Best Things To Do and See in Disney Springs With Kids

If you're heading to Disney World this year, consider setting aside time to explore Disney Springs with kids. As you plan your Disney vacation, don't miss the details on the best Disney character breakfasts and the top Orlando hotels for families. Disney Springs is a vibrant entertainment district that offers shopping, dining, and so much more for every member of the family!

Check out our Guide for Exploring Each Park at Walt Disney World with Kids to get your Orlando trip off on the right foot! 

Things to Do with Kids at Disney Springs, Orlando

Enjoy an aerial view of the theme parks while floating in a balloon.   

1. Aerophile Tethered Balloon Flight

Enjoy panoramic views of Disney during this eight-minute tethered helium balloon adventure. The balloon can hold up to 30 people and tickets can be purchased onsite on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: The balloon will not fly during storms or high winds.

 Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney is an unforgettable experience. Photo courtesy of WDW

2. Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering join forces for the first time with Drawn to Life. Enter a world where an animator's desk becomes a lively stage, bringing drawings to life. The show is a celebration of Disney animation, featuring the amazing acrobatic skills of Cirque du Soleil.

3. AMC Movie Theater

Catch the latest blockbuster at this 24-theater venue complete with reserved seating. Ten of the theaters also include dine-in service, where food and drinks are delivered right to your seat.

Stock up on sweet treats and meet characters at the M&M's store. Photo by the author

4. Candy & Sweet Shops

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of sweets and candy at Disney Springs. Check out the signature chocolate wall at the M&M's store; treat the kiddos to an almost half-pound cookie at Gideon’s Bakehouse; or indulge in a handcrafted donut at Everglazed Donuts. There are also Disney-themed candy shops, including Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company.

This unique tour offers visitors a chance to ride in a vintage amphibious vehicle that drives on land and floats on water. Photo courtesy WDW

5. Amphicar Tours

Tour the waters surrounding Disney Springs in a vintage amphibious vehicle that drives on land and floats on the water. Tours are 20 minutes long and can be booked at the Boathouse Boatique.

RELATED: Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers

Join the Disney Springs Kids Club high-energy dance party every Saturday.

6. Disney Springs Kids Club

Every Saturday, join the family fun at Waterview Park in Disney Springs! Experience the high-energy dance party of Flight Crew, enjoy the vibrant beats of the Wassalou Drum Circle, and play games like limbo and hula hoops with DJ "KD Queen."

7. Coca-Cola Polar Bear

Stop by the second level of the Coca-Cola store for a meet-and-greet and photo ops with the famous Coca-Cola polar bear.

8. Face Painting

Kids and adults can get a colorful face painting by professional artists.  Choose from superheroes, butterflies, fairies, pirates, and more.

9. LEGO Store

Awe at the elaborate, Disney-themed LEGO displays inside and outside of the store (great for photo ops). The store also has build stations and interactive exhibits.

RELATED: 100+ Fun Things To Do with LEGOs

Take a spin on the Marketplace Carousel.

10. Marketplace Carousel

Little ones will love riding this classic Venetian-style carousel with 16 hand-crafted horses. There’s even a Disney-style spinning teacup aboard the carousel! Ride tokens are available for purchase at the carousel, and all ages are able to ride (kids under 42 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult). 

11. Marketplace Train Express

Take a break from shopping and let the kids ride the tot-sized train loop. Ride tokens must be purchased and all ages are eligible to ride (kids under 36 inches must be accompanied by an adult).

Delight in a volcano cake at Rainforest Cafe.

12. Rainforest Café

You can't miss this restaurant, just follow the mega-sized volcano! (Note: The volcano "erupts" every 30 minutes and is a fun sight to see, especially at night.) Dine in a tropical setting with animatronic creatures that come to life during periodic thunderstorms, providing guests with an authentic rainforest feel...minus the actual rain.

13. Shopping

With almost 100 stores within walking distance of each other, there’s something to fit everyone's interests. Kids will love World of Disney as well as Once Upon a Toy, a whimsical toy store with fun photo ops. Little Star Wars fans can even build their own drone or lightsaber at the Star Wars Trading Post.

14. Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Tweens and teens will enjoy this upscale bowling venue. It offers traditional 10-pin bowling, a lounge, billiards, live music, and food.

RELATED: Planning a Theme Park Vacation to Orlando in 2024? New, Can't-Miss Attractions!

"Beware" of the life-size animatronic dinosaurs at T-Rex restaurant. Photo by the author

15. T-Rex Restaurant

Be amazed by life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including a 15-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex, at this Jurassic-themed eatery. About every half an hour, dinos come to life during a rumbling meteor shower. Kids can dig for dinosaur fossils, pan for treasure, and even create their own dinosaur plush.

16. Pin Trading

A favorite activity for Disney fans, young and old, is pin trading. Guests can purchase new pins, as well as trade pins at most Disney stores and with Disney Springs cast members.

17. Water Play

Cool off from the Florida heat at two free splash pad areas. One is located near Once Upon a Toy; a smaller splash pad is located behind the Christmas store. There is also a squirting Stitch figure, perched atop the entrance to the World of Disney store, where kids usually gather in the line of fire (or should I say line of water). Be sure to pack a towel and a change of clothes. 

18. Disney PhotoPass Studio

Make the most of your MemoryMaker photo package at the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio. Photographers snap photos with unique backdrops and fun props, which are easily linked to your My Disney Experience account.

 Enjoy waterfront dining with live entertainment at The Boathouse. 

19. More Dining Options

Discover a feast of flavors beyond the themed restaurants already mentioned. With over 60 dining options at Disney Springs, there's something for everyone. Enjoy waterfront dining with live entertainment at The Boathouse or grab a quick bite from Disney Food Trucks on the West Side. 

20. Holidays at Disney Springs

During the holiday season, embrace the festive spirit at Disney Springs with a magical celebration featuring the Disney Christmas Tree Stroll, enchanting snow flurries, toy soldier stilt-walkers, and snowflake skaters. Make merry memories by visiting Santa Claus, and utilize a virtual queue for a hassle-free meeting with the jolly Old St. Nick.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Disney Springs Map - Disney Springs is divided into four sections—Marketplace, Town Center, West Side, and The Landing. Although walking each of these is doable, check out the map to best plan your time, prioritizing stores and attractions you want to visit.
• Parking and Transportation - Self-parking is FREE at all Disney Springs surface lots and garages. Walt Disney World bus service is also available from Disney resorts and hotels. Disney Springs is walkable from some of the onsite resorts via pedestrian footbridges. Water taxi service to Disney Springs from select resorts are also available.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of The Walt Disney Company