My husband and I recently took our two-year-old and five-year-old to Universal Studios Hollywood for the first time, and it was an experience we’ll never forget! Having visited together for a few date nights in the past, we weren’t sure how the park would measure up for our little ones. But seeing their faces light up at every corner proved that Universal Studios Hollywood is truly a destination for all ages. Here’s a guide based on our visit to help you plan a fun-filled day with your little ones, complete with tips, kid-friendly spots, and insights from our family’s adventure.
Start Your Adventure at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
We began our day bright and early at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a dreamland for fans of all ages. The vibrant colors, familiar music, and interactive elements were enough to mesmerize both of our kids. To get the most out of your visit, consider purchasing a Power-Up Band (available at retail locations throughout the theme park and CityWalk) and linking it to the app. This accessory transforms your experience, allowing you to collect virtual coins, keys, and engage with interactive activities throughout the land.
To get the whole scoop on Power-Up Bands, check out Discover Universal’s complete guide right here.
Despite our five-year-old’s usual aversion to long walks, the excitement riding the massive escalators down to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD kept her distracted—and ecstatic! Parents, take advantage of that early excitement to tackle longer walks before the inevitable “carry me!” requests begin.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge was our first stop. My husband used the Child Switch service to enjoy the ride with my daughter first, while my two-year-old and I explored the interactive Key Challenges, and took pictures with Toad, Mario and Luigi. My son and I loved Goomba Crazy Crank and Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, but we saved Piranha Plant Nap Mishap for last — it’s the perfect family challenge. My toddler was convinced he was Mario as he scrambled to “turn off” the clocks.
If you have a Power-Up Band, completing a Key Challenge earns you a digital key. Once you have three keys, you can play Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. There is no specific height requirement, but the recommended age for this interactive activity is five years old. While younger kids might struggle with the jumping and arm-waving required, it’s an engaging and active experience for older ones.
Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD has a dedicated kids menu (for those that are 9 and under) which includes the Mario Mini Burger Adventure Set with a cheeseburger, truffle French fries, corn on the cob, broccoli and a coin cookie. The Power-Up Spaghetti Marinara, is a vegetarian kids meal with spaghetti and marinara sauce, Power-Up parmesan crisps, a Toadstool cheesy garlic knot and a coin cookie. Just remember: Toadstool Cafe is a popular destination, so make sure you make your reservation right when you get to the park in the morning! Head down to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and scan the QR code sign just outside the land to book your time to dine.
Want to spend more time in the Mushroom Kingdom with the whole family? Check out Discover Universal’s family-friendly guide to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Swing by DinoPlay: A Parents Rest Stop
After SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, we headed to the DinoPlay area near Jurassic World, which was a great rest-stop…for parents. While the kids climbed and explored, we sat back and enjoyed a Pryoraptor Refresher (a delicious passionfruit and dragon fruit lemonade with mango popping boba). This area is perfect for kids to burn off energy and work up an appetite.
Lunch at Jurassic Cafe, located next to the play area, is a convenient option with hearty meals for the whole family. If your kids are still too excited to eat, you can save lunch for Minion Cafe in Minion Land.
Get Silly at Illumination’s Minion Land
Minion Land was a highlight for our little ones. The bright yellow Minion Cafe lured them in with its fun design. There isn’t a dedicated kids menu at the Minion Cafe, but the whole menu is designed to appeal to kids of all ages, with dishes including fried chicken tenders served with corn on the cob and crinkle cut fries. A vegetarian option would be the Classic Grilled Cheese made with sharp cheddar and Mexican blended cheese, served with Tomato Soup, crinkle cut fries and a marinara sauce dip. The dessert options at Illumination’s Minion Cafe are incredibly hard to resist, especially the Minion Cookie and the Unicorn Cupcake. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, this cafe is a great spot to refuel before diving into Super Silly Fun Land.
Super Silly Fun Land is a paradise for kids, featuring carnival games, a water-play zone (perfect for hot days), and the Silly Swirly Ride. My husband and I were just as excited as our kids, especially when we saw Despicable Me themed carnival games. Parents, this is your opportunity to win a stuffed unicorn and yell, “IT’S SO FLUFFY!” with no judgment.
The water play area and the Silly Swirly Ride were under refurbishment during our visit, so my daughter and I went straight to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Luckily, the playground was open and it is the perfect place to wait with little ones. After riding Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, have fun shopping at Super Silly Stuff for all things Despicable Me.
