Disney's Wilderness Lodge Family Activities

Silver Creek Springs Pool Area
Overlooking Bay Lake and seemingly carved out of the rockscape, the resort's showcase swim area includes a feature pool with a slide and a sizeable sun deck, an adjacent kiddie pool, and both hot and cold tubs. Nearby, there's a geothermal zone featuring a regularly erupting geyser. From around 1 to 6 p.m. daily, enthusiastic recreation leaders pump up the energy on the main deck with music, games and prizes.

Towels and swim vests (available & Teton Bike and Boat Rental) are complimentary and restrooms have space for changing. Swim diapers are required for non potty-trained children while using resort pools. You can purchase these and other baby and toddler supplies at Wilderness Lodge Mercantile (Open 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.), along with swim gear, sunscreen, souvenirs and limited groceries. Chairs are in short supply at peak times. Pool hours are 7 a.m. to midnight and lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Kiosks
On the pool deck, your kids can get a colorful hair wrap ($2 per inch; beads are extra) and in the lobby, a pin-trading cart is a fun stop for guests of all ages. Just outside the gift shop, a Caricature Artist creates playful renditions of parents and kids enjoying their favorite sport, hobby or occupation from 6 to 11 p.m. daily, while nearby, Disney PhotoPass photographers are available from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily for family photo sessions, or else by appointment.

Quiet Pool
Behind the Villas at Wilderness Lodge, the Hidden Springs Pool (no lifeguards on duty) provides a peaceful retreat from the crowds. Hours are 7 a.m. to midnight and towels are provided.

Beach and Playground
On the shores of Bay Lake (swimming prohibited), you'll find a white-sand beach with a playground (recommended for ages 3 to 12), as well as plenty of chairs for lounging. It's a great spot to watch the Electrical Water Pageant pass by (9:35 p.m.), as well as the site of afternoon games of football, hockey, soccer and tug-of-war led by Recreation staff. When the sun goes down, you can enjoy star-lit showings of popular Disney movies (screened daily).

Teton Bike and Boat Rental
At the resort Marina, you can rent a boat and sail around Bay Lake (and the Seven Seas Lagoon), or borrow bikes and take a leisurely ride around a peaceful three-quarter mile path to Fort Wilderness. Along the way, you might even spot wildlife like deer, rabbits and armadillos. Surrey bikes can be rented in 30-minute increments ($20 to $22), and bikes are $9 per hour or $18 for the day. Baby bike seats, training wheels and lockers are available. Rental boat options ($32 to $45 for 30 minutes) range from Sea Raycers to SunTrackers and Boston Whalers, and chartered specialty cruises (including fireworks excursions) are available. Hours vary by season. Boat rentals begin at 11 a.m. and bikes may be borrowed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Wonders of the Lodge Tour
Offered on select days at 9 a.m., free ranger-led tours are worthwhile for anyone interested in architecture or Disney history. Highlights include the story of the lobby's two 55-foot hand-carved totems -- the Raven and the Eagle. Efforts are made to include kids (Hidden Mickey tips are provided), but this tour is best suited to adults and older teens. No reservations are necessary. Meet in the Main Lobby.

Buttons & Bells Game Arcade
At this small arcade located between the hotel and Villas, guests can try their luck at around 30 games. It's open 24 hours (but don't tell the kids!).

Cubs Den
Compact and friendly, the onsite childcare center for kids ages 3 to 12 offers playthings for little ones, like cars, building toys and an outdoor sandbox, as well as board games, puzzles, crafts and computer games for older kids. Due to its small size, those over 10 will likely feel constrained. You can check out the staff and the facilities -- and bring kids of all ages along for the fun -- when the Club hosts complimentary Craft Time from 2:30 to 4 p.m. daily. Club hours are 4:30 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $11.50 per hour, per child, and dinner is included. Call 407-824-1083 for reservations.

Fort Wilderness
At Disney's campground resort nearby, kids can take an archery lesson, ride a pony or sing-a-long with Chip and Dale at a nightly campfire with S'mores, and for those ages 16 and up, backwoods Segway tours depart daily.