Disneyland isn’t just the happiest place on Earth—it’s also a dream come true for many kids of all ages. From timeless classics like Peter Pan’s Flight to quirky boat rides like Jungle Cruise, Disneyland is filled with attractions designed to spark joy and create lifelong memories. Whether it’s a child’s first visit or a return to a favorite destination, these kid-friendly rides and experiences offer magical moments for everyone.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Disneyland Park)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the best Disney rides for young kids because it combines gentle thrills, colorful visuals, and a touch of Disney magic into one enchanting experience. Located in Fantasyland, this classic attraction lets little ones take control of their very own flying elephant, using a lever to move Dumbo up and down as they soar through the sky.
The ride’s smooth, circular motion is calm enough for even the youngest visitors, while the bright colors and charming music create an atmosphere full of joy and wonder. Kids love the sense of independence they get from “piloting” their elephant, and parents can share the experience by riding alongside them. With no height requirement and an easygoing pace, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is an ideal first ride for young children.
Peter Pan’s Flight (Disneyland Park)
Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland is a timeless Disney classic that whisks guests away on an enchanting journey over Neverland. This beloved dark ride invites visitors to board their very own pirate ship and soar high above London’s twinkling skyline before venturing into the whimsical world of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys. The ride’s suspended track creates a unique sense of flight, while iconic scenes—like the glowing mermaids’ lagoon and the daring duel aboard Captain Hook’s ship—bring the story to life. Its gentle pace makes it suitable for kids, yet its charm and nostalgic magic captivate guests of all ages.
Though the wait time can often be long, the redesigned interactive queue helps pass the time with playful shadow effects and engaging details that immerse visitors in Peter Pan’s world even before they board. For many Disney fans, Peter Pan’s Flight isn’t just a ride—it’s a must-do tradition on every trip to Disneyland.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Disneyland Park)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Disneyland Park is a top kid-friendly ride because it combines whimsy, gentle motion, and beloved characters into one magical experience. Located in the newly-opened Bayou Country at Disneyland Park, also home to the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, this charming dark ride invites guests to hop aboard a beehive and journey through the pages of A.A. Milne’s classic stories. The attraction’s slow-moving pace makes it perfect for little ones, while the vibrant colors, playful music, and familiar faces, including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore, keep kids engaged from start to finish. Highlights include bouncing along with Tigger and floating through the dreamy Heffalump and Woozle sequence.
With no height requirement and an accessible ride vehicle, it’s an ideal choice for families with young children. Plus, the ride’s location near Pooh Corner, home to delicious treats and character meet-and-greets, makes it a sweet stop in more ways than one.
Alice in Wonderland (Disneyland Park)
Alice in Wonderland at Disneyland Park is a must-visit for families, offering a fun-filled adventure perfect for kids. Nestled in Fantasyland, this charming dark ride takes guests aboard colorful caterpillar-shaped vehicles for a journey through the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland. With its gentle movement and vibrant scenes, the ride captures the playful spirit of Lewis Carroll’s story. From the Mad Hatter’s chaotic tea party to the Queen of Hearts’ royal gardens, each scene is bursting with imagination and fun surprises.
King Arthur Carrousel (Disneyland Park)
King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland Park is one of the best rides for kids because it captures the timeless magic of childhood in every spin. Located in the heart of Fantasyland, this beautifully crafted carousel invites guests to hop on hand-carved horses and glide along to classic organ music under a canopy of twinkling lights.
The ride’s gentle motion makes it perfect for younger children, while the enchanting details—like the ornate gold trim and scenes from The Sword in the Stone—create a storybook atmosphere. Kids love choosing their own noble steed, each one uniquely decorated, and parents can enjoy the nostalgia of this opening-day attraction alongside them. With its simple charm, welcoming design, and all-ages appeal, King Arthur Carrousel isn’t just a ride—it’s a classic Disney experience that creates cherished memories for families with every rotation.
Jungle Cruise (Disneyland Park)
Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park is a perfect choice for families with young kids because it combines gentle adventure, playful humor, and a touch of Disney magic into one memorable experience. Located in Adventureland, this slow-moving boat ride offers a stress-free journey through exotic rivers, where families can spot animatronic elephants, hippos, and playful monkeys along the way.
