When Your Kid Needs To Let Off Steam: In All Four Walt Disney World Parks

A frustration tantrum is brewing and your child needs to let off a little steam.

You know what I’m talking about. There’s that certain age when they feel they’re too old for a stroller, too young to not hold your hand in a crowded park. But they have energy to burn and little patience to spare.

There is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World. But then, there’s also all that “hurry up and wait.” You rush to an attraction only to have to wait patiently in line. With a 5-year-old.

Sounds impossible, right?

It doesn’t have to be. Sure, if they want to meet Mickey or ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train they are going to have to practice patience (you too, Mom!) But if you pepper in a few places where they can let off a little steam throughout the day, the waits can be tolerable!

Magic Kingdom

• Casey Jr. Splash and Soak – A fantastic place to cool off and let off steam. Quite literally! You’ll find it towards the back of Fantasyland.
• Dumbo’s Circus Tent – an indoor (think cool!) giant maze of fun for your kids to play
• Laughing Place Play Area – located just inside and to the right of the Splash Mountain exit. Perfect if one of your knee-grabbers is too small (or scared of drops) to ride.
• Scavage Fort on Tom Sawyer’s Island – The whole Island is a blast but the fort holds special memories for my kids.

EPCOT

• Image Works (Journey Into Imagination with Figment) – An interactive play area located at the end of the ride. Perfect for budding musicians.
• Innovations Splash Pad – The perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
• Kidcot Fun Stops (World Showcase) – Fun Stops around World Showcase give your children a chance to craft and draw with the international Cast Members. Fun and educational!
• Mission Space Advanced Training Area Space Base– An indoor play area that has easy access through the gift shop. Read: you don’t have to ride Mission Space to play! Tunnels to shimmy through, buttons and levers to control. All young astronauts will have a blast!
• Nemo/Aquarium – After riding The Seas With Nemo and Friends explore to your heart’s delight this amazing aquarium and interactive area.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney Junior Dance Party – An attraction/show that gets kids active, dancing, and moving.

Animal Kingdom

•  The Boneyard – Part playground, part digging pit your kids will have a blast searching for dinosaur bones and artifacts.