With Universal Orlando’s reputation for thrilling coasters and adult-centric events like Halloween Horror Nights, you may think all children can do at Universal is follow their older siblings around. However, this is far from the truth! There are many Universal Orlando rides for kids ages ten and under, so they can have as much fun as the big kids. Learn more about the top universal rides and attractions for kids at Universal Studios below.
Does Universal Have Kid-Friendly Rides?
Absolutely! While the park is known for large coasters, there are plenty of rides that children in the 34″ – 48″ height range can ride, which makes them great for most three through ten-year-olds. Our list focuses on attractions that allow children under 48″ inches tall to ride.
It’s always wise to check the list of minimum height requirements before heading to the parks — that way you can set some expectations with little ones ahead of time and avoid disappointment upon arrival.
Top Universal Orlando Rides for Kids
Transformers: The Ride-3D
Location: Universal Studios — New York
Height: 40″ minimum
The comic and TV series turned toy turned movie franchise comes to life in an all-new way. In this 3D simulation ride, you’ll help Optimus Prime and Bumblebee protect Earth from Decepticons who desire to get the AllSpark.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™
Location: Universal Studios — Minion Land
Height: 40″ minimum
Take a peek at Gru’s latest quest, which will require you to become a Minion to help his plan succeed. When things don’t go to plan, chaos ensues and you take a thrilling ride through Gru’s laboratory.
Villain-Con Minion Blast
Location: Universal Studios — Minion Land
Height: Guest under 48″ must be accompanied by supervising companion. No hand-held infants.
The Vicious 6 are at Villain-Con, and you’re invited to use your personal E-Liminator X blaster device to hit interactive digital targets. The ride uses a point-and-shoot gameplay mode that’s somewhat similar to Universal’s Men in Black attraction and Disney’s Buzz Lightyear ride, but these blasters are completely wireless. Guests stand on a moving walkway as the ride system moves you through a series of scenes.
MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
Location: Universal Studios — World Expo
Height: 42″ minimum
Part video game, part ride, kids of all ages will enjoy competing to see who can blast the most aliens as you attempt to rid New York City from the “scum of the universe.” As MIB’s newest recruits, it’s up to you to save the world. There are several possible ride endings, so each time is a different experience.
Harry Potter and Escape from Gringotts™
Location: Universal Studios — Diagon Alley
Height: 42″ minimum
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is a great option for thrill-seeking Harry Potter fans. It has all the thrills of an adult ride, but the minimum height requirement means the average five-year-old could ride. Join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Bill Weasley on a trip to break into the most secure bank in the Wizarding World.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
Location: Islands of Adventure — Marvel Super Hero Island®
Height: 40″ minimum
Help Spider-Man on a 3D quest to help save the Statue of Liberty after it’s been stolen by the Sinister Syndicate.
Flight of the Hippogriff™
Location: Islands of Adventure — Hogsmeade™
Height requirement: 36″ minimum
This family-friendly outdoor coaster gives you a fast-paced tour around the hut, gardens, and grounds of beloved Hogwarts™ caretaker, Hagrid. Use proper etiquette before climbing atop your Hippogriff, a creature that is part eagle, part horse. This attraction is great for younger Harry Potter fans who may not make the minimum height requirements of larger Harry Potter attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure™.
Pteranodon Flyers
Location: Islands of Adventure — Jurassic Park™
Height: Between 36″ – 56″
Glide over Jurassic Park as you swing under the 10-foot wings of a Pteranodon. This gentle adventure offers great views of the surrounding landscape. This ride is built for kids, so it’s recommended that only guests between 36″ and 56″ ride. Adults may accompany a rider within this height range.
Hogwarts Express™
Location: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios
Height: Any
Enter Platform 9 ¾ and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express for a magical ride through the English countryside. Look outside your window and gaze upon creatures from the Wizarding World. Inside, you may run into some of Harry’s friends. The train transports you between Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. Each ride is a different experience, so definitely worth it to ride it both ways. We list this ride as one of the best attractions in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, so make sure to set aside time for it! You must have a park-to-park ticket to ride.
Honorable mention: ET Adventure
Location: Universal Studios.
