Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts is the newest festival to hit the scene at Walt Disney World and it is gaining popularity each year. In fact, I think it might now be my favorite event. Is it my favorite because everything is all Figment and rainbows? Maybe? Well more like, most definitely, but it’s also because of all the fun things to do and see during the festival. It’s also the most family friendly festival. Anything that keeps the kiddo entertained is a win for me!
Let’s take a looks at some of the fun things you can do with your kids at the festival! Many of these activities are at no additional cost above park admission or they are very affordable. The perfect way to spend the day and keep the costs down.
Paint-By-Number Mural
Remember those fun Paint-By-Number kits you had as a kid? Well this is basically the same thing but on a grand scale. Grab a paint color and a brush and fill in the corresponding spot on this giant mural.
For 2020, there will be 5 different designs, including one of my favorite purple dragon. Each mural takes around 2 days to complete and it’s really fun to come back and see the progress throughout the day.
Location: Future World by the former Mouse Gear
Hours: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free with Park Admission
Kids’ Chalk Art
Have an inspiring artist in the family? Well here is their chance to shine! After admiring some of the incredible chalk art by festival artists, your little ones can create their own chalk art masterpiece on the walkways in Future World West.
Location: Future World West
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free with Park Admission
Artful Photo Ops
These interactive photo spots replicate famous works of art where you are the star. Pictures are scattered throughout World Showcase, so grab your family and get to posing!
Location: Mexico, Italy, The American Adventure, France, United Kingdom
Hours: During Park Hours
Cost Free with Park Admission
Kid-Approved Food
An Epcot Festival wouldn’t be complete without food booths scattered around World Showcase featuring an eclectic offering of tasty treats and delicious drinks. The great thing about the Festival of the Arts is that they really play with the food and make it fun for the whole family.
Check out this fun Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie!
How about this colorful Almond Frangipane Cake? Yum!
Look for a strawberry symbol throughout the Festival Passport for food and beverages that are kid-approved.
You can also find a full food guide over at Disney Food Blog. If you prefer a plant-based diet, check out Vegan Disney Food’s guide to all the vegan options available.
Location: World Showcase
Hours: During Park Hours
Cost: $4.50 – $14.00
Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt
Figment is hiding in famous works of art located at each of the World Showcase Pavilions and you need to find him! Pick up a map and stickers at Pin Traders, Disney Traders or World Traveler and set of around the World. For 2020, the maps are in the shape of an artist’s palette, which is really cute.
When you’ve found all of the paintings, return your completed map for a special gift. 2020’s gift is a Figment puzzle in a paint can…how fun!!
This is my favorite thing to do at the Festival of the Arts, especially with kids. It’s also a great time to check out some of those delicious food booths while on the hunt!
Location: World Showcase Pavilions
Hours: During Park Hours
Cost: $7.99
Chalk Full of Character
This is new to the Festival of the Arts for 2020 and is another fun scavenger hunt of sorts. As you’re walking around, keep an eye out for chalk drawings of some of your favorite characters hidden in the World Showcase Pavilions. You might find Abu in Morocco, Jiminy Cricket in the UK or Mushu in China.
My favorite can be found in France. It’s the kittens from the Aristocats!
These chalk drawings appeared last year, but there was no mention of them in the official festival materials. They were just a fun little surprise around World Showcase. How many can you find?
Location: World Showcase Pavilions
Hours: During Park Hours
Cost: Free with Park Admission
Family Play Zone
The Green Landing playground in Future World East has been taken over by WALL-E and EVE for the Festival of the Arts. This is a great spot for the kids to get some energy out and also for the parents to sit and relax for a bit. They have some very comfy chairs!
Location: Future World East
Hours: During Park Hours
Cost: Free with Park Admission
Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts runs from January 17 – February 24, 2020 and Epcot admission is required to attend. I can’t say enough good things about this festival, so make sure to set aside some time to experience all of the creative activities. If you can’t get there this year, definitely make plans for 2021!
