Epcot is all about the festivals now a days, so much so that they have dedicated festival booths and areas that stay up all year (talk about commitment) so heading to the International Festival of the Arts with the kiddos needs to be on your to do list!
While some of the other festivals focus more on adult offerings (cough cough food and wine) other ones, like Festival of the Arts, have lots of kid and family friendly activities.
I’ve taken my kiddos two years in a row now and they’ve loved it so much! It’s a fun festival that’s also low key. Sure there are crowds on the weekends, but overall, this festival is much easier to navigate and get around without the crazy crowds that come with the favorite flower and garden festival!
So let’s look at the top 5 things to do with kids at the Festival of the Arts.
1.It’s all about the Chalk
There’s two really fun chalk things to play with at FOA. The first is on the walkway between the World Showcase and Future World, you’ll find Chalk Art (like Mary Poppins!)
This Chalk Art is designed by amazing artists who’ve come back year after year with new designs! Our Favorite is the 3D art by Nate, we look forward to that every week when the new ones come out.
Ready to enjoy the Chalk Art for yourself? There’s an art area in the same area!
2. Fun Photos Galore
Recreate famous pictures with your kids! This is one of my favorite things to do because there’s *sometimes* a photopass photographer there to assist you in getting the perfect shot!
And there’s so many places to get good photos! Photos booths are set up with Classic Art designs, Characters have Art Easels and their own Special Photos, and there’s Festival Designs everywhere worthy of a photo.
3. Keep em busy with this artists palette- bonus treat included!
Theres a Scavenger Hunt for all ages, but most fun for the kids. Pay for a Scavenger Hunt Sheet and hunt down the photos around the World Showcase (Where all the Countries are!).
Simply find the pictures around the World Showcase according to the map areas, then redeem them for a prize- best part, you don’t actually have to finish the Scavenger hunt to get the prize.
4. Fun new foods to try at the Festival Food Booths
The Best Part about the EPCOT Festivals are the food booths!
Many of the eats are designed with kids in mind. This year I’d highly recommend the Watermelon Pizza, and I’d skip the Grape Smoothie. While the smoothie is fun to look at, it’s overly sweet.
5. Get the whole family involved in paint by number
This is another one of those free activities that really puts little pixie dust in your trip! Grab a little paint container at the kiosk located by the paint by number and a corresponding number- then go to town!
This is best to do in the morning/afternoon so that you can find lots of numbers and then see it finished on your way out of the park in the evening!
Overall, the Festival of the Arts has a lot of fun for kids of all ages, but especially for younger children
While your at EPCOT, check out the Playgrounds, and KidCot Activities in the World Showcase.