Trolls, Shrek and more coming to family-friendly Universal Kids Resort opening in Texas in 2026
Editor's Note
Universal theme parks around the world are in a period of unprecedented growth. The second Super Nintendo World — which is the first in the U.S. — just celebrated its second birthday at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. In Florida, Universal Orlando is only a few months away from opening Universal Epic Universe, an entirely new theme park that's scheduled to open May 22. You'd think Universal would have its hands full already, but you'd be wrong.
In a first for the brand, Universal Destinations & Experiences is also building a family-friendly theme park in Frisco, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The park will be designed for children ages 3 to 9 and their families and will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive shows, fun food-and-beverage outlets and character meet-and-greets. Universal also has plans for a themed, 300-room hotel at the park's entrance.
On Feb. 1, Universal revealed the themed lands coming to the new park when it opens next year.
According to a press release, Universal Kids Resort will feature themed lands based on popular characters like DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek," "Puss in Boots," "Trolls" and "Gabby's Dollhouse," as well as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Illumination's "Minions" and the "Jurassic World" franchise.
"It's an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together," Sarah Gibson, vice president and executive producer of Universal Creative, said in a press release. "At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They'll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories — ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy."
Kids can visit a playground themed after Shrek's swamp; earn their boating license with SpongeBob SquarePants; face off with the evil Purple Minions in an action-packed, water-soaked battle; come face-to-face with dinosaurs; play carnival games with Puss in Boots; and so much more. The park's central hub will also feature several shady lawns (a theme park must) and interactive play areas.
"At Universal Kids Resort, children will have the opportunity to play, sing, dance and discover with some of their favorite characters," Dan Cuffe, vice president and general manager of Universal Kids Resort, said in a press release. "Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicit wonder with a lush, colorful environment."
Universal acquired just under 100 acres of land to build Universal Kids Resort, meaning this family-friendly resort will have a much smaller footprint than Universal's resorts in Florida and California. In comparison, Universal Orlando covers more than 1,000 acres in Central Florida, including Epic Universe.
The park's smaller size adds to its family-friendly nature. Families with young children often can't (or don't want to) do morning-to-night, weeklong theme park vacations. At Universal Kids Resort, they can spend time at the park and then head back to the hotel for a nap and a swim. If they don't see or do it all, they can walk right next door to visit again the next day. Alternatively, a park like this can be a one-day stop on a multiday vacation to the Dallas area.
Related: 8 quirky US theme parks you have to see to believe
Universal's focus on attracting families with younger kids to this new Texas park gives preference to a demographic that can sometimes feel excluded from the epic coasters and thrill rides that dominate at Universal's other parks. Also, building in Texas means that geographically, this park sits squarely between its Florida and California park juggernauts, making it easily accessible for much of the country.
Universal's movie-based resorts are already superstars in the theme park world. Along with projects like the year-round horror attraction coming to Las Vegas and the soon-to-open Epic Universe, this development continues Universal's trend of making big, bold moves to increase brand loyalty and boost park attendance by introducing fans to the brand in new ways.
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