SeaWorld, like other theme parks, is filled with roller-coasters and rides and LOTS of great adventures for older kids. But what about the younger kiddos?
SeaWorld is one of our favorite places to go as a family and we discovered during our frequent visits what is best for my stepson to do there (he is 4) and there is A LOT.
Manta
Yes it is a big scary roller-coaster. But there is a hidden gem 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.
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 littles! OR conveniently ignore the feeding opportunity if you don’t want to battle your toddler with this extra expense.
We always spend a good amount of time here.
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!
Turtle Trek
This is a 3D Movie. 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.
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.
From otherworldly jellyfish illuminated by an interactive backlight to a cool aquatic habitat covered by plexiglass you can walk right across, come discover the living jewels of the sea.
Again, it is air-conditioned, so a great spot to re-cooperate from the heat.
Our little loves the plexiglass floor, he will sit there forever!
Antarctica
This is a ride that small children can go on. I suggest going on the “easy” part. That way the ride isn’t twisting and jerking your little ones around.
The scenery in the ride is bold and beautiful!
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.
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.
Sharks
You are in a tube with sharks at every angle. Our little is a shark lover and he LOVES this area.
Wild Arctic
This is another ride that the might be too intense for the kiddos. I ALWAYS skip the ride because it jerks you around alot. 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, and a hilarious walrus. Each exhibit offers an above view AND underwater view. Both are unique and fascinating.
Shows
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
*Happy Harbor*
If you visited SeaWorld in the past, you may be disappointed to hear that the Happy Harbor is no more. 🙁 Happy Harbor has closed to invite new friends from Sesame Street over to play in 2019. Until then, enjoy the kid-friendly rides, including the Sea Carousel and the “mild” version of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.
SeaWorld is one of our favorite places to go as a family and we discovered during our frequent visits what is best for my stepson to do there (he is 4) and there is A LOT.
Manta
Yes it is a big scary roller-coaster. But there is a hidden gem 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.
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 littles! OR conveniently ignore the feeding opportunity if you don’t want to battle your toddler with this extra expense.
We always spend a good amount of time here.
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!
Turtle Trek
This is a 3D Movie. 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.
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.
From otherworldly jellyfish illuminated by an interactive backlight to a cool aquatic habitat covered by plexiglass you can walk right across, come discover the living jewels of the sea.
Again, it is air-conditioned, so a great spot to re-cooperate from the heat.
Our little loves the plexiglass floor, he will sit there forever!
Antarctica
This is a ride that small children can go on. I suggest going on the “easy” part. That way the ride isn’t twisting and jerking your little ones around.
The scenery in the ride is bold and beautiful!
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.
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.
Sharks
You are in a tube with sharks at every angle. Our little is a shark lover and he LOVES this area.
Wild Arctic
This is another ride that the might be too intense for the kiddos. I ALWAYS skip the ride because it jerks you around alot. 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, and a hilarious walrus. Each exhibit offers an above view AND underwater view. Both are unique and fascinating.
Shows
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
*Happy Harbor*
If you visited SeaWorld in the past, you may be disappointed to hear that the Happy Harbor is no more. 🙁 Happy Harbor has closed to invite new friends from Sesame Street over to play in 2019. Until then, enjoy the kid-friendly rides, including the Sea Carousel and the “mild” version of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.
