People who don’t have kids might think it’s so weird for a blogger to recommend a day out with kids in a large department store. BUT Mums (particularly Mums with more than one very young child) will know that a department store trip can be a full adventure out in itself.
If it’s rainy or just too hot outside we head here.
Here is a list of the shops in this department store too – incase you need to run errands beforehand or afterwards.
Here is some help with working out how to get there.
*This Department Store is outside of the city.
The LaLaPort Department Stores almost always have a whole section of their complex devoted to Children’s Entertainment. At the Ebina store is AsoMix a children’s playcentre that is set up for children from 6months up until 12 years of age (although I, personally, believe that kids over 8 or 9 might not find this place that exciting … or at least not for long. )
The highlight here is the ocean image projected onto a gorgeous white sandpit. What a clever idea!! It’s visually beautiful and my kids loved pretend swimming here for so long!
There is a baby playpit, pretend kitchen and ice-cream shop, ride on motorized cars and emergency vehicles, a big bouncy dome, slides and climbing frames and train tables. There is even free wifi.
Unfortunately you’ll need to get a pass out to use the restrooms but they are about 100 metres from playcentre entrance. (i.e. make them go beforehand)
I found that a day pass was handy for us as it’s located within the department store and we could leave, have lunch* and a little shop around before returning for more play.
If you’re travelling from the centre of town it does take over an hour but whether you travel by car or train (Ebina Station on JR) you can arrive undercover so don’t need to worry about getting wet on the way. I can also justify the distance on a yucky rainy season weather day as it is a full day activity – and low stress for me!
A full day pass for children is 1500 yen and 630 for adults. If you prefer to go for short amount of time, the rate is it 630 yen for each person for 30 minutes and 150 yen each additional 10 minutes (adults don’t need to pay for the additional minutes just for children.) They do have all of their prices and guidelines in English at the front reception desk.
No outdoor snacks allowed (they don’t mind baby food) but there is an eating area inside and vending machines with snacks, drinks and ice-cream.
AsoMix PLAYCENTRE, LALAPORT EBINA
神奈川県海老名市扇町13-1 ららぽーと海老名4F
4F LALAPORT DEPARTMENT STORE EBINA, 13-1 OGICHO, EBINA, KANAGAWA
OPEN 10AM-7PM
WEBSITE (Japanese only)
*AFTERWARDS, we eat lunch at the Hawaiian restaurant (same floor) Kailua Weekend. It has an exceptional kids menu. My daughter loved the chocolate pencil to decorate her own pancakes. I loved the Organic Spinach Eggs Benedict.
Children can choose one take-home toy from a toy basket.
