Universal Orlando for Toddlers

Universal Orlando Resort, in my opinion, is one of the best theme parks in the entire world. In fact, it has ranked highly on the global list and has won numerous awards for its prowess. What sets this park apart from any other is the way it seems to be tailored towards adults. Most theme parks are kid-only affairs and enjoyed only by those with children. Many theme parks assume that once an adult hits a certain age, they don’t want to have fun anymore. This is not the case for Universal Orlando. It has become a theme park for older teens and adults looking to connect with their inner child and have fun. Because of this demographic, the park is filled with raging roller coasters, fiery shows, and scary special events. So, why am I talking about Universal Orlando for toddlers?

With all these attractions tailored towards older kids and adults, it is easy to assume it isn’t a place for toddlers. After all, the park is filled with speeding roller coasters young children can only dream of. That is what I would often think each time I came into the park and wondered why anyone would bring their toddler here instead of Disney. That was until I brought my toddler niece into the park and realized how much there actually is to do for young toddlers. The park is packed with fun activities and I’m starting to understand why the park is award-winning around the world. There is something to do for everyone, from the tiniest toddler to the tallest and oldest.

If you are taking your family to Universal Orlando and have a toddler you don’t want to feel left out, here is your guide for Universal Orlando for toddlers. 

Play

To start, bring your Toddler to Universal Orlando to play! Universal has done its research on toddler enjoyment. Just like with any younger kid theme park, Universal knows what the kids need. One of the main things for your toddler to do is play. Universal Has plenty of vast, safe, and brightly themed play areas to help your toddler burn off their energy and ignite their imaginations. 

In the Islands of Adventure side of the park, you’ll see two designated play areas. This is If I ran a zoo and Camp Jurassic. If I ran a Zoo is located right at the entrance of the park and to the right, In Seusslanding. This play area features many bright-colored familiar characters from the Dr. Seuss story of the same name. There are rideable animals, soft and colorful splash zones, and so many interactive spots to spark their creativity. If you want your toddler to have even more fun, you could even read the story a couple of times before, so your toddler is familiar with the characters, rhymes, and wacky colors they’ll be seeing throughout. 

Then in Islands of Adventure, you will also find Camp Jurassic. Located in the Jurassic World/Jurassic Park area, this section features a giant dinosaur expedition-themed playground. Find long slides, dark mines with bright amber, fossils, water shooters, and high bridges that overlook the playground. My 3-year-old niece loves to burn her energy in this section of the park. 

Lastly, we have the Dreamworks play area in Universal Orlando. This area formerly had a Curious George waterpark, Barney and Friends stage, and Woody Woodpecker play area. It has since been closed down, however, it was just announced that Dreamworks will be taking over this area. Soon you will find a Shrek’s swamp playground, kung fu panda kung fu station, and so much more themed with the famous Dreamworks characters. Keep an eye out for the article when more details are released. 

Learn

Next on your guide to Universal Orlando for toddlers is learning. I know the last thing kids want to do while on a theme park adventure is learn, but Universal Orlando makes the learning fun and immersive. Starting over at Islands of Adventure, you’ll find the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. In the same section of Camp Jurassic, you’ll find a large building that looks like a science center. This is because it is a science center, or a least a pretend one.

Here your toddlers can learn about dinosaurs, fossils, archaeology, genetics, and so much more. Just like the scene from the original Jurassic Park movie, in the Discovery Center, you’ll find “scientists” eager to teach young ones interested in archaeology and dinosaurs, which most kids are. There are also egg centers where you can adopt a dinosaur egg and watch it hatch. Then you can play Jurassic Park and dinosaur trivia to test yourself on what you learned. This is a great opportunity for toddlers to get excited about science and put what they have learned to the test. 

Then in Seusslanding, you’ll find the all-you-can-read book shop. At this bookstore, toddlers are welcome to explore hundreds of bright-colored children’s stories and read. There is an entire wall of alphabet books, number books, and rhyming books. There is something for all ages and all are welcome to come in, sit, and read in the AC or purchase a book to walk around the park with. Once you are finished and your toddler is acquainted with the characters, you can find storybook sessions right next to the store. In this area, toddlers and children can gather around to hear a Dr. Seuss story read by either the famous Cat in the Hat, Lorax, or the Grinch. It is incredibly entertaining for all ages and toddlers will love the exciting storytime. 

