The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa is hands-down one of the coolest places to explore, especially if your family loves to take their time and soak it all in. If you’re planning to visit, just know, one day probably won’t cut it.

We ended up coming back three different times during our trip and still didn’t see it all! That’s how big and packed with things to do in Okinawa with kids this destination really is. Browse our Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium photos below to get a sense of what we mean.

From epic encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish at the Churaumi Aquarium to vibrant orchids in the Tropical Dream Center, Ocean Expo Park is packed with family fun. Add sweeping ocean views, cultural exhibits, and kid-friendly beaches, and you’ve got a destination worth dedicating a few days to in your Okinawa itinerary.

Oceanic Culture Museum & Planetarium

The Oceanic Culture Museum & Planetarium in Okinawa quickly became one of my favorite stops inside Ocean Expo Park. This cultural attraction truly honors South Pacific cultures in all their glory while also offering kid-friendly experiences.

The planetarium show at the ocean culture museum

We kicked off our visit with the planetarium show, and I’m so glad we did. It’s a beautiful, immersive experience that explains the story of star sand in Okinawa, tiny grains shaped like stars! We had actually found some while beachcombing on Yoron Island, so it felt extra special. The show also highlighted constellations in Okinawa, making it a unique way for families to connect science and culture.

Oceanic Culture Museum Highlights

The museum itself provides a meaningful look into the traditional ways of life across the Pacific Islands. Inside, you’ll discover fascinating cultural artifacts like carved tiki heads, traditional fishing hooks, and intricately crafted wooden tools. It’s both educational and engaging, perfect for families traveling with kids.

Upstairs, the full wraparound exhibit follows the story of a young man learning the ways of the sea. Kids will love seeing the process of reading the stars, rope weaving, net making, and eventually building a traditional Polynesian double canoe. The storytelling and design here are outstanding.

As a sailing family who actually owns a double canoe, this exhibit hit especially close to home. But even if you don’t have that connection, this cultural museum in Okinawa is a gem. It blends education and wonder in a way that’s perfect for families planning an Okinawa itinerary.

And if your children love Disney’s Moana (or are counting down the days until Moana 2), the Oceanic Culture Museum is a must-visit during your family trip to Okinawa.

Tropical Dream Center, Ocean Expo Park (Okinawa)

The Ocean Expo Park Tropical Dream Center is a bit of a walk from the Churaumi Aquarium and the Native Okinawan Village, but it’s absolutely worth the detour if you have the time. Just look for the tall, seashell-shaped tower spiraling into the sky, you’ll know you’ve arrived.

This is one of Okinawa’s most unique botanical gardens and a true dream for flower lovers. Families can wander whimsical garden paths, while kids enjoy the stamp rally, a fun seek-and-find challenge that keeps them engaged. The highlight is the orchid greenhouse, home to hundreds (maybe even thousands) of orchids in every color imaginable.

Tropical Fruit Tree Greenhouse

Beyond the flowers, the Tropical Fruit Tree Greenhouse is a must-see. This large, glass-sided space is filled with Okinawa tropical plants and fruit trees such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, cocoa trees, and even a rare screwpine. If you’re a fan of breadfruit or durian, you may be a little disappointed, since we didn’t spot those varieties here, but the selection is still fascinating and very kid-friendly.

Koi Fish and The Sand Castle Observation Tower

After exploring the greenhouse, follow the path to the koi fish pond, where families can stop at the café and enjoy a meal with a pond view. Feeding the koi is a highlight, but be mindful that some of the darker fish in the second pond have specific feeding restrictions.

From there, make your way to the Tropical Dream Center observation tower, one of the most recognizable Ocean Expo Park attractions. The tower’s design looks like a sand castle, complete with a spiral staircase and an elevator.

While the elevator doesn’t take you fully to the top, the walk up is worth it. From above, you’ll catch refreshing ocean breezes and sweeping views of the entire Tropical Dream Center botanical gardens.

Victoria Hot House and Butterfly Garden

For something extra special, step into the Victoria Hot House and butterfly garden. Inside, you might catch sight of butterflies emerging from their chrysalis. A magical moment for children and adults alike.

