Things to Do on Symphony of the Seas with Kids (Ages 5–12 Guide)

If you’re cruising on Symphony of the Seas with kids, you might be wondering:

Will there be enough to keep them busy?

Short answer: more than enough.

We sailed with kids ages 5, 11, and 12, and there was never a dull moment. From thrill rides to shows to simple family fun, here are the best things to do onboard.

Best Activities for Kids on Symphony of the Seas

Thrill Activities

There’s something for every age and personality.

  • Ultimate Abyss (huge hit with all ages!)
  • Waterslides
  • Zip line
  • Rock climbing wall

These were especially popular with our older kids.

Water Fun

  • Splashaway Bay (perfect for younger kids)
  • Pool deck (great for the whole family)

Boardwalk Fun (Don’t Skip This!)

The Boardwalk is one of the best areas for families:

  • Carousel
  • Mini climbing wall
  • Face painting
  • Easy access to snacks and treats

Our youngest went on the carousel every chance she got.

More Family Activities

  • Mini golf
  • Basketball court
  • Family Silent Disco (it was a blast!)
  • Family scavenger hunt (more on this below)

Entertainment & Shows

Royal Caribbean is known for its entertainment—and it shows.

  • Aqua Show (a MUST—kids love the splash zone)
  • Ice skating show
  • Broadway-style shows

Our kids enjoyed every show we went to.

What Our 5-Year-Old Loved

  • The carousel (favorite by far)
  • Ultimate Abyss (no fear at all)
  • Splashaway Bay
  • Adventure Ocean (kept asking to go back)

If you have younger kids, they will be VERY happy onboard.

What Our Older Kids (12 & 13) Loved

  • Ultimate Abyss
  • Waterslides
  • Zip lining
  • Mini golf
  • Evening shows
  • Family scavenger hunt

A Big Milestone for Us

This was our first cruise where we let them have a little independence.

They were able to:

  • Grab ice cream
  • Walk to El Loco Fresh for lunch
  • Run to Sorrento’s for pizza and a soda refill

They LOVED this freedom and they handled it responsibly.

Simple Fun = The Best Memories

Some of the best moments weren’t planned at all:

  • Getting ice cream (sometimes multiple times a day)
  • Searching for hidden cruise ducks around the ship
  • Just exploring together

Can’t-Miss Activities

If you only do a few things, make sure it’s these:

Family Scavenger Hunt

We were running up and down the ship trying to find various crew members and we were:

  • Laughing the whole time
  • Completely out of breath by the end

One of the most fun family moments of the trip.

The Boardwalk Area

Even if your kids are getting older, don’t skip it.

Our kids have grown up so fast, and this area is packed with memories from past cruises.

Aqua Show

Always a standout! Be sure to sit in the splash zone if your kids are up for getting soaked.

Family Silent Disco

This was an absolute blast for our family.

It was held in The Attic during our sailing, and the kids had such a great time. If you’ve never done a silent disco before, everyone gets a pair of headphones and can control their own volume—and even switch between two different music channels.

Watching everyone dance and sing to different songs at the same time was hilarious, and our kids really enjoyed it.

Tip: Get there early! The line filled up quickly, and they did run out of headphones.

Something That Made the Trip Extra Special

One thing we didn’t expect?

The connections we made with the staff.

In the Main Dining Room, our waitstaff:

  • Learned our kids’ names
  • Talked with them every night
  • Made them feel incredibly special

We even ran into them at breakfast, and they made a point to come say hello.

Service Across the Ship

The service throughout Royal Caribbean was outstanding.

It truly made the experience feel personal and memorable.

Tips for Cruising with Kids

  • Register for Adventure Ocean early
  • Let older kids have some independence (with clear rules)
  • Book shows in advance
  • Plan your day around activities + downtime
  • Take advantage of ALL the included activities

Anything to Skip?

Honestly?

Not really.

There is so much to do that every family will find what works best for them.

Final Thoughts

Symphony of the Seas is one of the best cruise ships for families, hands down.

Whether your kids want:

  • Adventure
  • Independence
  • Entertainment
  • Or just nonstop fun

This ship delivers.

Planning your cruise? Don’t miss our full review, dining guide, and tips to make the most of your trip.