The ride’s lighthearted tone, thanks to the skippers’ silly jokes and puns, keeps kids giggling and parents entertained. Plus, there are no height restrictions, making it accessible for even the youngest adventurers. The covered boats also provide a welcome break from the sun, offering a relaxing and shaded escape during a busy park day. With its fun animal scenes, family-friendly pace, and endless dad jokes, Jungle Cruise is a must-do attraction that guarantees smiles and laughter for everyone on board.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (Disneyland Park)
Next up on the list is Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin at Disneyland Park. Thanks to its vibrant visuals, silly humor, and interactive ride experience, it is a fantastic choice for young kids. Located in Mickey’s Toontown, this wacky dark ride takes guests on a whirlwind adventure through the zany world of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? aboard spinning cartoon taxis. The ride’s colorful sets, larger-than-life characters, and playful chaos create an engaging experience that captures kids’ imaginations. The ability to spin the taxi using the steering wheel gives little ones a sense of control and adds an extra layer of fun.
Once again, with no height requirement, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin is accessible for even the youngest visitors, and its lively atmosphere ensures kids stay entertained from start to finish. It’s a silly, fast-paced adventure that brings the cartoon world to life in a way that’s both kid-friendly and full of energy.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind (Disney California Adventure)
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind at Disney California Adventure is a must-visit for families with young kids because it offers a gentle, colorful experience filled with heartwarming charm. Located in Pixar Pier, this family-friendly attraction invites guests to hop aboard one of Riley’s memory orbs and take a whimsical spin through the vibrant world of Inside Out. The ride’s slow, smooth motion makes it perfect for even the youngest visitors, while the playful music and bright colors create a joyful, sensory-rich environment. Each orb represents a different emotion, sparking fun conversations with kids about feelings and the story behind the beloved film.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (Disney California Adventure)
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at Disney California Adventure is a ride kids will absolutely love because it’s packed with silly fun, lively music, and just the right amount of spinning excitement. Located in Cars Land, this attraction invites guests to hop into a tractor-trailer and swing, sway, and spin to the toe-tapping tunes sung by Mater himself.
The ride’s playful nature keeps kids laughing as their tractors whip around in unexpected yet gentle twists and turns. The catchy country-style soundtrack, complete with Mater’s charming voice, adds an extra layer of fun that keeps the energy high from start to finish. With its lighthearted atmosphere, fun tractor designs, and a ride motion that’s thrilling without being too intense, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree delivers a great time that’s perfect for kids of all ages.
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (Disney California Adventure)
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Disney California Adventure is a fantastic choice for parents to take their kids because it combines smooth thrills, lively music, and charming visuals into one delightful experience. Located in Cars Land, this attraction invites guests to join Luigi’s adorable dancing roadster cousins for a joyful celebration in his tire yard.
The ride’s trackless system creates an exciting sense of unpredictability as the cars glide, twirl, and spin across the dance floor. Kids will love the colorful cars and cheerful Italian music, while parents can appreciate the gentle, non-intimidating ride motion. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is perfect for even the youngest visitors as there is no height requirement. It’s a lighthearted, family-friendly experience that brings smiles to everyone’s faces and captures the playful spirit of Cars Land.
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure (Disney California Adventure)
The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure is a ride little kids will adore because it brings one of Disney’s most beloved stories to life in a colorful and magical way. Located in Paradise Gardens Park, this gentle dark ride takes guests “under the sea” in a clamshell to relive iconic scenes from The Little Mermaid.
The vibrant sets, catchy songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” and lifelike animatronics of Ariel, Sebastian, and other familiar characters create an immersive experience that captures kids’ imaginations. The slow, smooth motion of the ride makes it perfect for even the tiniest guests, while the dazzling undersea visuals keep their attention from start to finish. Like many other kid-friendly attractions, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure has no height requirement, making it accessible to everyone and offering little ones a chance to step right into their favorite fairy tale.