Summer is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort, and with it comes that annual Anaheim heat wave. Battling the hot weather with kids in tow can be a challenge, but Disneyland offers many opportunities to cool off if you know where to look. Whether you’re searching for an icy treat, some extra shade, or a break in the AC, we’ve got you covered with a list of all our favorite summer activities for families that will help you keep cool and enjoy the magic.
Make a Splash in ToonTown
Pack an extra change of clothes because the newly reimagined ToonTown includes plenty of opportunities for little ones to enjoy water play. The CenTOONial Park Fountain has built-in water tables specifically designed to encourage splashing. Even the tiniest toddler can reach the lowest level of the fountain and join in on the fun.
Head over to Donald Duck’s Pond to experience an interactive splash pad. Kids will love running around dodging the little spouts of water that shoot out of the ground. A Cast Member is on watch nearby to ensure safe play and keep the area kid-friendly, making this a great place for toddlers and preschoolers to cool off. Fair warning, they WILL get soaked, so plan time to change and clean up after.
Take a Shady Break in Popcorn Park
The secret spot in ToonTown is the seating area at the far back of the land that most guests miss. Back behind GADGETCoaster, you’ll find Popcorn Park – a grassy area with plenty of shade and benches to rest. Perfect for a snack break, picnic lunch, or calm spot for baby’s stroller nap, this location is rarely crowded and usually quiet. The area is contained so parents can watch their kids run around on the grass while they relax.
You’ll also find a kiosk cooking up fresh popcorn conveniently situated at the entrance of the park.
Grab a Dole Whip and Escape to the Enchanted Tiki Room
In our family, it’s not a Disneyland trip if you aren’t enjoying the Disney classics. And what’s more classic than visiting The Enchanted Tiki Room with a Dole Whip in hand? The Tiki Room is our go-to spot when in search for an air-conditioned break. Our four-year-old son loves the colorful show and upbeat music, and we love that you can take snacks inside. Mobile Order your Dole Whip ahead of time (the line for Dole Whip gets LONG in the summer) and pop inside the Tiki Room for a 10-minute tropical vacation.
Play in the Shade at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
At DCA, there’s a play space set up just for toddlers and preschoolers in the back of the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. You’ll find mini-slides, climbing rocks, a crawl tube, and a smaller version of the rope bridges. The best part? In the afternoon, it’s in the shade! There’s seating for parents who can grab a cold beer or soda on the way in and enjoy a rest while their kids play.
Take Advantage of DCA’s Indoor Entertainment
DCA might have less rides available for small children, but the park makes up for it in kid-friendly entertainment that also happens to be indoors and away from the heat. If you have a preschooler who is a fan of Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, or Mickey and the Roadster Racers, make sure to check out the Disney Jr. Dance Party in Hollywood Land. Right next door, you’ll find Animation Academy and the beloved interactive show Turtle Talk with Crush. After the show you can hang around and explore the hands-on displays, or take one of the cartoon drawing classes offered throughout the day. You can even stop by to see Anna and Elsa at one of the only character meet-and-greets with an indoor, air-conditioned line.
When all else fails, there’s always an escape at Mickey’s PhilharMagic. This 12-minute 3D movie featuring Donald Duck is the perfect length for short attention spans. The show runs about every 20 minutes and there is always enough seating in the theater for every guest in line. The queue is also located indoors, so even if there’s some time before the next show, you’re out of sun while you wait.
Catch Some Toons at Main Street Cinema
On the Disneyland side of the resort, you’ll find a hidden gem right on Main Street that most guests will walk right by. The Main Street Cinema plays classic Mickey Mouse shorts all day long. It’s more of a resting spot and less of a scheduled show, so guests can move in and out of the room as they please. There are benches for tired legs and an elevated area in the middle where kids can play while they watch.
Take a Trip Around the Park on the Disneyland Railroad
Our favorite time of day to ride the Disneyland Railroad is in the afternoon heat. The 18-minute train ride takes you out of the sun and provides a welcome rest for tired feet. The wait is usually manageable even on busy park days.
Split a Shake and Order of Fries at Flo’s Café
When the weather heats up, finding a table out of the sun to enjoy a snack can be a challenge. One of our favorite places to grab a summer snack is Flo’s Café in DCA. Flo’s is one of the rare Quick Service restaurants that has indoor seating with air conditioning. If you can’t find a seat inside, head around to the side patio where you’ll always find empty seating in the shade. Order one of Flo’s famous milkshakes and a side of fries to split while you wind down on the shady patio. One of the reasons we enjoy this patio so much is the view of the cars zooming by on Radiator Springs Racers, making it a great place to entertain toddlers while the rest of the family takes a break.
Enjoy an Ice Cream Sundae at Golden Horseshoe
Over at Disneyland, you’ll find the best indoor seating on property – the Golden Horseshoe. We’re sad to see the entertainment on pause here, but it does mean that it’s easy to find an available table in the air conditioning. The menu features the kind of treats perfect for cooling off – root beer floats, ice cream sundaes, and Shirley Temples. You’ll also find the best chicken tenders at Disneyland if you’re looking for a full meal.
Relax in the Grand Californian Hotel Lobby
An important PSA: You don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the Disneyland Resort Hotel properties. While the pools are reserved for hotel guests only, the lobby areas and restaurants are open to the public. When we need a break from the busy park, we like to head over to the Grand Californian Lobby, sink into one of the cushy armchairs, and relax. Both the lobby and the shaded seating around the resort are also perfect areas to sit with baby for a stroller nap.
If All Else Fails…Ride It’s A Small World
Have you done it all and you STILL need a break from the heat? There’s always the original way to cool off at Disneyland: take a ride on It’s a Small World. That song may be repetitive but the air conditioning is welcome. And, whatever the critics say, I always leave this ride feeling a little closer to the Disney magic.
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Are you brave enough to tackle summer heat at Disneyland this summer, or will you be saving your trip for the cooler months to come? We’re looking forward to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening for another opportunity to escape the heat. Let us know in the comments how you like to stay cool on a hot Disney day.
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