This article is the guide to the best Universal Studios rides for kids! In our opinion, there are currently fifteen rides for kids at Universal Orlando, which could be a good fit for children below 40 inches tall. Six of these attractions do not have height requirements at all and could be a great fit for families looking for Universal Studios rides for toddlers. On top of that, Universal Orlando does have two new shows, which opened up with the brand new Dreamworks Land, which are a great fit for kids.
We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation! If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals, which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation, be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!
Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar
Families visiting Universal Orlando resort will be delighted to know that there are currently fifteen different Universal Studios rides for kids below 40 inches or less, with six of those rides not requiring height requirements at all. On the flip side, we will say that guests do need a Universal Orlando park-to-park ticket to see and do them all, if only visiting for one day. The main reason is that these fifteen rides are split between the two main theme parks of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. This is different from visiting Disney World, where the Magic Kingdom park has over twenty-five rides for families visiting with young children in that one theme park alone. However, you will see that by understanding which theme park each Universal Studios kid ride is located in and knowing the height requirements; you can still have a great time visiting Universal Orlando with kids!
Related Page: Visiting Universal Orlando with Kids
Location: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (park-to-park ticket required)
Height requirement: No minimum height requirement
Thrill rating: 2.0/10
The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort offers a unique and magical journey between the two parks – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade Village in Islands of Adventure. This immersive train ride recreates the iconic journey to and from Hogwarts, as seen in the Harry Potter films. Guests board at either King’s Cross Station (Universal Studios) or Hogsmeade Station (Islands of Adventure), enjoying scenic views and magical surprises. It’s not just a transportation method but a fully-fledged attraction that captivates Harry Potter fans of all ages with its attention to detail and enchanting storytelling.
Related Page: What is the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando
Location: Islands of Adventure
Height requirement: No minimum height requirement
Thrill rating: 1.5/10
Another Seuss Landing Ride has made the list, and that is because of how kid-friendly the land is! Being a ride requiring no height, this Universal ride is good for little ones! In this ride, you are a flying fish that gently glides up and around fun flowing fountains.
Location: Islands of Adventure
Height requirement: No minimum height requirement
Thrill rating: 1.0/10
Unlike a traditional carousel, this ride features a variety of whimsical creatures and characters from the world of Dr. Seuss, offering a unique twist on a classic amusement park attraction. It’s perfect for younger children, with its gentle motion and colorful designs, allowing them to pick their favorite Seuss character to ride. The ride combines the charm of a carousel with the playful and creative spirit of Dr. Seuss, making it a delightful experience for families.
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: No minimum height requirement
Thrill rating: 2.0/10
One of the other kid-friendly rides at Universal Studios Orlando is also located in Springfield: Home of the Simpsons. Spin in flying saucers and soar above the crowds on this fun ride with no height requirement. Each flying saucer can fit an average adult with one or two kids, making this one of the fun Universal Studios rides for little ones.
Location: Islands of Adventure
Height requirement: No minimum height requirement
Thrill rating: 2.0/10
“Storm Force Accelatron” is an exciting attraction located on the Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This ride invites guests to join forces with X-Men’s Storm in her epic battle against the villain Magneto. Riders spin around in teacup-style vehicles, simulating Storm’s power to control the weather. It’s a high-energy, spinning ride that’s great for kids who love superheroes and enjoy mild, whirlwind-like attractions. While it’s thrilling, the ride is also manageable for younger guests, making it a fun choice for families with children who are fans of the X-Men series.
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: Minimum height is 34”
Thrill rating: 2.5/10
As the only original Universal ride left, this is one of the best Universal rides for kids. Guests of all ages join E.T. on a journey from Earth to the friendly alien’s home planet. While adults feel the nostalgia from the 1982 movie, the little ones will be in awe over their journey. This wholesome adventure makes for one of the best family rides at Universal Studios Orlando.
