Park Days With Picketts

Heading to Disney World with little ones? Discover the best splash pads and kid-friendly pools across the parks and resorts where toddlers and small kids can cool off and have fun!

Disney World can be super hot (hello, Florida summers!) and overstimulating, especially for little ones. Splash pads and kid-friendly pools are such a refreshing, fun way to cool off on a hot day. In this post, I’m sharing the best splash pads and pools for toddlers and little kids in all 4 parks and at the resorts. (Just a note in case I forget to mention it later on – Disney is strict about diapered children wearing swim diapers at all water areas, so make sure to throw these in your suitcase before you leave!).

Splash Pads Inside the Disney Parks 

Magic Kingdom

The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station in Storybook Circus is a fun, circus animal themed splash pad. There is a lot of room for your little ones to run around (and burn off some energy!) and there’s shaded seating nearby for parents. I recommend water shoes for this area – it can get pretty slippery!

EPCOT

In Epcot, there’s a splash station near Test Track and Mission Space (it’s between the 2 pavilions. There are fountains that shoot up water from the ground, and there are shaded areas nearby where parents can sit. You’re little ones will get pretty soaked in these fountains, so make sure to pack a change of clothes!

Animal Kingdom

Unfortunately Animal Kingdom doesn’t have a splash pad, but there is a fun alternative: Kali River Rapids! This ride gets you soaked, but not toddler-friendly. Check the height requirements before you go. To cool down in Animal Kingdom, I recommend visiting the nearby conservation station for some indoor cooldown time or taking a break and going back to your resort.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is the only park where there’s not really an option for your little ones to get wet. I suggest building in a break during the hottest part of the day to go back to the resort and swim, or spend this part of the day enjoying the play areas at the Disney Junior Dance Party.

Best Resort Splash Pads for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Art of Animation Resort

The splash pad at Art of Animation is so fun and it’s right beside the pool! It’s called Schoolyard Sprayground and it’s located in the Finding Nemo courtyard. It has a zero-depth splash pad with a lot of interactive elements. There’s also a playground nearby. The pool at Art of Animation is a zero-entry pool, so it also offers some space for little ones to splash and play (with an adult nearby, of course).

Caribbean Beach Resort

Caribbean Beach has a fun Pirate-themed splash area near the Fuentes del Morro pool. It has slides, water buckets that dump water, shallow water to play in, and it’s all shaped like a pirate ship! This is great for your adventure-seeking little ones.

Polynesian Village Resort

If the Polynesian is in your price point, they have a very fun Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area! It has water sprayers, slides, soft padding, and it’s all tropical themed! This is right beside their Lava Pool, which has a zero-entry beach style entry).

Riviera Resort

This beautiful, newer resort has the S’il Vous Play interactive splash pad. It’s got a European-style design and features small slides and spraying fountains. For some reason this resort isn’t as popular for families with young children, but that also means that this area is almost never crowded!

Grand Floridian Resort

I always recommend the Grand Floridian and Contemporary if you have little ones because of how easy it is to get to and from Magic Kingdom, but an added bonus for this resort is their Alice in Wonderland-themed splash pad. It features large tea cups and buckets that dump water, mini slides, and it has plenty of shaded areas. This is a great option if you want a high-end vibe, but still kid focused.

Tips for Water Play with Little Ones at Disney

It’s important to remember that, if you want your little ones to play in the water at Disney, you’ll need to pack everything they need! Be sure to pack swimwear, water shoes, and a change of clothes for park days. You’ll also want to make sure to pack plenty of swim diapers! At the resorts, you won’t need your own towels, but if you’re kiddos are going to get wet in the parks, you’ll definitely want to pack a towel and a wet bag.

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During the heat of the day at Disney World, splash pads and toddler pools can turn a hot, overstimulating day into a relaxing, fun memory. If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to incorporate some water fun into your trip!