Best Things to Do with Little Kids at Universal Orlando Resort
11 mins read

Best Things to Do with Little Kids at Universal Orlando Resort


Universal Orlando Resort is known for thrills around every corner. One of my favorites is Jurassic World Velocicoaster, which propels riders up to 70 miles per hour. Of course, you may be wondering what to do with little kids at Universal Orlando, when toddlers may be too small for most of the rides.

I’m here to tell you that there’s still plenty of fun to be had at Universal Orlando Resort, even if you’re traveling with kids up to preschool age. Think of everything from kids’ roller coasters to shows with beloved characters, kid-friendly restaurants and, of course, great hotels located right in the middle of the action. If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort with young kids soon, keep reading for our top things to do. Plus, I share some tips to make your day even easier.

Universal Studios Florida

Roller coaster at DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando Resort. (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

Universal Studios Florida is one of two theme parks currently open at Universal Orlando Resort. This is where you’ll find some of the most kid-friendly IPs, including Trolls And Despicable Me.

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Start your day in DreamWorks Land

Families with young children will love DreamWorks Land, the newest area to open at Universal Studios Florida. The area near ET Adventure (which you should also explore) was built with the theme park’s littlest adventurers in mind. Here you can board the Trolls Trollercoaster, a family roller coaster ideal for a first roller coaster experience. Just be aware that kids must be 36 inches tall to ride.

Then, step away from the heat and have fun singing along with your favorite DreamWorks friends at the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration. This lovely show presents characters from Shrek, TrollsAnd Kung Fu Panda who come to sing, dance and show where imagination can take you. Don’t forget to take some photos with characters at Shrek’s Swamp Meet or the DreamWorks Character Zone. When leaving the country, have a snack at the Trolls Treats. Lemonade soft serve ice cream is a tasty option.

Spend time with the Minions at Universal Studios Florida

Prep area inside Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios Florida (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)Prep area inside Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios Florida (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)
Prep area inside Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Studios Florida (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

In front of Universal Studios Florida you will find Illumination’s Minion Land. This adorable land looks like it stepped out of the movies and into the park, complete with visits from the Minions and Gru. Queue up for Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, a blaster game attraction where you have the chance to become a supervillain. The attraction has no height requirements, although younger children may need help holding the blaster.

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Where to Eat at Universal Studios Florida

If you’re looking for a bite that everyone in your family will enjoy, head to Mel’s Drive-In. The quick-service restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Everything from burgers and chicken tenders to hot dogs and salads is on the menu. Alternatively, Illumination’s Minion Cafe is a fun option. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with dishes like cheesesteak sandwiches and Szechuan chicken for adults. Kids can enjoy toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or spaghetti and meatballs. I love going to the Minion Café for the Minion Toddlers, which are delicious tater tots that look like the adorable Minions.

Universal Islands of Adventure

Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Photo: Universal)Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Photo: Universal)
Flight of the Hippogriff at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Photo: Universal)

Universal Islands of Adventure is the perfect place for families looking for a mix of thrills and kid-friendly attractions.

Ride the roller coaster in the magical world of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Another great “first roller coaster” experience is Flight of the Hippogriff in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. The coaster has a required height of 36 inches. As you ride, you’ll get great views of Hogwarts Castle while winding around the nearby pumpkin patch. The roller coasters aren’t too fast, so even anxious but excited kids should enjoy this one.

Ride it all at Seuss Landing

I love that almost everything at Seuss Landing is designed for little kids. Your whole family can ride the Cat in the Hat, High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!, Caro-Seuss-el and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. The first two attractions on this list have height requirements of 36 inches. Kids can also run around in the If I Ran the Zoo paid area.

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Where to eat in the Universal Adventure Islands

Look no further than the Three Broomsticks for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Islands of Adventure. The quick service restaurant is located inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Breakfast here is served until 10:30 a.m., so you’ll have plenty of time for a lap or two before sitting down to a hearty meal of pancakes or a traditional English breakfast. Lunch and dinner offer the same menu of fish and chips, smoked chicken or salads for adults, as well as chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese or fish and chips for youngsters. On sunny days, I like to have my meal outside, on the terrace, which overlooks a small stream and part of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster track. Kids will love watching the roller coaster cars speed by while they wait for the food to arrive.

Where should families with young children stay at Universal Orlando Resort?

Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)
Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

For a budget-friendly option, consider staying at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The hotel is part of Universal Orlando’s Value Inns and Suites hotel class, which means it offers some of the least expensive rooms the theme park resort has to offer. Some rooms overlook Volcano Bay Water Park. It’s an incredible view to wake up to every morning, believe me. Family suites sleep up to six people with two queen beds in the master bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room. The family suites’ kitchenette is also a great addition for those who want to cook a few easy meals.

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If you’re ready to splurge, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort is part of Universal’s Signature Collection of hotels and is ideal for families. The resort is within walking distance of the theme parks, although water taxi and shuttle transportation are also available. The biggest perk of staying here are the free Universal Express Unlimited passes for everyone in your room. This means you can skip the lines at your favorite attractions throughout your stay without purchasing an Express Pass separately. Standard rooms are suitable for families, but for something a little more fun, consider the Jurassic World Kids Suite. The dinosaur-themed suite has a bedroom with a king-size bed and a separate children’s bedroom with two twin beds.

Four Tips for Taking Little Kids to Universal Orlando Resort

Family jumping on musical green water lilies inside DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando Resort.Family jumping on musical green water lilies inside DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando Resort.
Family playing inside DreamWorks Land at Universal Orlando. (Photo: Universal Orlando Resort)

Use the Hogwarts Express

If you have a park-to-park ticket, use the Hogwarts Express train to get from park to park. You can ride the train inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both parks. You can use a Universal Express Pass at the attraction if you have it. The train ride takes approximately four minutes. So not only do you save time by not crossing CityWalk, but you also prevent little feet from wearing out too quickly.

Look for children’s play areas

Look for children’s play areas around both theme parks. At Islands of Adventure you will find Me Ship, The Olive at Toon Lagoon, and Camp Jurassic at Jurassic Park. At Universal Studios Florida, DreamWorks Land also has many play areas. In children’s play areas, children can simply run around and burn off energy by climbing on nets, playing with interactive elements and sliding down slides to the bottom. There are even water elements.

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Use the rider switch for attractions

Use the rider switch when your children are too small or don’t want to ride an attraction. The Child Exchange Program is available on every ride and attraction at both theme parks. Upon entering the attraction, you will inform the attendant that you wish to exchange one last child and they will take an adult and the child into the family room to wait while the rest of the family rides the attraction. Once the first group has ridden, they will switch with the person(s) seated to watch the child so the other group can ride. Alternatively, an adult can take the non-riding child to one of the other great things to do with little kids at Universal Orlando while the other part of the family rides the bigger attractions.

Take daily breaks

Take a break in your room. This may seem counterintuitive since theme parks are expensive and parks are open for a limited number of hours during the day. But believe me when I say that everyone will be much happier if there is a break in the middle of the day. During your break, you can do everything: swim, eat a meal, take a nap, and watch a movie. Whatever you do, you will be far from the crowds and noise of the park. It’s just the reset everyone will need to have a great evening enjoying everything the Universal theme parks have to offer after the sun goes down.

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