Credit: Daytrippingmom

Happy Sunday everyone! Spring Break is right around the corner for some and for others it is happening this week or next. Disneyland and DCA tend to get a bit crowded this time of the year and the waiting for attractions can take hours.

On this week’s Disney Sunday post I wanted to write about having fun at the park without ever getting on a ride or  even catching a show  and never having to wait in line.  We visit the parks often and have had learned to have a great time without riding anything or even catching a show. Want to know how? This is what we do when the park gets a little busy and the kids just want to play and burn some energy.

Disney California Adventure

• Disney Animation Building

The Disney Animation building located in the Hollywood Back Lot,  is home to a few interactive exhibits.  Head over to DCA’s Hollywood Backlot and try your drawing skills inside  The Disney Animation building. The Disney Animation Academy provides you  with drawing pencils and pads. You are then taught by Disney animators a series of simple steps that enable you to create your own character drawings. You can take your drawings home or better yet- ask nicely and usually the Disney Animator will be more than willing to give you their fresh character sketch. You can also check out the Sorceror’s Workshop which has three interactive play areas. Find out your inner Disney character or voice one of your favorite Disney characters. Honestly, you can spend quite a few hours here.

• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail found is located in the Golden State section of DCA across from Grizzly River Run. This recreation area  allows the  kiddos to run wild, have a great time and enjoy being able to romp around. This area allows your kiddos to walk and swing on rope bridges, climb, slide down tires and walk one of the many pathways. My kiddos love sliding down the slide and exploring the entire area. Be prepared for some tired kiddos! It is the perfect place to release some energy!

• Princess Dot Puddle Park

Princess Dot Puddle Park is the perfect place to head on a hot day.   Pack a bathing suit, towel and an extra set of clothes and  head over for this splash area located inside of a “bug’s land”. Prepare yourself for a soaking good time! We try to hit this area often in the summer. Let the kiddos run through mists, sprinklers and water fountains. Sit on a popsicle stick chair and enjoy watching your little ones have a great time. In the summer sometimes this is the only thing the kiddos want to do.

Disneyland

• Goofy’s Playhouse

Goofy’s playhouse is located inside of Toontown and  is the perfect place for toddlers and preschoolers to release some of that boundless energy.  This interactive playhouse allows the kiddos to be hands on and explore Goofy’s home.  My kiddos love playing outside and the inside is just as fun. Let the kids climb all over furniture or head outside to climb around and slip and slide.

• Donald’s Boat

Donald’s Boat is also located inside of Toontown and allows the  kiddos run around and explore the inside and outside of boat. Walk around and let the kiddos ring bells, stir the boat and help trigger the water spouts on deck. Sure to be loads of fun especially for the tiny ones.

• Disneyland: Chip n Dale’s Treehouse

The third play area inside of Toontown is the perfect place to  allow your itty bitty to walk around and explore the surroundings. Climb to the top of the tree and enjoy a great view!

• Pirate’s Lair Tom Sawyer’s Island

I have to admit that my kids have been a bit too young for exploring here. However I think they are now the perfect age to head out and spend an afternoon climbing and exploring Tom Sawyer’s Island. Older kiddos will love walking across rope bridges, climbing and digging to find a treasure. It is the perfect place to head out with the family and discover one of the many trails!

• Tarzan’s Treehouse

Located in Adventureland, this  80 foot tree will take you to Tarzan’s home high above. Climb up and be prepared for a great time. You can also explore all of Jane’s collection in an interactive area near the base of the tree. Be prepared for a work out and some extremely tired kiddos(and parents!)

• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Did you know you can walk through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle? Yes you can and the best part is that it is completely air conditioned. Perfect activity on a hot day! Three dimensional displays tell the story of Sleeping Beauty. My kiddos absolutely love walking through the castle. It’s a fun little adventure!

• Innovations

Innovations is located in Tomorrowland and is the perfect place to spend an hour or two  on a hot day. Walk inside and explore hands on the different technology featured in the exhibits. Explore the Innovations Dream Home or play in one of the five interactive play areas. It’s a great place to learn and discover for the entire family!

Go out and try out one of these places. I promise you will not be disappointed!