Thought Universal Studios Hollywood was just for film buffs and thrill seekers? Not so. There’s lots of family fun there. Here's how to make the most of your visit to this SoCal attraction with small children.
Upper Lot & Super Silly Fun Land
Start on the Upper Lot for character encounters with favorites like Scooby-Doo and SpongeBob SquarePants, then wander into Springfield, U.S.A., where you can play Krusty’s carnival games, grab a pink donut at Lard Lad, or step inside themed eateries inspired by The Simpsons. The Upper Lot is also home to The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, a family-friendly dark ride that follows Max and Duke through the streets of New York, as well as other headline attractions including Jurassic World—The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
For younger visitors, the Minion-themed Super Silly Fun Land is the clear standout. This colorful outdoor zone features dry and wet play areas, including a splash pad with more than 80 water features, arcade-style midway games, and the spinning Silly Swirly Fun Ride, which lifts riders high above the bustling scene below. Families can also cool off with frozen treats and relax in shaded seating areas between bursts of high-energy fun.
Dreamworks Theatre
For a break from the action, take a seat at the Dreamworks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, where wind, mist, and gently moving seats bring Po and friends into the story in a multisensory presentation. The theater setting makes it especially approachable for younger kids: there’s no height requirement, the experience is entirely indoors and climate-controlled, and the motion is mild compared to the park’s larger thrill rides. The show runs under 15 minutes, making it an easy reset between bigger attractions, and families can opt for stationary seats if little ones prefer to skip the motion effects while still enjoying the animation and special effects. (Note: Your child may prefer a stationary chair.)
Child Switch Policy
Mom and Dad can still go toe-to-toe with Jurassic World's T-Rex or take the heart-pumping descent into the depths of the Revenge of the Mummy’s terrifying tomb—all without scaring the training pants off their tots. The park’s “child switch” policy means that your little one can wait with one parent in a designated room near the front of the line while the other gets an adrenaline fix. Then, grown-ups can switch, with the second skipping to the front of the line.
Dino Play Area
Even if the kids aren’t tall enough to ride Jurassic World–The Ride, they’ll find plenty to explore at the neighboring Dino Play area. Designed as an interactive space for younger guests, it features a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex skull replica, hands-on dig pits where kids can unearth “fossils,” and a multilevel jungle gym with rope elements, slides, and a plank bridge to climb and cross. The area is partially shaded and enclosed, making it easier for parents to keep an eye on little adventurers as they scramble, balance, and imagine themselves on their own dinosaur expedition.
How Universal Studios Hollywood App Can Help
Plan your day and stay on top of wait times by downloading the Universal Studios Hollywood app. The app provides real-time wait times, helping families prioritize shorter lines and avoid overstimulating queues. Interactive maps make it easy to locate restrooms, family restrooms, stroller parking, dining options, and shaded seating areas. Parents can also check height requirements in advance, review ride descriptions to gauge intensity, and use mobile food ordering to minimize time spent waiting with hungry kids. Showtimes for character meet-and-greets and live entertainment are updated throughout the day, allowing families to build in predictable breaks between larger attractions.