Disneyland is easily one of the best theme parks in the world for younger kids. From dozens of attractions with little to no height requirements to characters roaming what seems to be around every corner, it’s designed to be kid-friendly without sacrificing the magic for adults and any older kids in your party.
I mean, we’ve got over 20 attractions on this list alone compared to our overall best rides list.
But with over 50 attractions in the park, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth prioritizing with younger kids. Not to mention balancing their wiggles, nap needs, and snack breaks.
We always recommend at least one full day here, but if you’ve got little ones in tow, two or even three slower-paced days can go a long way. You’ll have time to ride favorites more than once (“CAN WE GO AGAIN”), take mid-day breaks as needed, and soak in the little moments, like watching your kid’s face light up at Mickey’s Toontown or when they spot the first float of the parade.
So whether you’ve got a toddler, a preschooler, or a mix of ages, we’re breaking down the best attractions for younger kids at Disneyland—ones that will keep them entertained, engaged, and (hopefully) meltdown-free.
Reminder: We’re purposely excluding some of the rides for older kids and adults if toddlers aren’t eligible for ‘em. If you’re looking for the overall best rides, check out this post.
And another reminder: Kids, especially toddlers, have very mixed reactions to things. Some kids may love something on our list, while others might hate it (or be terrified). We’ve given you a briefing in each description of what to expect, but no one knows your little one better than you!
These are not necessarily ranked, as little ones’ interests vary drastically. We’ve tried to include the rides that most kiddos love closer to the top of the list, though.
21. Main Street Vehicle Rides
Just how it sounds! Board turn-of-the-century style street cars and buses and take a one-way, quick trip up or down Main Street USA. Most younger kids think it’s a blast, especially when there is a horse leading the way! It’s pure Disney nostalgia.
20. Enchanted Tiki Room
Yes, that one attraction with the room full of singing animatronic birds. We don’t consider this a must-do, but it’s usually fun with babies or young tots because of all the music and sounds. Also, it’s a cool place to sit on a hot and sunny day. Bonus points for being a great feeding/nursing spot! Don’t forget to grab a Dole Whip on your way in or out.
19. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
A classic, dark, story-telling ride in Fantasyland. This one has been updated and includes some fancy tech, but it’s still cutesy and chill. Note that the witch scene can be a bit frightening for some young ones (we like to give a heads up to the kiddos).
18. Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Just like Snow White, but definitely more “vintage.” This is one of our favorites, probably because we’re old school, and it seems untouched. Heads up that it is pretty dark in here, and that whale jumps out in one of the end scenes.
17. Disneyland Railroad
Kids will love getting on the (real steam engine) train! Make four different stops (Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland) while chugging around the park on its full 18-minute loop. And you CAN take your stroller if you can fold it up.
Strategy Tip: Some stations, like New Orleans Square in particular, can get congested. If the lines look long, know that you sometimes may have to wait for a second train, and that can take a while. We usually only choose to ride the railroad if it’s a short wait and we can guarantee getting on the next train pulling in. If in doubt, ask the Cast Member to gauge it for you!
16. Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
If your little one is at the age where stairs are a welcome challenge, definitely head into the Castle to do the walkthrough of the Sleeping Beauty story. Kids will think it’s magical to be able to go into the Castle!
15. Alice in Wonderland
Although we are admittedly obsessed with all of the classic “dark rides” in Fantasyland, this is objectively one of the best and is almost guaranteed to make everyone happy. Blending original props with newer technology and projections, this ride-through is a classic retelling of the animated movie with familiar scenes on a colorful, vibrant adventure through Wonderland – all on your very own pipe-smoking caterpillar (sorry, kids).
14. Adventureland Treehouse
Not for babies or super young tots, but the little walkers will love exploring this giant treehouse and think it’s the coolest thing ever. This is a GREAT spot for burning off energy, too.
13. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Hop into a canoe you’ll share with others, grab an oar, and paddle (it’s a workout!) around the river! There are lots of silly and fun scenes and jokes from your captain along the way.