Height: 34″ minimum
Most kids under ten will be able to ride this slow-moving, high-flying bicycle ride to the Green Planet (ET’s home), where you’ll meet his family. Since this Spielberg classic is 40+ years old, your kids may not get the movie references (or may find the aliens a bit creepy). It’s an opening day original and still considered one of the best rides in Universal Studios Florida (perhaps heavily influenced by nostalgia). However, the ride usually has a short line and is air-conditioned, so it’s worth a try!
*Note: A companion may be needed to accompany riders less than 48″ tall for most attractions listed above. Check ride requirements before getting in line.*
Need help planning your universal vacation? Contact a travel agency that specializes in Universal Orlando vacations!
We recommend The Vacationeer! Their agents can help you plan the perfect vacation for any age group, and their planning services are completely free of charge.
Toddler and Preschool Attractions at Universal Studios
While the above list is geared toward attractions that are great for children ages five through ten, there are several things toddlers and preschoolers can do at Universal, too. Here are the best Universal Orlando rides for children five and under:
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™
Location: Islands of Adventure — Seuss Landing™
Height: Any
Spin and soar on a slow-moving flying fish around squirting fountains themed after Dr. Seuss’ classic counting book. Preschoolers will enjoy getting to control their fish with the ability to raise it over 12 feet in the air.
Caro-Seuss-el™
Location: Islands of Adventure — Seuss Landing
Height: Any
A wacky carousel filled with characters from the mind of Dr. Seuss. You’ll see creatures from tales such as Horton Hatches the Egg, McElligot’s Pool, and If I Ran the Zoo come to life. Riders can control different functions by pulling on the reins or pressing buttons on each creature’s back.
High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride
Location: Islands of Adventure — Seuss Landing
Height: 36″ minimum
Get a Sneetch eye view of Seuss Landing with this overhead trolley that travels around the land. There are two separate tracks for more fun.
The Cat in the Hat™
Location: Islands of Adventure — Seuss Landing
Height: 36″ minimum
Enter the world of the Dr. Seuss classic. Ride through scenes of the Cat in the Hat’s various antics and attempt to get everything in order before Mother returns home.
Play Areas
In addition to the many Universal Orlando rides that are great for kids, there are also interactive play areas kids under ten will enjoy.
Camp Jurassic
Location: Islands of Adventure — Jurassic Park
Dig into this dino-themed outdoor playground filled with fossils, skeletons, and rope suspension bridges. If you want to cool off, step inside the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, where you can see baby Velociraptors as they hatch, learn about DNA, and view a T-Rex fossil replica.
Other Stuff
Other attractions at Universal Orlando that are great for kids under ten include two arcades: one in the New York area (Universal Studios) and one at Marvel SuperHero Island (Islands of Adventure). There are also two carnival game areas, located at Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure and in the Springfield, USA section of Universal Studios.
What Happened to Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone?
On November 1, 2022, Universal Orlando Resort announced the closure of most of the Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone section of the park.
January 15, 2023 was the final day of operation for:
- Fievel’s Playland
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
- Curious George Goes to Town
- DreamWorks Destination
- Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet
On July 20, 2023, Universal announced that the replacement for this area will be a land themed to DreamWorks entertainment, including franchises such as:
- Shrek
- Trolls
- Kung Fu Panda
- Gabby’s Dollhouse
Further details were not immediately available.
Best Rides for Kids at Universal Studios: Final Recap
While Universal is known for thrill rides for teens and adults, there is plenty that children under ten can do while visiting Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios. Kids at least five old will probably have the most fun at Universal, as they will recognize some of their favorite characters from comics and children’s books while being able to ride most rides with height requirements under 48″ tall.
Ready to Book Your Universal Orlando Resort Vacation?
If you need help with Universal trip planning, get a free quote from our friends at The Vacationeer! Their expert travel agents offer vacation planning services for free, and there’s never any obligation to book.
Booking through The Vacationeer won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself — and you might even save a little, thanks to their knowledge of the latest deals and discounts!
For more Universal planning tips and tricks, check out our Universal Crowd Calendar, learn about the Best Times to Go to Universal Studios, and view our list of Universal’s Best Restaurants and the Best Universal Hotels.
