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! In the last few years, Universal has been aiming to make the parks more kid-friendly, particularly with the recent opening of DreamWorks Land and Minions Land at Universal Studios Florida, as well as Seuss Landing and the iconic Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Now with the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe in May 2025, we can look forward to several new kid-friendly worlds, including the much anticipated Super Nintendo World, which promises three new rides catered to younger guests. Celestial Park, which promises the Constellation Carousel with no height requirement, as well as Astronomica, an interactive wet play area, which remains open at night as well, promising a real show of lights, colors, and music. There is also a lot of buzz surrounding the kid-friendly How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, which includes a target, water-ride Fyre Drill, also no height requirement, as well as another interactive play area – Viking Training Camp.

We hope you find this post helpful! And most importantly, as Mike mentioned as a “Theme Park Expert” on The Today Show on NBC, don’t forget to take advantage of EARLY PARK ADMISSION whenever possible! 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!

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

Universal Orlando for Kids

Let’s start this article with the most popular question that we receive, which is, what is the best age to take a child to Universal Orlando? As a general rule of thumb, we find Universal Orlando to be best suited for kids who are at least 6 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 40 inches. On average, kids will typically meet the Universal Orlando height requirements right around that age. Particularly the new park, Epic Universe, appears to cater to children of this height as well, as noted below. There are many other rides with minimum height requirements that kids will love, also covered below. Also, there are interactive play areas throughout the parks that specifically cater to little ones.

We would say that if your main priority is to get on as many rides as possible, Universal Orlando Resorts is better for older kids, age 7 and above as Universal Orlando requires riders below 48″ to be accompanied by a companion. For us, we wouldn’t worry too much about your kids being the “perfect” age. There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions spread throughout the parks; you just need to know where to look. And most importantly, you need a solid game plan to maximize your experience as much as possible.

And at The Park Prodigy, we’re here to help! As Mike recently mentioned as a “Theme Park Expert” on The Today Show on NBC, never enter a park without a game plan! — “Having a game plan is key, so having a list of your must do rides, knowing the height requirement’s for children, knowing the pay-to skip the line services that each park has, and how to make dining reservations in advance.” So be sure to read on below as we have specified where you can find the best rides, shows, play areas and character experiences for kids, as well as upgraded experiences throughout the parks. Also, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resorts.

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

• 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. Epic Universe will offer Yoshi’s Adventure, within Super Nintendo World. All of these offering exciting yet age-appropriate experiences.
• Best themed lands: Dreamworks Land, Minions Land, Seuss Landing, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Super Nintendo World.
• Meet Favorite Characters: Children can meet various characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, and characters from Dr. Seuss’s books. And soon this will include Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach in Super Nintendo World. As well as Astrid, Hiccup, and Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. These meet-and-greets are great photo opportunities and memorable moments for young fans.

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Okay Universal Orlando fans, we have we got some exciting news that might have you making a detour on your next Florida trip! Save this post for future vacation planning or share it with a friend who might be heading to Orlando and loves dragons! One of the most anticipated things is the “How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk” land, where you’ll be able to step into the world of Vikings and dragons. The highlight? A meet-and-greet with Toothless himself! This isn’t just any character appearance; early looks reveal a stunning, lifelike animatronic Toothless that interacts with guests. You might even get to pet him! You’ll also have the chance to meet Hiccup and potentially other characters like Astrid and her dragon Stormfly. The Isle of Berk will also feature thrilling rides like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, the Dragon Racer’s Rally, and the Fyre Drill, plus a live show called “The Untrainable Dragon.” It’s a whole new immersive experience for “How to Train Your Dragon” fans. Epic Universe will feature four other incredible lands: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. #universalorlando #Epicuniverse #howtotrainyourdragon

♬ original sound – The Park Prodigy

• 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 are entertaining for kids, providing a chance to sit back and enjoy live performances. Look forward to the upcoming Le Cirque Arcanus puppet and performer show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe.
• Upgrade to an interactive wand or Powerup Band: Guests visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can upgrade and purchase an interactive wand, which will allow their kids to cast spells throughout all three of the Harry Potter Lands. Guests visiting Super Nintendo World can also purchase Powerup Bands to complete challenges and earn coins in Epic Universe.
• 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.
• 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. The magic continues with the opening of the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe.

If you’ve got a Harry Potter fan in the family, you’re gonna wanna check out our Universal Early Park Admission.

Related Page: Universal Early Park Admission 

Does Universal Orlando Resorts have Upgraded Experiences that are good for kids?

Universal Orlando is very kid-friendly, as it has a fun mix of family-friendly rides, kid-friendly shows, character meet-and-greets, and even upgraded experiences such as the Universal Express Pass. With the Express Pass, you can skip the regular lines for many rides and attractions. If you’re thinking about upgrading to Express Pass please check out our video – Universal Express Pass for Beginners – How it Works.

Parents will also find that for our young Harry Potter fans, just walking around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be an incredible thrill, making the series come to life! However, if you’re looking for an upgraded experience throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Harry Potter interactive wand. The magic continues as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expands with the Ministry of Magic included within Epic Universe, which of course opens in May 2025. If you’re looking to take the magic a step further, we can not recommend interactive Harry Potter Wands enough!

This is where early park admission really saves the day! As Harry Potter fans, this will allow you to hop onto the “queue” for Ollivanders Wand Shop at Universal Studios Florida, having a chance to purchase an interactive wand before regular guests even enter the park. And trust us, you won’t want to miss the show as “the wand chooses the wizard” for one special guest!

