Universal is officially in Texas. Universal Kids Resort opened in Frisco on July 1, 2026, and it is unlike any Universal park you have visited before. Instead of towering coasters and hour-long lines built for teens, this park was designed around kids ages 3 to 8, with rides, play areas, and character moments scaled for the littlest fans in the family.
Universal Kids Resort and its colorful on-site hotel welcome families in Frisco. | Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
If your crew has been asking to meet Shrek, ride with SpongeBob, or pick a side in a Minions water battle, here’s everything you need to plan a Frisco trip around the park, plus the best things to do in Frisco while you’re in town.
What Is Universal Kids Resort?
Universal Kids Resort is Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first theme park built specifically for families with young children. It sits just off the Dallas North Tollway in Frisco, about 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, and includes the theme park plus a 300-room on-site hotel at the park entrance.
The park is made up of seven themed lands, each built around a family-favorite story from DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Illumination, and Universal.
The Seven Lands at Universal Kids Resort
Isle of Curiosity
This is the first land you’ll walk into, and it’s home to DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse. Kids can meet Gabby and join Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party! It’s also where you’ll find the Universal Kids Resort Store, Cakey’s Cupcakes, rental lockers, and Family Services.
DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
Ride Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After, then let the kids burn off energy in Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and the wet play area, Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash. Grab a Shrekzel at Swamp Snacks before you move on.
Shrek greets young guests in DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp. | Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
Jurassic World Adventure Camp
Little dino fans can ride the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster, spin on Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, and try the Pteranodrop. There’s also a baby raptor meet and greet, the Jurassic World Lookout Towers, and Paddock Play.
Families ride the Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster at Jurassic World Adventure Camp. | Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
Hop on the Barnacle Bus, take a lesson at Mrs. Puff’s Boating School, and spin through Jellyfish Fields Jamboree. Pineapple Paradise is the wet play area here, so pack swimsuits or a change of clothes.
SpongeBob greets young fans in Bikini Bottom at Universal Kids Resort. | Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
Pick Team Yellow or Team Purple. This water-themed land has the Bello Bay Cruise river rapids ride, the Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby, and a Minions water battle, plus Minion snacks at Bello Bay Bites.
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
Poppy and Branch host a nonstop party here. Ride Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express and Hair in the Clouds, dance it out at the indoor King Trollex Techno Dance Party, and book a Troll-ify Me! makeover at Sparkle Shine Glitter Glow.
Poppy meets young guests at DreamWorks’ TrollsFest. | Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
This seaside village has the Swings Over Del Mar wave swinger, the Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day! puppet show, a Puss in Boots meet and greet, and air-conditioned dining at Comidas y Leche.
Universal Kids Resort Tickets
Universal Kids Resort sells 1-day and 2-day general admission tickets, and pricing changes by date. When tickets went on sale, Universal listed 1-day tickets starting at $54.99 plus tax on select dates. Weekends, holidays, and school breaks will usually cost more, so check prices for your exact dates before you plan the rest of the trip.
You can buy tickets directly from UniversalKidsResort.com or book dated Universal Kids Resort tickets on Expedia.
Tips for Visiting Universal Kids Resort
- Bring a card, not cash. The resort is completely cashless, parking included.
- Plan for parking. Regular parking is $20 plus tax per day, and Premium Parking is $30 plus tax. There’s no valet at the park or hotel.
- Pack for water play. Shrek’s Swamp, SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom, and the Minions land all have wet play areas. Drying stations are in Shrek’s Swamp and Bikini Bottom.
- Know where to cool off. Curiosity Café, Comidas y Leche, Jurassic World Canteen, and Goofy Goobers all offer air-conditioned dining, which helps a lot during a Texas summer.
- Check height requirements before you go. Many rides work for the youngest guests, but a few have minimums, so look over the official FAQ at UniversalKidsResort.com before you hype up a specific ride.
- Find Family Services early. Quiet rooms, nursing rooms, and first aid are in Isle of Curiosity and Puss in Boots Del Mar.
Where to Stay: Universal Kids Resort Hotel
The easiest place to stay is the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, right at the park entrance. Standard, Deluxe, and Signature Queen rooms include a queen bed plus a twin-over-full bunk bed, and Family Suites add a separate bedroom with a king bed, a queen pullout sofa, a twin-over-twin bunk bed, and an eating area. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a game room, and the quick-service Curiosity Café.
The lobby at Universal Kids Resort Hotel, steps from the park entrance. | Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences
Hotel guests get Early Park Admission and free delivery of in-park purchases to their room, which means no carrying souvenirs around all day. Hotel self-parking is $20 plus tax per night.
Check rates at Universal Kids Resort Hotel on Expedia
Things to Do in Frisco While You’re There
Frisco has plenty to fill a second or third day, especially if the kids need a break from the park.
Frisco’s water tower is a familiar landmark for anyone driving into town. | Source: Nancy Jo Lambert / Unsplash
KidZania Frisco
Inside Stonebriar Centre, KidZania is a kid-sized city where children try out real-world jobs like firefighter, pilot, or chef. It’s a great indoor pick for a hot or rainy afternoon.
National Videogame Museum
Located in the Frisco Discovery Center, this museum walks through video game history with classic games, rare artifacts, and plenty of hands-on play. Parents will love showing the kids what they played growing up.
Museum of the American Railroad and Frisco Heritage Center
Climb around historic locomotives and rail cars, then explore the Heritage Center’s restored buildings and exhibits about Frisco’s railroad-town roots.
PGA Frisco
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the home of the PGA of America. Ronny Golf Park, built for ages 3 to 14, has putting greens, a playground, and an obstacle course, and it’s free and open to the public when junior programs aren’t using it. Families can also play the two-acre Dance Floor putting course or the 10-hole short course, The Swing.
The Star in Frisco
The Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters has shops, restaurants, and guided tours that take fans behind the scenes.
Riders Field
Catch a Frisco RoughRiders game during baseball season. The ballpark is known for its lazy river seating area and kid-friendly fan zones.
Toyota Stadium and the National Soccer Hall of Fame
Home of FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium also houses the National Soccer Hall of Fame, a fun stop for young soccer players.
Frisco Commons Park and Kaleidoscope Park
For a free, low-key afternoon, Frisco Commons Park has trails, playgrounds, a spray park, and a veterans memorial. Kaleidoscope Park at Hall Park pairs a playground with art installations, picnic areas, and seasonal events like outdoor movies and markets.
Frisco Rail District
Frisco’s walkable historic downtown is lined with boutiques, coffee shops, local restaurants, and murals. It’s an easy place to stroll after a long park day.
Frisco’s fast-growing neighborhoods sit just north of Dallas. | Source: Daniel / Unsplash
Make It a Bigger North Texas Trip
Frisco is an easy drive from more family favorites. Pair your Universal trip with A Fort Worth Family Weekend: Cattle Drives, Cowboys, and Culture, or if you’re visiting in the fall, plan a day around our State Fair of Texas 2026 family guide. Heading south afterward? Our family weekend in Waco guide is an easy add-on on the way home.
Is Universal Kids Resort Worth the Trip?
If your kids are between about 3 and 8, yes. Universal Kids Resort gives families the fun of a Universal vacation without the long flights, giant crowds, or rides your little ones are too small for. Add a day or two exploring Frisco, and you have a Texas getaway the whole family will remember.
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