Walt Disney World Resort is known for its enchanting atmosphere and exciting attractions. But even amidst the magical adventures, it's essential to find moments for the tadpoles to let loose and expend their energy. Sitting in a stroller or waiting in long lines for most of the day can make anyone feel a little froggy! Fortunately, Disney World has a variety of play areas strategically placed throughout the parks and resorts. These playgrounds provide a space for kids to release their wiggles while the parent frogs can recharge and savor a moment of respite. In this post, we'll explore the Walt Disney World playgrounds and highlight their unique features and locations. Ribbit!
Where to Find the Disney World Playgrounds When the Tadpoles Need a Break
- Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station — Situated in the Silly Circus area of Fantasyland, Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station provides a refreshing water play area. It's ideal for cooling off on hot days, especially for little ones unaccustomed to the Florida heat. While it may require extra clothing changes, being able to cool off during the heat of the day is worth it! Located near the train station restrooms, this makes a convenient area for changing.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant — Under the big-top tent, Dumbo's play area is an air-conditioned space where kids can play while waiting for their turn to ride the classic Dumbo attraction. This circus-themed playground offers two play areas — one for children 4 to 8, and a smaller area for ages 1 to 3. You'll receive a buzzer upon entry that will alert you when it's your turn to ride the attraction.
- Tom Sawyer Island — This area, accessible by raft and tucked away from the crowds, is Tom Sawyer Island—inspired by Mark Twain's tales. Even if your kids aren't familiar with the stories, it's a unique spot with fewer crowds, great for playtime or a quiet break. Kids can discover hidden caves, cross suspension bridges and explore secret passages. Plus, there's a fort to conquer! With plenty of space to roam, it's perfect for little ones who need a break from strollers to stretch their legs. There's a covered porch area with tables and chairs, too.
Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future — Located at the exit of Spaceship Earth, both kids and adults can engage in a variety of hands-on activities related to technology, communication and innovation. This is an air-conditioned space that also has bench seating. Leap and I like to find a seat and give our legs a rest, while Tad and Lily explore the interactive activities. Tad enjoys the simulated driving games and Lily heads to one of the Project Tomorrow kiosks. Did you know you could email the video you made riding through Spaceship Earth to friends and family? We didn't either ... until Lily showed us!
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – This isn't a typical playground, but a brand-new attraction that debuted in the fall of 2023. We're mentioning it here because it offers a self-guided trail where kids of all ages can engage with water in exciting ways. As you journey along the path, kids (and adults!) can interact with various water features. These interactive elements provide relaxation and fun, ideal for those seeking a sensory break. And, there's no need to rush – children can explore at their own pace. It's quickly become one of Lily's favorite attractions, particularly on those scorching hot days.
- Green Landing Family Play Zone — This outdoor playground is located between the Creations Shop and Test Track. The formal name is frequently rethemed and seems to change (at times) with the different EPCOT festivals. The space is complete with climbing structures, engaging activities and interactive displays. Typically, there are tables and chairs in the adjacent patio space for additional seating.
- ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs — Continuing EPCOT's tradition of innovation, the "What If" Labs provide an interactive play area. You can find it inside the Imagination Pavilion building, easily accessible from the Imagination Building exit or straight after enjoying the Journey into Imagination with Figment ride. This cool space inspires kids to get hands-on with sensory activities and creative games. One of the highlights? Making music by moving your body with Figment's Melody Maker!
- SpaceBase — This play area is located at the exit of Mission: SPACE. You don't have to ride this attraction to get to this area, just enter through the merchandise shop exit. Here, you'll find a variety of tube-like structures to climb through, plus a slide. The theming is toadally out of this world! There are interactive digital games where you can race an opponent to send a rocket into space. Our frog favorite is creating a digital postcard and sending it to family from "space."
- SeaBase — At SeaBase in World Nature, young adventurers can dive into the incredible world of the ocean. Inside the huge 5.7 million-gallon aquarium, there are over a thousand sea animals to discover! Kids can watch dolphins, manatees, sharks and even spot scuba divers exploring below. Look out for surprise visits from Scuba Mickey too! For extra fun, grab a free "Finding Dory's Friends" scavenger hunt near the exit of The Seas with Nemo & Friends. It's a self-guided hunt with stickers, clues and interesting facts to help find all of Dory's pals.
- Bruce's Shark World — Located inside SeaBase, Bruce's Shark World provides a thrilling encounter with the great white shark from Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo." Tadpoles can explore the interactive exhibits, climb through shark-themed structures and even snap a photo with Bruce himself.
- Liquid Layer Splash Pad — You'll find this circular splash pad on the main path in front of Mission: SPACE. It has geyser-style fountains that leap up from the ground. There are mister-type fountains in the same area for the folks who want to cool off, but not get entirely soaked.
- Disney Junior Play and Dance! — While not a traditional playground, the Disney Junior Play and Dance! at Hollywood Studios is an energetic and designated entertainment option for younger tadpoles to dance, spin and jump around. This dance party features appearances by beloved Disney Junior characters such as Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse and Timon. With kid-friendly songs and dance instruction from a DJ, the 10-minute show concludes with a bubble finale.
- The Boneyard — Arguably the most impressive playground in Walt Disney World, The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom is a dream come true for children and parents alike. With numerous slides, climbing structures and interactive elements, this dinosaur-themed play area is a play paradise. Additionally, there are covered seating areas and large fans that provide space to relax and duck out from the sun. Aspiring archaeologists will love the massive dig site where they can help excavate Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils.
- Marketplace Area — With Disney Springs labeled as the "shopping district" you probably wouldn't expect a Disney World playground here. But in the lower portion of the Marketplace next to Once Upon A Toy, there is a little splash pad for kids to play. Momma and poppa frogs, you can keep a watchful eye over the tadpoles while you're enjoying a tasty treat or drink. Moreover, Disney Springs offers additional entertainment for young children, including a carousel and a ride-on train. Ride tokens are available for purchase for $5 per ride.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Tadpoles can embrace the freedom to roam and unleash their energy at the play areas found at most of the Walt Disney World Resorts. These carefully designed playgrounds provide a safe environment that features climbing structures, slides, swings, tunnels and soft ground. Each Disney resort playground is designed to match the theme of its home resort. As Dis-nerds, we think this is toadally cool!
Playgrounds can be found at these Disney World Resorts:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness & Campground
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Whenever your kiddos need a break, now you know where to find the Disney World playgrounds. What is your favorite playground at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Related: How to Navigate EPCOT's World Showcase with Kids
Related: Where to Take a Sensory Break at Disney World
Hoppy planning!
