Visiting Universal Studios Orlando With Kids Ages 3-8

Visiting Universal Studios Orlando With Kids Ages 3-8

Visiting Universal Studios Orlando With Kids Ages 3-8

This article is your complete guide to visiting Universal Orlando with kids! If you’ve got a family and are looking to visit Universal Orlando Resort soon there are plenty of exciting experiences that you can plan. Universal has been aiming to make the parks more kid-friendly lately with Minion Land, and the new addition of DreamWorks Land.

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 the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

So, if you’re ready to learn more about visiting Universal Orlando with kids, here’s what you need to know!

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

Is Universal Orlando Kid Friendly?

Universal Orlando is very kid-friendly, as it has a great mix of family-friendly rides, shows, character meet-and-greets, and even upgraded experiences such as the Harry Potter interactive wand. We would say that if your main priority is to get on as many ideas as possible it’s best age for kids will typically be 8 and above as many of the Universal Orlando ride height requirements will be 42″ or taller. As a general rule of thumb, we do find that the majority of the kids-friendly attractions are split between the two parks, so you need a solid game plan during your vacation. However, as you will see below, Universal Orlando has added two new lands, the new Minion Land and DreamWorks land in Universal Studios Florida. Meanwhile, Islands of Adventure has Seuss Landing and even the iconic Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

What are the best things to do with kids at Universal Orlando?

1. Kid-Friendly Rides: Universal Orlando has several rides that cater to younger guests. Rides like E.T. Adventure, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Cat in the Hat are perfect for kids, offering exciting yet age-appropriate experiences.
2. Best themed lands: Dreamworks Land, Minions Land, Seuss Landing, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park
3. Meet Favorite Characters: Children can meet beloved characters from various universes, including SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, and characters from Dr. Seuss’s books. These meet-and-greets are great photo opportunities and memorable moments for young fans.
4. Enjoy Live Shows: Two new shows in Dreamworks Land, including Po Live and DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, Animal Actors on Location, the Frog Choir, and the Triwizard Spirit Rally in the Wizarding World are entertaining for kids, providing a chance to sit back and enjoy live performances.
5. Visit Seuss Landing: This area in Islands of Adventure is specially designed for younger children, with whimsical rides and attractions based on the beloved books of Dr. Seuss.
6. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: This immersive area is a must-see, offering magical experiences for all ages. Children can enjoy rides like the Hogwarts Express and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Don’t forget to try out interactive wands for spell-casting fun.

Related Page: Universal Early Park Admission 

Breaking it Down By Age Group

What is a good age to take kids to Universal Orlando?

As a general rule of thumb, we find Universal Orlando to be best suited for kids who are at least seven to eight years old. The main reason is that a majority of the rides at Universal Orlando Resort do have a minimum height requirement of at least 38-42 inches. On average, kids will typically meet the Universal Orlando height requirements right around that age. As discussed, there are still many other rides with minimum height requirements that kids will love that we will cover below. Many families can also look into activities such as the interactive Harry Potter Wands to keep little ones occupied in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And don’t forget to take advantage of early park admission when possible! This will allow you to hop online for Ollivander wand shop or some of the other Universal kids rides we’re about to cover in this article as soon as the parks open for regular guests.

Which Universal Park is best for a 3-year-old?

As a general rule of thumb, the best Universal Orlando park for a 3-year-old is Universal Studios Florida, with a major reason being that it provides more shows and character meet and greets for the entire family to enjoy, including two new shows in Dreamworks Land, including Po Live and DreamWorks Imagination Celebration. If guests are simply looking for the most rides for a 3-year-old to go on at Universal Studios with no height requirements, it would be at Islands of Adventure with Caro-Seuss-El, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and the Hogwarts Express, which does connect both parks.

Which Universal Park is best for a 4-year-old?

We would still recommend visiting Universal Studios Florida with a 4-year-old as the entire family will be able to enjoy Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Animal Actors on Location, Kang & Kodos’s Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, and even ET. We also feel like this is the perfect age to start to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and take advantage of one of the Harry Potter Wands. 

What is the best Universal Studios park for a 5-year-old?

This is the first time we would start to explore Islands of Adventure when considering the best Universal park for a 5-year-old with the main reason being Spiderman and also some of the interactive meet and greets at the Jurrasic Park section.  Outside of that, families can explore all of the amazing Dr. Seues rides within the park.

What is the best Universal Studios park for a 6-year-old?

This category will be similar to Universal Studios Orlando for 5-year-olds; kiddos in this age group will tend to enjoy the same kinds of attractions. It is important not to ignore the parades, which are great ways to meet the characters and pass the time! Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios have rides that 6-year-olds will love, including some of the amazing Harry Potter rides.

Is Universal Studios good for 7-year-olds?

We tend to think that this is one of the best age groups to bring into Universal Orlando theme parks! Kiddos tend to get a little more daring in this age group and can ride a lot more, depending on their height. Some of the most popular rides tend to be Men in Black – Alien Attack, Spider-Man, Pteranodon Flyer, and Flight of the Hippogriff.

