5 Playgrounds at EPCOT That Make the Park Even More Fun for Kids

Why would you want a playground in a theme park? Many folks love EPCOT’s thrilling rides, incredible food, and cultures from around the world. But you’re not alone if you have a kid who would rather climb, slide, and explore than wait in line. My son has visited EPCOT every year, and his favorite spots aren’t the rides—they’re the playgrounds.

EPCOT has some of the best play areas in all of Walt Disney World, offering kids space to move freely while parents take a much-needed break. Whether you’re looking for an active climbing playground or an interactive indoor space, here are the best places for kids to play at EPCOT.

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5 Playgrounds at EPCOT

1. World Discovery Playground
2. Harvest Hollow – seasonal
3. Journey of Water Inspired by Moana
4. Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab
5. Bruce’s Shark World

1. World Discovery Playground – EPCOT’s Permanent Playground

Location: Behind Creations Shop near Test Track

Located near the World Discovery section of EPCOT, this playground is a year-round favorite, but during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, it gets a seasonal makeover and becomes Camp Get Out and Play, presented by OFF!

Right now during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival it has returned to its regular space theme.

While the playground equipment remains the same, the toddler area transforms from a space theme to a farm and picnic setting. This charming retheme adds:

• There is less bench seating during the Food and Wine Festival
• The scavenger hunt-style signs and facts seen during the Flower and Garden Festival are not part of the current theme of this playground
• No matter what time of year you visit, this is a fantastic stop for younger kids who need a break from the excitement of EPCOT.

2. Harvest Hollow – Seasonal Fun at Flower & Garden Festival

Location: World Nature, rose garden pathway near Journey Pavilion

Another seasonal gem, the new Harvest Hollow play area is part of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. The overall theme is so precious and perfect for fall. The woodland feel is wonderful for little ones. However, the amount of play equipment is minimal.

The standing-stool style stepping stones are intended for play, but most of the time, park guests end up using them to sit and rest their tired legs.

Parents will appreciate the picnic tables for adults and kids, plus convenient food booths where you can grab a snack while the kids play.

3. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Location: World Nature, across from The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is a beautifully interactive walkthrough attraction that celebrates the water cycle in a fun, engaging way. While there’s no climbing like a traditional playground, this free-play space lets kids move at their own pace, exploring water in a hands-on way without being stuck in a line.

• Interactive water features: Kids can splash, wave, and interact with water in magical ways, just like Moana.
• A calming experience: For kids who love water, this space can be soothing and mesmerizing, making it a great sensory-friendly stop.
• Freedom to explore: Since there’s no ride vehicle or queue holding them in place, kids are free to move, play, and discover at their own speed.

On my first visit, I got teary-eyed as my son and I experienced it together. If you want to know more about our experience, check out my full write-up here.

This is a must-visit for families looking for a unique, interactive break in their EPCOT day.

4. Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab

Location: Exit of Mission: SPACE

The Advanced Training Lab is a hidden gem for kids who love space adventures. This indoor playground is perfect for aspiring astronauts of all ages.

• For younger space explorers: Kids can crawl through wormholes in a space-themed play area, where they can imagine floating in zero gravity and dodging asteroids on their way to the next mission.
• For older cadets: Interactive digital games test reflexes, teamwork, and strategy—key skills for any future space traveler. Kids can launch a virtual rocket, coordinate with teammates in a mission control simulation, and even create their own space postcards to send home.

Parents should be aware that this play area is dimly lit and can be tricky for keeping track of little ones, but it’s a fantastic spot for kids to burn off energy indoors while getting inspired by the wonders of space.

5. Bruce’s Shark World

Location: World Nature inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion

Bruce’s Shark World invites kids to dive into an interactive underwater adventure inspired by Finding Nemo.

• Test your ocean smarts: Nemo’s teacher, Mr. Ray, has plenty of ocean trivia and fun facts to challenge kids’ undersea expertise.
• Explore the hands-on exhibits: Interactive displays let kids learn about marine life in an engaging, playful way.
• Pose for a photo with Bruce: Step inside the toothy grin of Bruce the Shark for one of the most classic photo ops at EPCOT. Don’t worry—he promises not to bite (probably).

This small walk-through exhibit is a great place for kids to take a break from rides, get some hands-on learning, and enjoy some silly Finding Nemo-themed fun.

When my son was younger, I would get frustrated in Bruce’s Shark World because it is dimly lit and small, with many nooks and crannies. If I happened to be at EPCOT on my own, just my son and I, it became a challenge to not lose track of him in this area.

More Fun Play Areas at EPCOT

Beyond the playgrounds, EPCOT offers several free-play areas where kids can explore and have fun outside of the usual ride queues. These interactive spaces give kids room to move while keeping them engaged in the magic of EPCOT.

• Project Tomorrow (Spaceship Earth Exit) – No need to ride Spaceship Earth to enjoy this interactive tech-filled play area featuring games and exhibits.
• Journey Into Imagination – While not as interactive as it once was, this area still has some fun spots for little ones to explore after the ride.
• Train Tracks at the Germany Pavilion – Not a true play area, but little ones love watching the tiny trains move through a beautifully detailed miniature village.

Why Play Areas at EPCOT Are a Must-Know for Parents

Having places where kids can run, climb, and explore without the pressure of long ride lines can make a huge difference in your EPCOT day. These playgrounds and play areas offer a perfect break for families, keeping kids entertained and happy while parents get a moment to breathe.

Next time you’re at EPCOT, don’t rush from ride to ride—make time for play! And while you’re in the neighborhood, consider a visit to one of the many playgrounds near Walt Disney World.