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THEME PARKS

First look at Universal Kids Resort in Texas: See inside

Portrait of Eve Chen Eve Chen
Updated June 19, 2026, 5:01 p.m. ET
Universal Kids Resort is Universal’s first destination devoted to young kids and their families. The Dallas area theme park officially opens in July, but USA TODAY got an early look at its offerings. Here’s what we saw.
Universal Kids Resort is Universal’s first destination devoted to young kids and their families.

The Dallas area theme park officially opens in July, but USA TODAY got an early look at its offerings.

Here’s what we saw.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Kids can meet characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick in person at Universal Kids Resort.
Kids can meet characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick in person at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Squidward and Sandy Cheeks greet guests, too.
Squidward and Sandy Cheeks greet guests, too.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
The Barnacle Bus spins guests around Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom at Universal Kids Resort.
The Barnacle Bus spins guests around Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
All of the rides feature low height requirements at Universal Kids Resort.
All of the rides feature low height requirements at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Guests should expect to get wet if they ride or simply walk by Bobbing Barrels in Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom.
Guests should expect to get wet if they ride or simply walk by Bobbing Barrels in Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Changing areas are available beside a splash pad in the SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort.
Changing areas are available beside a splash pad in the SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
A SpongeBob SquarePants' take on grilled cheese is available at Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom in Universal Kids Resort.
A SpongeBob SquarePants' take on grilled cheese is available at Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom in Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Green apple popping pearls and whipped cream top a Pineapple Fanta drink at Goofy Goobers in Universal Kids Resort.
Green apple popping pearls and whipped cream top a Pineapple Fanta drink at Goofy Goobers in Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Even grown-ups would be thrilled by Swings Over Del Mar at Universal Kids Resort.
Even grown-ups would be thrilled by Swings Over Del Mar at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Guests watch 'Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day' at Universal Kids Resort.
Guests watch 'Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day' at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
There are rides for different thrill levels at Universal Kids Resort, like Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin in the Jurassic World-inspired area.
There are rides for different thrill levels at Universal Kids Resort, like Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin in the Jurassic World-inspired area.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
The Jurassic World-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort features two climbing structures. This smaller dinosaur-shaped one is just right for smaller or less adventurous climbers. Its tail is a slide.
The Jurassic World-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort features two climbing structures. This smaller dinosaur-shaped one is just right for smaller or less adventurous climbers. Its tail is a slide.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort features two roller coasters. Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster is relatively more intense, but still approachable for young riders.
Universal Kids Resort features two roller coasters. Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster is relatively more intense, but still approachable for young riders.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
A sensory garden in the Jurassic World-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort invites kids to touch the plants and listen to calming nature sounds.
A sensory garden in the Jurassic World-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort invites kids to touch the plants and listen to calming nature sounds.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Kids are welcome to play with their food, like these Dinosaur Bites at the quick-service restaurant in Jurassic World Adventure Camp at Universal Kids Resort.
Kids are welcome to play with their food, like these Dinosaur Bites at the quick-service restaurant in Jurassic World Adventure Camp at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort offers an array of food for picky and more adventurous eaters, like this Carnivore Beef Bowl with beef skewers and chimichurri sauce.
Universal Kids Resort offers an array of food for picky and more adventurous eaters, like this Carnivore Beef Bowl with beef skewers and chimichurri sauce.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Illumination's Minions vs. Minions Bello Bay Club pits yellow Minions against purple ones, but guests don't have to pick sides.
Illumination's Minions vs. Minions Bello Bay Club pits yellow Minions against purple ones, but guests don't have to pick sides.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby looks like a cute little ride, but riding it, it feels like a Minion is at the wheel and could crash at any moment.
Bello Bay Golf Cart Derby looks like a cute little ride, but riding it, it feels like a Minion is
at the wheel and could crash at any moment.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Everything around Universal Kids Resort plays to both kids’ size and their playful nature. This purple Minion’s mouth is just the right height for kids to put their heads inside for photos.
Everything around Universal Kids Resort plays to both kids’ size and their playful nature. This purple Minion’s mouth is just the right height for kids to put their heads inside for photos.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
There are several splash zones within Illumination's Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, but guests who really want to get soaked can do so on the Bello Bay Cruise raft ride.
