PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE, the world's only kids park themed around the picture book world created by Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, will host a spring event called "Harapeko Spring" from March 1 to May 31, 2026.
Official Event Website: https://playec.jp/news/event/harapekospring_2026/
This event marks the final chapter of "Let's Play the Seasons: Gather, Hungry Parents and Children," an annual event series that began last summer, allowing families to enjoy each season together.
The park will transform into a space filled with colorful flowers, creating an atmosphere where visitors can feel the arrival of spring.
Throughout the event period, seven special workshops celebrating spring will be held on a rotating daily schedule, offering seasonal experiences for families.
1. Spring Mischief Time
Spring is when trees sprout and flowers bloom. As if unable to wait for spring's arrival, stems and tree trunks and branches reaching toward the sky will appear on the park's windows. Using the large windows as canvases, participants can freely draw leaves, flowers, and creatures to color the park in spring hues.
Participation: No reservation required
Age: 0 years and up
2. PLAY! Hand ART!
A popular workshop where participants press their handprints and footprints onto illustrations from Eric Carle's artwork. From March to April, the workshop features "flower" illustrations, while May features "leaf" illustrations. This creates a memorable keepsake capturing the "now" of children who grow up so quickly.
Participation: No reservation required
Age: 0 to 2 years
3. Seasonal Hide and Seek
A workshop where families search for Easter eggs hidden throughout the facility. While searching, participants explore various areas of the park. Those who find all the eggs will receive an original sticker.
Participation: No reservation required
Age: 3 years and up
4. PLAY! Finger ART!
Participants enjoy the texture of paint while drawing lines and adding patterns to Eric Carle's illustrations with their fingers. From March to April, children add seeds to "strawberry" illustrations, while in May, they draw clouds or rain on "sky" illustrations depending on the day's weather.
Participation: No reservation required
Age: 3 years and up
5. Who Ate It?
Based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar picture book, participants punch holes in six foods that the hungry caterpillar ate: chocolate cake, ice cream, cheese, and more. By threading string through the punched holes, they create a garland that makes you want to go on a picnic.
Participation: Same-day reservation at the venue (first-come, first-served)
Age: 2 years and up
6. Pancake Ready (0 to 2 years) / Pancake Tower (3 years and up)
Based on Eric Carle's picture book Pancakes, Pancakes!, workshops use soft fabric pancakes for a hands-on play session for 0 to 2-year-olds and a game workshop for children 3 years and up.
※Scheduled to begin around mid-March
Age: 0 to 2 years / 3 years and up
Event Overview
Name: Harapeko Spring
Period: March 1 (Sun) to May 31 (Sun), 2026
Location: PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE
Participation Fee: Free (some paid events, separate admission fee required)
Event Page: https://playec.jp/news/event/harapekospring_2026/
About PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE
PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE is a kids park themed around the world of picture books created by Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which opened in November 2021.
The park is filled with the colorful palette characteristic of Eric Carle's works, and features nine areas including a green maze, athletics, and an atelier, which visitors can freely explore. Following Eric Carle's belief in valuing learning through play, the park offers various experiences that serve as a "bridge" for children's growth.
Additionally, daily workshops covering a wide range of genres—including art and physical activities—are held to suit different age groups, from babies to families. For workshop details and schedules, please refer to the website.
Website Workshop Page: https://playec.jp/event/
Facility Information
Facility Name: PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE
Address: 8F Town Front, Futakotamagawa Rise Shopping Center, 2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://playec.jp/
Ticket Sales
Both online tickets (advance payment) and same-day tickets (on-site payment) are available. Online ticket purchase is recommended for guaranteed admission.
Online Ticket Purchase Site: https://www.e-tix.jp/playec/
Pricing
Same price for adults and children (free for 0-year-olds) ※Tax included
| First Visit | Second Visit and Beyond | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (All-Day Pass) | ¥2,600 | ¥2,300 |
| Weekends/Special Periods (Timed Entry) | ¥2,800 per session | ¥2,500 per session |
