Sea World’s Just for Kids Festival

Sea World is hosting the Just For Kids! Festival on Saturdays through April 12, 2014; and, it’s included with your park admission! Don’t let the name fool you though, it’s definitely family friendly! While it is kid-centric, it brings families together for fun activities, rides, Animal Ambassadors, and more!

We were given a festival map as we came into the parking lot.  They are also available at the Ocean Adventure areas as well. The map is the perfect size for your little one to help navigate.  It has all the Fun Stations mapped out for you with just a few main park locations for reference points.

 
Just for Kids Festival map

The stars on the map are the Ocean Adventure areas.  That’s where your kids can go on an educational and fun trip around the park.  They have games and information at each of the four stops.  After you complete your activity, the bottom of your map will get a punch and you get a limited edition Explorer’s card! The stations are really easy to spot too- there is a “take an Ocean Adventure” sign along with Just for Kids! banners like the one pictured here:

 
Ocean Adventure activity

The Ocean Adventures are spread out around the park, but not too spread out!  One thing that I loved about this is that they never excluded Cole. He’s almost two, so he’s really into doing these fun things like the matching games, but he’s not quite old enough to answer questions about oil on penguin.  Some of them they let me help him with but some tailored their activity to be more his level.  It was tons of fun!

After you complete all four Ocean Adventure activities, you get a ticket that allows you to go to one of three stores and turn it in for a special surprise!
 
The four limited edition cards.

Another fun part of Just for Kids is the Rockin’ Rockhopper Party in Antarctica that starts at 11am. A DJ is there with some rockin’ hoppin’ music to get everyone moving.  There are even special penguin guests who come out and party with you! They have games, snacks, face painting and you can even see live penguins!  You don’t want to miss out!

 

As always, there are lots of great Animal Ambassadors to wow and amaze!  It’s neat to see all the different animals and to hear their stories. The SEA Garden is home to one of the Ocean Adventures, many of the Animal Ambassadors and special story tellers.

 
Animal Ambassadors

 

 
Story time!

A highlight for my little one was the Elmo Rocks! show. He couldn’t stop talking about Elmo all weekend! Be sure to get there early as the show is only performed in the earlier part of the day and there are only a few shows.

Be sure to stick around for the end of the day too.  The Shamu Dance Party, at the front of the park in Village Square, starts one hour before park close and lasts until 30 minutes after park close.  There is a stilt walking emcee, music for the whole family to enjoy and dance to, and Shamu and his crew are there! Unfortunately no pictures of the party because we’ve had plans that caused us to miss it the first two weekends, but we’ll be there for the third one!

Have you been to Sea World’s Just for Kids Festival yet?  What was your favorite part? We are excited to go again this weekend and hopefully next weekend as well!

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SeaWorld Orlando Just For Kids Festival Returns

SeaWorld Orlando

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S JUST FOR KIDS FESTIVAL IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

Featuring a Rockin’ Rockhopper Party, Up-close Animal Interactions and More

 

Shamu & Crew invites families to experience SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration through the eyes of a child.  Sing, dance and play the day away Saturdays at SeaWorld Orlando’s “Just for Kids” Festival starting March 22.

This kid-centric festival brings families together to enjoy fun rides, adorable animals and an all-new party zone. “Just for Kids” is included with park admission and takes place Saturdays from March 22 – April 12.

SeaWorld Just For Kids -banner

During “Just for Kids”, SeaWorld’s year-long 50th Celebration will be in full swing. Park pathways will come to life with oceans of spontaneous entertainment. Guests will enjoy a Sea of Surprises featuring new interactive experiences and shows, even more up-close animal encounters and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating park guests with prizes and special experiences every day.

At “Just for Kids”, families can experience warm-hearted whimsical fun and make lasting memories as they dance along to jammin’ DJ’s at the NEW Rockin’ Rockhopper Party in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin®, get up close with adorable animal friends at the all-new “SEA Garden,” and meet some of their children’s favorite television stars. With SeaWorld’s awesome shows and attractions as part of the mix, “Just for Kids” is a full-day’s excitement that’s sure to inspire the child in everyone!

And there’s more! Kids can go on an educational treasure hunt as they look for the Sea Star icons throughout the park where they’ll discover fun, educational activities. At each location they will collect a stamp and a limited edition Explorer’s card.  After visiting all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem for a special SeaWorld prize at select gift shops.

Then end the night with Shamu & Crew at the Shamu Dance Party at the Village Square located at the front of the park. The party begins one hour prior to park closing with a stilt walker emcee who fills the square with music that the whole family can dance to, including popular line dancing songs and party favorites. The Shamu Dance Party continues until 30 minutes after park closing. Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for complete details.

SeaWorld Orlando Just For Kids - sail

The best way to experience all of the fun, music and treats at “Just for Kids” and SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration is with an Annual Pass, starting atjust $13 per month for Florida Residents.  Pass Members can enjoy all four Saturdays of “Just for Kids” fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about SeaWorld Orlando’s “Just for Kids” Festival. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #JustForKids.

