When I talk to families about planning their magical Disney vacations, some questions that I hear are:

How long should we spend at Epcot? Is there a lot for kids to do there?

The answer is a resounding YES! There are so many activities for kids at Epcot!

Read on to find out more.

Misconceptions

I understand the misconception about Epcot being "for grown-ups." I visited Epcot as a kid shortly after it first opened, and though I could participate in many of the attractions, I found it to be very "science-y" (as a kid, I wasn't interested) and the approach to be over my head.

But times have changed!

Interactive Exhibits

One of the things that makes Epcot kid-friendly is that there are so many places where kids are allowed to play...and to touch stuff! As anyone with kids can tell you, a kid can have fun with a cardboard box, if they are allowed to do more than just look at it. Interactive exhibits at Epcot include:

Advanced Training Lab at Mission: Space - Located at the exit to the main ride, younger kids can play on a space-themed playground while older kids (even the grown-up ones) like to play with the various interactive video game simulations.
Innoventions East and West - These pavilions include a variety of interactive experiences using the latest technology and teaching kids about the environment, money, safety, and more!
SeaBase - Explore the undersea world by viewing the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium and participating in hands-on exhibits.
ImageWorks - Located in the Imagination! pavilion, this area includes interactive play areas centered around music and art.
KidCot Fun Stops - There is a Fun Stop located in each of the countries in World Showcase. Kids can decorate a picture of Duffy the Disney Bear and get a stamp at each country. Guests can also purchase World Showcase passports for the stamps.
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure - Use a special Disney F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) and work to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Based on characters from the Disney cartoon "Phineas and Ferb," each adventure lasts 30-45 minutes.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

There are several attractions that have kids in mind, and are fun for grown-ups, too!

The Seas with Nemo and Friends - Ride in a clamshell vehicle to see Nemo and his friends explore the underwater world!
Turtle Talk with Crush - This interactive show allows kids to talk to Crush from the movie Finding Nemo and ask questions. Kids love the answers!
Living with the Land - Kids enjoy this 10-minute boat ride through the greenhouses and fish farm.
Soarin' - One of the few attractions with a height requirement, kids and grown-ups alike love the feeling of soaring through the skies over California, where you can literally smell the orange groves.
The Circle of Life - Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King teach about the environment in this fun and funny 20-minute film.
Journey into Imagination with Figment - Ride through and explore the five senses with Figment.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros - This boat ride through the Mexico pavilion includes history and music from fun Disney cartoon characters.

Entertainment

Entertainment abounds at Epcot, and kids love watching the variety of performances and meeting characters.

Characters - There are a variety of character experiences, from the classic characters to Duffy the Disney Bear (only at Epcot). Country-specific characters can also be found in their respective countries (for example: Belle and Aurora in France; Alice, Mary Poppins, and Winnie the Pooh in the United Kingdom; Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco; Mulan in China; Snow White in Germany).
JAMMitors - These drumming "janitors" can be found in Future World East.
World Showcase Players - fun tale of King Arthur and his knights in the United Kingdom
British Revolution - This group plays British rock music in United Kingdom.
Off Kilter - This band plays traditional and modern tunes with bagpipes, wearing kilts. (near UK)
Serveur Amusant - acrobats in France
MO'ROCKIN - Found in Morocco, this music group plays music inspired by the Middle East, Africa, and more.
Matsuriza - drummers in Japan
Miyuki - rice dough sculptor in Japan
Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps in the American Adventure
Voices of Liberty - This a capella group sings in the dome in the American Adventure.
Sergio - juggler in Italy
Ziti Sisters - This comedy trio shares the culture of Italy.
Oktoberfest Musikanten - This group sings, dances, and yodels traditional German tunes.
Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in China
Mariachi Cobre - a mariachi music group in Mexico

Height Requirements

There are only 3 attractions at Epcot with height requirements: Mission: Space (44 inches), Test Track (40 inches), and Soarin' (40 inches). This makes Epcot an extremely accessible park for kids, because they can ride virtually everything! After all, 44 inches isn't even 4 feet!

Just Browsing

If you have the time to stroll through Epcot, you may notice some fun things on your way to your destination. Many of these things have to do with water, such as the Dancing Fountain located behind Spaceship Earth, where you can see water "dance" to the music.

The fountain outside the Imagination pavilion is backwards! The water flows up.

Near the Captain EO attraction, there is a leaping fountain that sends water from pad to pad.

At night, many spots on the walkway light up with colored fiber-optics.

Conclusion

There are many fun things for kids to do at Epcot, as long as the parents are willing to slow down long enough for the kids to explore! It would be nearly impossible to do everything, but taking a break once in a while and allowing kids to simply play and interact with their environment is so important! You may even find that these are some of your most treasured memories.

Duffy hug - one of my favorite memories!

Enter the Giveaway!

Enter my Disney gift card giveaway! The more entries we have, the more chances there are for you to win! I will give away one $25 Disney gift card for every 20 people who enter. If you comment on this post (or any other post on the blog), you can earn 2 entries!

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Have a magical day!