2nd regular performance of the Kongo Theater this year! Noh theater is a traditional Japanese art form that can be fascinating for older children and teens who appreciate structured performance. Check the official website for performance times and ticket info.A direct experience with a major form of traditional Japanese performing art.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: WASHI LANTERN MAKING EXPERIENCE : This is one of several craft workshops happening as part of the 'Picture Book & Craft Festa' at AEON MALL KYOTO. Today's focus is making a beautiful Japanese paper (washi) lantern—great for bringing home a unique souvenir!A hands-on traditional craft workshop held in an easily accessible mall location.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: KARUTA KEYCHAIN MAKING EXPERIENCE : Another station at the Craft Festa lets kids create their own Karuta (Japanese card game) keychains. This is a super fun, interactive craft that even younger kids can participate in making.A fun, simple craft tied to a traditional Japanese game, perfect for younger participants.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: TOTE BAG COLORING EXPERIENCE : Part of the Festa, this workshop lets kids color or add gold leaf (Kin-sai) to a tote bag featuring a picture book character. It's a longer project for the slightly older, more focused kids.A chance to customize a usable item like a tote bag with traditional coloring techniques.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: MIZUHIKI DECORATION MAKING EXPERIENCE : Learn the beautiful art of Mizuhiki—decorative cords often used for gifts. This precise craft is great for tweens and teens interested in Japanese aesthetics and detailed work.Introduces children to the delicate, traditional Japanese art of decorative cord tying (Mizuhiki).
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: KYO-YUZEN DYEING ART PANEL MAKING : Try your hand at Kyo-Yuzen dyeing to create your own small art panel! This workshop is a fantastic introduction to one of Kyoto's most famous textile crafts.A chance to try the intricate, famous Kyo-Yuzen dyeing technique on a small scale.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: KYŌ-KOMA (KYOTO SPINNING TOP) MAKING : Learn to make a traditional Kyoto spinning top, or 'Kyō-Koma,' guided by Mr. Oni-gawara Ken. You get to make a classic toy you can actually play with!A rare chance to craft a traditional Japanese toy that involves woodworking or similar skills.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: BUILDING BLOCK LACQUER PAINTING EXPERIENCE : Paint traditional lacquer onto wooden building blocks at this craft station. It's a wonderful activity that combines structure (the block) with creative decoration.Combining the fun of building blocks with the elegance of traditional Japanese lacquerware decoration.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: PICTURE BOOK CHARACTER TOTE BAG COLORING : Another chance to decorate a tote bag, this time focusing on coloring in a picture book character using a technique similar to Yuzen dyeing. Super cute souvenir potential!Appeals to younger kids who love picture book characters and expressing themselves creatively.
PICTURE BOOK & CRAFT FESTA: SIMPLE PAULOWNIA BOX MAKING : Construct a simple storage box using paulownia wood, a traditional and lightweight Japanese material. This is a great woodworking intro for older kids.A chance for older children to try basic box construction using traditional materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Kyoto this weekend?
Based on the limited confirmed dates, there are no explicitly free, one-off family events listed for February 7th or 8th, 2026. You might find some free areas within the ongoing KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
Are there any cultural workshops for kids this weekend?
Yes! On Sunday, February 8th, the 'Picture Book & Craft Festa' at AEON MALL KYOTO hosts several hands-on workshops, including making Washi lanterns, Karuta keychains, and Kyo-Yuzen dyed art panels. Reservations are needed.
What's a good activity for active kids on Sunday?
For active kids, the Viva Square Kyoto Ice Skating Park is open on Sunday, February 8th, offering a great way to burn off energy. Alternatively, the KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL might have engaging visual displays or performances.