So as Mike mentioned as a “Theme Park Expert” on The Today Show on NBC, always take advantage of EARLY PARK ADMISSION whenever possible! Be sure to check out our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

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 as listed below. 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 will need a park-to-park ticket if you are trying to visit all of them on the same day.

UPDATE: Epic Universe Kid-Friendly Rides added below. Please take note that when Epic Universe opens in May 2025, the park to park ticket option will not allow guests to visit Epic Universe the same day as other parks. Universal Orlando is now allowing single day tickets for this reason.

Universal Orlando Kid-Friendly Rides without Height Requirements:

• Hogwarts Express – King’s Cross Station – Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – Universal Studios Florida
• Caro-Seuss-El – Islands of Adventure
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – Islands of Adventure
• Storm Force Accelatron – Islands of Adventure
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – Universal Studios Florida
• Constellation Carousel – EPIC UNIVERSE
• Fyre Drill – EPIC UNIVERSE

Universal Orlando kid-friendly rides with height requirements:

• E.T Adventure – 34″
• Yoshi’s Adventure – 34″ – EPIC UNIVERSE
• Cat in the Hat – 36″
• Flight of the Hippogriff – 36″
• Trolls Trollercoaster – 36″
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – 40″
• The Simpsons Ride – 40″
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D – 40″
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – 40 inches
• The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man – 40 inches
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – 40” – EPIC UNIVERSE
• Mine-Cart Madness – 40” – EPIC UNIVERSE
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – 40” – EPIC UNIVERSE
• Hiccup Wind Gliders – 40” – EPIC UNIVERSE

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

What families can look forward to at Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe, opening May 2025

Universal Orlando Resort is already packed with incredible attractions for families, and with the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, it’s about to become even more magical for kids! This brand-new park will introduce immersive themed lands, exciting rides, live entertainment, and beloved characters designed to delight young visitors. Here’s everything parents need to know about what Epic Universe will bring for children. Epic Universe will be divided into several unique worlds, each offering something special for families. While the entire park will have attractions for all ages, some lands will be especially engaging for younger children so let the party begin!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Most exciting for us is the extension of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to include the Ministry of Magic opening at Epic Universe. The magic continues with scenes from Fantastic Beast’s 1920’s Paris and Harry Potter’s 1990’s United Kingdom. Included are new interactive wand experiences, which as always are an exciting way for younger children to feel like they are a part of the magic! Families can also look forward to a new live show at Le Cirque Arcanus, which includes live performers and puppet shows. In addition to all the rides that can be found throughout the new park, there will also be a new ride for Harry Potter fans – Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, with a height requirement of 40 inches, catering to kids 6-years and older. Fun for younger children will also include seeing many of the magical creatures from Newt Scamander’s suitcase throughout. Also great for families, the Ministry of Magic will include two new quick dining experiences and a snack bar.

Celestial Park

At the center of Epic Universe, Celestial Park will be a visually stunning land filled with family-friendly attractions: including the wet interactive play area – Astronomica, be sure to check it out at night when the party comes to life with colors and music! As well as Constellation Carousel with no height requirement. While an additional ride, Stardust Racers has a height requirement of 48″, which does not cater to young riders but is mentioned because it does allow Child Swap for parents.

Isle of Berk

Fans of DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon will love exploring Isle of Berk, where Viking adventures and dragon encounters come to life! This much anticipated, kid-friendly world, promises an additional interactive play area, Viking Training Camp. Watch out for the animated dragons! As well as the target, water ride with no height requirement, Fyre Drill. Also a thrill ride within the Isle of Berk also geared for children with a height requirement of 40″ – Hiccup Wind Gliders. Don’t forget about meet and greets with new friends Hiccup, Astrid, and Toothless in this exciting world!

Super Nintendo World

For kids who love video games, Super Nintendo World will be a dream come true. Families will step into the colorful, interactive world of Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, featuring meet and greet’s with our favorite Nintendo characters, as well as many kid-friendly rides: starting with the most kid friendly – Yoshi’s Adventure with a height requirement of 34,” Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a 4D motion simulation ride with a height requirement of 40″, and Mine-Cart Madness, a thrill ride with a height requirement of 40.” A fun feature of Super Nintendo World is the use of Interactive Power-Up Bands. These allow young guests to play mini-games and collect digital keys throughout the land. This is a great way to keep kids engaged with the land and keep the fun going while making your way through the park.

What are the Best Characters at Universal Orlando Resorts for Kids?

Universal Orlando Resorts offer a wide array of character meet-and-greet opportunities that are particularly enjoyable for little kids. These Universal character meet-and-greets can be found throughout the new Isle of Berk at Epic Universe, 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 that 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: the Marvel Character Dinner at Cafe 4 in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and a Grinch & Friends character breakfast, which you can only experience during the holiday season.

Epic Universe Characters for kids

• How to Train Your Dragon: Hiccup and Toothless, Astrid and some of your favorite dragons.
• Super Nintendo World: Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong.

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 Orlando Shows for Kids

There are 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 DreamWorks characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. This spectacle combines live actors, animated Dreamworks 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, especially our Harry Potter fans!
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, also making it a must-see for our Harry Potter fans.
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

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 in 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.

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.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Get the Butterbeer! – It’s a non-alcoholic treat that everyone can enjoy!
• Upgrade to an interactive wand
• Go in for 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? We still feel 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 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!