Amazing Orlando Theme Parks for Toddlers

Traveling with toddlers can be tricky, and visiting Orlando theme parks with toddlers is no exception. Between the heat, ride wait times, and crowds, little guests can burn out fast. On the other hand, toddlers are only little for so long, and we understand the importance of soaking up this time with them and making lasting memories! Thankfully, many Orlando theme parks cater to little ones with kid-friendly waiting lines, indoor play zones, and more. We’ve rounded up the best Orlando theme parks (and water parks!) to visit with toddlers.

For even more ideas for Orlando fun with your little one, check out 25 Fun Things to Do in Orlando with Toddlers. You can also filter our event calendar by age to find upcoming toddler events around Orlando.

Fun Orlando Theme Parks for Toddlers

1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Lake Buena Vista

A trip to Orlando isn't complete without visiting the most magical place on Earth! Experience the wonder at Magic Kingdom, the most toddler-friendly of all the Walt Disney World theme parks. Magic Kingdom has an abundance of rides with no height requirements, meaning that little ones won’t feel left out. These rides include Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, It’s a Small World, and more! It’s also a great Orlando theme park for character meet-and-greets, photos, and even character dining.

2. Peppa Pig Theme Park – Winter Haven

Peppa Pig is a new theme park to Central Florida and was designed entirely with "little piggies" in mind. The theme park features mild rides like Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride, and Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster. Toddlers love venturing through themed playscapes, including George’s fort maze, and very fittingly, a Muddy Puddles splash pad. There are also character shows and an indoor cinema for quieter moments.

One of the best things about Peppa Pig theme park is that it's small— families can get through the entire park in about half a day, leaving time for afternoon naps.

Choose tamer, toddler-friendly rides at Legoland Florida. Photo by the author

3. Legoland Florida – Winter Haven

While almost all of the attractions at Legoland Florida are tot-friendly, there is one area of this park geared specifically toward toddlers: Duplo Valley. Youngsters can ride the Duplo Train or Duplo Tractor, and cool off at the Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse play area or the Duplo splash and play zone. There are toddler play areas and playgrounds throughout the park, some of them indoors to escape the Florida heat. A favorite among all guests of all ages is Miniland USA -- bring a Lego minifigure for your toddler to trade at the park. Bonus: While parents are waiting in lines, kids can play in designated Lego play areas!

Get up close to dolphins and other aquatic animals at SeaWorld Orlando. Photo by the author

4. SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando

Visit everyone's favorite monster, Elmo (and all his friends), at SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land! Walk along the streets of the famous TV neighborhood, meet characters, play in the splash pad, and ride toddler-friendly rides including Elmo’s Choo Choo Train and Cookie Monster’s Cookie Drop. And of course, the big draw to SeaWorld are the resident sea animals— youngsters can watch dolphins play underwater, feed sea lions, touch sting rays, and much more.

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Lake Buena Vista

Both a zoo and theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides little ones a chance to see exotic animals such as lions, monkeys, elephants, and giraffes. The best rides for toddlers include Kilimanjaro Safaris, Na’vi River Journey, and the Wildlife Express Train. Other enticing shows for youngsters include Festival of the Lion King acrobatic show, and Finding Nemo: The Musical. You may even spot aptly dressed characters walking around this Orlando theme park!

Aquatica welcomes toddlers with amazing water rides and attractions.

Orlando Water Parks Great for Toddlers

6. Aquatica – Orlando

Aquatica is dubbed "SeaWorld’s water park," and many Orlando families say this is the best Orlando water park for toddlers. Tiny tykes have their own water play area called Turi's Kid Cove, complete with water spouts, interactive elements, and a variety of pint-sized slides. There is also a lazy river, wave pools, sandy beach areas, and animals to see, such as Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, and turtles.

7. Legoland Florida Water Park – Winter Haven

Conveniently located inside of the Legoland theme park, Legoland’s water park has plenty of activities for little ones to enjoy. The highlight of which is a Duplo Splash Safari water playground designed with toddlers in mind. Kids will also love both the lazy river and wave pool, complete with large floating lego bricks for building. Note: Legoland Florida Water Park requires a separate entry ticket from Legoland theme park.

8. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Lake Buena Vista

Typhoon Lagoon is an epic water park on Walt Disney World property! It features Ketchakiddee Creek (get it?!) water playground exclusively for toddlers and little squirts 48 inches or shorter. This area includes mini waterslides, a sandy beach, a cave with waterfall, and a tugboat climbing structure. Plus, this summer, enjoy Typhoon Lagoon after dark at a special H2O Glow After Hours event.

RELATED: Top Water Parks in Orlando for Kids

Tips for Visiting Theme Parks with Toddlers

• Bring a stroller or rent one at the theme park: It's helpful to hold gear that comes along with bringing toddlers to theme parks.
• Bring refillable water bottles: The Florida heat is no joke, so stay hydrated. 
• Sunscreen is your best friend: Trust us, you don't want to feel the wrath of a Florida sunburn.
• Be prepared with snacks: Most theme parks allow guests to bring in snacks. All that walking is sure to make your toddler hungry!
• Check out each theme park’s map online before visiting to best plan your day.
• Most parks have baby care centers for diaper changes, breastfeeding, and preparing food and bottles.
• Know your child’s exact height to prepare for ride height requirements. Not sure? Visit guest services and have your toddler measured and receive a ride wristband.
• Bring swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes: Most theme parks in Florida have splashpad areas to cool off.
• Keep an eye out for preschool deals: For example, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens have offered FREE preschool passes for ages 5 and under, for Florida residents.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the theme parks.