12 Best Universal Studios Hollywood With Kids Tips

If you’ve never been to Universal Studios Hollywood with kids, you’re missing out. The theme park still functions as a real-life movie-producing studio, making it a must-see for film and TV junkies. Back in the day, Universal Studios was little more than a one-ride pony, with its impressive Studio Tour taking center stage. Universal, however, has taken great strides to make this an all-day amusement park to please visitors of all ages. Read these 12 tips to maximize fun at Universal Studios Hollywood with kids of all ages.

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1. Scope out Universal Studios attractions to suit your kids.

When visiting Universal with kids, it’s important to know which rides are appropriate for your brood.

Universal Rides for Young Children

Most attractions have height restrictions, but there are currently six rides that allow children 40” or smaller. These rides include the Studio Tour, Flight of the Hippogriff, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Silly Swirly Fun Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and The Simpsons Ride.

Some of these rides may be too scary or intense for some young children. Even if they CAN ride it, it doesn’t always mean they should. You know your children best, so make sure to look up ride descriptions before entering the sometimes VERY long lines.

Universal Rides for Big Kids and Teens

Universal Studios has much to offer if traveling with tweens or teens. Most big kids will enjoy such thrilling attractions as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Walking Dead Attraction, Jurassic Park – The Ride, and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride.

2. Enjoy the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If your children are Harry Potter fans, then the Wizarding World of Harry Potter no doubt will be their favorite part of visiting this Universal theme park! Wandering through the amazingly true-to-story shops and restaurants is fun for all ages, Harry Potter fans or not.

In fact, my tween daughter refused to read books or watch movies until we visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After visiting Universal Studios Hollywood in California, she has become a full-blown Potterhead.

Your family will definitely want to stop by Ollivanders to purchase an interactive wand to “cast spells” on interactive scenes within the Wizarding World. Shopkeepers will happily help guide your little wizards to the appropriate wands. Wands of favorite characters like Snape, Dumbledore, and Harry are also available.

Look for two rides in this area of Universal Studios. Harry’s youngest wizard friends may be keen to ride Flight of the Hippogriff, a not-too-scary junior roller coaster. Kids who are tall enough to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (48″) are in for a memorable adventure.

Read my guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California to learn more!

3. Ride the Studio Tour.

The Studio Tour is what started the theme park. It remains the signature attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. All ages and sizes are welcomed on this one-hour ride through actual television and movie sets, guided by Tonight Show Host Jimmy Fallon.

There are some scary scenes (including a raucous and violent fight between King Kong and Godzilla) with special effects like a real fire, a faux flood with actual water, and a shaking vehicle. If you’re nervous about riding with younger kids, choose a middle seat and cover their eyes when necessary (or skip it altogether). Most of the ride is mellow, though, and you’ll see sets from movies like Back to the Future, The Sting, The Great Outdoors, and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

4. Cool off at Super Silly Fun Land.

One of the most popular attractions for young children at Universal Studios is Super Silly Fun Land. This Despicable Me-themed play area is equipped with over 80 water play features and slides, which are sure to put a smile on any kid’s face on a warm California day.

If you’re planning on spending time at Super Silly Fun Land, make sure to bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen. Of course, if you forget, you can purchase these items at the park.

5. Enjoy live entertainment throughout the park.

If your child isn’t a big fan of thrills, don’t fret! Universal has a wide variety of live shows that kids can enjoy.

One of the most family-friendly shows at the theme park was Universal’s Animal Actors. Unfortunately, it shut down in 2023 to make room for at Fast & the Furious-themed roller coaster.

More intense shows are available for older kids as well. If your children love action, then WaterWorld is the show for your family. This fan-favorite show includes jet skiers, firefights, jumps, and explosions that will knock both kids and adults off their feet.

6. Take advantage of the Rider Swap option.

If you have children who are too small (or scared) for certain rides, you can always take advantage of Rider Swap. This program allows family members to ride the attractions while someone waits with the children who aren’t able to ride quite yet.

Once the family members have ridden the attraction, they can switch with the one that stayed behind. The best part? There’s no need to queue up in the line again!

7. Meet Universal characters from movies and TV.

Kids can meet some of their favorite Universal characters at this theme park. Your family might run into SpongeBob SquarePants, Curious George, Shrek, and your favorite Minions from Despicable Me. Bonus: character lines tend to be shorter than at Disneyland and other Disney parks.

8. Play with dinosaurs.

Big kids will dig Jurassic Park – The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. For little ones, take them to Dino Play next door. This area has water misters, dinosaur fossils, and so much more. This makes an excellent place for kids to play while mom and dad sit down and relax.

9. Find the best food at Universal Studios for kids.

Harry Potter fans will likely want to dine at Three Broomsticks, which features traditional English pub fare such as fish n’ chips, shepherd’s pie as well as Butterbeer.

Next door, parents can queue up for a real pint or simple cocktails. When traveling with more than one adult, send one person to buy the food and another to line up for the grown-up beverages to save time.

There are a lot of food options in Springfield U.S.A. including pizza, burgers, and fried chicken. For a sweet treat the whole family can share, head to Lard Lad Donuts for a giant doughnut bigger than your kid’s head. Parents can even belly up to the bar for a mug of Duff’s Beer at Moe’s Tavern.

Other dining options in the park include Panda Express, Mel’s Diner with 1950s diner theme and eats, a taco stand, and other standard fast food options.

Located just outside the park’s entrance you’ll find Universal’s City Walk with potentially less greasy dining options. Find well-known options like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Hard Rock Café Hollywood, and Voodoo Doughnut. It’s best to make reservations in advance for sit-down restaurants here. 

10. Use the Universal Studios Hollywood Official App.

It’s important to plan out your day at Universal. Attraction lines tend to get longer and longer as the day goes on, so plan to arrive when the park opens and head straight for a popular ride, such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It’s easier to schedule your day with the Universal Studios Hollywood Official App. Download this to view wait times, show times, and where to meet your favorite Universal characters.

11. Invest in Universal Express Pass.

Lines for rides can be enormous at Universal Studios Hollywood, especially if visiting on summer weekends or during the winter holiday season. My family saw 2.5 hours and longer wait times during our visit during the first week of January!

There is an option, however, for families with deep pockets and shallow patience: the Universal Express Pass. This upgrade enables parkgoers to head to the front of the line for each ride once per attraction. Not only does Universal Express Pass save loads of time, but it also enables your family to experience everything that Universal Studios has to offer.

12. Save money on your Universal Studios Hollywood vacation.

To book your Universal Studios vacation, visit GetAwayToday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY to speak to one of their travel experts directly. Get an additional $10 off when you use promo code TravelMamas when booking a hotel + ticket package. Make sure to mention that Travel Mamas sent you!

Explore More of California

Universal Studios Hollywood is a star attraction in Burbank. Read about more fun things to do in Burbank.

From Los Angeles to San Diego and beyond, discover the best places in California with kids.

Theme park lovers will enjoy Knott’s Berry Farm and other attractions for families in Buena Park.

Shh…uncover Southern California’s best-kept secret with this review La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club for families.

What would you enjoy most about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood with kids? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I did not receive any discounts or comps from Universal Studios Hollywood related to this story. This post includes affiliate links for which Travel Mamas receives a small commission at no additional cost to consumers. Your clicks and purchases help to keep Travel Mamas a free resource for readers like you. All opinions are my own, as always.

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