SeaWorld, like other theme parks, is filled with roller-coasters and rides and LOTS of great adventures for older kids. But with the offering of the Preschool Pass, we wanted to lay out what there is to do at SeaWorld with you younger kiddos? We discovered that there is A LOT for the little ones as well, you just have to be smart about where you go.
We’ve been to SeaWorld SO many times. This is the plan that works best for us. We are able to see everything in this post in about 3 hours or less, depending on diaper changes and eating time AND how much time you plan to stay at Sesame Street Land!
Stop 1: Manta
Yes it is a big scary roller-coaster. But there is a hidden gem here at SeaWorld that is so easy to just skip right over.
Just after the ride entrance, is the Aquarium Entrance. You DO NOT want to miss this! It is spectacular inside. This unique 360-degree pop-up aquarium puts you right in the center of the undersea activity.
We always spend a good amount of time in there.
Stop 2: Stingrays
This is an interactive spot. They allow you to touch the stingrays and feed them (additional cost). If you reach your hand just below the surface, and you’re likely to feel a velvety “high five” as stingrays swim by! There are more than 120 rays—some with wingspans up to 5 feet.
There is food to purchase to feed the stingrays. Deciding ahead of time if you’re planning to feed them will build excitement for your toddler! OR conveniently ignore the feeding opportunity if you don’t want to battle your toddler with this extra expense.
Stop 3: Dolphins
This is another interactive spot. Depending on the time, you are able to feed and pet the dolphins. FYI, you will likely get splashed. This is a popular spot that is usually crowded. If it is too crowded, there is an underwater viewing station just around the corner. It is air-conditioned, so it is a wonderful spot to stay and chill for a while. You may want spend the WHOLE day there!
Stop 4: Turtle Trek
This is a 3D Movie. In my opinion, it is TOO scary for little ones, however your child may like it! If you want to skip the movie and only look at the Sea Turtles, simply enter the way everyone else does to see the Sea Turtles. The turtles are so friendly. They love to come to the glass and follow you around. Once you enter and they call for you to go to the movie, there is an exit. If you choose not to do the movie, simply tell them you are skipping out on the movie part.
Stop 5: Journey to Atlantis
Obviously a young child can’t ride this ride. However, there is another hidden gem here. Just enter through the exit of the ride, through the store, in the back. The Jewel of the Sea Aquarium is a fascinating underwater world exploding with color and luminescence is waiting to be explored in our aquariums, directly beside Journey to Atlantis.
Again, it is air-conditioned, so a great spot to re-cooperate from the heat.
Stop 6: Penguins
There is a new ride that has replaced the Antarctica ride called Penguin Trek! Although this new ride has a height limit of 42” and isn’t ideal for toddlers, the same great penguin exhibit that was at the end of Antarctica is still here at the end of Penguin Trek! You can access this are through an entrance just to the left of the Penguin Trek que. This is a SUPER fun exhibit and also a SUPER cold one! But definitely worth a visit if you can stand the cold!
There is a SPECTACULAR surprise at the end of the ride. Warning, it is FREEZING! If you can bear the cold, you will absolutely love this part.
Stop 6b: For a not so cold, but still fantastic view of the penguins, head next door to Glacial Supply! Head to the back of the gift shop and through the glass doors. There you will find a less chilly view of the penguins swimming around and having a blast!
Stop 7: Sea Lions
Sea Lions are so adorable! There is never a dull moment when we visit this spot. They are always playing and barking. Depending on the time of day, you are able to feed them.
Stop 8: Sharks
Warning, it may be intense for your little ones. You are in a tube with sharks at every angle. My little one was completely fine as long as we talked her through it and held onto her.
Stop 9: Sesame Street Land!
Sunny Day ☀️
Sweepin’ the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Street? 🚦
Stop by the Sunny Day Carousel with your littles!
Meeting our newest Sesame Street neighbors at SeaWorld will leave you seriously impressed! Every little detail thought out, and your kids will be IN AWE all day long!
A couple tips… .
1. Buy the Elmo Interactive Bubble Wand! Not only will it give the kids a fun bubble wand, but Seaworld has a lot of stations where they can activate the voices and make it come to life, simply by tapping/waving their wand! {BONUS: They are super durable! Ours were dropped A LOT, and they didn’t break or stop working!}
2. Take swimwear and a change of clothes! Their splash pad is a welcome relief in the warm weather! Additionally, extra sunblock is a must.
3. Hats are a smart thing to pack. The area is large, and not a lot of coverage, except in the lines for the rides.
4. Their fruit smoothies are YUMMY!!! They even have fresh fruit on the bottom. My fav was the pineapple… So good!
5. Get a spot early for the parade! You won’t regret it!
photo property of Orlando Moms Blog
photo property of Orlando Moms Blog
Stop 10: Wild Arctic
This is another ride that the might be too intense for the kiddos. I ALWAYS skip the ride. Luckily, there is a non-ride option. You want to use this to see the exhibit inside. It is well worth it.
Inside, they have playful Beluga whales, lounging polar bears, and a hilarious walrus. Each exhibit offers an above view AND underwater view. Both are unique and fascinating.
SeaWorld Shows
You may notice I left out all the shows at SeaWorld. Obviously the shows are an easy addition and small children-friendly, but sometimes the show times can put a kink in your day, especially if you are bound by nap times and feeding schedules. Prior to your visit, print off a show schedule, so that you can keep it on standby, in case a show works into your day.
Shows include: Dolphin Days, Ocean Discovery, Pets Ahoy, Clyde and Seamore’s Sea Lion High
First published 12/26/19, Updated 10/19/24 by contributor Sarah Lewis
Great guide. I love that you found all the hidden gems through out the park and shared them! And that little one is super cute, but you already know that! ;)Thank you!
We used this last week when my husband took our son! He didn’t even use the park map and only used this guide instead. My son was super excited and they hit all the spots with no crankiness.
Thanks so much for putting it together!
Thank you for this! We’ve been twice now and both times felt disappointed that we didn’t see many animals. Hidden gems indeed! Will use this map next time.
So glad you found this helpful! Hope that you will enjoy your next visit! Thanks for being a part of our OMB community!
This is fantastic!! Thank you! I am joining my husband on his work trip next week to Orlando (will be there for 2 weeks). I was thinking about getting a SW pass for the time we’re there for my son and I am so excited to get one now and know these 10 tips will keep us busy in the mornings before nap time. 🙂
[…] opportunity to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. Do you have little kiddos? Here’s a Step-by-Step SeaWorld guide (with 10 stops, perfect for little […]
The comment under the Sea Carousel is not accurate: Happy Harbor is being replaced by Sesame Street ‘land’. Infinity Falls is around the corner next to the indoor theater.
Went today And your map was SO helpful. I’m sure without your map we would have overlooked many walk through aquariums/views that my 2yo absolutely loved!. Not sure if Dolphin nursery is listed but worth the add. Again thank you
Planning a trip in December with my toddler thanks for the tips
Do you recommend paying for a reserve spot for the sesame street parade? OR can we just be there early to get a spo
Is the splash pad open year round?