Animal Kingdom’s Top Attractions for Young Children

Planning to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom with young children? You will want to be sure to check out the rides and attractions we have featured here that your tots are sure to enjoy.

Animal Kingdom is organized into six lands: Discovery Island, Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A, Pandora and Discovery Island (where you will find Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care and First Aid stations as well as the FastPass+ reservations office). The park has plenty of typical theme park like attractions as well as live animal viewing areas and some great live performances.

While every child is different, there are some rides and attractions that are reliable crowd favorites with younger travelers so you will want to be sure to make these a priority when visiting Animal Kingdom. Below are our top suggestions for rides and attractions for young children at Animal Kingdom.

1. A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King

A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King is a jaw dropping live performance that is sure to captivate young children and adults alike. It’s easily a top attraction at Animal Kingdom and draws crowds so you will definitely want to have a plan in place to see it. The 30-minute performance based on the namesake Disney film has dancers, singers, special effects, acrobatic monkeys, stilt walkers and amazing stage sets. It is a very popular attraction so you will need a game plan to be sure to get a seat at one of the performances which happen several times a day. Typically the first show and the last two shows of the day have the smallest crowds. If you are looking to see any of the other shows aim to be in line 35-45 minutes before the show begins. It’s also important to note that you can use a FastPass+ reservation for Festival of the Lion King though it may not be the best use of a FastPass+ reservation depending on what else you are hoping to see at Animal Kingdom that day.

Location: A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King is located in Harambe Theatre in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom.

2. Triceratop Spin

Triceratop Spin is your typical fly around in a circle (think Dumbo Flying Elephant) type of ride that little kids go crazy over. It tends to have shorter lines and can if you’re little ones are getting tired of standing in lines for more popular attractions and/or you are visiting the parks during a busy time this is a great option.

Location: Triceratop Spin is located in Dinoland U.S.A.

3. The Boneyard

Fitting in some unstructured playtime while at Disney World is a must and The Boneyard is the perfect spot for just that. The Boneyard is a wonderfully designed playground with plenty of climbing and interactive play areas for young children. If you have adults or older kids in your party who want to ride Dinosaur or Primeval Whirl this is a great spot near those attractions where the little ones can be entertained while they wait in line for those rides.

Location: The Boneyard is located in Dinoland U.S.A. near Triceratop Spin, Dinosaur & Primeval Whirl

4. Kilmanjaro Safaris

Kilmanjaro Safaris takes passengers through an open-air safari where they will see all kinds of wildlife close up including giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras as much more. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and their insights and commentary add to the experience. This is certainly one of the cannot miss attractions at Animal Kingdom that the whole family will enjoy. This attraction is understandably very popular so be sure to have a plan in advance for visiting it.

Location: Kilmanjaro Safaris is located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom

5. Gorilla Falls

Gorilla Falls is a self-guided animal trail where you will find more than just gorillas – there are also zebras, meerkats, hippos, monkeys and birds. The entrance is located near Kilimanjaro Safari so if you are taking a stroller leave it at the Kilmanjaro stroller parking area. It takes about 20 minutes to walk the trail (of course this could be a huge range though depending on how fast or slow your little one is moving). Be sure to grab a field guide before you start the trail so you know where to spot different wildlife. The best time to visit Gorilla Falls is typically when the weather is the coolest. It’s also important to note that hours for this attraction are cut back during slower travel times and can close as early as 4:30PM so check operating hours before you go!

Location: Gorilla Falls is located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom between Kilimanjaro Safaris and the entrance to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

6. Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet Watch has a lot going for it that young kids are going to love. It’s rarely crowded and has air conditioned areas so it can be a great reprieve when the rest of the park gets busy. The Wildlife Express Train in Africa takes you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the train itself tends to be a tot crowd favorite. Once there you can check out the Affection Section petting zoo, Conservation Station and Habitat Habitat! Hours for this area are usually 10AM-5PM but can be later during busy times so check before you go.

Location: The train that takes you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is located in Harambe Station in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is about a mile journey on the train.

7. Finding Nemo The Musical

Finding Nemo The Musical brings an underwater world to life through digital backdrops, dancing and special effects. It is imaginative and creative making it a great show for the whole family. Finding Nemo The Musical is a tier two FastPass+ reservation but your tier two FastPass is probably better used elsewhere. To see the show you will want to arrive 20-25 minutes early for a morning performance or 30–35 minutes early for other showings.

Location: The finding Nemo Musical is located in DinoLand, U.S.A.