EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues to delight guests visiting Walt Disney World of all ages. While often the focus is on what is offered for adults, there are also some beautiful offerings for younger guests as well. Throughout EPCOT, there are experiences to be had for families with young ones, and here are four that shouldn’t be missed.
1. Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF!
On the edge of World Discovery near Creations Shop and Test Track presented by Chevrolet, Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Presented by OFF! is a camp-themed garden where little ones can play and explore, and parents can grab a seat and enjoy a little shade. This is a great spot for kids aged two to six, with a variety of play options from climbing obstacles to spring riders to a padded grass area – all perfect for running around and getting the wiggles out!
“Our toddler loves burning off energy at the playground,” said Louise. “The adjacent cute seating area was the perfect perching spot for us all to sample some of the delicacies from the nearby outdoor kitchens. Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon were a big hit with the kids!” You can grab this tasty treat at BRUNCHCOT, one of the outdoor kitchens located near Test Track.
The play garden is just the right size to allow kids to move their bodies, stretch their legs, socialize, and let adults keep an eye on their little ones no matter where they are in the space. Plus, parents and kids will enjoy learning different ways they can bring the camping experience to their own backyard on signs placed throughout the play garden.
2. Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth
Another must-do for families is Butterfly Landing Presented by AdventHealth. This festival favorite is located near Imagination! in World Nature and is another place for little ones to explore and connect with nature. Families can observe many species of butterflies up close and learn fun facts about butterflies and their life cycle.
According to Mandy, the Butterfly Landing was her daughter’s absolute favorite part of the festival. “She loved inspecting the cocoons while explaining everything she knew about a caterpillar’s transformation to a butterfly and getting up-close views of the different types of beautiful butterflies fluttering all around us. This is a must-do for little ones who love creatures big and small!”
Be sure to read the plaques that will teach you and your little one about the butterfly’s life cycle. And who knows, if you stand really still, you just might be lucky enough to have one land on you!
3. Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration
Keep the little ones engaged throughout World Showcase with Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration. It’s a fun way to scavenger hunt throughout EPCOT with kids, even the bigger kids … we are looking at you, adults! To take part in this bee-sy activity, guests will purchase a map at select merchandise locations. Then let the fun begin as you and your little one search to find Spike! Once you locate all 12 Spike spots across EPCOT and mark them with the provided stickers, take your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler to redeem for a special surprise. (HINT: Don’t forget to explore Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden Presented by OFF! during your hunt – you may find a helpful clue!) If your little one tires out from all the fun, remember you don’t have to complete the search in one day. You can pick up your prize at any time, even at the time you purchase your card. A good tip to know if naptime hits faster that day!
“Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a fantastic activity for multigenerational groups and families,” exclaims Lauren M. “I recently visited with my parents and my son, and we had a great time completing the scavenger hunt together – it was a fun way for us to spend time together during our day at EPCOT, and my son loved picking out his special prize at the end of our quest!”
4. Disney Character Topiaries
After you buzz around with Spike, your little one will love searching for beloved Disney characters and animals cultivated into spectacular topiaries throughout the parks. This could be your own family-created scavenger hunt or game – like “I Spy…” This year’s new “Encanto” and “Princess and the Frog” topiaries can’t be missed!
planDisney panelist Nimmy has fond memories of her little one enjoying the Flower and Garden Festival as it is where her daughter learned to eat edible flowers! “It was hilarious as she didn’t know it could be eaten and she loved how beautiful the food looked. It’s a delicious festival with some adventurous food that makes kids be a little adventurous themselves.”
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