Five Orlando Theme Parks for Toddlers

Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Lake Buena Vista

Some say a visit to Orlando isn't complete without visiting the most magical place on Earth! Experience the magic through your little one's eyes 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 many more! It’s also a great Orlando theme park for character meet-and-greets, photos, and even character dining.

Peppa Pig Theme Park – Winter Haven

Peppa Pig is the newest theme park to the Central Florida area and was designed entirely with "little piggies" in mind. The theme park features six mild rides including Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride, and Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster. Toddlers will love venturing through six themed playscapes, including George’s fort maze, and very fittingly, a Muddy Puddles splash pad. There are also character shows throughout the day, and an indoor cinema for quieter moments. One of the best things about this new Orlando theme park is that it's small, so little feet won’t have to do much walking— 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

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. In this area, 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 also toddler play areas and playgrounds throughout the park, some of them indoors to escape the Florida heat. A favorite among both little ones and guests of all ages is Miniland USA (now complete with a shade structure). Be sure to 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

SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando

Visit every tot's favorite friendly monster– Elmo (and all his friends) – at SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land! Become immersed along the streets of the famous TV neighborhood, meet with characters, play in the splash pad, and ride several toddler-friendly rides including Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Big Bird’s Twirl n’ Whirl, 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 so much more.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Lake Buena Vista

Both a zoo and a theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides little ones a chance to get up-close views of rare and exotic animals such as lions, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, and more. The best rides for toddlers at Animal Kingdom include Kilimanjaro Safaris, Na’vi River Journey, TriceraTop Spin, and the Wildlife Express Train. Other enticing attractions and shows for youngsters include The Boneyard (a giant outdoor playground and dig area), It’s Tough to be a Bug 3D show, Festival of the Lion King acrobatic show, and Finding Nemo: The Musical. You may even spot characters walking around this Orlando theme park!

Aquatica welcomes toddlers with amazing water rides and attractions.

Three Orlando Water Parks for Toddlers

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.

Legoland 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 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’s water park requires a separate entry ticket from Legoland theme park.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Lake Buena Vista

Typhoon Lagoon is one of two water parks on Walt Disney World property. It features Ketchakiddee Creek 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. Most parks have water bottle refill stations or allow you to refill water at drink machines.
• 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!
• Plan ahead: 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, exclusively for Florida residents.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the theme parks.