Related post: Universal Orlando Dining Plans Guide

Best Universal Orlando Rides for Kids

When it comes to the best Universal Orlando rides for kids, we are typically looking for rides that don’t have a height requirement or those that have a height requirement between 34″ – and 40″ inches. These rides include E.T. Adventure and Caro-Seuss-El. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man, Hogwarts Express, Storm Force Acceleration, and Kang and Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. As discussed, it’s important to keep in mind that these rides are split between both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure Park so you might need a park-to-park ticket if you are trying to visit all of them on the same day.

Universal Orlando kid-friendly rides without height requirements:

• Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• Caro-Seuss-El
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
• Storm Force Accelatron
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

Universal Orlando kid-friendly rides with height requirements:

• E.T Adventure – must be at least 34 inches tall
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – must be at least 40 inches tall
• The Simpsons Ride – must be at least 40 inches tall
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D – must be at least 40 inches tall
• Trolls Trollercoaster – must be at least 36 inches tall
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – must be at least 40 inches tall
• The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man – must be at least 40 inches tall
• Cat in the Hat – Must be at least 36 inches tall
• Flight of the Hippogriff – Must be at least 36 inches tall

Related post: Complete Guide to All Universal Studios Orlando Height Requirements

What are the Best Characters at Universal Orlando for Kids?

Universal Orlando has a wide array of character meet-and-greet opportunities that are particularly enjoyable for kids. These Universal character meet-and-greets can be found throughout Marvel Superhero Island, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Seuss Landing, and the Jurassic Park section of the park. We would also say that one of the things that we love about Universal Orlando compared to Disney is you will typically find lower wait times for these characters’ meet and greets as well, which will allow you to get more done throughout your days in the parks. On the flip side, guests can only find two character dining experiences in the Marvel Character dining at Cafe 4 and the Grinch & Friends character breakfast, which is only during the holiday season.

Universal Studios Florida Characters for kids

• Minions and Other Despicable Me Characters: These popular characters, including Agnes, Edith, and Margot, are typically found near the exit of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.
• The Simpsons Characters: Meet Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, Krusty the Clown, and Sideshow Bob in the Springfield area.
• Transformers: The larger-than-life Transformers characters, including Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron, make appearances outside the Transformers: The Ride show building.
• Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne often hang out with the Mystery Machine van in the Hollywood Boulevard area.
• Knight Bus Conductor: This character from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located outside the Knight Bus in the London section​.

Islands of Adventure Characters for kids

• Marvel Characters: Meet Spider-Man, Captain America, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Doctor Doom, and Green Goblin, all located within Marvel Super Hero Island​​.
• Dr. Seuss Characters: In Seuss Landing, you can meet characters like the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Sam I Am, the Grinch, and the Lorax.
• Blue the Velociraptor: For dinosaur enthusiasts, the Raptor Encounter in the Jurassic Park area offers a thrilling experience.

Best Universal Studios Shows for Kids

One of the most entertaining things for toddlers to do at Universal Studios Orlando (and to keep them occupied so the parents can take a breather) is sitting and watch live entertainment. The shows and entertainment are considered some of the best things to do at Universal.  We hope Universal has more Universal Studios shows for kids in the works, as they’ve closed the entire KidZone as of 2023. Universal Orlando Resort has Illuminations Villain-Con Minion Blast with the new Minion Land that will replace Production Central. If you have Minion-loving kids, this new Universal Studios kiddie area will have a new attraction, meet and greets, and more.

What are the best shows for kids at Universal Orlando?

two new shows in Dreamworks Land, including Po Live and DreamWorks Imagination Celebration.

1. DreamWorks Imagination Celebration: Spark your imagination with an incredible new live show, featuring characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. This spectacle combines live actors, animated characters, and dancers.
2. Po Live: Meet and talk with Po on a digital animated screen. He’ll train you in the ways of kung fu while babysitting his mischievous baby cousin and cooking some delicious snacks. Skadoosh!
3. Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear: At Seuss Landing, this show retells Dr. Seuss’s stories like The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch with song and dance, and characters from the stories make appearances for meet and greets​.
4. Animal Actors on Location: A live show that features animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, and birds.
5. Triwizard Spirit Rally and The Frog Choir: In Hogsmeade, these shows offer a glimpse into the magical world of Harry Potter, with performances inspired by the Triwizard Tournament and enchanting songs from the Frog Choir. We love this and think that it is one of the best Universal shows for kids!
6. The Tales of Beedle the Bard: Also in Diagon Alley, this live performance retells the stories of “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” or “The Tale of the Three Brothers” using live acting and puppetry. The detailed puppets and engaging storytelling capture a sense of wonder, making it a must-see at Universal Studios Orlando.
7. Universal’s Musical Street Shows: These include several performances, such as The Beat Builders in the Hollywood area, Marilyn Monroe & The Diamond Bellas in New York, and Drive-In and Dance near Mel’s Drive-In. Each show has its unique flair, offering musical entertainment that appeals to all ages​.
8. The Bourne Stuntacular: This action-packed show in the Hollywood area features incredible stunts, special effects, and technology, showcasing scenes from the Jason Bourne series. It’s an impressive display of stunt coordination and is suitable for families who enjoy thrilling action.

