There's something special about the sky at night. The stars may be clearer during the colder months, but right now it's easier for you and the kids to sprawl out on a patch of grass (or sand for you beach lovers) and gaze at the galaxy — at least when the weather is more accommodating. I love the conversations that arise during these times: questions about the planets, the constellations and the unfathomable depths of the universe. Many questions of which, I must say, I'm not knowledgeable enough to answer.

For inquiries like these, I may turn to Space Museum TenQ in Tokyo Dome City. While not as affordable as a casual night under the stars (tickets range between ¥1,200 and ¥1,800), Space Museum TenQ offers an entertaining and educational look at the cosmos. With recent Japanese aerospace successes — such as the Hayabusa asteroid probe, which launched last year, and the HTV-5 rocket's arrival at the International Space Station last month — this may be the ideal time to expose your kids to the wonders and science of space exploration.

Visits are timed and in groups, so once you buy your ticket, you may need to wait a few minutes at the entrance, but don't worry: The area and its adjoining gift shop have a number of interesting items to keep the kids occupied.