7 Best Activities Beyond the Attractions for Kids at Disney World

Disney is bursting with fun attractions for kids! But did you know there are a plethora of excellent activities for kids besides the attractions? Here is a list of what we feel are the seven best activities for kids – beyond the attractions.

1 – Park Exploration

So many times, we get caught up in trying to hit all of the attractions that sometimes we simply forget or don’t even take the time to notice the park exploration options available at no extra cost. At Epcot, your kiddos can enjoy Kidcot as they travel from country to country in the World Showcase, collecting stamps. Or they can become a Wilderness Explorer at Animal Kingdom.

2 – Water Activities

If you are staying on-site at one of Disney’s Resorts, be prepared to enjoy a fantastic pool(s)! We absolutely love that all of Disney’s pools are unique and well… just plain awesome! Check the resort activity calendar for “Pool Party” times – where music and games are played for everyone to enjoy. Kids love time for swimming, so be sure to build this into your plans. Another fun water activity is Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station at Magic Kingdom in Fantasyland. It’s a great place to cool off and let the kids splash around for a bit.

3 – Fort Wilderness

Disney’s Fort Wilderness has some of the best recreational options out of all of the resorts. Pony rides, wagon rides, boat rentals, bike rentals, hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a campfire with Chip n Dale! Growing up, our family used to spend days having a blast with all of the activities at Fort Wilderness – all without stepping foot in a park.

4 – Kid-Friendly Dining

Something about partnering great food with kid-friendly fun makes for some of the most memorable family moments in our book. Dine with the characters at one of Disney’s Character Dining restaurants for great photos and autographs. Visit the jungle at Rainforest Café or roar with the dinosaurs at T-Rex. Or let your kids ride a wooden stick horse around the dining room at Whispering Canyon. So many fun places to dine – we’re sure you’ll find something your kids will love!

5 – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Sometimes it’s ok to spoil your kids – especially when you are on vacation at Disney World! Your Princess will be in shock if you give her the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience offered at either Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs. Fairy Godmothers in Training will give your sweet thing a make-over to show off their Princess side.

6 – Miniature Golf

Did you know Disney has two miniature golf courses right on property? Check out Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf based on Disney’s film Fantasia. Or putt around at Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. You may just bump into some scenery with Santa and his elves! Great environment, fun activity, typically nice Florida weather, and together as a family unit – it doesn’t get much better than that!

7 – Resort Recreation

We’ve covered resort pools, but let’s not forget about resort recreation. As mentioned above, we feel Fort Wilderness has some of the best recreation options, but that doesn’t rule out what the other resorts offer. Sports like basketball, volleyball, and tennis are available at several resorts. We especially love resort arcades – even as adults! Plus, be sure to catch the daily Movie Under the Stars, as a Disney feature is played during the evening outside. Typically, a campfire with s’mores preludes the movie!

What is your favorite activity for kids outside of the attractions? We’d love for you to share!