Sesame Place is a delightful family day trip whether you’re coming from New Jersey or you’re local to the area. This was my and my family’s first time going since I was a kid! Sesame Place is designed with little kids in mind. At other theme parks there are so many things that are off limits for the little ones. At Sesame Place, the entire park is designed with a younger age group in mind. It makes the day run so much smoother knowing there is so much toddlers and preschoolers can do at Sesame Place.
We had a great day exploring all Sesame Place has to offer for the toddler preschooler crowd. Thank you Sesame Place for providing the complimentary park tickets, Dine with Elmo tickets, and Abby’s Magic Queue wristbands for the day. Don’t wait to plan your visit! Buy your discount Sesame Place tickets now!
Sesame Place’s Newest Attraction, the 123 Playground
Sesame Place’s newest attraction is the 123 Playground. It opened to the public on our visit on May 25, 2024. This little play area is the perfect spot to allow little visitors to reset and recover from rides while caregivers sit and relax in the shade. It is a beautiful addition to Sesame Place that is bound to get a lot of attention. This section is ideal for younger children.
What can kids and toddlers do at the 123 playground?
Young children and toddlers can:
- climb on play structures
- slide down small slides
- climb through tunnels
- climb over soft faux grassy hills
- jump or step from mushroom to mushroom
- balance on beams
- use interactive paly panels
- rest in the shade
Sesame Place Rides for Toddlers and Preschoolers
One of the great things about Sesame Place is that almost every ride is appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers. Even rides that younger children aren’t tall enough to ride alone, they can ride with an older sibling as their companion (ages 14 and up). The little kids don’t have to miss out on any of the fun at Sesame Place!
Captain Cookies High C’s Adventure
- Children under 48 inches must ride with a companion 14 years old or older.
- The Captain Cookies High C’s Adventure is located in Cookie’s Monster Land.
About the Captain Cookies High C’s Adventure
This ride is boat-themed and is a fast-spinning ride.
Flying Cookie Jars
- Guests must be 42 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old. Hand-held infants are not permitted to ride.
- The Flying Cookie Jars is located in Cookie’s Monster Land.
About the Flying Cookie Jars
This ride spins and goes pretty high in the air. You can control the spinning with the steering wheel in each car. Let your toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place take the wheel for extra fun for them.
Monster Mix Up
- Guests must be 42 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old. hand-held infants are not permitted to ride.
- The Monster Mix Up is located in Cookie’s Monster Land.
About the Monster Mix Up
This ride is a tea cups style ride.
Mini Monster Clubhouse
- This attraction is for all guests 5 years old and younger.
- The Mini Monster Clubhouse is located in Cookie’s Monster Land.
About the Mini Monster Clubhouse
This is a soft play area for guests under 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times. It’s a favorite for little ones who want to crawl, climb, and stretch their legs.
Monster Clubhouse
- There are no height requirements for this attraction.
- The Monster Clubhouse is located in Cookie’s Monster Land.
About the Monster Clubhouse
This is a fun house-type climbing experience that is good for kids and adults.
Oscar’s Rotten Rusty Rockets
- Guests must be 42 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old. Hand held infants are not permitted on this ride.
- Oscar’s Rotten Rusty Rockets is located in Cookie’s Monster Land.
About Oscar’s Rotten Rusty Rockets
The cars go around in an oval and speed up as they round each curve.
Peek a Bug
- Guests must be 42 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old. Hand-held infants are not allowed on this ride.
- The Peek a Bug is located in Elmo’s World.
About Peek a Bug
This ride is one large car that goes back and forth getting higher each time.
Flyin’ Fish
- Children under 48 inches tall must ride with a companion who is 14 years old or older. Hand held infants are not permitted to ride.
- Flyin’ Fish is located in Elmo’s World.
About Flyin’ Fish
Children sit in fish-like cars that move in a circle. The fish cars can move up and down as the ride spins along. The up and down movement is controlled by the rider.
