Universal Destinations & Experiences is preparing to launch something entirely new in 2026: Universal Kids Resort, an immersive theme park in Frisco, Texas created specifically for families with younger children.
While Universal is known for cinematic rides and high-intensity thrills, this project takes a different direction, focusing on interactive play, sensory-friendly areas, character encounters, gentle attractions, and imaginative environments that welcome even the youngest theme park guests.
The resort will open with seven themed lands, all built around beloved characters from DreamWorks, Illumination, Nickelodeon, and Universal’s own family franchises. Instead of towering roller coasters, the focus is on family coasters, water play, exploratory zones, and musical, dance-filled shows.
Universal designed every area to encourage hands-on discovery, allowing kids to step directly inside stories they know and love. From Shrek’s swamp to a bright Trolls-inspired festival, each land blends creativity with carefully curated moments of calm, offering families a full-day experience without sensory overload.
Beyond the parks, Universal Kids Resort will include an on-site hotel steps away from the entrance. The hotel is tailored for families, featuring themed bunk beds, large suites, kid-focused dining, and an outdoor pool area. With rooms designed to sleep up to six, the property aims to simplify family travel and reduce the stress of navigating a massive theme park complex.
Seven Imaginative Lands Built for Family Fun
At the heart of the resort is the Isle of Curiosity, the park’s central entry land. Guests will find character meet-and-greets, dance parties, playful treats, and interactive spaces that set the tone for exploration. From here, families can branch into the park’s six additional themed worlds.
DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp invites families into a whimsical water-filled environment, complete with interactive play zones and “Happily Ogre After,” an attraction retelling Shrek and Fiona’s love story. Nearby, Jurassic World Adventure Camp offers the park’s headliner family coaster, a search for the mischievous baby dinosaur Bumpy. Guests can also encounter newly hatched dinos, climb lookout towers, and enjoy restaurants designed around jungle expeditions.
Younger fans of Nickelodeon will step into SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom, filled with bouncing jellyfish attractions, boat rides, water cannons, and meet-and-greets with SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy. Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club brings splash-filled chaos, from a wild water battle to a golf cart derby, creating the most energetic corner of the park.
DreamWorks’ TrollsFest delivers nonstop music and color, with dance shows, balloon rides, and playful festival foods. Finally, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar blends coastal charm with meet-and-greets, aerial attractions, puppet shows, and candy-filled shops celebrating the beloved feline hero.