Ride

Next on your guide to Universal Orlando for toddlers is Ride! That’s right there are some rides for even the smallest of toddlers at this park. When we first brought my niece to the park when she turned two, we felt so bad that there weren’t any things she could have fun with. We thought she would be in the stroller all day not enjoying herself, but boy did she have fun. Specifically, in Seusslanding, young toddlers can go on the Caro-seuss-el ride and One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish.

The Caro-seuss-el is a fast lovely carousel surrounded by bright hybrid fantasy animals and a circus setting. If your toddler is big enough, you can sit them on one of the moving animals and strap them in. However, if they are too small, you can simply sit with them on the lower carts which don’t move up and down, it just spins around on the track. Toddlers will love this, and we definitely had to go on multiple times. 

Next is One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. This ride is also for toddlers of any size. This spinning ride will take them high in the sky and down towards the water as they listen to the directions and move their fish. Be careful though, if your toddler is in control of the level and goes the wrong way, you all will be splashed by some cold water. 

Then we have the E.T. ride. This is for toddlers that are a little bigger. Funny enough, on my niece’s third birthday she hit the height requirement and was able to ride. So as long as your toddler is at least 34”, they can join you on bikes to save E.T.’s home planet!

Watch

Now watch! One of the best and most exciting things for your toddler to do is watch all the shows and parades that take place throughout the day at the park. If you plan on being at the park from sun up to sun down, have no fear for your toddler. Nearly every hour there is a show to watch that your toddler will love. 

Over in the Universal section of the park, you’ll find the beat builders. The beat builders are a band of construction workers who make music using everyday equipment such as wrenches. Hammers, pipes, and buckets. Any construction-loving or music-loving toddler will love this show. Then toddlers can also enjoy the Bourne stuntacular. This show is fall all ages, in fact babies can even enjoy it. We took my niece to watch this show when she was about one year old and she loved it. However, the gun pops and blasts may be loud for little ears, so I recommend bringing some noise-canceling ear muffs for your toddler.

You can also find the Animal Actors Show at this park. Here pet pet-loving toddlers get to see how dogs, cats, birds, and even monkeys are trained to be on movies and television shows. It is a cute and fun experience that kids of all ages will love. 

Then, just before sunset, you can take your toddler anywhere in the park to watch the Character Spectacular parade. Here familiar characters such as Boots and Dora, Shrek, Spongebob, and more head down the street. There are glittering floats and tons of confetti in this parade. Your toddler’s eyes will light up and they will have a grand time. 

Meet

Last on your guide to Universal Orlando for toddlers, is meet. Yes, that’s right. This is another of the most fun activities for toddlers. Every hour throughout both parks, you will find character meetups. If your toddler is interested in Shrek, Gabby’s doll house, Puss in Boots, or SpongeBob, you’ll find those characters in the kid zone by E.T. On the other side of the park, you’ll find Marvel superheroes such as Spiderman, Storm, and Captain America. Also, Betty Boop, Popeye, even a velociraptor. There are so many characters to meet at both of the Universal parks and they are well trained to meet toddlers. That means hugs, high-fives, and little conversations. Toddlers love meeting the characters they have seen on TV. This is a great chance for pictures and opportunities to make their little dreams come true.

Have Fun!

I wish there were time to go on but the pages will just keep adding up. Universal Orlando is the perfect theme park for adventure-seeking adults. However, it does not mean they have neglected their younger guests. As you have seen, there is so much to do at this park with a toddler. Whether you are traveling with a big family or all adults and one toddler, you will definitely find things to keep your toddler happy and occupied. Follow this guide to Universal Orlando for toddlers and you can’t go wrong! Have fun!

Looking for the best time to take your family to Universal Orlando? Check out the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando in 2024