Universal Studios is usually associated with movie sets, props, backlots, and studio tours. Many people have the perception that Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are geared towards tweens, teens, and adults. However, my family and I discovered that both parks are fun for the whole family, including toddlers, and shouldn’t be crossed off your list for family travel. Indeed, you and your children, regardless of age, will have a blast. Here are the best things to do with toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando Florida!
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Best Things to Do With Toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando Florida
- Have Fun in Camp Jurassic
- Spend a Day in the Park with Barney
- Monkey Around in Curious George Goes to Town
- All Aboard the Hogwarts Express
- Participate in Character Meet and Greets
- Ride Silly Rides in Seuss Landing
- Universal Studios Parade: Universal’s Superstar Parade
I recently wrote about the benefits to staying on property while visiting the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, as well as whether or not the VIP experience at Universal Studios Orlando Florida is worth it. The biggest question, though, is whether the whole family, including toddlers and young children as a whole, will enjoy Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
My family attended a retreat at Universal Studios, and as a result, received park admission at a discounted rate. My family and I have attended theme parks like Disneyland, Disney World, and LEGOLAND California without hesitation. However, because my son is so young, we weren’t sure he was ready for Universal Studios. But while Universal Studios is known for the newer Harry Potter attractions, movie tours, and roller coasters like the Hulk, we quickly discovered that both parks are fun for the whole family, including toddlers and younger children in general. Here are the best things to do with toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando Florida!
1. Have Fun in Camp Jurassic
One of the best things to do with toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando Florida is to let them play in Camp Jurassic. Camp Jurassic is located inside Islands of Adventure and my son could easily spend his entire day in this area. He was disappointed when I told him it was time to move on to another attraction. From slides and rope bridges, it’s a child’s dream playground. Plus, it’s dinosaur themed!
For adventurous kids, there’s also a ride in Camp Jurassic called Pteranodon Flyers. Kids must be at least 36 inches or taller to ride.
2. Spend a Day in the Park with Barney
We like Barney, and we were impressed with this live performance located in Universal Studios Florida. Parents can sit on benches, while children sit on the floor. Barney and his friends, like Baby Bop, make appearances and sing songs from the TV show. My son, along with other children, stood up several times throughout the show and danced along with the music. And Barney was available for pictures after the show! There’s also a fun play area outside of the theater.
3. Monkey Around in Curious George Goes to Town
This is a Curious George themed play area in Universal Studios Florida. Children love it, but be prepared to get soaked. Word to the wise, don’t take your camera in this area. It may get soaked, and may never recover. I may know from personal experience (thanks to my husband). Also, be sure to take an extra pair of clothes for your child. I’m glad we did. My son’s clothes were soaked, so we changed him afterward. But he loved it.
4. All Aboard the Hogwarts Express
Hogwarts Express is a train ride that connects Islands of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida and vice versa. If you want to take a ride, make sure that you buy a park hopper ticket for both parks, otherwise you will not be able to experience it. In my opinion, it’s well worth it. It’s difficult to capture it on film, but needless to say, this is something you and your family should experience for yourselves.
5. Participate in Character Meet and Greets
One of the other best things to do with toddlers in Universal Studios Orlando Florida is participate in character meet and greets. There are popular characters in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. There’s also an area in Islands of Adventure that’s exclusive to superheroes, like Spider-Man and Captain America.
6. Ride Silly Rides in Seuss Landing
One of the other best things to do with toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando Florida is experience the rides located in Seuss Landing. Seuss Landing has several fun, whimsical rides for younger children, including a train. My son likes Dr. Seuss books, but especially more so as a result of our trip.
To add to the fun, there’s a Dr. Seuss performance with characters such as Thing 1, Thing 2, the Lorax, and the Cat in the Hat. The characters are also available for pictures afterward.
7. Universal Studios Parade: Universal’s Superstar Parade
Universal Studios Orlando does have a parade! It’s at Universal Studios Florida and has several Nickelodeon characters, like Dora, Diego, and SpongeBob SquarePants. My son loves parades, and Nickelodeon, so you can imagine how excited he was to see the parade.
To read more about our experience, you can click here for reasons to stay at Universal Studios Orlando hotels and here to see if I think the Universal Studios VIP tour is worth it.
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Samantha says
Informative article. Now I might have to stop by Universal with the little ones next time we are in Orlando.