I know most parents who have come across this post need a quick answer before making a booking decision so I’ll try and keep it brief and easy to understand.
Basic differences between the 2 Team Lab exhibitions in Tokyo:
Team Lab Planets
This has a set route and the section where you walk into water (it’s just one section but, to me, it’s the best bit.)
See here for my tips on what to take and what to wear etc to Team Lab Planets.
Team Lab Borderless
This one is in a massive complex with no set route and you wander through rooms/ exhibits at your leisure.
WHICH TEAM LAB IN TOKYO IS BEST FOR KIDS – AND FOR WHICH AGES?
These are my thoughts.
A baby or toddler in a carrier
Team Lab Planets
I loved baby wearing my little boy for Team Lab Planets. I would bend down and dip his little toes in the water section too. It was really special.
A (walking) toddler up until 4 or 5 years old?
Borderless. The water bit is hard with kids who are short and tempted to swim (it’s not allowed as it’s an art installation/ not a swimming pool.). Team Lab Borderless is in a VERY kid-friendly area so do these things beforehand or afterwards.
A child with sensory issues or a PDA behaviour profile (of any age)
Borderless. As it isn’t a set route – you can dip in and out of areas at your own pace (although you CAN skip the water section at Team Lab Planets if you’d like to – but I think it’s not really worth it if you do.)
A child or teen 5 years and older?
Team Lab Planets. I just think the water feature is so unique and special. You can also do all of these things beforehand or afterwards (please read this if visiting with kids as my kids have a particular train they love taking to get there and I don’t want you to miss out!
