Ten Fun (and free!) Activities to do with Kids at Walt Disney World

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World with kids, it’s likely that your top priorities will be heading into the theme parks for rides, shows, and character meet and greets. While these are undoubtedly the highlights of many Walt Disney World vacations, there’s a treasure trove of other experiences waiting to be discovered! Let’s explore some of the lesser-known activities that add an extra layer of magic to your Disney experience. And the best part is, many of these activities are free!

Wilderness Explorers

Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Wilderness Explorers is an immersive adventure that offers a unique blend of education, exploration, and fun for children and families! Pick up a Wilderness Explorers handbook (found at stations around the park) and begin completing the self-paced challenges. We try to complete a few activities during each trip to the park. The kids’ favorite part- they get a badge for each completed challenge!

Animation Experience

Another fun activity at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. During this drawing tutorial, a Disney animator will give you step-by-step instructions on how to draw a popular animated Disney character. You may be more of an artist than you realized!

KidCot Fun Stops

One of the best ways for kids to explore World Showcase in EPCOT is to visit the KidCot Fun Stops! There is a stop at each pavilion where kids can chat with a Cast Member about their culture and collect an activity card.

Finding Dory’s Friends

This fin-tastic scavenger hunt is located in the The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion at EPCOT. Grab a booklet and begin solving clues to help Dory find her friends in the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium. My kids love looking at the marine life, learning facts and collecting stickers along the way. This scavenger hunt is indoors, so it’s the perfect activity if you need to escape the weather!

A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas

If your kids love pirates, this scavenger hunt is for them! During this interactive activity at Magic Kingdom, you’ll search for secret treasures hidden throughout Adventureland. Follow the map to lead you on your journey and try to complete all 5 missions!

Miniature Golf

Did you know that Walt DIsney World has two miniature golf courses? Playing mini golf at Fantasia Gardens and Fairways or Winter Summerland has become one of my family’s favorite ways to spend time when we are not in the theme parks. Free mini golf vouchers are included with most Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages!

Electrical Water Pageant

You don’t have to be in a Walt Disney World theme park to see a spectacular nighttime show. The Electrical Water Pageant is a 15-minute water parade that occurs nightly that can be seen from five different resort hotels along the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you time it right, you may even be able to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your viewing spot!

Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Did you know that you can visit the horses that are in the parades at Walt Disney World? Tri-Circle-D Ranch, located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, is home to more than 90 of the Happiest Horses on Earth! At the ranch you can stroll through the stable to visit Cinderella’s ponies and the horses of Main Street, U.S.A.. You can even go on a carriage, trail, or pony ride if you’re willing to spend a little extra money. We can’t wait to visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch again so my younger son can go for a pony ride this time!

Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long

At The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you can join Chip ‘n’ Dale for a sing-a-long, campfire, and Disney movie under the stars! These activities are held nightly, and it’s a great character meet and greet experience! I suggest bringing your own marshmallows, blankets, or towels, but you can also purchase a s’mores kit while you’re there.

Resort Activities

I always recommend having a “rest day” at your resort during your Walt Disney World vacation. Park days can be tiring, and having a day in between to relax and recharge can be very helpful. The most obvious way to relax at your resort is to spend time at the pool, but Disney resort hotels have other fun recreation activities and most of them are free! Most resorts have scavenger hunts, movies under the stars, and campfires where you can roast marshmallows!

On your next visit to Walt Disney World, take a break from the typical attractions and try one of these fun activities! These experiences are the perfect way to add some extra magic to your next vacation.