Want to learn everything there is to know about Minion Land? Read Discover Universal’s guide to this kid-friendly area of the theme park right here.
Don’t Miss Illumination’s Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
One of the most immersive rides for kids is Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, with a minimum height requirement of 34 inches. If the ride is busy, you can join the virtual line using the Universal Studios Hollywood app—a feature we found convenient and easy to use. While you wait in the virtual line, take pictures with Gru and the Minions, grab a quick snack or let your kids ring all the doorbells next to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. My kids enjoyed the interactive houses until it was our time to stand in the real line. Our kids adored the queue experience, where they peeked into the homes of their favorite pets from the film.
Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash is a slow ride that takes guests into the bustling streets of New York City, where they “become” stray puppies searching for their forever homes. There are parts of the ride that are dimly-lit, but the vibrant animatronics, and playful interactions are perfect for little ones. My two-year-old and five-year-old were completely captivated by the ride, as they spotted familiar characters like Max and Gidget. This ride kept my kids entertained from start to finish, and the ride’s gentle pace was perfect for my toddler. For families with young kids, this ride is an absolute must!
Take a Magical Stop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Even though my two-year-old son was napping during our time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, my five-year-old daughter and I still made the most of the experience—and it turned out to be one of her favorite parts of the day.
While the rides in this area, like Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, have their own sets of thrills for a slightly more mature family, there’s still plenty of magic for little ones to enjoy. Although it is a family-friendly coaster, my daughter wasn’t quite ready to brave Hippogriff, but she loved exploring the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade, marveling at the castle, and trying out casting spells with my interactive wand at the wand magic locations. Watching her excitement as she magically made objects move was a special moment this Harry Potter-loving mama will never forget.
For parents with young kids, the Harry Potter section is more about soaking in the atmosphere and having interactive fun rather than tackling the bigger attractions. If you have a wand, definitely bring it along—or treat your little wizard or witch to one from Ollivanders!
Learn everything you need to know about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood with the Discover Universal guide.
Universal Studios Family Center and Other Services
Universal Studios Family Center is located near the entrance. This space is a lifesaver for parents, offering nursing rooms, baby-changing stations, and quiet areas to take a break from the excitement. Other helpful services include stroller rentals near the entrance and the Child Switch program, which ensures parents can still enjoy the rides while taking turns with younger kids. Teaching your kids where to go if they get separated is also a good idea, as staff are well-trained to assist in these situations.
Take a Stroll Through CityWalk
After your time in the park, Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a perfect spot to wind down and explore with the family. It’s packed with dining, shopping, and entertainment options, many of which are kid-friendly. The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe was a big hit with my kids, who loved the supercute themed treats and colorful decor. Just next door, the Sanrio Smile Shop is a must-visit for fans of Hello Kitty and her friends, offering plenty of fun merchandise to take home.
For unique souvenirs, Cartooniversal Toy Shop is another great option, filled with toys and keepsakes featuring popular Universal characters. And don’t miss the dancing water fountain across from NBC Sports Grill & Brew. It’s a perfect spot for kids to splash around and burn off a little extra energy while parents take a break. CityWalk is a family-friendly addition to your Universal Studios Hollywood adventure, and a great way to end (or start) your day with a smile.
Pro Tips for Families
- Pack Smart: Bring a lightweight stroller, a portable charger, extra clothes, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, snacks, and refillable water bottles. If you plan to play in the water areas, don’t forget towels, swim diapers, bathing suits and water shoes.
- Stay Sanitary: Keep wet wipes and hand sanitizer on hand for messy hands after interactive elements.
- Leverage the App: The Universal Studios Hollywood App helps with wait times, virtual lines, and finding nearby amenities.
- Take Breaks: Don’t feel pressured to tackle everything in one day. Plan rest stops to recharge.
- Universal Express ticket: While we managed without one, the Universal Express ticket can significantly reduce wait times and stress, especially with little ones.
Our first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood as a family was full of unforgettable moments. With careful planning and an open mind, Universal Studios Hollywood proved to be a great destination for our little ones. With so many interactive rides and elements, character meet-and-greets and delicious bites, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. So pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready to make magical memories at Universal Studios Hollywood with your little ones!
What are you most looking forward to experiencing with your family at Universal Studios Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.
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