Best Volcano Bay Rides For Young Kids At Universal Orlando

Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh

Orlando’s hottest waterpark is a tropical oasis that’s owned by Universal Studios Orlando. The waterpark sits around an “active volcano”, known as “Krakatau™ – with waterslides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and plenty of lounge chairs. It’s a great addition to any Universal Orlando vacation. If you’re bringing the whole family, and you’ve got a little one joining, these are the best Volcano Bay rides for toddlers and young kids!

Splish Splash: The Volcano Bay Rides Your Toddler Will Love

Be sure to pick up a map or download the official Universal Orlando Resort™ app for the best details of Volcano Bay. It’ll show you where all of these attractions are located, and give you wait times and eatery locations. 

Set Up A Chill Spot For Your Family

I highly recommend grabbing a spot where your toddler can rest midday or as needed. There are plenty of lounge chairs available at Volcano Bay, even if you happen to arrive later than the park opening time. Many guests don’t realize that you can head to the far side of the volcano and you’ll find even more lounge chairs with umbrellas.

If you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, you can access the park an hour earlier before its scheduled opening time. Looking for an even better way to relax? You can rent a private cabana or shaded lounger. The cabanas also have a refrigerated that’s fully stocked with water & treats – but it’s perfect for bottle storage. My toddler always lasts longer when we have a place to chill between rides.

Once you’ve got a spot set up for your family, be sure to keep the kids happy with food and drink. Check out my Volcano Bay food guide for all the food and drink offerings at the water park.

The Tot Tiki Reef At Volcano Bay

This area of Volcano Bay is the prime spot for toddlers. It’s their favorite attraction of all the Volcano Bay rides. If you can score a lounge chair near the Tot Tiki Reef, you’ll do less walking. Toddlers can play with splash fountains, small slides and even singing whales. Parents are welcome to join their little ones. This attraction is always available without a wait. 

Waturi Beach

Even though this beach is located around the wave pool, with adult supervision, it’s a lot of fun for little ones. Many families set up a spot and the very edge of the pool area and play in the sand. They have shovels and buckets you can purchase at the park, or opt to bring your own. This spot can be a lot of fun, however, I do not recommend getting into the wave pool. As always, keep them in a lifejacket the entire time.

Kopiko Wai Winding River

Of all the Volcano Bay rides, this one is a favorite. It’s your classic waterpark lazy river that flows throughout the entire park. It gives you a scenic view of the park while you float in a tube. This is another attraction that isn’t designed with toddlers in mind, but kids under 48″ are allowed with a lifejacket.

Adults can accompany their toddlers in the lazy river and enjoy a float together. The best setup I’ve seen is a parent sitting in a tube, with the child on their lap. You do wind through sprays of water, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled if your toddler doesn’t enjoy that.

Runamukka Reef

This kid-friendly spot is geared more towards preschoolers and young kids. It has bubbling geysers, water guns, and dump cans. It features a fun whimsical sea creature that looks over the play area and provides shade. There is not a specified height requirement for this attraction. So if you’re in the park with a toddler and preschooler, this is an option – I’d just watch your toddler closely.

Volcano Bay’s Child Swap Program For Rides

Don’t feel like you can’t participate on the Volcano Bay rides you want, just because you have a toddler! Take advantage of the Child Swap Program, which allows one member of your party to wait in a designated area along with any children who are unable or unwilling to participate.

Once the rest of your group is off the ride, you trade places and take your seat on the ride while those who rode previously stay with the child(ren). It’s a great way to experience all of the attractions, even when you’re visiting the park with little ones.

Must-Know Essentials For Families With Toddlers & Babies

Volcano Bay Swim Diaper Policy & Nursing Facilities

Family restrooms are located at the front of the park and in the Rainforest Village area of the park. The family restrooms do have diaper-changing stations. Of the two available, the family restroom area that’s located in the front of the park, near the First Aid Station, has private nursing facilities for moms.

For all attractions, diaper-age children must wear swim diapers covered by their swimsuits. These are the requirements of the park, found in the Rider Safety and Accessibility Guide.

Guests are allowed to bring in their own baby food & baby formula. You’re allowed to pack a soft-sided insulated bag, no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep. Plan to bring it through security upon entering the park.

 Strollers At Volcano Bay

Strollers and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are not available for rent at Volcano Bay. Be sure to bring your own stroller if you need one. I find that a jogging stroller works best for waterparks – the suspension makes it easier to navigate the sand to pavement walkways.