Commercial Facility Evolves into 'Local Playground': 'Waku Waku Kids Park in Onoda Sun Park' Announced

Onoda Sun Park, a complex commercial facility operated by Onoda Commercial Development Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of Fujisho Group Holdings, headquartered in Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture), is hosting the 'Waku Waku Kids Park' experiential event for children from April 25 (Sat) to June 28 (Sun), 2026.

Under the theme of 'Jump, Touch, Ride,' the event features numerous contents where children can learn and discover while moving their bodies. By providing a safe space for children to play while families enjoy shopping, the facility proposes a new way for local families to spend their holidays.

In recent years, the role expected of shopping centers has changed as demand grows for facilities that parents and children can enjoy regardless of weather or heat. Now that the value of being a 'place where families share time' is being emphasized over simply being a 'place for shopping,' Onoda Sun Park is creating a facility close to the community through events that combine play, interaction, and learning.

This 'Waku Waku Kids Park' was planned based on feedback from local customers asking for 'a place where children can play safely.' Furthermore, as this year marks a milestone with upcoming facility renovations, the event is being held as a major project for families both inside and outside the prefecture to enjoy, as part of the efforts to build momentum toward the renovation.

■ Introducing a 13m-long Massive Trampoline: 'Pyon Pyon!! Kids Land'
The highlight of the venue is the 13m x 7m massive trampoline, 'Pyon Pyon!! Kids Land.' With this impressive large-scale air attraction, children can freely jump and play using their whole body.

Trampoline play is said to be conducive to improving 'non-cognitive skills,' fostering a spirit of challenge and a sense of achievement, in addition to training balance and core strength. It is also attractive as children can naturally develop physical ability and communication skills while being absorbed in play.

The venue is located in the Sun Festa Plaza on the first floor of the building, making it easy for people to drop by while shopping, and providing an environment where parents can enjoy shopping while children play safely.

Furthermore, discount benefits are available for those who register as friends on the official Onoda Sun Park LINE account, making it easier for local residents to enjoy the event.

■ Touching the Warmth of Wood: 'Wood Education Plaza'
Another notable content is the 'Wood Education Plaza' utilizing natural materials.

Set up with the cooperation of Hagi City's 'Morininkan,' this area uses wood grown in local forests. It is a space where parent-child pairs can spend a relaxing time feeling the scent and texture of wood.

'Moku-iku' (wood education) is an initiative to nurture understanding and sensitivity toward nature while touching wood, which has attracted attention in the field of early childhood education in recent years. It is said that touching the warmth of wood leads to the stability of children's creativity and emotions, and it is gaining popularity as an experience where they can learn while playing.

A kid's space for children aged 4 and under is also set up in the first-floor Sun Festa Plaza. In this safe space surrounded by gentle materials such as wooden blocks, rocking horses, and fish trees, small children can enjoy themselves safely.

In addition, an artificial turf area is deployed in the outdoor Central Gate Plaza. With wooden benches and other features, it creates a place for relaxation where natural materials and urban space fuse, enhancing the facility's appeal as a 'commercial facility where you want to spend time,' not just for shopping.

■ Let's Go on a Fun Train Trip with a Mini-Express!! 'Ono Sun Train'
During the period, the 'Ono Sun Train,' a mini-train that goes around the building, will run on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

This project allows you to easily enjoy a ride experience, which is popular with children, within a shopping center. Since parents and children can ride together, it is also recommended for a small child's 'first ride experience.'

For children, the time spent traveling around the building on a train is not only a special memory but also leads to opportunities to foster sociality, such as 'following turns' and 'learning rules.'

The ability to provide time that satisfies the entire family by adding 'play' elements to holiday shopping is a unique charm of Onoda Sun Park.

■ Aiming to be the Community's 'Third Place'
Onoda Sun Park positions this event not merely as a temporary playground, but as a place that supports the growth of local children.

By combining play that moves the body, experiences that touch nature, and ride experiences that teach interaction with others, the facility aims to become a 'third place of learning' that supports the multifaceted growth of children.

Moreover, the high convenience of being able to spend time with children while shopping is a significant attraction for parents.