Your Full Guide to Playgrounds at Disney World Theme Parks (2025)

Here’s my kids’ unpopular Disney World opinion: they like the playgrounds at Disney World theme parks just as much as the actual rides (if not more sometimes)!

If there’s one thing Disney does well, it’s the fact that the theme parks are so much more than just rides. That’s what makes the Disney Parks so special!

So on your next visit, make sure to take in all the magic around you, including the extra experiences such as these playgrounds at Disney World. Not only are they fun, but giving your kiddo a break from the lines and crowds will help keep everyone happy.

Here’s your full guide to the Disney playgrounds:

(Note: if a location is listed as the exit of a ride, you do not need to ride that attraction to be able to enjoy the play area. Just go in the exit!)

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Magic Kingdom Play Areas

Magic Kingdom is the most kid-friendly park at Walt Disney World, so of course, they have some fun playgrounds for the littlest members of your family!

Dumbo Play Area

You’ll find this play area located in the queue of the fan-favorite ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and it’s probably one of the best playgrounds at Disney!

As you wait in line for the ride, you’ll come across an area where you can continue to the ride or take a break at this play area. And I highly recommend at least a quick stop to the play area if you have little ones in your party.

When we visited last time, we could stay in the play area as long as we wanted (there was just a nice little message that would come on every so often over the speaker to remind us to go enjoy the ride). But on busy days, you’ll get a pager (similar to a restaurant) that will go off when it’s time to get back in line.

The great thing about this playground in particular is that it’s inside, so you can get away from the heat. And there’s something for all ages. There’s a smaller play area in the center for the little ones. And there’s a bigger structure around the perimeter, complete with climbing areas and slides for older kids.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station

This splash pad is located by The Barnstormer and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. It’s themed as the circus train from the movie Dumbo…and it’s adorable!

It’s a great spot to cool off on a hot day at Magic Kingdom. But be warned that your little one (and you!) can get pretty wet! It is a splash pad after all. If you plan to stop here, you may want to bring your kids a change of clothes.

And just a tip if you’re over that way…there are great bathrooms right next to this area.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Queue

Ok, ok…I know this is technically still waiting in line, but it’s fun! From pinwheels to drums to playing in honey, having something fun to do will help your little ones from getting antsy while waiting to get on the ride.

You can even check out some of the houses where your favorite friends from Hundred Acre Wood live!

It’s good to note that if you use Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you’ll bypass the fun part of the queue.

Tom Sawyer Island

I feel like this is a hidden gem in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! To get to this island, head over to Frontierland and hop on the boat.

Once you arrive at Tom Sawyer Island, let the exploring begin! You can walk into caves or visit a fort. Coming here will allow your little ones to get some energy out and enjoy a nice, quiet area away from the crowds.

There are bathrooms on the island, too. So when nature calls (and we all know that when little kids say they need to go potty, it means now!), you don’t have to take the boat back to find bathrooms. Unfortunately, strollers are not allowed on the island, though, so make sure you park it before getting in the queue for the boat.

It’s good to note that this area will eventually close permanently to make way for the new Cars area in Magic Kingdom. A closure date has not been announced at the time of writing this article. But if this is a priority for you, make it happen sooner rather than later!

EPCOT Play Areas

EPCOT is my go-to for all things play areas in Disney World! One of our favorite resorts on property is Disney’s BoardWalk. And walking over to EPCOT each night (with our hopper pass!) to let the kids run around while we enjoy a drink is the perfect way to end a day at Disney World.

With all the indoor play area options, this is also a great park to consider visiting if the weather forecast shows a lot of rain.

Advanced Training Lab

To find this area, you’ll want to go to the exit of Mission: SPACE. Here, you can fly over the surface of Mars when you enter Mission: Space Race. Or you can head over to Space Base, a huge play area where your kids can run around. Space Base is for kids ages 2-12.

Green Landing Family Play Zone

The Green Landing Family Play Zone is near the Creations Shop in between the front of the park and the World Showcase.

When this first opened, I thought it was temporary. But I was happy to find out that it’s a permanent fixture! And my boys ask to visit this play area every single time we visit EPCOT. Your kiddos will love climbing around this play space.

It’s the perfect spot for the kids to play if you’re planning to use Rider Switch for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Splash Pad by Test Track

There’s a very small splash pad near Test Track that also has a great view of the Monorail riding by.

This is a good place to cool off. And it’s located smack dab in the middle of several rides in which you may use Rider Switch, which makes for a good hang out spot for the kids who willing sitting out the big rides.

Test Track SIMporium

This area at the exit of Test Track is currently closed and being reimagined. But it’s scheduled to reopen sometime in 2025, so I wanted it on your radar just in case!

This play space used to allow you to design a race car, race it around a track, and take fun photos with different Chevrolet vehicles. My boys absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to see what it becomes in its newest version.