Location: Islands of Adventure
Height requirement: Minimum height is 36”
Thrill rating: 2.0/10
The Cat in the Hat is a trendy ride that typically has a low wait time, which is great if you’re looking for the best Universal rides for kids. This ride is located in Seuss Landing, a themed land that is geared for the younger travelers in your party. With the familiar story of the zany Cat in the Hat, this ride is nostalgic, goofy, and fun. With quick spins, life-sized animatronics, and low wait times, it is a no-brainer-brainer that The Cat in the Hat ride is one of the best Universal rides for kids.
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: No minimum height requirement
Thrill rating: 2.5/10
Join Illumination’s Minions, Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed, and the rest of the Vicious Six at Villain-Con as you aim for supervillain stardom. This fully interactive gaming experience is a new addition to the Universal Studios Orlando rides list. Use your E-Liminator X blaster to test your skills in a fun, interactive setting. This Universal Orlando ride is located in Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida and offers an enhanced gameplay experience through the Universal Orlando Resort app.
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: Minimum height is 36”
Thrill rating: 4.0/10
The Trolls Trollercoaster is the perfect introduction roller coaster for kids visiting Universal Orlando who might be just too little to tackle some of the larger rides. It’s also located in the newest area of Universal Studios Florida, which is Dreamworks Land, and guests can also take advantage of two brand-new shows with one themed after Kung Fu Panda, play areas, and some amazing themed snacks.
Location: Islands of Adventure
Height requirement: Minimum height is 36”
Thrill rating: 4.0/10
This is a great beginner’s roller coaster for kids at least 36 inches tall (if you’re looking to get them into thrilling rides early). With incredible views of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle, any Potter fan would agree that the Flight of the Hippogriff is a wonderful Universal ride for kids.
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: Minimum height is 40”
Thrill rating: 3.5/10
This is one of the newest Universal Orlando rides, and as long as you’re in New York, you might as well stop by and watch the Jimmy Fallon show with Hashtag the Panda and the Ragtime Gals. But once you sit, be prepared to race through, below, and above New York with Jimmy Fallon on a motion-simulator ride.
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: Minimum height is 40”
Thrill rating: 4.0/10
In this motion-simulation ride, you’ll be riding with classic transformers like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (on the big screen in 3D) to save the planet from Megatron and his goons. Be prepared to be immersed in another world where the lines between fantasy and reality get blurry!
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: Minimum height is 40”
Thrill rating: 3.5/10
On this motion-simulated ride, you are invited to join Gru, his daughters, and the minions on a wild ride through Gru’s house and laboratory. This ride starts with a fun pre-show guaranteed to keep all your family members entertained while you wait to hop aboard the actual ride. This is a wonderful Universal Studios Orlando ride for kids!
Location: Universal Studios Florida
Height requirement: Minimum height is 34”
Thrill rating: 4.0/10
This virtual reality roller coaster will take riders to Krustyland with the Simpson clan for a nice, fun day at the park. But it’s the Simpsons, so you know that something will go wrong, and Sideshow Bob is sure to see to that! Ride projections are displayed on a huge 80-foot dome to make sure you are surrounded by all of the action.
Location: Islands of Adventure
Height requirement: Minimum height is 40”
Thrill rating: 4.5/10
Another kid-friendly ride at Universal is located on Marvel Super Hero Island. If you have a little superhero in your family, they will love this ride. As an honorary guest of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, you travel through the streets of NYC and fight off our favorite villains. This ride is 4D and a ton of fun, making it a great kid-friendly Universal Orlando ride.
As discussed, Universal Orlando currently has six kid-friendly rides that do not require a minimum height requirement and eight other rides that are suitable for families traveling with young children who are at least 40 inches tall. This doesn’t include some of the very popular Universal Orlando shows, which families can also take advantage of, as well as exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
In our opinion, Universal Studios Florida has the more family-friendly rides, with eight of the fourteen on our list being located in this park, including the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, and we also have the Dreamworks land opening in 2024. This park also has three additional shows that families visiting with young children can use.
Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.
If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs. buying directly, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits that can help save you up to three hours in the parks!
And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks, be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!