Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido (北海道) is a treasure trove of natural beauty, unique culture, delicious produce, and exciting experiences, especially during summer. While many families visit Hokkaido during winter for the snow, did you know that summer is a fantastic time to immerse in the outdoor and cultural adventures that Hokkaido has to offer?
In June, the snow has melted, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, and the weather is pleasantly cool compared to the tropical heat in Singapore. There are so many fun activities and unique experiences to try out during this period, so if you’re planning a family trip to Hokkaido during the June school holidays, here are 7 kid-friendly adventures and activities that we think children aged 6 to 16 will love!
① Ice Cream Making at the Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm Milk Kobo
Did you know that Hokkaido produces over 50% of Japan’s milk? Aside from milk, Hokkaido is also famous for its creamy, high-quality dairy products like cheese, ice cream, and yoghurt.
Although ice cream-making workshops can be found at many places in Hokkaido, for a fun family outing, take your kids to the scenic Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm Milk Kobo (ニセコ高橋牧場ミルク工房), where they can learn how to make their own ice cream from fresh local milk. The process is simple, interactive, and suitable for younger children. After the workshop, everyone gets to taste their delicious, homemade treat!
The scenery at Niseko adds to the charm, with rolling hills, a mountain backdrop, and grazing black and white cows, sights far removed from Singapore’s skyscrapers and traffic. There’s also an Italian restaurant (using cheese made from the farm’s milk), as well a shop selling the farm’s delicious dairy products.
Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm Milk Kobo’s famous cream puffs are a must-try! Other delicious goodies you can bring back include cheese tarts, pudding, cakes, cookies, drinking yoghurt, mozzarella balls, and more.
Why kids will love it: Who can say no to ice cream, black and white cows, tasty dairy treats, and fun science rolled into one unforgettable afternoon?
Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm Milk Kobo (ニセコ高橋牧場ミルク工房)
Address: 888-1 Soga, Niseko, Abuta, Hokkaido 048-1522
Access: 10-minute drive from JR Niseko Station (ニセコ駅)
② Horseback Riding at Northern Horse Park
Located just 15 minutes from New Chitose Airport, Northern Horse Park (ノーザンホースパーク) is a fantastic place for children to experience horseback riding in a safe, fun, and beautifully maintained environment. With over 80 horses and ponies, the park offers gentle pony rides for younger children, as well as trail rides through flower-lined paths for older kids and teens.
In addition to riding, the park features horse shows, a petting zoo, and even horse-drawn carriage rides. There are also lush, expansive lawns and playgrounds for running and playing, making it a fun full-day outing for families.
Why kids will love it: Pony rides, horse shows, and the chance to get up close with friendly animals in a relaxing and scenic countryside setting.
Northern Horse Park (ノーザンホースパーク)
Address: 114-7 Misawa, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 059-1361
Access: 15-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. Free shuttle bus is available, schedule here.
③ Ride an open-air train, the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
If your child is a train enthusiast—or just fascinated by old-world charm—then a ride on the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train (釧路湿原ノロッコ号) in eastern Hokkaido is a must. The name “Norokko” comes from combining the Japanese words “noronoro” (slow and leisurely) and “torokko” (open-air carriage), and this slow-moving, open-aired train will take you through the Kushiro Marshland, Japan’s largest marshland, which is home to rare wildlife like the red-crowned crane (丹頂).
The train’s open windows and scenic ride offer a step back in time, and the gentle pace makes it perfect for kids to soak in the views. Hurry, it may be your last chance to ride this train as due to old age, it is slated for retirement in 2026.
Why kids will love it: Riding an old-fashioned train and spotting wildlife from their seat makes for a memorable journey.
For more information on what experiencing a ride on the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train is like, check out JR Hokkaido’s previous article on it here.
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train (釧路湿原ノロッコ号)
Route: JR Kushiro Station (釧路駅) ~ JR Tо̄ro Station (塘路駅)
Operation dates: April to October 2025, check the schedule here
Note: The Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train is reserved seating only, so do remember to make a seat reservation before boarding the train.
④ Discover Indigenous Culture at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
Located in Shiraoi, about 90 minutes from Sapporo, Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park (ウポポイ(民族共生象徴空間)) is Japan’s first national museum dedicated to the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Children can learn about Ainu culture, watch live performances of traditional dance and music, and try hands-on activities like embroidery or making traditional toys.
