19 Free Things to Do with Kids at Disney Springs, Florida
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Experience Another Side of Disney
Looking for a fun way to enjoy Disney that doesn’t involve an amusement park? Consider a visit to Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida! Disney Springs is one of the best places to spend a day in Florida. Best of all, it’s a perfect place to visit if you find yourself on a limited budget. There are plenty of free things to do with kids at Disney Springs!
What is Disney Springs?
The Disney Springs area began as a shopping village back in the 1970s but has since undergone a facelift. It has exploded in popularity and is one of the hottest entertainment spots in Florida. As an outdoor complex with shops, entertainment, dining and more, Disney Springs offers tons to see and do! Disney Springs is divided into four main districts, including: The Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and the West Side.
- The Marketplace area is the longest standing area of Disney Springs and is all about fun. Find lots of themed restaurants here including the Rainforest Café and T-Rex Café. There are also some fun toy and specialty stores here.
- The Landing is home to lots of high-end eateries and bars. This is the perfect spot for visitors looking for amazing eats in a more upscale setting.
- The Town Center is the shopping hub of Disney Springs. It is home to many Disney themed shops and fun boutiques that are super fun to browse.
- The West Side of Disney Springs is the entertainment center of the complex. Visitors will find great nightlife, live music and entertainment here.
Disney Springs: Family Friendly and Budget Friendly!
Disney Springs is free to visit with no admission charge or ticket required for entry. Visitors can self-park for free and reach this destination via Disney’s free network of buses. Disney Springs is open to the public, and you don’t need to be Disney resort guest to explore the area. In addition, Disney Springs is a very family friendly place to visit with fun for all ages. Best of all? There are a surprising number of free things to do when visiting Disney Springs.
Let’s explore more on a budget with today’s post, where I will share 19 Free Things Do With Kids when visiting Disney Springs!
1. Take A Free Boat Ride
Boat rides are rarely free elsewhere, but you can enjoy a free boat ride when visiting Disney Springs! The Sassagoula Steamboat Company takes visitors across the water to multiple resorts. Currently, rides are offered to Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans, and Old Key West Resorts. Plus, anyone is welcome to ride, resort guest or not! Head over to the boat dock and enjoy a relaxing ride with views of the springs.
2. Window Shop at the World of Disney
I know, I know, window shopping doesn’t really feel like a “free” thing to do. However, if you do enjoy window shopping, you must explore the largest Disney store in the universe. Visitors will be blown away by the scale of this Disney Springs gem, and the variety within. You can find all things Disney here! And you can do this without spending a dime. If I did it, anyone can!
3. Enjoy a Performing Arts Show
Head to arts district located in the Marketplace area. The AdventHealth Waterside Stage hosts a rotating menu of entertainment in an open-air setting along the lake. The stage offers family-friendly entertainment all day. The Disney Performing Arts dance troupes are on display during the day. At night, see some rockin’ live music performances. All to be enjoyed for free.
4. Enjoy Free Sweet Samples
Disney Springs has a couple spots where visitors can snag a sweet treat for free. For example, at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Fountain, servers offer free chocolate samples to anyone visiting the store. Visitors to Goofy’s Candy Company can ask for a sample of Goofy’s Glacier candy too!
5. Watch a Volcano Erupt
Stop by the Lava Lounge at Rainforest Café to watch a towering volcano erupt every half hour. Check out the 2-minute explosive display of fire and smoke, best viewed at night. If you find a spot near the volcano, you’ll see the flames and feel the heat from this wild show!
6. Cool Off at the Springs
Disney Springs offers two free splash pads to cool off from the hot Florida sun. The free area has fountains and sprinklers for kids and the young-at-heart. One of the splash pads is located near the Earl of Sandwich and another near the Disney’s Days of Christmas store. So, if you’re heading to Disney Springs, be sure to pack a swimsuit or change of clothes!
7. Visit the T-Rex Restaurant
The T-Rex restaurant at Disney Springs is just plain fun for kids. It’s a great place to snap cool photos of your kids with dinosaurs! It also has a completely free play zone. Kids can come here to “dig for fossils or treasure” and there are many fun interactive displays here.
8. Hop on a Harley
Ever wonder what it feels like to ride a motorcycle? Well, hop on one for free at the Harley Davidson Store in the Springs. It’s a cool spot to take a photo too!
9. Sample Hand Scrubs and Lotions
For a free, fun and sweet-smelling experience, head over to The Basin, an all-natural beauty store. Visitors can enjoy samples of fragrant beauty scrubs and lotions. Have fun and leave smelling great!
10. Explore Art at the Art of Disney
The Art of Disney is a gallery style art shop in Disney Springs that’s free to browse. Explore the many Disney inspired art works including paintings, sculptures, and prints. As a bonus, the artists often paint live at the store. Lucky visitors can watch the magical creations being made in real-time.
11. Attend a Pop-Music Dance Party
One of the coolest things for kids to experience at Disney Springs is the nightly dance party! Take the kids to the Waterside Stage where a free dance party is offered most nights from 7-10pm. Kids will love the wacky dance party with pop music and games to enjoy. This is the perfect way to entertain the kids while parents rest (and maybe hide from their kids).
12. Build Cool Stuff at the Lego Store
Bring your little people to the awesome Lego Store at Disney Springs to play at the hands-on Lego tables. Visitors can pass time building cool creations with Legos, and it costs nothing to play. Afterwards, check out all the incredible Lego figures around the store. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
13. Celebrate Christmas Year-Round at the Disney’s Days of Christmas Store
We all know someone who puts their Christmas tree up in October, right? For many people, the holiday season isn’t nearly long enough. Enter the Days of Christmas store in Disney Springs. The store is a dream come to life for the Christmas-obsessed person in your life. Christmas carols in July? Why not? Enjoy Christmas all year long at this amazing store.
14. Watch a Princess Parade at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique holds a daily parade (weather permitting) at 3pm. The parade route runs from the store to the carousel. The parade showcases the adorable princesses that received makeovers that day in the boutique. Watching the parade is free; but sadly, the makeovers are not.
15. Take a Teacup Photo at Disney Style
Disney Springs has many excellent spots for snapping the perfect photo. For a playful Instagram shot, head to the cute teacup in the Disney Style store.
16. Watch the Amphicars take off near The Boathouse
One of my favorite free things to do is to watch the vintage Amphicars leave the dock at The Boathouse. These cool vintage cars ride on land…until they splash into the water! The fee to ride in an Amphicar is pretty pricey, but you can watch them for free, like I did, from the dock’s viewing area. Riding or watching, the Ampicars are worth checking out!
17. Watch a Glass Blowing Demonstration
For a unique and educational arts experience, watch a free glassblowing demonstration at the Arribas Brothers store. See this artistry in action, for free.
18. Visit the Coca Cola Store
The Coca Cola Store is another one of the fun themed stores at Disney Springs. Check out the unique Coca Cola themed merchandise and pay a visit to the iconic Coca Cola Polar Bear!
19. View the Rainforest Café birds
Head to the Rainforest Café to see their exotic birds. Cast members bring out their feathered friends and give short bird talks to the public. It’s free to check out, so stop by for a visit if the cast and friends are out!
Thanks for reading my list of 19 free things to do with kids in Disney Springs. Have you enjoyed any of these free places and attractions in Disney Springs? Are there other free things you’ve done in Disney Springs not listed here? Leave me a comment with your thoughts!