SeaBase

SeaBase is located in the same building as The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Turtle Talk with Crush. And it’s one of my boys’ favorite spots at Disney World!

In this area, you’ll find a habitat with thousands of sea animals including dolphins, sharks, and fish. You also can’t miss the fun photo-op inside Bruce the shark’s mouth!

ImageWorks-The “What If” Labs

ImageWorks-The “What If” Labs is located at the exit of Journey into Imagination with Figment. This fun area has a bunch of hands-on exhibits to get your kiddos moving and help them explore their senses. There are also character meet-and-greets here.

Right outside this area, you’ll find jumping water fountains and an upside-down waterfall. I loved this area as a kid, and now it’s so fun to see my kids enjoy it, too.

Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future

This area is located at the exit of Spaceship Earth. And if you ride the attraction, you’ll be able to use a kiosk here to send a digital postcard of the video you made during the ride. I always love looking up at the big screen to see where everyone is from who was on the ride.

There are also some other fun activities here, like driving simulators and assembling a digital human body.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Ok, this is one of those attraction/play areas again!

There are two things to know about this area: (1) your little ones (and you!) will love playing with all the water features…and (2) they’re sure to get wet. Well, “soaked” might be a better description if your kids are anything like mine. So, bring a change of clothes!

There are bathrooms located about halfway through the attraction, but there’s plenty more areas of water play beyond that, so I wouldn’t even worry about bringing the change of clothes into the attraction with you. Just wait until you’re totally done!

It’s good to note that since this is an attraction, it may come along with bigger crowds than the other play areas. But it moves along nicely, so there usually isn’t too big of a backup or wait.

Festival Play Area and World Showcase

There may be a pop-up play area during festivals, so keep an eye out! And don’t forget that you can always explore the countries to let your little one get some energy out, too.

Some of our favorite spots are watching the trains in Germany, making music at the Outpost in between Germany and China, and walking through the gardens in the UK.

There are also often scavenger hunts around the World Showcase throughout the year (my boys loved looking for Easter eggs one year!). And there’s a Kidcot Fun Stop in every country, where your kids can pick up an international memento and learn a fun fact at the corresponding country.

Animal Kingdom Play Areas

The Boneyard

You’ll find this HUGE play area in DinoLand U.S.A. As the largest playground at the Disney theme parks, you’re sure to find something your little one loves at The Boneyard. Kids ages 10 and under are able to play here.

At this play area in Animal Kingdom, your little ones will have fun climbing, going down slides, and digging for fossils. I’ll admit, though, that since it’s so big, it can get a little overwhelming!

It’s good to note that the entire DinoLand area in Animal Kingdom will be reimagined soon, so this area will eventually permanently close.

Africa Drumming Area

Located right across from Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa at Animal Kingdom, you’ll find a fun drumming area. We never visit Animal Kingdom without stopping to play the drums here!

Pandora Drumming Area

Similar to the last one, there’s also a drumming area located in Pandora-The World of Avatar. While your kiddos are welcome to drum away, there are also performers who come out at times and drum, too. And they are so fun to watch!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

This isn’t necessarily a play area, but it’s still a fun area to visit during your time at Animal Kingdom. To access this area, you’ll take a train that departs from Africa.

Once you arrive, follow the path until you get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here you’ll find a petting zoo and educational exhibits. You may even get to do a character meet-and-greet (we met Doc McStuffins here once) or see Disney’s veterinarians in action.

Trails and Animal Viewing Locations at Animal Kingdom

Make sure to check out the My Disney Experience app to see where the trails and animal viewing locations are throughout the park. Animal Kingdom is home to thousands of animals, so you’ll want to check them out!

Hollywood Studios Play Areas

Unfortunately, there aren’t any dedicated play areas in Hollywood Studios at this time. But here are some areas where my little ones like to get some energy out:

Disney Junior Dance Party

This is actually an attraction, but it was pretty much made to let kids get some energy out! At this show, there are no seats. Everyone is either sitting on the floor or up dancing.

Throughout the show, your favorite Disney Junior characters will lead all sorts of fun dances and activities. It’s always a nice break from the heat, and my boys love to dance (just like their mama!).

Walkway by Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

This area is usually a little quieter and has “snow” piles against the buildings. My boys got a kick out of seeing a snowman in Florida! And of course, they loved climbing on the snow piles.

While it’s not a big play area by any means, it’s still nice to get away from the crowds when you’re back in this area.

Open Space near Smugglers Run

While I usually feel like Galaxy’s Edge (the Star Wars area) is a maze, there’s one very large, open space right outside of the ride Smugglers Run.

This gives my boys some space to move around with less crowds, and it’s a pretty cool photo op.

And that’s a wrap…

There you have it! A full list of the Disney World playgrounds that are located in the theme parks. There are also plenty of playgrounds located around the Disney resorts, so make sure to check those out, too.

Want to make sure you have all of your boxes checked when planning your Disney trip? Check out my full Disney World guide here.

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