It's no secret that kids are full of energy. From go-go-go toddlers to active elementary-schoolers looking for places to run and play, that high-energy lifestyle doesn't take a break at the Happiest Place on Earth, where there's no shortage of fun new things to see and do. Disneyland is a fantastic place to play, not just for the kids at heart who want to take a turn at piloting the Millennium Falcon, but also for the actual kiddos! You'll find plenty of places to get the wiggles out, or even get in some structured play time at Disneyland. You'll find play areas in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District and even at the Disneyland hotels. Here are the best places to play at Disneyland, brought to you through years of experience with our own wiggly kiddos.
FAQs
- How can I save on kids' tickets to Disneyland? You can save money when you purchase multi-day Disneyland tickets through Undercover Tourist. Look for a special kids' ticket to use this summer, with a FREE Park Hopper Option upgrade!
- How do I choose a kid-friendly hotel? The Undercover Tourist blog post on kid-friendly hotels near Disneyland and where to stay at Disneyland will help you find hotels with play areas, splash pads, waterslides and other fun kid activities.
- Where can my child run around? There are a few good spots for kids to run around, including Toontown, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and the Downtown Disney park.
- What is the best advice for visiting Disneyland with kids? Don't try to do too much. Give them plenty of playtime. Take them to the pool midday. Let them run around and give you input on what they want to do. Then they will be able to do some of the things you want to do.
Where to Play at Disneyland Park
Just looking for a quick reference? We've got you covered! Screenshot this infographic to use in the park when you need to find a place to play.
Here are several great places to play at Disneyland Park. Also, read on to learn about some additional ways to play and move for Kids Rule Summer in 2026!
Mickey's Toontown
Your kids will love the playground with slides, spinning rides and climbing areas. Toontown has several park areas and a whole lot of exploring to do for busy kids. Cool off with water play in the fountains. Let your kids push all the buttons and levers to see what hoppens.
Tadpoles under 24 months have a special fenced area to play safely with little kids their own size.
Head to Popcorn Park, to the left of Mickey's House. You can take a sensory break in the cave, have a picnic or let your kids run around on the lawn. Hop over to our posts on Toontown and tips for Toontown with kids to learn more.
Another fun part about Toontown is that sometimes the characters come play with you!
BOOK NOW AND SAVE UP TO 30% on select stays at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel or the Villas at Disneyland Hotel through Sept. 8, 2026. Plus, you can secure your Disneyland hotel reservation for a refundable $200 deposit today, and pay the remainder 30 days prior to check-in!
Bluey's Best Day Ever! at the Fantasyland Theatre
From mid-morning to late afternoon, you can take your kids to play with Bluey at the Fantasyland Theatre. Check the Disneyland app for Bluey's Best Day Ever! show times. Your kids can dance along to music and popular "Bluey" episodes. In between shows, they can see Bluey and Bingo up close, play Barky Boats or explore the Gnome Village and Fairy Garden.
Cast members bring out games and the Magic Xylophone to play with the tadpoles between shows. You can come and go as you please here, and we find that works well for letting your kids lead the way on what interests them.
You can find Barky Boats and photo ops on the upper level at the back of the theater.
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Take a raft over to the island to run around, climb and explore. Climb through caves and walk over floating bridges. Can you spot any pirates' treasure while you are there?
Dance Parties
Seasonal dance parties are toadally fun! You might find them on summer evenings and during Halloween Time and Holiday Time in Tomorrowland, but sometimes they appear in Disney California Adventure. Your kids can jump around and dance with characters to get themselves ready to sit and wait for nighttime entertainment or even wear themselves out for bedtime.
During summer 2026, there are two energetic dance parties in the evenings (besides Bluey's Best Day Ever!):
- Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party in Tomorrowland at Disneyland and another in Disney California Adventure
Free Exploring Booklets
If you have kids who like to go on an adventure or search for things, there are two free booklets you can pick up in Disneyland.
There's a Mickey's Park Rangers activity booklet near Rivers of America and Bina's Guide to the Creatures of Batuu at the Creature Stall in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. For Mickey's Park Rangers, you explore, discover and collect a sticker at the end.
