Not only is Universal Studios Hollywood one of the oldest and most famous working film studios in Los Angeles, it combines movie-making magic with thrilling rides and attractions. So, no doubt, you’ll want to see and do it all while you’re here! But with all the fun and excitement, a day at the theme park can wear you out. As a parent, I know this is especially true for littles, the elderly or those of us prone to overstimulation.
Taking breaks on a full theme park day can help you and your crew make the most out of your visit. Resting is also essential in reducing stress and picking up your mood so you can regroup and decompress. This way, you can really take advantage of your time and truly have a more enjoyable day. Here’s a list of my favorite places to take a little break throughout Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood.
Upper Lot
Family Center near WaterWorld
This one is a must-know for any family visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. Here, you can find all-gender restrooms in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and a lovely seating area where you and the little ones can relax. The Family Center near WaterWorld also includes a quiet room for nursing, as well as microwaves for heating any food for special dietary needs. You can also find a vending machine here stocked with some basic first aid needs like over-the-counter medicines including antihistamines. This is especially handy for us allergy moms!
The outdoor dining area behind Three Broomsticks
Besides the delicious eats at Three Broomsticks, this dining location has a wonderfully quiet and roomy outdoor eating area. This corner of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the perfect location to catch your breath and have a little snack, or to let the baby nap in the cool shade.
Bonus! This outdoor seating area is near a water fountain, restroom, the ATM, and even a service dog rest area. The walkway behind Three Broomsticks is nestled away, so it’s quieter and makes it perfect for a little one in need of a stroller break or a place stretch their legs.
French Street Alcove
Tucked behind Mel’s Diner you’ll find a Paris-inspired courtyard, equipped with cozy bistro lighting and a calming water feature. It is a perfect place to take a break at Universal Studios Hollywood. This almost-fully enclosed area is lined with covered tables and chairs, is off the beaten path and is a great spot to sit and enjoy a meal or snack. It’s located near many different dining options including Mel’s Diner and The French Street Bistro. During Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) this area is transformed into a haunted house, but when open it’s a perfect spot to rest!
Near Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
To the left of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, you will find the lovely houses of Illumination’s Minion Land. Although you can’t enter them, the Minion homes offer shady lawns for littles to sit and rest or maybe have a little snack. This is another perfectly quiet spot for the little ones to take a break from the stroller and stretch their legs.
Lower Lot
Patio above Jurassic Cafe
This is another little-known quiet spot, although it may be in use during certain events like Halloween Horror Nights. If it’s not, you can take the elevator or the stairs to the left of the Jurassic Cafe entrance, where you will find a quiet patio that overlooks the action below.
DinoPlay
In case you didn’t know, there is a dinosaur-themed playground tucked behind the Jurassic Cafe and the Jurassic World – The Ride queue where kids can enjoy a little free play before hitting the next ride. My kids enjoy climbing over and through the fossils while I sit and plan our next ride. The entrance to DinoPlay is just to the right of the queue to Jurassic World – The Ride.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Restaurant Patios
City Walk offers many dining options where you can tuck into a nice restaurant and enjoy a quiet moment and a nice meal or beverage. There is a variety of dining options for every palate and wallet. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Starbucks and NBC Sports Grill & Brew all have lovely patios where littles can get their wiggles out.
CityFood
This is a food court with a variety of quick service restaurants. I love sitting there to admire the various neon signs that line the Universal CityWalk Hollywood corridor. My favorite is the popcorn one — see if you can spot it!
Family Restroom on Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Across from Dodgers Clubhouse you can find nicely appointed a Family Restroom where you find, in addition to the typical restroom facilities, benches to sit on, a vending machine for some basic needs and over-the-counter meds. Bonus: You can find a FuelRod charger kiosk here, so even your phone can take a rest!
Don’t forget that Universal Studios Hollywood offers accessibility accommodations throughout the resort for guests with disabilities. You can find all of that information here.
Wherever your day takes you, I hope that these tips can help you get the most out of it. Taking short breaks — even for just 10 minutes — can refresh your body and mind. Have fun exploring the entertainment capital of Los Angeles, but don’t forget to take a break along the way!
Where’s your favorite place to take a break during your jam-packed theme park day? Let us know in the comments below.