Elmo’s Cloud Chaser
- Children between 36-42 inches tall must ride with a companion 14 years old or older. To ride alone riders must be at least 42 inches tall. Hand-held infants are not permitted on this ride.
- The Elmo’s Cloud Chaser is located in Elmo’s World.
About Elmo’s Cloud Chaser
This is a swing ride.
Slimey’s Square
Slimey’s Square closed in 2023. This attraction is no longer offered.
This attraction is for all guests 5 years old and younger.Slimey’s Square is located in Sesame City.
About Slimey’s Square
This is a soft play area for guests under 5 years old. Children must be supervised at all times.
Snuffy’s Slides
- This ride is for children ages 12 and under. Hand-held infants are not permitted on the slides.
- The Snuffy’s Slides is located in Elmo’s World.
About the Snuffy’s Slides
This is a kids only double slide. Kids can ride by themselves and only children under 12 years old are allowed to play.
Sunny Day Carousel
- Guests must be 42 inches tall or accompanied by a supervising companion (at least 14 years old) who must stand next to the rider. Hand-held infants are permitted only on the bench seats with their companion.
- The Sunny Day Carousel is located near the entrance in Sesame Plaza.
About the Sunny Day Carousel
This is your traditional carousel, good for all ages.
Vapor Trail
- To ride along you must be over the age of 3 years old. Children between 3-6 years old and under 44 inches must ride with a supervising companion 14 years old or older.
- The Vapor Trail is located in Sesame Plaza.
About the Vapor Trail
Vapor Trail is a small roller coaster full of twists and turns!
Watch some of our Sesame Place highlights
Take a look at our Sesame Place video from 2016 to see a closer look at some Sesame Placer rides and shows for little ones.
Don’t wait to plan your visit! Buy your discount Sesame Place tickets now!
Sesame Place Shows and Presentations for Toddlers and Preschoolers
One of my favorite things about Sesame Place is the shows. They are so fun and interactive and my kids loved them. Plus it’s great to sit down for a few minutes after a busy day at the park.
Meet Elmo!
- This is a meet and greet experience that happens multiple times throughout the day.
- This experience is located at Photos with Elmo and Friends.
Meet Big Bird!
- This is a meet and greet that happens a handful of times throughout the day.
- This experience is located at Big Bird’s Nest.
Welcome to the Party!
- Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Rosita
- Approximately 30-45 minutes
- Welcome to the Party is located at Abby’s Paradise Theater
About Welcome to the Party!
These not-so-scary monsters want to put on a show but cannot decide what type of show it should be! With the help of some friends, they realize they can work together to put on an amazing show!
Water Play for Preschoolers and Toddlers at Sesame Place
Although not all of the water rides were not open when we visited the ones that were open were plenty of fun. Sesame Place was still preparing to open some of them for the season. Both of my older kids (4 and 5 years old) said Big Bird’s Rambling River was their favorite. They loved floating along on this lazy river type of ride!
Big Bird’s Rambling River
This is a not-so-lazy river that you can travel around in a tube. It’s a relaxing opportunity to get a tour of the park. A handful of the inner tubes have a bottom to sit toddlers and smaller children. We also appreciated that this attraction had multiple points where we could exit before the official end of the river.
Bert and Ernie’s Splashy Shores
This area is a water play area full of excitement! Kiddos can expect to see a water curtain, tipping buckets, spraying jets and a spraying water tower.
Little Bird’s Bay
This is a 10,000 square foot wave pool that guests of any age can splash around in. The maximum depth in the wave pool is 1 ½ feet.
Count’s Splash Castle
This attraction toddlers and preschoolers can do at Sesame Place is a multi-level splash pad filled with interactive elements and plenty of opportunities to get soaked. Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by a supervising companion aged 14 years old or older.
