Move out of the way, EPIC Universe! There’s a new Universal theme park opening in Fresno, Texas that’s uniquely designed for your younger kids. From Shrek to Jurassic Park, Universal Kids turns several iconic Universal stories into brand new themed lands full of interactive play areas, innovative rides for families, exclusive dining and treats, and more opportunities to see your child’s favorite characters come to life. This revolutionary, one-of-a-kind resort will be opening in 2026.
Some people have felt that theme parks are becoming more geared towards adults and teenagers. Universal is challenging this idea by developing a resort for kids with kids in mind. Everything from the layout to the surplus of interactive and learning experiences was created for the enjoyment of little ones. If you’ve ever wondered if your kid was old enough or felt hesitancy bringing your little one to a theme park, Universal Kids Resort was made for you.
As more new information slowly comes out, excitement is building. We can’t wait to share with you what we know so far about Universal’s newest project!
Seven Lands
Universal Kids Resort hosts seven unique lands featuring all your kids’ favorite Universal stories! Some have made appearances at other Universal theme park locations, but never before in this way or depth. Everything has been reimagined through the eyes of kids to create the most immersive and enjoyable experience yet.
DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
If you’ve been to the Universal Orlando Resort recently, you may have been able to visit Shrek’s Swamp in DreamWorks Land. In this area, you can meet Shrek and friends and try a specialty Ogre-shaped pretzel. However, DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp at Universal Kid Resort will be completely different. Several times the size, and with both dining options and Shrek-inspired rides, Universal Kids Resort brings the many humorous fairytales to life in a brand new, immersive environment
Attractions
Universal Kids Resort brings new levels of interactive play to theme parks. DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp is set to have two themed splash zones in which your little ogres may stomp away in for swampy fun. Not only is this a great activity to distract younger kids while the older ones rides more intense attractions, but it is also a perfect opportunity to cool off!
One of the most common concerns that traveling families bring up is the weather. Hotter weather can make it difficult to travel with younger children who overheat or get tired easily. Two new water play areas allow for a chance to cool off and reset during peak temperatures. I have so many memories of watching my grandkids splash away at the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station at Walt Disney World. They always came out wet and refreshed. Just remember to pack swimsuits!
The king and queen of the swamp, Shrek and Fiona, will be available for meet and greets! A picture with an ogre can get a bit scary for younger kids, so make sure to plan accordingly. I often find it helps to spot scary characters from a distance and show my grandkids before approaching them.
If they’re not too frightened, your family should next take a ride on Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After boat ride, which tells the story of how they fell in love. The concept art for that ride is so cute, and we can’t wait to check it out!
Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
Dive on down to Bikini Bottom and join SpongeBob SquarePants and friends in their next underwater adventure! Get ready for four new rides and the opportunity to meet these iconic cartoon stars in this world of fishy nonsense.
This is probably the most hyped up land, and for good reason too! SpongeBob SquarePants has been a childhood classic for years. This is a world both young adults and kids can enjoy. There’s so much fun to soak up, my grandkids can’t wait!
Attractions
Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Square Pants Bikini Bottom invites you to soak up the fun on four brand new rides suitable for families of all ages! Each attraction is taken directly from the cartoon and brought to life with Universal magic.
Float above the sea floor on your very own Jelly Angler or explore Bikini Bottom aboard the Barnacle Bus! Pack your poncho, because you may get wet on the spinning Bobbing Barrels. Don’t forget to earn your boating licenses at Mrs. Puff’s Boating School by swerving through this specially designed obstacle course!
Beyond the rides, there is still so much to do! Keep your eyes peeled for Bikini Bottom’s most infamous resident, SpongeBob! Meet our favorite sea sponge and all his friends in between rides during your day at Bikini Bottom. If it gets too hot, look out for Bikini Bottom signature splash zones for some wet and wild times.
Illuminations Minions vs Minions: Bello Bay Club
The Minions are back and more mischievous than ever in this paradise of mayhem! Join the chaos as the Yellow Minions fight back against their maniacal Purple peers. Watch out for water blasters and Minion attacks as you make your way through the bay. This very well may be the wettest land yet!
Attractions
The Purple Minions are determined to get you soaked during your stay at the Bello Bay Club. They take over the Bello Bay Cruise, sending you on a wild adventure down the rapids. Don’t hold your breath if you manage to keep your clothes dry! There are still splash zone battle grounds outside the boat through which you have to navigate your way.
While in the club, you may encounter a friendly Minion. Make sure to say Bello, but watch your back! There may be a splash attack when you least expect it!
