Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities

If you’re considering spending a Disney Resort Day anywhere, make it at Animal Kingdom Lodge. With more Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities than you can imagine, you may actually need a few days here to get it all in. From creating Animal Enrichment items and making mosaic art, to the Resort Art Tour, painting class and Bingo, there are a ton of things to do at both Jambo House and Kidani Village for kids and adults. Even better, with enough activities and programs to occupy the kids, you may actually get the resort vacation you’ve been craving. We adore staying at the resort when the parks are busy, and visiting here for all the extra fun. Here’s the list of things to do at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. 

On a recent visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge to hunt down the cupcake at the Mara, we walked past the event board sign. WOW! There is a ton going on at this resort. Hidden near the lower floor bathrooms near Boma, you can see the full lineup of activities, crafts, and programs happening at Animal Kingdom Lodge. True, there are regular activities that happen all the time, and special activities throughout the day. Even better news is that most of these are absolutely FREE!

Of course some will require reservations regardless of a fee or not. And of course staying in all day will still require food. But, all in all, it should still be cheaper than a day in that parks for your family. So how do we spend a whole day at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Even if you’re not “staying” at the lodge you can still enjoy a day here.

Find a Friend Game Timon and Pumba

Ready for a scavenger hunt? Hidden at Jambo House you’re on the hunt for a hidden Pumbaa photo prop. And at Kidani Village you’re searching for Timon. once phone grab a photo and head to the Activity Center or Community Hall to share your findings and receive a prize! 

Animal Scavenger Hunt Game

Wondering what Animals do they have at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Quite a few! Gazelle, Gemsbok, Bongo, Wildebeast, Giraffe, Zebra, Cattle, Ostrich, Blue Crane, Pelican and Flamingo are all found at the resort, among others. If you’re looking for a way to learn all the animals that you will see roaming the grounds, take a look at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Scavenger Hunt Game! You can save these images to your phone, or ask the concierge for a printed version. Either way, a little time on the porches, or at the lookout points and you’ll find these all during  your visit or stay! 

Games at the Arcade

Open 8:00 AM- 11:00 PM, you can test your game skills at this Disney Resort arcade. Daily Arcade Tournament happens at 4:00 PM and isn’t for the faint of heart! Just load money onto an arcade card to get started, when  you enter, and play your way through the day. Head to the Safari So Good Arcade at Kidani Village or Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade at Jambo House to play. 

Simba’s Arts and Crafts Activity Center

Offered daily at Jambo House from 11:00 AM- 9:00PM in the Simba Activity Center you can design your own jewelry, make paper crafts, ceramics and more. Some activities may require a fee but many are free.

Jambo House Lobby Art Tour

You can get up close and personal with all the art at Animal Kingdom Lodge during your visit or stay with this Art Tour! The resort houses the largest collection of African Art outside of Africa! ( Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has something similar.). Typically offered at 11:00 AM, meet in the lobby. 

Community Hall Games and Activities

Head to the Kidani Village Community Hall to play games, billiards, do arts and crafts and even rent the pickleball equipment! Check in with the cast member for all the details and daily activities.  

Bingo in the Library

Located in the Palace Library at Kidani Village, you can settle in for some Bingo! Typically Wednesday evenings from 8:00PM- 9:00PM this ones meant for adults, and you can be there will be some Bingo die-hards here too. 

Animal Tracking

10am: Depending on where you’re staying or what you want to do you can take on some Animal Tracking at the Kidani Village– Pembe Savanna overlook or Bio Blocks at the Arusha Savanna overlook. Part of the String of Memories program at certain times. Check the resort schedule for details. 

Meet a Savanna Guide

Anytime 10-6pm: Head to the Pembe Overlook at Kidani Village to meet a Savanna guide. This is by far one of our favorite experiences. You get to chat with the cast member, learn about African culture and learn about the animals. Definitely worth your time!

African Mosaic Art Craft

Guests 12 and up can create a mosaic art piece as part of your visit to AKL. Generally happening in the Palace Library at Jambo House, this event is for a fee, but you get to take your special creation home as a souvenir. Check the Resort Schedule for all the details on this Signature Activity. 

String of Memories Activities

One of the cool things you can do at Animal Kingdom Lodge, in both Jambo House and Kidani Village is the String of Memories activity. Honoring African art culture, this activity is hosted by an African Cultural Representative and features a set of activities to complete as you collect beads throughout the resort to complete the challenge. Activities to learn include Animal Tracking, Flamingo Behavior, Animal Enrichments, African Wonders, Music of the Savanna, the Have your Heard? game, and Bio Blocks. All offer the chance to learn something new and take place at certain times at each location. 

Animal Enrichment

11:30am. At both Kidani Village and Jambo House you can help with Animal Enrichment. In an effort to provide experiences for the animals they would encounter in the wild, you can help Animal Experts create interactive enrichment pieces for the animals on the Savanna. Think cardboard boxes with food hidden inside that the animals can forage. Part of the String of Memories program at certain times. Absolutely one of our favorite Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities. It’s an honor to get to help make these enrichment pieces for the animals. Check the resort schedule for details. 

Wild About Painting

This Signature Activity at Jambo House features a master-led painting class for guests 12 and up! Offered for a fee, all materials are provided and you get to take home your very own artwork at the end. Located at Jiko The Cooking Place this is one of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities that requires a fee. Check the Resort Schedule for times and details.

Medallion Rubbing 

1:30 PM, Daily. Medallion Rubbing takes place in the Jambo House lobby daily and is a great way to interact with the cast members and learn about African Culture. Seasonally, you’ll find other activities here as well. As one of the most educational Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities, we love taking part at least once during our trip. 

Pool Activities

Daily. The Pool Party is all about fun music and extra games. Stay a little afterwards for Disney Bingo and/or trivia! A perfect way to soak up the sun while the kids have fun. Both at the Uzima Pool at Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. Arts and Crafts at the Pool takes place between 3:30- 4:30 PM.

Family Fitness Fun

Head to the Uzima Pool at Jambo House for a family friendly fitness activity, set to the sounds of The Lion King! Check the resort schedule for this weeks times. 

Evening Pool Party

Head to the pool for an evening dance party at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. Typically 8:00- 9:00 PM you can shake it off before settling in for the evening. No sign up required. 

Campfire

6:30- 7:30 PM. Head to the Campfire to chat with the cast members and watch the animals. Join in at both Kidani Village ( Pembe Savanna Overlook) and Jambo House ( Savanna Overlook).

Animal Night Viewing

8pm: Unique at this resort, Animal Night Viewing is one of the coolest Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities and it’s absolutely FREE! It takes place at both Jambo House and Kidani Village, so wherever you decide to end your evening be sure to get some time in watching how the animals behavior changes when it gets dark. 

Movies Under the Stars

8:30 PM. Movie Time! One of the best Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities is taking part in the movies on under the stars program. Offered each evening Movies Under the Stars is a great excuse to grab a snack and cocoa then head to the lawn with a blanket for an outdoor film. Located at the Hakuna Matata Playground at Jambo House, and at the Pembe Savanna Overlook at Kidani Village. Check the Animal Kingdom Lodge Recreation Schedule at the resort for this weeks movies. 

Things to Do at Animal Kingdom Lodge

So there you have it. For whole family fun there are several things always happening, even if you’re not staying there!. Just like many of the Disney Resorts, an activity calendar is available from the concierge. Be sure to grab one if you’re hoping to spend the day in. Check out our Resort Hopping Guide if you can’t warrant a whole vacation at Animal Kingdom Lodge but wouldn’t mind staying a day or two. You can also check out our Animal Kingdom Lodge Review here for all the things to know about the resort.