SeaWorld Orlando Just For Kids Festival Highlights

ALL-NEW! Rockin’ Rockhopper Party

Starting at 11 a.m., families can experience warm-hearted whimsical fun and make lasting memories as they dance along to family-friendly DJ’s at the Rockin’ Rock Hopper Party in Antarctica – Empire of The Penguin®, play games, such as Rock Hopper Ring Toss and Penguin Plunge, enjoy live penguin appearances, snow moments, snacks, face painting, caricatures and meet the one and only Puck, star of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

ALL-NEW! SEA Garden

Share the wonder of close-up encounters with amazing animal friends and learn how we care for our natural world at our all-new SEA Garden.

Shamu Dance Party

Dance the night away with Shamu & crew at the Shamu Dance Party at the Village Square located at the front of the park. The party begins one hour prior to park closing with a stilt walker emcee who fills the square with music that the whole family can dance to, including popular line dancing songs and party favorites. The Shamu Dance Party continues until 30 minutes after park closing.

Ocean Adventures Kids Program

Kids can go on an educational, card collecting program, also included with admission, starting at 11 a.m. Children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park, where they’ll discover fun, educational activities. At each location they will collect a stamp and a limited edition Explorer’s card.  Once they visit all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special SeaWorld prize.  Limit one prize per participating child.

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The SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival Is A Great Time For the Whole Family

The SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival Is A Great Time For the Whole Family

Featuring performances by kids’ favorite entertainers, party zone area and more

SeaWorld Just For Kids -banner 

During the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival, the paths of SeaWorld Orlando are full of fun kid-friendly music, live performances, games, dancing, and more during this four week festival, which is included in the price of admission.

Zoe’s (and our) favorite part of Just For Kids was the concert, and this year the SeaWorld Just For Kids concert lineup is amazing!

We were able to see the Imagination Movers during the first week, but there are still two Saturdays left to experience some great performances.

SeaWorld Just For Kids - Imagination Movers Concert
Zoe had a blast rocking out at the Imagination Mover’s concert!

Saturday, January 26        Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve

Starring Genevieve Goings, Choo-Choo Soul allows parents to enjoy the same music their kids do. Featuring soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite, Choo-Choo Soul is a diverse and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train.

 

Saturday, February 4        Kratt Brothers Live featuring the stars of Wild Kratts

The Kratt Brothers are Chris and Martin Kratt and they are the creators and producers of the widely popular children’s animated series Wild Kratts that airs on PBS. They are the recipients of the 2012 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award.

You will definitely want to make sure that you catch a concert while at the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival, but you may want to keep a few things in mind when planning your day.

The admission to the concerts is included with park admission, with show times at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at SeaWorld’s Nautilus Theater.

However, to attend guests will need to pick up concert tickets across from Nautilus Theater in order to attend the shows, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 9 a.m. each event day. Since shows can and do fill up I absolutely suggest going to the ticket distribution area as soon as you get to SeaWorld, to make sure that you are able to attend the show that best works for your (and especially your little one’s) schedule. Also note that if you are a Platinum Pass Holder, you will not have reserved seating for the concerts.

SeaWorld Just For Kids - IM Playing Bass
Zoe really got to groove when Mover Dave let her play with the band!

Once you have your tickets, you are also going to want to arrive 30-45 minutes before show time to line up outside of the Nautilus Theater to ensure that you have a good seat for the concert.

Once you are inside you will also want to make sure that you know that there is a bathroom located at the back of the Nautilus Theater which is an amazingly convenient thing with little ones, that dancing in the aisles is allowed (and encouraged), and that you will want to make sure that you are prepared for fun!

Before the concert begins there are two acts by the Dragon Legend Acrobats from China that you won’t want to miss! While the acts are pretty amazing, they are also a great way to get your little one accustomed the concert atmosphere.

SeaWorld Just For Kids - Dragon Legend Acrobats Hoopers
The Dragon Legend Acrobats Hula Hoopers were amazing!!!
SeaWorld Just For Kids - Dragon Legend Acrobats Jugglers
The Dragon Legend Acrobats Jugglers from China were amazing!

BUT…if you are like me, you will want to find some way around all of the waiting before the concerts and for that you have two options…

SeaWorld Just For Kids Great Eats & Concert Seats:

It’s easy to reserve your seats to the show by pre-purchasing one of the below dining options.

Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast – 9 a.m. at Sharks Underwater Grill

Children (2-9) $39.00 / Adults (10+) $49.00

At Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast, families will enjoy a full-service breakfast experience at Sharks Underwater Grill with Elmo and one of his special Sesame Street friends.  Following breakfast, little ones, (and parents, too), will visit with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends for photos. In addition to that, each family will receive one complimentary 6×8 photo. Those attending the 9 a.m. VIP breakfast will receive VIP seating for the 11 a.m. SeaWorld Just For Kids concert.

