Universal is preparing to open a new kind of theme park in Texas, one designed specifically for families with young children rather than thrill-seeking teens or adults. Universal Kids Resort will open July 1 in Frisco, north of Dallas, as a 20-acre destination aimed mainly at children ages 3 to 8.
The project marks Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first regional theme park built around younger visitors. Instead of large coasters and all-day crowds, the resort is being positioned as a more manageable, lower-pressure introduction to Universal’s characters, rides and storytelling. For families, that means shorter walking distances, more play areas, water features, character encounters and attractions scaled to children who may not yet be ready for the company’s larger parks in Orlando, Hollywood or overseas.
Universal executives describe the resort as a gateway to the broader brand. The idea is to introduce children to familiar franchises in a setting that feels approachable, then build long-term loyalty as those families eventually visit larger Universal destinations. That makes the Frisco park both a local family attraction and a strategic piece of Universal’s growth plan.
A Smaller Park With Big Character Brands
Universal Kids Resort will feature seven themed lands. Guests enter through Isle of Curiosity, which includes Universal Kids Resort Cafe, Universal Kids Resort Store and experiences tied to DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse. Beyond that entrance area, the park expands into DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club and Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom.
The attractions are built around play, movement and first thrills. Early previews have shown a Minions-themed raft ride, a SpongeBob area with splash elements, a Jurassic World climbing and adventure zone, a Puss in Boots ride and character meet-and-greets including Shrek, Fiona and a baby raptor. The park also includes playgrounds, sensory gardens, splash pads, retail locations and food outlets designed for families spending a full day with younger children.
Universal is also pairing the park with a 300-room hotel located near the entrance. The Universal Kids Resort Hotel will include standard rooms and family suites, with many rooms offering park views. Packages are available that combine hotel stays with park admission, and hotel guests can receive early admission. That gives out-of-town families a simple short-stay option, while also making the resort attractive for North Texas staycations.
Tickets start at $54.99 per person plus tax, with one- and two-day options available. Universal has also suggested that families may want to treat the park as a two-day experience, especially with younger children who may need breaks, naps or time to return to favorite areas.
The opening also strengthens Frisco’s position as a family travel market. North Texas already has a strong base of local residents, sports venues, shopping and regional tourism demand. Universal Kids Resort adds a major branded attraction that could pull visitors from across Texas and nearby states without requiring a longer trip to Florida or California.
For Universal, the new park tests whether a smaller, age-specific theme park can work as a scalable regional model. For parents, the pitch is simpler: a Universal vacation sized for young children, with familiar characters, shorter days and fewer overwhelming moments.
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