There are several splash zones within Illumination's Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, but guests who really want to get soaked can do so on the Bello Bay Cruise raft ride.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Bello Bay Cruise has some wild twists and turns. It’s among the most thrilling rides at Universal Kids Resort.
Bello Bay Cruise has some wild twists and turns. It’s among the most thrilling rides at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Pineapple and grape-flavored shaved ice evoke yellow and purple Minions at Universal Kids Resort.
Pineapple and grape-flavored shaved ice evoke yellow and purple Minions at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
A Trolls-inspired photo opp welcomes guests to the Dreamworks' TrollsFest area of Universal Kids Resort.
A Trolls-inspired photo opp welcomes guests to the Dreamworks' TrollsFest area of Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express is an entry-level coaster at Universal Kids Resort, perfect for first timers.
Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express is an entry-level coaster at Universal Kids Resort, perfect for first timers.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Every ride at Universal Kids Resort, including Rhonda's TrollsFest Express, seats both kids and adults so families can ride together. However depending on height, kids can choose to ride solo.
Every ride at Universal Kids Resort, including Rhonda's TrollsFest Express, seats both kids and adults so families can ride together. However depending on height, kids can choose to ride solo.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Hair in the Clouds offers guests a bird's-eye view of DreamWorks’ TrollsFest at Universal Kids Resort.
Hair in the Clouds offers guests a bird's-eye view of DreamWorks’ TrollsFest at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Many of the play areas within Universal Kids Resort are shaded by canopies.
Many of the play areas within Universal Kids Resort are shaded by canopies.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Queen Poppy's Cake is among the treats offered at Trolls Cafe in Universal Kids Resort.
Queen Poppy's Cake is among the treats offered at Trolls Cafe in Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After retells the story of how they met, at Universal Kids Resort.
Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After retells the story of how they met, at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Kids can climb around under shade in the Shrek-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort.
Kids can climb around under shade in the Shrek-inspired area of Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Shrek's Swamp Splash and Smash is one of multiple themed splash pads in Universal Kids Resort.
Shrek's Swamp Splash and Smash is one of multiple themed splash pads in Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
There is no shortage of themed merchandise at Universal Kids Resort.
There is no shortage of themed merchandise at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
This Branch-inspired headband is just one of many at Universal Kids Resort.
This Branch-inspired headband is just one of many at Universal Kids Resort.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Traditional and kid-size toilet seats are available in restrooms throughout Universal Kids Resorts.
Traditional and kid-size toilet seats are available in restrooms throughout Universal Kids Resorts.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort Hotel sits at the front of theme park. Its pool, for hotel guests, offers both steps and zero-depth entry.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel sits at the front of theme park. Its pool, for hotel guests, offers both steps and zero-depth entry.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
A rainbow of colors leads away from the lobby of Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
A rainbow of colors leads away from the lobby of Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
All of the rooms at Universal Kids Resort Hotel sleep at last five and feature bright, colorful decor.
All of the rooms at Universal Kids Resort Hotel sleep at last five and feature bright, colorful decor.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort Hotel rooms offer lots of storage space. A safe and chilled cooler are tucked out of the way in the dresser.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel rooms offer lots of storage space. A safe and chilled cooler are tucked out of the way in the dresser.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort Hotel bathrooms include bath tubs, not pictured, and plenty of counter space.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel bathrooms include bath tubs, not pictured, and plenty of counter space.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort Hotel's corridors, carpets and walls pop with color.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel's corridors, carpets and walls pop with color.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
There are even little flecks of color in the elevator tiles at Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
There are even little flecks of color in the elevator tiles at Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Curiosity Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
Curiosity Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort Hotel's Curiosity Cafe offers comfort foods like chicken tenders and some elevated offerings like this ahi tuna salad, which was tasty.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel's Curiosity Cafe offers comfort foods like chicken tenders and some elevated offerings like this ahi tuna salad, which was tasty.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Universal Kids Resort Hotel offers a small arcade with games and claw machines.
Universal Kids Resort Hotel offers a small arcade with games and claw machines.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
A gym is located on the second floor of Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
A gym is located on the second floor of Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Water refill stations are available on every floor of Universal Kids Resort Hotel and throughout its namesake theme park.
Water refill stations are available on every floor of Universal Kids Resort Hotel and throughout its namesake theme park.
Eve Chen, USA TODAY
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