When we visited in April, one tree was covered in chrysalises, and we were lucky enough to watch a butterfly break free from its golden shell and spread its wings for the very first time. Experiences like this make it one of the best kid-friendly gardens in Okinawa.

The Grand Finale: Exploring Okinawa’s Tropical Dream Center

The final part of the Tropical Dream Center in Okinawa takes you along a peaceful outdoor garden path. During our visit, this section was designed as a bear-shaped flower bed that blooms into a colorful display. The path eventually circles back to the starting point, bringing your journey full circle.

While the Tropical Dream Center may not get as much influencer hype as other Okinawa attractions, it’s truly a hidden gem for families. If you’re already planning to visit the Churaumi Aquarium or the Oceanic Culture Museum, make sure to add this stop to your Okinawa family itinerary.

Whether you’re here for the orchids, the koi ponds, or the butterfly house, the Tropical Dream Center Okinawa is one of those unique things to do in Okinawa with kids you won’t regret adding to your trip.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Ocean Expo Park

We spent an entire day at the Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, and honestly, it’s one of the most impressive aquariums we’ve ever visited. If you’re planning your visit, check the popular times on Google Maps to avoid crowds. Weekends can feel as packed as a K-pop concert in Seoul, while Wednesdays are usually the quietest.

At the heart of the aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea Tank, once famous for holding the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest aquarium window. A family of four can visit for under $50 in 2025, making it not only breathtaking but also surprisingly budget-friendly.

Standing in front of that massive glass wall is unforgettable. You’ll see whale sharks gliding by alongside manta rays and shimmering schools of tropical fish.

There are different ways to take in the view: stand at the front for that “face-to-face” perspective, relax in the theater-style seating at the back, or head to Café Ocean Blue, where the window seats are the real prize. Imagine sipping a drink or enjoying your meal while a giant whale shark swims past. It’s dinner and a show all in one.

Educational Exhibits Beyond the Main Tank

The Churaumi Aquarium is much more than its main tank. Families will love the exhibits showcasing local reef species and highlighting Okinawa’s unique marine life and coral reefs. Interactive displays explain the delicate balance of reef ecosystems and introduce fascinating (and sometimes dangerous!) creatures you might encounter in Okinawa’s waters, such as the poisonous stonefish and Hebrew snails.

Other must-sees include the Sea Turtle Pool, where different species of sea turtles swim gracefully in open-air tanks, and the Dolphin Lagoon and manatee pools just outside the main building. These areas highlight conservation efforts and give families a chance to see marine animals up close in a thoughtful, educational setting.

Throughout the aquarium, kids can engage with hands-on exhibits and discover how Okinawa’s reefs connect to the broader Pacific Ocean. From colorful reef tanks to eerie deep-sea creatures, every level has something new to explore.

By the time we left, we’d easily spent several hours wandering every corner. If you’re planning your Okinawa family trip, make sure to dedicate plenty of time here. The Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park is a must-do for families, ocean lovers, and anyone fascinated by the underwater world.

Native Okinawa Village: A Walk Through the Past

After visiting the Oceanic Culture Museum & Planetarium, we wandered over to the Native Okinawa Village next door and we’re so glad we did. It’s completely free to explore and doesn’t have a set entry time, which makes it super easy to work into your Ocean Expo Park itinerary. You can visit it before the museums, after, or even come back on a separate day if you’re staying nearby.

What stood out to us was how immersive it felt. The village gives you an intimate look at traditional Ryukyuan life, with access to historic homes built without any metal fasteners—just wood, rope, and ingenious joinery. Every structure includes signs (in English and Japanese) explaining who would’ve lived there, what purpose the home or storage building served, and how it all tied into Okinawan daily life.

You’ll find granaries, kitchens, livestock shelters, and family homes, all laid out as if time stood still. It’s quiet, educational, and one of those cultural gems that’s easy to miss but so worth the stop.

Kid’s Adventure Land 

This one looked like so much fun for both kids and adults. Imagine a massive cargo net playground stretched across an outdoor jungle gym. 

