Universal Studios may be known for its thrill rides like VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, but ALL of Universal’s theme parks have something for everyone.  Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and the new Epic Universe opening in May 2025 offer family-friendly fun for even the youngest of visitors. Contact a Kingdom and Cruise Travel Universal theme parks specialist so we can create the perfect itinerary for your trip.  Read through the blog post to see what’s on offer at each park for toddlers – from rides and shows to characters and dining!

What Can Toddlers do at Universal Theme Parks in Florida?

1. Universal Studios Florida

E.T. Adventure E.T. Adventure is a slow, nostalgic flying bike ride through a magical world.  If your little one is 34 tall – they can ride!

Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl A gentle, spinning alien ride where kids control the height of their spaceship located in the Simpons area. (no height requirement)

Hollywood Character Zone – A great spot to meet favorite characters like Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Scooby-Doo.

Minion Land on Illumination Ave. 

1. • Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – While this is a game-based attraction, toddlers can enjoy the storyline and bright visuals from stationary ride vehicles.  No minimum height requirement!
   • Meet & Greet with Minions and Despicable Me characters. After the ride, your little one may be able to meet the banana-loving characters!
   • Minion Café – Check out this fun, family-friendly restaurant with kid-approved food.

DreamWorks Land

8. • Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp a play area where kids can strike a gong, get soaked by pandas as you help them wash and dry their laundry and twirl on Mr. Ping’s spinning noodle bowls.
   • DreamWorks character zone – You favorite DreamWorks characters are hanging around for meet and greets! Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, Shrek, Fiona and Donkey, King Julien, Poppy from Trolls and more!
   • DreamWorks Imagination Celebration – an incredible new live show, featuring characters from Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. This spectacle combines live actors, animated characters, and dancers.
   • Trollercoaster – Hop onto the caterpillar Caterbus on this family-friendly coaster. You’ll join Poppy, Tiny and the twins Satin and Chenille as you try to make an escape from spooky spiders. Height requirement is 36 inches.
   • 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!
   • Poppy’s Playground – Your tiniest Trolls will have a blast bouncing around and swinging on tiny mushroom swings in the midst of Trolls flowers.
   • Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres – Your little ogres can climb and slide through Shrek’s playground, as Pinocchio spouts hilarious white lies. Plus, they can splish, splash and spray people with water in a swampy play area.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

While toddlers may be too young for the rides, they’ll love exploring the magical shops, watching the fire-breathing dragon, and playing with interactive wands. Take a Ride on the Hogwarts Express – A scenic, family-friendly train ride between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

2. Islands of Adventure

Seuss Landing 

• Caro-Seuss-el – A fun, whimsical carousel with Dr. Seuss characters.
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – A gentle flying ride where you control the fish’s movement (watch out for water squirts!).
• The Cat in the Hat – A slow-moving ride retelling the classic Dr. Seuss story (minimum height 36 inches).
• If I Ran the Zoo – A play area with interactive elements, climbing areas, and splash zones.
• Character Zone – Meet Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Cat in the Hat and more!

Jurassic Park

• Camp Jurassic – A large play area with caves, bridges, slides, and dinosaur-themed fun.
• Jurrasic Park Discovery Center – An activity zone for all ages where you can test your DNA, play You Bet Jurassic and marvel at towering T. rex fossils. You can even examine dinosaur eggs in the nursery where baby Velociraptors are ready to hatch
• Pteranodon Flyers (for kids 36-56 inches, must be accompanied by an adult) – A gentle, suspended ride giving kids a bird’s-eye view of the park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

• Explore the magical shops and scenery.
• Frog Choir & Triwizard Spirit Rally – Live entertainment with singing frogs and Hogwarts students.
• Hogwarts Express (if you have a Park-to-Park ticket) – A scenic train ride connecting to Universal Studios.

Toon Lagoon

• Me Ship, The Olive – A Popeye-themed multi-level play area with slides, water sprayers, and interactive fun.

Marvel Super Hero Island

Storm Force Acceleration – A spinning thrill ride with no minimum height requirment. Board Professor Xavier’s power generator and spin as fast as you can. The faster you go, the more thunder and lightning you’ll create. The fate of the planet is literally in your hands.

Meet Super Heroes – Meet your favorite super heroes like Captain America, Spider Man, Wolverine and more!

3. Epic Universe

Epic Universe is opening on May 22, 2025.  Kingdom and Cruise Travel is ready to help you integrate this new park into your Universal Orlando vacation plans!  This new park will feature several areas for kids of all ages to experience and enjoy.

Celestial Park

• Constellation Carousel: A unique carousel featuring animals inspired by constellations that glide forward, backward, and even make 360-degree rotations. There is no minimum height requirement, but children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Hand-held infants are not allowed.

• Astronomica: An interactive water play area that also serves as a giant compass rose, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

• Viking Training Camp: An interactive play area where young Vikings can climb, slide, and explore multiple towers, a fun agility course, Viking drums and chimes, an interactive sheep launcher game, plus slides and activities for the youngest Vikings.

• The Untrainable Dragon Experience the wonder of dragons onstage and soaring overhead in this spectacular, music-filled, heart-warming live show.

• Fyre Drill: A boat ride where guests board colorful dragon-headed boats and use water cannons to practice putting out fires. There is no height requirement, but children under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult. Hand-held infants are not permitted.

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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

• Yoshi’s Adventure: A family-friendly ride where guests embark on a journey with Yoshi to search for Captain Toad and find three mysterious eggs. The minimum height requirement is 34 inches, and children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
• Meet Mario, Luigi and more!
• Toadstool Cafe

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

• Interactive Wand Experiences: Young children can participate in spell-casting activities at designated spots, bringing magical elements to life.

• Themed Shops and Displays: Exploring the intricately designed spaces can be a visual treat for toddlers, even if they don’t participate in the more intense attractions.

 Kingdom and Cruise Travel Universal experts are here to help you plan for a Universal Studios Florida vacation for your family with children of all ages.  We offer tips and tricks to save you time, tell you how to navigate the parks with toddlers and their gear, and share what rides and experiences will be most meaningful for them.  Planning ahead will ensure a fun and safe experience for your little ones.  Reach out for your Universal quote and vacation planning today!

• By Kingdom and Cruise Travel Advisor, Alli Matthews