How to Keep Your Kid Entertained When Bored in Disney World

If you’ve ever gone to Disney World with kids you’ve surely heard two of the most dreaded words any parent or guardian can hear: “I’m bored!”

We don’t quite understand how anyone can be bored at Disney World but it does happen, especially to kids who are often experiencing a huge spectrum of emotions during a big day in the parks. Still, there are ways to keep your kids from uttering those dreaded words, and no, they don’t involve an iPad!

Give Them a Snack

Repeat after me: snacks solve almost all problems. Got it? Basically, when in doubt, offer a snack! You can opt to bring snacks of your own or purchase a classic Disney World snack but either way, offering a snack is a great way to escape anyone’s hanger.

Pro tip? If you’re in EPCOT you can get a full baguette for only $3.50 from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie. If your kids are old enough to eat bread, this snack can provide a full day (or more) of snacking plus plenty of carbs to keep those energy levels up during those long park days.

The Best Snacks at Every Park in Disney World!

Play Disney Parks App

The Play Disney Parks App has games that are great for the whole family when in line AND around the parks! This free app is filled with Disney trivia and games that actually change depending on where you are in the parks, and families can play together on one device!

You can also use it in an interactive way in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where the app transforms into a “Star Wars Datapad” that lets you scan objects, translate languages, and even decrypt communications.

And if you have a MagicBand+, you can also sync it to the Play Disney Parks App in order to use it around the parks! If you wave your MagicBand+ near a 50th anniversary statue, you may hear sounds or phrases. Your kids will LOVE it.

If you’re looking for a simple way to brighten your day and entertain the whole family, consider downloading the Play Disney Parks App before your visit.

Learn more about the Play Disney Parks App here!

Let Them Pick The Next Thing

Letting your kiddo choose the next ride or activity can do wonders for their boredom in line. Maybe you don’t want to ride “it’s a small world” for the third time but if it gives your kid a sense of autonomy to be able to make a choice like that, it’s worth it.

Of course, there are some things you won’t be able to choose (sorry, kiddo, we can’t go to the top of Cinderella Castle), but you can give your child parameters to prevent tears. “You can choose the next ride” or “would you rather ride Toy Story Mania or Alien Swirling Saucers next” can be enough.

Consider what your child loves doing in Disney World and give them the opportunity to do it!

The BEST rides in Disney World, ranked.

Play Games

You don’t HAVE to use your phone or an app to play games! Disney World is a great place to play games like “I Spy” or you can even craft your own version of a scavenger hunt. During certain EPCOT festivals and holidays, you can also enjoy Disney’s official scavenger hunts.

For these events, you can actually purchase a gameboard for the scavenger hunt (including a map and stickers) and you also earn a prize! If you have room in your budget, this is a great way to keep kids entertained.

Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt

There are also free official scavenger hunts like the Finding Dory’s Friends scavenger hunt at The Seas pavilion in EPCOT. This activity comes with a free booklet to look around the aquarium for Dory’s friends!

Whether you want to participate in an official Disney scavenger hunt or invent your own game, this can be a great way to keep your kids focused and happy.

Disney World tips for large families!

Find Kid-Friendly Activities

Sometimes boredom just means your kids need to “get their wiggles out,” and there are lots of ways to do that in Disney World besides just walking around. There are playgrounds to explore like The Boneyard in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where you can even “dig up” dinosaur bones.

There are also free activities like becoming a Wilderness Explorer in Animal Kingdom, which involves nature-themed challenges that if completed can let your child collect over 25 badges. You can pick up a free handbook at a few locations around the park.

There are also Kidcot Fun Stops in every country in EPCOT’s World Showcase. This activity features stations where kids can get cards with facts and activities about the cultures and traditions of every country, and they come in cute little Ziplock “suitcases” too.

And don’t forget the Disney Junior Dance Party show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This show lets your kids dance around to all the music and scenes featuring different popular Disney Junior characters.

Look around for playgrounds at your hotel as well as in other parks, including water play areas too. This might not seem like a Disney World activity you particularly want to do (“we have parks at home” is probably a thought you’re having) but sometimes letting the kids play for a short while can add to the happiness of everyone later on.

The BEST age to take kids to Disney World!

Go Shopping (With a Caveat)

Okay, hear us out. A shopping trip can totally change the vibe! This is NOT to say that you should bribe your child (although we won’t judge), but if you or your child have a souvenir budget, a shopping trip can be a great way to perk everyone up AND a new toy can also be a source of entertainment.

It ultimately comes down to the timing. Try to wait until the right moment to stop by the store — don’t make it the first thing you do. Plus you probably don’t want to carry it around all day. If you tell your family about the shopping plans for later in the day, it can be something your kiddo can look forward to and even earn.

The ULTIMATE shopping list for when you’re missing Disney World!

Hotel Activities

If you’re at your hotel and your child is complaining about boredom, you can find lots of activities to participate in! You can stop by the arcade, join a campfire, find games, watch movies, and more.

You can often find a list of recreation activities on display in your hotel’s lobby, so make sure to take a look to see everything that’s offered that day.

Activities at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

You may even find special crafts available (at an extra cost) for the whole family to participate in!

The best of Disney World hotel recreation!

Character Dining

And finally, meals can be a tough time for kiddos to sit still but what better way to keep them entertained than with Disney characters? There are many different character dining experiences available in Disney World, like the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

During these meals, characters roam around the restaurant, greeting diners throughout the meal. You can also take pictures with them and have fun interactions!

Character dining can be a popular choice in Disney World so make sure you set an alarm and mark your calendar to get your reservation(s) secured at least 60 days before your trip! These reservations tend to go FAST so make sure you check out all the options there are and cement your plans as soon as possible.