Kid’s Adventure Land is designed as a giant netted world where little adventurers (and grown-ups too!) can climb, swing, and explore across multi-level net features, bridges, and platforms.

Unfortunately, it was closed for construction during our visit, so we didn’t get to experience it ourselves. But from what we could see (and from other family travelers who’ve been), it’s definitely something to keep on your radar if you’re visiting Ocean Expo Park. 

It’s built to help kids burn off energy while you sit nearby with a view, or join in the climbing action if you’re up for it!

Keep an eye out for updates on reopening, especially if you’re planning a trip in the next year or two. It looks like the kind of stop your kids will be talking about long after you leave.

Where to Eat Inside Ocean Expo Park and Nearby

Café Ocean Blue (Inside Churaumi Aquarium)

One of the most unique dining experiences in Okinawa is right inside the Churaumi Aquarium at Café Ocean Blue. This café sits beside the famous Guinness World Record tank, offering front-row views of whale sharks and manta rays while you eat.

There really isn’t a bad seat, but if you want the ultimate view, you can reserve a table right next to the glass for 500 yen (about $4 USD). Each reservation gives you a 40-minute time slot, and it’s totally worth it, especially if you’re traveling with kids who will be mesmerized by the giant fish swimming past.

The food here is better than you might expect for a busy aquarium café. Think theme park dining with a Japanese twist, similar to Disney Tokyo.

Menu items include Hamburg steak with a drink, seafood curry, pizza, and desserts. Don’t miss the lattes topped with manta ray latte art or the cute cookies and ice cream. Even if you just stop in for coffee, this café is a must for the experience alone.

Food Trucks Outside the Aquarium

Once you exit the indoor exhibits and gift shop, you’ll find a row of food trucks near the manatee pool and sea turtle pool. These are a great option for a quick and casual bite.

Offerings include ramen, chicken burgers, and ice cream, plus plenty of vending machines nearby (a Japan staple). This is perfect if you’re exploring with kids and want something fast before continuing your day at Ocean Expo Park.

Restaurants Near Ocean Expo Park

Island Pig House

If you want to try authentic Okinawan pork dishes, Island Pig House is a must. Pork belly is the star here, and it’s some of the best we’ve ever had, juicy, tender, and grilled over charcoal for incredible flavor. It reminded us of the tenderness of Texas brisket but with a savory Okinawan twist.

The pork short ribs are another favorite, along with homemade soba noodles. You can order extra meat (a pro tip we learned after our first visit). Drinks include beer, tea, and water. Hours are usually 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until they sell out for the day. It’s worth checking their schedule since hours can be sporadic.

Pizza In The Sky

For something different, head to Pizza in the Sky, a charming pizzeria tucked away at the top of a hill with sweeping views. On a clear day, the view is as much of a highlight as the pizza. The menu is simple, cheese-only pizza or a mixed-topping pizza, both baked in a modern pizza oven.

Sides include fresh salad, dessert options like chilled mango with sweet sauce, and drinks ranging from beer and sake to juice and tea. You can choose between traditional tatami seating or outdoor picnic tables. The laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and panoramic views make it a fun stop for families exploring northern Okinawa.

Should You Visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park?

In our opinion, visiting the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and the wider Ocean Expo Park is a no-brainer. These attractions showcase the very best of Okinawa, marine life, culture, gardens, and family-friendly adventures, all in one place.

For us, it was more than just sightseeing. It turned into a full worldschooling experience, with our kids learning about coral reefs, South Pacific cultures, and even how traditional sailing canoes are built.

From watching whale sharks and manta rays glide through the Kuroshio Sea Tank to spotting butterflies emerge from their chrysalis in the Tropical Dream Center, every moment felt like equal parts fun and education.

Whether you’re planning a family trip to Okinawa or just looking for things to do in Okinawa with kids, the Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park deserve a spot at the very top of your itinerary. It’s the kind of destination that blends learning with wonder, and one your whole family will remember long after you leave.

 And if you want even more ideas for your trip, don’t miss our full list of The Best Things To Do in Okinawa With Your Family. It’s the kind of destination that blends learning with wonder, and one your whole family will remember long after you leave.