In 1964, SeaWorld was founded in San Diego, California, and became a popular form of entertainment due to its live animal shows and aquatic-themed attractions. Over the years, SeaWorld has expanded into cities such as Orlando, Florida, and has focused more on animal conservation and education than entertaining guests with killer whale shows, which it is previously known for. SeaWorld has become a go-to park for families wanting to learn more about marine animal life and ocean conservation.
Below, we’ll briefly offer a guide to families traveling to SeaWorld with babies and toddlers. We’ll talk about how to prepare before you visit and how to navigate the extensive park grounds. Next, we will share the best exhibits and attractions for young children and include kid-friendly dining recommendations. Finally, we’ll offer some tips to parents to help ensure the whole family has an enjoyable time at SeaWorld.
Note: SeaWorld has three locations in the United States: Orlando, FL, San Diego, CA, and San Antonio, TX. Before planning your trip, we recommend checking their website for your location’s latest information.
Before You Go: A Checklist for SeaWorld with Little Ones
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When visiting SeaWorld with babies, know that you don’t have to bring your own stroller, as SeaWorld offers single and double strollers for rent. They have a limited number of strollers to rent out, so you’ll want to get to the rental shop near Guest Services early to secure the stroller you prefer. Another option would be to rent a stroller from a baby gear rental service like BabyQuip.
Regarding admission prices, parents will be happy to know that babies and toddlers under 3 can visit SeaWorld free of charge! Adults must pay for a ticket and parking each day they visit SeaWorld. The price of a ticket includes all shows, rides, and exhibits. Daily hours of operation can be viewed online as they can change anytime.
Related:
- Best Theme Parks for Toddlers
- Visiting Orlando: Orlando Travel Guide For Families
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Universal Studios with Small Children
- 5 Best Places to Travel with an Infant
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The park has baby care centers or nursing facilities to help families visiting SeaWorld with babies and toddlers. For example, SeaWorld Orlando includes three nursing facilities spread over the park grounds for convenience. To navigate the park easily, it’s recommended to download a physical map and bring it with you or download SeaWorld’s mobile app to find kid-friendly rides, attractions, and dining spots. Thankfully, SeaWorld is simple to navigate, and if there is ever any confusion, a SeaWorld staff member will be happy to assist!
SeaWorld’s Shows: An Exciting Introduction to Marine Life
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SeaWorld has terrific marine life shows that babies and toddlers will enjoy watching. Even if young babies don’t understand exactly what’s going on in the show, it is a fun sensory experience and usually involves music and visuals. Here are some shows to check out when visiting SeaWorld with babies and toddlers:
Dolphin Adventures
Dolphin Adventures showcases the playfulness of bottlenose dolphins while teaching guests about the threats they face as a species and their role in the ocean.
Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight
California sea lions and Asian small-clawed otters show off in this marine life presentation. Guests will learn about their skills and behaviors and how you can help protect them.
Orca Encounter
The Orca Encounter is probably SeaWorld’s most popular show that showcases natural orca behaviors and some splashes! Guests will learn about how orcas hunt and the importance of play in their daily lives.
Exhibits and Attractions Suitable for the Youngest Visitors
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Like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld is exceptionally family-friendly. If you visit SeaWorld with babies and toddlers, you must take them to Sesame Street Land, where they can experience family-friendly entertainment and rides. Rides like Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, Sunny Day Carousel, and Abby’s Flower Tower are great for babies and toddlers. Rosita’s Harmony Hills is an interactive play space for young children to explore. There’s also plenty of interactive and realistic play throughout Sesame Street Land. If you’re lucky, you might be able to meet Sesame Street characters!
Dining Options for Babies and Toddlers
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Guests visiting SeaWorld with babies are not allowed to bring in outside food, drinks, or coolers. A bottle of water or a refillable water bottle is permitted. That said, guests may bring food for children with dietary needs, baby food, and formula. If you choose to dine inside SeaWorld with babies and toddlers, guests have a wide variety of spots, including Sesame Street Food Trucks inside Sesame Street Land. Expedition Cafe is known for providing various foods that satisfy even picky eaters. For a unique dining experience, families should check out the Dine with Orcas experience.
Practical Tips for Parents: Managing Nap Times and Feeding Schedules
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If you are planning a day trip to SeaWorld with babies and toddlers, know that you can’t control how the day will go but can prepare in advance to help the day go well. For example, we all know that babies and toddlers need rest and food to keep them happy, so planning to visit SeaWorld at an appropriate time is best. If you know that you’ll be at the park during your child’s typical nap time, you can utilize a quiet area in the park or nursing facility to take a break and feed baby or give them a rest. It may be best to bring your own stroller or rent a stroller that’s more comfortable for your child rather than utilizing a standard one from SeaWorld.
Conclusion
SeaWorld has much to offer families and children, from animal encounters to shows to kid-friendly rides. You can easily spend a day exploring SeaWorld with babies and toddlers, so don’t forget to take advantage of the park’s nursing facilities and quiet areas when needed. Even though your little ones are small, you are capturing some of those early memories, which are precious and priceless. Capture sweet photos and videos, and you won’t regret looking back on your trip to SeaWorld for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. What age is appropriate for SeaWorld?
SeaWorld is appropriate for all ages, but it depends on your family’s preferences and your children’s interests.
B. Can I bring a stroller into SeaWorld?
Yes, families can bring their own stroller into SeaWorld if they prefer not to rent one from the park.
C. What to do if my child gets lost?
If your child gets lost in SeaWorld, remain calm and quickly notify a SeaWorld staff member or security personnel. These employees are trained to handle these situations and will assist you until your child has been located.
D. Are there changing facilities in the park?
Yes, changing facilities are located in SeaWorld’s nursing facilities, family restrooms, and most standard restrooms.
E. What should I pack for my baby or toddler’s day at SeaWorld?
What a parent packs for SeaWorld depends on their child’s age and needs. You may want to pack snacks, formula, water, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, and sunscreen.
F. Can I bring my own baby food, or does the park provide it?
Parents may bring baby food and formula into the park for their child. The park does not provide food specific to babies, but guests may be able to find apple sauce pouches or small bites that are suitable for their child.
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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