Universal Destinations & Experiences has released new details about its upcoming Universal Kids Resort, scheduled to open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. The company says this will be its first theme park designed specifically for families with young children.
Themed Lands and Attractions
The resort will feature seven themed lands, drawing on well-known intellectual properties.
Concept map for Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences
Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative, shared about the newness of some of these characters to the theme park world.
“For many, it will be the first time the worlds they’ve only seen on screen come vividly to life,” he said. “Moments that ignite creativity, confidence, and joy.”
Isle of Curiosity
The Isle of Curiosity will serve as the resort’s whimsical gateway, with open lawns and inviting spaces for young children to explore. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse in this setting.
Concept art for Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences
Kids will be able to wiggle and move at Gabby’s Cat-Tastic Dance Party! Families can also enjoy some sweet treats at Cakey’s Cupcakes.
Shrek’s Swamp
In Shrek’s Swamp, visitors can meet Shrek, Fiona, and their triplets, and even pose for photos in an onion-shaped carriage.
Shrek area for Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences
The land features two interactive play areas — Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash — where children can stomp or splash to their heart’s content.
Puss in Boots Del Mar
Puss in Boots Del Mar invites families to join Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, Perrito, and other friends in a festive seaside carnival atmosphere. The area includes carnival-style games such as “Barriles de Leche” and “El Gato’s Meow.”
Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
In the Bello Bay Club, children will explore a water‑play area inspired by Illumination’s Minions, where yellow and purple minions “compete” in fun, splashing activities.
Minion attraction at Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences
The design emphasizes interactive features and character meet‑and‑greet opportunities to appeal to families.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp
The Jurassic World Adventure Camp is themed around dinosaurs and imaginative exploration, allowing children to meet newly hatched baby dinosaurs in a safe, playful environment.
Concept art for Jurassic Park area in Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences
The land includes lookout towers connected by rope bridges where families can climb and survey the surroundings.
TrollsFest
At TrollsFest, the energy is centered on music and dance, with interactive play zones such as Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl.
Concept art for Universal Kids Resort – Universal Destinations & Experiences
Guests can also meet Poppy, Branch, and other beloved Trolls in a glitter-filled, celebratory space.
SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
The Bikini Bottom land recreates the undersea world of SpongeBob SquarePants, featuring areas like Mussel Beach for rest and Pineapple Paradise for playful water fun. Families will have opportunities to interact with characters such as SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy.
Resort Hotel and Layout
The Universal Kids Resort will include a 300‑room themed hotel that is explicitly designed with families in mind. The hotel is colorfully themed and intended to reflect the playful, imaginative spirit of the park.
Permits filed with the city of Frisco indicate that the hotel will be five stories tall, with a breezeway at its center that connects directly into the theme‑park entrance. This means guests arriving at the hotel can easily walk into the park from the lobby, making it both a place to stay and a portal into the resort.
Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando decorated for Christmas – NBC Universal
Universal and local officials describe the hotel as more than just a place to sleep — it’s also a playful space where families can relax after exploring the park. Local reporting further suggests the resort is being constructed to feel “lush” and intentionally scaled for children, with design details meant to reflect how kids see the world.
The hotel is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth in Frisco, both by serving park visitors and by creating construction and hospitality jobs.
While the entire property is part of a 97‑acre site in Frisco, reports indicate that the park itself may occupy a more modest footprint. Universal officials note that this resort is intentionally different in scale and feel from their large destination parks.
Play and Relaxation
Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative, talked more about the thought-process behind the design.
“When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be our guide,” she said. “Every detail was designed through a child’s eyes from signs at their height to colors that invite them in. The result is a park that celebrates the joy of being a kid — where imagination isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in every attraction, space, and experience.”
Moreover, Universal plans to have team members in some zones whose role will be guiding play‑based experiences for children.
The iconic Universal Globe and entrance to Universal Studios in Orlando – Photo Credit: That Park Place
In addition to high‑energy play zones, Universal is emphasizing spaces for rest and connection. The sensory gardens are part of that strategy, providing quieter, nature‑inspired environments. For any family who has traveled with small children knows, this is something that is often overlooked and can be difficult when toddlers and preschoolers need a place to wind down in the middle of a family vacation.
There will also be dining and retail offerings tied closely to each land’s theme, giving families options to eat and shop within each themed area.
Character meet‑and‑greet opportunities are planned across multiple lands, allowing children to interact with familiar figures from the franchises represented.
Strategic Context
This project represents a deliberate effort by Universal Destinations & Experiences to enter the regional family‑park market. Rather than creating another major destination resort, the company appears to be leveraging its intellectual property in a format more accessible to local and regional families.
Universal Studios fans in front of the iconic globe – Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort
Frisco was chosen in part because of its growth trajectory and appeal as a family‑friendly city.
Conclusion
Universal Kids Resort aims to deliver a theme‑park experience that is intentionally scaled and designed for young children and their families. With seven themed lands, a family‑focused hotel, and a variety of play and rest spaces, the resort reflects a strategy by Universal to create a purpose‑built environment for play, imagination, and exploration.
The entrance to Super Nintendo World at Night – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
Its development in Frisco, Texas, demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its offerings beyond traditional destination parks.
Is your family interested in visiting Universal Kids? Let us know your thoughts about all the details revealed in the comments below.
