Things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies
If you’re planning a Universal Orlando vacation, you may have been told not to bother with Universal if you have babies and toddlers. However, that’s just not true! There are lots of things to do at Universal Orlando with babies and toddlers.
While Disney (and Magic Kingdom in particular) may be considered the best theme park in Orlando for toddlers and babies, Universal Orlando continuously adds toddler-friendly activities. From Suess Landing to DreamWorks Land, your baby or toddler can enjoy a day at Universal Orlando with fun rides, character meet-and-greets, shows, and themed play areas.
Universal Orlando may be geared toward thrill seekers, but don’t worry, our guide to visiting Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies will help you plan a Universal family vacation for all ages. Our guide to Universal Orlando with babies and toddlers includes:
- Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure
- Epic Universe
- Volcano Bay
If you like videos, check out our video with things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies!
How much are toddler tickets at Universal Orlando?
Toddlers under the age of 3 will be free at Universal Orlando! Children 3-10 have child pricing, and 10+ is considered “adult” for Universal Orlando tickets.
For ride height requirements, check out our post with a complete list of rides at Universal Orlando.
You’ll find the most toddler-friendly rides and activities in Suess Landing, DreamWorks Land, Jurassic Park, and MinionLand.
What is the best hotel for families at Universal?
I always recommend a Universal hotel that includes Express Passes if you can make it work within your budget! If not, check out Cabana Bay Beach Resort family suites for extra room for your family to stretch out!
Planning a Universal Vacation? I’ll be your Travel Agent!
I’m a top travel agent, annual pass holder, and Florida Resident. We’ve been visiting Universal Orlando with kids for many years, and I’m a top booker for Universal Orlando Resort! Contact me today if you need help planning your Universal Orlando vacation.
Do you need a rental car in Orlando?
If you need a rental car for your Orlando vacation, I recommend Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rental car pricing and free cancellation, and you don’t pay anything until you pick up the car.
Things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies
Before we start, let’s talk about what Universal Orlando is, because people often interchangeably use “Universal Orlando” and “Universal Studios,” but don’t do that! Universal Studios Florida is one of the four theme parks that comprise Universal Orlando.
Do you need to rent a stroller in Orlando? We recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals! Bringing your own? You may have heard about expensive strollers like the Doona getting stolen. If you want to leave your pricey stroller at home, we use (and love) the BabyTrend Expedition Jogger, which has everything you need at a lower price point.
There’s also a Universal Studios Hollywood, but we’re not discussing that park today.
Universal Orlando is also comprised of Volcano Bay (the best waterpark in Orlando!), Islands of Adventure, and now, Epic Universe! CityWalk is the shopping district for Universal Orlando, kind of like Disney Springs. Check out our CityWalk guides here:
Is it worth it to visit Universal Orlando with toddlers?
While Universal Orlando was once considered a one-day stop during your trip to Disney World, that is no longer the case! While many rides and attractions are geared toward older kids, teens, and adults, Universal regularly adds more and more for younger guests.
Suess Landing in Islands of Adventure is so much fun for little ones, with four rides, several shows, and lots of shops. Dreamworks Land in Universal Studios has just one ride but many shows, meet-and-greets, and play areas for younger guests. Young children can meet characters like Poppy from Trolls, Dog Man, or even Shrek and Fiona.
Minion Land is located in Universal Studios and just keeps expanding, now offering two family-friendly rides and attractions, a restaurant, and fun Minion Meet-and-greets.
Universal also offers Rider Swap, allowing parents to switch who rides while one stays with the younger child. The rider swap areas are usually themed toward the ride. For example, Camp Creatacious plays at the Velocicoaster Roller Coaster. Young dinosaur fans will also really enjoy the games and the opportunity to watch a baby dino hatch at the Discovery Center in Islands of Adventure.
Younger kids can also run around and play in Camp Jurassic, and Pteranadon Flyers is a unique ride in that it can ONLY be ridden with a smaller child!
Is Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure better for toddlers?
As a Universal Travel Agent, I always recommend getting a park-to-park ticket to fully explore both parks! Even though little ones may not be into Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Express is still a family-friendly ride between the parks, and you can only ride it with a park-to-park ticket.
Islands of Adventure used to be the clear winner, thanks to Suess Landing, the Jurassic Park play areas, and the Discovery Center. However, Universal Studios is now a contender, offering Dreamworks Land and the expanded Minion Land! You should really visit both, so a park-to-park ticket is the way to go!
One of our favorite shows at Universal – Animal Actors on Location – can be found just outside of DreamWorks land. This family-friendly show is fun for all ages, and anyone who loves animals will enjoy seeing the cats and dogs! Seeing a show is one of the best things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers, and this is the most kid-friendly of the “big” shows.
Is Epic Universe good for toddlers?
The short answer to this question is not really, and not yet. Epic Universe has very few things for the smallest guests, although I expect that it will expand. Little ones can ride Constellation Carousel and Fyre Drill (in Isle of Berk) are the only rides with no height requirement. Warning that you will get wet on Fyre Drill, so you’ll have to decide if that’s a good ride for your babies or toddlers.
Isle of Berk also has Epic’s only play area – so far- although I expect they will add more. The shows at Epic might hold a toddler’s attention, since there aren’t many options for rides.
Is Volcano Bay good for toddlers?
Volcano Bay has some very thrilling water rides, but there are many toddler-friendly areas, too! From water play areas to a calm lazy river (there’s also a not-calm lazy river for thrill seekers), Volcano Bay is a must if your family enjoys water parks, you have it in the budget, and you have enough time to devote at least half a day here.
Tips for visiting Universal Orlando with toddlers
Here are a few extra tips for visiting Universal Orlando with toddlers
Bring a good stroller
Bring a good stroller or rent one to make things easier on your little one. There can be a lot of walking involved with visiting a theme park, so bring an approved stroller or rent one in Orlando or at Universal itself.
Bring extra clothes
It gets hot in Orlando, so Universal Orlando has many water play areas for little ones. Bring an extra set (or two) in your bag for the inevitable needed changes.
Plan for a slower day
Plan to take lots of breaks. Take advantage of Universal’s play areas, such as those in Suess Landing, Camp Jurassic, and Dreamworks Land!
Get Express Passes
Little ones can get restless, and you’ll do less waiting around if you have Express Passes!
Take a break mid-day
One of the best things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers? Take a mid-day break! Taking a mid-day break can be a good idea if your baby or toddler needs a nap. Stay onsite at a Universal Hotel and take a bus or water taxi back to the room for a mid-day nap or break!
Check out the First Aid Centers if you need them
The First Aid Centers (each park has them) are a great stop if you need anything like medicine or a bandaid. They can also be used as a quiet place for nursing mothers or overstimulated babies!
Things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers
We hope you enjoyed this post with all the best things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies. Did we miss any of your favorites? Please let us know in the comments below. If you’re ready to plan your own Universal family vacation but need a little help, contact me today.
We have lots of other Universal tips and tricks on the blog. Check them out!
- All the rides at Epic Universe
- How to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day
- 7 things to buy BEFORE going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- A full guide to Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resorts
- 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes to Avoid
- A complete list of water rides at Universal Orlando
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All the rides at Epic Universe
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