Elmo’s Surf ‘n’ Slide
This is a ride the whole family can do together. Up to 6 people can ride in one raft. Throughout the ride there are ups and downs and it finishes by splashing into a big pool. Children under 36 inches tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion and wear a life vest. Hand-held infants are not permitted.
Other water rides include:
- Abby’s Fairy Falls: A water slide exclusively for guests 42 inches and taller.
- Abby’s Splash and Spray: A splash area great for little friends.
- Elmo’s Silly Splashy Slides: A water slide exclusively for guests 42 inches and taller.
- Rosita’s Seaside Slides: A water time in which riders use an inner tube to slide down. Single and double tubes are available. Guests under 32 inches require a life vest and a supervising companion.
Don’t wait to plan your visit! Buy your discount Sesame Place tickets now!
More Things Toddlers and Preschoolers Can Do at Sesame Place
Rides and shows are not the only things that Sesame Place has to offer toddlers and preschoolers. Here are a few more things to do during your visit.
Have your toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place meet the Sesame Street characters
One of the things you must do while at Sesame Place with toddlers and preschoolers is meet some of the characters. The characters are available for photos several times during the day. Your best bet is to download the Sesame Place App and look at the schedule for the day. Make sure to get there early because the line can get long. These are some of the characters that are available for photos:
- Bert and Ernie
- Big Bird
- Elmo
- Tango
- Zoe
Watch the Neighborhood Street Party Parade
The Neighborhood Street Party Parade is not an event you want to miss. This outdoor event takes place on Sesame Street and includes all of the characters as well as a very talented cast of dancers and performers. My children were mesmerized by the costumes and fun songs! The parade lasts about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to download and check the app to see the parade schedule for the day you visit.
Pose for adorable pictures
One of the great things about Sesame Place are all the adorable photo opportunities throughout the park. Be sure to get photos of your toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place. Here are a few of my favorite spots to take photos at Sesame Place.
- By the Welcome sign before you enter the park
- By the Sesame Street Character shaped hedges
- In front of Mr. Hooper’s Store on Sesame Street
- In Big Bird’s nest on Sesame Street
- In front of any of the other store fronts on Sesame Street
Quiet Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers at Sesame Place
A busy amusement park can be overwhelming for a toddler/preschooler. Sesame Place recognizes this and there are places throughout the park to take a break or get away from the noise when needed.
- Shaded Benches – There are shaded benches in several spots around the park for anyone to sit and rest and get out of the sun for a little.
- Low Sensory Room-Guests in need of some quiet time and relief from sensory stimulation can utilize our Low Sensory Room near Big Brid’s Rambling River. This room has adjustable lighting and a comfortable seating area for guests to take a break. The Low Sensory Room is locked to ensure privacy for our guests. Guests who would like to use the Low Sensory Room can visit the Welcome Center to receive the code needed to enter.
- Low Sensory Areas – Guests in need of a more quiet location in the park are encouraged to visit the area behind the Sesame Street Neighborhood. While this location is not a designated quiet area, it is often a less populated area of the park.
- Quiet Rooms – There is one location with designated quiet rooms. They are located in the building behind Rosita’s Slides.
- There is a soft play areas specifically for children under 5 (Mini Monster Clubhouse). This is a great quiet place to relax or play in a less crowded spot.
Dining with Toddlers and Preschoolers at Sesame Place
During your busy day at Sesame Place you are bound to get hungry. Don’t worry there are plenty of food options for toddlers and preschoolers. There are sit down meals with characters, cafeteria style restaurants, and food trucks for eating on the go.
Dine with Elmo and Friends
- This is a sit down character dining experience at Sesame Place.
- Dine with Elmo and Friends is located in Sesame Plaza.
- High chairs are available
- Reservations and tickets are required for this restaurant.
What does Dine with Elmo and Friends have for toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place to eat?
Dine with Elmo and Friends offers a wide selection of toddler favorite foods including mac and cheese chicken nuggets, meatballs, etc. They also offer more “adult” choices such as various salads, grilled chicken, alfredo and more. The food is served buffet style so you can pick and choose your favorites.
Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen
- This is a restaurant.
- Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen is located between Elmo’s World and Cookie’s Monster Land.
What does Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen have for toddlers and preschoolers to eat?
Elmo’s Pizza Kitchen serves all the favorites. They have mac and cheese, pizza, fries, chicken nuggets, and more.
Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck
- Food truck with treats
- The Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck is located in Sesame Neighborhood.
What does Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck have for toddlers and preschoolers to eat?
This food truck sells funnel cakes with powered sugar!
Mr. Hooper’s Food Market
- Grab and go
- The Mr. Hooper’s Food Market is located in Sesame Neighborhood behind the new 123 Playground.
What does Mr. Hooper’s Food Market have for toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place to eat?
The food market has a variety of grab and go wraps, hoagies, salads, and other snacks and drinks.
ABC Eats
- restaurant
- ABC Eats is located in Sesame City
What does ABC Eats have for toddlers and preschoolers to eat?
ABC Eat is advertised as the place to go to get mac and cheese! Additionally, they offer personal pizzas and hot dogs along with chips and drinks.
Cookie’s Sometimes/Anytime Food Market
- The Sesame Place app currently lists this location as closed (6/1/2024).
- Grab and Go
- The Cookie’s Sometimes/Anytime Food Market is located in Cookie Monster Land.
What does Cookie’s Sometimes/Anytime Food Market have for toddlers and preschoolers to eat?
The market has quick snacks like buttery popcorn and turkey legs.
Big Bird’s Burgers and Bites
- restaurant
- Big Bird’s Burgers and Bites is located in the Count’s Court.
What does Big Bird’s Bites have for toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place to eat?
The kid’s friendly options include hamburgers, cheese burgers, chicken tenders, and uncrustables.
Information for Grownups Taking Toddlers and Preschoolers to Sesame Place
How much does it cost to take toddlers and preschoolers to Sesame Place?
- Right now (June 2024) the one day ticket price for all guests 2 and over is $57.99. Their regular price is listed at $99.99 per person
- Right now (June 2024) the two day ticket price (second visit must be within 4 months) for all guests 2 and over is $77.99. Their regular price is listed at $109.99 per person.
- Guests under 2 are free and don’t require a ticket or reservation.
- Tickets can be purchased online at the Sesame Place website. We also offer discount Sesame Place tickets through our affiliate partner, ARES.
How much is parking?
Sesame Place suggests purchasing your parking online, prior to your visit.
- General Parking is $32.00
- Preferred Parking starts at $58.00
How much time can I spend with my toddlers and preschoolers at Sesame Place?
Sesame Place has so much to do you could spend all day here. I recommend using the 2 day ticket option. Between the shows, characters, and rides, there were so many things we wanted to do at Sesame Place and it may take more than one day to do it all.
Strollers at Sesame Place
Sesame Place is very stroller/wagon friendly. The pathways are wide and there are plenty of places to leave strollers/wagons near rides, restaurants, and shows.
Can I bring my own stroller/wagon to Sesame Place?
Yes, strollers/wagons can be brought into the park.
Are there strollers I can rent?
Double strollers are available to rent. It costs $35 a day to rent. You can reserve your rental online in advance and pick it up when you enter the park.
Can we bring in outside food at Sesame Place?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted in Sesame Place with the exception of one water bottle per person. You can leave and reenter the park if you want to pack a cooler and eat in your car. There are also picnic tables located in a grassy area near the premium parking lot.
Sesame Place is the perfect amusement park for toddlers and preschoolers. Everything is geared toward their age group and almost every ride or attraction is accessible to them. There are also many quiet areas when you need to take a break. My kids all had a blast and can’t wait to go back again. Don’t wait to plan your visit! Buy your discount Sesame Place tickets now!
For more fun things to do near Sesame Place visit our articles about things to do in Philadelphia with kids.