The outdoor park replicates an Ainu village with authentic houses and crafts, offering an immersive cultural experience that’s both educational and entertaining.
Why kids will love it: Trying crafts, seeing traditional dancing, and stepping into a different culture they won’t find in textbooks.
Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park (ウポポイ (民族共生象徴空間))
Address: 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi Town, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido 059-0902
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station (白老駅)
⑤ Fun with Confectionery at Shiroi Koibito Park
Delve into the world of chocolate at Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク), a whimsical, chocolate-themed wonderland in Sapporo. Starting with the eye-catching exterior section, there’s a charming garden with musical clocks, miniature trains, and seasonal flower displays that make it feel like a fairy tale setting.
Home to Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人), Hokkaido’s iconic white chocolate biscuit, here families can tour the chocolate factory, decorate their own cookies in a hands-on workshop, and enjoy the beautifully-designed building, making it a sweet adventure for all ages.
Why kids will love it: Decorating their own cookies, tasting sweet samples, and playing in a storybook-style setting. And who doesn’t love chocolate?
Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク)
Address: 11-36 Miyanosawa 2-Jo 2-Chome, Nishi, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052
Access: 7-minute walk from Miyanosawa Subway Station (宮の沢駅)
⑥ Go Canoeing or Kayaking on Lake Shikotsu
For an outdoor adventure that’s gentle enough for younger kids yet exciting for teens, head to Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖) in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This crystal-clear caldera lake is perfect for beginners trying canoeing and kayaking for the first time.
Local operators offer guided tours where families can paddle across the serene water, surrounded by scenic mountains. For tamer options, you can opt to ride a swan-shaped pedal boat to explore the lake. Wildlife spotting—such as fish swimming beneath the boat, or birds flying overhead—is also part of the fun!
Why kids will love it: The thrill of being on the water, spotting animals, and paddling (or pedalling) their own boat.
Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖)
Address: Shikotsukoonsen, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0281 (Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center)
Access: 45-minute bus ride from JR Chitose Station (千歳駅)
⑦ Visit the Noboribetsu Bear Park
A trip to Noboribetsu Bear Park (のぼりべつクマ牧場) is a must for animal-loving kids. Located at an altitude of 560m and accessible by a short 7-minute ropeway ride up from Noboribetsu Onsen Town, this park is home to over 60 brown bears, including Ezo brown bears which are native to Hokkaido.
Children can observe the bears from safe platforms, watch them swim or play, and even toss snacks to them from above using special chutes. The bears range in age from baby cubs to the 38-year-old longevity queen Makenko, who would be equivalent to 114 years old in human age!
The park also features an Ainu village recreation and a Brown Bear Museum where kids can learn about bear biology and conservation. From the viewing platform at the museum, you can command a view of Lake Kuttara, a nearly perfectly circular lake.
Why kids will love it: Feeding bears, seeing cubs, and enjoying the expansive countryside views on the ropeway ride.
Noboribetsu Bear Park (のぼりべつクマ牧場)
Address: 224 Noboribetsu Onsen Town, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551
Access: Take a 15-minute bus ride from JR Noboribetsu Onsen Station (登別温泉駅) to Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal, then walk 5 minutes to the ropeway base station. A round trip ride on the ropeway is included in the admission ticket to the Noboribetsu Bear Park.
See you in Hokkaido this Summer
Hokkaido in June is a magical playground for families: from ice-cream making and horseback riding to cultural immersion and canoeing on a lake, there’s something for every age and interest. It’s a destination that combines learning and fun in a way few places can. Plus, with the cooler weather and wide-open spaces, it’s the perfect escape from Singapore’s heat and crowds.
Whether you’re watching bears play, riding an open-air train, or crafting ice cream from farm-fresh milk, your family will make memories in Hokkaido that last a lifetime. So pack your spirit of adventure, and let Hokkaido surprise you this June school holidays!
Say Hello to Hokkaido with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
But if you can’t make it to Hokkaido this summer, fret not, we’re bringing Hokkaido to you and your family with this month’s JAPAN RAIL CLUB Omiyage Snack Box of June, Hello Hokkaido!
Curated with snack recommendations from JR Hokkaido, this month’s snack box captures all of the rich flavours of the north, featuring fresh dairy-based snacks and seasonal produce.
Header image credit: Hokkaido Railway Company, photoAC, Hokkaido Tourism Organization, Carissa Loh