Related Page: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

Visiting Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando

Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a vibrant and playful area that brings the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss to life. Ideal for families with young children, this themed land features attractions like “The Cat in the Hat Ride,” immerses guests in the beloved story, and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” an interactive flying fish ride. The area also boasts the unique “Caro-Seuss-El” carousel and the interactive play area “If I Ran The Zoo.” For entertainment, visitors can enjoy “The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!” offering aerial views and stories and seasonal shows like “The Grinchmas Who-holiday Spectacular.” Dining options cater to family-friendly tastes, with “Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous” and the “Green Eggs and Ham Cafe” serving whimsical dishes. Additionally, Seuss Landing is dotted with characters for meet-and-greets and themed shops like “All The Books You Can Read,” offering a selection of Dr. Seuss books and merchandise.

Exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Kids at Universal Orlando

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando provides a captivating experience for children, immersing them in the magical world of Harry Potter. Spread across both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, it offers a unique blend of attractions, interactive experiences, and fun environments for little ones. A visit to Ollivanders Wand Shop is a highlight, where the magical experience of a wand choosing a young witch or wizard comes to life. Kids can then use their new wands to cast spells at various interactive locations throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. This interactive spell-casting turns the park into a magical playground, with hidden wonders revealed at every turn. Walking through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is like stepping into the movies. Every corner of these areas is meticulously crafted, offering an immersive experience that delights both young and old. The towering presence of Hogwarts Castle, which houses the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride, is a must-see. Even if the children are too small for the ride, the castle tour itself is an enchanting experience.

Ollivanders Wand Shop and interactive wands

A very popular attraction for kids and adults in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley is Ollivanders Wand Shop. Small groups are allowed into Ollivanders, and one guest is chosen to experience the coveted wand selection. An Ollivander’s Wand Specialist brings to life what every witch or wizard is waiting to experience: the wand choosing the wizard! Just know that only one individual is chosen to “choose their wand,” but the experience is magical for everyone involved. Whether or not you are chosen, you have the option to purchase an interactive wand from Ollivanders and participate in spellcasting experiences. There is a special map with all the locations in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley where you can try out your spells. You can only enjoy this experience if you purchase an interactive wand through Universal, starting at $55 per wand.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Harry Potter Wands

Tips and Tricks for Visiting Universal Orlando With Young Kids

Strollers at Universal Studios Orlando

Parkgoers can rent single strollers for both parks for a price of $15 per day and double at $25. Parents can also rent “Kiddie Cars” that feature a plastic steering wheel for their kids for $3 more. There is a $50 deposit that’s required, but it will be fully refunded once you return the stroller. If you plan to leave the park and come back or switch parks during the day, you can get a free stroller by showing your receipt. Although there is no Universal Orlando stroller policy, it’s recommended you use one so you don’t have to carry your little ones around all day (because you know they won’t walk).

Child Swap at Universal Studios

Parents, we know you are kids at heart. But we also know you’re tired of going on rides for toddlers at Universal and want to experience some of the more thrilling stuff. If you’re not willing to sacrifice all the adult rides for toddler rides at Universal Studios Orlando, then you’re going to want to take advantage of “Child Swap.”

There must be two adults present for this to take place. The adults and children wait on the ride line together. Once you get to the entrance of the attraction, tell the team member you want to child swap. You’ll be directed to the attraction’s loading area, and one adult will ride while the other waits in a special child swap-holding area with the kids. When the first adult is done riding, they will switch roles and watch the kids while the other adult goes on the ride. If one of the kids is old enough to enjoy the ride, they can ride twice, one time with each adult. It’s a win-win!

Character Meet-and-Greets

• Wait Times: Generally, the wait times for characters are not too long, often around 10 minutes. During busy days, wait times might slightly increase.
• Random Appearances: Some characters may make periodic appearances, and their locations can vary.
• Character Dining: Character dining is a unique experience that combines meeting characters with dining. Options include the Grinch Meet and Greet Breakfast and the Marvel Character Dinner.
• App and Maps: To find specific characters and their appearance times, it’s best to refer to the Universal Studios app or park maps upon arrival, as schedules and locations can change.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Get the Butterbeer! – It’s a non-alcoholic treat that everyone can enjoy!
• Upgrade to an interactive wand
• Use early park admission
• Take advantage of child swap 

Related post: Complete Guide to the Universal Superstar Shuttle

Visiting Universal Orlando with Kids FAQ

Which Universal Park is better for toddlers?

So, which Universal Park is better for toddlers? Very simply, we still feel like Universal Studios would be the best option when visiting Universal with small kids. Overall it has more rides, shows, and characters. We also feel like it has a more laid-back vibe as well when compared to Islands of Adventure.

Are there rides at Universal Orlando Resort for kids?

We are going to start this guide with one of the most common questions we receive: Does Universal Studios have kiddie rides? In total, Universal Studios Orlando has six rides for kids, which do not include a minimum height requirement. Plus, there are plenty of more rides that will be a great fit for kids who are 36-40 inches in height.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

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.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

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!