The Complete Guide to Universal Orlando for Kids

The Universal Orlando Resort is one of the premier vacation destinations not only in Florida but throughout the entire world.  Universal is mostly known for its thrill rides & attractions as well as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley) so it appeals primarily to teens, tweens and adults.

Unlike Walt Disney World which is known worldwide for its family-friendly attractions and experiences, Universal its not typically perceived as a kid friendly theme park destination. Typically the first time visitor will focus their time on the Harry Potter lands as well as the thrill rides like the Incredible Hulk and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, missing much of what Universal has to offer families with children.

Is Universal Orlando a good place for kids?  Our answer is yes as there are two specific lands specifically designed for kids – Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios Florida. In addition, there are a number of family-friends rides and attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem as well as character meet & greets with Spiderman, Captain America, The Grinch and much more.

In this Complete Guide to Universal Orlando for Kids, we outline the many things that are available for a family-friendly vacation to the Universal Orlando Resort.  This guide includes Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s CityWalk and Universal’s hotels. 

Family-Friendly Rides & Attractions

There are a number of family-friendly rides and attractions at both Universal Studios Florida (USF) and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (IOA).  At USF, DreamWorks Land is designed specifically in mind for kids as is with Seuss Landing at IOA.  However, there is many more kid friendly rides and attractions available throughout both the two parks.

The Cat in the Hat

Located in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The Cat in the Hat is a playful and fun ride based on the stories by Dr. Seuss.  In this attraction guests will encounter the Cat as well as Thing 1 and Thing 2.

The Cat in the Hat is a gentle motion simulation ride for kids 36 inches in height or more.  Guests under 48 inches in height must ride with a supervising companion.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Guests hop on a flying fish and maneuver up and down to avid getting wet by the water fountains.  One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is located in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is a gentle carousel-style ride that is suitable for kids of all ages.  Guests under 48 inches in height must ride with a supervising companion.

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train

Offering one of the best views of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train rides above Seuss Landing.  Guests take one of two different tracks aboard a slow moving trolley train through the story of the Sneetches from Dr. Seuss lore.

This attraction is limited to kids 36 inches in height with those under 48 inches in height having to ride with a supervising companion.

Caro-Seuss-el

The Caro-Seuss-el is a Dr. Seuss themed merry-go-round that is located in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.  This attraction is open for guests of all ages with those under 48 inches in height having to ride with a supervising companion.

Flight of the Hippogriff

The Flight of the Hippogriff is a family-friendly roller coaster that is perfect not only for the first time roller coaster riders but also for those that like a small amount of thrills.  This ride is immediately across from Hogwarts Castle and the Harry Potter Forbidden Journey ride at the rear of Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

This attraction is limited to kids 36 inches in height with those under 48 inches in height having to ride with a supervising companion.

Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

Be prepared to get completely soaked on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.   This is an amazing water ride floats guests on a barge through moderate rapids while going to an adventure with Popeye the Sailor to save Olive Oyl from Bluto.

Located in the Toon Lagoon area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this attraction is limited to kids 42 inches in height, with those under 48 inches in height having to ride with a supervising companion.

Pteranodon Flyers

If you are not a kid (or accompanying a kid), don’t bother getting in line as the Pteranodon Flyers requires that any guest over 56 inches tall be accompanying a rider that meets the 36 inch height limit.  So two adults over 56 inches can’t ride on this attraction.

In the Pteranodon Flyers guests take a ride high above Jurassic Park on a two-person prehistoric flying Pteranodon.

Hogwarts Express – Hogsmeade Station

Just like in the Harry Potter movies, guests of all ages can board the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and take a trip to Kings Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida.  Harry, Ron and a number of characters from the movies will join you during the journey. 

A two-park pass or annual pass is required to board the Hogwarts Express.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

One of the most popular kid rides at the Universal Orlando Resort is Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.  Located Production Central at Universal Studios Florida, guests will be transformed into minions the will have to help Gru save Margo, Edith and Agnes from disaster. 

This attraction is a 3D motion simulator that has a moderate level of movement which some guests many not be comfortable with.  However, there are stationary seats (benches) in the first row so those can not wanting the movement can enjoy the entire experience.  There is a funny pre-ride queue experience that sets the stage for the ride. 

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is limited to kids 40 inches in height with those under 48 inches in height having to ride with a supervising companion.

Villain-Con Minion Blast

Located in the former Shrek 4D building in Production Central just past the main entrance to Universal Studios Florida, Villain-Con Minion Blast is a family-friendly interactive “blaster” game where guests compete in a shooting style game in an effort to join the ranks of the super villains.

Trolls’ Trollercoaster

The Trolls Trollercoaster at DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios Florida is a vibrant and family-friendly roller coaster inspired by the colorful world of the “Trolls” movies. This attraction takes guests on a whimsical journey through the lively and musical universe of the Trolls, featuring bright, eye-catching designs and playful elements.

The ride is designed to be enjoyable for all ages, offering gentle thrills and a joyful experience that captures the spirit of the beloved films.

Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl

Located in Springfield: Home of the Simpsons at Universal Studios Florida, Kang & Kodo’s Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a zany attraction where guests board a flying saucer to swoop around alien invaders.

This amazing attraction is a gentle carousel type ride that is suitable for guests of all ages.  Riders under 48 inches in height are required to have a supervising companion.

E.T. Adventure

One of the few remaining rides from the original park opening, the E.T. Adventure takes you on a bike ride with ET to save his planet.  The ride starts from Elliott’s home town where guests are chased through the forest before flying through the air to ET’s planet.

This amazing attraction is a gentle motion simulator that is suitable for guests of all ages.  Riders under 48 inches in height are required to have a supervising companion.

Hogwarts Express – Kings Cross Station

Guests of all ages can take the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross Station at Universal Studios Florida and travel to Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.   You will see Harry Potter and his friends during the journey.

A two-park pass or annual pass is required to board the Hogwarts Express.

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

The Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is a fun motion simulation attraction that mixes the humor of The Tonight Show! throughout the entire experience.  Prior to the ride itself guests will enjoy a hip-hop barbershop performance by the Ragtime Gals as well as a meet & greet with Hashtag the Panda.

Located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, there is a minimum height requirement of 40 inches for The Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.  Additionally, guests are required to make a reservation using the Virtual Line pass on the Universal Orlando App.

Other Kid Themed Experiences

Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure feature a number of family-friendly experiences as well as kid play areas.  

Spells at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley)

Casting spells at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most unique things to do at Universal Orlando.  First, you will need to purchase an interactive wand at either Ollivanders or one of the other Wizarding World gift shops.  A map provided with your wand will point out all the locations within both Hogsmeade Village and Diagon Alley where you can cast your spells.  

The Jurassic Park Discovery Center

On the ground level of the Jurassic Park Discovery Center in the Jurassic Park section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests will find a number of interactive experiences centered around “our planet’s prehistoric past”.

This is also a great place for the kids to play while parents cool off from the Florida heat.

Camp Jurassic

Just down the path from the Jurassic Park Discovery Center in Islands of Adventure is Camp Jurassic.  This multi-story pre-historic play area features caves, climbing nets and suspension bridges.  It’s a fun place for the to see after riding the Pteranodon Flyers.

The Mystic Fountain

Located in the slowly disappearing Lost Continent section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the Mystic Fountain is one of the theme park treasures where you will tal