If your bets Spinando are going well, pull yourself together and take your child on their dream trip.
If you’re planning a family trip and want something your kids will remember forever, skip the usual beaches and shopping malls — go on an adventure. Around the world, there are magical places where fantasy meets reality. From Pokémon parks in Asia to the filming sets of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, these destinations turn childhood dreams into real-life experiences.
1. Pokémon Parks in Japan and China
Let’s start in Japan — the birthplace of Pokémon. Tokyo and Yokohama are home to several Pokémon Centers, which are like mini theme parks filled with everything from rare plushies to life-sized statues of Pikachu and Charizard. Your kids can play interactive games, trade cards, or even meet costumed characters.
In 2024, Japan opened its first Pokémon Wonder Park near Tokyo. It’s an outdoor adventure park where visitors can “hunt” for Pokémon hidden in the forest using clues and augmented reality. Think of it as a mix between Pokémon GO and a real-life treasure hunt — a perfect way to get kids off their screens while keeping them completely engaged.
China has also joined the craze. In Shanghai, you’ll find Pokémon pop-up events and themed cafés where even the drinks come with Pikachu-shaped foam. Kids can build their own Pokéballs or take photos with huge Eevee mascots.
2. Walk Through the Wizarding World — Harry Potter Locations
Few kids can resist the magic of Harry Potter. Luckily, you can visit the very places where the movies were filmed.
Start in London, where the Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets you walk through the real sets — the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and even Diagon Alley. Kids can fly broomsticks in front of a green screen or sip a frothy Butterbeer. It’s not just for children; adults often end up enjoying it even more.
If you head north to Scotland, you can ride the Jacobite Steam Train, known to fans as the Hogwarts Express. The train crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct — that curved stone bridge you’ve seen in the movies. The views of the Highlands are breathtaking, and yes, you’ll want to play the movie soundtrack during the ride.
3. Journey to Middle-earth — The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand
For families who love The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, New Zealand is a dream destination. The country’s landscapes are so stunning they look otherworldly — and that’s exactly why Peter Jackson chose them for the films.
In Matamata, you can visit the real-life Hobbiton. It’s a peaceful, green village with round doors, tiny houses, and gardens bursting with flowers. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the Shire. Kids can run around pretending to be hobbits while parents relax at The Green Dragon Inn with a local cider.
Farther south, near Queenstown, you’ll find mountains and valleys where epic battles were filmed. Some tours even provide costumes and swords, so your kids can re-enact scenes as little warriors of Middle-earth.
4. Beyond Fantasy: More Amazing Family Adventures
If your family loves movies, there are plenty of other worlds to explore.
- Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge (USA): At Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, you can pilot the Millennium Falcon and drink “blue milk” like Luke Skywalker. Even non-fans find it jaw-dropping.
- Universal Studios (Japan, Singapore, USA): From Minions to Jurassic Park, these theme parks are perfect for families with kids of all ages. The rides are thrilling but safe, and the food — shaped like characters — always gets laughs.
- Studio Ghibli Park (Japan): If your children love My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away, this park near Nagoya feels like stepping into a Ghibli movie. There are no roller coasters — it’s about quiet wonder, beautiful forests, and detailed sets.
5. Why These Trips Are Worth It
These kinds of trips aren’t just about taking pictures or buying souvenirs. They spark imagination, curiosity, and creativity. Your kids will learn about different cultures, languages, and stories that connect people across the world.
And the best part? You’ll share these adventures together — laughing, exploring, and maybe rediscovering your own inner child.
So, whether you’re chasing Pokémon in Japan, riding the Hogwarts Express in Scotland, or walking through Hobbiton in New Zealand, one thing’s for sure: it’ll be a trip your family will talk about for years to come.
