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Universal Kids Resort Opens in Frisco
Reviews of the new family-friendly theme park experience have been mixed, but there’s a lot to like.
A new family-friendly theme park experience, Universal Kids Resort, opened in Frisco on July 1, bringing some of Universal’s most beloved characters to North Texas in a way that’s designed specifically for younger children. Guests can purchase theme park tickets on their own or bundle them with a stay at the colorful Universal Kids Resort Hotel. Hotel guests who purchase park admission also enjoy early park entry — up to an hour before the public — giving families a chance to experience popular attractions before crowds arrive. While early reviews have been mixed, the resort offers plenty of thoughtful touches that make it a fun day out for families with little ones.
The park is divided into seven themed lands: DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, and Isle of Curiosity. Each colorful area is filled with themed rides, interactive play spaces, live entertainment, and character meet and greets, creating plenty of opportunities for kids to step into the worlds of their favorite movies and shows.
Attractions and Offerings
The rides are charming, accessible, and designed with young children in mind. While they’re relatively short and simple, kids can spin, zoom, splash, and enjoy gentle drops either on their own or alongside an adult (height restrictions apply). Beyond the rides, the interactive experiences are some of the park’s biggest highlights. Children can become part of a Trolls pop concert, climb lookout towers at Jurassic World Adventure Camp, explore imaginative play areas, pose for photo ops with characters, and interact with sensory elements scattered throughout the park.
And, of course, there’s plenty of themed merchandise and food for sale. The food is an experience in its own right — a solid blend of theme park favorites, such as shaved ice and popcorn, kid-pleasers like mac and cheese cones, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as more substantial fare, including barbecue pizza and flautas.
Universal Kids Resort feels like the dedicated children’s section of a much larger theme park but expanded into an entire destination. It’s intentionally scaled for children, particularly those ages 3–10, with exciting attractions without being intimidating. Children 2 and under receive free admission, and because the park is compact, most families can comfortably experience everything in a single day without feeling rushed.
Planning Considerations
The Texas summer heat is still a factor. The park has received criticism for its limited shade and amount of open concrete. However, Universal has incorporated shaded queue lines, cooling misters, splash pads, and water attractions throughout the park to help guests beat the heat. Some rides even let spectators spray riders with mounted water cannons, adding an extra layer of fun on hot afternoons. Still, sun safety should be practiced, and sunscreen is a must-have.
Universal Kids Resort can absolutely deliver a memorable day for families with young children. The biggest question is whether the experience justifies the price — admission starts around $55 per person, with parking costing an additional $20–$30. Families expecting the scale, cutting-edge attractions, and immersive storytelling of Universal’s larger destination parks may find the experience more modest than anticipated. But for parents looking for a manageable, age-appropriate theme park where younger kids can meet their favorite characters, enjoy gentle rides, and explore at their own pace, Universal Kids Resort offers a fun, low-stress adventure.
Find more Texas-sized fun at these amusement parks across the state.
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