Another great bonus is that by attending Elmo’s VIP Character Breakfast you will receive complimentary Valet Parking at SeaWorld Orlando.

Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet at Terrace Garden – 2 seatings, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Children (2-9) $29.00 / Adults (10+) $39.00

At the Shamu & Friends Character Breakfast Buffet, not only will you get to meet your favorite SeaWorld characters, you will also receive guaranteed admission to specific Just For Kids concerts.

You’ll enjoy and all you care to eat buffet at Terrace Garden Buffet restaurant, and also receive a complimentary 6×8 family photo from the Breakfast. For the concerts, 9:00 am breakfast guests will receive admission to the 2:00 pm concert and 11:00 am breakfast guests will receive admission to the 4:00 pm concert.

With both Character Breakfasts,guests must make sure to arrive at the theater 15 minutes prior to show time to guarantee seating.

Reservations and park admission are required to purchase either breakfast, and can be made online for the VIP Elmo Breakfast and the Shamu & Friends Breakfast.

If you are Passholders, you can visit the Passholder Site to receive 10% off of these Great Eats & Concert Seats Packages.

We are HUGE fans of the Character Breakfasts offered at SeaWorld, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! The food is delicious, and it offers you the opportunity to spend more time playing in the park rather than running to grab tickets and waiting to get into the Theater.

SeaWorld Just For Kids - sail

SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival Highlights:

There is a lot more to the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival than just fun concerts! The whole park is filled with great kid-centric activities, meet and greet opportunities, and shows!

This year there are three new great experiences that have been added to the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival.

New! Franklin, from the beloved children’s show Franklin and Friends™

SeaWorld Just For Kids -Zoe and Franklin
Zoe and her pal Franklin

Hey, it’s Franklin!

You can meet SeaWorld’s newest friend Franklin located near Pelican Preserve, across from Flamingo Point. Franklin is available at the Woodland for meet and greet opportunities, autographs, and photos (there is a SeaWorld Photographer at the meet and greet)  throughout the day at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Exclusive Franklin-branded merchandise will also be available near the meet and greet area.

Zoe really loved the opportunity to meet one of her favorite characters in a really cute setting! I will warn you that it can get really warm in that area and there isn’t much shade in this area, so you’ll want to make sure the sun is at your back for pictures and it isn’t too warm out while you wait. Also, if you want to minimize your wait make sure to visit Franklin during show and concert times!

SeaWorld Just For Kids - Franklin Merch
There are two Franklin storybooks and a plush that are available for him to sign at the Meet and Greet.

New! Elmo Rocks! (Located at Seafire Inn)

SeaWorld Just For Kids - Elmo Rocks logo

 

In Elmo Rocks, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie are getting for their very own rock concert located at the Seafire Inn!

The show is full of fun music, dancing, and lots of audience participation. Zoe really enjoyed herself and danced all over the place! You will want to check the time’s guide for show times, but shows are typically at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:30 pm.

Again, you are going to want to show up 15-30 minutes early to the Seafire Inn to make sure you grab a seat for the show! You will have a rockin’ good time!

New! Enhanced Ocean Adventures Kids Program

SeaWorld Just For Kids - Ocean Adventure
Zoe hard at work to complete her Ocean Adventure!

The Ocean Adventure Program was the highlight of Zoe’s day, outside of the concerts, because she got the chance to experience some of her favorite areas of SeaWorld Orlando in an even better way.

Using the event map children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park, where they’ll partake in exciting educational activities about animals that make their home at SeaWorld. At each location kids will collect a stamp and a limited edition Just For Kids Explorer’s card.  Once they visit all four locations, Wild Arctic, Stingray Lagoon, Manta Aquarium, and near the Shark Encounter, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special prize.  Limit one prize per participating child.

Zoe had an absolutely amazing time talking to the knowledgeable and friendly SeaWorld staff, and she wanted to do it again when she was done!

If you are worried about your schedule for the day and how the Ocean Adventures Kids Program will fit in, don’t be! Each station takes less than 5 minutes, and the SeaWorld staff knows how to get in some great information and fun while keeping the line moving.

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SeaWorld Just For Kids Specials

The best way to experience all of the fun, music, treats and more at Just for Kids is with a Fun Card, where Florida residents pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2013.  Fun Card members can enjoy all four weeks of Just for Kids fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld. Fun Cards are available at SeaWorldOrlando.com, at the front gate, or by calling 1-888-800-5447.

During the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival, there are several tours that when you buy one adult tour your will get a child’s tour free! You can choose from the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Sea Lions Up-Close Tour, Dolphins Up-Close Tour, and Family Fun Tour.

SeaWorld Just For Kids - Shamu Party Zone
Zoe got to do a mean Chicken Dance at Shamu’s Party Zone!

We absolutely loved our Saturday at the SeaWorld Just For Kids Festival! We had a great day together watching a great concert, riding great attractions, and seeing Shamu…What more could you ask for?

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