12. Jungle Cruise
Perfect for kids who love learning their animal noises and sounds, this campy Disney classic takes a long boat ride through the jungle with a (whether you like it or not) very pun-loving Skipper. It can be groan-inducing at times, but it’s a hit with kids and lovers of the dad joke!
11. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
It can be a bit too dark and frightening for some, but bigger toddlers will love “driving” their own cars on a spin through Mr. Toad’s wild world. FYI, though, it is very dark throughout almost the entire ride.
10. Peter Pan’s Flight
In this one, board your own magical pirate ship, fly over London, and then whisk off to Neverland with Peter and crew. While Peter Pan’s Flight is a relatively short ride compared to its often long(ish) wait, we find it worth it if you’re a fan of the film or have young kids.
Heads up: This ride is super popular, and doesn’t offer a Lightning Lane—but truthfully, it isn’t a must-do. If you can’t hit it first thing in the morning with a short wait and don’t feel like waiting in a 30-40 minute line, don’t have too much FOMO.
9. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Hint: You’re probably going to want to budget an hour or so for this attraction. First, board the raft to Tom Sawyer Island (which is exciting in itself). Once you get there, young kids are going to go nuts exploring this pirate-themed land. It’s like a playground on alllll the steroids, and most kids don’t ever want to leave. You’ve been warned (or you’re welcome!).
8. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Time for Toontown! If you’re a fan of those adorable old-school Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, now’s your chance to join Mickey and Co. on a zippy journey through a colorfully animated world. The ride cars are trackless, making the ride experience smooth as butter (until you’re doing the Conga) but still exciting. Most kids will love the bright lights, fun scenes, and familiar characters.
7. Casey Jr. Circus Train
This adorable train ride (and some of its super silly train cars) takes a scenic view around the Storybook Canal scenes in Fantasyland, accompanied by adorable music. We haven’t met a little one who doesn’t love picking which one of the cars to hop into.
6. King Arthur Carrousel
Does it need an explanation?! Like many of these rides, enjoy the “AGAIN” request. This one is especially enjoyable – and magical! – after dark.
5. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Outside of “it’s a small world,” THIS is what we picture when we think of a ride at Disneyland with our young tots. Heads up, wait times can get long for this one, and there isn’t a Lightning Lane option. Try to hit it early in the morning or later in the evening (or even during parade time if you’re not doing that!).
4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
This ride is a favorite for its charm and whimsy, all things Winnie the Pooh is best known for. Hop in your “hunny” pot and take a slow, nostalgic ride through the Hundred Acre Wood to visit your favorite characters from Piglet to Eeyore to Roo. The little ones will love it, and a bonus is that the wait times are typically short.
3. Mad Tea Party
The attraction that young kids are obsessed with, and the attraction that motion-sickness-prone parents are terrified to board! But seriously, this adorable ride in the middle of Fantasyland is a blast for the little ones, and it’s usually easy to jump on quickly.
2. Storybook Land Canal Boats
This is an “anytime attraction” that takes a group of ten people or less on a small boat ride through miniature scenes of Disney animated movies. It’s perfect for a slow, gentle break—especially lit up at night if you’re trying to get the kiddos to wind down. It’s Disney sweetness at its best.
1. “it’s a small world”
Speaking of classics, this ride really needs no introduction. Take a gentle boat ride “around the world” while hundreds of dolls dressed in their national garb sing at you. Jokes aside, this is a must-do and often the #1 favorite for most young kids.
Here’s to Magic and No Meltdowns!
With so many little-kid-friendly options at Disneyland, your trip will have something for all ages, including tiny tots. Whether you’re hitting classics like Dumbo or discovering hidden gems like Pirate’s Lair, the key is to follow your kiddo’s pace and know which attractions are worth your time.
Even a little bit of planning ahead can make all the difference! For more help organizing your trip, don’t miss our Complete Guide to Disneyland. And if you’re looking to balance toddler favorites with thrill rides, check out our Best Rides at Disneyland to help you prioritize your park-day picks.