Where can a 2 1/2 yr old run around to let of steam?

PRINCESS VIJA

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Hi, My DD will be in a stroller, but she will need to get out and run around. In each of the major parks, where are good places for her to run around in? I had read about Donald's boat, and the playground at MGM. What about Tom Sawyer's island. Is it realistic to let her run around there with her big brother (DS6)? I had read that it is really geared toward older kids, rather than a 2 1/2 yr old. Any ideas for each park would be very welcome!!!! Thanks
 
I know Epcot has a fountain area where water squirts out of the ground and she could run around and play in that,I know my kids did!Just make sure to bring a dry t-shirt or something to change into before seeing any shows(it's COLD in A/C when you are wet!).We wound up buying my son a tank top because he was soaked!

Animal Kingdom has the boneyard playground and Dino-Dig area which is great for playing,too.

I don't know if I would let the two of them "run off" together.There are so many people that kids get lost very easily,and I don't know if 6 is really old enough to make him be resposable for his sister.My kids were 8 & 11 last time and I didn't let them go alone :D !
 
The MK has a nice little playground in Toon Town our 2 yr old DD loved to play in when we were there last November. It has slides and best of all, it's covered, a nice escape from the direct sun.

While the rest of Toon Town was packed the playground had only a small amount of children playing. It was a nice way of letting our DD get some of that energy out. Then we hopped onto the WDW Railroad for a nice relaxing and cooling off ride around the MK.

Otherwise I have to say she loved running around our hotel room at the Swan. It was an exploration of fun for her. Brought a few toys from home, but her favorite was a plastic Minnie mug we picked up there and a pen and she loved the mirror on the bathroom door. She just loved that room. :D

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Thank you for your replies, but I guess I feel I must clarify something. I never intended to let my son be responsible for his sister. When I said let her run around with her big brother, I meant in the same area. I wouldn't want to go to Tom Sawyer's Island, if she couldn't participate, but he could. For the most part she can keep up with all the big kid play areas. I do not let her out of my sight at parks (nor is her big brother out of sight as well), in fact I am always there to help and guide her, or stop her from going to something that would not be safe for her. That is why I asked about Tom Sawyers Island, I had read that it wasn't appropriate for a 2 1/2 yr old, because it is too hard to watch them. I wanted to know from experienced travelers if the Island would be wiser to skip. And, I was looking for areas where she could run around and be safe. I appreciate your concern, but would like to state that I have not, nor would I ask my DS to be responsible for his sister in a park, let alone at such a large park such as Disney
 
My 3 year old and I explored every inch of the island. There are no paths which are too small for an adult to traverse--and no place that I had to let go of her hand unless we chose to.

There are terrific bridges--one hanging, and one on barrels that are lots of fun for little ones to cross. There is a fort you can explore. I would not let my 2 1/2 year old disappear into a cave with a 6 year old, but you can be right there with them.

Highly recommend it.
 
We love Tom Sawyer's Island! My kids are 2 and 6. I think you probably will have to stay close by them though - its lots of caves and bridges, at 2 1/2, they are still a bit wobbly on their feet.

As far as places to let your 2 1/2 year old play independently, I also vote for the fountains and most of all, Donald's Boat. My oldest was 3 1/2 when he first discovered Donald's Boat - he liked it better than anything else at WDW. Trouble is, getting him out of there! :) Be sure to bring a change of clothes, they will get wet!

snoopy
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While parts of this area would be too big/high, some parts are geared to younger kids. My 2 yr old had a blast. Just keep an eye on her because I thought that some of the bigger slides could be a little dangerous with a small child. Nothing that watching her wouldn't prevent.

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There is a great little play area at the base of Splash Mountain called the "Laughin' Place". Perfect for letting the little kids run off some energy while the big kids ride the Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.
 
our dd loved the place near Splash mountian. Nthing great for the adults to look at (except the shade which was wonderful) but you know kids, spend $100 on a toy and they play with the box
 
Another place in the MK is Ariel's Grotto. You can sit and relax and see the whole area at the same time. She will get wet though as there are some fountains the kids love. There is a cool playground at AK, but you would probably want to follow her around there. It is pretty big.
 
My DS and DD , both preschoolers love Ariel Grotto! Just dress
them in swimsuits and let them run there. And if the line
is not too long ,do try to meet Ariel ...she is very sweet.
However, off all the major parks, we felt that the best kiddie area,
believe it or not, is "Curious George Goes to Town" in US.
Great water play area. Kids didn't want to leave, even to see Barney!
Great place for adults to relax and cool down too. :cool:

Oh by the way, in MGM, there's "Honey I shrunk the kids" play
area that's pretty neat too.
 
We were in Disney Studios and the kids 14,8,5,5 were all starting to get a little cranky. I talked my family into going to the playground Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
I could not believe how these tired kids could perk up so fast. They all had fun and were ready to tour again afterwards.
After seeing the sights, rides, shows, parades and everything else, they just wanted to play for a little while.
 
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