Hello, Kara (love your name!),
Thank you for sending your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I'm so excited to hear you have a trip planned this January! You will be making so many magical memories with your family and getting to see the joy of Walt Disney World through the eyes of your children.
You've asked a great question about younger children and where they can "burn off their wiggles," which is exactly how I remember traveling with our sons when they were the same ages. At the Magic Kingdom, there is an area called the Plaza Garden, which is located right outside
The Plaza Restaurant and
Casey's Corner. These gardens have two fenced in areas with grass that I think area ideal for little ones to get a chance to stretch their legs and have some fun. However, there are times in the evenings when this area may not be available.
Another play area designed for children is the
Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station, which is inspired by the film
Dumbo and offers plenty of space for children to run around. January is a little trickier, though, since it could be cooler, but weather can certainly be unpredictable. We've had winter trips that were pretty warm. Another nearby play area for children is
Dumbo The Flying Elephant. As guests are waiting to ride the attraction, there is a big top that houses an actual playground filled with wonderfully themed equipment to slide, climb, and explore. It is so much fun your children may forget they are waiting to ride Dumbo!
Finally,
Tom Sawyer Island is another play area, but more rustic and larger. It has a cave, a barrel bridge, many walking paths, and even a fort and windmill to explore. You can only get to this attraction by catching a piloted log raft there. Please keep in mind that it is a larger area. We really liked visiting it when our youngest needed some quiet time as I would sit with him (there are rocking chairs!) so he could have a bottle or a nap while my husband and other sons explored the island. You can do a little bit of exploring or a lot of exploring.
As your trip draws closer, I would encourage you to check the
Know Before You Go to read about news and updates. With your trip being about 5 months away, please know the status of the play areas may change with some being open and others being closed as Walt Disney World continues to keep their guests and cast members safe.
Please let us know if you have any further questions. Wishing you a magical trip! -Kara