The Ultimate Guide to the Best Universal Studios Orlando Rides for Kids

Planning to check out Universal Orlando Resort for your next big family vacation? Check out our ultimate guide to child-friendly attractions at Universal below!

Best Universal Orlando Attractions for Young Children

Attractions for Young Children at Universal Studios Florida

E.T. Adventure

A personal favorite here at Tickets2You, E.T. Adventure is the last original ride standing at Universal Studios Florida. Based on the hit film from the eighties, this attraction takes you on a journey to E.T.’s home – the Green Planet – where you will encounter his friends and help to save his dying planet.

The ride vehicle for this attraction is styled like a bike, similar to the bikes Elliot and his friends use in the film. There are four rows, with four seats in each row. Children must be able to sit still, with their legs on either side of the bar that comes down over their laps. No lap sitting is allowed. This attraction is well-suited for smaller Guests who are at least 34 inches tall and don’t mind the dark or heights.

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

The newest attraction to be added to the Universal Studios line-up, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is an attraction where Guests act as the ride vehicle. As long as a child can stand on their own, they are able to enjoy this attraction. Guests are provided with a “E-Liminator X-Blaster” and stand on a moving walkway that transports them from scene to scene where they will face off against other popular villains from the Despicable Me franchise.

Note: Guests have mentioned the arcade-style blaster is on the heavier side. We recommend this attraction for children; toddlers can enjoy the experience if they’re able to stand on their own but might have trouble holding up the toy blaster.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Become a minion yourself when you join Gru and his daughters on a trip through his supervillain laboratory. This attraction is a 4-D motion simulator. The ride vehicle itself stays within a stationary position, which makes this a suitable attraction for younger Guests who are able to sit within the seats on their own. Guests must be at least 40 inches tall to experience this attraction. After the ride, Guests can even enjoy a minion-inspired dance party, a good place for younger kids to shake off all that excess energy.

Kang & Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl

Located outside, across from the Simpsons Ride, Kang & Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl is a slow moving, spinning, attraction that has no minimum height requirement. Guests under 48 inches will require a supervising companion who is 18 or older.

Note: This attraction and it’s queue are located entirely outdoors. If the wait time is too high for your little ones to wait in the sun, we advise you to come back later in the day.

The Simpson’s Ride

Visit Springfield in this motion simulator attraction. Similar to Minion Mayhem, the ride vehicle itself remains in a stationary position, only shaking and rocking to simulate movement. Guests 40 inches and higher are able to enjoy this attraction.

Transformers: The Ride-3D

Autobots, roll out! Join Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and the other autobots on a mission to defeat Megatron and his evil brood of decepticons. This is a motion simulator ride that, unlike Minion Mayhem and The Simpsons, does move along a track. Smaller guests who struggle with motion sickness may not enjoy this ride, but all other Guests 40 inches or taller are able to ride.

Attractions for Young Children at Universal Islands of Adventure

The Cat in the Hat

Step into the pages of Dr. Seuss on this zany, slow-moving ride through the story of the Cat in the Hat. No screens here, this ride is composed entirely of physical sets and animatronic figures. If you’re looking to take a break from screens and motion simulators, hoping on this ride with your little one would be the perfect move. Wait times for this attraction average on the lower end, anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes, though it may spike during peak seasons, which makes this the ideal location to enjoy Universal with your kiddo and get some much needed AC at the indoor queue.  

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

Get a great view of Seuss Landing aboard this slow-moving trolley that travels above the land. There are two tracks to choose from, one that will entertain Guests with the story of the Sneetches, a popular Dr. Seuss creature, and another that takes you through the ABC’s of your favorite Seuss stories. Guests with a fear of heights might want to sit this one out, but if you’ve got a brave young one who is 36 inches or taller, this might be the attraction for them.  

Pteranodon Flyers

Become the envy of every local without a kid 56 inches or smaller on this high flying attraction that soars over the Camp Jurassic play area. This attraction is built for smaller Guests specifically, though a supervising companion is allowed for those under 48 inches. As long as your kiddo is between 36 and 56 inches, and isn’t scared of heights, they will be able to get the best view of the Jurassic Park area.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Similar to Kang & Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, this slow-moving, spinning, attraction has no height requirement. A supervising companion is required for Guests 48 inches and under, and the queue and attraction are located entirely outdoors. If you’re looking to cool down after waiting in line, be sure to listen to the song that plays while on the attraction, this will either help you to avoid getting soaked or provide a much needed relief from the sun.

Caro-Seuss-El

A classic merry-go-round attraction set at the heart of Seuss Landing. There is no height requirement for this attraction, but Guests 48 inches and under will need a supervising companion.

Flight of the Hippogriff

Looking to take your child on their first rollercoaster? Flight of the Hippogriff just might be the one! Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Guests will journey through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch on this family-friendly coaster where the minimum height is only 36 inches.

Bonus Universal Orlando Attractions for Kids

Camp Jurassic

Looking for a play area for your kiddo to burn off some excess energy? Camp Jurassic located in the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure is one of the better kept secrets of the park. Often overlooked by Guests rushing from one thrill ride to the next, Camp Jurassic boasts open space, shade, and an immersive playground for kids to explore and enjoy.

Note: Be sure to keep an eye out for the entrance to the caves, this is one of our favorite spots to escape the Florida sun and feel like we’ve truly stepped into the world of Jurassic Park.

Hogwarts Express

While not technically a standard “attraction,” the Hogwarts Express is an immersive experience all on its own and there is no height requirement required to experience it. This train is located at both Wizarding Worlds in Universal Studios and Island of Adventure and acts as a park-to-park mode of transportation. A ticket with admission to both parks is required to board the train.

Attractions for Young Children at Volcano Bay

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a good age for kids at Universal Studios?

While there are some experiences that the smallest Guest would be able to enjoy, Universal as a whole is geared toward an older crowd. Because of this, children 5 and older may have a better experience at the park, as they will be able to go on most of the child-friendly rides and have a better overall experience.

Can I bring my own stroller to Universal?

Yes, you can bring your own stroller into Universal Orlando Resort. Double strollers are also available for rent at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. We would recommend renting if you are able to, as if saves the hassle of having to travel with your own personal stroller.

Are two year old's free at Universal Studios?

Yes, all Guests two and under are provided with free entry into the park, no ticket required.

Which Universal park is more kid friendly?

Currently, Universal Islands of Adventure is the more kid-friendly of the parks at Universal Orlando Florida. With Seuss Landing, the play area in Jurassic Park, and more shaded spaces for kids to cool down in, it's the park that would be the clear choice for us at this time. This may change when DreamWorks Land opens at Universal Studios Florida. Located next to E.T. Adventure, this land will feature popular DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Poppy from Trolls and Po from Kung Fu Panda.