Bello Bay Club is also home to some peaceful green golf courses the Minions have taken over! Their friendly competition quickly spirals out of hand, turning into a dangerously fun escape. Jump into a Bello Bay golf cart and maneuver your way through the Minion chaos.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp
Where else can your little explorers meet dinosaurs? Step out of your comfort zone and into a whole new prehistoric wonderland. Jurassic World Adventure Camp features three innovative rides, a show, and exclusive dinosaur encounters!
Attractions
What first caught my eye was the Baby Raptor Meet and Greet. It’s so much cuter than you imagine! The little, scaly beasts are adorable and friendly, even though their teeth are pretty sharp. You can also watch the hatching of new baby raptors live at the Jurassic World Adventure Camp. Learn some fun facts about raptors and snap a photo of the newborns!
The Raptors are all accounted for, but one of the other baby dinos has gone missing! Baby Bumpy the Ankylosaurus has disappeared, and they need little explorers to help find her. Zoom through Jurassic World on the Jurassic World Cretaceous Coaster and see all of the beautiful sights and dinosaurs that set this park apart. Just keep a look out for Bumpy!
The dinosaur fun soars to new heights when you fly like a Pteranodon. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the camp and gentle swoops on Pteranodrop. If that’s a little too high, Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin lifts you and your spirits up when you board one of the colorful pods. Spin gently up the double helix on this fun family ride.
DreamWorks’ TrollFest
The party never ends in the Troll Kingdom! Sing favorite Trolls tunes and dance with all your favorite trolls in this glitter-filled party. DreamWorks’ Troll Fest is full of lighthearted family fun, bright colors, and music. This land perfectly recreates the happy Troll Kingdom with both rides, dance parties, and play grounds!
Attractions
You’re invited to the dance floor of two troll-tastic pop concerts. The King Trollex Techno Dance Party lights up the night with techno pop music or you can both party and work behind the scenes at the Trolltastic: Concert Countdown.
While you’re dancing the day away at DreamWorks’ Troll Fest, you may be joined by Poppy, Branch, and their troll friends! Your kids can make memories meeting and greeting their favorite trolls at a glittery dance party.
The party doesn’t stop after you leave the dance floor. Rhonda’s TrollFest Express keeps the party going all throughout the Troll kingdom. Ride on the back of the Armadillo Bus and listen to the top troll hits. Up above the kingdom is Hair in the Clouds, a highflying attraction that gives you the best seat in the house to soak in the festival grounds. From above, you can get a good look at the two interactive play grounds.
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
Come experience the festivities at Del Mar’s Kitty Adoption Day. Join Puss in Boots and friends as they celebrate by experiencing festival rides, shows, and delicious food.
Attractions
Meet the cuddly capped crusader himself, Puss in Boots! You can also spot him at Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day show. This interactive puppet show is an adventure in itself as it recreate Puss in Boots returning to the village of Del Mar. Be ready to laugh and cheer for our hero’s return.
Fly high above the village on the Swings of Del Mar. A classic flying swings ride with a fun touch of DreamWorks magic, this spinning attraction is a blast for families wanting something a bit more exciting. Back on the ground, there’s an interactive game area for the younger kids who weren’t tall enough to ride to enjoy playtime.
Isle of Curiosity
This playtopia is the first land your kids can explore. It’s full of open spaces with their favorite characters ready to play. There’s a lot of shade, places to sit, and kid approved food!
Attractions
The Isle of Curiosity is home to Gabby from Gabby’s Playhouse. Among other characters, she is available for a meet and greet with her friends at a dance party! Join her for some mini-sized fun and games before continuing on to your next adventure.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel
Part of the Universal Kids Resort is the brand new Universal Kids Resort Hotel. Located just steps away from the fun of the park, this hotel has 300 family rooms and suites, plus dining options for every meal of the day.
Staying at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel also comes with unique theme park perks. With a valid park ticket, guests of the hotel receive Early Park Admission that allows for one hour of extra play before the park opens. Universal Kids Resort Hotel has its own dedicated park entrance for its guests with valid theme park admission.
A New Way to Play Coming Soon
This is only the surface of what is to come to Universal Kids Resort. With plans to open this year in Fresno, Texas, we’re keeping our ears out for new updates and sneak peaks into this exciting development. Stay tuned to Favorite Grampy Travels for exciting park updates and vacation tips. We love to share all the new opportunities coming to your favorite destinations.
Universal Kids may not be open yet, but it’s never too early to start dreaming. Click here or call (866) 846-3141 to get in touch with your personal Concierge Travel Advisor to start discussing your family’s next adventure.
