So often I hear from parents who have decided not to visit Epcot because they believe it’s really not a park for kids or they think their kids will be bored there. It’s a strange thought to me since my kids love Epcot and it’s my daughter’s favorite of the four parks.

I have some suggestions for you that I think will help you see the appeal of Epcot for families and recognize there is a lot there for kids as well as adults. Disney has even encouraged involvement with children in the park by opening special events such as the Kidcot program. While I want to explain what Kidcot is and why you need to do this with your family on your next visit, I’ll also highlight some tips for visiting Epcot with your family.

One of the things I always share with my guests is that I think preparing your family for Epcot is important in order to set expectations. When commercials play on tv, your family sees a castle with princesses greeting you, an elephant who takes you through the sky on a ride, a tree larger than life or a roller coaster racing Mount Everest. Epcot is a more leisurely park and while there are many attractions and rides, it’s a park that you can take more time walking through and exploring.

Epcot is also a very educational park, allowing you to sneak in some learning while having fun! Cast members through out Epcot are happy to tell you about the countries they represent and share more information with guests so encourage questions and interaction when visiting the World Showcase.

Kidcot is an educational activity that children can participate in throughout the World Showcase in Epcot at no extra charge. Each country represented in the World Showcase will have a Kidcot station. Explore the country and see if you can spot the Kidcot sign but if you have any trouble finding it, ask a cast member. They can direct you. Often times the Kidcot centers are located in shops.

Kidcot has experienced a few minor changes since the pandemic but it is up and running. At your first Kidcot stop, ask for a Passport bag. Sponsored by Ziploc, a decorated bag will be provided for kids to keep all of the car they collect in each country. As they visit the countries, they will be able to pick up a card that shares information about that country and where they are located. Some countries will also have stickers with their cards to collect. Your child can collect the cards from every country, keep them in their passport bag and take them home as souvenir.

Here are some other family friendly things to see and do at Epcot!

• Epcot is also a great park to spot characters, some of which you will only see at Epcot

• Dessert or Snack around the world. There are so many options for great snacks across Epcot. Some people like to try cupcakes or cookies in each country, but why limit yourself? Buy a snack to share as you move around the world. Tip: If it’s too much for one day, consider some of the treats that are packaged and could be taken back to your room or home.

• Challenge your children to take a silly photo in each country, posing with something from that country. You’ll get some great photos and it will keep your family exploring.

• Stop for shows, rides, and attractions. You’ll find some of these are inside buildings.

• Check out the topiaries and plants acround Epcot. The International Flower and Garden Festival in the spring is when you will find all of the plants in their glory but you will still see many plants through out the year.

• Watch fountains while in the parks. Some of them may just surprise you by flowing backwards or jumping from one spot to another.

There is so much at Epcot to see and do. You just have to take a bit of time and look around. Encourage your kids to participate in the Kidcot stations because this can be a great way to introduce them to the world around them as well as give them a pretty cool take home souvenir that doesn’t cost you anything at all.

If you collect the cards from each Kidcot station, you can actually stop by select countries and pick up a special pin. The pin recognizes completion of the Kidcot program and is run for kids to wear the rest of their day in the parks.