Playtime in Toyosu

As we walked back to Toyosu Station from the teamLab Planets museum, my son needed to get some energy out before we hopped onto the train for over an hour.  Although the museum was great, it does not exude the same amount of energy as climbing and running around.  At 5 years old, he always has energy to burn.  If he isn't going 100 kilometers a minute, he's asleep!

I had noticed a park while we were walking to the museum, so it was easy to stop by on our walk back to the station.  Toyosu Park is perfect for older kids needing to climb.  The main play structure was a unique combination of poles, ropes, and plastic forms that was great for climbing up, down, and all over.  I have seen the same play structures in the US, but never in Japan. 

My son loved climbing as well as hanging.  He was able to get really creative when he was playing.

There were also some more typical Japanese play structures at the park, like a sandbox and a large cement mound.  The mound is always a huge hit with kids as they run up and slide back down all around the form.  It is so basic, but kids always seem to love it.

Taking time to play at a park is so important for all kids.  One of the things I love about Japan is there always seems to be play structures around whenever we need one.  It might not be the fanciest or newest playground equipment, but it is there!  My son gets some energy out and is able to sit nicely on the train ride.  It is a win-win for everyone.