Kid-Friendly Fun at Universal Orlando: Our Favorite Spots for Little Adventurers

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando with young kids? It’s not just for thrill-seeking teens and Harry Potter fans—there’s actually a ton of magic waiting for younger ones, too. From dancing with Trolls to exploring dino caves and riding with Dr. Seuss, Universal has some seriously awesome areas for families with little ones. Here are three of our favorites: DreamWorks Land, Camp Jurassic, and Seuss Landing.

1. DreamWorks Land – Colorful, Silly, and Full of Fun

This is the newest kid-focused area at Universal Studios Florida, and it’s a hit with families. DreamWorks Land is like stepping into a Saturday morning cartoon—but better, because you’re in it!

Shrek’s Swamp is a big win for preschoolers and up. There’s a giant treehouse-style play area with splash zones (bring a change of clothes if your kid’s a magnet for water!) and character meet-and-greets with Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. It’s interactive, it’s silly, and it’s shady—three wins in my book.

Trolls Village is bright and cheerful, just like the movies. The Trollercoaster is a super fun, gentle coaster that’s perfect for first-time riders. My favorite part? The music! Everything about this area screams joy.

And over in Panda Village, kids can try their moves at Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp. It’s basically a big play area, but themed to feel like you’re training with Po himself. It’s great for getting the wiggles out and letting imaginations run wild.

2. Camp Jurassic – A Dino-Sized Playground

Over at Islands of Adventure, Camp Jurassic is one of those hidden gems people often walk past. But if you have kids (especially kids who love dinosaurs), stop. Go in. Stay a while.

This place is a multi-level, climb-everything, crawl-through-tunnels-and-caves kind of adventure. Think rope bridges, echo caves, splash zones, and lots of areas to explore. It feels more like a playground than a theme park attraction, which makes it perfect for a mid-day break when kids just need to move.

Right next to it is the Pteranodon Flyers—a gentle, suspended coaster that gives you a birds-eye view of the Jurassic area. Heads up: Adults can only ride if you’re with a child, and it usually has a longer wait. But for kids tall enough, it’s a unique, breezy little thrill.

3. Seuss Landing – Whimsy and Wonder for Little Readers

If you’ve got little ones and you’re only hitting one area at Islands of Adventure, make it Seuss Landing. It’s bright, colorful, and completely stroller-friendly.

The Cat in the Hat ride is a slow-moving dark ride through the classic book, full of spinning, silly scenes (with zero scare factor). There’s also the Caro-Seuss-el, which lets kids ride on wild Seussian creatures that they can control. Yes, control. My daughter could ride this on repeat.

Then there’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish—a spinner ride with a splashy twist. You move up and down to avoid getting squirted with water (and spoiler: you might get a little wet anyway). Super fun.

And don’t miss The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride—a gentle ride above the land with sweet views and storytelling. It’s a great way to wind down or take a break without actually taking a break.

For more hands-on fun, check out If I Ran the Zoo, an interactive play area tucked in the back of Seuss Landing. It’s full of silly creatures, levers, and splash zones—perfect for curious toddlers and preschoolers.


Tips for a Smooth Day with Littles

  • Arrive early – Crowds are smaller, and kids are usually at their best in the morning.
  • Bring a change of clothes – Between splash pads and surprise Florida downpours, you’ll probably need it.
  • Use Child Swap – If you have older and younger kids, Universal’s Rider Swap lets parents take turns riding while someone waits with the little one.
  • Watch showtimes – Some areas (especially DreamWorks) have character dance parties or meet-and-greets that kids won’t want to miss.

Bottom line: Universal Orlando isn’t just for big kids. Whether your little one is obsessed with dinosaurs, dancing, or Dr. Seuss, there’s plenty of magic to go around. And seeing it all through their eyes? That’s the real adventure.

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