Everything to Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Toddlers

While Disney’s Animal Kingdom may not be the first choice for ride enthusiasts, animal-loving toddlers will rejoice. Animal Kingdom has been our son’s favorite for as long as we have been taking him to the parks.

The Wilderness Must Be Explored!

Toddlers earning Wilderness Explorer badges at Disney's Animal Kingdom — A Wilderness Explorer Station in Asia

Before you head to the rides, be sure to stop at the Wilderness Explorer kiosk at the top of the hill, before you head down toward the Tree of Life. Wilderness Explorer stations are located throughout the park and little ones will have fun completing tasks and earning badges. This experience is still available with distancing measures in place.

Toddler Rides at Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safari

This ride is one for the whole family, and I recommend making it your first stop, as the line can get long. It is located in Africa, to the back left of the park. You will ride in an open air safari vehicle and see a great variety of animals, including giraffes, hippos, elephants and lions. COVID precautions include plastic dividers between rows in the vehicle, plexiglass barriers in line where distancing is not possible and floor markings for adequate spacing in line.

Na’vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is located in Pandora. Unlike Pandora’s most popular ride, Flight of Passage, Na’vi is a mellow boat ride that takes you through a bioluminescent rainforest. The line can be long, so if this is a must see ride for the family I recommend heading to this one first. You’ll find Pandora to the left of the Tree of Life. The whole area is definitely a must-see.

TriceraTop Spin

This ride is the Animal Kingdom’s version of the Dumbo ride of Magic Kingdom. Little ones can ride alone or with an adult as their triceratops flies around. This ride is found in DinoLand U.S.A., to the right of the Tree of Life as you enter the park.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug

This 4D movie experience is located inside the tree of life. There is seldom a long line, but you can expect a bit of a walk to the entrance. Be sure to check out all of the animals hidden in the tree as you make your way to the movie theater. Note, there are some moments that can be a bit scary for young ones – darkness, loud noises, 3D and 4D effects – you know your child best to decide if this one is for them.

Other Fun for Toddlers at Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

From Africa, take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There, you will find several interactive Wilderness Explorer stations, a petting zoo known as the Affection Section and the Conservation Station where you can get a glimpse of some cool reptiles and amphibians.

Father and daughter hunt for insects to ear a Wilderness Explorer badge at Animal Kingdom — Earning a Wilderness Explorer badge by hunting for bugs

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – Africa

After stepping off of the Kilimanjaro Safari you will find yourself at the start of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Take a walk to hopefully get a better look at gorillas, zebras and other African animals.

Maharajah Jungle Trek – Asia

The tigers are certainly the stars of this self-guided walking tour!

The Boneyard

This is a great place for little ones to run and play. The Boneyard is a giant playground designed to look like a fossil dig site equipped with tunnels, slides and climbing structures. It is also gated for added safety.

Shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King

A show for the whole family to enjoy. It is also a great place to duck out of the sun for a bit. Seating surrounds the performance floor so all seats are good seats! The show can be found just over the bridge into Africa and to the left.

Feathered Friends in Flight (formerly UP!)

A show for animal lovers that demonstrates how birds are trained and cared for at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Character Encounters at Animal Kingdom

Character encounters are not currently available but you may catch a glimpse of your favorite character floating down the river. If you find yourself walking along and hear music start to play, head toward the river surrounding the Tree of Life and look for a boat!

Here is a list of other family-friendly activities and entertainment at Animal Kingdom that are currently not available. This list will be updated and details added as they become available again.