Where to Swing, Jump, Dance, Crawl and Climb at Disney California Adventure
We have some great suggestions on where to play to escape the crowds and the heat.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The kids can run and play while parents rest on a shady bench or play along with the kids. It's a great place to escape to on a busy day or cool off in the shade on a hot day.
There's a zip line, climbing wall and a climbing course with slides and suspension bridges. Crawl through tunnels and climb on rocks.
Find your animal spirit guide by placing your hand on the wall in the cave.
During the Festival of Holidays, you can meet Santa in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Year-round, you might just run into Chip 'n' Dale in this area.
Games of Pixar Pier
Play games and try to win prizes at Pixar Pier. There's also a large granite Pixar ball in this area.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Your kids are invited to jump and dance along to this high-action show with Mickey, Minnie and pals. The kids love catching the bubbles, snowfall and Mickey-shaped confetti that fall here. Adults can sit and enjoy the show (and AC!), and watch their kids have fun.
(New) Disney Friends Dance Party
After Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! ends for the day, the theater becomes a summer dance party. Characters come down on the floor and dance with guests. Enjoy snowfall and bubbles from time to time while you dance with various Disney characters.
Places to Play at Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney has a few play opportunities. This dining, shopping and entertainment district is close to theme parks and hotels.
The Park at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage
The park near the stage has a green lawn with hills that kids love to play on. This is a great spot to let your kids run around before or after the parks. For people with toddlers who are just visiting for the day, you can take them here before and after a long car ride.
You can enjoy musical entertainment while the kids make new friends and run around. Get some food to go from Din Tai Fung, Parkside Market or Tiendita and enjoy it on the lawn while the kids run free.
In summer 2026, enjoy a bubble and DJ experience July 10 through Aug. 16, 2026!
The Alley
The Alley, in front of Splitsville, has a stage and lawn. Order food from a Splitsville server and let the kids run around and play with other kids and lawn games while you relax at a table. The area is mostly fenced, except for the entrance. The kids love the chicken tenders here, which they eat in between playing.
LEGO Store
You can find LEGO build stations both outside and inside The LEGO Store.
Bowling at Splitsville
Bowling is always a great family play activity!
Egg and Pumpkin Hunts (for a fee)
If your kids love scavenger hunts, there are also paid activities during Easter and Halloween Time. For a fee, you can get a clue sheet with stickers to search for Disney-themed eggs or pumpkins to earn a small prize. They take place in the parks and Downtown Disney, so you don't even need a park ticket to participate. You can also try to spot them yourself without any clues for free! Our tadpoles love pointing them out to us.
The Best Places to Play at Disneyland Hotels
First of all, the hotel pools are great places to play at all three hotels, but there are a few other ways to get the wiggles out. (Psst ... you can save on your Disneyland Hotel stay through Undercover Tourist, AND lock it in for a flexible $200 deposit!)
Disneyland Hotel
The lawn area in front of the Disneyland Hotel's Frontier Tower has games. Play corn hole, lawn checkers or Connect Four.
Our favorite pool pick for kids is the Disneyland Hotel. For starters, it has the most pools. It also has several waterslides, some themed to Monorails and some perfect for small children. It has a shallow wading pool with smaller slides and a Steamboat Willie splash pad.
Pool Parties are back as of July in summer 2026!
Pixar Place Hotel
On the third floor of the Pixar Place Hotel, there are a couple of play areas outside the pool and splash pad. There's a small lawn area for running around. You can participate in Dug dance parties here in summer 2026!
You can also play games on the Pixar Shorts sports court in the afternoons. Ask about the hours when you check in, but they are typically about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Warm up at night in front of fire pits themed to hot-headed Pixar characters. You can also see the fireworks from this area, with the music piped in.
The pool area has a "Finding Nemo"-themed splash pad and waterslide.
Inside the lobby, there are some play areas as well. Ask your kids to locate all the hidden Pixar characters in the flooring to keep them busy while you check in.
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel has a more laid-back and relaxed vibe. Your kids can play in the pools. There's a kiddie pool and a waterslide that wraps around a Redwood tree stump (plus a small slide). This hotel has direct entrances right into Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney, so it's closest to all the fun.
Related: Disneyland Park Plan for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Related: Taking Elementary-Aged Kids to Disneyland
Hoppy planning!
