Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most beautiful resorts on property and there is so much to do. Schedule some time to visit this amazing resort to enjoy all the free activities.
If you are not staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, simply take a bus to the Animal Kingdom Park and then transfer to the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort bus. It is a super quick bus ride. You will want to get off at the Jambo House bus stop.
If you are driving, you can park at the Animal Kingdom Lodge to explore the resort as a guest and it is free to park. Just let the security guard at the entrance know that you are just resort hopping. During the holiday season, there may be limited parking so I would try just using the buses.
What to Do At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jambo House has a lot of free and low-cost activities for both kids and kids at heart.
Free Activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Free Activities Offered All Year Long
Scavenger Hunts. If you go to the check-in desk politely ask for the 2 available scavenger hunts the resort offers. The resort doesn’t give you prizes but they are fun to do. It is helpful to have a pen or pencil to fill out the hunts but the front desk will offer you a writing utensil.
Hidden Mickey Safari. One of the scavenger hunts is a Hidden Mickey Scavenger hunt. The page gives you clues to find them around the resort. This is one of my favorite activities to do at every resort and I love having this clue sheet to help me find them!
Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Scavenger Hunt. This scavenger hunt helps you get to know the resort. Parents will need to help non-readers as some of the questions require some reading.
Animal Viewing. In the back of the resort, there are trails where you can see various animals. On the paths, there are small displays where you can learn more about the animals you are seeing. There are also Cast Members available to ask questions about the animals.
Beaded Activities. Along the paths and in the lobby there are activities you can do to earn beads. Each of the activities teaches about the animals, the environment, or the countries the Cast Members or animals are from. Even as a former teacher I learned things I didn’t know before.
View African Art. All throughout the lobby are pieces of African Art, it is just like going to an Art Museum. Placards are available to learn about each piece and the meaning behind it. There are guided art tours available Monday through Friday. Confirm the starting time at the lobby desk.
Children’s Primal Parade. This fun activity starts at the gift shop near the entrance where children get little drums to play on while following around one of the cultural representatives through the lobby singing an African song. It is so adorable!
Disney Movies Under the Stars. Most evenings, weather permitting, there is a free movie at the Hakuna Matata Playground.
Campfire. Roast complimentary marshmallows at the Arusha Savanna Overlook in the evenings. Typically 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
Simba’s Cubhouse. Simba’s Cubhouse is located on the 1st floor near Mara. Here you can find coloring pages, scratch art, a pin trading board, and fun games to play. This location is also the spot to grab your button for finding Pumbaa throughout the resort.
Cookie Decorating. This is for kids only and takes place in Sanaa. The kids get to sit and decorate their own cookies to eat or take with them. They did not have plastic baggies available for kids to take so I would have one in your bag if you think they would eat it later.
Face Painting. In the Jambo lobby, there is free face painting. This is not the elaborate face fainting that is offered in the park, but it is still cute! The line forms fast though and they only offer it for about an hour or so.
Window Shopping. The Gift Shop at the Jambo House is gorgeous and has a lot of beautiful decor along with Disney treasures you might want to buy.
Free Activities During the Christmas Season
Christmas Tree Viewing. The Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas tree is gorgeous and is arguably one of the most beautiful trees of all the resort Christmas trees.
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Aaron Anderson
Wednesday 17th of January 2024
To any one reading… my kids are going with their grandparents in the first week of Feb 2024. How many of these activities still happen since covid
April
Thursday 18th of January 2024
Hi Aaron, last year they brought back the cultural representatives so the activities while varied are still happening. Be sure to check the schedule that is posted near the check-in desk!
Jennifer
Sunday 15th of January 2023
I tried to visit the lodge today but was told by the security guard that they no longer allow non-guests to walk around. You have to be a guest or a Disney world vacation member.
April
Sunday 15th of January 2023
That guard must have been having a rough day and cranky. They do like you to have a dining reservation though, even a mobile order would work. A lot of times the morning is tougher to park at the resorts than the afternoon since many guests try to park at the resorts to bypass parking fees at the parks. You can always park at Disney Springs and then take a bus to the resorts.
Kathy hawks
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
What events will be h go king on in September during covid? We are so excited to come and bummed about covid si wondering if any free activities will be happening
April
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
Instead of the Halloween parties, Disney is allowing guests to go to the Magic Kingdom in costumes and they will have special treats and merchandise you can buy. As for free activities, I know Disney resorts are still doing the movies under the stars.
Diana
Wednesday 5th of February 2020
This is amazing! Thanks! We are going in May
Becky Ginther
Thursday 3rd of October 2019
I will be there the first week in December! Can't wait!