Walt Disney World Resort is known for its magical atmosphere and fun attractions. But even amidst the adventures, it's important to find time for the tadpoles to let loose and get their wiggles out. 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 found throughout the parks and resorts. These playgrounds are a place 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 — In the Silly Circus area of Fantasyland, Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station is a water play area. It's great for cooling off on hot days. While it may require extra clothing changes, being able to cool off during the heat of the day is worth it! There are restrooms nearby for changing into dry clothes if needed.
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. Even if your kids aren't familiar with the story, it's a quiet area with fewer crowds, great for playtime or a break. Kids can explore hidden caves, cross suspension bridges and 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. (Tom Sawyer Island is scheduled to close sometime in 2025 due to the new "Cars"-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom.)
Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future — Located at the exit of Spaceship Earth, both kids and adults can engage in 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. There's even an educational aspect that teaches the water cycle. As you journey along the path, kids (and adults!) can interact with various water features. 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 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.
Playalong Bay Play Garden — During the 2025 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (now through June 2, 2025), there is the Playalong Bay Play Garden for kids. It’s a nautical-themed playground based on Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. You’ll find it in the covered flex space between the Imagination Pavilion and World Showcase. The area also has outdoor food kitchens themed to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
ImageWorks - The "What If" Labs — Continuing EPCOT's tradition of innovation, the "What If" Labs are another interactive play area. You can find it inside the Imagination Pavilion building, easily accessible from the Imagination Building exit or right 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 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 is a fun, hands-on exhibit. It’s themed around Bruce the shark from Pixar’s "Finding Nemo" and teaches about sharks in a playful way. Tadpoles and adult frogs can test their shark knowledge through games such as Bruce’s Shark Challenge, which has multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. There are also interactive displays, models and even a photo op where you can pose inside Bruce’s mouth.
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 Jr. Play and Dance! — While not a traditional playground, the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! at Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios is an energetic entertainment option for younger tadpoles to dance, spin and jump around. This dance party features appearances by 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. (The Boneyard will close in 2026 to make way for the new Tropical Americas location coming to Animal Kingdom.)
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. In the same area, there are small attractions for young children, including a carousel and a ride-on train. Ride tokens are available for purchase for about $5 per ride.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Tadpoles can unleash their energy at the play areas found at most of the Walt Disney World Resorts. 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!
